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Sunday, August 2, 2020 FORMULA 1 Dhul-Hijjah 12, 1441 AH Hamilton shatters GULF TIMES lap record to grab British GP pole SPORT Page 2

HORSE RACING Sheikh Mohamed’s Ebraz dazzles with second straight Qatar International Stakes win Julian Smart-trained Doha Triple Crown winner wins under Maxime Guyon; Sheikh Abdullah’s Tayf finishes third

Trainer Julian Smart (left) and jockey Maxime Guyon (right) celebrate in the winner’s enclosure after Ebraz won the Qatar International Stakes (Group 1 PA) at Qatar Goodwood Festival yesterday. (Sam Stephenson)

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani’s Ebraz is ridden to Qatar International Stakes (Group 1 PA) victory by Maxime Guyon at Qatar Goodwood Festival yesterday. (Debbie Burt)

Agencies Chichester, United Kingdom

he fi fth and fi nal day of Qatar Racing and Eques- trian Club (QREC)- sponsored Qatar Good- woodT Festival came with a massive Qatari victory when His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani’s Ebraz won the Qatar International Stakes (Group 1 PA) for four-year-old and older Arabians, for the sec- ond year on the spin. Ebraz managed to keep his title in the opener of the eight-race card and give a second success in the prestigious event for his trainer Julian Smart and his jock- ey Maxime Guyon in much the same way the triple did last year. The mile contest is a Group 1 contest for purebred Arabian horses and forms the fi rst leg Jim Crowley (left) rides Enbihaar to victory in the Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes (Group 2) at Qatar Goodwood of the Doha Triple Crown. Fol- Festival yesterday. (Sam Stephenson) lowing his victory in 2019, Ebraz went on to become the fi rst win- Ryan Moore rides Society Lion to Qatar Handicap (Class 2) victory yesterday. (Sam Stephenson) year in succession. Partnered by SOCIETY LION WINS QATAR SPRINT HANDICAP ner of the Doha Triple Crown, Jim Crowley, the fi ve-year-old HANDICAP FOR SIR MICHAEL Treacherous, trained by Ed de with victories in the Qatar Arabi- is that the horse has to not only saddle. He is trained by Thomas he has done it; maybe he can do Redoute’s Choice mare over- STOUTE Giles, was the comfortable win- an World Cup at Longchamp and travel well to three countries, Fourcy. another one, you never know. hauled leader Snow, trained by Sir Michael Stoute picked up his ner of the six-furlong Unibet His Highness The Amir Sword in but also stamp their supremacy Trainer Julian Smart said: We will obviously target the Arc Aidan O’Brien and ridden by fi rst winner of the Qatar Good- Stewards’ Sprint Handicap, the Doha. over three diff erent distances. “Ebraz is very special. He is one meeting for the Qatar Arabian Ryan Moore, entering the fi nal wood Festival when Society Lion contest for horses eliminated With this repeated victory The Qatar Arabian World Cup is of the best - he already proved Gold Cup and then we’ll see, do quarter mile. Enbihaar com- and Ryan Moore landed the Qa- from the Unibet Stewards’ Cup. under his belt, Ebraz, the high- run over a mile-and-a-quarter that in Doha, winning the Triple we go back to Doha or do we leave fortably saw off the challenge of tar Handicap, a Class 2 over 7f Under Harry Bentley, the six- est rated Arabian in the world, (2,000m) and His Highness The Crown, winning the Amir Sword him in France to go to stud? That Cabaletta, trained by Roger Var- for three-year-olds rated 0-105. year-old delivered his challenge sends a strong message that he is Amir Sword is a mile-and-a-half three times. This is the fourth will all be decided if he is sound ian and ridden by David Egan, He managed to win the race by entering the fi nal furlong and was targeting the Doha Triple Crown (2,400m). time he has come to Goodwood in October.” to score by three-and-a-half 1 and a quarter lengths in front never in any danger thereafter, once more. Deryan, trained by Didier - he has been unlucky on two lengths. of Mister Snowdon, trained by coming home a length and three The grey son of Amer has Guillemin, was the runner-up occasions and has managed to SECOND QATAR LILLIE Thady Gosden, assistant Richard Hughes, who was rid- quarters to the good over Dream shown his intent on landing the under by Ioritz Mendizabal. win it the last two years. Now we LANGTRY STAKES FOR trainer to his father John, said: den by Shane Kelly. The Roger Today, who is trained by Jamie title yet again, an accomplish- His Highness Sheikh Abdullah go to France for the Qatar Ara- ENBIHAAR “Enbihaar has run really well and Varian-trained King Ragnar was Osborne and was ridden by Saffi e ment, if realised, may not be re- bin Khalifa al-Thani’s Tayf, the bian Gold Cup and who knows, Enbihaar, trained by John Gos- is such a lovely horse. It was only third under David Egan Osborne. peated by any other horse. runner-up last year and the win- maybe the unthinkable. We al- den, justifi ed her favouritism a three-runner fi eld, but she has The Lamplighter, trained by What makes the Doha Triple ner of the 2017 edition, fi nished ready thought the Arabian Tri- to win the Qatar Lillie Langtry that lovely long stride and she COMFORTABLE VICTORY FOR George Baker, was third under Crown especially challenging third with Olivier Peslier in the ple Crown couldn’t be done and Stakes (Group 2) for the second picked up well in the straight.” TREACHEROUS IN STEWARDS’ Shane Kelly. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, August 2, 2020 SPORT

FORMULA 1 TENNIS WTA says Palermo Open will go on aft er Hamilton shatters player tests positive

Reuters have taken place across the world Mumbai, India since the sport was abruptly halted in early March but the women’s tournament in the Si- player set to participate cilian capital will be the fi rst lap record to grab in the Palermo Ladies across both the elite WTA and Open starting tomor- ATP tours in fi ve months. row has tested posi- WTA chief Steve Simon re- tiveA for Covid -19 but the event cently told Reuters that he hoped which marks the return of the Palermo would provide a blue- professional tennis season will print for tournament operations continue as planned, the WTA for the rest of 2020 amid the said yesterday. Covid-19 pandemic. British GP pole The WTA did not name the The WTA International-level player but said she had pulled out event would usually attract only Bottas ensures Mercedes lock the front grid; Verstappen, Leclerc to start third, fourth and all those who may have been a modest fi eld but its initial entry in close contact with her were list boasted a host of players in AFP being tested. the top 20, including twice Grand Silverstone, United Kingdom “A player has tested positive for Slam champion Simona Halep of Covid-19 at the 31st Palermo La- Romania. dies Open and has subsequently World number two Halep has ewis Hamilton smashed withdrawn from the tournament. since withdrawn from the tour- the track record twice The player is asymptomatic,” the nament due to concerns over yesterday to grab a WTA said in a statement. international travel amid the record seventh British “Following this information, new coronavirus pandemic as LGrand Prix pole position with a the WTA, in coordination with has Britain’s Johanna Konta, who stunning performance in a tense the Tournament Infection Con- will be focusing on hardcourt qualifying session. trol Offi cer and along with its events in the United States. Hamilton, who today seeks a medical advisors and infectious Croatia’s Petra Martic will be record-increasing seventh Sil- disease specialist from the Mayo the highest-ranked player at 15th verstone victory, fi nished ahead Clinic, immediately put its Cov- with Czech Marketa Vondrous- of his Mercedes teammate Valt- id-19 response plan into action. ova and Maria Sakkari of Greece teri Bottas by more than three- “Any individual who tests being the other top 20 players in tenths of a second after the Finn positive will remain in isola- the fi eld. had been fastest in fi nal practice tion until cleared by a physician The event has put in place and then again in both Q2 and per the established protocols, strict health protocols with eve- Q3 when he also set lap records. and will receive proper medical ryone having to undergo Cov- The defending six-time treatment.” id-19 tests before they come to champion and current series Organisers had earlier said two the tournament as well as on ar- leader bounced back from a players tested positive for Cov- rival and then every four days. ragged performance, includ- id-19 antibodies, adding they During the event players have ing a spin, in the fi rst parts of returned negative results when to handle their own towels and qualifying to claim his 65th pole they underwent a Polymerase there will be a smaller team of with Mercedes and the record- Chain Reaction test currently ball kids and lines offi cials but a increasing 91st of his career. being used to detect Covid-19. limited number of spectators are It was also a record eighth A handful of prominent late allowed in the stands. successive Mercedes pole suc- withdrawals may have taken “We are happy to play in front cess in Britain on a day when some of the sheen off the event of the public, even though in a they were clear of their nearest but the importance of the clay- drastically reduced number due rivals Red Bull by a full second, court event is not lost on the to Covid-19 prevention meas- Max Verstappen taking third sport as it marks the return of ures,” tournament director Olivi- place on the grid ahead of Fer- professional tennis. ero Palma said, adding that only rari’s Charles Leclerc. Plenty of exhibition events a few tickets remained unsold. Rising British star Lando Nor- ris, 20, was fi fth for McLaren Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton raced to a record seventh British Grand Prix pole yesterday. (Reuters) ahead of Lance Stroll in Racing SPOTLIGHT Point’s ‘pink Mercedes’, Carlos went Kevin Magnussen of Haas, After a fi nal fl urry, Racing Sainz in the second McLaren, Renault break curfew to fi x Ricciardo’s car the two Alfa Romeos of Anto- Point’s German stand-in was Daniel Ricciardo and his Renault nio Giovinazzi and Raikkonen, pushed down to 13th and elimi- team-mate Esteban Ocon and Renault broke an overnight of the weekend. Romain Grosjean in the second nated along with Pierre Gasly of Organisers told not to Sebastian Vettel, who was 10th curfew to fix Daniel Ricciardo’s No action was taken by Haas and rookie Nicholas Latifi , Alpha Tauri, Red Bull’s Alex Al- for Ferrari. car ahead of final practice and stewards because the curfew who spun in his Williams. bon, Daniil Kvyat in the second “This track is awesome! But qualifying for the British For- breach was the first of two The Canadian’s car, acclaim- Alpha Tauri and Russell. hold Madrid Open amid it is tough out there — with the mula One Grand Prix yesterday. allowed under the rules and ing the work of the British Na- The Mercedes duel in Q3 was winds, it is like juggling balls on The team said they had Ricciardo faces no penalty. tional Health Service during the engaged in earnest when Ham- a moving plate,” said a delighted detected a hairline fracture on The Australian, 11th overall coronavirus epidemic, caused a ilton smashed his teammate’s surge in virus cases Hamilton. the chassis after Friday’s two after three races without fl utter of yellow warning fl ags, new track record by four-tenths Reuters the tournament free from health “I had a spin and as you know practice sessions at Silver- spectators due to the Covid-19 which Russell sped through. A in 1:24.616, a time that Bot- Madrid, Spain complications that might aff ect qualifying is all about confi - stone and the Australian will pandemic, was ninth fastest in post-session stewards’ investi- tas was within 0.150 seconds of players, fans and staff . dence and I was struggling in have a new chassis for the rest second practice. gation was announced. equalling before the fi nal fray. “In view of this situation, the the fi rst sectors of every lap, but Bottas continued to dominate, adrid Open organis- organisers requested the help of I took some deep breaths, com- setting a new track lap record in STARTING GRID (top 10) ers have been advised Antonio Zapatero, Deputy Sec- posed myself and in Q3 I had a ed to drift a bit with the rear — Q1 began in cool and breezy 1:25.015 before Hamilton spun at Front row by local health au- retary of Public Health, and were clear lap and the second one was Lewis found a bit more than me conditions with the air temper- Nuffi eld. 1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) thorities not to stage advised not to stage the tourna- even better!” and he deserved the pole. ature hovering at a moderate 22 The session was red-fl agged 2. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) Mthe tournament next month due ment due to the current trend of “It still isn’t perfect, but it “He managed to win from P2 degrees and the track at 41. for a brief halt to clear gravel, 2nd row to the rise in Covid-19 cases in Covid-19 cases.” never gets old.” last year with a diff erent strat- Kimi Raikkonen set the fi rst leaving only nine minutes for 3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) the Spanish capital and are eval- The organisers added that they He added that it was strange to egy to mine so I hope I get op- timed lap in front of the empty Hamilton, down in 12th, to en- 4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) uating their options, they said were keen to make a decision in drive without any fans in the cir- portunities tomorrow.” grandstands and neatly mown sure his passage to the top-10 3rd row yesterday. good time as it was “impossible cuit. “Usually, it’s all sirens, fl ags fi elds, but it was soon trimmed shootout. 5. Lando Norris (McLaren) The Madrid Open, which was to guarantee a positive change and smoke and the atmosphere is ‘WAY TOO FAST’ by the usual suspects as Ham- Predictably, he delivered im- 6. Lance Stroll (Racing Point) rescheduled to take place from in this situation in the coming buzzing — you get out of the car Verstappen admitted Mercedes ilton and then a very committed mediately. 4th row September 12-20 and features weeks.” and have a diff erent energy so I were untouchable. “They are Bottas went top. His lap was three-tenths off 7. Carlos Sainz (McLaren) both men’s and women’s events, Spain has recorded more than miss them, but I hope everyone is just way too fast. You have to Behind them, George Rus- Bottas’ speed and lifted him to 8. Daniel Ricciardo (Renault) is an important tournament for 306,370 cases of the novel coro- safe and happy at home.” expect that and do the best you sell secured his third consecu- second ahead of Verstappen, 5th row the players to prepare for the navirus. Bottas said: “It was a pretty can — and that’s P3.” tive appearance in Q2 for Wil- nudging Hulkenberg down to 9. Esteban Ocon (Renault) French Open which now begins “In light of the advice... the good day until Q3 when I start- After Friday’s sweltering heat, liams with a late fast lap as out 11th. 10. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) on September 27. organisers... are analysing and “The organisers of the Mutua closely evaluating all the possible Madrid Open have been in close options, while always focusing communication with the com- on guaranteeing the safety of all Perez decision depends on UK government guidance, say Racing Point petent health organisations in those involved,” they added. the Community of Madrid and “The fi nal decision... will fall AFP await guidance from the British Thursday and has been ruled by private jet following last anyone who tested positive. with the National Sports Coun- to Ion Tiriac and Super Slam Ltd, Silverstone, United Kingdom government before deciding if out of this weekend’s British month’s Hungarian Grand Prix “If it’s certain that he is out for cil,” the organisers said in a state- the tournament’s licence holder.” Sergio Perez can return to drive Grand Prix. to visit his mother in hospital. two, then Nico will drive in both ment. The professional tennis sea- in next week’s 70th Anniversary He is in quarantine near Silver- The British government up- races,” said Szafnauer. “But “In the last meeting, on July son is scheduled to restart after a eam chief Otmar Szaf- Grand Prix. stone, but has not developed dated its coronavirus guidelines there is a bit of uncertainty and 29, due to the increase in cas- fi ve-month shutdown due to the nauer said yesterday Mexican Perez returned a any symptoms. on Thursday, extending quaran- we’re still not sure if it is seven es... in Madrid in recent days, pandemic with the WTA’s Pal- Tthat Racing Point will positive coronavirus test on Perez flew back to Mexico tine from seven to 10 days for or 10 days.” the organisers stated their con- ermo Ladies Open in the Sicilian cerns about being able to stage capital tomorrow.

