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SPOTLIGHT Tuesday, November 17, 2020 Rabia II 2, 1442 AH Steve Waugh captures ‘spirit GULF TIMES of India’ through camera lens SPORT Page 4 SPOTLIGHT Strict health protocols for Champions League games

‘LIFE MUST GO ON BUT UNDER STRICT PRECAUTIONS AND UNDER CERTAIN RULES AND REGULATIONS’

By Sports Reporter Doha

ollowing the successful organi- sation of the Covid-19-delayed West Zone group and knockout Fmatches of 2020 AFC Cham- pions League, Qatar is all set to step in yet again successfully as a centralised venue for the East Zone phase of Asia’s elite continental competition, asserted Qatar Football Association’s Khalid al- Kuwari, who is also the Marketing and Communications Director of the Local Organizing Committee of the 2020 AFC Champions League East Zone. “It gives utmost satisfaction to the LOC to align with the AFC and bring to Qatar the distinguished East Zone phase of the AFC Champions League Dr Abdul Wahab al-Musleh, Adviser to after successfully hosting the West Zone Minister of Public Health of Qatar on phase,” al-Kuwari said while addressing Sports Aff airs, sheds light on the Covid the media yesterday, ahead of tomor- safety policies and protocols that will be row’s kickoff . in place during the competition. The tournament will witness 15 teams battling it out across 40 matches to de- Events Division, concurred with Dr Al cide the fi nalist against Iran’s Perspolis Musleh regarding the health and safety who had won the West Zone competi- protocols, policies and implementa- tion held between 14 September and 3 tion. October. “We are happy to be back in Qatar “Life must go on but under strict following the successful organisation precautions and under certain rules and of the West Zone group and knock- regulations. The 2020 East Zone AFC out matches,” he said. “The East Zone Champions League LOC and the AFC matches will witness more or less the are co-operating in a dynamic manner same safety procedures and we are quite and are ably supported by the Govern- comfortable with it. There are some ment of Qatar in matters such as Covid changes, which are improvements after safety and testing protocols. It gives us applying the learnings from the West an opportunity to test the eff ectiveness Zone tournament. of the facilities that will be in use dur- “Participating clubs from all nations ing the tournament – fi ve bubble hotels, have been co-operating very well and four stadiums including the three fully they are all convinced that Qatar is a completed ones that will be used in the safe host nation capable of a high level 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar,” said al- of hosting standard. We have put in Kuwari. place a mechanism of working with the “The afternoon kick-off timings once Members of the Shanghai SIPG squad pictured yesterday on their arrival in Doha for the AFC Champions League’s East Zone matches. QFA and the LOC to attend to matters at again will enable us to demonstrate the the highest possible levels in all neces- effi ciency of our pioneering stadium tar as the centralised venue for the East applied here with some fi ne tunings. improvements which the East Zone at all times. “We are expecting one to sary scenarios.” cooling system which had earned a lot Zone AFC Champions League after we “We have already conducted swab tournament will witness. “During the three percent of tests conducted during The East Zone phase of the 2020 AFC of praise during the West Zone tourna- delivered a successful West Zone com- tests at the airport on the teams who West Zone tournament, we learned the tournament to give positive results. Champions League will conclude with ment, he added. petition,” said Dr al-Musleh, who is have arrived in Doha and will be doing so things as we went by. There was a breach This is in line with the general trend in the Zonal fi nal on 13 December which “Overall, I am confi dent that Qatar overseeing the health and safety aspects for all arrivals. All teams will make their of the bio-bubble by a particular team the country. will be followed by the AFC Champions will once again demonstrate its high of the East Zone competition after es- way to their designated hotel bubble. and we then had to frame a policy for “In the case of a positive test for a League Final on 19 December at the Al standards of hosting excellence on mul- saying a similar role during the West “They will be tested every three or the violation of the bio-bubble terms player or offi cial, the Isolation hotel Janoub Stadium, a venue for the 2022 tiple fronts especially the tournament Zone one as well. six days, whichever the case may be de- and conditions. facility will be provided by the govern- FIFA WC Qatar. infrastructure and the health and safety “We have a strict Covid best practices pending on whether there are positive “In the East Zone competition, we ment free of charge. Players who have Three other stadiums – Khalifa Inter- of players and offi cials.” protocol and tested it at various events cases or not. Enforcing social distancing have been able to introduce all these been in close contact will also be iso- national Stadium, Education City Sta- Dr Abdul Wahab al-Musleh, Adviser including the West Zone matches of guidelines, wearing of masks at all times policies right from the start of the com- lated in the same bubble hotel and they dium and Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in to Minister of Public Health of Qatar on the AFC Champions League,” said Dr and conducting temperature checks are petition.” can continue training and participating Al Sadd Sports Club – will also host the Sports Aff airs, shed light on the Covid al-Musleh. “We are implementing the the precautionary best practices that The eminent medical adviser added in the tournament as long as they don’t competition with Khalifa International safety policies and protocols that will be same bubble-to-bubble method for the will be seen in the East Zone matches as pragmatically that the nature of Cov- test positive.” Stadium and Education City Stadium in place during the competition. East Zone matches as well and the learn- well.” id-19 across the world is such that one Avazdek Berdikulov, AFC Deputy also being venues for the 2022 FIFA “I thank the AFC for choosing Qa- ings from the West Zone matches will be Dr al-Musleh shed light on the policy has to be prepared for positive cases Director of Competitions and Football World Cup Qatar.

FRIENDLY Ooredoo Marathon postponed

Ooredoo has announced the thon is one of the most popular South Korea to play Qatar despite new virus case Ooredoo Doha Marathon 2021 events on the sporting calendar has been postponed ‘in the in Doha, and it’s an incredible AFP “The KFA has decided to proceed with interests of health and safety for event every year. It’s an honour Vienna the match, after having a discussion with all participants.” for us to support it as part of the Qatar Football Association in accord- The much-anticipated annual our commitment to promoting ance with FIFA and UEFA rules that a event, which draws thousands a healthy, active lifestyle for all, on Heung-min’s South Korea said match can be played as long as a team has of international and local run- which is a key feature of our they were all set to play Qatar to- 13 Covid-free players, including at least ners and spectators each year, corporate social responsibility day in Austria despite fi nding a one goalkeeper.” was scheduled to take place in strategy. new coronavirus case among their Kwon Chang-hoon, Lee Dong-jun, January 2021. “While some sporting events are contingent,S bringing the total to eight. Hwang In-beom, Na Sang-ho, Kim While restrictions have eased now going ahead, it was decided Tottenham Hotspur striker Son and the Moon-hwan and goalkeeper Jo Hyeon- since full lockdown earlier in the that in order to ensure every- rest of the squad had already been con- woo are the players who have tested posi- year, organisers took the view one’s health and safety – but still fi ned to their Vienna hotel rooms, when tive, the KFA earlier confi rmed to AFP. that postponing until a later put on an event of the calibre for not training, after six players and a staff Despite the positive cases, South Korea date would allow the best – and which the Marathon is known member tested positive. played Mexico on Saturday, losing 3-2, safest – possible event for all – it’s in everyone’s interests to But a new round of test results, released with Son — the most prolifi c Asian player involved. postpone until a later date. We yesterday, found no additional players and in Premier League history — laying on the A new date will be shared with look forward to sharing this new only one more staff er was positive, mean- opening goal for Hwang Ui-jo. all parties as soon as it has date with everyone as soon as ing South Korea have more than the mini- Qatar captain Hassan al-Haydos shoots during a training session in Vienna Several international footballers have been decided. Sabah Rabiah al- we can, and wish everyone the mum requirement of 13 players available. yesterday. tested positive in the last week, including Kuwari, Director PR at Ooredoo, best of luck with their training in “Accordingly, six out of 25 national Liverpool star Mohamed Salah and Re- said: “The Ooredoo Doha Mara- the meantime!” team players have tested positive for Cov- id-19, while 19 are available to play,” a Ko- rea Football Association statement said. public of Ireland midfi elder Alan Browne. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, November 17, 2020 FOOTBALL

OOREDOO CUP Late Gharafa strikes knock out holders Sadd; Rayyan win

By Sports Reporter Al Gharafa grabbed the lead when Doha Hanni, after a long cross from the cen- treline, ran for a few metres before calmly slotting the ball between the goalkeeper’s wo late goals powered Al Gharafa legs. Three minutes into the second half, to a 4-2 win over Al Sadd in the Gharafa jumped to a 2-0 lead. Yousef third quarter-fi nal of the Oore- Muftah chipped in with a cross from the doo Cup at the Qatar SC Stadium right fl ank and Koo easily tapped the ball TYesterday. Al Rayyan also joined Gharafa into the net. in the semis after they beat Al Khor 1-0. Before long, Tabata headed home a Sofi ane Hanni (27th and 83rd minute- long cross from Saoud Ibrahim as Sadd penalty), Koo Ja-Cheol (48th minute) fi nally managed to get a goal. Sadd equal- and Othman Al Yahri (86th minute) were ised through Cazorla who scored off a the goal heroes of Gharafa. Rodrigo Taba- penalty. Muftah brought down Tabata ta (52nd minute) and Santiago Cazorla inside the box and the referee pointed to (73rd-minute penalty) helped reign- the spot kick. ing champions Sadd recover from a 0-2 Gharafa again surged ahead when Han- defi cit, but late strikes from Hanni and ni scored off a penalty. Hossam Kamal al-Yahri helped Gharafa to a command- brought down Othman in the Sadd box ing win. In the seventh minute, Gharafa’s and the referee pointed to the spot kick Hanni received a neat low cross from that was easily converted by Hanni. Oth- skipper Abdulghani Muneer just a few man then drilled one from close range for metres away from the Sadd box. Despite Gharafa’s fourth goal. Gharafa entered being chased by two defenders, Hanni the knockout quarter-fi nal as the top side hoodwinked goalkeeper Jehad Mohamed from Group B with 13 points. They had with a neat left-footed tap that narrowly the most number of victories (four) in the missed the far goalpost with nobody on tournament’s group phase. the goal-line. Later, Abdul Rahman al-Harazi’s 42nd Two minutes later, Muneer produced a minute ensured Rayyan sealed a placed in header on a long cross from the fl ank, but the semis. Al Khor had a couple of decent his shot was pouched by the goalkeeper. chances, one early in the 20th minute but In the 19th minute, Talal Abdulla of Sadd Leo Jamalho’s shot was blocked by Rayy- was shown the red card for a front-on an defender Dami Traore. tackle on Abdollah Ali. Referee Moat- Three minutes before the end of the asem al-Mazyed reviewed the foul on fi rst half, al-Harazi gave Rayyan the lead VAR and then decided to send Abdulla off after the midfi elder picked up a fi ne pass the fi eld as Al Sadd players remonstrated from Ibrahim Masoud and slotted into on the decision. the net. Al Gharafa’s Sofiane Hanni (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Al Sadd in the quarter-finals of the Ooredoo Cup at the Qatar SC Stadium.

WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS SPOTLIGHT Neuer set to make Neymar absent again history as Germany’s as Uruguay test record goalkeeper Brazil’s perfect start 'We have had three victories. In the first two we created lots of chances'

AFP Montevideo

razil will put their perfect start to the South American 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign on the line tomorrow when they travelB to Uruguay without Neymar and with worries over their form. Tite’s side laboured to a 1-0 win over a limited Ven- ezuela on Friday thanks to a second-half strike from Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino Manuel Neuer equalled Sepp Maier’s record of 95 appearances for to make it three wins from three on the a Germany goalkeeper, set in 1979, in Saturday night’s 3-1 win over long road to the fi nals in Qatar. Ukraine in Leipzig. (Reuters) However, having faced the three bot- tom teams so far, their place atop the AFP as an extra defender. single 10-team CONMEBOL qualifying Berlin Such confi dence is backed by group will come under threat when they a skillset which promoted Pep play in Montevideo against a Uruguay Guardiola when he was Bayern team that purred in a 3-0 thumping of ayern Munich’s Manuel coach to consider using him as Colombia on Friday. Neuer can make history an outfi eld player. “I remember Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez both yesterday by clocking when Pep Guardiola seriously struck in a strong display that saw Atleti- up a record 96th ap- considered the idea of putting co Madrid striker Suarez score from the pearanceB in goal for Germany in him in midfi eld for a match. I penalty spot for the third time in two a Nations League game against could only dissuade Pep with matches with his country. Brazil will need Spain. Neuer equalled Sepp great diffi culty,” Bayern chair- to up their game as they face another Maier’s record of 95 appearances man Karl-Heinz Rummenigge match without Paris Saint-Germain for- for a Germany goalkeeper, set in revealed in February. ward Neymar, who suff ered a thigh injury 1979, in Saturday’s 3-1 win over In his youth, Neuer once last month and is still not fi t. Ukraine in Leipzig. sprinted out of his box to score “We have had three victories. In the He can claim the record out- with a spectacular bicycle kick in fi rst two we created lots of chances and Brazil laboured to a 1-0 win over Venezuela on Friday thanks to a second-half strike from Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino (right) to right when Germany play Spain a junior match for his then club scored lots of goals, played well and make it three wins from three on the long road to qualification for Qatar 2022. (Reuters) today to decide their Nations Schalke. “As an outfi eld player, got good results,” Tite said in a virtual League group. “It’s about time. he could easily have played in the press conference yesterday. “We might centre forward and Gabriel Jesus on the pounce in their later match at lowly Peru, the penalty spot. It’s 41 years since I set the record third division,” insists Germa- not have played well in the third game right. However it was largely pedestrian who have just a point from their opening The Argentines will be without Exe- and I congratulate him,” Maier, ny’s goalkeeping coach Andreas (against Venezuela) but it was a consist- from the Brazilians against a Venezuela three outings. quiel Palacios after the Bayer Leverkusen 76, said last week. Koepke. “He anticipates well, ent performance and we got the win. side yet to pick up a point in the group and However, they too failed to impress in midfi elder fractured a bone in his spine in At the age of 34, Neuer has his refl exes are remarkable and Maybe these teams won’t be in the run- looking likely to continue their run of be- their most recent match, a 1-1 draw with an aerial challenge, with his club saying given no hint of retirement. he has this unbelievably assured ning to qualify but they will soon climb ing the only South American team never fi fth-placed Paraguay in Buenos Aires he will out for three months. Maier is tipping him to rack up a aura. All together, you can say he the table.” to qualify for a World Cup. that came despite the presence of Lionel In the other matches Ecuador face Co- century of appearances for Ger- has raised the role of goalkeeper He added: “This is traditionally a big Today’s opponents are only three Messi. Messi has had a tricky start to lombia in Quito, while Venezuela host many with seven months to go to a higher level.” game. Uruguay on their own turf are a points off the lead in fourth place. The top the domestic season under new Barce- Chile in Caracas and Paraguay will be before their opening match of Neuer has lifted every trophy diff erent proposition and will make more four qualify automatically for the fi nals in lona coach Ronald Koeman and his luck hoping to move into the top four when the postponed Euro champion- available to him. Since joining demands of us defensively than Venezue- Qatar, which start in almost exactly two didn’t change at La Bombonera, with they take on rock-bottom Bolivia in ships against world champions Bayern from hometown club la did, but at the same time we will have years. Fifth place will get another chance the 33-year-old having what might have Asuncion. France in Munich. Maier asked Schalke in 2011, Gelsenkirchen- more space in which to create going for- to qualify in intercontinental play-off s. been a winning goal disallowed in the why Neuer should hang up his born Neuer has won eight Bun- ward.” Tite admitted Everton midfi elder Al- 58th minute. FIXTURES (All kick-off s GMT): Ecuador gloves: “There is nothing wrong desliga titles. He shut out the Tite struggled to fi nd the right formula lan is an injury doubt and revealed that A frustrated Messi then also had a free- v Colombia, Venezuela v Chile (both with him.” normally lethal partnership of to break down Venezuela in Sao Paulo, Arthur, of Juventus, could replace him. kick tipped onto the crossbar, leaving him 2100), Paraguay v Bolivia, Uruguay v The Bayern stopper proved he Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Hi- with Firmino withdrawing to a deeper Should Brazil lose, Argentina — two with one goal in this qualifying campaign Brazil (2300), Peru v Argentina (0030 remains at his best by hoisting guain as Germany beat Argentina role on the left, Richarlison starting as points back in second place — are ready to which, like most this season, came from Wednesday) the Champions League trophy to win the 2014 World Cup fi nal for the second time last August in Brazil. in Lisbon, having also won the It was a crowning moment for BOTTOMLINE 2013 fi nal in London with the Neuer, who was voted the world’s Bavarian giants. Neuer made best goalkeeper four straight his international debut in 2009, times between 2013-2016. This became Germany’s fi rst-choice year, he was voted Europe’s best Mahrez scores as Algeria qualify for Africa Cup of Nations ‘keeper the following year and keeper for the fi fth time. has kept 41 clean sheets in his 95 He has captained Germany AFP matically as hosts and Senegal secured a but the bold move backfi red when Prince be decided in the fi nal round next March appearances. since 2016 and even with Barce- Johannesburg spot on Sunday by winning in Guinea-Bis- Dube equalised eight minutes from time. when Zimbabwe host Zambia. Over the last decade, he has lona star Marc-Andre ter Stegen sau thanks to a Sadio Mane goal. Drawing ended the perfect three-win Uganda lost 1-0 away to South Sudan reinterpreted the position like in good form, Neuer has made Andy Delort and captain Mahrez gave record Algeria took into a match played and Burkina Faso drew 0-0 in Malawi Russia’s Lev Yashin did in the the national Number One shirt anchester City winger Riyad the Desert Foxes a two-goal advantage in behind closed doors because of the coro- to miss out on chances to qualify from 1960s or France’s 1998 World his own. And it was telling that Mahrez scored as title-holders Harare that was halved just before half- navirus, but it guaranteed them a top- Group A. A couple of late goals from Percy Cup winner Fabien Barthez when head coach Joachim Loew Algeria drew 2-2 in Zimbabwe time when Knowledge Musona netted. two fi nish in a section including Zambia Tau and Themba Zwane earned South Af- achieved in his era — Maier is as decided last year to retire most yesterday and became the third Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi took off and Botswana. rica a 4-2 win over Sao Tome e Principe known for his dominant pres- of his 2014 World Cup-winning Mcountry to book a place at the 2021 Africa Delort and Mahrez as he made fi ve sec- Who joins the defending champions in in Group C and eSwatini and Congo Braz- ence in goal as much as his ability veterans, only Toni Kroos and Cup of Nations. Cameroon qualify auto- ond-half substitutions within 12 minutes, Cameroon from Group H will probably zaville drew 0-0 in Group I. to leave the penalty area and act Neuer were retained. Gulf Times Tuesday, November 17, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT NATIONS LEAGUE Grealish earns rave Belgium end England reviews despite England’s slump AFP with the way he played,” said London Southgate. “Today was a great Nations League hopes game to see him at that level and I couldn’t speak highly enough of ack Grealish’s promising his performance.” performance for England Former Tottenham Hotspur was a rare bright spot as defender Graham Roberts said Gareth Southgate’s side’s Grealish’s performance remind- slumpedJ to a 2-0 defeat by Bel- ed him of his former teammate as Italy eye fi nals gium in Sunday’s Nations League Paul Gascoigne. Another former clash which ended their chances Spurs star, Gary Lineker, tweeted of progressing to the knockout “I love watching Jack Grealish, stage. The 25-year-old midfi eld- such a delightful footballer.” Second consecutive loss leaves England in third place, five points behind Belgium er’s display showed a wider au- Grealish’s performance at- dience why his Aston Villa boss tracted praise too from abroad AFP Dean Smith said he would build a with Monaco’s former Arsenal Paris side round him after he signed a star Cesc Fabregas purring in a new contract prior to this season. tweet: “Great personality Jack The praise for Grealish was Grealish (with an applause icon).” elgium ended England’s hopes a useful distraction as England The British media contrasted of reaching the Nations League suff ered back-to-back com- the positives of Grealish’s display fi nals with a 2-0 win on Sunday petitive defeats for the fi rst time with the overall performance of night while Italy edged closer since September 2018, posing an England side lacking in spark, toB next year’s title shake-up. Belgium further question marks over with forward Harry Kane getting were just fi ve minutes from joining world Southgate’s change of formation. few scoring chances. champions France at next October’s fi - The coach’s switch from a “On a sobering night for Eng- nals when Iceland pulled level at 1-1 with 4-3-3 formation that saw the land, on an evening when they group rivals Denmark in Copenhagen. Three Lions score 37 goals in were reminded of the importance However, a stoppage time penalty by eight games in qualifying for of being clinical, and basically Christian Eriksen gave the Danes a 2-1 win Euro 2020, to a 5-2-3 has reaped given a lesson in control by Bel- and kept alive their chances of pipping just three goals in fi ve Nations gium, there was only one uplift- Belgium to top spot in Group A2. Youri League games. ing element, Grealish’s fearless- Tielemans and Dries Mertens scored the Southgate eulogised about ness,” opined The Times. “There goals which gave world number one Bel- Grealish after he started for the was one moment in the second gium victory over Gareth Southgate’s fi rst time in a competitive match. half, with England second best, England. “I just thought he was outstand- that Grealish evoked memories Leicester midfi elder Tielemans’s de- ing and he should be delighted of Paul Gascoigne.” fl ected eff ort went in off the post after 10 minutes. Fourteen minutes later, Declan Rice was harshly punished for a challenge on Kevin De Bruyne just outside the area and Mertens curled the resulting free- kick perfectly over the wall to give Jordan Pickford no chance. “We were always in control at 2-0, sometimes it can be dangerous, you feel comfortable but we defended Thibaut Courtois’s goal very well,” said Belgian coach Roberto Martinez. A second con- secutive defeat leaves England down in third place, fi ve points adrift of Belgium, with just one game remaining. “We don’t like losing, but enormous credit to the team, all the way through they created problems and defended re- siliently,” said Southgate. Denmark’s late winner over Iceland Belgium’s Youri Tielemans (left) scores a goal past England’s midfielder Declan Rice during the UEFA Nations League match means Belgium still need a point when at Den Dreef stadium in Louvain, Belgium, on Sunday night. (AFP) they host the Danes on Wednesday to Belgium 2 (Tielemans 10, Mertens 24) England’s forward Jack Grealish controls the ball during the UEFA secure their place in the fi nal four. In brought down Andrea Belotti. In the 77th group game but even a win won’t be good England 0 Nations League match against Belgium on Sunday. (AFP) Copenhagen, Iceland, whose Euro 2020 minute, Poland had Jacek Goralski sent enough should Italy prevail in Bosnia. In hopes were dashed by Hungary in a 2-1 off before the Italians added a second goal promotion ties, Scotland failed to follow League B: Group 1: Austria 2 (Schaub play-off defeat in midweek, suff ered from Domenico Berardi. “It’s our culture, up their heroics of reaching a fi rst major 81, Grbic 87) Northern Ireland 1 (Magen- more agony. Italians give their best during diffi cult tournament for 22 years as Steve Clarke’s nis 75); Romania v Norway - postponed; Ireland duo test positive for Eriksen gave the Danes the lead from moments and become more united,” said men were beaten 1-0 by Slovakia, their Group 2: Slovakia 1 (Gregus 32) Scotland the penalty spot after 12 minutes follow- assistant coach Alberico Evani whose 41- fi rst defeat in 10 games. 0; Czech Republic 1 (Darida 7) Israel 0 virus ahead of Bulgaria game ing a foul by Ari Freyr Skulason on Daniel man squad had been whittled down to 28, Jan Gregus’s defl ected strike on 32 Group 3: Turkey 3 (Karaman 26, Under Wass. Vidar Orn Kjartansson levelled for due to injuries, as well as positive and in- minutes decided the meeting of two 32, Tosun 52-pen) Russia 2 (Cheryshev Dublin: Ireland’s Matt Doherty Jayson Molumby in being sus- Iceland in the 85th minute but another conclusive Covid-19 tests. teams who qualifi ed for Euro 2020 this 11, Kuzyaev 57); Hungary 1 (Kalmar 39) and James McClean are set to pended for the Bulgaria match. penalty by Eriksen in the second minute Frank de Boer won his fi rst match as week. Wales winger David Brooks sealed a miss the Republic’s final Na- Kenny was already having to Serbia 1 (Radonjic 17); Group 4: Bulgaria of injury time after a handball by Hor- Netherlands coach after Georginio Wi- 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland. Af- tions League fixture at home to do without the likes of Callum dur Magnusson gave the Danes the three jnaldum scored twice in the win over ter a seventh successive clean sheet in all 1 (Iliev 68) Finland 2 (Pukki 7, Lod 45+1); Bulgaria tomorrow after testing Robinson and Alan Browne fol- points. Bosnia. Liverpool midfi elder Wijnaldum competitions, Wales — unbeaten in their Wales 1 (Brooks 67) Republic of Ireland 0 positive for the coronavirus. lowing their positive tests this Italy brushed off the absences of sev- struck his goals early in the fi rst half to last 10 games — need a point on Wednes- League C: Group 2: North Macedonia 2 The duo started Sunday’s 1-0 month. eral players and coronavirus-hit coach help new coach De Boer break his duck day against Finland to earn promotion to (Trickovski 29, Stojanovski 68) Estonia defeat by Wales in Cardiff but Meanwhile Seamus Cole- Roberto Mancini with an impressive 2-0 at the fi fth attempt following three draws League A. 1 (Sappinen 52); Georgia 1 (Qazaishvili have now been isolated from man, Enda Stevens and John victory over Poland. The Azzurri took top and a defeat, with Memphis Depay scor- 65-pen) Armenia 2 (Ghazaryan 33, Ad- the rest of the group, which Egan are all missing through spot in Group A1 from the Netherlands, ing the other for the dominant Dutch. UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE RESULTS amyan 86); Group 3: Moldova 0 Greece flew back to Dublin on Monday. injury, while James McCarthy “It had been fi ve games since we’d won, who beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-1 League A: Group 1: Netherlands 3 2 (Fortounis 32, Bakasetas 41); Slovenia Doherty and McClean’s impend- had withdrawn from the squad earlier in the day. Italy will be sure of a so it was a good feeling to win again,” said (Wijnaldum 6, 14, Depay 55) Bosnia 2 (Kurtic 63, Ilicic 90+4-pen) Kosovo 1 ing absence creates a further for family reasons. Ireland need place in next October’s fi nals with victory Wijnaldum. “If I’m playing more in a sit- problem for Republic man- to avoid defeat at Lansdowne and Herzegovina 1 (Prevljak 63); Italy (Muriqi 58); Group 4: Albania 3 (Cika- over the Bosnians in S arajevo tomorrow. ting role, I don’t get in the box that often, ager Stephen Kenny, after Jeff Road to ensure they do not 2 (Jorginho 27-pen, Berardi 84) Poland lleshi 16, Ismajli 23, Manaj 63) Kazakhstan Chelsea midfi elder Jorginho opened the but tonight I was playing as a No10 so I’m Hendrick’s red card in Cardiff finish bottom of Group B4 and 1 (Kuat 25); Belarus 2 (Yablonski 5, Ebong scoring in the 27th minute with a penalty expected to. I basically just did my job.” 0; Group 2: Denmark 2 (Eriksen 12-pen, saw him join fellow midfielder suff er relegation. awarded after Grzegorz Krychowiak had The Dutch go to Poland in their fi nal 90+2-pen) Iceland 1 (Kjartansson 85); 20) Lithuania 0

