Sport TUESDAY 13 OCTOBER 2020 The more things change the more they stay the same for clay king Nadal I played an amazing level of tennis, no? For two sets and a half I played great. I can’t say another thing. It is impossible to have this score against him (Djokovic) without playing great.

French Open champion Rafael Nadal Sport | 10

NBA FINALS: (Game 6) Lakers 106, Heat 93 (LeBron James 28 pts, 25) * Lakers win NBA title 4-2 ‘Project Big Picture’ rattles English football

AFP – LONDON set up the pyramid for the next 25 The controversial plan includes years. English Football League chairman proposals to reduce the Premier “The proposal is designed for the PL reform plan under fire Rick Parry has praised Liverpool and League from 20 to 18 teams and greater good of English football.” Manchester United for “showing Parry said the Premier League has leadership” after they came up with abolish the League Cup and had plenty of opportunity to come up from UK Prime Minister a radical plan to overhaul the Premier Community Shield. The club with plans of their own. League that he believes will benefit finishing 16th in the Premier “They could have come up with AFP – LONDON EFL that they have no the whole game. League would join the a plan like this at any time,” he added. intention to let any club go The controversial “Project Big “How long has it taken to get a British Prime Minister bust due to Covid and we Picture” includes proposals to reduce Championship play-offs while short-term rescue package even to Boris Johnson (pictured) know that they have the the Premier League from 20 to 18 there would be greater voting the starting gate? Months.” has expressed his deep means to prevent this from teams and abolish the League Cup rights for the nine longest-serving “The message from Liverpool and concern over a radical happening within their and Community Shield. Premier League clubs. Manchester United and their own- plan by Liverpool and existing mechanisms. The club finishing 16th in the ership is they actually genuinely do Manchester United to “We would strongly Premier League would join the care about the pyramid,” Parry revamp English football, urge the Premier League Championship play-offs while there League, was fulsome in his praise for added. saying it “undermines and the EFL to continue to would be greater voting rights for the Liverpoolol and United, EnglandEngland’s s two “ThisThis hasn’thasn t been rushed together, trust in football work constructively to nine longest-serving Premier League most successfuluccessful clubs.clubs. thisthis isn’tisn’t a Covid plan, it governance”.governance”. come up with a deal that clubs. “It iiss two of our greatgreat clubs hashas been yyearsears in the TheThe controversialcont provides a comprehensive Under the plan, EFL clubs would showingg lleadershipeadership wwhenhen it is thinkingthinking anandd ““ProjectProject BiBigg Picture” package of scores for the receive an immediate £250m ($325m) needed,d, exercisinexercisingg ggreatreat monthsmonths inin thethe wowoulduld dedeliverliver a much- whole football family.” rescue package and a 25 percent responsibility,sibility, andand fromfrom thethe making.”making.” neeneededded cashcash injection for struggling At present the Premier League future annual share of Premier EFL pointoint ooff view it is EnglishEnglish FootFootballba League (EFL) clubs, but operates on the basis of one club, one vote League revenue. makingg our clubs sus-sus- itit hhasas pprovedroved ddivisive as it concentrates and 14 votes are required to implement Parry insists the proposals -- tainablee anandd bbridgingridging tthehe powerpower in thethe hhands of a smaller number significant changes. which would be the biggest shake- gap betweenween thethe top ofof thethe of teamsteams.. Under the new proposals only six of up of English football in a generation Championshipionship anandd tthehe bbottomottom TheThe PremPremieri League said the plans the nine longest-serving clubs would -- offer the best chance of securing of the Premierremier LeaLeague,”gue,” hhee saisaid.d. wouldwould hhaveave a “damaging impact on the need to vote for major changes. the future of clubs outside the top “Thee ccherryherry on thethe wholewhole ggame”am and now Johnson has All Premier League clubs would be flight but they have been deeply icing onn thethe cakecake is weighedweighed inin. able to sell eight matches a season to fans divisive. the prospectospect ofof a “It is exactly this type of outside Britain from their own channels, The Premier League said the £250m rescue fundfund backroombackroom dealing that undermines potentially a big money-spinner for the plans would have a “damaging immediately,iately, whichwhich trust in football governance,” the major sides. impact on the whole game” while the does off course help,help, primeprime minister’s official The ‘Big Six’ of Liverpool, Manchester Department for Digital, Culture, but the pprincipalrincipal part ooff spokesmanspoke said yesterday. United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea Media and Sport criticised “backroom the storyry is the biggest “In“ terms of support for and Tottenham would also have the deals”. reset sincence thethe fformationormation EFLEFL clubs, we have been given freedom created by an 18-team top But Parry, a former chief exec- of the Premier League assurancesas by both the division to play more lucrative European utive of Liverpool and the Premier which, all being well, will PPremier League and the and friendly matches. Liverpool’s Keita contracts Portugal, Italy retain top spots in Nations League AFP – PARIS unbeaten streak to 18 matches Portugal’s forward Ronaldo and held onto top spot in coronavirus (second left) vies with France’s Portugal and Italy kept hold of League A, Group 1 with their midfielder Paul Pogba (centre) first place in their UEFA stalemate in Gdansk. during their Nations League AP – CONAKRY, GUINEA Nations League groups on New Juventus signing Fed- match played at the Stade de Sunday with goalless draws erico Chiesa missed the chance France in Saint-Denis, The Guinea national team has against France and Poland on to win the match for the dom- Paris, on Sunday. cancelled a friendly against a night of little drama, while inant ‘Azzurri’ from close range Gambia after a coronavirus England saw off Belgium to in the 11th . outbreak in its squad, and take the initiative in their pool. Roberto Mancini’s side are Liverpool’s Naby Keita is There was not much to talk one ahead of the Neth- reportedly one of the players about at the Stade de France erlands, who also drew 0-0 who tested positive. as a star-studded