BOTTOMLINE Absence of fans and eerie silence hang over weird British GP

Reuters last fi ve years we are now rapidly fans of Mercedes’ six times world and team offi cials interviewed end track hire deal still doesn’t Silverstone, United Kingdom descending a snake,” he added, champion Lewis Hamilton, who remotely by video conference. accurately represent what the speaking through the face mask is chasing a record seventh home “This just should not be com- cost of keeping a Grade One FIA required under Covid-19 proto- success this weekend. pared to a normal race for those licence on a circuit is for a whole half-built hotel and cols. “The British Grand Prix is the of us who are here,” said Pringle. year. empty grandstands “We’ll just have to do it all best grand prix, particularly be- “We know that the sport “We know that the fi nances provide the backdrop to again.” cause of the fans, the thousands translates well to television, be- of this thing require capacity, the starting grid at to- For the fi rst time since Silver- that turn up and really create the cause it has grown its popularity or something very close, to bal- day’sA fan-free British Grand Prix stone hosted the Formula One spectacle,” said the Briton, who based on its television appeal and ance.” but Silverstone circuit boss Stu- world championship’s inaugural described the ‘new normal’ as it translates much better in this Today’s race is the fi rst of two art Pringle hopes for a full house race in 1950, the British Grand super-weird. strange environment than foot- back-to-back at Silverstone, next year. Prix is being run behind closed ball or cricket do. with the August 9 round titled The alternative, and the fi - doors due to the pandemic that EERIE SILENCE “But anybody who is lucky the 70th anniversary Grand Prix nancial implications, do not bear has ravaged the calendar. The circuit, owned by the British enough to be here is completely but, with no live crowd to enjoy thinking about. The race boasted the biggest Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) and missing the atmosphere, so it’s them, the celebrations are on “The piggy bank’s nearly dry. crowd of any last season, with looking immaculate in the sun- completely weird.” hold. The bank’s standing by us, just as 351,000 people attending over shine, was more representative of Tickets for next year’s race are “We’re going to take the plans well,” Pringle told Reuters as he the three days and 141,000 fl ock- a private test event yesterday. on sale already ‘in good faith’, and that we had for this year and run looked out over the start-fi nish ing to the windswept former No queues, no traffi c, no fl ags, Pringle said it “jolly well needs to them in 2021,” said Pringle. straight from the window of a World War Two airfi eld on race no sponsors or VIPs, just empty be back to normal” by then. “If you’ve got a V16 BRM (en- socially-spaced media centre. Sunday. campsites and an eerie silence “We need to be close to full ca- gine) running, you want to hear “It’s a big game of snakes and A home race for a majority of when cars were not on track. pacity next year,” he said. it. Live. You don’t want to sit at ladders and having shinned up the 10 teams, Silverstone has Only a few reporters have been “The BRDC’s fi nances are shot home on your sofa thinking ‘I’d General view of the third practice session for the British Grand Prix at various lengths of ladder for the become a place of pilgrimage for given accreditation, with drivers this year because doing a week- love to be there listening to that’.” Silverstone yesterday. (Reuters) Gulf Times Sunday, August 2, 2020 3 CRICKET

REPORT SPOTLIGHT Hoping to get all govt clearance Record-equalling soon, says BCCI

IANS confusion among the cricket lov- New Delhi ing people in the country. “Let me assure you that the BCCI is committed towards or- hile the Board of ganising a safe and clean IPL and Bairstow stars as Control for Cricket are confi dent that it will give the in India (BCCI) and necessary boost to the sports the Indian Pre- sector in these times. We are also Wmier League (IPL) franchises are extremely grateful to the gov- working overtime as they enter ernment for their support and the last stage of planning to take understanding. In fact, they have the 13th edition of the league to been guiding us right through the UAE, there have been a few this period and we would also England win series questions raised on whether the want to thank Sports Minister required clearance has been got Kiren Rijiju,” the offi cial said. from the Indian government. IPL franchises are also con- Bairstow equals England record for the fastest ODI fifty with a 21-ball half-century And the Indian board is optimis- fi dent that the government will tic of getting the complete go- give the required permission to ahead in the coming week. take the tournament to UAE as Speaking to IANS, a BCCI of- the IPL will further boost the fi cial said that while the Sports morale of the people of India Ministry has already given the who have had to face a tough go-ahead, the board is hopeful time combating the pandemic. that the External Aff airs Minis- “See, you will always have try and the Home Ministry will people around you who will also give the go-ahead soon. look at the negatives. But what The offi cial reiterated that you cannot forget is the kind of there would be no hiccups and support the IPL gives the Indian the Indian cricket board will domestic structure. We are con- abide by all the regulations put fi dent that the BCCI will get the in place by the government in required permission to take the the fi ght against the coronavirus tournament to UAE because at pandemic. the end of the day we all want “The BCCI has received clear- the smiles to return on the faces ance from the Sports Ministry of the Indian people. and we are hopeful of a positive “Many are waiting to see the response from the other depart- likes of M S Dhoni and Virat ments quite soon as well. There Kohli and Rohit Sharma take the have been some noises from cer- fi eld after so many months. All tain quarters as they want to see protocols will be followed and the board fail in successfully con- safety of the players will be a pri- ducting the IPL this year, but they ority,” one of the offi cials of an are basically only trying to create IPL franchise said.