MOTORSPORT GREAT ESCAPE Track Days resume Ex-footballer Obodo escapes from Nigeria kidnappers

AFP third gunman drove in a car behind them. abducted and released. “I wasn’t harmed at Losail Circuit Warri, Nigeria “I was praying and trying to hold a in any way and nothing was taken from conversation with them asking them me,” said Obodo. what have I done, but they barked at me Kidnappings for ransom by criminal ormer Nigeria midfi elder Chris- and told me to keep quiet and that if I gangs are common in Africa’s most popu- tian Obodo, who spent over a make any sound I was going to be killed.” lous country, in particular in the oil-pro- decade in Serie A, including spells The 36-year-old who was a regular in ducing Delta region. Obodo was abducted with Fiorentina and Udinese, said the Nigeria team between 2003 and 2008, in the same area in 2012, and rescued a yesterdayF that he had escaped from sus- described how they drove around town day later in a police raid. pected kidnappers in the country’s oil- for several hours until the two men asked His kidnappers had demanded a ran- rich Delta state. him to stop the car and stepped out to go som of about $188,000 (149,000 euros). Obodo was driving around the south- and speak with their accomplice in the Obodo was 17 when he moved to Italy ern city of Warri on Sunday when he said car behind. “I looked behind and sensing in 2001 to play for Perugia. He later ap- two armed men forced themselves inside a little ease, I sped off ,” he said. peared for Fiorentina, Udinese, Torino his car. “They pushed my girlfriend out of Police spokesperson Onome Onowak- and Lecce before moving to Dynamo the car,” he said by phone, adding that a poyeya confi rmed that Obodo was briefl y Minsk in 2014.

ROUND-UP osail Circuit Sports Club to the event. For safety reason, (LCSC) organised the fi rst there was no onsite registration. Track Day of the season To participate, interested can on Saturday. This is the register through the website Argentine great Javier Mascherano retires aged 36 Lfi rst event at the circuit after all www.lcsc.qa or downloading the the public events were halted due App LCSC. The next Track Day rgentina’s most capped player won two gold medals with the Argentine The Gabon delegation were told they Twitter in a reference to previous foibles to the Covid-19 pandemic. will be on the 28th November Javier Mascherano has an- Olympics team in 2004 and 2008. were not allowed to leave the airport be- blamed on the Confederation of African The Track Day was organised 2020. nounced his retirement from cause of an administrative problem and Football. “This will not demotivate us following the health and safety “We are very happy that we football, aged 36. Mascherano, AUBAMEYANG AND GABON were forced to sleep on the fl oor before but people need to know and CAF need measures issued by the Ministry could resume again the circuit aA combative midfi elder at River Plate, being allowed to leave in the morning to take responsibility. (It is) 2020 and we TEAMMATES FORCED TO of Public Health (MoPH), main- activities with a Track Day and Corinthians, Liverpool, and Barcelona SLEEP ON AIRPORT FLOOR after government intervention. want Africa to grow but this is not how taining all the precautions to we had a good attendance. We amongst other clubs, made his surprise Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and his No reason was given for not allow- we will get there,” the Arsenal striker host a successful event. followed all the MoPH proto- announcement after his side Estudiantes Gabon teammates were forced to spend ing the team to exit the airport and head added later. There was a great attendance cols and kept the safety require- lost 1-0 to Argentinos Juniors in a league the night sleeping on the airport fl oor to their hotel after arrival and even by Gabon are top of the group standings, of participants as per the capac- ments for everyone’s safety. We match on Sunday. ahead of their vital Africa Cup of Nations previous standards of gamesmanship three points ahead of Gambia, who are ity allowed following all the pro- are working to organise very Mascherano enjoyed his most suc- qualifi er against Gambia. in African football, this was unusual. seeking to reach the Nations Cup fi nals tocols. All the participants (in- soon other events, including the cessful spell at Barcelona, where he won Aubameyang used social media to Gabon’s federation posted pictures of the for the fi rst time. The top two teams in cluding co-drivers, mechanics, karting, and it will be announced 19 titles in eight years, including fi ve La highlight their plight after arriving at incident of its Facebook page but without the group — which also includes Angola helpers, media) have to register when all will be in place,” said Ligas and two Champions Leagues. He Banjul airport on Sunday, ahead of last any comment. and the Democratic Republic of Congo- in advance and the registration LCSC vice-president and Gen- played 147 times for Argentina, appear- night’s Group D clash in the Gambian “Nice job CAF, it’s as if we were back advance to the fi nals in Cameroon in will close at 2pm the day prior eral Manager Khalid al-Remaihi. ing in four World Cup fi nals. He also capital. in the 1990s,” Aubameyang posted on early 2022. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, November 17, 2020 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Australian men’s team to do ‘barefoot England’s Buttler wary circles’ as anti-racism statement

