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Monday, September 7, 2020 CRICKET Muharram 19, 1442 AH Buttler serves up GULF TIMES a batting feast in England series win SPORT Page 2 FORMULA 1 Gasly wins ‘crazy’ Italian GP as Hamilton hit by penalty McLaren’s Carlos Sainz and Racing Point’s Lance Stroll finish second and third behind the AlphaTauri driver

AFP after a brakes failure while Max Ver- Monza, Italy stappen of Red Bull also retired with RESULTS (top 10) engine problems. 1. Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri) 1:47:06.056 On a sunlit afternoon in the old royal 2. Carlos Sainz Jr (McLaren) +0.415 ierre Gasly secured a maiden park, conditions were perfect — with an 3. Lance Stroll (Racing Point) +3.358 Formula One triumph yester- air temperature of 28 degrees and the 4. Lando Norris (McLaren) +6.000 day when he won a tumultuous track at 45 — as the lights went out and 5. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) +7.108 Italian Grand Prix for the Al- Hamilton sped clear from his record 6. Daniel Ricciardo (Renault) +8.391 PphaTauri team after crashes, penalties 94th pole position. 7. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) +17.245 and safety cars had tipped expectations Behind him, Bottas struggled to de- 8. Esteban Ocon (Renault) +18.691 upside down at Monza. part and dropped to sixth on the open- 9. Daniil Kvyat (AlphaTauri) +22.208 The fi rst French race winner in 24 ing lap as Sainz and Norris took second 10. Sergio Pérez (Racing Point) +23.224 years seized his opportunity and re- and third. Fastest lap: Lewis Hamilton (GBR/ sisted late pressure from Carlos Sainz Verstappen also had a poor start and Mercedes) 1:22.746 on 44th lap of McLaren to claim his team’s second fell from fi fth to eighth. victory with Lance Stroll fi nishing third Ferrari’s miseries, especially those of Drivers’ standings (top 3) for Racing Point. Vettel, were exposed on lap six when he 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 164 pts “It was such a crazy race,” said Gasly. pulled up at the fi rst chicane with brake 2. Valtteri Bottas (FIN) 117 It was the AlphaTauri outfi t’s second failure, smashing through the signage 3. Max Verstappen (NED) 110 win on Italian soil — the fi rst having on the run-off area. been scored for them when they raced His left rear brake was ablaze sec- Constructors’ standings (top 3) as Toro Rosso by Sebastian Vettel, his onds earlier. 1. Mercedes 281 pts maiden F1 win in a rain-hit race in 2008. A safety car was deployed on lap 20 2. Red Bull 158 Pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton was on when Kevin Magnussen pulled up close 3. McLaren 98 his way to a comfortable win before a to the pit lane entry. 10-second stop-go penalty for taking Hamilton pitted immediately from He was severely shaken, but climbed a pit stop when the pit lane was closed, the lead, but Sainz and the rest, bar out and jogged back to the pits. pushed the Mercedes world champion Giovinazzi, stayed out — their teams By then, Giovinazzi had his 10-sec- to the back of the pack. obeying a signal that the pit lane was ond stop-go penalty, a sanction re- The six-time champion eventually closed. Hamilton missed it. peated for Hamilton as the race was ended up in seventh place. AlphaTauri’s French driver Pierre Gasly celebrates his Italian Grand Prix win with teammates at the Autodromo Nazionale This left Sainz in the lead for red-fl agged to a halt for repairs to the Gasly, who was dropped by Red Bull circuit in Monza, Italy, yesterday. (AFP) McLaren before the pit lane reopened tyre barriers. to rejoin the junior sister team last year, — Magnussen’s Haas car having been After 25 minutes, the race restarted jumped for joy as he leapt from his car, “halfway disappointed” with his fi rst Lando Norris came home fourth in teban Ocon in the second Renault, Daniil pushed to safety — and both Sainz and on lap 28, Hamilton again moving clear was the fi rst French driver to win a Grand podium fi nish. the second McLaren ahead of Valtteri Kvyat in the second AlphaTauri and Ser- Norris pitted. before pitting. He rejoined 17th, 30 sec- Prix since Olivier Panis was triumphant Bottas of Mercedes and Daniel Ric- gio Perez in the second Racing Point. Hamilton led, but was aware he faced onds adrift of Gasly. at the 1996 Monaco Grand Prix. LECLERC ESCAPES CRASH ciardo of Renault. Ferrari endured another torrid week- a possible penalty, before the safety car Verstappen then retired from 14th as “Honestly, it’s unbelievable,” said the “You wouldn’t believe I would have a Despite the penalty, Hamilton still end with last year’s winner from pole came in on lap 23. Sainz charged through to second, pass- 24-year-old from Rouen. chance at victory, but in a normal race managed to extend his record run to 41 position Charles Leclerc walking away Stroll, who had not pitted, was sec- ing Raikkonen at the fi rst chicane, in “I don’t think I’m realising what’s I think I could have fi nished second be- successive points fi nishes. after surviving a high-speed crash that ond behind him, the McLarens having pursuit of the Frenchman. happening right now. We’ve been hind Lewis.” He has a 47-point lead over Bottas in led to the decisive 25-minute red-fl ag stopped. Hamilton reeled off fastest laps to through so much in the past 18 months. Stroll said: “It’s been a couple of the championship. interruption. Then, two laps later, Leclerc crashed climb into the top ten, lapping 1.5 sec- I have no words.” years since I was on the podium so it’s Hamilton also had the fastest lap of the Four-time champion Vettel, who is at close to 260km/h at the Parabolica, onds per lap quicker than anyone else, The Ferrari-bound Sainz said he was good to be back.” race yesterday as he fi nished ahead of Es- leaving Ferrari after this season, retired hitting the barriers heavily. while gritty Gasly hung on.

FOOTBALL / QNB STARS LEAGUE Rayyan aim to bounce back against Gharafa

By Sports Reporter match has become a thing of the past and Doha we must now focus on the next fi xture AFC nominates Al Sadd’s Afi f, Bounedjah for against Al Rayyan,” said Jokanovic. Best Forwards in 2019 Champions League “Al Gharafa player Adlene Guedioura nly one week into the 2020- said, “What was important for us at the QNA 21 QNB Stars League and Al start of the new season was to present Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Rayyan, the runners up last our best in the fi rst three league match- season, are in seventh posi- es, which are played in a space of 10 or tionO in the standings, something they 11 days. he Asian Football Confedera- would fi nd jarring to the eye. “Having beaten Qatar SC, we will tion (AFC) nominated Al Sadd’s Their opening draw with Al Sailiya now play our second match against Al TAkram Afif and Baghdad means they now have a bit of catching Rayyan and we know that it will be a Bounedjah for the best forwards in up to do and, with Al Gharafa lining up big match. Al Rayyan are a good team the 2019 AFC Champions League. against them today, they would have to having outstanding players, such as my The list for the best forwards in the be at their best to pull off a victory. fellow-Algerian Yacine Brahimi. They 2019 AFC Champions League includ- “We have to do what we have to do are solid in defence as well.” ed Bafetimbi Gomis of Al Hilal, Shinzo especially since we had a diffi cult start Meanwhile, Al Sadd are fl ying high Koroki of Urawa Red Diamonds, to the season as a result of losing some after thrashing al Kharaitiyat 5-1 in their Omar al-Soma of Al Ahli, Akram Afif players. But we should not say it as an opening match. of Al Sadd, Graziano Pelle of Shan- excuse and we should focus only on New signing Santi Cazorla scored dong Luneng, Hulk of Shanghai SIPG, In this August 20, 2020, picture, Al presenting a strong and good match, two goals while Guilherme Torres also Sebastian Giovinco of Al Hilal, and Sadd’s Akram Afif (left) celebrates because simply we must believe in our excelled, giving coach Xavi plenty of Baghdad Bounedjah of Al Sadd. with teammate Baghdad Bounedjah strength as a team,” said Al Rayyan Action from the match between Al Rayyan (in red and black) and Al Sailiya (in white) confi dence as they take on Al Sailiya Akram Afif began the year as an AFC (right) after scoring during their QSL coach Diego Aguirre at his pre-match on Thursday. today. Asian Cup UAE 2019 winner and match against Al Gharafa. press conference. “After the coronavirus break, we ended it as the AFC Player of the Year, “We have great players and we have number of points. After that, there will against Qatar SC, but we must continue trained well. We now have a lot of op- producing some fine form in between another as Al Nassr were next to fall. to continue what we did last season. We be a break. We must utilise the break to progress and be ready to do what is tions, in terms of experience and youth, for Al Sadd as the Qatari side again The winger was on the scoresheet must admit that the Al Gharafa match is and see if there are players joining the necessary. and they will help us in the best way in came within a game of reaching the again in the semi-final against Al diffi cult, especially since they are one of team during that time. We have to face “Al Rayyan fi nished in the second all the games,” said Xavi. final. The Doha native outscored his Hilal, but his second-leg penalty the best teams. the reality,” Aguirre said. place last season, one point behind Al He added: “Cazorla has had a good usually prolific teammate Baghdad ultimately proved inconsequential as “We must remember what happened Meanwhile, Al Gharafa coach Slavisa Duhail. They are a team with good play- start, scoring two goals. Guilherme also Bounedjah while also creating more the Qataris’ comeback was thwarted last season, as Al Rayyan lost just one Jokanovic underscored the importance ers. I am sure everyone who follows was excellent and all the players who ap- chances for his teammates than any by the eventual winners. game and that was against Al Gharafa. of his team’s match against Al Rayyan. football in Qatar knows Al Rayyan well peared today, including the substitutes, other forward in the competition, afc. Prolific in 2018 with a record-equal- Therefore, we must be wary of them.” “We are trying to make the team and we also know them well. had an impact in getting their win.” com reported. ling 13 goals to his name, Baghdad Top teams often emphasise the im- ready to be in good shape through “However, our focus will be on what “It’s been an excellent start to the Afif’s most notable contributions Bounedjah may not have been quite portance of stamping their authority training. There is not much diff erence we see as a source of danger for us and we league, and a great win that gives us came in the knockout rounds, with as clinical in the 2019 campaign but on a tournament early, and Aguirre was between our team and Al Rayyan. We will also work to take advantage of their more confi dence. I hope we continue goals home and away against domes- it wasn’t for want of trying, the Alge- keen to do that. know the importance of this match for weaknesses. For us, it was important to with this quality in the coming games.” tic rivals Al Duhail seeing Al Sadd into rian’s 36 shots on goal more than any “We must defi nitely fi nish the fi rst both teams,” Jokanovic said. start the season by winning over Qatar SC In another match today, Qatar Sports the quarter-finals, where he added of his fellow strikers. three weeks of action with maximum “It is good that we scored full points and collecting the three points, but that Club will take on Al Kharaitiyat. Gulf Times 2 Monday, September 7, 2020 SPORT