line up of with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Today’s game in Faro, Por- players including Cristiano ahead of their meeting in tugal was off after the virus Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe and Bergamo tomorrow. cases and a series of injuries Antoine Griezmann failed to England manager Gareth left Guinea’s squad with just muster much of a spectacle in Southgate said his side showed nine fully fit players and only the League A, Group 3 match. what they were made of after one goalkeeper among them, The 1,000 fans gathered in coming from behind to beat the Guinea Football Federation the cavernous stadium just Belgium 2-1 and move top of said. Reports said midfielder outside Paris to watch France League A, Group 2 earlier on Keita was one of five players host the reigning European Sunday. to have contracted the virus, champions were treated to just The Three Lions are on although that has not been four shots on target as two seven points, one ahead of the confirmed by the Guinea fed- rugged defences cancelled out world’s top-ranked side after eration or Liverpool. The fed- each team’s attacks. Marcus Rashford’s spot-kick eration said only that “several Pepe headed home what he and Mason Mount’s deflected players” tested positive. thought was a 74th-minute best when Rui Patricio antici- match, with a calamitous late Perisic to nip in behind. The winner 25 minutes from time If Keita does have the opener when he got on the end pated his gentle chip when lapse from Pontus Jansson Inter Milan winger then cancelled out Romelu Lukaku’s virus, he would be the fourth of Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick one-on-one with the Portu- allowing the 2018 World Cup squared the ball for Andrej early penalty. player at the English Premier but was flagged offside. guese stopper. finalists to snatch the points in Kramaric to tap in from close “We are not going to face a League champion after Ronaldo, chasing his 102nd Both sides are on seven a soaking Zagreb. range. more difficult game defen- forward Sadio Mane and mid- international goal, was denied points, four ahead of Croatia, Defender Jansson dawdled Sweden are stuck on no sively,” said Southgate. fielders Thiago Alcantara and by a flying save from Hugo whose 2-1 home win over under a high ball into the points after losing all three of “That is the beauty of the Xherdan Shaqiri also tested Lloris in added time. Sweden earlier on Sunday was penalty area with six minutes their matches. Nations League, you get games positive in recent weeks. Mbappe fluffed France’s the group’s more entertaining remaining and allowed Ivan Italy stretched their against this level of opponent. Ghana win Qatar friendly in Turkey S Korea to welcome fans at limited capacity again

REUTERS – SEOUL

K-League fans will again be allowed back into stadiums, which will have a reduced capacity of 25% from this week, the league said yesterday after South Korea’s government eased its restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The country is allowing nightspots to re-open and spec- tators to attend sports events after new coronavirus cases edged lower in recent weeks, with daily infections falling into the double-digit range in the past two weeks. The Korean top-flight season began on May 8 in empty stadiums before a limited number of fans were allowed to attend K-League games from Aug. 1. However, a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases forced the government to enforce stricter rules and again bar fans from attending matches. Fans will now again be allowed to attend games, starting with Gangwon’s match against Incheon on Friday. Action during the international friendly between Qatar and Ghana, played at the Mardan Sports Complex in Antalya, Turkey, yesterday. Ghana Stadiums can be filled to a maximum of 30% of capacity beat the Asian Champions 5-1 to earn Charles Akonnor's first win as Black Stars coach. Captain Andre Ayew scored a brace while Tariqe to comply with the authorities’ social distancing guidelines Fosu, Samuel Owusu and Caleb Ekuban also scored for the African heavyweights. Almoez Ali (right) was the lone scorer for Qatar. but the league opted to limit attendance to 25%. TUESDAY 13 OCTOBER 2020 SPORT 11 Table Tennis: Tokic stars in 3-1 victory over Al Sadd in final Qatar SC complete hat-trick of Amir Cup titles

THE PENINSULA — DOHA player Chen Hao defeated Qatar SC’s Ahmed Khalil Al Qatar SC yesterday completed Mohannadi (11-6, 11-8, 11-6). a hat-trick of Amir Cup Table Qatar SC regrouped through Tennis Championship titles Slovenian player Bojan Tokic after they beat Al Sadd in the who beat Al Sadd’s Walid final at Suhaim Bin Hamad Nasser (11 -1, 11-4, 11-2) as both Stadium Indoor Hall. teams drew level at 1-1. Qatar SC won 3-1 after In the third match, Qatar SC losing the first match of the maintained superiority after title-decider as they lifted the Mohammed Abdel Wahab beat trophy for the fourth time in Al Sadd’s Ahmed Muthanna history. (11-6, 11-9, 7-11 and 11-7). Khalil Al Mohannadi, Pres- In the fourth match, Qatar ident of the Qatar Table Tennis SC’s Tokic beat Hao (11, 12-10, Association (QTTA), crowned 9-11, 11-9) to seal title for his the winners in the presence of side. Sheh Sahim bin Abdulaziz, Vice The two teams qualified for President of Qatar SC. Qatar SC players and officials pose yesterday’s final after Qatar SC Khaled Al Kuwari received with the Amir Cup Table Tennis ranked top in Group A with six the League Shield as well and Championship trophy after winning points. Under the leadership of the junior title Al Sadd won for the final against Al Sadd, yesterday. its coach Walid Samir, Qatar SC the 2019-2020 season. succeeded beating Al Arabi in H E Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al succeeded in achieving the title occasions. On the other hand, final. Yesterday’s final was a (1997, 2007, 2008, 2013 and the semi-final 3-1. Thani, First Vice President of for the third time in a row Al Sadd failed to reclaim the title repeat of the 2017-18 title clash 2015) besides remaining Al Sadd occupied the top spot the Qatar Olympic Committee having won it in 2002, 2018 and missing from its trophy cabinet which also won by Qatar SC. runners-up six times. in Group B with 8 points. Al Sadd (QOC) watched the match. 2019. Qatar SC have also won since the 2014-2015 season Al Sadd have won the pres- In the final, Al Sadd drew beat Al Khor in the semi-finals Qatar SC yesterday the championship on four when they beat Al Arabi in the tigious championship five times first blood as their Chinese with a scoreline of 3-0.