Melbourne: Australian men’s cricket teams will stand in a circle with bare feet at the of ‘fantastic’ De Kock start of international series in support of the global anti-racism movement and to recognise the country’s in- digenous people, fast bowler Pat Cummins said yesterday. The players will make the gesture for the first time ahead of S Africa tour ahead of the one-day interna- tional series-opener against India in Sydney on Nov 27. ‘I’m a huge fan of his. He is a fantastic player with an excellent cricket brain’ “In Australia, we think the most, I guess, marginalised AFP group is the first nations London people and the indigenous peoples,” Cummins, vice- captain of Australia’s test and ngland’s Jos Buttler has said he one-day teams, told report- is a ‘huge fan’ of South Africa ers in a video call. captain Quinton de Kock as the “And we think the bare- two wicketkeeper-batsmen foot circle’s a great way to prepareE to go head-to-head in an up- celebrate them. Some people coming Twenty20 series. might want to take the knee, England travelled to South Africa some people might want yesterday, despite administrative cha- to show it in diff erent ways os within South African cricket that and absolutely we’re all for threatened the trip, for a tour that in- that. But we’ve kind of come cludes three international T20 matches together as a team and think and three one-day internationals. this is the best way we can But attention will be focussed on the demonstrate anti-racism as shortest format given there are Twen- well as celebrating the indig- ty20 World Cups in both 2021 and 2022. enous culture here.” And the clash between Buttler and De The Australian men are Kock, both dynamic batsmen and ath- following the lead of the letic keepers, could go a long way to de- national women’s team who ciding the series. formed a barefoot circle “I’m a huge fan of his,” Buttler told with New Zealand players in reporters yesterday before the squad Brisbane ahead of the limited left for Cape Town. “He is a fantastic overs series in September. player with an excellent cricket brain. I Last month, five indig- really enjoy how he views the game and enous players and eight team looks to take it on. He is one of my fa- captains in the professional vourite players in the world at the mo- Women’s Big Bash League ment, and is brilliant with the bat and as made the gesture to “connect a wicketkeeper,” added Buttler. to country and acknowledge The tour will, as happened with Eng- the traditional owners of land’s recent home international series, the land,” governing body see matches limited to two venues — in Cricket Australia said. this case Cape Town and Paarl — with Australian cricket has players from both sides based in bio- grappled with how to sup- secure bubbles. port the anti-racism move- Buttler is one of several England ment since the country’s players who gained further experience one-day team was publicly of bubble life while playing in this year’s criticised by former West In- Indian Premier League where one of his dies bowler Michael Holding teammates at the Rajasthan Royals was for not taking a knee during England quick Jofra Archer. the limited overs series in Even though the Royals fi nished bot- England in September. tom of the table, fast bowler Archer was Cummins said Australia’s named the tournament’s most valu- players would also try to “do able player after taking 20 wickets in a lot of work” learning the 14 matches. During the home season, country’s history. “You could multi-format star Archer spent 87 days England’s Jos Buttler (right) and South Africa captain Quinton de Kock. probably put our hands up — more time than any other England and say we haven’t done player — in lockdown. ily come out and join him in the IPL it’s going to be like. Most of us had an have to make sure that we’re very aware well in 50-over cricket is win and learn enough in the past and we Archer, however, has been rested which was a big plus as well.” Xbox quite high on the priority list, of that, and one thing that the ECB is at the same time. want to get better, so this is from the one-day leg of the South Af- Buttler himself said he was happy then there’s Netfl ix, and reading books,” excellent at is looking after the players’ “The 50-over side (that won the 2019 one small thing we’re going rica tour. “He was bowling fantastically to put himself forward for both series, he added. mental well-being.” World Cup) nearly picked itself by the to introduce this summer,” and smacking them out of the park,” having been able to spend time with his “But if you’re feeling under pressure Meanwhile Buttler hopes the strategy end of that cycle. That is a great place to he said. said Buttler of Archer. “He is someone wife and daughter out in the UAE, and or not quite feeling yourself, it’s about that saw England recover from an early be as a side...you are very familiar with After the limited-overs who has spent the most days in a lock- having played just three ODIs since the having the confi dence to open up and exit at the 2015 World Cup to champi- your own role and what you expect of series in Sydney and down situation over the last six months World Cup fi nal at Lord’s 16 months talk about it. I think all of us will go ons four years later will also aid them in your team-mates.” Canberra, Australia and India so for any young man it is tough some- ago. “South Africa’s a great tour and we through it at diff erent stages where you their quest to win next year’s T20 edi- England played three ODIs and three will play a four-match Test times. So I think this little break before won’t get to fully enjoy it as we usually feel a bit homesick, or claustrophobic tion. “To win the series is the ultimate Twenty20 internationals in South Af- series, beginning in Adelaide the South Africa tour would have been would,” Buttler said. “But I think eve- at not being able to get out and about, aim but we are building towards a World rica in February. The touring side won on December 17. great for him. I know he had some fam- ryone’s become accustomed to what as you might usually want to. We just Cup and one of the things we did really the latter series 2-1.

FOCUS CONCERN Waugh captures ‘spirit of India’ through camera lens Adelaide outbreak