CRICKET FOCUS Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings Buttler serves up a to clash in IPL opener

AFP become the second key player New Delhi to withdraw from three-time champions Chennai, after former Test batsman Suresh he Chennai Super Kings Raina’s withdrawal for “personal batting feast in will take on defending reasons”. champions Mumbai In- England’s Jason Roy of the Tdians in the IPL’s open- Delhi Capitals will not go be- ing match, offi cials said yester- cause of injury.Australian inter- day, despite being the last team national Kane Richardson pulled to start training after two players out of Royal Challengers Banga- tested positive for coronavirus. lore to be at the birth of his fi rst The fi xture list for the league child. England series win – which runs from September 19 to November 10 in the United ENGLISH COUNTY CRICKET Arab Emirates – was released by MATCH ABANDONED OVER ‘Pretty comprehensive, I can’t really fault many facets of the game today’ the Board of Control for Cricket VIRUS FEARS in India. English cricket chiefs announced The lucrative tournament was yesterday that a Bob Willis Tro- delayed and then moved out of phy match between Gloucester- India because of the pandemic. shire and Northamptonshire had “The season will kickstart on been abandoned over coronavi- 19th September in Abu Dhabi rus fears. with a blockbuster clash between “The match offi cials, follow- defending champions Mum- ing agreement from both clubs, bai Indians and Chennai Super called off the match as a precau- Kings,” BCCI’s Honorary Secre- tion due to a Covid-19-related tary Jay Shah said in a statement. issue,” said a statement from “There will be 10 double head- the England and Wales Cricket ers... In all, 24 matches will be Board.” held in Dubai, 20 in Abu Dhabi “The health and safety of the and 12 in Sharjah.” players, staff and offi cials is the The venues for the playoff s and fi rst priority of the ECB and fi rst- the fi nal would be announced class counties.” later, he added. No further details were giv- Two Chennai players – Deep- en but the BBC reported that a ak Chahar and Ruturaj Gaikwad Northants squad member had – and 11 offi cials and support tested positive for the virus. staff – had tested positive for the Gloucestershire were 66-6 in infectious disease, delaying the their fi rst innings at Bristol, on start of the squad’s training. day one of the fi xture. A growing list of top names The Bob Willis Trophy, com- have pulled out from the compe- prising four-day fi rst-class tition. matches, is replacing the County Former India Test off -spin- Championship during the virus- ner Harbhajan Singh on Friday shortened season.

MOTORSPORT Racing Point drop ‘copygate’ appeal, accept sanctions

AFP ity around the regulations has Monza, Italy been settled, we have decided England’s Jos Buttler in action during the second T20 match against Australia at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton yesterday. (Reuters) to withdraw our appeal in the wider interests of the sport. AFP England call up Salt as a reserve for Australia ODIs ond-wicket stand of 87, manip- acing Point yesterday “This issue has been a distrac- Southampton, United Kingdom ulated the fi eld in style. dropped their appeal tion for us and the other teams, England have called up Sussex batsman Phil Salt as reserves for the series. He drove paceman Kane Ri- against a 15 points de- but now we and everyone else as a reserve for their one-day international series Born in Wales, Salt is yet to make his England chardson for six and skilfully duction and 400,000 can get back to focusing solely os Buttler made a dashing reverse-swept Ashton Agar’s eurosR fi ne for breaking Formula on what we’re all here to do: rac- against Australia, team management announced debut, although he did score 100 not out for the 77 not out as England beat yesterday. second-string England Lions against Ireland at left-arm spin for four. One’s regulations with alleged ing hard and providing excite- Australia by six wickets for The 24-year-old had been due to play for his club Southampton in July, having previously im- England, who have struggled copies of the brake ducts used on ment and entertainment for the a series-clinching win in against Surrey in the Bob Willis Trophy but was pressed in white-ball cricket for Sussex. for powerplay wickets, made last year’s championship win- millions of F1 fans around the theJ second Twenty20 interna- a sensational start after losing ning Mercedes cars. world.” withdrawn from that match. England are currently 1-0 up in a three-match tional at Southampton yesterday. England originally named just a 13-man squad for Twenty20 series against Australia heading into the toss when fast bowler Arch- The team said it had decided Renault led the original pro- Victory saw England take an the three-match ODI series against Australia at Sunday’s second fixture at Southampton follow- er, topping 90 mph in his fi rst to accept the sanctions imposed tests questioning the integrity unbeatable 2-0 lead in a three- Old Traff ord starting Friday, with opening bats- ing a dramatic two-run win on Friday. over, had the dangerous Warner and to move on, in the wider in- and originality of the Racing match contest and they will man Jason Roy not included while he recovers The one-day series marks the end of England caught behind for nought. terests of the sport, following an Point car, dubbed the ‘pink Mer- replace Australia at the top of from a side strain. men’s home international season, with all 18 Warner reviewed immedi- agreement between all the teams cedes’ because of its close simi- the global T20 standings with World Cup winner Roy has remained within Eng- scheduled fixtures across three formats – Tests, ately but replays confi rmed he on new rules to prevent any fu- larity to the 2019 ‘silver arrows’ another win at Southampton land’s bio-secure bubble in the hope he could yet one-dayers and T20s - set to be completed, had gloved the ball and Australia ture ‘reverse engineering’ of cars. After the stewards’ ruling on Tuesday. England, set 158 to recover in time, but Salt will now join fellow bats- behind closed doors, despite the Covid-19 pan- were nought for one. other teams’ cars. was announced, Renault, Fer- win, fi nished on 158-4 with sev- man Joe Denly and fast bowler Saqib Mahmood demic. Australia were 3-2 in the sec- Racing Point owner Lawrence rari, Williams and McLaren ap- en balls to spare. ond over, after left-hander Alex Stroll was furious when the pun- pealed, claiming the sanctions They needed 18 off the last Carey, promoted to number ishment and stewards’ verdict were too lenient, while Racing two overs. Australia had failed Victory was set up by Eng- acknowledged the quality of late-order rally gave them a three in place of star batsman was announced, making a pas- Point appealed, claiming the to score 19 off two overs in a dra- land’s bowlers, who held Aus- opener Buttler’s innings, saying: glimmer of hope. Steve Smith, gave himself room sionate defence of his and the punishment was too severe. matic two-run defeat in the fi rst tralia to a modest 157-7 after the “When you fail to get one of the This series was meant to act to drive but only edged Mark team’s integrity. All of those teams, except Fer- game on Friday. tourists had won the toss. opposition openers out, who is a as a warm-up for October’s T20 Wood, like Archer a 50-over “We welcome the resolution rari, have now withdrawn their But England got there in fi ve “Pretty comprehensive, I great player, that is always going World Cup in Australia. World Cup winning fast bowler, the teams have agreed and we’re appeals. balls from Adam Zampa, with can’t really fault many facets of to be tough.” But that tournament will not to wicketkeeper Buttler. Smith pleased the FIA (F1’s ruling body) The new ruling that has al- Moeen Ali hitting a six and a four the game today,” England cap- Finch added: “We were prob- take place because of Covid-19, pulled Tom Curran for six but has provided much-needed lowed the teams to agree and off successive deliveries from tain Eoin Morgan told Sky Sports ably a few runs short of where with the next T20 World Cup he was run out for 10 by England clarifi cation of the rules on listed drop their appeals will involve the leg-spinner. Buttler fi nished after the match. we needed to be, but I felt if we set for India in 2021. England captain Eoin Morgan’s under- and non-listed parts,” said Rac- a refi nement of the defi nition the match with a huge straight “We put in a better bowling could match their powerplay lost Jonny Bairstow, Buttler’s arm direct hit from midwicket ing Point in a statement. of ‘Listed Team Components’ six off Zampa. performance; we asked the guys with ours with the ball, we’d be opening partner, early in their with just one stump to aim at. “The stewards and all parties in the technical regulations Buttler faced just 54 balls, in- to stand up in the fi rst six overs in with a shot but we didn’t take chase. Swinging round from a involved in the appeals proc- for next year, referring to the cluding eight fours and two six- and they did. enough wickets in that period.” pull off Mitchell Starc, Bairstow BRIEF SCORES ess recognise that there was a parts of a car that are designed es, for his highest score in a T20 “Having a world-class player Jofra Archer had David Warn- knocked over his stumps and Australia 157 for 7 (Finch 40, lack of clarity in the regulations and used exclusively by one team. international, surpassing 73 not like Buttler, in form as he is, er caught behind for a third-ball was out hit wicket for 19. Stoinis 35) lost to England 158 and that we did not deliberately Racing Point’s Lance Stroll out against Sri Lanka at South- makes that chase a lot easier.” duck and Australia were 89-5 But Buttler, well-supported for 4 (Buttler 77*, Malan 42) by break them. fi nished third in the Italian Open ampton four years ago. Australia captain Aaron Finch with seven overs left before a by Dawid Malan (42) in a sec- six wickets. “Now that the ambigu- Grand prix yesterday.

FORMULA 1 Hamilton takes ‘responsibility’ for costly pit-stop error AFP ing off a series of fastest laps to Bottas, who battled to fi fth after Monza, Italy climb into the points. a poor start. Hamilton was quick “We didn’t do a great job with to congratulate Pierre Gasly on the pit stop,” he admitted. claiming his maiden Formula ewis Hamilton blamed “Honestly I didn’t see those One victory with Alpha Tauri. himself for the mistake boards. I take responsibility for “Many congratulations to that led to him being that so it’s something that we’ll Pierre on his performance. penalised in yesterday’s learn from for the future. That’s a huge result for him,” LItalian Grand Prix in which he “But to get seventh and to said Hamilton. fi nished seventh after a storming get fastest lap and still get some “I’ve obviously seen what drive from the back of the fi eld. good points, I defi nitely didn’t he’s been through from being The championship leader and think that was possible from 26 dropped from the top team and six-time world champion was seconds behind, as the last car, now he’s beaten the top team,” leading comfortably when he so I’ll defi nitely take it.” referring to Gasly’s 2019 demo- pitted during a safety car de- He added: “And, obviously, tion from Red Bull to junior sis- ployment, having failed to see I’m grateful that Max (Verstap- ter team Alpha Tauri. the signals that declared the pit pen) didn’t score any points. So, “I think it’s just fantastic to see lane was closed. overall, it’s not such a huge loss him recover and see him grow. He was handed a 10-second today.” I am genuinely really happy for stop-go penalty for the error and Hamilton retained a 47-point him. My race wasn’t meant to be had to pit following the safety lead in the drivers’ title race. today. It was a bit unfortunate, car, rejoining in 17th place at He has 164 points ahead of but what doesn’t kill you only Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton competes during the Italian Formula One Grand Prix at the Autodromo Nazionale circuit in Monza the back of the pack before reel- Mercedes team-mate Valtteri makes you stronger.” yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Monday, September 7, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