South Africa tour to West Indies on hold indefinitely

South Africa’s director of cricket few months. Graeme Smith does not expect “Financially we are in a lot of the national team to be back trouble. We need to get our in action until November at broadcast rights in, support the earliest and confirmed the from corporate sponsorship scheduled tour of West Indies and get the right content (se- has been postponed indefinite- ries) in place.” ly. Cricket West Indies chief ex- South Africa are scheduled to ecutive Johnny Grave said last play Test matches against Pa- week they were hopeful of host- kistan, Sri Lanka and Australia ing South Africa in September between January and March England’s Jonny Bairstow plays a shot during the second One Day International against Ireland at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, southwest England, yesterday. (AFP) for either two tests or five T20 next year. internationals, but Smith has AFP decision to bring on Hampshire made clear that will not happen. SOMERSET’S OVERTON SET Scorecard captain James Vince, primarily “The West Indies tour has been FOR SURREY SWITCH Southampton IRELAND Total (9 wkts, 50 overs) 212 T. Banton lbw b Campher 15 a batsman, rewarded when the postponed indefinitely,” he told Somerset paceman Jamie Over- P. Stirling c Banton b Willey 12 Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Delany), S. Billings not ou 46 medium-pacer claimed a fi rst reporters yesterday. ton will join Surrey at the end onny Bairstow equalled G. Delany lbw b Willey 0 2-15 (Stirling), 3-39 (Balbirnie), E. Morgan c Campher b Little 0 international wicket as Balbi- “We are struggling to find the of the season, the London club the England record for 4-44 (O’Brien), 5-78 (Tector), 6-91 rnie toe-ended a short ball to time with the Indian Premier announced yesterday. A. Balbirnie c Bairstow b Vince 15 Moeen Ali c Tucker b Little 0 the fastest one-day in- (Tucker), 7-151 (Simi Singh), 8-207 Bairstow. League, when our players are The 26-year-old, who unlike ternational fi fty as the H. Tector c Mahmood b Rashid 28 (Campher), 9-212 (McBrine) D. Willey not out 47 Kevin O’Brien, whose 50-ball likely to be needed from the twin brother Craig has yet to worldJ champions beat Ireland K. O’Brien b Rashid Extras (b2, nb2, w6) hundred set up Ireland’s dra- beginning of September. play for England, has agreed 3 Bowlers: Willey 10-1-48-2 (2w); 10 by four wickets in a series- matic 2011 World Cup-win over L. Tucker c Topley b Rashid 21 Topley 9-1-31-1; Moeen 8-0-27- Total (6 wkts, 32.3 overs) 216 “In terms of when we will get a three-year deal and is set to clinching victory at Southamp- 0; Vince 4-0-18-1 (1w); Rashid England in Bangalore, then fell back onto the field, we are prob- move to The Oval in November. C. Campher c Rashid b Mahmood Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Roy), 2-71 ton yesterday. 10-0-34-3 (1nb, 1w); Mahmood for just three when bowled by ably looking at November on- “We’re very pleased Jamie will 68 (Vince), 3-98 (Banton), 4-131 England were cruising to 9-0-45-2 Rashid’s textbook googly. wards. And if all goes well, it will be joining us and I look forward a target of 213 while opener Simi Singh c Bairstow b Mahmood (Bairstow), 5-137 (Morgan), 6-137 Campher came into bat with then be a very busy period for to seeing him perform in a Sur- ENGLAND Bairstow, whose 21-ball half- 25 (Moeen) Ireland again deep in trouble at South African cricket, playing rey shirt,” said Surrey director J. Roy c Delany by Young 0 century equalled skipper Eoin A. McBrine c Bairstow b Topley 24 Bowling: Young 9-0-68-1 (1nb, 78-5. series at times when we don’t of cricket and former England Morgan’s mark against Austral- J. Bairstow c Tucker b Little 82 3w); Little 10-3-60-3 (3w); But he shared partnerships of usually play. “It will be a case of captain Alec Stewart. ia at Nottingham two years ago, C. Young not out 2 60 and 56 with Simi Singh and J. Vince b Campher 16 McBrine 5-0-33-0; Campher 6.3-1- trying to cram in all the tours Overton, who has taken 164 was at the crease. Extras (b4, lb5, nb1, w4) 14 50-2 (1nb); Singh 2-0-3-0 Andy McBrine respectively. that have been missed.” wickets in 64 first-class appear- The wicket-keeper’s exit for Campher, after he passed fi f- South Africa cut short a One- ances, added: “From the mo- 82, however, sparked a mini- But Sam Billings, who saw Victory left England 2-0 up in from a top-order collapse, with ty, hooked and drove Willey for Day International series in India ment that Alec made contact collapse that saw three wickets England home to a six-wicket a three-match series that con- his 68 following the South Af- two fi ne fours before he sliced in March due to the Covid-19 and talked me through the lost for six runs. win in Thursday’s series opener, cludes at the Ageas Bowl, the rica-born all-rounder’s 59 not Saqib Mahmood to Rashid at pandemic, and have also been opportunity, I was excited about Both former Ireland batsman made 46 not out and David Wil- venue for all three matches, on out on debut on Thursday. third man. forced to postpone a tour to Sri coming to Surrey. Morgan and Moeen Ali fell for ley, already a thorn in Ireland’s Tuesday. Left-arm paceman Willey, This series, being played be- Lanka, as well as their engage- “I’m obviously aware of the ducks as Josh Little - only play- side with the ball, 47 not out. Earlier leg-spinner Adil who took an ODI-best 5-30 hind closed doors because of the ment with West Indies. club’s history and success and ing because of Barry McCa- The pair shared an unbroken Rashid, a Yorkshire team-mate last time out, dismissed Gareth coronavirus, also launches the Smith said the lack of cricket is these were all major attrac- rthy’s knee injury - followed his stand as England, who won with of Bairstow and Willey, took a Delany and Paul Stirling after new World Cup Super League, a financial time bomb for the tions for me in moving from dismissal of Bairstow by strik- more than 17 overs remaining, fi ne 3-34 from 10 overs as Ire- Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie, which will determine qualifi ca- country, who have also lost Somerset.” ing twice in four balls to leave again made Ireland pay for a low land were held to 212-9. Curtis somewhat surprisingly, decided tion for the 2023 50-over show- their major sponsor in the last (Reuters) England wobbling at 137-6. total batting fi rst. Campher again rescued Ireland to bat fi rst. Morgan then saw his piece in India.

FOCUS Felt Harbhajan was wronged: Kumble opens up on Monkeygate incident

IANS including an unbeaten 162 from bhajan Singh) was obviously senior players did well to keep New Delhi Symonds. Australia dramatically banned for three matches be- the team together during those won the game by 122 runs with cause of a racist remark - that tough times and that helped minutes to spare on the fi nal day. was what the pronouncement them achieve positive results in ormer India captain Anil The saga between Harbhajan was and we appealed. I felt he the fi nal two matches of the se- Kumble has recalled the and Symonds snowballed into a was wronged. ries. infamous Monkeygate hearing and the latter was even “We had to obviously be to- “I think as a captain, or as a incident of 2008 that handed a ban. gether as a team but the chal- team, we had gone there to win threatenedF to sour the relation- Kumble, who was the captain lenge was that there was a lot of the series. Unfortunately, with ship between two of the biggest at the time, recalled the entire talk about the team wanting to the fi rst two results not going our powerhouses in world cricket. episode and stated that the off - come back at that point in time, way, the best result could have During India’s tour of Aus- spinner was wronged and that and leave the tour and come been a drawn series because two tralia, the Sydney Test had made was the general consensus in the back. more Test matches remained and headlines for all the wrong rea- team dressing room. “Yes, you know, probably I just wanted to rally around the sons. While it was known for “As a captain you’re gener- (people) would have accept- team. I was fortunate enough to the umpiring errors during the ally tuned to take decisions on ed that the Indian team was have senior players, former cap- match, the biggest story to come the fi eld. Here I was faced with wronged and that’s why they tains, in the team,” he added. out of it was the Monkeygate something, which was off the came back,” he added. Following losses in fi rst two incident involving Harbhajan fi eld, to take a decision in the At the time, there was cla- Tests, India did well to make a Singh and Andrew Symonds. larger interest of the game,” mour within certain sections comeback in the third match in The controversies ended up Kumble told Ravichandran Ash- that Team India should abandon Perth and won it by 72 runs. The overshadowing what was other- win during latter’s YouTube the tour mid-way and return to fourth and fi nal Test ended in a wise a high-quality match fea- show ‘DRSWithAsh’. India. draw as Australia clinched the turing as many as fi ve centuries, “And one of our players (Har- Kumble, however, stated that series 2-1. Former India captain Anil Kumble. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, August 2, 2020 SPORT