AFP Sydney rattles Australia

ustralian great Steve Waugh has long held a before India series deep aff ection for India, fi rst touring the coun- try in 1986. But his experiences were all too of- Reuters Wales. Young all-rounder Cam- ten fl eeting glimpses, before he got the chance Melbourne eron Green and spin bowler Ash- toA return and photograph everyday cricket in the sport’s ton Agar are also self-isolating powerhouse. Travelling from one ground to the next as along with their Western Aus- a player, and function to function as Australia’s captain, n outbreak of Covid-19 tralia teammates, and could miss Waugh felt he never got to properly see and feel the melt- in Adelaide has rocked the fi rst white-ball match against ing pot of life in the teeming, South Asian nation. But Australian cricket a India in Sydney on Nov 27. those small peeks into backstreets and alleyways from month before the Test Cricket Australia (CA), who Kolkata to Jodhpur never left his mind. seriesA against India and forced spent months securing govern- Waugh, one of most successful skippers in cricket his- a number of players, including ment approvals for India’s tour, tory, recalls being overwhelmed by “the absolute and captain Tim Paine, into self- hope to have crowds of 27,000 complete bombardment of my senses”, and vowed to isolation. per day at Adelaide Oval for the one day go back when his star was shining a little less South Australia state, which fi rst Test. An escalation in the brightly. “It’s something that’s always been in the back hosts the fi rst Test at Adelaide outbreak could threaten the fi rst of my mind, I was always fascinated by what I saw out of Oval on Dec. 17, reported 14 new of four Tests against Virat Kohli’s the bus window, everyday life, the spirit of the people,” Covid-19 cases yesterday, a dra- India, a tour worth hundreds of Australia’s most capped player said in an interview. “I matic increase from the previous millions of dollars to CA. couldn’t comprehend really how important cricket was This handout picture taken on January 24, 2020 and released by Steve Waugh/Sams Marketing shows monks day, prompting other Australian India and other Australia play- to the people and how it was almost a religion.” playing cricket under the Himalayan foothills in Dharamsala, India’s northern Himachal Pradesh state. (AFP) states to tighten internal borders. ers who competed in the Indian Waugh, 55, put it off for years, until the Australian team Adelaide hosted Sheffi eld Premier League are undertaking were plunged into crisis in 2018 by the ball-tampering ing inspired by blind and physically challenged players. cricketers were incredible. These guys had missing limbs Shield cricket matches last week a two-week quarantine after ar- scandal in South Africa. With Australian cricket at a low Old friends like Sachin Tendulkar got involved and the or polio, things like that, and to see them fl ying through and players involved have been riving in Sydney last Thursday. If point, he began planning a “feel-good” project which end product was a book — The Spirit of Cricket — and a the air landing on these sort of bamboo crutches as they directed to self-isolate after re- the situation in Adelaide wors- culminated in an 18-day journey through far-fl ung parts documentary due to air ahead of a India’s limited-overs bowled was an amazing life experience.” turning to their home states. ens, the Sydney Cricket Ground, of India with his camera to capture the essence and sim- and Test tour of Australia. It was a memorable trip for Waugh, who had always Wicketkeeper Paine and Test which is scheduled to host the ple joys of the game, and raise money for sick children Proceeds will support his work with charities in India been interested in photography. He said he hoped the teammate Matthew Wade are iso- third Test in early-January, at the same time. “It was just a fun project. You know, and the Steve Waugh Foundation, which raises funds for end product would help people better understand what lating in Tasmania after playing would be a likely replacement for 18 months or so ago people were saying that cricket had children with rare diseases, a philanthropic role he has cricket means to Indians. “It’s hard to do it justice unless for the state against New South Adelaide. lost its soul after what happened in Cape Town,” Waugh embraced since a meeting decades ago with the late nun you’ve been there, but there’s 1.4bn people who almost said. “I just wanted to do a feel-good project that I was and missionary Mother Teresa. all know something about cricket and all feel connected,” passionate about.” Waugh, who made his international debut against In- he said. “Particularly for the people living below the pov- Accompanied by a mentor in professional photogra- dia and captained Australia through a golden era from erty line, which is probably 800mn, it gives them hope pher Trent Parke, Waugh set off in January before the 1999-2004, took about 17,000 photos and had to whittle and it gives them something to be proud of, they feel coronavirus pandemic changed the world. His journey them down to 220 for the book. “That was harder than connected and in some way responsible for their team took him to the desert of Rajasthan, the foothills of the taking them because you don’t want to leave any out. doing well. It doesn’t take much money to play cricket Himalayas and the teeming streets of Mumbai, stopping Every one brings back a memory,” he said. — a bat and ball and the rest is up to your imagination,” wherever he saw the game being played. “There were so many great scenes — playing cricket he added. “You don’t have to be physically big or impos- He met cricketing monks, a 100-year-old player, and with monks in front of the Himalayas was something I ing to play and they have these role models and heroes a three-year-old Instagram batting sensation, while be- never thought I’d see or do and the physically challenged so cricket, they really are fanatical, passionate about it.” Adelaide is scheduled to host first Test from December 17. Gulf Times Tuesday, November 17, 2020 5 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Bach ‘very confi dent’ Tokyo Games will have fans AFP “We are putting really a huge should be postponed further, or petition venues. Tokyo tool box together in which we cancelled altogether. And more Athletes had to isolate them- will put all the diff erent meas- than 60 percent of domestic selves before coming to Japan, ures we can imagine,” Bach said, sponsors have yet to commit to and test negative 72 hours before lympic chief Thomas after meeting Japanese Prime extending their contracts for arrival. They were also tested Bach said yesterday Minister Yoshihide Suga for talks another year, domestic media every day after their arrival. he is “very, very con- that began with the two masked reported this weekend Spectators at the event had to fi dent” that spectators men fi st-bumping for the cam- wear face masks, sanitise their willO be able to attend next year’s eras. “This makes us all very, ‘LIGHT AT END OF TUNNEL’ hands and undergo tempera- Tokyo Olympics, as he kicked off very confi dent that we can have But there are glimmers of hope ture checks, and were told not to a Japan trip to boost momentum spectators in the Olympic stadia for organisers and Japanese offi - shout or cheer. for the pandemic-postponed next year,” added Bach. cials, who have insisted a further A coronavirus taskforce of Games. The Olympic chief said the delay is not on the table, and Japanese government offi cials Bach pledged the Internation- IOC would “undertake great that cancellation is not being and Olympic organisers has al Olympic Committee would eff orts” to make sure as many discussed. proposed measures including work to ensure as many par- participants and spectators as News last week of positive re- limiting athlete movement and ticipants at next year’s Games possible were vaccinated before sults in a late-stage vaccine trial banning cheering in venues. Fi- as possible were vaccinated, if a arriving in Japan. were welcomed by Tokyo 2020 nal decisions on rules are not ex- vaccine is available, but added But at a press conference, he offi cials as a “relief”, though or- pected before next spring. that would not be a requirement clarifi ed that “we never said that ganisers cautioned that they will Bach said during a ceremony for the event. we can make it obligatory or a re- continue to prepare measures to yesterday he remained con- Spiralling infections and new quirement”. hold the Games even without a vinced Tokyo “continues to be lockdowns around the world “We want to convince as vaccine. the best prepared Olympic city”. have caused renewed scepticism many foreign participants as And Tokyo this month suc- Japan’s government has main- that the massive international possible to accept a vaccine,” cessfully staged a four-nation tained a steadfastly upbeat posi- event will be possible if the pan- he said, adding “the IOC would gymnastics competition, its tion on the prospects for the demic is not under control by the take these costs,” without giving fi rst international sporting event Games, with Suga reiterating time of the opening ceremony, further details. Bach, on his fi rst during the pandemic, hailed as yesterday that they would go now scheduled for July 23, 2021. trip to Tokyo since the Games proof the Games are possible. ahead and serve “as proof that But organisers and Japanese were postponed in March, is In a possible preview of the re- mankind overcame the virus”. offi cials have insisted they can hoping to persuade athletes, strictions Olympic athletes may “Together we can make this hold the event, and are drawing Japanese citizens and Olympics face, gymnasts from the United Olympic Games and the Olym- up a raft of coronavirus counter- sponsors that the Games can be States, China and Russia trav- pic fl ame the light at the end measures intended to make the held safely next year. elled on charter planes and were of the tunnel that we are all in Games safe even if the pandemic Polls show a majority of Ja- restricted to designated hotel during this coronavirus crisis,” International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach speaks during a news conference in is not over. pan’s public believe the Games fl oors, assigned buses and com- added Bach. Tokyo yesterday. (Reuters)

NFL FOCUS Olympic champion turns delivery rider Bucs bounce back as to make ends meet

AFP Lodz, Poland

ith a large delivery Steelers roll, Rams bag on his back Venezuelan Ol- ympic champion Wfencer Ruben Limardo is out cycling around his adopted hometown in Poland, mak- ing ends meet in a strange but heartwarming tale from this down Seahawks time of pandemic. Venezuelan high-performance The 35-year-old London epee fencer and London Olympics foil gold medallist Olympics golden medallist ‘I’VE GOT TO THANK THE BIG GUYS UP FRONT FOR GIVING ME THAT PUSH’ will go for glory again at the Ruben Limardo Gascon during Tokyo Olympics next year, a training session in Lodz, cen- AFP but stunned his fans last week tral Poland, on Friday. (AFP) Los Angeles when he made a tweet reveal- ing the nature of his new job. “You have to earn your way saying they will start paying om Brady and the Tampa Bay and this is a job like any other,” again in the new year. Buccaneers bounced back in a big he told AFP as he went about “That’s why we have to way, and the Pittsburgh Steelers a typical day of training and make money on the road,” said just kept rolling on Sunday in the making food deliveries for Limardo, who does around 50 TNational Football League. Uber Eats. And he is not the kilometres (31 miles) per day Tampa Bay running back Ronald Jones only one - 20 other members on his bike, earning around 100 rumbled 98 yards for an epic touchdown of Venezuela’s national fencing euros a week. as the Bucs rebounded from a humbling team live the same improbable “It works well with our defeat with a 46-23 victory over the Caro- existence in the town of Lodz training. We could even say it lina Panthers. in Poland. “We are all delivery is an extension of the training,” The Steelers, with veteran quarterback riders,” said Limardo, speaking said the married father of two. Ben Roethlisberger at the helm after a in fl uent Polish. “It allows us to live, fi nish Covid-19 scare, improved their unbeaten He won his Olympic title our studies. We help each other record to 9-0 with a 36-10 victory over eight years ago - the fi rst fenc- out with training, paying rents. the Cincinnati Bengals. er from Latin America to do Everyone works to fi nance the so since Cuba’s Ramon Fonst others in the group,” he said. in 1904. He also became only RESULTS the second Venezuelan gold ‘THE DREAM IS STILL Jacksonville 20-24 Green Bay medallist, 44 years after boxer THERE’ Francisco Rodriguez. Ruben Limardo has lived in Cleveland 10-7 Houston Poland for 19 years. Giants 27-17 Philadelphia ‘PANDEMIC TURNED He was encouraged to move Tampa Bay 46-23 Carolina EVERYTHING AROUND’ there by an uncle who wanted Five mornings a week, the to create a centre for Venezue- Detroit 30-27 Washington young Venezuelan fencers lan fencers in this economical- Miami 29-21 Chargers gather in a former workshop on ly thriving country with rela- Las Vegas 37-12 Denver a largely abandoned industrial tively low overheads compared site in Lodz to cross swords. to western Europe. Arizona 32-30 Buff alo Their white uniforms clash Since moving to Poland, he Pittsburgh 36-10 Cincinnati with the yellow, blue and red of has created a foundation for Rams 23-16 Seattle their national fl ag which dom- Venezuelan fencers as well as a club for taking part in lo- New Orleans 27-13 San Francisco inate the decor. At the entrance, a pile of cal tournaments and a fencing New England 23-17 Baltimore bikes and green cool-bags school for children. await the stroke of 1:00pm The pandemic has created Roethlisberger, who missed practice all when each of the fencers fi n- diffi culties but the school is week after coming in close contact with ish their training, has a quick continuing to operate, with the a teammate who tested positive for Cov- shower and then sets off for Venezuelan fencers taking it in id-19, threw for 333 yards and four touch- Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady passes the ball against Carolina Panthers in the second quarter of their NFL game at deliveries in the chill of a Polish turns to give lessons. downs without a turnover. the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports autumn. “But above all we are train- The Bucs were coming off a 38-3 “We get very little money ing to resume competition at thumping by the New Orleans Saints. Tampa Bay’s off ensive line. “They made short touchdown toss to Alvin Kamara fast. But, I knew once it left my hand, it from Venezuela because of the any moment. The dream is still Brady connected on 28 of 39 passes for my job look easy.” giving New Orleans a 17-10 halftime lead. had a good chance.” crisis there. And the pandemic there,” Limardo said. 341 yards and three touchdowns, adding a He said he glanced up at the Jumbotron Jameis Winston came in for Brees to Said Hopkins: “There were three peo- has turned everything around. “Every time I make a deliv- rushing TD for good measure. scoreboard and adjusted his course slight- start the third, and the Saints held on for ple, they were in position. It was just a There are no competitions, the ery I tell myself that it will help In a game knotted 17-17 at halftime, the ly as Chinn closed in, and felt it when the the win. Brees is set to get an MRI on his better catch by me.” Tokyo Olympics were delayed me win the medal I want at To- Bucs seized control in the third quarter. Panthers defender made a vain dive at his ribs in the coming days. But Murray and the Cardinals came for a year and the sponsors are kyo in 2021.” They had edged ahead with a fi eld goal heels. “It felt good to fi nally get that run through to add to the logjam atop the NFC shortly after the break. and give the team a boost,” said Jones, who HAIL MURRAY West, where three teams fi nished the day Pinned at the two-yard line after a had fumbled on the Bucs’ opening drive. There was late drama in Arizona, where tied at the top on 6-3. punt by Carolina’s Joseph Charlton, the To make matters worse for the Pan- Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray de- That included the Los Angeles Rams, Bucs needed just one play to score again thers, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater livered a desperate 43-yard “Hail Mary” who stifl ed the league’s highest-scoring as Brady handed off to Jones, who found a departed in the fourth quarter with a right pass to a tightly-covered DeAndre Hop- off ence in a 23-16 victory over the Seattle hole in the middle and escaped one tackle knee injury after he was sacked by Jason kins with two seconds remaining to lift Seahawks, who came into the day leading attempt before accelerating away from Pierre-Paul. the hosts to a 32-30 victory over the Buf- the division. Cornerback Darious Wil- Carolina’s Jeremy Chinn for the longest The victory moved the Bucs to 7-3 - falo Bills. liams intercepted two passes from Sea- off ensive touchdown in Bucs history. right behind the division-leading Saints, The Bills had appeared headed for vic- hawks quarterback Russell Wilson, who It was just one yard shy of the longest who improved to 7-2 with a 27-13 victory tory after quarterback Josh Allen connect- was sacked six times. run in NFL history, which has seen 99- over the San Francisco 49ers. ed with Stefon Diggs on a 21-yard touch- The Bills’ defeat also tightened things yard rushes by Tony Dorsett in 1982 and The Saints won despite the halftime down pass with 34 seconds left. up in the AFC East. Buff alo top the divi- Derrick Henry in 2018. departure of quarterback Drew Brees with “I want to say, I knew when it left my sion at 7-3, with the Miami Dolphins at The only other 98-yard run ever in the a rib injury that he apparently suff ered in hand it had a chance just because (when) 6-3 after their fi fth straight victory. NFL was by Green Bay’s Ahman Green in a second-quarter sack that was contro- you play quarterback, you can tell the tra- Miami beat the Los Angeles Chargers 2003. versially ruled a roughing the passer by jectory, the touch of the ball,” Murray said. 29-21 as the Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa Ruben Limardo Gascon gets ready on his bike to deliver food as “I’ve got to thank the big guys up front Kentavius Street. “I don’t think I saw him catch the ball. came out ahead of Justin Herbert in a bat- UberEats food delivery courier in Lodz, central Poland, on Friday. for giving me that push,” Jones said of Brees fi nished out the fi rst half, his I really don’t remember, it happened so tle of rookie quarterbacks. (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, November 17, 2020 SPORT