Laird wins Martin Laird poses with Hamilton warns he the trophy play-off for after winning the Shriners will keep racing PGA Shriners Hospitals for Children Open crown golf tournament. until he turns grey

AFP — LOS ANGELES AFP — NÜRBURGRING and see what is possible,” said Britain’s Martin Laird sank a Hamilton. 22-foot birdie putt on the Lewis Hamilton (pictured) “I love the sport - the smell second play-off hole to win his issued a clear warning to his of it, the whole aura and atmos- first US PGA title in seven years rivals after his record-equalling phere it creates - and it is going at the Shriners Hospitals for 91st career win at the Eifel to be difficult to let it go. Children Open. Grand Prix when he said he “While I am older now than The 37-year-old Scotsman wants to keep chasing records these guys, I feel as young as made a bogey on the 72nd hole until he turns grey. them in spirit. That will change to fall into a play-off with Laird, Cook and Wolff all Garcia in 2001. Clinging to a The runaway series leader when I start seeking grey hairs, Americans Matthew Wolff and finished 72 holes on 23-under one-stroke lead in the final and six-time world champion but for now I am good.” Austin Cook, but responded by 261 at TPC of Summerlin in sub- round, Laird sent his tee shot equalled Michael Schumacher’s Hamilton achieved his curling in the clutch putt at the urban Las Vegas to set up the right of the cart path at the total of wins and moved closer landmark win after 260 races par-3 17th hole to capture the event’s third playoff in four par-3 17th, trees blocking him to levelling him on seven while Schumacher, whose title. “It has been a while,” Laird years, which began with all from the green and water drivers’ titles with his victory 21-year-old racer son Mick AB de Villiers in action said. three parring the 18th hole. lurking beyond it. at the Nurburgring on Sunday. gave him one of his father’s yesterday. PIC: RCB TWITTER “I’ve been working hard. I On the second extra hole, Laird made birdie putts It was his first win at the helmets to mark his feel like my game is as good as Wolff came up short from 38 from 12 feet at the sixth and 15 circuit for Mercedes and the achievement, raced in 246. it has been. Obviously I’m really feet and Cook went long from feet at the seventh and team’steam s first triumph at the his-his The German wonwo his 91st De Villiers going to enjoy this one.” 25, setting the stage for Laird to answered a bogey at the par-3 torictoric venue ssinceince Juan-J uan- race 14 years ago at the 2006 World number 351 Laird, become the first winner playing eighth with an eagle at the par-5 ManuelManuel Fan-Fan- ChineseChinese GrandGrand PrixPrix.. who has battled through a knee on a sponsor exemption since ninth, holing out from 20 feet gio’sgio’s victoryvictory Hamilton,Hamilton, whowho grew up shines as injury to continue his career, Wolff last year at Minneapolis. out of a buried greenside inin 1954.1954. watching SchumaSchumacherc win took his fourth US PGA title US Open runner-up Wolff, bunker lie. “Of races duringduring hhisis and Fer- after wins at the 2009 Shriners, 21, missed a chance to become “A shot I’ll always ccourse,ourse, I rari’s domination,domination, can move RCB thrash Bay Hill in 2011 and the 2013 the youngest multiple winner remember,” Laird said. “It was ccanan sesett one clear of that totalt if he Texas Open. on the PGA Tour since Sergio pretty special.” goalsgoals and I wins the inauguralinaugura Formula KKR in IPL willwill con-con- One race at thethe Portimao tinuetinue to circuit in PoPortugalr on AFP — DUBAI charge OctoberOctober 25.25. on “I“I cocouldu never AB de Villiers hit a power- Kim keeps Inbee at bay fathom equalling packed 73 to help Royal hishis recordsreco and it Challengers Bangalore isis bebeyondy my (RCB) outplay Kolkata wildestwilde dreams Knight Riders (KKR) by 82 to win maiden major title to be here now runs in the Indian Premier - I feel League (IPL) yesterday. REUTERS — NEW YORK South Korean said, beaming before because it felt like she humbledhum by The South African next to the winner’s trophy. won a few,” she said of Kim, thethe moment,” great smashed six sixes in With a string of near-misses Seven-times major who has claimed at least one saids his 33-ball blitz and put at the majors and Olympic champion Park had beaten Tour win each season since Hamilton.Ham on an unbeaten century champion Park Inbee Kim for the 2015 title at 2015. “Michael“ partnership with skipper breathing down her neck, it Westchester Country Club Kim, who was in a tie for is, and alwaysa will Virat Kohli, who scored was a relieved Kim Sei-young and was only three strokes second at the 2018 Evian be,be, a legelegendn of the 33, as Bangalore posted who tapped in the winning behind her compatriot going Championship, one of the ssport,”port,” the ssuperstar 194 for two in Sharjah. putt to claim the KPMG into the final round. five women’s majors, added.added. Proteas quick Chris Women’s PGA Championship A five-under round might admitted to struggling with Morris and spinner Wash- yesterday. get the job done, she thought. nerves before teeing off on ington Sundar claimed Kim’s triumph at Park duly delivered with Sunday and kept her eyes two wickets each to keep Aronimink Golf Course after a 65 but it was not enough as averted from the leader- Brawn hopes 2026 down Kolkata to 112 for a scintillating final round 63 overnight leader Kim rose to board during her round. nine in 20 overs. put paid to her status as the the challenge with her seven- “I won’t lie, I did feel the But the evening most prolific winner on the under-par 63. pressure starting last night,” she engine rules will bring belonged to the 36-year- LPGA Tour among active “Obviously Sei-young was said. “I actually arrived about old De Villiers who scored players never to have won a just much better than anyone 30 minutes later than I nor- his third IPL half-century major title. else out there today,” said mally do at the golf course. Honda back to F1 of the season to go past “I’m so excited. I’m really Park, who had been chasing “I did not look at the 3000 runs in the hiding my tears at the a fourth win in the event. scoreboard once. I knew REUTERS — LONDON litre V6 turbo hybrid era started Twenty20 tournament. moment. It was amazing that “It was just so In-bee was going to play in 2014. “It is unfortunate Honda He took the attack to I really won it. So I’m very hard to believe great. But I had to just focus Formula One managing are leaving Formula One at the the opposition bowlers happy and excited that I got that she never on playing my own game, one director Ross Brawn said end of 2021,” Brawn wrote in with Kohli playing it done,” the 27-year-old won a major shot at a time.” yesterday he wanted departing his regular column on the www. second fiddle at the Honda to help shape future formula1.com website. other end as the duo Sei Young engine rules that might “I’m optimistic when their scored 83 runs