NATIONS LEAGUE ‘Fantastic’ Williams strikes late as Wales sink Bulgaria ‘He’s got loads of quality, he’s got confidence in his ability, and he’s brought new energy to the group’ Portugal make light of Ronaldo’s AFP Since replacing Mick Mc- absence to London Carthy, Kenny has outlined his plans to turn the Republic into a thump Croatia more possession-based and at- yan Giggs saluted “fan- tack-minded side. Nations League holders Portu- tastic” Neco Williams Kenny’s decision to use several gal made light of Cristiano Ro- after the Liverpool de- of the players he worked with as naldo’s injury absence as they fender snatched a last- Ireland’s Under-21 coach may swept aside Croatia 4-1 in their gaspR winner in yesterday’s 1-0 prove wise in the long run, but it opener in the competition on victory over Bulgaria. has been a frustrating start to his Saturday. European champi- Giggs’ side were well below reign. ons Portugal, in impressive their best for most of the League He will need a big improve- form on their return to action B, Group 4 tie, but 19-year-old ment if Ireland are to qualify for after a 10-month new corona- Williams came off the bench to Euro 2020. virus hiatus, hit the woodwork break the deadlock with a header A win in the play-off s against three times before Joao deep into stoppage-time at the Slovakia in October is required Cancelo fired them ahead four Cardiff City Stadium. to set up a decisive showdown minutes before halftime in the Williams’ fi rst goal in profes- with Northern Ireland or Bosnia League A Group Three match. sional football made it four suc- in November. Diogo Jota and Joao Felix both cessive wins in all competitions Norwich striker Teemu Pukki scored their first international for Wales. Following their 1-0 scored 10 times as Finland quali- goals in the second half before success in Finland on Thursday, fi ed for Euro 2020 – their fi rst Bruno Petkovic pulled one Giggs’ men stay top of the group ever major tournament appear- back and Andre Silva then and are now unbeaten in eight ance. added a fourth. Ronaldo, who matches dating back to June 2019. Pukki should have given Fin- is on 99 international goals, Of the teams who qualifi ed for land an early lead when Rob- was ruled out with a toe Euro 2020, none scored fewer ert Taylor’s pass sent him clean infection while Croatia were than Wales, who struck just 10 through on goal, but his tame missing key midfielders Luka times in their qualifying cam- shot was straight at Ireland keep- Modric and Ivan Rakitic after paign. That lack of fi repower er Darren Randolph. their federation agreed not to was a problem for long peri- Shane Duff y appealed in vain pick them before the start of ods against stubborn Bulgaria, for a penalty after tumbling un- the European club season. but right-back Williams fi nally der Juhani Ojala’s challenge fol- It was the first time Ronaldo opened up their massed defence lowing an Ireland corner. had missed a Portugal game on his home debut. Duff y and John Egan both since November 2018. After a promising season with headed over from Robbie Brady Premier League champions Liv- free-kicks early in the second Mbappe magic gives France erpool, Williams’ match-win- half. gritty 1-0 win over Sweden ning cameo rewarded Giggs’ faith Ireland were beginning to A slice of luck and a moment in a youngster who has a bright get on top and Aaron Connolly of individual brilliance dur- future, even if he has to serve as drilled into the side-netting be- ing a mazy run from Kylian back-up to Trent Alexander-Ar- fore Callum O’Dowda curled just Mbappe gave France a gritty nold at Anfi eld. wide. But it was Finland who 1-0 win away to Sweden in “Neco came on the other night snatched the lead with an incisive their Nations League A Group and he was fantastic, and he was raid in the 64th minute. 3 clash on Saturday with Anto- the same today,” Giggs said. “He’s Pukki found down Taylor ine Griezmann even missing got loads of quality, he’s got con- Wales’ Neco Williams celebrates scoring their first goal against Bulgaria at the Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff yesterday. (Reuters) down the left fl ank and his low a last-minute penalty. France fi dence in his ability, and he’s cross reached Augsburg winger coach Didier Deschamps brought new energy to the group, cause that Gareth Bale was well up by a tame free-kick that never ments later, feeding Bale’s pass coming off the bench in yester- Jensen, who slid the ball into the tried a new 3-4-1-2 system but and he showed that in focused short of the drive and sharpness threatened to test Georgi Geor- to Brooks, who hit the top of the day’s Nations League tie. net from close-range. the Swedes, promoted to the little cameos in both games. that can only be gained from reg- giev. crossbar with his left-foot shot. Republic boss Stephen Kenny Callum Robinson had a good competition’s top tier after “I was umming and ahing ular playing time. Looking to spark his side into Wales’ late pressure was reward- is still waiting for his fi rst win chance to equalise when his their group victory last year, whether to start him today be- Captain Bale barely featured life, Giggs sent on Hal Robson- ed in the fourth minute of stop- since taking charge after a disap- stinging strike was saved by Lu- frustrated the world champi- cause of the performance he put for Real Madrid last season af- Kanu as the West Bromwich page-time when Jonny Williams pointing display in Dublin. kas Hradecky at the near post. ons for the first 40 minutes on the other night, but he came on ter the coronavirus hiatus as his Albion forward made his fi rst swung a cross to the far post and Ireland had rescued a late 1-1 As Ireland pushed forward for until Mbappe proved to be the and not only his goal but his over- strained relationship with their appearance for three years after Williams powered his header draw against Bulgaria in Kenny’s an equaliser, Pukki exploited the diff erence. The 21-year-old PSG all performance was fantastic.” boss Zinedine Zidane left him reversing his international re- past Georgiev. fi rst game in charge on Thursday. gaps at the back and he was de- striker got a fortunate bounce Clearly determined to frustrate frozen out. tirement. But Jensen’s instant impact nied by Randolph before fi ring off a defender’s legs as he the hosts with their cautious Bale played just 45 minutes in Manchester United winger Jensen makes instant impact left Ireland without a victory just wide moments later. danced through the right side approach, Bulgaria had a rare Helsinki and two games in less Daniel James linked well with as Finland stun Ireland in League B Group 4 and con- Duff y had bagged a late equal- of the Swedish defence before chance when Galin Ivanov’s curl- than 72 hours was a big ask for Brooks to create a sight of goal, Finland claimed a shock 1-0 vic- demned them to a fi rst ever de- iser against Bulgaria, but he beating goalkeeper Robin ing shot defl ected narrowly wide the 31-year-old given his match but his powerful long-range tory over the Republic of Ire- feat against Finland, who had couldn’t come to the rescue again Olsen from a very tight angle off Connor Roberts. fi tness. strike was too close to Georgiev. land as Fredrik Jensen grabbed been beaten by Wales in their fi rst as the defender nodded over in at his near post. It didn’t help the home side’s His struggles were summed James returned the favour mo- the winner just 19 seconds after match in the tournament. the closing minutes.

FOCUS COMMENT Italy coach Mancini will rotate Zlatan criticises Sweden soccer boss over Kulusevski snub

Reuters the wrong positions smother- performances on loan at Serie team to reduce injury risk Stockholm ing Swedish football,” Ibrahi- A side Parma last season. movic said on Twitter, along Andersson, who took his Reuters with a link to an article from team to the quarter-fi nals of Amsterdam latan Ibrahimovic has newspaper Aftonbladet which the 2018 World Cup in Rus- criticised Sweden soc- featured coach Andersson’s sia where they lost to England, cer boss Janne An- post-match remarks. said he was surprised at Kulu- taly coach Roberto Man- dersson for starting After scoring 62 goals in 116 sevski’s reaction. cini will rotate his team for Znew Juventus signing Dejan games, Ibrahimovic retired “I haven’t spoken to him af- the Nations League match Kulusevski on the bench in from international football fol- terwards but if he has said it against the Netherlands to- Saturday’s 1-0 UEFA Nations lowing Sweden’s exit from Euro then that is clearly his opinion. Iday in a bid to reduce the risk of League loss to world champi- 2016. We’ll have to talk about it,” An- injury to his players. ons France. Kulusevski, asked if he had dersson told reporters. Mancini’s side drew 1-1 at Kulusevksi came on for a been given enough time to “I haven’t experienced him home to Bosnia on Friday and 20-minute cameo but said in a show what he could do after as being very shocked. He has he said he was reluctant to make post-match interview that he coming on as a replacement for done well in the training ses- players play twice in four days, at was shocked that he did not get veteran Sebastian Larsson, was sion, as have many others.” the start of the new season. to start, and Andersson’s sur- categorical. The 57-year-old coach said The opening Nations League prised reaction to the criticism “No, no, I don’t think so. I it was likely that Kulusevski matches are being played be- provoked a strong response was shocked. It felt really, really would see more playing time fore the start of the new domes- from Ibrahimovic, Sweden’s good in training. But unfortu- when Sweden hosted Portugal tic seasons. “It’s likely we will record goalscorer. nately, that’s how football is,” in their next Nations League change a lot of players,” he said. “What a damn joke. Further said the 20-year-old, who won game tomorrow at the Friends “Some of them have only had proof. Incompetent people in rave reviews for his attacking Arena in Stockholm. two training sessions and they arrived at our training camp without having played a game. It’s an anomalous situation.” Back to school for Suarez in bid for Juventus move “I don’t want us to have any injuries – it’s unthinkable, Barcelona forward Luis Suarez is due to sit a of the country, although it was not clear how for example, that a player like language test today in a bid to obtain Italian the process, which usually takes several years, Stefano Sensi can play two citizenship that would enable him to move to would be completed in one month. The Uru- games in four days,” he added. Serie A champions Juventus, Italian and Uru- guayan television programme Polideportivo, Inter Milan midfi elder Sensi guayan media said yesterday. There have been as well as several Italian newspapers, said that picked up a series of inju- Italy coach Roberto Mancini (right) with Lorenzo Pellegrini during a training session in Amsterdam widespread reports that Juventus are chasing Suarez would take a level B1 Italian test. ries last season. Mancini ex- yesterday. (Reuters) the 33-year-old Uruguayan who, if the moves pressed faith in Moise Kean, go through, would line up alongside defender West Ham have most unfulfilled potential: Moyes 20, and Nicolo Zaniolo, 21, play both as a right-sided Nations League game against the only players with interna- Giorgio Chiellini, the Italy defender he famously West Ham United have the most unfulfilled who were dropped from his attacking winger and in a Scotland, heavily aff ected by tional experience in the new bit in a World Cup match in 2014. potential in the Premier League, according to squad last year after arriving three-man midfi eld, and he the coronavirus pandemic. team comprising solely play- However, Juventus have already used up their manager David Moyes who has twice steered late for a training camp. has enormous margin for im- The Czechs have had to ers from the Czech top divi- limit of two non-EU signings following the ar- the London club clear of relegation. Moyes “Both Zaniolo and Moise provement.” completely reshuffl e their sion. rival of Brazilian midfielder Arthur Melo and US replaced Manuel Pellegrini midway through last Kean have really matured re- team and staff after two back- “We can’t be sure about international Weston McKinney and would only season with West Ham again in trouble. Moyes cently and I hope they contin- Czechs call up 21 newcomers room staff had tested posi- anything, but the players who be able to add Suarez if he can obtain an EU helped West Ham to retain their top-flight ue like that as they are on the for Scotland clash tive for Covid-19 earlier this will play tomorrow are most passport. status. “I’d argue the club has still got the most right path,” he said. The Czech Republic yesterday week. determined to fi ght for the The media reports said that Suarez is eligible unfulfilled potential in the Premier League,” he “They will make us and announced a squad compris- Sweeper Roman Hubnik result,” stand-in coach David for Italian naturalisation as his wife is a citizen told the Sunday Times. their clubs happy. Nicolo can ing 21 newcomers for today’s and striker Stanislav Tecl are Holoubek told reporters. Gulf Times 4 Monday, September 7, 2020 SPORT