QATAR VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE: Al RAYYAN, Al AHLI REGISTER WINS

Al Rayyan (in black and red) defeated Al Wakrah 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, 15-19) in their Qatar Volleyball League match at the Al Arabi Stadium yesterday. (Right) Al Ahli (in white) beat Qatar SC 3-2 (18-25, 25-21, 25-22, 14-25, 15-13) in the second match of the day.

RUGBY BOXING Mayweather returns to ring for February Jones warns England 2021 Tokyo bout

AFP Dome... Japan, I’m on my way.” Tokyo Mayweather retired three years ago, and although he had previously announced he was oxing legend Floyd “coming out of retirement in untested ahead of Mayweather will re- 2020”, he hasn’t been seen in turn to the ring with action this year. a fi ght in Tokyo in A legend in the boxing world You’ve just got to look at the FebruaryB 2021, organisers said with an unbeaten 50-0 record, yesterday, but who he will fi ght Mayweather is no stranger to world rankings. It’s like going from and under what rules was left Japan, where he fought an ex- unclear. hibition match against MMA playing Nishikori to Djokovic’ The retired ex-champ had star Tenshin Nasukawa in De- Ireland clash already dropped hints about cember 2018 -- the last time he the fi ght, which follows a was coaxed out of retirement Reuters widely ridiculed 2018 “exhibi- for a big payday. London tion” match against a Japanese Mayweather fl oored the kickboxer, but organisers of- kickboxer less than half his age fered more details yesterday. three times in the fi rst round ngland may be at a disadvantage It will be part of an event before the Japanese fi ghter’s going into the Autumn Nations dubbed “Mega 2021”, being trainer rushed in to stop the Cup clash against Ireland as they hosted at the Tokyo Dome in fi ght. have not been tested by high- the Japanese capital on Febru- Mayweather hinted online rankingE teams in recent matches com- ary 28, the production com- that he earned $9 million for pared to Saturday’s opponents, coach Ed- mittee said in a press release. the two-minute fi ght. die Jones has said. They said it would feature In 2017, Mayweather England beat winless Italy, who Jones “champion-class” fi ghters, in- knocked out mixed martial arts referred to as a ‘tier two’ team, in their fi - cluding Mayweather, but gave fi ghter Conor McGregor in the nal Six Nations match to seal the title last no further details - including 10th round of a super-hyped month before thumping Georgia 40-0 in who the welterweight star will boxing match. their opening Autumn Nations Cup match face, and under what condi- And in 2015, he defeated over the weekend. Ireland have played tions. Philippine boxing megas- three times since the sport returned af- Last week the 43-year-old tar Manny Pacquiao in their ter the Covid-19 hiatus, beating Italy and shared a video on Instagram “Fight of the Century” – which Wales while losing to France, and Jones teasing the fi ght. largely failed to live up to the said they were a “massive step-up”. “Tokyo, Japan, I’m coming hype. “You’ve just got to look at the world back, in 2021,” he said in the Mayweather is believed to rankings. It’s like going from playing clip. have earned an estimated $300 Nishikori to Djokovic,” Jones told re- “I know the Olympics is in million from the points victory porters, referring to tennis players Kei Japan in 2021, but me, my- over Pacquiao, which remains Nishikori and Novak Djokovic, who are self, Floyd ‘Money’ May- the most lucrative fi ght in his- 40 and 1 respectively in that sport’s ATP weather and my team will be tory and generated more than Rankings. doing something big in Tokyo $600 million in revenue. “Our diffi culty is that we’ve played two tier-two countries and we’re going to play against a team who have had a great prep- aration against Wales and France. “(Ireland) are a tough, physical team, they’ve been at the top of world rugby for the last four or fi ve years, in the top four or fi ve teams.” Ireland are ranked fi fth in the world and fi nished third in the Six Nations under Andy Farrell, who took over the reins this year when Joe Schmidt stepped down af- ter the World Cup. “Obviously they’ve had some great European success and had a change of coach after the World Cup and Andy has made their attack a little bit unpredict- able,” Jones added. “They present a mas- sive physical challenge and a good tactical challenge.”

WILLIS REVELS IN EXCITEMENT OF In this file photo taken on December 30, 2018, US boxing legend FIRST TEST CAP AFTER DELAYED Floyd Mayweather speaks onstage during a weigh-in event at ENGLAND DEBUT Saitama Super Arena in Saitama. (AFP) England’s 40-0 win over Georgia on Sat- urday may have been nothing more than a routine victory over a tier-two side but Wallabies wary of Argentina’s ‘four-man’ back row the match was truly special for Jack Willis who fi nally made his much-awaited debut Australia are preparing for a mighty battle of the back rows and marked the occasion with a try. when they face Argentina in the Tri-Nations on Saturday after The Wasps fl anker, who was crowned the Pumas dominated the tackle area in their maiden victory the Premiership’s player of the season, over the All Blacks last weekend. had his debut delayed by two years after a The Pumas played an almost perfect game against New Zealand knee injury in 2018 saw him sidelined for on Saturday but their ability to slow down, and sometimes 10 months. poach, All Blacks ball at Western Sydney Stadium particularly Nine tries in the 2019-20 season con- caught the eye of Wallabies loose forward Liam Wright. vinced Jones to recall Willis to hand him “They attack the breakdown quite well,” Wright told reporters his fi rst Test cap and even though the yesterday. Covid-19 pandemic barred fans from “As we know with Argentina their hookers are actually quite Twickenham Stadium, it did little to quell good over the ball as well... they’ve essentially got four backrow- the 23-year-old’s enthusiasm. ers there who are constantly looking for that ball.” “It doesn’t make the moment or the oc- Wright is a contender to replace Lachie Swinton in the back casion any less special. It’s something I’ve row for Saturday’s match in Newcastle as the New South Wales dreamed of since I was a young lad, it was England head coach Eddie Jones (right) and Ben Youngs at the Twickenham Stadium in London. (Reuters) flanker serves a ban for the red card he was shown on debut in an incredible feeling to fi nally get here,” a Australia’s win over New Zealand two weeks ago. beaming Willis said while wearing his cap not having family and friends there,” add- miership fi nal last month but Willis was ed. “As it got closer, it was just pure ex- Queensland Reds captain Wright skippered an Australia XV that in a virtual news conference. ing he was hopeful of another opportunity quick to move on from the narrow defeat. citement. I couldn’t wait to get out there played the Pumas in warm-up before the All Blacks game and he “I loved every second of it. It was in- to impress. “I wasn’t really thinking about that and get stuck in.” said the Wallabies would need to get their bodies nice and low credible to get out there and a massive After a stellar season with Wasps, his the last few days. It was just excitement, England next play Ireland on Saturday when carrying the ball into the tackle on Saturday. honour. It was a very strange experience team lost out to Exeter Chiefs in the Pre- nerves, all sorts of emotions,” Willis add- at Twickenham. Gulf Times Tuesday, November 17, 2020 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Racing Point say hidden front Arise, Sir Lewis? I’m no unsung hero, says Hamilton wing damage slowed Stroll Hidden front wing damage played a significant part in dashing Reuters from an under-privileged multi- look at myself as an unsung hero. Lance Stroll’s Turkish Grand Prix hopes after he led from pole London racial background, remains un- “I’ve not saved anybody.” position, the Canadian’s Racing Point Formula One team said der-appreciated at home if not While there will always be yesterday. overseas. those who argue Formula One is Stroll, whose Mexican teammate Sergio Perez finished second, ewis Hamilton’s record- Hamilton’s Monaco residency, all about the car, Hamilton won was leading the race until he pitted for fresh intermediate tyres equalling seventh For- and his tax arrangements, are Sunday’s race by more than half on lap 36 at Istanbul Park. mula One world cham- frequently cited as factors in so- a minute in slippery conditions The 22-year-old then slid down the order, ending up ninth, after pionship has fuelled cial media debate as is a linger- and lapped his own team mate reporting heavy tyre graining. Lexpectations of a knighthood ing perception of Formula One Valtteri Bottas. He had started “It was discovered during the team’s routine after race car set but the Briton, overlooked in the as privileged and polluting. sixth. Hamilton said fl ying the down that damage to the underside of Lance’s front wing was past, pointed instead to the ranks Hamilton, winner of a record fl ag for Britain was an ‘incredible a significant contributor to the severe graining issues,” Racing of ‘unsung heroes’. 94 races, said after winning honour’ but he is also increas- Point said in a statement. The most successful grand Sunday’s Turkish Grand Prix to ingly using his platform to cam- “Lance reported poor tyre performance, significant understeer, prix racer of all time, and the clinch the title that he thought paign for racial equality, diver- and graining from lap 17 onwards in the race. only Black driver, has been regu- more of others. sity and sustainability. “Pitting for a fresh set of intermediates on lap 36 failed to larly tipped in recent years to join “I think about people like my “This year I’ve been driven resolve the problem with the graining becoming even more Britain’s other sporting knights grandad who served in the war, not just by my desire to win on severe.” only to be just as frequently ig- I think about Sir Captain Tom the track, but by a desire to help Racing Point said a strake on the underside of the wing had nored. Tennis player Andy Mur- (Moore),” he said, referring to push our sport, and our world come loose and caused a blockage leading to a significant loss ray, runner Mo Farah, cyclist the 100-year-old former soldier to become more diverse and in- of front downforce and increased graining. Bradley Wiggins and cricketer who raised more than 32 million clusive,” he said on social media “It was only after the race, when the car returned to the garage, Alastair Cook are all Sirs but pounds ($42.16 million) for Brit- after the race. that the damage and blockage to the underside of the front Hamilton’s sole recognition so ain’s National Health Service. “I promise you I am not going wing was discovered,” the team said. far is an MBE - awarded to hun- “The people that are running to stop fi ghting for change. We Stroll told reporters after the race, won by Mercedes’ now seven dreds of people a year - in 2008. hospitals, the nurses and doctors have a long way to go but I will times world champion Lewis Hamilton from sixth position, that Mercedes team boss Toto who are saving lives during the continue to push for equality Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton gives an interview after he did not understand what had happened. Wolff suggested last year that his hardest time ever. I think about within our sport, and within the winning the Turkish Formula One Grand Prix at the Intercity Istanbul (Reuters) 35-year-old driver, who comes those unsung heroes and I don’t greater world we live in.” Park circuit in Istanbul on Sunday. (AFP)