from the Kim of Korea encourage the Japanese manu- situation changes and when F1 final 30 deliveries of the poses with the facturer to return. evolves, we can engage them innings. trophy after Honda announced this again as Honda have always Opener Aaron Finch, winning the month that it will quit Formula been important and welcome who made 47, and 2020 KPMG One as an engine provider at the members of the F1 community Devdutt Padikkal, who hit Women’s PGA end of 2021 to focus on zero- in the past and hopefully for the 32, set the platform for Championship. emission technology. future. Bangalore’s total with a The company, current sup- “I hope a new power unit 67-run stand. plier to Red Bull’s two teams, left formula which will be intro- Brief Scores as a constructor in 2008 when duced no later than 2026 will it sold its team to then-boss encourage them to come back RCB: 194/2 in 20 overs Brawn who went on to win both again,” added the Briton. (AB de Villiers 73*, Aaron the 2009 titles with Britain’s He said Formula One will Finch 47, Virat Kohli 33*, Jenson Button and Mercedes also be encouraging Honda to Devdutt Padikkal 32) beat engines. be part of new working groups KKR: 112/9 in 20 overs The Brawn GP team then set up by the governing FIA that (Shubman Gill 34, Chris became the Mercedes factory will recommend what sort of Morris 2/17, Washington team in 2010 and has domi- power unit the sport should Sundar 2/20) by 82 runs nated Formula One since the 1.6 adopt in future. 10 SPORT TUESDAY 13 OCTOBER 2020 Age is just a number The more things change the more they for Nadal, stay the same for clay king Nadal Federer & REUTERS - PARIS “I was able to adapt well. I was able to, as I said the first day, to be positive Rafael Nadal is a creature of habit and in every circumstances that I was facing Djokovic there were suggestions that various new during the whole event, trying to accept things at this year’s French Open could all the challenges in terms of sometimes AFP - PARIS unsettle the Spaniard in his bid for a 13th the feeling on the ball haven’t been Roland Garros title. great because of the cold and Rafael Nadal’s 13th French The way in which he crushed Novak everything. Open was hailed as “one of Djokovic in the final on Sunday, however, “I think is one of the Roland Garros sport’s greatest achieve- proved that it would take more than a that have a better personal value for ments” by close friend and new stadium, different balls and unfa- myself.” rival Roger Federer, but for miliar weather conditions to throw the In addition to the unusual conditions, tennis’s flagging chasing pack, claycourt king off his stride. Nadal was also facing a player who it was another dagger in the As usual, the Spaniard put his water appeared at his peak, having suffered his heart of their ambitions. bottles on his left side, labels facing the only defeat of the year when he was Nadal, who has now gone correct way, before starting his demo- defaulted at the US Open. level with Federer on 20 lition job to humble Djokovic 6-0 6-2 7-5 But the Mallorcan raised his level to career Grand Slams, has won and match Roger Federer’s record of 20 its maximum when it mattered after six since turning 30. Grand Slam men’s singles titles. entering the tournament on the back of World number one Novak While the closed roof should have a quarter-final defeat at the Italian Open. Djokovic has captured five of given Djokovic an advantage, and heavier “For me, honestly, one month and a his 17 since leaving his 20s balls and chilly weather were detrimental half ago if you tell me you’re going to while even Federer, now 39, to his devastating top spin - his biggest have this trophy with you again, I will claimed four after his 30th weapon - Nadal delivered one of his best say, This year will probably be too dif- birthday. performances at Roland Garros. ficult,” Nadal said. They are statistics which “The personal satisfaction is big “I played an amazing level of tennis, illustrate even more starkly because under the circumstances that we no? For two sets and a half I played great. how big the gap remains played this Roland Garros, even if I played I can’t say another thing. It is impossible between the sport’s ‘Big an amazing match this afternoon, the con- to have this score against him without Three’ and the rest. ditions are a little bit not the conditions playing great. Nadal’s staggering 6-0, that I will choose, never, to play an event “I played a very good final. I played 6-2, 7-5 win over Djokovic in like this,” Nadal, who now leads Djokovic at my highest level when I needed to play Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning the Roland Garros final 5-4 in their Grand Slam final confronta- at my highest level, so it is something I against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in the final of allowed him to join the Serb tions, told a news conference. am very proud of,” he said. in winning majors in three the French Open in Paris on Sunday. different decades. The 34-year-old Spaniard insists that he won’t become Spain’s Rafael Nadal poses yesterday with the trophy after obsessed with ending his winning the French Open on Sunday. Nadal feared French Open career as the all-time greatest Slam winner. “I would love to finish my career being the player with title would be beyond him more Grand Slams,” he said after winning his 100th match AFP - PARIS usual because the situation is tough for most of at Roland Garros against just the people around the world.” two losses in 15 years. Rafael Nadal admitted on Sunday that the The health situation may also see him yet call “But I’m not going to be prospect of winning a 13th French Open and time on his season which would mean missing thinking all the time Novak taking his Grand Slam total to a record-equalling out on the chance to win a first ATP Finals, one has this one, Roger is winning 20 had seemed even beyond his powers of of the titles still missing from his career tally of the other one. You can’t be endurance in the run-up to the tournament. 