NBA NHL Isles reach fi nal with game-seven Nuggets even series win over Flyers

AFP Mayfi eld gave the Islanders a Toronto 1-0 lead at 9:27 of the fi rst period with a rising shot that made it under the crossbar. homas Greiss made 16 “Game-winner in Game 7 to with Clippers behind saves and four New York go to the Eastern Conference Fi- players scored as the Is- nal, I don’t think anyone thought landers beat the Phila- I’d be scoring it,” Mayfi eld said. Tdelphia Flyers 4-0 on Saturday “But I had a lane and just happy to reach the NHL Eastern Con- I could put it away.” ference fi nal. Defenseman Greene made it The top-seeded Flyers had 2-0 at 13:13 with a goal from the fought back from a 3-1 series left circle. Derick Brassard set Murray’s 27 points defi cit in the NHL’s quarantine things up, holding the puck on hub in Toronto, forcing game the right until he spied Green in seven with back-to-back over- the opposite circle. TORONTO RAPTORS KNOT UP SERIES WITH BOSTON CELTICS AT 2-2 time wins. But the Islanders Nelson scored to make it 3-0 controlled the decisive contest to at 11:26 of the second period, AFP reach the conference fi nal for the fi nishing a two-on-one off a feed Miami fi rst time since 1993. from Josh Bailey. They’ll open against the Tam- “Everybody wants to score pa Bay Lightning in Edmonton on goals and get on the attack,” he Denver Nuggets bounced back Monday, with a chance to reach Nelson said. “Thought we had a with a vengeance on Saturday, the Stanley Cup fi nal for the fi rst pretty balanced score sheet up powering to a 110-101 victory time since 1984. Brock Nelson and down the roster. Contribu- over the Los Angeles Clippers to had a goal and two assists, and tions from the (defensemen) Teven their NBA playoff series 1-1. Scott Mayfi eld, Andy Greene and today, every line getting in on It was all-square between the Toronto Anthony Beauvillier scored for it, guys stepping up and making Raptors and Boston Celtics, too, after the the sixth-seeded Islanders. plays at the right time.” Raptors notched a second straight win, Greiss replaced Semyon Var- Bailey added another assist 100-93, to knot their Eastern Conference lamov, who had started 14 of the on Beauvillier’s empty-net semi-fi nal series 2-2 in the NBA’s quar- Islanders’ fi rst 15 post-season goal at 13:12 of the third pe- antine bubble in Orlando, Florida. games, and produced the fi rst riod after Flyers coach Alain The Nuggets, routed 120-97 in game playoff shutout of his career. Vigneault pulled Carter Hart one of the Western Conference series on Varlamov allowed nine goals – who made 22 saves – for an Thursday, turned the tables with a blis- in the previous two games, extra skater. tering fi rst half in which they led by as prompting Islanders coach Barry New York held the Flyers to 16 many as 23 points. “Game one, we were Trotz to opt for Greiss. shots, killing off both of Phila- tired. I hate to admit it, but we were “I wanted the freshness,” Trotz delphia’s power-play opportu- tired,” said guard Jamal Murray, who led said. “I also knew that with ‘Gre- nities to take their penalty kill to Denver with 27 points. isser,’ just his demeanour, that he’d 13-for-13 in the series. “We came out sloppy, came out ex- be a good choice for us. We’ve been The last time the Islanders hausted, fatigued. We didn’t make any blessed with two goalies. You try to reached the conference fi nal they shots, we didn’t get back on defense. To- ride the hot guy as long as you can, fell in fi ve games to the eventual night we just upped the energy and that’s and if you have to go to the next Stanley Cup champion Montreal all it took to win.” guy, you do that.” Canadiens. Nikola Jokic added 26 points and 18 re- bounds for Denver, who had rallied from a 3-1 defi cit to beat the Utah Jazz in seven games in the fi rst round. The two – who combined for 27 points in game one – had a total of 26 between them by the end of the fi rst quarter as the Nuggets took a 44- 25 lead. It was 72-56 at half-time, and the Nuggets were up by 12 going into the fi nal quarter. The Clippers managed to cut the defi cit to fi ve early in the fourth and they got it to seven on Marcus Morris’s three- pointer with two and a half minutes re- maining. Murray promptly answered with a three-pointer and the Nuggets were away again. “I thought tonight we were a noticeably diff erent team than we were in game one,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. Paul George scored 22 points for the Clippers and Ivica Zubac added 15. Two- time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard fi nished with 13 points on four-of-17 shooting with 10 rebounds and eight as- sists. “They were the aggressor tonight,” Leonard said. “A few easy ones didn’t fall early, and that was it from there.” The NBA champion Raptors, who won game three against the Celtics on Thurs- day on OG Anunoby’s buzzer-beating three-pointer, clamped down defensively LA Clippers centre Ivica Zubac (right) fouls Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray during the first-half of game two in the second to win again, holding the Celtics to 20 round of the 2020 NBA Playoff s at AdventHealth Arena in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (USA TODAY Sports) percent shooting from three-point range while draining 17 three-pointers them- for the Raptors, who won their second “It’s a great team we’re playing against. game,” he said. “We know how tough selves. Pascal Siakam shook off a slow straight game and will try to gain the up- It’s not going to be easy. We know that.” those guys are.” Serge Ibaka connected start to score 23 points as the NBA cham- per hand in the best-of-seven Eastern Lowry echoed the theme, saying the on seven of nine shots from the fl oor to New York Islanders goaltender Thomas Greiss (right) celebrates with pion Toronto Raptors levelled the series. Conference series for the fi rst time in Raptors can’t aff ord to get complacent score 18 points off the bench for Toronto defenseman Andy Greene after their victory over Philadelphia Flyers Kyle Lowry scored 22 points and game fi ve on Monday. “Feels like we’re after two straight wins. “We just con- and Fred VanVleet added 17 points, six in game seven of the second round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoff s grabbed 11 rebounds with seven assists starting over,” Siakam said, but added: tinue to focus on every possession, every rebounds and six assists for the Raptors. at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. (USA TODAY Sports)

MLB Peterson signing one-year Rendon’s blast gives Angels sweep of twin bill over Astros deal with Lions Adrian Peterson agreed to a comes two days after he was Reuters one-year contract with the De- released by the Washington Los Angeles RESULTS troit Lions, the running back Football Team. told former ESPN reporter The 2012 NFL MVP and a Angels 10-9 Astros Josina Anderson on Sunday. seven-time Pro Bowl selec- nthony Rendon hit a three-run Angels 7-6 Astros Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, tion, Peterson led the NFL in homer in the top of the seventh Nationals 10-4 Braves Peterson’s contract is worth rushing three times and has inning to lift the Los Angeles $1.05 million and includes 14,216 career rushing yards, Angels to a 7-6 win against the Twins 4-3 Tigers incentives. which ranks fifth all-time and HoustonA Astros in the second game of a Rockies 5-2 Dodgers The move reunites Peterson just 1,053 yards behind Lions doubleheader on Saturday night in Ana- A’s 8-4 Padres with Darrell Bevell, his former legend Barry Sanders (15,269). heim, California. off ensive co-ordinator with the Frank Gore, who is on the The Angels rallied from two-run defi - Red Sox 9-8 Blue Jays Minnesota Vikings. Peterson New York Jets’ roster, is third cits in the seventh inning to win both Cardinals 4-2 Cubs was selected to the Pro Bowl (15,347) while Walter Payton games of the doubleheader and stretch Cardinals 5-1 Cubs in all four seasons (2007-10) (16,726) and Emmitt Smith their season-long win streak to four under Bevell. “They’re giving (18,355) are further ahead. White Sox 5-3 Royals games. George Springer homered twice me an opportunity to play,” Pe- Peterson’s 111 rushing touch- and Josh Reddick hit a three-run homer Reds 6-2 Pirates terson told Anderson. “I know downs are fourth-best behind for the Astros, who were the home team Orioles 6-1 Yankees coach Bevell from my days in Hall of Famers Smith (164), in the second game because it was a Los Angeles Angels centre fielder Mike Trout (left) is congratulated by left fielder Minnesota. Ultimately I feel LaDainian Tomlinson (145) and Marlins 7-3 Rays make-up from when the Angels were in Justin Upton after hitting a two-run home run against the Houston Astros during their comfortable going there and Marcus Allen (123). Houston last week. Indians 4-3 Brewers MLB game at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. (USA TODAY Network) helping them to get better.” In 15 games last season, Peter- Humberto Castellanos (0-1) brought Mets 5-1 Phillies Peterson, 35, will join fellow son rushed 211 times for 898 a 6-4 lead into the top of the seventh. Mariners 5-3 Rangers to set a club record one day after he tied concourse) watching. I saw some high- running backs Kerryon yards and five touchdowns He got the fi rst out but gave up a single Tim Salmon’s mark. lights from last night where he was get- Johnson, second-round rookie while adding 17 receptions for to Justin Upton and walked Mike Trout Giants 4-3 D’Backs In game one of a seven-inning double- ting nervous. Sitting on 299, I was think- D’Andre Swift, Ty Johnson 142 yards. Detroit opens the before Rendon homered down the line in header against the Houston Astros, Trout ing about it. Not going to lie. But I got a and Bo Scarbrough as well season against the visiting left for the 7-6 lead. run and Reddick’s three-run shot staked crushed a 1-2 fastball from right-handed good pitch to hit, and it went out.” as fullback Jason Cabinda Chicago Bears next Sunday. Albert Pujols also drove in three runs the Astros to a 4-0 lead after two innings. pitcher Brandon Bielak for a two-run Trout is in his 10th season with the An- as members of the Lions’ The Lions will host Peterson’s for the Angels. Los Angeles starter Dillon Trout served as the designated hitter homer in the third inning. gels and posted his 300th homer in his backfield. Last season, Detroit former club, Washington, on Peters made his season debut and the left- in the second game and doubled to lead In addition to setting a club record, 1,235th game. Salmon played 14 seasons finished 21st in the league in November 15. hander went 1 2/3 innings, allowing four off the fourth, the sixth straight time he Trout’s 300th career home run moved the and 1,672 games with the Angels. rushing last season at 103.1 The Chicago Bears bolstered runs (three earned) and three hits, strik- reached base in the doubleheader. three-time American League Most Valu- Salmon, who works as a television yards per game. Johnson their defensive line by agree- ing out two and walking none. Noe Rami- Pujols drove in Trout with a single able Player into the major league lead this commentator, congratulated Trout on air. apparently was pleased with ing to terms on a contract with rez (1-0) pitched the sixth and Ty Buttrey to cut the lead to 4-1. Pujols later came season with 15. The blast was part of a “It’s time to pass the torch on to some- Peterson’s decision to join the Mario Edwards, NFL Network’s worked the seventh for his fi fth save. home on a diving play by Carlos Correa 10-9 walkoff win for the Angels. body in the family – another fi sh,” Salm- Lions, posting on Twitter that, Mike Garafolo reported on Houston right-hander Jose Urquidy at short on a hard-hit grounder with the Trout was 3-for-3 at the plate with two on said. Trout’s homer also moved him “If i were to take a picture with Sunday. was activated on Saturday and went 3 2/3 bases loaded, making the score 4-2. Pu- doubles and a walk in the win capped by into a tie with Hall of Famer Chuck Klein him would that be fan boying Terms of the deal were not innings, allowing two runs and four hits, jols would later tie it at 4-4 with a two- Jo Adell’s walk-off two-run single. for 150th on MLB’s all-time homer list. too much??” immediately known for the striking out two and walking three in his run single in the fi fth. “It means a lot,” Trout said. “It’s spe- He’s the 11th active player to reach the The news of Peterson’s move defensive end. season debut. Springer’s leadoff home Trout belted his 300th career home run cial. I know (Salmon) was up there (in the 300-homer mark. Gulf Times Monday, September 7, 2020 5 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT QATARIS EXCEL Korea’s Im makes charge but Johnson leads PGA Tour Championship