NBA FOCUS LA Olympic offi cials ask IOC to allow Giannis shines athlete protests

Agencies during the anthem or otherwise Los Angeles failing to adhere to strict proto- col during the medal ceremony. In his letter, which was fi rst he head organiser for the reported by Sportico.com, as Bucks hold on, 2028 Summer Games in Wasserman wrote: “Being anti- Los Angeles has asked racist is not political. Olympic leaders for a Being antiracist is central to ruleT change that would allow our core human principles and, athletes to protest against rac- therefore, an embodiment of ism either from the podium or at everything the Olympic Games other times during the interna- symbolises.” tional competition. The IOC could not be reached Harden nets 49 Casey Wasserman, chairman for response. An LA 2028 of the LA28 organising commit- spokeswoman declined to com- tee, made his request in a letter ment. delivered to Thomas Bach, pres- The right to protest has be- MILWAUKEE BUCKS ARE TRYING TO WIN THEIR FIRST NBA TITLE SINCE 1971 ident of the International Ol- come a topic of debate through- ympic Committee, in mid-June. out sports in the wake of George AFP “Sport is not separate or clear Floyd’s death. Athletes in the Los Angeles of racism; it is a microcosm of NBA and Major League Baseball our world where racism exists,” have knelt before games but, Wasserman wrote. within the Olympic movement, “I urge you to allow and en- the issue has been set aside dur- iannis Antetokounmpo courage athletes to advocate ing the coronavirus outbreak, shook off the rust of a against racism anywhere they which forced the Tokyo Games long layoff by scoring can, including on and off the to be postponed until the sum- 36 points to power the fi eld of play.” mer of 2021. GMilwaukee Bucks to a 119-112 At issue is Rule 50 of the Ol- Wasserman sent his letter to victory over the Boston Celtics ympic Charter, which states the IOC on Juneteenth, the day in their fi rst game of the NBA’s that “No kind of demonstration that commemorates the end of restarted season. or political, religious or racial slavery in the US. Milwaukee, who are trying to propaganda is permitted in any He suggested to Bach the time win their fi rst NBA title since Olympic sites, venues or other has come to modify Rule 50. 1971, boasted the best record at areas.” Earlier this year, the IOC “It is up to all of us to enact 53-12 when the league was shut issued new guidelines with a change and create a future we down in mid-March due to the “no-no” list that included signs, want to see,” he wrote. “I am global pandemic. arm bands and hand gestures. counting on your leadership to “We just got the stops. We They prohibited taking a knee make the right decision.” tried to play hard, make the right play and hit open guy,” said An- tetokounmpo. In the late game, James Hard- WNBA’s fi rst overall pick Ionescu en scored 49 points and the Houston Rockets outgunned helped off court with injury the Dallas Mavericks 153-149 in a high-scoring Western Con- NEW YORK: First overall injury on social media. ference contest that went into WNBA pick Sabrina Ionescu “Ouch!!” tweeted three-time overtime. was helped off the court with NBA champion LeBron James The Bucks trailed by two an ankle injury on Friday during in response.”@sabrina_i20 Get points at the half, then built a the New York Liberty’s matchup healthy as soon as possible! big lead and held on in the fourth against the Atlanta Dream, Health is wealth.” quarter to beat the Celtics in the casting a shadow on the highly Ionescu, who was mentored battle between the two Eastern touted rookie’s debut season. by the late Los Angeles Lakers Conference powerhouses. The Liberty guard rolled her legend Kobe Bryant and was The 25-year-old Antetok- ankle, suff ering a sprain, the the only Division I player to ounmpo also had 15 rebounds, New York team said, in her third record 2,000 career points, seven assists and fi ve fouls. game of the shortened WNBA 1,000 rebounds and 1,000 as- He almost fouled out with 88 season, which is being held sists, roared into the league on seconds to go but after a video without fans in a “bubble” set- a wave of monumental expecta- review the offi cials overturned ting in Bradenton, Florida, amid tions. a sixth foul call, allowing him Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks is in line for his second straight NBA MVP award. the coronavirus outbreak. She scored 33 points during the to stay in the game and lead the Dismayed fans responded to Liberty’s Wednesday loss to the Bucks to victory. ounmpo remains on track to review of Antetokounmpo’s re- wince-inducing footage of the Dallas Wings. Khris Middleton scored 18 become the NBA’s fi rst back-to- scinded sixth foul, accused the points and added eight assists, back MVP since Stephen Curry refs of playing favourites. while Brook Lopez tallied 14 in 2015-16. “Quite frankly, I think we NBA’s return doubles typical points and made six blocks for Heading into Friday’s game know all what that was all about. the Bucks, who came into the he was averaging a robust 29.6 Giannis’ sixth foul and they regular-season audience game holding a 6 1/2 game lead points, 13.7 rebounds and 5.8 as- didn’t want to get him out,” said over second place Toronto. sists per game this season. Smart. “Let’s just call that spade Los Angeles: The NBA’s return drawing roughly 1.4mn view- Both teams did a good job of It was his 19th straight dou- a spade and that’s just what it is.” to regular-season play for the ers before the coronavirus acclimating themselves to their ble double matching the longest In the late game, Harden scored first time in four months aver- pandemic interrupted play new surroundings, which in- streak in the league this season 23 of his game high 49 points aged 3.4mn viewers for a close by sports leagues around the cludes playing without fans at which also belongs to him. in the fi rst quarter and Russell contest between the Los An- world in March. the Disney World complex that Celtics Daniel Theis tied the Westbrook chipped in 31 points geles Lakers and Los Angeles As sporting events start to is acting as the “bubble” venue game 107-107 with just over for Houston after arriving late to Clippers, the league and AT&T return, TNT and other TV net- for the 22 teams taking part in two minutes to go.But Antetok- Orlando because he tested posi- Inc’s TNT cable network said on works are hoping for a ratings the restart. ounmpo converted a three- tive for the coronavirus. Friday. rebound. The players benches have point play less than a minute “It was tough to be home for The viewership for the Thurs- A week ago, the opening night been moved back from the side- later and Middleton added a 18, 19 days no working out,” said day game was more than dou- of Major League Baseball’s sea- lines and the area was enlarged three-point bomb to give Mil- Westbrook. Kristaps Porzingis ble the average for a regular- son pulled in a record viewer- so the coaches and reserves waukee an eight-point lead with had 39 points and 16 rebounds season NBA telecast, the league ship for Walt Disney Co’s ESPN. could sit apart at safe distances a minute to go as the Bucks took for Dallas, and Luka Doncic had and the network said in a joint Several subsequent games and cheer their teammates on control in the fi nal minutes. a triple-double with 28 points 13 statement. Superstar Lebron were postponed, however, after at The Arena. Before the game Jaylen Brown fi nished with a rebounds and 10 assists. James made the winning shot players for the Miami Marlins the players from both teams, James Harden of the Houston Rockets shoots a free throw. team high 22 points and Kemba with 12.8 seconds left to secure and staff for the Philadelphia wearing shirts reading “Black Walker scored 16 points in just RESULTS the Lakers’ 103-101 victory. Phillies tested positive for Lives Matter”, linked arms and back of their jerseys in place of er, we can kneel together before 19 minutes of playing time in Orlando 128 BROOKLYN 118 An earlier game between the Covid-19. kneeled together during the their family names. the game. That was amazing,” the loss. Boston’s Jayson Tatum, PORTLAND 140 Memphis 135 Utah Jazz and New Orleans Peli- To prevent outbreaks among playing of the American na- Some stars, like LeBron said Antetokounmpo.”We have who entered the contest averag- (OT) cans pulled in 2.1mn viewers, NBA players, the league restart- tional anthem, as other teams James, decided to stick with momentum right now. ing a team-leading 23.6 points Phoenix 125 WASHINGTON 112 and the doubleheader aver- ed its season on Thursday with have done during the restart. their names, but Antetok- The whole world has the mo- per game, fi nished with fi ve MILWAUKEE 119 Boston 112 aged 2.9mn. all games being played at a Walt NBA players were given the op- ounmpo chose to go with the mentum right now and we can’t points on just two-of-18 shoot- SAN ANTONIO 129 Sacramento The Jazz edged the Pelicans Disney World sports complex in tion during the restart to display word “Equality”. stop. We got to keep going un- ing. Marcus Smart, who was 120 106-104. NBA matchups were Orlando, Florida. a social justice message on the “I love that we can talk togeth- til we make it right.” Antetok- on the wrong end of the video Houston 153 DALLAS 149 (OT)

BOTTOMLINE Magic’s Isaac takes lone stand at NBA restart, Popovich also stands

AFP Black Lives Matter. said Popovich, who wore a Black Lives Orlando “I believe that Black Lives Matter. A Matter shirt.”Everybody has to make lot went in my decision. I just felt that a personal decision. The league has kneeling or wearing a Black Lives Mat- been great about that. Everybody has ter t-shirt don’t go hand in hand with the freedom to react any way that they rlando Magic player Jonath- supporting Black Lives,” he said. want. an Isaac stood for the US “Everyone is made in the image of For whatever reasons that I have, I re- national anthem ahead of his God and we all fall short of God’s glory. acted the way I wanted to.” team’s clash with the Brook- And each and everyone of us do things The NBA restarted its season on lynO Nets on Friday, declining to join we shouldn’t do and say things we Thursday after a four-month hiatus fol- teammates and coaches who knelt for shouldn’t say, we dislike people that we lowing the coronavirus pandemic. the pre-game ritual. shouldn’t hate and dislike... The relaunch is also getting under In Thursday’s opening games at the “When you look around, racism isn’t way after nationwide soul-searching NBA restart in Orlando, all players and the only thing that plagues our society, about racism and police brutality in the coaches, many wearing “Black Lives plagues our nation, plagues our world. United States following the death of un- Matter” T-shirts, dropped to one knee “So I felt like coming together on that armed black man George Floyd during in a silent demonstration during the message, not only racism, but every- his arrest by police on May 25 in Min- anthem. thing that plagues our society, I feel our neapolis. Magic and Nets players followed suit answer to it is the Gospel.” Many NBA players joined protests on Friday as the “Star-Spangled Ban- San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Pop- against the killing that swept across all ner” was played, but Isaac did not take ovich also chose to stand while players 50 states in June, and the cause of social part. and coaches on the Spurs and Sacra- justice has loomed large at the league’s Instead, Isaac, who also did not join mento Kings kneeled during the anthem restart. his teammates in wearing a Black Lives on Friday. Large “Black Lives Matter” slogans Matter T-shirt, stood alone wearing his Popovich, who has spoken out count- have been written on each NBA court, Magic jersey. less times against racism and human while players are allowed to wear jerseys Speaking after Orlando scored a 128- rights, said his reason for standing was adorned with messages ranging from 118 victory, Isaac, an ordained minister, personal and didn’t want to disclose it. “I Can’t Breathe” to “Justice Now” and said he was “absolutely” supportive of “I prefer to keep that to myself,” “Education Reform.” Gulf Times Sunday, August 2, 2020 5 SPORT