86. always unhappy because your The 34-year-old Spaniard demolished Novak “I can’t tell you if I’m going to keep playing neighbour has a bigger house Djokovic 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 to go level with Roger Fed- or not keep playing for the next couple of months. than you or a bigger boat or erer’s all-time men’s record of majors. I didn’t decide, so I am not sure if I am going to has a better phone. It was his 100th match win at Roland Garros keep going on the normal calendar or if I stop “In terms of these against just two defeats since his 2005 debut as playing until next year,” said Nadal. records, of course I care. For he became the oldest champion in Paris since “I need to calm down the situation and me it means a lot to share Andres Gimeno in 1972. analyse the future, because we are facing a tough this number with Roger. But However, world number two Nadal had situation, as everybody knows. let’s see what’s going on arrived in the French capital having played just “In terms of Australia, 14 days of quarantine when we finish our careers. one tournament since February as the corona- before the tournament starts. It is the moment We keep playing. I don’t virus-enforced lockdown also prompted him to to be smart and make the right decisions.” know what can happen in skip the US Open where he had been the On Sunday, Nadal finished the one-sided the future.” defending champion. affair with just 14 unforced errors to Djokovic’s Federer, who missed the “Honestly, for me, one month and a half ago 52 as he defeated the Serb for a third time in the US Open and Roland Garros if you tell me you’re going to have this trophy Paris final and seventh time overall in eight to recover from knee surgery, with you again, I will say, ‘this year will probably meetings at the tournament. believes that he and Nadal be too difficult’. Djokovic, courtesy of his 2015 quarter-final have “pushed each other to “Doubts are part of life. For me doubts are win, remains just one of two men to have defeated become better players”. good because it means that you don’t consider Nadal at Roland Garros since 2005. Nadal is the oldest Roland yourself too good. Of course, the year has been “For two sets and a half I played great. It’s Garros champion since a tough year for everyone. impossible to have this score against him without Andres Gimeno in 1972. “But in the sport, life can change quickly.” playing great,” said Nadal. Djokovic, at 33, is the Nadal has been acutely aware of the chal- “Yeah, I played a very good final. I played at youngest of the three giants RAFAEL NADAL FACTBOX lenges posed by the pandemic, claiming on my highest level when I needed to play at my of the sport. Turned Pro: 2001 Sunday that his victory was tempered by the crisis highest level, so something that I am very proud,” Despite his loss on Age: 34 (1986.06.03) which had also seen crowds limited to just 1,000 he said. Sunday, which cost him the Height: 6'1" (185cm) people a day at Roland Garros. “The personal satisfaction is big because chance to become the first Titles won: 86 “It’s an important day for me, but I’m not under the circumstances that we played this man since Rod Laver in 1969 Win-loss ratio: 999-201 stupid. It is still a very sad situation worldwide. Roland Garros, even if I played an amazing match to win all four majors twice, Career prize money: $122,905,214 If you ask me what’s my feeling, of course I am this afternoon, the conditions are not the condi- he believes the 20-Slam mark Coach: Carlos Moya super happy. tions that I will choose, never, to play an event can be bettered. “On the other hand, I am not that happy as like this.” “If I thought it was too late I would have ended my career today,” the world number one told Serbian media after his Djokovic stalls in GOAT race but don’t count him out seventh loss in eight meetings with Nadal in Paris. REUTERS - PARIS heaped on Nadal and Federer Serbia’s Novak Djokovic “Myself, Nadal, Federer will fuel his hunger to catch them. reacts at the end of the final have been written off many Little more than a month ago He (Rafael Nadal) keeps Seven-time Grand Slam against Spain’s Rafael Nadal times but we keep coming when Novak Djokovic strutted going. No holding him champion Mats Wilander back and proving that we are on to Arthur Ashe Stadium to at the 2020 French Open in believes Djokovic, who could still the best in the world. My play Spain’s Pablo Carreno back, it seems like. It’s Paris on Sunday. have trumped Nadal and goals remain the same - the Busta in the US Open fourth amazing. I mean, I Federer by becoming the first historic number one ranking round, the smart money was on admire all his man in the professional era to and Grand Slam titles.” the Serbian one day topping the achievements, especially win each of the Grand Slams at Djokovic started his 289th list of men’s Grand Slam title least twice had he won on week as world number one winners. the one here. There’s not Sunday, can do it. yesterday with Federer’s all- With Rafa Nadal and Roger much you can say. All But he makes Nadal the time high of 310 comfortably Federer -- the two men above the superlatives that you favourite. in his sights. him in the GOAT (greatest of all can use, he deserves “Today tells us that Rafa The iron-grip on the Slams time) race -- absent from New Nadal most probably has the of Nadal, Djokovic and York, the door seemed ajar for them. best chance to go down as the Federer is another source of Djokovic to really start greatest male tennis player of frustration for the young pre- breathing down their necks. Novak Djokovic, who all-time,” the Swede told tenders who have constantly A month on, however, after had won his last five Eurosport. come up short. being thrashed by a rampant “Of course it will hurt Djok- From Federer’s first Slam Nadal in the French Open final, Grand Slam finals. ovic’s confidence not having triumph at Wimbledon in the Serbian remains on 17 won at the US Open and then 2003, 57 of the 69 majors Grand Slam titles, three behind this defeat. But now he goes into have been won by the ‘Big the duo. training for the Australian Open Three’. Sunday’s defeat against a drawing level with the Spaniard Nadal was sanguine when some way beautiful I really where he becomes clear Only six finals have failed phenomenal Nadal will not hurt on 19 Grand Slams at the French asked about drawing level with believe.” favourite -- and he knows if he to feature at least one of them. quite as much as what hap- Open. Federer for the first time in his Despite a deflating few wins three majors next year, The most recent even pened in New York when All that is now irrelevant career. weeks for Djokovic, he will not which we predict every year he carries an asterik as Dominic Djokovic was defaulted after and the question is whether or “We keep playing. I don’t be about to give up the chase. will do, then he is up at 20. Thiem’s win over Alexander hitting a female line judge in the not the 33-year-old has slipped know what can happen in the After all in 2009 he only had “Novak’s body and his game Zverev at the US Open last throat with a ball knocked away too far behind. future. I am just excited and of one major to his name while is more modern and I think he month came after Nadal and in frustration. While Federer’s prospects course is something that means Nadal was on six and Federer can stay longer. The question is Federer opted not to play and He was a huge favourite to of adding to his haul are dimin- a lot to me,” he told reporters. owned 15. whether he is as emotionally Djokovic was defaulted. win a fourth US Open title and ishing with every passing year, “At the same time to share Since then he has been the involved as he has been over the Until Sunday, that was with doubts over Nadal’s post- the 34-year-old Nadal, on the this record between us, that we most prolific collector of Grand last two years. That’s the Djokovic’s only loss of 2020 COVID-19 shutdown form, it evidence of the past fortnight, had an amazing rivalry for such Slam titles and the nagging sense question I’d love to have compared to 37 wins. was not difficult to imagine him looks as good as ever. a long time, is something in that he lacks the adulation answered in Australia.” TUESDAY 13 OCTOBER 2020 SPORT 09