Qatari driver Abdul Aziz al-Jabri finished second in the overall individual rankings as Qatar won the lion’s share of the awards of the first edition of the World FIA Smart Sung-jae Im of South Korea plays his shot from the 16th tee during Driving Challenge in both team and individual categories. Qatari drivers who led their respective teams were Abdullah al-Khelaifi, Adel Hussein Abdulla and Nasser the second round of the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club al-Kuwari. The FIA Smart Driving Challenge is a global competition that rewards smart, safe and environmentally friendly driving. Using a smartphone app connected to in Atlanta, Georgia. a digital platform, regular motorists can compete to become the world’s smartest driver by using their own car. The challenge was created by the FIA to encourage and challenge everyday motorists to adopt smarter, cleaner and safer driving behaviour. AFP 2009 and 2011 Phoenix Open. Washington “I need to drive it better over the weekend. Frustrated with my tee balls,” Johnson said.”If I want RACING outh Korea’s Im Sung-jae to win this golf tournament, I’ve birdied three of the last got to hit more fairways.” four holes but top-ranked Johnson began the week on Dustin Johnson clung to a 10-under by virtue of his season one-strokeS lead after Saturday’s points lead with Rahm next on second round of the US PGA Tour 8-under, third-ranked Ameri- Championship. can Justin Thomas on 7-under Im fi red a six-under-par 64 to and other rivals up to 10 strokes fi nish on 12-under but struggling adrift in the staggered start sys- Authentic beats Johnson, last in the fi eld in driv- tem. ing accuracy after fi nding only World number 27 Im, last sea- 2-of-14 fairways, closed with a son’s US PGA Rookie of the Year, four-foot birdie putt to lead on began the event six strokes be- 13-under after 36 holes at East hind Johnson but charged with Lake in Atlanta. his third round of 65 of lower “Tough one. It was up and since the June PGA restart after down. Just didn’t drive it straight the Covid-19 pandemic. Tiz the Law to win enough,” said Johnson. “I honestly wasn’t feeling very “Everything else feels good. I confi dent the last few weeks,” Im managed my game pretty well. said. “I feel like it’s all coming I couldn’t really attack the golf back to me now.” course being in the rough and in Johnson, who began day two the bunkers. level with Rahm for the lead at I think I was everywhere to- 13-under, rolled in a 37-foot day.” birdie putt at the third hole to Kentucky Derby Im, 22, would be the second- seize the lead at 14-under. youngest FedEx Cup winner, two At four, his tee shot went deep months older than Jordan Spieth into the left rough and he only ‘Every time I asked him for more, he gave me more’ when the American captured the salvaged par thanks to a 31-foot 2015 crown. putt. “I was happy with my shots,” Johnson sank a six-foot birdie Im said. “I hit a lot of fairways, so putt at the par-5 sixth to start a it made my approach shots a lot roller coaster fi nish to the front easier. That gave me a lot of good nine. looks at birdie, which helped me He missed the seventh fairway go low.” on the way to bogey, blasted out Johnson scrambled to a 70 to of a fairway bunker to 43 feet and hold off charging Im with Ameri- holed the birdie eff ort at eight can Xander Schauff ele third on only to fi nd a bunker and a bogey 11-under after a 65 and third- at the par-3 ninth. ranked American Justin Thomas Johnson went from pine straw fourth on 10-under. left to dense greenside rough “The rough is thick and nastier to bogey 12, then rimmed out a than I’ve ever seen it,” Schauf- horseshoe 11-foot birdie putt at fele said. Spain’s Jon Rahm, PGA 14. Championship winner Collin He made bogey at 15 and only Morikawa and England’s Tyrrell after Im matched him did John- Hatton shared fi fth on 9-under son birdie the last to lead alone. in the season-ending showdown After a run of three birdies and for a $15mn playoff prize. a bogey in four holes on the front Johnson matched his fewest side, Im opened the back nine fairways hit in a PGA round, with a fi ve-foot birdie putt at the managing only two also at the 10th.

RALLYING Brinke, Przygonski shine in Poland

By Our Correspondent opener and a time of 2hrs 09min Szczecin, Poland 37sec gave the Pole an outright lead of 5min 35sec over Al-Atti- Authentic, ridden by John Velazquez leads the field to the first turn during the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville on Saturday. yah. Przygonski came in a close utchman Bernhard third and moved up to a similar AFP Breonna Taylor.” On the track, the most incredible ride,” added Ten Brinke and Belgian position in the overall standings Louisville, United States front-runner Authentic set the Baff ert, who also won the Derby co-driver Tom Colsoul and Dakar veteran Stéphane Pe- early pace as expected under with Silver Charm in 1997, Real Dclaimed second place terhansel was fourth. Ten Brinke Velazquez, who claimed a third Quiet in 1998, War Emblem in for Overdrive Racing in the Wys- also climbed a place to fi fth in uthentic held off Kentucky Derby victory. 2002, American Pharoah in 2015 oka Grz da Baja Poland, the sec- the rankings. Unfortunately, heavily favoured Bel- Tiz the Law, who won the and Justify in 2018. ond round of the heavily revised al-Attiyah’s engine suff ered mont Stakes winner belated Triple Crown opener at American Pharoah and Jus- and shortened 2020 FIA World water damage on the muddy ATiz the Law to cap- Belmont on June 20 and went off tify went on to win the Triple Cup for Cross-Country Bajas. and fl ooded repeat of the stage ture the 146th Kentucky Derby as the prohibitive 3-5 favourite, Crown. Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Atti- and the Qatari was forced to re- on Saturday, giving trainer Bob settled into a comfortable fourth “I feel very blessed and fortu- yah and French navigator Mat- tire. Peterhansel claimed the Baff ert a record-equalling sixth position under jockey Manny nate,” Baff ert said. thieu Baumel crewed the third stage win and the outright lead victory in the Run for the Roses. Franco and challenged for the Just moments before the start, Toyota Hilux built by Toyota from Ten Brinke with the eighth Johnny Velazquez piloted Au- lead as they swept through the Baff ert’s other entry, Thousand Gazoo Racing South Africa and quickest time giving Przygonski thentic to the victory at Church- fi nal turn. Words, was scratched after he won the opening super special sixth in the rankings after the ill Downs, ensuring that a topsy- But Authentic, who went off reared in the paddock and fell. stage. After slipping to second Pole shed a wheel and spent 40 turvy Triple Crown year will not at 8-1, held on to win ahead of Baff ert said after the race that overall on the fi rst of the longer minutes carrying out repairs. produce a 14th winner of US fl at the Barclay Tagg-trained Tiz the assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes selective sections, their en- racing’s coveted treble when it Law with 46-1 longshot Mr. Big had suff ered a broken arm in the gine fi lters ingested water and, RESULTS concludes with the Preakness News third. incident. to prevent further damage on 1. Stéphane Peterhansel (FRA)/ Stakes on October 3. “I’m not taking the credit,” “He’s in an ambulance,” an Saturday afternoon, they were Edouard Boulanger (FRA) MINI Because of the coronavirus Jockey John Velazquez, attempts to control Authentic after he was said Puerto Rico’s Velazquez, emotional Baff ert said. forced to retire. All4 Racing 5hr 52min 20sec pandemic, US racing’s most startled and knocked over trainer Bob Baff ert (L) in the winner’s who rode Animal Kingdom in It was just another twist in the The 2017 FIA World Cup 2. Bernhard Ten Brinke (NLD)/ prestigious event was held not circle after winning the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby on 2011 and Always Dreaming in 2020 season for the Hall of Fame champion said: “It is very disap- Tom Colsoul (BEL) Toyota Hilux on the fi rst Saturday in May but Saturday. 2017 to Kentucky Derby wins. trainer, who is contesting a sus- pointing to retire from an event Overdrive 6hr 05min 08sec on the fi rst Saturday of Septem- “Give it to the horse,” pension meted out after two of like this, but I was glad to be 3. Michal Maluszyński (POL)/ ber. Louisville was the site of spite heavily armed supporters Velazquez said. “Every time I his horses tested positive for the at Baja Poland after I stayed at Julita Maluszyńska (POL) MINI Instead of more than 100,000 daylong protests demanding on both sides. asked him for more, he gave me pain reliever lidocaine at Oak- home for eight months. Our goal John Cooper Works Rally 6hr spectators jammed into the for justice for Breonna Taylor, Protesters outside Churchill more.” lawn Park in Arkansas in May. was to win but it was not possi- 15min 24sec grandstands and infi eld, no a 26-year-old local paramedic Downs chanted Taylor’s name as Baff ert tied legendary trainer That included Arkansas Der- ble on this occasion.” 4. Aron Domzala (QAT)/Szymon more than 1,000 essential per- killed in her own home after the race prepared to get under- Ben Jones for most Kentucky by winner Charlatan — who was The bulk of the action took Gospodarcznk (POL) Can-Am sonnel, owners and trainers police mistakenly burst into the way, the Courier Journal news- Derby wins for a trainer and said taken off the Kentucky Derby place over two selective sec- Maverick X3 (T4) 6hr 17min were on hand. apartment in March. paper reported. he wasn’t surprised to see Au- trail with an injury after high- tions of 172.31km at the Draw- 02sec Despite the lack of fans, there There were tense standoff s Overhead, a plane fl ew over thentic hang on to the end. ly touted Baff ert-trained colt sko Pomorskie military training 5. Jakub Przygonski (POL)/Timo was a heavy police presence out- with right-wing counter-dem- the track trailing a banner: “The training was lights out,” Nadal was retired with a fetlock grounds on Saturday. Holowczyc Gottschalk (DEU) Toyota Hilux side the racetrack. onstrators but no violence, de- “Arrest the cops who killed he said. “Johnny V. gave him fracture. was the pacesetter through the Overdrive 6hr 28min 12sec Gulf Times 6 Monday, September 7, 2020 SPORT

CYCLING ATHLETICS Thompson-Herah, Schippers, Ta Lou Roglic takes Tour set to clash in Doha lead as Pogacar grabs stage win ‘Everybody dreams of wearing the yellow jersey one day in his life...’

Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar (L) and Primoz Roglic ride during the 9th stage of the 107th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, 154 km between ouble Olympic sprint best of 10.88 set in Kingston on Pau and Laruns, yesterday. champion Elaine 8 August is the second fastest of Thompson-Herah, the year to date. two-time world 200m “I’ve been fortunate to be able Dchampion Dafne Schippers to race at home over the sum- and multiple world medal- mer, but nothing beats the thrill list Marie-Josée Ta Lou, will go of lining up in an overseas, in- head to head over 100m at the ternational meet,” said the Ja- Wanda Diamond League meet- maican. ing in Doha on Friday 25 Sep- “I can’t wait to get back on tember 2020. The three women the circuit, especially as part of have met at this meeting on two a quality fi eld in Doha where I’ve previous occasions. Thompson- really enjoyed competing in the Herah triumphed over 200m past.” in 2017, clocking 22.19 into a Ta Lou will be looking to build -2.3m/s headwind with Schip- on her Wanda Diamond League pers fi nishing second and Ta Lou performances in Monaco and placing third. Stockholm where she fi nished They clashed again one year fourth (11.39) and third (11.32) later, this time over 100m, and respectively, while Schippers Ta Lou came out on top, run- will make her season’s debut ning 10.85. Thompson-Herah over 100m in Doha. was third on that occasion and Doha’s Qatar Sports Club will Schippers was sixth. host the revised 12-event pro- But the last time they were in gramme – the fi nal competitive the Khalifa Stadium was for last meeting of the truncated 2020 year’s World Championships, Wanda Diamond League season where Ta Lou took 100m bronze, – which includes sprint hurdles just 0.03 ahead of Thompson- and 800m for both men and Herah. Schippers, meanwhile, women; 100m, 3000m and long was forced to withdraw from the jump for women; and 200m, fi nal through injury. 400m, 1500m and pole vault for Thompson-Herah’s season’s men.

Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar (L) and Primoz Roglic ride during the 9th stage of the 107th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, 154 km between Pau and Laruns, yesterday. Vetter lands second best ever javelin throw

AFP fending champion Ineos leader Pogacar said that he remem- he’ll win again. He and I can clipped Roglic. Laruns, France Egan Bernal of Colombia by 21 bered little of the frantic sprint achieve great things for Slov- Both did well to stay in the seconds. that gave him a fi rst Tour de enia,” Pogacar said. saddle. “Everybody dreams of wear- France win as he pipped Roglic French pair Guillaume Mar- “I was careless, I thought lovenians took the lau- ing the yellow jersey one day in and Swiss rider Marc Hirschi, tin and Romain Bardet are third I’d gone past everyone,” he ex- rels on the Tour de his life so fi rst off I’m just happy who had set the pace for much and fourth overall with Colom- plained. “We all worked togeth- France yesterday as how things are,” said Vuelta a of the day, on the line. bian duo Nairo Quintana and er then to put time into the oth- Srookie Tadej Pogacar Espana champion Roglic. “I wanted to gain as much Rigoberto Uran within touching ers behind us. won a Pyrenean mountain slog “It’s a fi ght for every second time as possible,” said Pogacar, distance. The 153km ninth stage “This is a really amazing ex- and his compatriot Primoz now and lots off things will hap- who twice lost time earlier in the set off from Basque town Pau, perience,” said Pogacar, who Roglic grabbed the overall lead. pen to each of us on the road to week, but is now within 41 sec- and there were many spectators won three stages on the Vuelta Overnight leader Adam Yates Paris,” he said. When asked if he onds of the lead. in berets along the route, and in 2019. of Britain made a valiant ef- worried that Bernal was breath- “Ten seconds bonus for the took in fi ve climbs including two Bernal’s Ineos defence is go- fort to keep hold of the yellow ing down his neck after Jumbo stage win in the sprint is great category 1 mountains. ing to plan according to team jersey but fell gradually away put the hammer down for nine but I don’t know what happened The two Slovenians narrowly principal Dave Brailsford. on the fi nal climb as the gradi- days, he shrugged. in it,” he said. avoided disaster as they crossed “So far so good,” he told AFP ent hit 12 %. Pre-Tour favourite “No-one could go as hard The 21-year-old Pogacar had the fi nal summit, Col de Marie ahead of the stage. “It’ll be a Roglic has been the form man as Egan did there on the last a message of consolation for Blanque, together. race of attrition with people go- this season and after yesterday’s climb,” he said. “We can enjoy a his 30-year-old countryman Pogacar looked round to see ing out ahead and falling off the second place fi nish leads de- well deserved rest day now.” Roglic. “He’s won before and where Bernal was, swerved and back.”

Improving Bernal waiting for his moment on the Tour de France

Laruns, France: Egan Bernal Laruns. seconds behind Roglic. his move on the longer climbs Roglic predicted that “a lot of might not look as strong as the Pogacar of Team UAE Emirates “It was a good day because it’s in the Alps, where the Tour will things can still happen”, and Slovenian duo of Primoz Roglic has been the most attacking rid- not just about the time today,” go above an altitude of 2,000 Colombia’s Bernal said it was Chorzów, Poland: Former to less than a metre of three- and Tadej Pogacar after a week er in the Pyrenees and prevailed said Bernal, who lost 11 seconds metres. about waiting for the right world champion Johannes time Olympic champion Jan of racing on the Tour de France, from a group of favourites to to Roglic and 12 to Pogacar in “On short climbs, you can’t moment. Vetter launched the second Zelezny’s 1996 world record of but the defending champion is win in Laruns. time bonuses today. do too much. But today I was “It depends on the legs. If you best javelin throw in history 98.48m. waiting for the right moment to Yet Bernal, who appeared to “In this part of the race, it’s feeling good, it gives me a bit of don’t have the legs you cannot yesterday with an eff ort of 97.76 German Vetter’s throw was also put the hammer down. struggle on Saturday, was in about the feeling you have on confidence for the next part of do anything,” he said. metres at an athletics meet in more than three metres further Jumbo Visma’s Roglic leads better shape on Sunday and the bike and the feeling I had the race,” the 23-year-old said. “You have to wait for the right Poland. than his previous personal best, the general classification after sits in second place overall, 21 today was better than the feel- “I know that I have lost time to moment, you have to feel it. You At the Continental Tour Gold and moves him nearly four taking bonus seconds on the seconds off the pace. ing I had yesterday.” Roglic and Pogacar again, but need to be on the bike and feel level event in Chorzow, 27-year- metres ahead of the next best fourth stage, which he won, Pogacar, who lost 1:20 in cross- Ineos Grenadiers’s Bernal is I stay focused, I take it day by it, look at the others and make a old Vetter, who won gold at the throw, compatriot Thomas Roh- and on Sunday’s ninth stage in winds on Friday, is seventh, 44 biding his time, waiting to make day, this is a three-week race.” big diff erence on a good day.” 2017 worlds in London, came ler’s eff ort of 93.90m in 2017.

BOTTOMLINE Brailsford, Tour de France honour deceased Ineos sports director Portal

AFP memorable moments of each tour are “Rather than think about it in cycling of Briton Adam Yates. Laruns recorded. terms or professional ones, we just miss Brailsford said everything was going Brailsford recruited his multilingual him, we miss him as a person rather according to plan early on at this year’s and widely popular French former rider than anything about us. race. ave Brailsford spoke of how as sports director back in 2011. “It’s not about what we are not get- “So far so good,” he said. deeply he missed the former On Sunday he spoke of the sense of ting from him in a work context, it’s just “Kind of what we expected really,” Team Sky and Ineos sports loss. that we miss him as a person,” Brails- said the man who has masterminded director Nicolas Portal as a “It’s been an emotional Tour and an ford said visibly moved. seven wins with Portal as his right hand memorialD in an outdoor cycling muse- emotional year,” Brailsford told AFP The team principal, never one to look man. um was unveiled in the deceased man’s near the start of Sunday’s stage. back too long, also had words of praise “It’s been solid and hard, it’s going honour at Pau yesterday. “You know Nico worked with us for how the new sports director Gabriel to be a race of attrition,” he said of the Portal passed away in March aged 40 for a long time,” he said measuring his Rasch was fi tting in on the 2020 Tour. three-week struggle in which riders after playing a crucial role in the outfi t’s words. “It’s not an easy job for anybody to have 21 stages to survive and a favourite seven Tour de France wins. “He was with us for ten years and do, but everybody has got right behind can fall out of contention with one bad His widow Magalie and two children he played a central role in our team,” him and he’s doing a great job so far. day. were present as Francois Bayrou, the Brailsford said of Portal, often de- “I respect him because those are very “People will be going off the back and mayor of Pau where Portal lived and scribed as the man in the riders’ ear diffi cult shoes to step into. And he’s do- off the front,” he concluded. stage nine of the Tour started on Sun- pieces as he was the avuncular presence ing that with the support of the team,” Brailsford and Portal helped Brad- day, unveiled a metal and glass interac- who guided the riders in their diffi cult Brailsford said. ley Wiggins to his Grande Boucle win tive tablet in his honour, alongside oth- moments. Ineos are attempting to win this Tour in 2012, Chris Froome to wins in 2013, Team INEOS Grenadiers team boss Dave Brailsford poses with the family of late ers dedicated to other cycling greats, in “You now feel that he’s not here ob- with defending champion Egan Bernal, 2015, 2016 and 2017, Geraint Thomas in sporting director Nicolas Portal yesterday. an outdoor multimedia park where the viously,” said Brailsford. who is fi fth place just 13 seconds adrift 2018 while Bernal in 2019. Gulf Times Monday, September 7, 2020 7 TENNIS