NFL Lee becomes 7th Patriots player to opt out

Agencies Chung and right tackle Marcus Cannon, all start- Brees: Reaction to comments about kneeling ‘crushing’ Dallas ers, also opted out, along with special-teams player Brandon Bolden, fullback Danny Vitale and practice squad off ensive lineman Najee Toran. New Orleans: Drew Brees met with the Brees issued an apology after several The window to opt out ends on Tuesday. media for the first time in training camp athletes, including LeBron James and some ew England wide receiver Marqise Lee be- Players considered high risk for Covid-19 can yesterday, and before anyone could ask him members of the Saints, criticised his com- came the seventh Patriots player to opt out earn a $350,000 stipend and an accrued NFL season about his 20th NFL season, he reinforced ments. Nof the 2020 season due to the coronavirus. if they decide to opt out. that he supports the fight for social justice He said he and his teammates are on the No team has had as many players choose not play Players without risk can receive $150,000, ac- that has enveloped the nation this summer. same page heading into the season, both in this fall. cording to the agreement approved last week by the The veteran New Orleans Saints quarterback terms of football and social justice. “This is a big sit-down process I had, with me league and the NFL Players Association, although drew a backlash in early June when an in- The 41-year-old said he will continue to stand and my signifi cant other, as far as family goes. the voluntary opt-out stipend is solely an advance terviewer asked him about Colin Kaepernick for the national anthem but will support oth- The risk factor in which we believe that’s going toward future salary. taking a knee to protest police brutality, and ers who choose to kneel during the anthem out there, it just wasn’t worth it in a sense. The stipend is not available to undrafted rookies. he responded that he will “never agree with to shine a light on the cause. Just too many unknowns,” Lee told ESPN.com The NFL Players Association announced Tues- anybody disrespecting the flag of the United “I acknowledge and respect anyone who of his decision.Lee signed with the Patriots on a day that 21 players had tested positive for Covid-19 States of America.” chooses to kneel or any other form of peace- one-year deal in April, but he told ESPN.com that since reporting for training camps began last week, His comments came just days after George ful protest to bring attention to the social protecting his family — including his fi rst child, a bringing the total of positive tests this off season to Floyd, a Black man, died when a white police injustices and systemic racism that so many daughter born in February — took precedence. 107. off icer in Minneapolis kneeled on his neck have endured and continue to endure in our Because he is opting out, his one-year deal will The number is expected to climb this week, with for nearly nine minutes. country,” Brees said. roll over to next season. most players reporting to teams on Tuesday and set “Going back to my comment on June 3rd, to Brees has been a respected member of the Lee added that he had faith in coach Bill Belichick to take multiple tests over the next few days before think for a second that New Orleans or the community since 2006, when he chose to and the Patriots’ readiness to deal with the pan- participating in any activities. state of Louisiana or the Black community play for the Saints. demic, despite his decision. Meanwhile, The NFL suspended wide receiver would think that I was not standing with day. I had an opportunity to talk about and He and his wife, Brittany, vowed to help the “We knew New England, honestly, had a great Antonio Brown for the fi rst eight regular-season them for social justice, that completely broke emphasise the social injustices that exist community rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. system in place. games of the 2020 campaign for violating its per- my heart. for our Black community and our need as a They have participated in a number of phil- But I told Coach, at the end of the day, I wouldn’t sonal conduct policy. It was crushing,” Brees said on the confer- country to support them and to advocate for anthropic eff orts, most recently increasing be doing him justice going out there because I A woman told Sports Illustrated in September ence call Saturday. systemic change. his contribution to communities in Louisiana wouldn’t be able to give him my all knowing my that Brown fi red her from a job at his home in 2017 “Never ever would I feel that way. Now, I “And my lack of awareness in that moment impacted by the coronavirus pandemic from family was back at the house worrying about their after she rejected an “unwanted sexual advance” recognise that I missed an opportunity that hurt a lot of people.” $5 million to $10 million. situation.” from him and said he later sent her intimidating text Linebacker Dont’a Hightower, safety Patrick messages.

MLB SPOTLIGHT Manfred warns union of potential Padres rally past MLB shutdown

Reuters Washington

ajor League Base- Rockies in wild 9th ball commissioner Rob Manfred said Mthe season could be in jeopardy if teams and players don’t do a better job managing the Covid-19 outbreaks, ESPN reported on Friday. Manfred, who has the power to shut down the season, report- edly made this comment to MLB Players Association executive di- rector Tony Clark. The shutdown could happen as soon as Monday, per the re- port. Some players have not been abiding by the league’s protocols, with broadcasts also showing some players not wearing masks, high-fi ving and spitting. “There are some bad deci- sions being made,” a source told ESPN’s Jeff Passan of players’ off -fi eld activities. According to a second report Friday, an MLB investigation the St. Louis Cardinals and the found that Miami Marlins play- Brewers in Milwaukee. ers failed to adhere to safety pro- Multiple outlets reported that tocols in a trip to Atlanta for their two Cardinals players tested pos- fi nal two exhibition games on itive. mAlso according to Miller’s July 21-22. report, MLB sent a four-page Scott Miller of Bleacher Re- memo to each team instructing port reported that an internal them to assign a compliance of- probe found that Marlins players fi cer to ensure players are adher- were going out and hanging out ing to protocols and not engaging at the hotel bar. in risky behavior, on the fi eld and The Marlins have seen 18 play- off . ers and two coaches test positive Major League Baseball and for Covid-19. the MLBPA on Friday jointly an- The Marlins have been quar- nounced the result of Covid-19 antining in a hotel in Philadel- testing through Thursday. phia, where they concluded a Of the 11,895 samples taken three-game series with the Phil- over the past week, there were 29 lies on Sunday. positive tests — 20 by players. Their games have been post- The shortened 60-game sea- poned through this Sunday. son began on July 23 after the In addition, Major League start was pushed back nearly Baseball postponed Friday after- four months due to the corona- noon’s scheduled game between virus pandemic. San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) celebrates with left fielder Tommy Pham (28) after the game against the Colorado Rockies.

Agencies and loaded the bases. four and walked one in an eco- — three earned — on fi ve hits and fi nished 2-for-4 with two RBIs. TOP FOF THE TABLE New York However, Drew Pomeranz nomical 81-pitch outing while three walks with fi ve strikeouts. Anthony Rizzo also had two came on and got Chris Owings getting his fi rst win since April RBIs. to fl y out for his second save. 21, 2018. Diamondbacks 5, Dodgers 3 Trevor Williams (0-2) drew ommy Pham and Fern- Christian Walker’s two-out, the loss after giving up three Cowboys extend ando Tatis Jr. homered Yankees 5, Red Sox 1 Braves 11, Mets 10 bases-clearing double keyed runs (two earned) on four hits in in a four-run ninth in- Aaron Judge homered for Travis d’Arnaud’s three-run Arizona’s win over Los Ange- 4 2/3 innings. ning and had two hits the third straight game, Jordan double capped a fi ve-run eighth les in Phoenix. Walker’s big hit He walked three and struck reign as most Tapiece, Jake Cronenworth also Montgomery pitched 5 2/3 in- inning to left host Atlanta past came with the bases loaded in out six. had two hits, and the visiting nings of one-run ball and New New York for the third time the bottom of the eighth inning San Diego Padres beat the Colo- York topped Boston to win its in four meetings between the and the Dodgers leading 3-1. Orioles 6, Rays 3 valuable sports rado Rockies 8-7 on Friday night home opener. clubs. d’Arnaud lined a double Blake Treinen (0-1) was Anthony Santander and Pedro in Denver. After hitting the tiebreaking off reliever Seth Lugo (1-1) into charged with the four runs the Severino hit back-to-back hom- Forbes Trevor Story and Charlie homer Thursday in a 8-6 vic- the gap in right-center fi eld to D-backs scored in the inning, ers, and Hanser Alberto added team: Blackmon homered and had tory at Baltimore, Judge gave clear the bases. though none were earned. one for the second straight and Golden State Warriors ($4.3 three hits each, and Ryan Mc- the Yankees a 2-1 lead with a Marcell Ozuna slid home just Hector Rondon (1-0) received game as host Baltimore scored a he Dallas Cowboys were billion) rounded out the top fi ve. Mahon, Nolan Arenado and two-run shot when he blasted a ahead of the relay to score the the win by recording an out in come-from-behind victory over ranked the world’s most NFL teams occupied 27 spots David Dahl had two hits apiece fi rst-pitch curveball from Ryan go-ahead run. d’Arnaud fi nished the top of the eighth, and Archie Tampa Bay in the opener of a valuable sports team on the ranking of the 50 most for the Rockies, who had their Weber (0-2) into the empty 3-for-4 with fi ve RBIs in his fi rst Bradley earned his second save. three-game series. for a fi fth consecutive valuable sports teams, which four-game winning streak right fi eld seats with nobody out game against his former club. Mookie Betts went 3-for-5 After Tampa Bay scored two yearT according to an annual list Forbes said was both a refl ection snapped. With two outs in the in the third inning.Judge’s third Grant Dayton (1-0) worked a with his fi rst homer as a Dodg- runs off former Rays pitcher published by Forbes on Friday of its massive stadium draws and ninth and San Diego trailing homer of the season came after scoreless eighth to get the win. er, and he threw out a runner at Alex Cobb, Santander tied the that was dominated by National TV appeal. 5-4, Tatis hit a solo homer off he threw out Kevin Pillar lead- Chris Martin pitched around third base from right fi eld. game on a two-run homer in Football League clubs. Three European soccer teams Wade Davis (0-1).Trent Grisham ing off fi rst base on J.D. Mar- two baserunners in the ninth Cubs 6, Pirates 3 fourth and Severino followed The NFL’s Cowboys, who un- cracked the top 10 this year, led then walked and stole second, tinez’s lineout to end the top of and earned his fi rst save. Yu Darvish struck out seven with his own home run to give seated Spanish soccer club Real by Real Madrid ($4.24 billion) in and Davis intentionally walked the third. Atlanta starter Sean New- batters over six scoreless in- the Orioles a 3-2 lead. Madrid for top spot on the list in sixth place. Manny Machado. Pham hit a Montgomery (1-0), who comb pitched 4 1/3 innings and nings, and Chicago cruised to a Paul Fry (1-0) earned the vic- 2016, were valued at $5.5 billion, Barcelona ($4 billion) were full-count pitch into the seats to was going to start the origi- allowed six runs on six hits with win over visiting Pittsburgh to tory for the Orioles in relief a 10% rise when compared to last eighth while Manchester United left-center fi eld to make it 8-5. nally scheduled home opener one walk and four strikeouts. open a three-game series. while Pete Fairbanks (1-1) took year, Forbes said in a statement. ($3.8 billion) came in at 10th. Colorado nearly rallied in the Wednesday against Philadelphia New York starter Rick Porcel- Darvish (1-1) limited the Pi- the loss. Major League Baseball’s New The NBA had nine teams on bottom of the inning. before it was postponed, al- lo was staked to an 8-2 lead, but rates to two hits while issuing Cole Sulser earned his second York Yankees ($5 billion), the Na- the list, European soccer and Blackmon had an RBI single, lowed one run on fi ve hits while he failed to retire a batter in the only one walk. save. tional Basketball Association’s MLB each had seven clubs. and two walks by reliever Kirby getting three double plays. fi fth before exiting. Jason Kipnis homered for The two starters didn’t last New York Knicks ($4.6 billion), No ice hockey, Formula One or Yates brought in another run The left-hander struck out He was charged with four runs Chicago while Jason Heyward long. Los Angeles Lakers ($4.4 billion) Nascar teams made the cut. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, August 2, 2020 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Brumbies stun Reds with dramatic Todd grabs halfway late penalty in Super Rugby AU