Tokyo to host Ooredoo Cup: In-form Qatar SC eye gymnastics contest maximum points against Al Khor ahead of Olympics THE PENINSULA — DOHA Qatar SC players celebrate a goal against Al Sadd during their Round 2 fixture last week. After defeating Al Sadd last AFP — TOKYO week, Qatar SC will take on Al Khor seeking maximum points Tokyo will host a one-off in their third Group A clash at international gymnastics tour- the 2020-21 Ooredoo Cup at the nament next month, organ- Al Arabi Stadium today. isers said yesterday, in what Qatar SC defeated Al Sadd could serve as a practice run by a 3-2 margin in Round 2 ahead of the postponed after The Kings battled back Olympics. brilliantly from a two-goal Thirty-two gymnasts from deficit. China, Russia, the United Qatar SC, who had played States and Japan will face off out a 1-1 draw with Al Wakrah at the November 8 event -- the in Round 1, are leading the first major multinational group with four points. Both sporting contest Japan has held since the coronavirus pan- OOREDOO CUP FIXTURES demic hit earlier this year. Round 3 The competition, which (Group A) Today has been under discussion 5:30pm: Al Wakrah vs Al Duhail for months, will have strict at Al Duhail Stadium anti-infection measures in 7:45pm: Al Sailiya vs Al Sadd place. at Al Duhail Stadium teams have the same number The Knights have the same on goal difference (-2 as against in the 2020 AFC Champions It is still unclear exactly of points and goal difference number of points (three) as Al Al Khor’s +3). Al Sailiya, who had League. Al Sadd, who will miss how the Tokyo Olympics, 7:45pm: Qatar SC vs Al Khor (+1), but Qatar SC are placed Sailiya, but are placed ahead on lost 1-5 to Al Khor in Round 1, many of their players who are which were forced back a year at Al Arabi Stadium ahead having scored more better goal difference. defeated reigning QNB Stars on national duty, are on a high by the Covid-19 crisis to July Tomorrow (Group B) number of goals (4 as against Al Meanwhile, Al Sailiya face League champions Al Duhail 3-1 after lifting the 2019-20 season and August 2021, will go 5:30pm: Al Ahli vs Umm Salal Wakrah’s 3). Al Sadd in today’s other Group in Round 2. Ooredoo Cup by beating Al ahead. at Al Arabi Stadium Al Khor had started off their A match at the Al Duhail On the other hand, Al Sadd Arabi 4-0 in the final on Before travelling to Japan, 7:45pm: Al Arabi vs Al Rayyan campaign in grand style by Stadium. are yet to open their account, Saturday. the gymnasts’ health will be at Al Arabi Stadium beating Al Sailiya 5-1, but they Al Sailiya are fourth in the the same as Al Duhail. In today’s first Group A monitored with repeated 7:45pm: Al Gharafa vs Al Kharaitiyat suffered a 1-2 defeat at the group as the Peregrines have The Al Sadd vs Al Duhail match, Al Wakrah will visit Al Covid tests, which will con- at Al Duhail Stadium hands of Al Wakrah in Round the same number of points as game in Round 1 was postponed Duhail, hoping to continue their tinue on a daily basis after they 2. Al Khor, but are placed behind owing to both teams’ campaigns fine run. arrive.

NHL: Sabres Tampa Bay Rays catcher Mike Zunino runs to first base on an RBI single against the Falcons fire coach agree to sign Houston Astros. Taylor Hall to Quinn, GM Dimitroff one-year, after 0-5 start

$8m deal REUTERS — ATLANTA wavered and I will continue to provide every resource possible AP — NEW YORK The Atlanta Falcons fired head to that end.” coach Dan Quinn and general Last month, the Falcons Taylor Hall is betting on manager Thomas Dimitroff on blew fourth-quarter leads of 15 himself in a surprising desti- Sunday night, hours after the and 16 points in consecutive nation. team lost at home 23-16 to losses to the Dallas Cowboys Hall agreed to sign an $8m, Carolina for its first 0-5 start and Bears, respec- one-year deal with the Buffalo since 1997. tively. Those collapses Sabres, the team announced Team president and CEO rekindled Falcons fans’ painful on Sunday night. Rich McKay takes over day-to- memories of the infamous Hall joins his fourth NHL day football operations and will breakdown in Super Bowl LI, organisation since being the owner Arthur Blank in a where Atlanta squandered a No. 1 pick in the 2010 draft. search for a new GM and coach. 28-3 lead in a 34-28 He’s reunited with Sabres According to a release by the loss to the New England coach Ralph Krueger, for team, Dimitroff’s duties will be Patriots. whom he played the 2013 handled by various members Quinn, 50, is 43-42 overall lockout-shortened season with of the Falcons staff for the rest since taking over the Falcons the Edmonton Oilers. of 2020. for the 2015 season, but just Buffalo is Hall’s third team “Decisions like these are 14-23 since the start of the 2018 in two years after the New very difficult, but the previous campaign. He survived a rocky Jersey Devils traded him to the two seasons and start to this 1-7 start last season by leading Arizona Coyotes in the middle Rays edge Astros to win one have been especially hard Atlanta to a 6-2 finish. of last season. The 28-year-old for me because of the deep Quinn is the second NFL has played in just five career love, admiration and respect I to lose his job this play-off games. and my family have for Dan, season. The Houston Texans The 2018 Hart Trophy opener in play-off series Thomas and their families,” parted ways with Bill O’Brien winner as the NHL MVP, Hall Blank said in the statement. earlier this month. was regarded to be the top “For many years, they have Dimitroff was named GM of forward available on the free AFP — LOS ANGELES represented me, our team, the Falcons in January 2008 agent market once it opened Mike Zunino drove in the winning run and Diego Castillo organization and Atlanta with after five seasons as New Eng- on Friday. Mike Zunino drove in the thwarted two comeback bids as the Tampa Bay Rays edged class, commitment and all the land’s director of college He has topped 20 goals winning run and Diego passion you would want in the scouting. Since his arrival, five times, including posting Castillo thwarted two Houston 2-1 in the Major League Baseball play-offs. leaders of the team. Atlanta is 109-88 in the regular career bests with 39 goals and comeback bids as the Tampa “Our finish in 2019 earned season, has made the play-offs 93 points in 2017-18 with the Bay Rays edged Houston 2-1 an opportunity to show that six times, has three NFC South Devils. in the Major League Baseball The Rays, bolstered by pitching depth and defensive work, momentum could be continued titles and made the Super Bowl Hall has averaged 1.05 play-offs. captured