TENNIS MOTORSPORT Hamilton fi red up to resist ‘new generation’ Djokovic sweeps again in 2021

AFP eye on the future when the Istanbul racing restarts in Melbourne in March and they may be vul- nerable, but in Hamilton, as ewis Hamilton and his the Turkish Grand Prix proved aside Schwartzman Mercedes team will again, they have the ace in the face a ferocious new F1 pack, regardless of age. challenge from their Since he recovered from ‘I WAS VERY PLEASED WITH THE WAY I PLAYED IN THE SECOND SET ESPECIALLY’ Lrivals next season when he losing the 2016 title to then- begins his pursuit of a record team-mate Nico Rosberg, AFP eighth world title. Hamilton has reeled off four London After a dismal season that consecutive title triumphs to has seen them fail to register become the sport’s most suc- a win, Formula One’s most fa- cessful driver in terms of num- ovak Djokovic produced mous team, Ferrari, will invest bers. a masterclass against heavily in bouncing back while Argentina’s Diego Red Bull, who have been clos- ‘JUST GETTING STARTED’ Schwartzman yesterday est to matching Mercedes, seek His victory in treacherous Nas he embarked on his campaign more consistency and speed to conditions from sixth on the for a record-equalling sixth title close the gap. grid at Istanbul was one of his at the ATP Finals in London. For the newly crowned sev- very best and brought him an- The world number one wob- en-time champion, who has other record formerly held by bled at the start of the match taken strength from his noisy Michael Schumacher: most against the diminutive eighth support for human rights and wins by a driver with the same seed, making his debut at the global welfare, it will mean a team - 73. elite eight-man event but recov- rigorous tussle for his crown The German won 72 times ered to win 6-3, 6-2. with the “new generation” of with Ferrari, but Hamilton Djokovic, who has already drivers led by Max Verstappen passed that mark on the same sealed the year-end number and Charles Leclerc. day he equalled his titles total one spot for a record-equalling On Sunday, both younger and did so in 26 fewer races. sixth time, is aiming to match men fell prey to their rela- He also holds records for most the absent Roger Federer, who tive youth and made mistakes wins, poles, podiums and holds the record of six ATP while Hamilton, making full points fi nishes. Finals wins. use of his experience and ma- Verstappen, hailed as the The Serbian, 33, has enjoyed turity, produced a fl awless sport’s next mega-star, ac- another sparkling season despite drive for a remarkable triumph knowledged that weight of the coronavirus interruption, that brought him to tears. evidence in a tribute to the winning four titles including the “When I came across the Englishman after his own Australian Open. line, it really hit me and I just error-strewn weekend con- He came into the match at burst into tears,” he told re- fi rmed he remains a work in an empty O2 Arena with a 5-0 porters. progress. record against Schwartzman but “I didn’t want the visor to On Sunday, however, Ham- the Argentine debutant started come up and people to see the ilton warned that he felt like he impressively, breaking Djokovic tears because I always would “is only just getting started”, in the third game. say you will never see me cry. explaining that the Black Lives The 28-year-old double- “I remember watching other Matter movement has given faulted in the following game drivers cry in the past and I him energy and purpose. to hand Djokovic two break was like ‘I am never going to do At 35, as his sport’s fi rst and points and the Serbian seized his that’, but it was too much...” only black champion, he has chance to restore parity. Hamilton’s old rival and become the face, voice and Djokovic upped his level of friend, four-time champion conscience of F1 and is using consistency and ground down Sebastian Vettel, may also that platform to support the his opponent, who stands just 5 emerge as a threat with his new issues that have ushered in feet 7 inches (170 centimetres) team, Aston Martin, if the po- promises of change this year. tall, breaking again in the eighth tential shown this year by the “When I was younger, I game and converting his fi rst former Racing Point outfi t can didn’t have anybody in the set point with a powerful serve be realised. Sergio Perez, who sport that looked like me so it down the T. is due to relinquish his seat to was easy to think that it’s not He secured another break in Vettel next month, fi nished possible to get there because the fi rst game of the second set second ahead of the German’s nobody of your colour has ever to take an iron grip on the match. Ferrari on Sunday. been there. You don’t see any Djokovic repeated the feat in The most likely scenario, black people in F1,” Hamilton the fi fth game when Schwartz- Serbia’s Novak Djokovic returns against Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman in their men’s singles round-robin match on day two of the ATP World however, is a repeat of the Brit- said. man went wide with a forehand Tour Finals at the O2 Arena in London yesterday. (AFP) on’s supremacy with Mercedes “Hopefully, this sends a and although the Argentine add- on top and team-mate Valtteri message to the kids that are ed a bit of respectability to the until I broke his serve at 4-3. I EMPTY STANDS very strange to play in front of Nadal, chasing his fi rst ATP Fi- Bottas mounting another bid watching ... that it doesn’t scoreline with a hold, it merely managed to close out the fi rst The fi ve-time champion said he empty stands,” he added. nals crown, won his fi rst match for the title. matter where you come from, delayed the inevitable. set. was missing the fans, who usu- In the evening match in Group in Group London 2020 on Sun- Their rivals may run them whatever your background, “The beginning of the match “Obviously in the second set ally pack the O2 Arena. Tokyo 1970, Daniil Medvedev day, along with US Open Do- hard and close, but with a it is so important for you to wasn’t that great for me,” said I started swinging through the “I’ve been playing the ATP Fi- takes on 2018 champion Alex- minic Thiem. The O2 Arena is package of new regulations dream big. the top seed. ball a bit more, bit less hesitation nals in this arena for many years ander Zverev in a rematch of last hosting the ATP Finals for the due in 2022, next season is un- “You can create your own “He broke my serve in the from both corners and I was very and I’ve been blessed to experi- week’s Paris Masters fi nal, when 12th and fi nal season before the likely to off er the same oppor- path and that is what I have third game but I managed to re- pleased with the way I played in ence some incredible matches Medvedev came out on top. year-end championships moves tunity for a reset. been able to do - and it has break. It was a close encounter the second set especially.” and atmospheres and it feels World number two Rafael to Turin next year. Mercedes will also have one been so tough.”

Plan for Aussie Open warm-ups in Victoria ‘not a done deal’ Sabalenka replaces Serena in top 10 Aryna Sabalenka returned to ping both the US and French Tennis Australia flagged plans meant that state governments 2022. But Victoria Premier Dan than 500 international tennis simply wrong”. Tennis Australia the WTA’s top 10 yesterday Opens. yesterday to move numer- could not guarantee overseas Andrews said the plans were players arriving in Victoria and seemingly jumped the gun with at the expense of Serena ous Australian Open warm-up players contesting warm-ups “not a done deal”, particularly undergoing two weeks of man- its announcement, with Tiley Williams after the Belarusian WTA top 10 events to Victoria, but received outside Victoria would be free since Melbourne only recently datory quarantine. The players, confidently predicting the Vic- captured her eighth career 1. Ashleigh Barty (AUS) 8,717 a blunt warning from the state to travel to Melbourne for the emerged from a month-long many of whom travel with large toria state government to allow title in Linz at the weekend. pts premier that he would scupper Grand Slam. “There is now no lockdown to eliminate a second entourages, would be restricted crowds of at least 25 percent The 22-year-old Sabalenka 2. Simona Halep (ROU) 7,255 any event that risked reigniting risk of the Australian Open going wave of Covid-19. “It’s a massive to hotels but have access to capacity at Melbourne Park. finished the season in style 3. Naomi Osaka (JPN) 5,780 Melbourne’s Covid-19 crisis. ahead without everyone (all event, it’s an event that all of tennis courts. Once they have Adelaide International director with a straight-sets victory 4. Sofia Kenin (USA) 5,760 Under the plan, tournaments players) in Victoria, and we didn’t us love, but it comes at a time completed quarantine and twice Alistair MacDonald said the deci- over her doubles partner Elise 5. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 5,260 originally planned for Syd- have that guarantee previously,” when the rest of the world is on tested negative to Covid-19, they sion to move events to Victoria Mertens in Sunday’s final in 6. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) ney, Brisbane, Perth, Hobart, he told Melbourne’s Herald fire,” he told reporters. “It’s an would be able to move freely followed “months of extensive Austria. She traded places 5,205 Adelaide and Canberra would all Sun newspaper. Tournament important event, absolutely, but around Victoria. Andrews noted discussions with governments with Williams, who dropped 7. Bianca Andreescu (CAN) be played in Victoria before the off icials in Brisbane, Adelaide avoiding a third wave is argu- that it was a massive logistical across the country”. Hobart one spot to 11th and hasn’t 4,555 Open at Melbourne Park from and Hobart all issued statements ably even more important. This undertaking involving complex International organisers said played since pulling out of the 8. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 4,516 January 18-31. Tournament direc- expressing disappointment at needs to be done on the best of quarantine arrangements, saying Covid-19 restrictions made it French Open with an Achilles 9. Kiki Bertens (NED) 4,505 tor Craig Tiley said the move was losing their events to Victoria public health advice.” The plan “the notion this is all tied up with impossible for players to prepare injury. Ashleigh Barty remains 10. Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) because Covid-19 restrictions and saying they would return in would reportedly involve more a bow, it’s a done deal, that’s properly. clear at the top despite skip- 4,220 (+1).