AFP It was the hooker’s fi fth try Canberra in as many games at home, lead in Memphis, with young prospect Bayley Kuenzie adding the extras to he ACT Brumbies put them 7-0 in front. pulled off a last-gasp The clash became an in- escape act yesterday tense battle with crunching with a Mack Hansen defence from both sides be- Tpenalty after the full-time si- fore the Brumbies produced ren earning them a nail-biting another try in similar circum- Fowler two back 22-20 win over the Queens- stances. Again their forward land Reds. pack, spearheaded by James The Reds rallied from 14-3 Slipper and Alaalatoa, proved ‘I feel like we already made the step back, I feel like we’ve made a step forward’ down at the break with 17 un- too strong, with Fainga’a once answered points and looked more getting the fi ve points set to snap a six-year losing from a driving maul and Kuen- streak in Canberra, only for zie converting. heartbreak at the death. But the Reds showed back- It kept the Brumbies un- bone and fullback Jordan beaten in Super Rugby AU Petaia, in his fi rst outing since with four wins to top the table, February after dislocating his seven points clear of the Reds shoulder, was unlucky to have in second. a try disallowed after the half- Skipper Alan Alaalatoa ad- time buzzer when a video re- mitted they rode their luck af- play showed a high tackle at ter intense Reds pressure. the start of the move. “I think we did get out of jail, but you have to take your It kept the Brumbies hat off to Mack there at the unbeaten in Super Rugby clutch moment,” he said. AU with four wins to top “But credit also to the Reds, the table, seven points they put us only pressure for clear of the Reds in second the whole second half. But I’m really proud about how we It sent them to the break found a way to win.” seemingly disillusioned, but It was a cruel blow for the they returned on fi re with two youthful, and impressive, tries in an electric opening fi ve Reds. “That’s a tough one. I minutes after the restart. Petaia think we did so many things was again involved, offl oad- right tonight, which was a ing to Harry Wilson for the massive improvement for us, fi rst before Angus Scott-Young and we fought to the end,” said barged over for a second, with captain Liam Wright. James O’Connor converting “But the Brumbies are a both then kicking a penalty to class outfi t and they know put them 20-14 in front. when to take the pressure and It set up an exciting fi nale use it against you.” with a third Brumbies try Renowned for their set- from the maul, this time to piece strength, the Brumbies Lachlan McCaff rey, pulling it applied all the early pressure back to 20-19 with four min- and executed a perfect roll- utes left. Hansen missed the ing maul from a lineout after conversion but was handed just fi ve minutes with Folau another shot at glory after Fainga’a crashing over to open full-time and this time made the score. no mistake.

Brendon Todd of the United States plays a shot from a bunker on the 16th hole during the second round of the World Golf Championship-FedEx St Jude Invitational at TPC Southwind Belgian youngster Evenepoel on July 31, 2020 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Getty Images/AFP) wins Tour of Burgos Reuters Belgian 20-year-old Remco Evenepoel won the Tour of Burgos Washington LEADING SCORES AFTER SECOND ROUND yesterday after doing enough in the final stage to hold onto his overnight lead. (par 70; USA unless stated) Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG) 70-64 137-Jason Kokrak 69-68, Dustin Kisner 70-68, Henrik Stenson It was the third Tour win of the season for the former footballer rendon Todd used a red- 129-Brendon Todd 64-65 135-Jason Day (AUS) 68-67, Im Johnson 69-68, Shane Lowry (SWE) 69-69, Keegan Bradley tipped for the very top and who will race his first Grand Tour at hot putter to claim sole 131-Rickie Fowler 64-67 Sung-jae (KOR) 67-68, Webb (IRL) 68-69, Phil Mickelson 68-70, Daniel Berger 71-67, Matt the Giro d’Italia in October. ownership of the lead 133-An Byeong-hun (KOR) 68- Simpson 69-66, Louis Oosthui- 67-70, Kevin Streelman 71-66, Kuchar 66-72, Xander Schauf- “Mission accomplished,” pre-race favourite Evenepoel said on at the WGC-FedEx St 65, Brooks Koepka 62-71, Chez zen (RSA) 68-67 Jordan Spieth 68-69 fele 68-70, Sergio Garcia (ESP) the podium. JudeB Invitational in Memphis on Reavie 66-67 136-Justin Thomas 66-70, Kevin 138-Graeme McDowell (NIR) 67-71, Bubba Watson 68-70, Tony “I had to suff er, I had to fight, and now I feel great.” Friday, sitting two strokes ahead 134-Kang Sung (KOR) 65-69, Na 72-64, Scottie Scheff ler 69-67 68-70, JT Poston 70-68, Kevin Finau 70-68, Ryan Palmer 69-69 Saturday’s stage, which ended with a summit finish at Lagunas of Rickie Fowler after the second de Neila, was won by Ineos’ Colombian climber Ivan Sosa, who round. crossed the line alone after an attack in the last kilometre. World number 51 Todd, who ably the most versatile I’ve ever returned from its coronavirus Byeong-hun fi nished the day over-par 71 but that he was not Sosa won the last two editions but struggled on the race’s previ- won two PGA Tour titles on con- been ball-striking-wise,” said hiatus, but told reporters that he four strokes off the lead. going to lose sleep with plenty of ous summit finish. secutive starts last November, Todd. “I still don’t hit it far, but feels he is “heading in the right Koepka, who led by two shots golf still to play. “Obviously I know this climb well, I wanted the third title and carded a bogey-free, fi ve-un- I feel like I’m able to shape shots direction.” after the fi rst round, started on “I felt like I did everything we once that wasn’t possible I wanted the stage,” said the 22-year- der-par 65 at TPC Southwind for a little bit. And my short game’s “My main goal is (to) go the back nine and reached the were trying to do, just wasn’t old Sosa. an 11-under halfway total. solid, so it just kind of comes through some changes for the turn at two under for the round working, wasn’t seeing the line,” “We were all on the edge and I’m really happy with the final The 35-year-old American, down to how the putting is.” better. Sometimes you’ve got to but made double-bogey at the said Koepka, who will defend his outcome.” who converted an impressive Fowler, who holed three back- take that step back to take two par-four second where his tee PGA Championship title next Local challenger Mikel Landa almost grabbed overall victory 50-foot birdie putt over a slope to-back birdies on the front steps forward,” said Fowler. shot found a fairway bunker and week. with a relentless attack on Evenepoel, who hung on in the last at the par-three 14th, walked nine, shot a double-bogey on 11, “I feel like we already made then needed three putts from 57 “Even yesterday I said I didn’t stretch of the climb to win the race he has led since stage three. off the course feeling better than before recovering with a birdie- the step back, I feel like we’ve feet. feel quite comfortable over any- Evenepoel finished the final standings 30 seconds clear of ever heading into the weekend. birdie fi nish for a three-under- made a step forward. I’m looking The four-times major winner, thing inside fi ve feet and today it Landa, with Joao Almeida third at 1min 12sec. “In my whole life, this is defi - par 67. for that next step.” who struggled in his last three just felt kind of the same. Earlier in the season, Evenepoel won the Tour of the Algarve nitely the most confi dent I’ve ever The 31-year-old has not fi n- Defending champion Brooks events, said his putter let him “I’ve got 36 holes to go, man, I and the Tour of San Juan. (AFP) felt with my golf game. It’s prob- ished in the top 10 since the Tour Koepka and South Korean An down on Friday during his one- ain’t worried.”

FOCUS Kang leads as LPGA Tour returns from virus hiatus

AFP LEADING FIRST ROUND SCORES Chicago (Par 72, 54 holes; USA unless 69-Amy Olson, Lydia Ko (NZL), stated) Minjee Lee (AUS) anielle Kang produced 66- Danielle Kang 70-Park Hee-young (KOR), a fl awless round to take 67-Jodi Ewart Shadoff (ENG) Sarah Burnham, Yui Kawamoto the lead at the Drive On 68-Celine Boutier (FRA), Lee- (JPN), Maia Schechter, Carlota Championship on Friday Anne Pace (RSA) Ciganda (ESP), Dana Finkelstein. asD the LPGA Tour resumed after its fi ve-month coronavirus shut- down. Kang carded a six-under- 54-hole tournament is tak- included a birdie on the last just par 66 at the Inverness Club at ing place without spectators, a two holes after her only bogey of Toledo, Ohio to lead by one shot novelty that Kang said she was the day. The 23-year-old former from England’s Jodi Ewart Shad- still getting used to. “I would world number one said she sim- off , who also had a bogey-free defi nitely think it’s calmer, more ply relieved to be playing again. round with a fi ve-under-par 67. level headed. Maybe that’s good “It’s nice to just be playing,” Ko The 27-year-old Kang showed for me,” Kang said. said. “I saw some of the girls and no signs of rustiness after the “But I also really like the fans. I was like, ‘Man, it’s nice to not Tour’s long layoff , making three Today was very mellow. I’m see you through a virtual app or birdies and six pars to reach the pretty sure that’s the fans not just on social media.’ It’s nice to turn on three under. Three more being around. I also really love it just be able to see them.” birdies on the stretch, includ- when there are a lot of roars.” Ko revealed she had spent her ing a birdie on the last capped A crowded leaderboard lurks time off practising in Florida, an impressive round for the 2017 just behind Kang and Ewart often playing alongside fellow Women’s PGA Championship Shadoff . Frenchwoman Celine professionals Anne van Dam and winner. “Bogey-free, six under, Boutier is tied for third with Lindy Duncan. I feel pretty good,” Kang said South Africa’s Lee-Anne Pace “We played for push-ups a lot afterwards. “There was no hot after both women carded four- of times,” said Ko. “If somebody streak, it was kind of consistent. under-par 68s. Three players, in- made a birdie the other had to My caddie and I haven’t worked cluding Lydia Ko, Lee Minjee and do push-ups. We were getting together in six months, so it was Amy Olson share fi fth at three physically stronger at the same Danielle Kang plays a shot from a bunker on the second hole during the first round of the LPGA Drive On Championship at Inverness Club in fun to be out there.” This week’s under.New Zealander Ko’s round time.” Toledo, Ohio, on Friday. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times Sunday, August 2, 2020 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT ROUND-UP Lille sign veteran Turkish striker Yilmaz PSG look forward to ille have signed Turk- ish striker Burak Yilmaz from Besiktas on a free transfer, one day after Lselling Victor Osimhen to Na- poli, the Ligue 1 club announced yesterday. The 35-year-old Yil- maz has spent most of his career Champions League in Turkey and is one of a select few to have played for Fenerbah- ce, Besiktas and Galatasaray. “The experienced and prolifi c striker and Turkish football idol has signed a two-season contract with the Lille club,” Lille said in a statement. Yilmaz aft er cup final victories has scored 24 goals in 59 inter- national matches for Turkey and netted 13 times in 25 league PSG beat Lyon 6-5 on penalties after an interminable final ended 0-0 after extra time games for Besiktas last season. “I want to write a new chapter with Lille. I don’t want to disap- point myself or Lille who trust me,” he said. Lille sold Nigerian forward Osimhen to Napoli on Friday for a fee which could rise to 80mn euros ($94.6mn), while former France striker Loic Remy also left the club at the end of his contract. The club were fourth in Ligue 1 when the 2019-20 season was halted with 10 games remaining due to the coronavi- rus pandemic, missing out on a Champions League place to Rennes by one point.