the opener in the best-of-seven American League and built upon, but that has once. points per game over the past The Rays, bolstered by Championship Series. clearly not happened. And Among the players drafted three seasons, which ranks pitching depth and defensive overall, the last three-plus on Dimitroff’s watch are cor- 17th among NHL players. work, captured the opener in seasons have fallen short of my nerstones players in quar- The Coyotes acquired Hall the best-of-seven American commitment to Atlanta and to terback Matt Ryan, wide in December in bid to use the League Championship Series. six hits with two walks and to second baseman Brandon our fans everywhere. I want receiver Julio Jones, offensive remainder of the season to “We take pride in our two strikeouts over five Lowe, halting the Astros threat them all to know that my com- lineman Jake Matthews and convince the pending free- pitching and our defense and innings. and keeping the Rays ahead. mitment to winning has not linebacker Deion Jones. agent to stay in Arizona. it was good for us to show that “They made me work a “It hurts to lose these In Buffalo, he joins a team tonight,” Zunino said. lot,” Snell said. one-run games,” Astros in need of a major boost The Astros are in their “They made it really manager Dusty Baker said. coming off a season in which fourth consecutive ALCS while tough. The bullpen held it “You don’t have any the Sabres extended their fran- the Rays are playing for a down like always bit a lot chance if you don’t get any chise-worst playoff drought to World Series berth for only more work to be done.” opportunities. We had a heck a ninth year. It’s the NHL’s the second time in club John Curtiss and Ryan of a lot of chances tonight and longest active streak and one history. Thompson each pitched an they just got away.” short of matching the league Houston opened the inning of shutout relief and In the bottom of the record. scoring on Jose Altuve’s solo Castillo closed down the eighth, Tampa Bay’s Yandy The Sabres lacked sec- homer in the first inning but Astros in tricky situations in Diaz opened with a single and ondary scoring behind the top Tampa Bay equalised on the eighth and ninth innings, Manuel Margot walked with line centered by captain Jack Randy Arozarena’s solo delivering Tampa Bay’s 60th two outs, but Kevin Kiermaier Eichel, who led the team with homer in the fourth inning. consecutive victory when popped up to end the threat, a career-best 38 goals in 78 The Rays plated the leading after seven innings. the Rays falling to 1-for-8 at games. Forward Jeff Skinner deciding run in the fifth when The Astros tagged Rays the plate with runners in particularly experienced a dip Willy Adames walked, relief pitcher Aaron Loup to scoring position. in production playing on the advanced to second and third start the eighth. Houston’s “There’s no margin for second line. A year after on ground outs and scored on Michael Brantley was hit by a error and our guys take that scoring a career-best 40 goals, Zunino’s single to pitch, took second on a wild approach every time they take Skinner managed just 14 last centerfield. pitch and, after a one-out the field,” Rays manager season. “With a guy in scoring Carlos Correa walk, took third Kevin Cash said. Sam Reinhart and rookie position, I was just trying to on a bases-loading single by In the ninth, Castillo sur- Victor Olofsson, Eichel’s line- get something up high in the Kyle Tucker. rendered a one-out single to mates for much of the season, zone,” Zunino said. That prompted Tampa Bay Josh Reddick and George were Buffalo’s only two “I was lucky enough to get to bring in Dominican right- Springer advanced the runner players to top 20 goals. some contact on it.” hander Castillo, whose first into scoring position on a Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn In Hall’s one season Rays starting pitcher Blake pitch -- a 97 mph sinker -- ground out only to have Cas- (left) walks off the field after the Falcons playing under Krueger, he had Snell, a 27-year-old US left- enticed Yuli Gurriel to hit into tillo strike out Altuve to end were defeated by the Carolina Panthers 16 goals and 34 assists for 50 hander, allowed one run on an inning-ending double play the game. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday. points in 45 games. Sport TUESDAYTUESDAY 1133 OCOCTOBERTOBER 2020 0808

The players and officials celebrate with the trophy after winning the 2020 NBA Championship over the in Game Six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, on Sunday.

Lakers capture 17th NBA title AFP – ORLANDO RECENT NBA CHAMPIONS

The Los Angeles Lakers, fuelled by Lakers honour ‘big 2020-Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James’s triple-double, 2019- dominated the Miami Heat 106-93 on 2018- Sunday to win a record-equalling 17th brother’ Bryant with 2017-Golden State Warriors NBA championship but their first in a 2016- decade. 2015-Golden State Warriors James added another chapter to an championship 2014- epic career, delivering 28 points, 14 2013-Miami Heat rebounds and 10 assists as he captured REUTERS – LOS ANGELES his fourth NBA title with a third team. 2012-Miami Heat He earned NBA Finals Most Valuable The Los Angeles Lakers dedicated their NBA Finals 2011- Player honors for a fourth time, and said victory to the late , whose death in a 2010-Los Angeles Lakers the accomplishment had a special flavor helicopter crash in January united and motivated 2009-Los Angeles Lakers with the Lakers. the team in a year full of challenges. 2008- “This is a historic franchise and to Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and 2007-San Antonio Spurs be a part of this is something that I’ll be seven others died in the crash near Los Angeles, 2006-Miami Heat able to talk about and my grandkids and sending shockwaves through the NBA world and 2005-San Antonio Spurs kids will be able to talk about -- their beyond. 2004- pawpaw played for the Los Angeles Bryant won five championships in 20 seasons 2003-San Antonio Spurs Lakers,” James said. with the Lakers and is considered one of the sport’s 2002-Los Angeles Lakers “It’s like playing for the Yankees and all-time greats. 