Tuesday, November 17, 2020 GULF TIMES GOLF

SPOTLIGHT Masters champ Johnson not to rest on his laurels ‘SINCE I PLAYED MY FIRST MASTERS, IT’S BEEN THE TOURNAMENT I WANTED TO WIN THE MOST’ He made a record low four bogeys in 72 holes. Johnson got the job done with an unusual swing in which his left wrist is uniquely bowed rather than hinged at the top of the backswing, before giving way to an impact position that makes it vir- tually impossible for the ball to hook left. “Now I think Dustin is the most complete player in the game,” his coach Claude Harmon told a small group of re- porters. Another instructor who works with several tour players would not even try to teach Johnson’s swing to an amateur. “Just because he’s won the Masters you wouldn’t want to tell someone to do that,” Brad Hughes told Reuters. “It’s pretty hard to do what he does. (Many would) probably break their wrists trying. He’s obviously very supple in that area.” Before Sunday, Johnson had been 0-for-4 when leading into the fi nal round at majors. Anything less than victory would have been a crushing blow for the 36-year-old who knows that he should already have four or fi ve majors in his possession by now. Having won the 2016 US Open, the Masters crown doubled his major haul. He still has time to reach perhaps half a dozen, and plans to keep playing for Dustin Johnson (also right) is presented with the green jacket by Tiger Woods about another decade in that quest. after winning The Masters on Sunday. “I dream of winning a lot of majors,” the biggest stage. or even I, there were doubts in my mind, “Since I played my fi rst Masters, it’s he said. “Just hadn’t quite happened yet. Reuters major record that does justice to his rich Johnson has almost an air of indiff er- just because I had been there,” he said on been the tournament I wanted to win the Hopefully this one will help, though, give Augusta talents. ence when he speaks to the media in his Sunday, looking every bit the part in his most.” me a little spring. The tears he shed upon winning the monotone manner, which can give the fresh Green Jacket. Johnson shot a closing 68 and fi n- “I’m pretty good at controlling my Masters with a record low score on Sun- mistaken impression that he doesn’t re- “I’m in this position a lot of times. (I ished on a Masters record low score of emotions, because I’m out playing golf. I ustin Johnson exudes an air of day showed a rarely seen side of a player ally care. was thinking) when am I going to have 20-under-par 268 at Augusta National, work so hard to be in this position and to cool nonchalance on the course who was all too aware that many ques- The truth is rather diff erent. the lead and fi nish off the golf tourna- fi ve shots in front of Australian Cameron fi nally have the dream come true, I think but that calm exterior hides tioned whether he really had the inner “I proved to myself that I do have it, ment or fi nish off a major? For me, it defi - Smith and South Korean Im Sung-jae, that’s why you see all that emotion,” he Da burning desire to compile a fortitude to stand up and be counted on because I’m sure a lot of y’all think that, nitely proved that I can do it. who both shot 69. added after his triumph.

FEAT DeChambeau heads FOCUS back to Masters drawing board Augusta: Golf’s muscular Little brother Austin mad professor Bryson DeChambeau arrived at Aussie Smith fi rst to fi re the Masters with a plan to battles nerves as humble Augusta National but left a chastened man on Sunday, finishing well down Dustin shows focus the leaderboard after a clos- four rounds in the 60s ing one-over 73. AFP strokes of Johnson on the front It all went wrong with a Augusta nine but could never shrink the double-bogey on his fourth world number one’s lead any hole of the opening round, further. the par-five 13th, and it then ustralia’s Cameron “I needed to shoot 3-or went downhill from there. Smith didn’t come away 4-under on that back nine with “At the beginning of the Awith a green jacket from the wind the way it was. It got week I felt like I could have Sunday’s fi nal round of the 84th pretty tricky out there,” Smith a great chance to win the Masters, but he still managed a said. “At least make him think tournament if I just played feat never achieved by Augusta about it. It wasn’t to be.” my game,” said DeCham- National’s legends. But Smith was proud of his beau, who finished in a tie for The 27-year-old from Bris- scrappy performance. 34th. “I made way too many bane fi red a three-under par “Massive confi dence boost- mistakes. 69 to share second, fi ve strokes er,” Smith said. “My scram- “To still finish it off somewhat back of winner Dustin Johnson bling, my chipping and putting decent and be under par and level with South Korean Im was unreal this week, probably for the week is great, even Dustin Johnson with caddie and younger brother Austin during Sung-jae on 15-under 273. the best it has ever been. So a though I feel like I shot 15 over the final round on Sunday. Smith became the fi rst golfer lot of good stuff , but also a lot of for the week to be honest in Masters history to break 70 in stuff to work on.” with you.” Reuters frustrations he has tried to cope all four rounds of the Masters, Korea’s Im grabbed a piece DeChambeau attributed most Augusta by learning from them. having opened with a 67 and of Masters history as well, the of his problems to health Asked how the world number followed with rounds of 68 and honestly can’t believe it. “It would have been cool to lowest total score for a player issues, saying he had spent one behaved on the eve of Sun- a pair of 69s. “Got to put it down to just do that and win,” Smith said. making his Masters debut. much of tournament feeling ustin Johnson, the cad- day’s fi nal round while holding Tiger Woods never did it. scrambling and digging deep. “I’d take 15-under around here “This is defi nitely going to be out of sorts. die of Masters cham- another 54-hold lead, Austin Nor did Jack Nicklaus, Arnold There was a few times through- the rest of my career and I a memorable Masters for me, Out of precaution he under- Apion Dustin Johnson, said: “He’s always pretty much Palmer, Nick Faldo, Seve Bal- out the week where I could have might win a couple. not only because this is my fi rst went another Covid-19 test on was proud of his older brother’s the same D.J. lesteros, Gary Player, Ben Hog- let it slip away, and it didn’t.” “So yeah, it’s just the way it appearance, but my initial goal Friday that came back nega- mental toughness in the fi nal “Laid back, pretty calm. You an, Sam Snead or Gene Sarazen A bogey at the par-4 11th had is. I felt as though I didn’t quite at the start of the week was just tive but still had no answers round at Augusta National on can’t tell if we’re coming down either. him on pace for a closing 70 un- have my longest stuff this week, to make a cut and get into the for his dizziness, saying he Sunday. the stretch of a major or if we “That’s really cool,” Smith til Smith birdied the par-5 15th but my scrambling was what weekend,” Im said. was only able to operate at “He was focused. He had his are laying on the couch watch- said. “I had no idea starting to- and parred to the clubhouse to kept me in it.” “To fi nish tied for second is 60%. mind set on what he wanted to ing football.” But don’t think the day that I needed to do that. I complete the feat. Smith closed within two unbelievable.” do,” Austin told a small group of competitive fi re doesn’t burn in reporters before 2019 champion him. Tiger Woods helped Dustin into “He doesn’t throw clubs or BOTTOMLINE his Green Jacket in a low key cer- curse at me, but that’s because emony. It was nerve-racking for he’s a class act. It doesn’t mean me.” he doesn’t care. He’s a Southern The easy-going golfer fulfi lled guy, laid back. We talk a little Poor start again costs McIlroy Masters chance a childhood ambition with his slow and people think we don’t Masters triumph and did so in care,” said Austin. Reuters board in the fi nal round, even if the good shooting 79 and missing the cut despite style — posting an Augusta Na- “Those losses defi nitely hurt. Augusta ship Johnson had sailed by then. a second round of 65. tional record total of 20-under- But I think we learned from “I just got a little careful, a little tenta- But while he might never get a chance par 268. them. I think we’ve matured tive... just didn’t trust my swing, didn’t of playing another Open at Portrush, he “This is one we always and grown as a team and learned ot for the fi rst time at a ma- commit to what I was doing, and this will have another crack at the Masters dreamed about, growing up from our mistakes, from not jor, a poor fi rst round all but course more than any other can make in only fi ve months as the tournament down the road,” said the caddie, converting the leads. ended Rory McIlroy’s victory you do that at times,” McIlroy said re- is expected to return to its usual April who spent his childhood in Co- “He’s playing great golf right chances and left him wonder- calling his fi rst round which spilled into timeslot. Whether spectators will return lumbia, South Carolina, about now.” The new champion saw Ning what he needs to do to overcome his a second day. next year remains uncertain, given the an hour’s drive from Augusta. his overnight lead cut from four Masters jinx and complete the career “The fi rst day I actually did okay. I rising number of coronavirus cases in “I remember being out on a shots to one after the fi rst fi ve grand slam. was even par through nine (holes) and the United States, but McIlroy suspects putting green with Dustin late at holes but a birdie at the par- It would be all too easy for amateur then just that second morning I just he was helped without the energy that night and every putt was to win three sixth put him back on track psychologists to maintain that McIlroy didn’t quite have it (completing the fi rst thousands of fans provide. the Masters. and the two-time major winner succumbs to the early pressure before round). “I loved the feeling of being relaxed “I couldn’t be more excited said he stopped looking at the freeing up once he has no choice but to “I need to take the positives. I played out there and it’s something I prob- for him. I see how hard he works. scoreboard after the seventh release the shackles and go birdie hunt- the last 54 (holes) really well and only ably need to try to adopt going into fi ve And how close he’s come to hole. ing. made two bogeys in that stretch, which months’ time,” he said. winning some majors. Having “I looked at the scoreboard But he just about acknowledged as is probably the best run of golf I’ve McIlroy needs to win the Masters to four 54-hole leads and not con- the whole time,” said Austin, much after fi nishing equal fi fth on Sun- played here.” become the sixth player to complete verting any of them, this is a big three years younger than his day, nine strokes behind winner Dustin McIlroy endured a similarly poor the career grand slam of all four ma- weight off him.” Dustin Johnson 36-year-old brother. “When we Johnson at Augusta National on Sunday. start at last year’s British Open in his jors, joining Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, has also had other bitter disap- walked up toward the 18th green The Northern Irishman shot 75-66- homeland at Royal Portrush, hitting his Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sara- pointments in major champi- he asked me where we stood. I 67-69, fi nally jumping onto the leader- fi rst tee shot out-of-bounds en route to zen. onships but rather than vent his told him he had a fi ve-shot lead.”