COOK RESIGNS AS MANAGER OF RELEGATED WIGAN ATHLETIC Paul Cook has left his role as manager of relegated Wigan Athletic, ending a three-year spell in charge, the club an- nounced. Wigan were relegated to the third-tier League One having dropped into the bottom three of the Championship as a result of a 12-point penalty imposed at the end of the season due to the club going into ad- ministration. Cook took over in 2017 and led Wigan back into the Cham- pionship in his fi rst season. The club have appealed against the 12-point deduction in the hope of avoiding relegation.

AUSTRIAN TEAM SORRY FOR 9-0 LOSS THAT SAW OPPONENTS PROMOTED Austrian second-tier side Floridsdorfer AC have apolo- Paris Saint-Germain’s players celebrate with the trophy after winning the French League Cup at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, near Paris, on Friday night. (AFP) gised for a 9-0 defeat which allowed opponents Ried to win AFP week after Thomas Tuchel’s team de- match will be played on August 12 as a that he can walk now, he is young and he cia’s team, who had Brazilian defender promotion on goal diff erence, Paris feated Saint-Etienne 1-0 to win the one-off tie behind closed doors in Lis- is a real professional,” said Herrera. “He Rafael sent off late in extra time, were a but denied that they behaved French Cup. They had previously been bon. PSG have also had a handful of really wants to play (against Atalanta) disappointing seventh when the league improperly. Ried fi nished top of awarded the Ligue 1 title by virtue of friendly matches, but Atalanta may be and is working every day, morning and season was curtailed and will miss out Austria’s Second League above aris Saint-Germain midfi elder being top when the season was ended in better shape having resumed their night. Of course his presence is impor- on European football next season for the Austria Klagenfurt, who beat Ander Herrera is confi dent the in April with 10 rounds of matches un- Serie A campaign in June. They only tant and we hope he will play.” fi rst time in 24 years. Wacker Innsbruck 6-1 in the French side will be in prime played because of the health crisis. fi nish the season this weekend. Mbappe is not the only worry — de- Unless, that is, they can go on and fi nal matches on Friday. condition for their Champions “It has been a fantastic week for us, Herrera’s team, meanwhile, looked fensive duo Marquinhos and Thiago win the Champions League in Lisbon on Ried’s goal diff erence was PLeague quarter-fi nal against Atalanta winning two trophies. It is not easy to sluggish for much of Friday’s fi nal, al- Silva came off with cramp, while full- August 23. OL visit Juventus next Fri- 34 to Klagenfurt’s 29. Only the despite Friday night’s League Cup fi nal do and we are very pleased,” said former though the suff ocating heat was partly back Layvin Kurzawa hobbled off in the day in their long-delayed last 16 second champions are promoted to the win against Lyon being just their sec- Manchester United midfi elder Her- responsible. second half. In any case, PSG claimed leg, defending a 1-0 lead from the fi rst top fl ight. “Yesterday’s defeat at ond competitive outing in almost fi ve rera. “Lots of players have played their They missed Kylian Mbappe, who their fourth domestic treble in six years, leg. “We will need to do better to score SV Ried still causes us head- months. PSG beat Lyon 6-5 on penalties part in this success and we feel we are was crocked in the French Cup fi nal a underlining the extent of their domi- in Turin but this is a good base for us to aches and consternation,” Flor- after an interminable fi nal ended 0-0 ready for the Champions League after week earlier, suff ering an ankle injury nation of French football under Qatari work on,” insisted Garcia. “It is impor- idsdorfer said in a statement.. after extra time at the Stade de France, the work we have done in the last four that could rule him out against Ata- ownership. tant that we keep our heads up and keep “We are aware that we disap- where 3,500 spectators were allowed in weeks.” lanta. In his absence, Mauro Icardi was Lyon used to be top dogs but this de- in mind the things we did well in order pointed many people with as part of the loosening of the country’s However, having just those two cup poor through the middle of the Paris feat saw their silverware drought go on. to go on and qualify for the Champions yesterday’s performance. We coronavirus restrictions. fi nals as competitive outings since early attack and they only claimed victory They have not won a trophy since the League quarter-fi nals.” would like to apologise on behalf Their victory, in what was the last March is hardly the best way to ready thanks to Pablo Sarabia’s sudden-death French Cup in 2012, a year after the Qa- If they do see off Juventus, they will of the entire Floridsdorfer for ever fi nal of an unloved competition themselves for their fi rst Champions penalty in the shoot-out. taris arrived and changed the football- face Manchester City or Real Madrid in the desolate and unprofessional that has now been scrapped, came a League quarter-fi nal in four years. That “We are optimistic for Kylian. We saw ing landscape in the country. Rudi Gar- the last eight. performance of our team.”

SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP FOCUS Rangers get off to winning start at Aberdeen Tottenham open AFP we would have liked, but that said Joe has Glasgow had only one save to make,” said Aber- talks with Inter over deen boss Derek McInnes. “We got into some good positions and just that quality teven Gerrard was pleased with wasn’t there for us.” Ndombele sale the resilience displayed by Rang- A wild lunge from Andrew Considine ers as they got their quest to deny on Scott Arfi eld gave Aberdeen even more Ed Aarons and Celtic a record-breaking 10th of a mountain to climb four minutes from Fabrizio Romano consecutiveS Scottish Premiership title off time as the defender was shown a straight The Guardian to a winning start with a 1-0 win at Ab- red card. Elsewhere, two fi rst-half goals erdeen. Ryan Kent scored the only goal from Martin Boyle saw Hibs end the of the fi rst Scottish Premiership game opening day top of the table as Jack Ross’s ottenham are in talks for 147 days after the 2019/20 season men beat Kilmarnock 2-1 at Easter Road with Inter Milan over was ended early due to the coronavirus despite a brilliant free-kick from Chris a deal to sell Tanguy pandemic. Rangers lost a series of points Burke to get the visitors back in the game Ndombele for a reduced from winning positions in the second half just before half-time. Tfee less than 13 months after he of last season to fi nish 13 points behind Dundee United’s fi rst game in the top- became the club’s record signing Celtic when the campaign was curtailed fl ight for four years ended in a 1-1 draw for £55mm. in March. with St Johnstone. Nicky Clark’s early The France midfi elder has en- And Gerrard was pleased his side saw penalty and a red card for Saints’ Michael dured a diffi cult fi rst season in the game out comfortably despite fail- O’Halloran in fi rst half stoppage time had the Premier League since join- ing to add to their lead. “I’m pleased we Micky Mellon on course to win his fi rst ing Spurs from Lyon in July last showed signs today we are capable of game as United manager. year and signing a six-year deal, staying in there and getting over the line,” However, Liam Craig’s volley earned having started only 12 Premier views as a replacement for Jan the former Liverpool captain said. a point for the 10 men after the break. League games. But despite Jose Vertonghen after the Belgium “In an ideal world we want it to look St Mirren beat Livingston 1-0 thanks to Mourinho stating he was confi - defender left Spurs at the end of great in every game, but over the course debutant Richard Tait’s diving header. dent the 23-year-old “can turn it his contract. of 38 games you’ve got to stay tough, stay Celtic begin the defence of their title at around” at the start of July, Inter It is also understood Totten- together and put your body on the line. home to Hamilton today. have entered negotiations that ham are monitoring Ivan Perisic, They pushed us all the way, but this is a could see Ndombele join Antonio who has also been linked with a big three points.” Rangers’ Ryan Kent celebrates after scoring against Aberdeen during the Scottish SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP RESULTS Conte’s side. switch to Bayern Munich. They Both sides struggled to adapt to their Premiership match yesterday. Aberdeen 0 Rangers 1 (Kent 21); Dundee Spurs have indicated they remain favourites but Mourinho new surroundings with no fans at Pitto- United 1 (Clark 6-pen) St Johnstone would accept €50mn (£45mn) for is a big admirer of the Croatian drie for a traditionally intense fi xture on Alfredo Morelos has been linked with fectly and slotted past Joe Lewis into the 1 (Craig 55); Hibernian 2 (Boyle 5, 34) Ndombele – a fi gure that would having attempted to sign him and off the fi eld. “I’ll enjoy the win, but a big money move to Lille over the past far corner on 21 minutes. Kilmarnock 1 (Burke 44); St Mirren 1 (Tait represent a signifi cant loss – al- at Manchester United. Spurs from a very young boy it was all about the week, but Rangers insist the French side Aberdeen were without their two fi rst- 30) Livingston 0 though Inter are not believed to are still in talks over a move for fans for me,” added Gerrard. “Unfortu- have not come close to matching their choice strikers in Sam Cosgrove and Cur- be willing to go that high. There Southampton’s Pierre-Emile nately we never had the away end with us valuation of the Colombian, who played tis Main and it showed as the Dons failed Today: Celtic v Hamilton (1530 GMT) is also a possibility of a swap deal Hojbjerg but have been told today. For me fans need to be back as soon his part in the winner. Morelos picked out to register a shot on target. “Rangers had Tomorrow: Ross County v Motherwell involving the Slovakia defender Roma have no intention of selling as possible, when it’s safe.” the run of Kent, who timed his run per- far more possession in the fi rst half than (1845 GMT) Milan Skriniar, who Mourinho Nicolò Zaniolo. Sunday, August 2, 2020 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