2001-Los Angeles Lakers winning or playing for the Cowboys and “Ever since the tragedy, we wanted to do it for 2000-Los Angeles Lakers winning a Super Bowl, or the Patriots. him, and we didn’t want to let him down,” Anthony It’s like playing for the Red Sox.” James Davis, who was Bryant’s team-mate on the 2012 said the magnitude of what he was Olympic team, said after Sunday’s Game Six victory Dragic had been sidelined since suf- trying to accomplish with the Lakers over the Miami Heat. fering a torn plantar fascia in his left kept his mind focused in the NBA’s “He was a big brother to all of us and we did this foot in game one, but he finished the quarantine bubble in Orlando, Florida. for him.” Lakers fans celebrate in front of the Staples . night with just five points on two-of- “To be able to win with a historical eight shooting. franchise is something that, no matter Butler connected on just one basket if your mind wavers away, you can only an emotional season for the Lakers was a perfect six-for- simply had no answer for the knockout in the opening quarter. always remember what you’re doing it with the loss of talisman Bryant but a six from the floor in the first half as the blow Los Angeles delivered in the first “Obviously nobody likes to lose,” for,” said James, recalling that he told season of uncertainty and upheaval for Lakers built the second-largest halftime half. Butler said. Lakers president when he the NBA as players grappled with the lead in NBA Finals history. James played his 260th playoff James said one of the great satisfac- arrived in Los Angeles in 2018 that he coronavirus pandemic and the demands Rondo, who won a title with the game -- surpassing for the tions of the victory was helping Davis “wanted to put this franchise back for social and racial justice sweeping Celtics in 2008, scored 19 points off the most all time. gain a title. where it belongs.” across the United States. bench. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope He had signalled the Lakers’ deter- “I know what it feels like to have , playing in his first The Lakers out-hustled, out- added 17, scored 11 and mination with nine first-quarter points. seven years where you feel like you title series after years of frustration in muscled and out-played Miami, making the Lakers pulled level with the Boston The Lakers were devastating in can’t get over the hump,” said James, , added 19 points and 15 sure it wouldn’t come down to any last- Celtics for most titles all-time. transition, none more so than James, whowho had hhisis aarmsrms aaroundround DDavisavis onon rebounds as the Lakers completed a gasp effort as it did when Los Angeles The Heat, who had stunned the who went coast-to-coast for a basket thethe ssidelineideline as tthehe finfinalal four-games-to-two triumph more than were denied in game five on Friday. Lakers on Friday on the back of Jimmy at the rim with 6:21 left in the opening seconds ticked off the eight months after the helicopter crash Los Angeles had blew Game 6 open Butler’s gritty triple-double, couldn’t period that boosted the Lakers’ lead to clock.clock. that killed team legend Kobe Bryant, by halftime, their 36 second-quarter produce another miracle in the face of 18-3 and brought the bench to its feet. “To be able to get who had led the Lakers to their last title points equalling the Heat’s entire first Los Angeles’ stifling defense. Miami got an emotional lift with the himhim and we push him in 2010. half total as the Lakers took a 64-36 lead Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 25 return of high-scoring guard Goran andand lelett hihimm knknowow hhowow The series in the NBA’s quarantine into the break with four players already points and 10 rebounds and Butler and Dragic with 1:09 remaining in the first great he is .... that’s bubble in Orlando, Florida, capped not scoring in double figures. added 12 apiece, but Miami quarter. whatwhat iit’st’s aallll about.” LeBron wins fourth Finals MVP award "Go Lakers! Wish Kobe and Gigi were here to see REUTERS – ORLANDO NBA FINALS MOST this. Congratulations The 35-year-old James, who also won the VALUABLE PLAYERS Uncle P! Congratulations LeBron James became the first player to win award during two championship runs with @lakers Kobe was right, NBA Finals MVP honours with three different 2020 - LeBron James, LA Lakers Miami and one with Cleveland, averaged 29.8 2019 - Kawhi Leonard, Toronto RP!. Stay the course - teams on Sunday, and for LA Lakers coach the Ohio native has cemented points per game on 59% shooting in the 2018 - , Golden State out the noise his status as the best player “the basketball Finals while leading a defensive effort that 2017 - Kevin Durant, Golden State 2016 - LeBron James, Cleveland universe has ever seen”. handcuffed the Heat offense in Game Six. Vanessa Bryant, widow James’s fourth NBA championship, 2015 - , Golden State of Lakers great, late which came after he led the Lakers to a 2014 - Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Kobe Bryant. 106-93 win over the Miami Heat in Game 2013 - LeBron James, Miami Six, also saw him take home his fourth “He’s one of the greatest leaders in sports, 2012 - LeBron James, Miami Finals MVP award. not just the NBA,” said Kuzma. 2011 - Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas He trails only great Michael “He’s always rallying the troops, talking 2010 - Kobe Bryant, LA Lakers Jordan, who won six to go with his six NBA in group chats and making sure everybody’s 2009 - Kobe Bryant, LA Lakers championships. fine. Holds everybody to a high standard. 2008 - , Boston The 35-year-old James, who also won Makes everybody accountable. 2007 - Tony Parker, San Antonio the award during two championship runs “Everything you want in a leader.” 2006 - , Miami Ever since the tragedy, with Miami and one with Cleveland, averaged James had said bringing the Larry O’Brien 2005 - Tim Duncan, San Antonio we wanted to do it for 29.8 points per game on 59% shooting in the trophy back to Los Angeles for the first time 2004 - , Detroit him (Bryant), and we Finals while leading a defensive effort that since 2010 was his sole focus when he joined 2003 - Tim Duncan, San Antonio handcuffed the Heat offense in Game Six. in the summer of 2018 after the franchise 2002 - Shaquille O'Neal, LA Lakers didn’t want to let him While many still consider Jordan as the had fallen on hard times. 2001 - Shaquille O'Neal, LA Lakers down. He was a big sport’s best player of all time, Vogel put James “It means a lot to represent this fran- 2000 - Shaquille O'Neal, LA Lakers brother to all of us and above him. chise,” said James. 1999 - Tim Duncan, San Antonio we did this for him. “He’s the greatest player the basketball “I told (Lakers president) Jeanie (Buss) 1998 - , Chicago universe has ever seen,” Vogel told reporters. when I came here that I was going to put this 1997 - Michael Jordan, Chicago Anthony Davis, Kobe “And if you think you know, you don’t franchise back in the position where it 1996 - Michael Jordan, Chicago Bryant’s team-mate on know, okay, until you’re around him every belongs. 1995 - Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston 1994 - Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston the 2012 Olympic day, you’re coaching him, you’re seeing his “We just want our respect. Rob (Pelinka) mind, you’re seeing his adjustments, seeing wants his respect, coach (Frank) Vogel wants 1993 - Michael Jordan, Chicago team. the way he leads the group.” his respect, our organisation wants its respect, 1992 - Michael Jordan, Chicago Lakers team mate said James Lakers nation wants its respect,” he said. 1991 - Michael Jordan, Chicago was a driving force on the court and off it. “And I want my respect too.” 1990 - Isiah Thomas, Detroit