US OPEN SPOTLIGHT Babos slams In-form Azarenka ‘injustice’ of US sees ‘opportunity’ Open exclusion Belarussian has momentum on her side after winning the tune-up in New York

In this January 31, 2020, picture, Hungary’s Timea Babos (left) and France’s Kristina Mladenovic pose with the trophy after winning the Australian Open women’s doubles title in Melbourne. (AFP)

AFP had come back negative. New York, United States “Let’s look at the facts: Be- noit Paire’s positive test dated back ten days before (after 4 ungary’s Timea Babos negatives) and in recent days his slammed the “injus- results were negative,” Babos tice” of her exclusion said. “The others close to him from the US Open yes- have never tested positive. Kiki terday,H a day after she and doubles (Mladenovic) has had 11 — repeat partner Kristina Mladenovic were 11 — negative tests for Covid-19. kicked out of the tournament. And yet, we were locked up,” the Top seeds Babos and French 27-year-old Hungarian added. partner Mladenovic were told on Babos also contrasted her Saturday they would not be al- treatment with the fact that lowed to take part in the doubles France’s Adrian Mannarino — after New York offi cials ordered one of those who had been in Mladenovic to quarantine. contact with Paire — was allowed Mladenovic was one of sev- to play against Alex Zverev in the eral players who was in contact third round on Friday. with player Benoit Paire, who “On Friday they went out of was withdrawn on the eve of the their way to ensure that Manna- competition last Sunday after rino could play. He was allowed testing positive for coronavirus. to play and, the next day, we were In a post on Instagram, Babos, not. It is simply an injustice! In- who had no contact with Paire comprehensible! It’s not fair.” and was not required to undergo Babos said she had been in two quarantine, said she had been minds about whether to compete left distraught by her and Mlad- in this year’s US Open, which enovic’s exclusion. several players have skipped cit- “I’m at home. I’m sitting in ing concerns over Covid-19. my kitchen and crying,” Babos “I was asking myself a lot of wrote. “I’m just starting to re- questions,” she said. “But I’m an alise what happened and I don’t athlete, I want to compete. They understand. It’s terribly unfair. I deprived us of a chance to lift a don’t see any reasonable reason Grand Slam trophy, not to men- Victoria Azarenka of Belarus serves the ball against Iga Swiatek (not pictured) of Poland on day six of the 2020 US Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National why it turned out like this.” tion the material side and the Tennis Center in the Queens borough of New York City on Saturday. (USA TODAY Sports) Babos pointed out that Mlade- psychological damage! novic had taken multiple tests for “But why? I don’t know, I Karolina Muchova, the 20th seed. Azarenka’s last Grand Slam Azarenka acknowledged that Covid-19 in the past week and all don’t understand.” AFP I’ve been really happy New York, United States Azarenka will head into the singles title came at the 2013 while the tournament repre- meeting brimming with con- that I’ve been able to Australian Open, when she re- sented a “great opportunity” to play so many matches fi dence after a run of victories tained the crown she had won a fi nally win the US Open, she was FOCUS ormer world number which includes claiming last ‘ because that’s where I year earlier. not going to get ahead of herself. one Victoria Azarenka week’s Western and Southern feel like I can progress the Her last appearance in a Grand “I think it’s a great oppor- believes she has a gold- Open tune-up event in New York. most. Slam fi nal came at the 2013 US tunity to play and to win,” she en opportunity to end Azarenka believes the mo- — Victoria Azarenka Open, when she was beaten in said. “Everybody has the same herF seven-year wait for a third mentum generated at the lead- three sets by Serena Williams. opportunities. For me, I always Auger-Aliassime Grand Slam title at the US Open. in event has helped launch her from one match to another. I’ve She also suff ered an agonising take it one match at a time. It’s a The unseeded 31-year-old run at Flushing Meadows. been really happy that I’ve been loss to Williams in the 2012 fi nal long road. I know I’ve been down from Belarus booked her place “I feel like a quick turnaround able to play so many matches at Flushing Meadows, when she this road. I think that also kind pleased to see in the last 16 on Saturday after of this tournament being in one because that’s where I feel like I served for the match at 5-3 in the of helps me to stay in the mo- comfortably defeating Poland’s place, it’s a pretty good advan- can progress the most. third set only to lose 7-5. ment and enjoy the moment. It’s Iga Swiatek in straight sets. tage I would say for me,” Aza- “I practised a lot. I worked The depleted fi eld at this a great opportunity. But I want increased diversity Azarenka’s 6-4, 6-2 victory renka said. a lot on my game. But really to year’s US Open however makes to keep my head straight on one sets up a fourth round match “I’m playing a lot of matches, bring it up, I needed to play a lot Azarenka a dangerous fl oater for objective at a time. I think that’s against the Czech Republic’s kind of getting better and better of matches.” any player left in the draw. the best way to execute it.”

OFF BEAT No ticket? No problem. Berrettini’s biggest fan packs a microphone

Reuters New York, United States

ban on spectators due Reuters want to send out a good message. to the Covid-19 pan- New York, United States You hope that you’re leading by demic did little to deter example, that kids, in you, they Matteo Berrettini’s see belief, that you can reach that biggestA fan on Saturday, who anada’s Felix Auger- whatever city, country, neigh- stood outside the fence to shout Aliassime is happy to bourhood you come from.” encouragement during the sixth see players from dif- Auger-Aliassime said he was seed’s third-round victory on ferent ethnicities and lucky to grow up in a “melting Saturday. Cbackgrounds reach the latter pot” of cultures in Quebec and Giovanni Bartocci, whose stages of big tournaments but one of the benefi ts of the global Manhattan restaurant Via Delle says offi cials can do even more tennis tours was that they could Pace Berrettini famously fre- to encourage diversity in profes- reach into every continent. quented during the tournament sional tennis. Players were generally wel- last year, stood outside Billie Auger-Aliassime, whose fa- comed everywhere they trav- Jean King National Tennis Cent- ther was from Togo in West Af- elled, he said. er on Saturday shouting en- rica, advanced to a Grand Slam “I just love to see people from couragement — and eventually fourth round for the fi rst time everywhere,” he said. “It’s just a employing a microphone and on Saturday with a 6-1, 6-0, 6-4 great message to send, to be open loudspeaker — as the Italian dis- victory over France’s Corentin to diversity.” mantled opponent Casper Ruud Moutet at the US Open. American Frances Tiafoe, who in straight sets on Court 17. While the victory achieved a advanced to the fourth round The spectacle attracted the personal milestone, Auger-Ali- with a 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 victory over attention of curious onlookers — assime said he also felt a respon- Marton Fucsovics, echoed Au- but if the impassioned chef felt sibility to be a role model for the ger-Aliassime’s sentiments and self-conscious about the atten- small but growing numbers of said he wanted to serve as a men- tion, he certainly didn’t show it. semifi nals, was also spotted “He got a little bit bad luck He next plays Russia’s An- But why not? Would be great. players of colour in the game. tor for the younger Black players “I think nobody didn’t hear along the fence shouting cheers twice for the, I mean, for the fi re drey Rublev in the fourth round. Would be nice to hear him,” he “Seeing players from diff er- coming through the ranks. him,” Berrettini told reporters on Thursday when the 24-year- and for the virus,” said the world Whether he’ll again feature on said. ent ethnicities, diff erent back- “I’m not going to let these guys with a smile. “(He) was really old beat second-round foe Ugo number eight, who this year has Court 17 — within earshot of “I played on Armstrong the grounds reaching later stages of fail,” said Tiafoe, who was born loud today. I think louder than Humbert. turned to Uber Eats for suste- Bartocci — remains to be seen. fi rst round,” Berrettini said, tournaments like these, I think to immigrant parents from Sierra the other days.” Berrettini said he may soon be nance inside the quarantined “I don’t know if the tourna- referring to the indoor Louis it’s a really good example for Leone. “Whether it’s tennis or Bartocci, who appeared in returning the favor, after Bar- player bubble. “I’m really look- ment is going to agree with that. Armstrong Stadium, “and he people watching us,” Auger-Ali- whatever, I just want to see peo- Berrettini’s box last year when tocci’s restaurant fell victim to a ing forward to try to help him Fourth round there (on Court couldn’t be there, but he’s with assime told reporters. ple of colour in my communities he made it to the tournament’s fi re earlier this year. maybe a little bit.” 17). I don’t know. I don’t know. me all the time.” “I was thinking today that you win.”

Monday, September 7, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

TENNIS Serena advances as fresh controversy hits US Open ‘She was just playing so clean and I just said, ‘I don’t want to lose in straight sets’’ America’s Brady reaches fi rst Grand Slam quarter-fi nal