QNB STARS LEAGUE Rayyan miss chance to go top aft er draw with Arabi By Sports Reporter Doha

l Rayyan squandered the chance to go on top of the QNB Stars League after being held to a 1-1 draw by Al Arabi yesterday.A At the Al Janoub Stadium, Rayyan were lucky not to trail after a poor performance in the fi rst half. They did put in a better show after the break, but failed to fi nd the net and snatch full three points. Al Rayyan are now just one point be- hind leaders Duhail, who can extend the lead to four points if they win against Al Gharafa today. Arabi suff ered yet an- other jolt in their bid to fi nish among the top four that would give them a chance to play in the Qatar Cup and AFC Champions League. Al Sailiya’s Mohamed Abuzraik celebrates after scoring against Al Shahania. Arabi attacked more in the fi rst half and then the role changed, with Rayyan scored for Al Sailiya, while Al Shahania Rezaein’s penalty conversion. Referee making a string of attacks as the game replied through Ramin Rezaein with Abdulla Ali Athba pointed to the spot wore on, but for a goal. The Dream a 21st-minute penalty before Farhan as Rezaein was fouled by Ahmed al- Team mainly had Mahmoud Abunada found the net deep into added time. Menhali. Belhadj made it 1-1 when his to thank for his exceptional perform- Sailiya moved on to 25 points, while solo eff ort resulted in a beaming shot ance below the bar. Al Shahania, battling for survival, got that went in after hitting the left post. The return of Hamdi Harbaoui and yet another point and are now on 14. Al Mohamed Abuzraik gave The Per- Abdullah Marafi e strengthened the Shahania and Al Sailiya had played out egrines the lead when he pounced on Arabi ranks. German forward Pierre- a goalless draw in the fi rst leg of 2019- a loose through ball and chipped it in Michel Lasogga failed to connect the 20 QNB Stars League. past an onrushing goalkeeper Ebrahim ball in front of the goal after 10 min- The two dropped points may prove Daryoush. utes. After Al Rayyan’s Yacine Brahimi’s costly in Al Sailiya’s campaign target- Rezaein was thwarted by goalkeeper free-kick was saved by Abunada in the ing a top-four spot in the league and a Amine Lecomte and team-mate Nigel 22nd minute, Hamdi headed over and berth in the Qatar Cup as well as AFC de Jong sent a long-range shot wide, his team-mate Aron Gunnarsson sent Champions League. With only three while Abdulqadir Ilyas hit wide off Al his angular shot wide of the left up- Al Rayyan’s Yohan Boli (left) and Al Arabi’s Aron Gunnarsson vie for the ball during the QNB Stars League match at the matches remaining, they are sure not Sailiya’s other chance during the fi rst right. Soon, Arabi captain Ahmed Fathy Al Janoub Stadium yesterday. to repeat their performance last season half. The second session came to real shot against the right upright from dis- when they secured the third place, their life when Mohamed Abuzraik’s shot tance. Arabi then had a golden chance fore the close of fi rst half. First, Brahimi starting in the 85th minute when he SHAHANIA’S FARHAN DENIES best-ever fi nish in the league. was blocked by the goalkeeper in the to take the lead as they earned a penalty was thwarted by Abunada and Ab- blocked Abdulrahman Al Harazi twice SAILIYA A VICTORY Al Shahania, who scored a credit- 80th minute. when Dame Traore pulled down Lasog- dulaziz Hatem sent his shot straight to and Abdulaziz Hatem. Saoud Farhan scored in the injured time able 3-1 victory over Al Ahli in Week Shahania pressed hard and were re- ga. But Hamdi sent the resultant kick the goalkeeper fi rst bounce. After many Ahmed Abdelmaqsoud rounded off as Al Shahania snatched a last-gasp 18, raised visions of successive victo- warded as Saoud Farhan took advantage wide even as goalkeeper Fahd Younis attempts in the second half which saw Al Rayyan’s attacks as he sent his rocket goal to hold Al Sailiya 2-2 at the Al Sadd ries that would have done them a world of confusion between Lecomte and de- had jumped to the other side. Rayyan fi eld Sebastian Soria in search shot wide, resulting in the teams shar- Stadium. Nadir Belhadj (37th minute) of good in their fi ght to avoid relega- fender Mostafa Mohamed, and placed Rayyan had a couple of chances be- of a goal, Abunada eff ected triple saves ing the spoils. and Mohamed Abuzraik (40th minute) tion when they surged ahead through the ball home deep into stoppage time.

SPOTLIGHT PREVIEW Regragui calls for Aubameyang leads patience as Duhail take on Gharafa By Sports Reporter action before the season con- Doha cludes, while he also hoped for Luis Martin and Mohamed Mun- Arsenal to record tari’s recovery from injury. Du- l Duhail must have hail, however, will be without heaved a sigh of relief as Ahmed Yasser. they saw their main ti- Meanwhile, there is plenty at tle rivals Al Rayyan held stake for Al Gharafa too as they toA a draw by Al Arabi yesterday. chase a top four fi nish. Gharafa A victory would have propelled baet Al Arabi 1-0 last week to 14th FA Cup triumph Rayyan to top of the QNB Stars strengthen their fourth place in League standings, but after the the table. The Cheetahs’ Serbian Arabi stalemate they are still one Slavisa Jokanovic coach said it Gunners beat Chelsea 2-1 in the final as they qualify for the Europa League point behind Duhail. will be a diffi cult match but was Duhail, who had dropped two confi dent his team can beat Du- crucial points after being held hail. “We are looking forward to 1-1 by Umm Salal last week, can play this match with the same now restore the four-point lead if ambition that we have in all our they win at Al Gharafa today. games, which is playing strong- Ahead of the game, Duhail ly and competing for the three coach Walid Regragui coach said points. This is our target since he trusted his players to bounce the resumption of the league back and get back to winning after a long break. We will work ways. “We trust in our capabili- to collect the maximum number ties, we have to think about the of points from the remaining next match and we know that four games, including the next Al Gharafa game will be diffi cult one against Al Duhail. They are because they are a strong side. strong opponents and are leaders They are in the fourth position in the table. They deserve their and they have come back well current position,” he said after the break. As I said before, In another match today, Al no one will give us gifts, every- Khor face Al Wakrah at the Al one wants to beat Al Duhail,” the Janoub Stadium. Al Khor, under Morrocan said. Omar Najhi, slipped one position “After dropping points against to 11th in the table with 14 points Umm Salal, we need to work following their 1-2 loss to Al Sadd hard to rectify the negative as- last week, which was a repeat of pects, but there are positives that their fi rst-leg loss to the reigning we should not ignore. We had champions. the ball possession during most Al Khor will have to pull up of the match and we played with their socks as they are just one our style. That was important,” point ahead of bottom-placed Al Regragui added. Shahania and one point adrift of Duhail coach asked his play- 10th-placed Umm Salal. Al Wak- ers to show patience and not take rah, coached by Marquez Lopez, Arsenal players and staff celebrate winning the FA Cup after a 2-1 win over Chelsea in the final at the Wembley Stadium in London yesterday. (AFP) undue pressure. “Al Duhail are are seventh in the standings now leaders in the table, with with 20 points. The Blue Wave AFP they qualify for the Europa League. turn Mason Mount’s shot behind, but Ar- and outpaced Azpilicueta before being two points’ diff erence with the have recorded fi ve wins, as many London Arteta said after the victory: “It was a senal did not heed that warning as Chel- brought down by the Chelsea captain just second-placed team. It is better draws and eight defeats, and diffi cult start when we conceded so early. sea’s front three combined perfectly for inside the area. to be at the top of the table than their goal diff erence is -3, having If I know something about these players, the opener on fi ve minutes. Mount’s low Azpilicueta escaped the double pun- being in another position and scored 24 goals and conceded 27. ierre-Emerick Aubameyang in- is that we weren’t going to give up. We cross was fl icked on by former Arsenal ishment of a red card, but VAR confi rmed chase the leaders. Now it is not Al Wakrah are coming off a spired Arsenal to a record 14th FA played probably the best 30 minutes after striker Olivier Giroud and Pulisic contin- the spot-kick and Aubameyang coolly easy, we need confi dence and pa- goalless draw with Al Sailiya in Cup win as the Gunners captain since I arrived. I am so proud to represent ued his scoring streak since football’s re- slotted home. Chelsea were further hit by tience. We have to fi ght and play Week 19 and are eager to improve struck twice to beat Chelsea 2-1 these players and this club. It is really im- turn in June by showing quick feet before two big injury blows either side of half- without pressure, and I have big their position in the league, Pin the fi nal at an empty Wembley yester- portant for this club in every way to be in prodding the ball home. time as Azpilicueta and Pulisic pulled up confi dence in all players,” said where they are playing after a day. Christian Pulisic had given Chelsea Europe. We all did it so I am so happy.” Arteta has gained plenty of plaudits with hamstring injuries that will almost Regragui. space of two seasons. Al Wak- the dream start, but the Blues unravelled Chelsea manager Frank Lampard con- for his tactical nous during his fi rst eight certainly rule them out of the Champions Regragui said injured defender rah and Al Khor were locked in a after Aubameyang was brought down ceded his side didn’t play very well. “We months in a managerial role and the League last 16, second leg against Bayern Bassam al-Rawi could return to goalless draw in the fi rst leg. by Cesar Azpilicueta inside the area and started well for 10-15 minutes and we can Spaniard managed to reorganise the Gun- Munich next weekend. converted the resulting penalty. A bril- only blame ourselves from that point. We ners during the fi rst-half drinks break to Despite Chelsea’s major spending liant fi nish from Aubameyang 23 minutes got complacent, we took time on the ball change the momentum of the game. spree in reinforcing their attack, it is at from time earned Mikel Arteta silverware like it was a stroll and we allowed them A minute after play resumed, Nicolas the back where they have been found in his fi rst season as Arsenal boss before into the game. We didn’t play well enough Pepe thought he had curled home a bril- wanting all season and they were caught Chelsea were controversially reduced to to win a fi nal,” Lampard said. liant equaliser from the edge of the box, out too easily for the winner. Hector Bel- 10 men when Mateo Kovacic was shown An FA Cup fi nal unlike any other with only to be denied by Ainsley Maitland- lerin burst through the weak challenge of an extremely soft second yellow card. nearly 90,000 empty seats saw the tra- Niles being fl agged for off side in the Jorginho before the ball was played into Arteta said ahead of the fi nal he hoped ditional singing of “Abide With Me” per- build-up. While Chelsea have already the path of Aubameyang, who skipped a taste of success would encourage Au- formed on the Wembley roof. Chelsea had signifi cantly strengthened their forward past Kurt Zouma and nonchalantly lifted bameyang, who only has a year left on already achieved their primary goal from line for next season with the signings of the fi nish over Willy Caballero. his contract at the Emirates, to commit Frank Lampard’s fi rst season in charge by Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech, Arsenal Worse was to come for Lampard’s men to a new long-term deal. The Gabon in- securing a place in next season’s Cham- are hoping just to hold onto their key man when Kovacic was inexplicably sent off ternational’s double took his tally for the pions League last weekend and early on in Aubameyang. Just like in the semi-fi - for the slightest touch on Granit Xhaka, season to 29 and ensured the Gunners will they seemed set to cap a top-four fi nish nal win over Manchester City, he proved but Anthony Taylor’s decision could not not miss out on European football next with Lampard’s fi rst trophy as a manager. to be the match winner as he raced onto be reviewed by VAR as it was a second season for the fi rst time since 1995/96 as Emiliano Martinez fl ew to his left to Kieran Tierney’s hopeful ball over the top bookable off ence. Al Duhail coach Walid Regragui.