Agencies New York, United States

merican Jennifer Brady reached a Grand Slam Aquarter-final for the first time yesterday, dismantling former world number one An- gelique Kerber in straight sets at the US Open. The 25-year-old needed just 1hr 29min to sweep aside the three-time Grand Slam-winning down 18 aces en route to German 6-1, 6-4 to move into demolishing Alejandro Davi- the last eight at Flushing dovich Fokina 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 in Meadows. the fourth round yesterday. It was the first time Brady had After an early break for the 2-1 made the fourth round at the lead, the 23-year-old German Billie Jean King National Tennis never let his Spanish opponent Center in New York since 2017. get a foothold in the match. She had failed to get past He produced 39 winners and the first round in her last two dropped just one service game outings. during a ruthless performance. Her previous joint-best appear- Davidovich Fokina grabbed a ance at a Grand Slam came 2-0 lead in the second set but when she reached the last 16 of the advantage was shortlived the Australian Open in 2017. as Zverev broke back before Brady, seeded 28th, broke racing away with the set. He serve four times and smashed sealed it with an ace. 25 winners against the 17th- The Spaniard barely had a seeded Kerber, the 2016 US chance to make an impact Open champion. on the world number seven’s serve, the fastest clocking at EIGHTH SEED MARTIC 139mph, just shy of his per- TUMBLES OUT sonal record of 142mph. Brady will face Kazakhstan’s Davidovich Fokina, who took a Yulia Putintseva in the next medical time out to treat a foot Serena Williams of the United States celebrates her win over Sloane Stephens (not round. problem, tried to rattle Zverev pictured) of the United States at the US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Dominic Thiem of Austria serves during his men’s singles third round match against Marin Eighth seed Petra Martic was by attempting some drop shots Center in the Queens borough of New York City on Saturday. (USA TODAY Sports) Cilic (not pictured) at the US Open on Saturday. (AFP) bundled out of the tournament but the fleet-footed fifth seed in three sets by the Kazakh in moved nimbly around the AFP the last 16. court. New York, United States Results Putintseva, seeded 23rd, “I’m in the quarter-finals and moved into the last eight with that can only be a good thing,” a 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 victory in 2hr 37 said Zverev, who reached the erena Williams battled MEN’S SINGLES (ROUND 3) Vasek Pospisil (CAN) bt 3-6, 6-3 26-Sloane Stephens (USA) 2-6, min on Arthur Ashe. Australian Open semi-finals into the US Open last 16 6-Matteo Berrettini (ITA) 8-Roberto Bautista (ESP) 7-5, 2-6, WOMEN’S SINGLES (ROUND 3) 6-2, 6-2 earlier this year. Saturday as the tourna- bt 30-Casper Ruud (NOR) 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 Alize Cornet (FRA) bt Victoria Azarenka (BLR) bt ZVEREV TAKES EASY WIN “I’ve been waiting for this mo- ment endured fresh con- 6-4, 6-2 21-Alex De Minaur (AUS) bt 7-Madison Keys (USA) 7-6 (4), 3-2 Iga Swiatek (POL) 6-4, 6-2 Alexander Zverev slammed ment for six months.” troversyS after New York health 10-Andrey Rublev (RUS) bt 11-Karen Khachanov (RUS) 6-4, retired 20-Karolina Muchova (CZE) offi cials ordered the women’s top Salvatore Caruso (ITA) 6-0, 6-4, 0-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) bt bt Sorana Cirstea (ROU) 6-3, 2-6, doubles pairing be withdrawn 6-0 15-Felix Auger-Aliassime 18-Donna Vekic (CRO) 6-4, 6-1 7-6 (7) were two of 11, mostly French Second seed Dominic Thiem over coronavirus restrictions. Frances Tiafoe (USA) bt Mar- (CAN) bt Corentin Moutet (FRA) 15-Maria Sakkari (GRE) bt 16-Elise Mertens (BEL) bt players, put under enhanced also progressed to round four, Williams, chasing a record- ton Fucsovics (HUN) 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 6-1, 6-0, 6-4 22-Amanda Anisimova (USA) Caty McNally (USA) 7-5, 6-1 safety protocols on Monday after overcoming 2014 champion equalling 24th Grand Slam title, 3-Daniil Medvedev (RUS) bt 2-Dominic Thiem (AUT) bt 6-3, 6-1 2-Sofia Kenin (USA) bt 27- Paire was withdrawn from the US Marin Cilic 6-2, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3. came from a set down to oust Jeff rey Wolf (USA) 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 31-Marin Cilic (CRO) 6-2, 6-2, 3-Serena Williams (USA) bt Ons Jabeur (TUN) 7-6 (4), 6-3 Open the previous day following And Canada’s 94th-ranked 2017 champion Sloane Stephens his positive test. Vasek Pospisil shocked eighth- 2-6, 6-2, 6-2, in what she called Paire, who later tested nega- seeded Spaniard Roberto Bautis- an “intense” encounter on to check out the competition. seeds Kristina Mladenovic and scribed the move as “very brutal”. last-32 match. tive, exited the tournament in a ta Agut and Australia’s 21st seed Arthur Ashe Stadium. “It’s cool us players can watch Timea Babos were yanked from “It’s defi nitely weird because The health department con- huff , accusing authorities of op- Alex de Minaur upset 11th-seed- “In that fi rst set I don’t think each other. It’s interesting, I like the women’s doubles competition she could play her fi rst round of tacted the USTA to say Manna- erating a “fake bubble.” ed Russian Karen Khachanov. she made any errors, honestly. it,” said Williams, who will play after Mladenovic was instructed singles and fi rst round of dou- rino should be quarantining in The players who were in con- In the women’s draw, unranked She was just playing so clean and 15th seed Maria Sakkari for a to quarantine for coming in con- bles, and now suddenly she’s his hotel room. tact with him have been told they Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova, I just said, ‘I don’t want to lose in place in the quarter-fi nals. tact with French compatriot Be- kicked out,” Cornet added, after The match got underway three won’t be allowed to fl y out of playing her fi rst tournament in straight sets,’” said Williams. The Greek player, who stunned noit Paire, who tested positive for progressing to the last 16 when hours after its scheduled start New York until next week. three years, knocked out 18th With spectators barred from Williams at the Western & Covid-19 last weekend. Madison Keys retired injured. time, after authorities ruled it Back on the court Satur- seed Donna Vekic. this year’s Flushing Meadows Southern Open last month, pro- A spokesman for New York The shock intervention came could go ahead following discus- day, Russian third seed Daniil Second seed Sofi a Kenin de- event due to the pandemic, sec- gressed with a 6-3, 6-1 disman- state’s health department said a day after government offi cials sions with tennis offi cials that Medvedev, Italy’s sixth seed Mat- feated Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur 7-6 ond and fourth seeds Sofi a Kenin tling of America’s 22nd seed the decision was “in the best in- tried to prevent Adrian Manna- also included lobbying by world teo Berrettini and Andrey Rublev, (4), 6-3 to set up a match against and Naomi Osaka took advantage Amanda Anisimova. terest” of health and safety. rino, who had also been in con- number one Novak Djokovic. all entered the last 16 with easy Belgium’s Elise Mertens for a of suites they have been assigned Off the court, number one But France’s Alize Cornet de- tact with Paire, from playing his Mannarino and Mladenovic three-set wins. quarter-fi nal place.

HANDBALL HORSE RACING Qatar drawn in Group C of IHF Mohamed al-Attiyah’s Al Shaamikh Men’s World Championship opens scorecard at Wolverhampton Al Shaamikh stablemate, Toufan Du QNA World Championship fi nal between which includes six teams compet- Croate, who ran for the same owner’s Cairo, Egypt France and Norway is guaranteed in ing with each other in a one-round colours, set a smart pace before Wanaa- Group E, with the two sides joined league system, provided that the sa took the lead. At the end of the bend, by Austria and a qualifi er from two teams qualify for the fi rst and Wanaasa had a comfortable lead, looking he draw of the 27th IHF North America and the Caribbean second places of each group to the like the winner. Jockey Lewis Edmunds Men’s World Champion- Handball Confederation (NACHC). quarter-fi nals, the start of the play- began riding Al Shaamikh early as the ship put Qatar in Group C, Group F sees Morocco and Al- off rounds in the tournament. colt took his time to get into his stride. In along with Croatia, Japan, geria meet again after the Algeri- The Qatari handball team quali- the straight, despite being very green, he Tand Angola. ans beat their North African rivals fi ed for the 2021 IHF Men’s World took the lead with ease to win by a one and IHF Men’s World Championship and neighbours at the 2020 CAHB Championship after winning the half-length margin. Newcomers Sattam debutants Uruguay and Cape Verde Men’s African Championship in 19th Asian Men’s Championship in and Wanaasa came in second and third fi nd themselves in a tough group, Tunisia in January. They are joined Kuwait earlier this year, after win- respectively, confi rmed on a photo fi nish. Group A, with European sides Ger- by European sides Portugal, who ning the fi nal match against the Jessica Quinlan said: “I’m delighted, many and Hungary, both of whom return to World Championship for South Korean team by 33/21, to win hopefully that won’t be my only win- fi nished inside the top 10 at the the fi rst time since 2003, and 2008 the continental title for the fourth ner! Al Shaamikh is a game little horse. 2020 Men’s EHF EURO. Olympic Games bronze medallists consecutive edition, after winning The race didn’t quite go his way to start Group B saw the very fi rst team Iceland. the past three editions in 2014, 2016 with. He didn’t jump off quite as quickly drawn this evening, Wild Card side Sweden are in Group G, along and 2018. as we’d hoped and because he was drawn Poland, who won bronze at the 2015 with the hosts Egypt, Czech Repub- Qatar will start their preparations on the inside, he had quite a lot of cover. IHF Men’s World Championship, lic returning to the World Champi- for the world championship in No- As soon as Lewis got a bit of room, he gal- face Spain, who they beat in that onship for the fi rst time since 2005 vember with the Qatar Men’s Inter- loped on through it and has won well. I match, alongside Tunisia and Bra- and the South and Central America national Championship scheduled wanted to see how both horses ran before zil. Poland will co-host the 2023 qualifi er winner, set to be known in from Dec. 25 to 29, with the par- making any fi rm plans as to what races IHF Men’s World Championship November. ticipation of European Champion would come next. Al Shaamikh could stay with Sweden. The fi nal group, Group H, fea- Spain, South American Champion at this trip or we could go a bit further. Just one European side are in tures another Wild Card Russia who Argentina, Tunisia. The Qatari team Lewis Edmunds rides Al Shaamikh to victory in the Wathba Stallions Cup Maiden Stakes Toufan Du Croate got away more quickly Group C continental silver medal- lost that fi nal in 1999 go up against will also start an external camp in at Wolverhampton in the United Kingdom on Saturday. (Debbie Burt) than we expected, but we thought this lists Croatia, where they will face 2017 IHF Men’s World Champion- Spain from Jan. 6 to 9, 2021. distance would probably be too sharp for 2020 Olympic Games hosts Japan, ship bronze medallists Slovenia, The Qatari team participated Agencies hamed bin Fahad al-Attiyah at Wolver- him. He ran well but was outpaced in the Angola, and Asian champions Qatar. Asian runners-up the Republic of seven times before in the World Wolverhampton, United Kingdom hampton. This unraced three-year-old fi nal furlong. It’s great to have my fi rst Another debutant, DR Congo, Korea, and 10th-placed fi nisher at Championship in Portugal 2003, colt was also the fi rst runner ever for new runners and I’m pleased for the owner goes up against Bahrain, who re- the EURO 2020, Belarus. Tunisia 2005, Germany 2007, Spain UK-based trainer Jessica Quinlan. The who has been very patient, waiting for the cently announced the German The fi rst three places of each 2013, Qatar 2015, France 2017, Ger- atari-bred Al Shaamikh landed seven-furlong contest was the fi rst do- season to start.” Michael Roth as their new coach, group will qualify for the second many and Denmark 2019, and get- his fi rst victory in the Wathba mestic Purebred Arabian race of the UK By the great sire Amer, Al Shaamikh is current world champions Denmark, round (the main round), which ting second place in the Qatar 2015 Stallions Cup Maiden Stakes season, which opened the nine-race card out of the Djendel mare Afraah, who was and Argentina in Group D. includes 24 teams that will be di- edition was the best result in the for his owner and breeder Mo- at Wolverhampton on Saturday. also bred in Qatar. A rematch of the 2017 IHF Men’s vided into four groups, each of history of its participation. Q