Sport

WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2020 MathewsM accepts Test bowling days are over UnfortunatelyU I haven’t bowled much in Test matches, purely bebecause of the workload. I’ll definitely keep bowling in the shortersh formats as long as possible... but to bowl in test mmatches, my workload would be extremely high and it’s very dedemanding when you play all three formats.

Angelo Mathews Sport | 09 QBF MEN'S LEAGUE: YESTERDAY'S RESULTS Al Shamal beat Al Khor 102-85 Al Gharafa beat Qatar SC 105-64 Qatar to participate in UEFA’s World Cup qualifiers

THE PENINSULA – DOHA order to facilitate shorter travel qualifying matches for the next to showcase thehe progress times for their group oppo- FIFA World Cup, which our we’ve made and the WeWe are delidelightedgh that Qatar will participate in Qatar’s National Team will nents. As the FIFA World Cup country is proud to be hosting. talent our countryntry pospos-- UEFA qualiqualifyingfyin matches for the next FIFA participate in UEFA’s FIFA 2022 host nation, Qatar has Playing matches in Group A sesses when wwee hhostost tthehe World Cup 2022 qualifying already qualified for the tour- against high-quality teams pro- first FIFA Worldrld Cup in WorldWorld Cup, wwhichh our country is proud to be campaign, it was announced nament and therefore their vides our national team with the Middle Eastst anandd ArArabab hosting.hosting. PlayiPlayingn matches in Group A against yesterday. results will not count towards an excellent foundation as we World in 2022.”.” high-qualityhigh-quality teamste provides our national team The Asian champions will the final standings in UEFA continue our journey of prep- As well as pplayinglaying World withwith an excellentexcelle foundation as we continue join Group A – alongside UEFA qualifying. aration ahead of 2022.” Cup qualifyingg matcmatcheshes inin ourour jojourneyurne of preparation ahead of 2022: Euro 2016 winners Portugal, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa The President added: “Our Europe, Qatar willwill also partic-partic- Serbia, Republic of Ireland, bin Ahmed Al Thani, President squad has made major strides ipate in the Copaopa America SSheikhheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Luxembourg, and Azerbaijan. of Qatar Football Association, in recent years, including and CONCACAFF GoGoldld AlAl Thani,T President of Qatar Qatar will play their ‘home’ said: “We are delighted that winning the AFC Asian Cup in Cup nextx t FoFootball Association fixtures on European soil in Qatar will participate in UEFA 2019, and we are determined summer. Ronaldo stars as Juve crush Barca; United knocked out

AGENCIES – sides finishing level on 15 YESTERDAY'SYESTERDAAY'S RESULYSRESULYS points. Both teams had GROUPGROUP STAGESTAGE got the already qualified for the Basaksehir’s players better of Lionel Messi by knockout round prior to the DyDynamonamo KievKiev 1-01-0 FeFerencvárosrencn város scoring two penalties to match. Ronaldo was unable StadeStStada e Re Rennaisnnnaia s 11-3-3 SevillaSeS villa lead Juventus to a 3-0 win to play in Barcelona’s 2-0 leave pitch in protest BarcelonaBarcr elelona 0-30-3 JuventusJuJuventus at Barcelona yesterday, win in Turin in October after LazioLLazio 2-22-2 ClubCClubb BBruggerugge dealing the Spanish side its the Portugal forward had REUTERS – PARIS The State-ownedata e-ownneed AnAnadoluadolu first home defeat in the tested positive for COVID-19. news agencynccy quotedquottede thethhe Basak-Bassak- ZeZZenitenniit 1-21-2 DoDortmundrtr mum ndn Champions League in seven Barcelona’s record of 38 Istanbul Basaksehir’s players left the pitch sehir club’s presidentpresidentt aass sasayingyiy ngn tthehee ChelseaCChelsea 1-11-1 KrasnodarKrKrasasnon dad r years. home games without a loss during their Champions League Group H players woulduld nonott goo bbackack onoontoto ttheheh LeLLeipzigeippziig 3-23-2 MMaManan UnitedUnU ited Ronaldo converted spot in Europe’s top-tier tour- game at Paris St Germain after the Turkish field as longng asa thethe fourthfourtth refereerreefeereee kicks for Juventus’ 13th- nament began in September club accused a match official of racism. was still there.eerre.e minute opener and a third 2013. Basaksehir’s Cameroonian assistant coach “Followingwiw ngg aann allegedaalleegeed inincidentncic deennt goal early in the second half Pierre Webo was red-carded in the 13th involving thehe 44t4thth official,offffiicicial, thethe mamatchtch after US midfielder Weston Leipzig book knockout minute by an assistant referee and the Turkish was temporarilyorarily sussuspended,”sppene ded,” UEUUEFAFAFA McKennie doubled the spot with 3-2 win over side then walked off the pitch after about 10 said in a statement.atemene t. advantage in the 20th. Manchester United minutes of discussions with Romanian referee “After cconsultationono sultation wiwithth bbothotth Messi and Ronaldo Ovidiu Hategan. teams, it wawasas agagreedreed tthathat thehe mamatchatcch briefly embraced with one RB Leipzig scored twice in PSG also left the pitch. would restarttara t wiwwithth a ddifferentififffereennt 44thtthh arm behind each other’s the opening 13 minutes but “Our assistant coach, Pierre Webo has official. back and exchanged a few had to survive a late been sent off with a ‘racist’ word by the 4th “UEFA wiwwillllll tthoroughlyhorougghlly ininves-ves- words before kickoff at a comeback from Manchester official ref. of the match. Match has stopped tigate the mmatterattteer anandnd fufurtherrthher cocom-m- that remains United in a 3-2 win for a while,” Istanbul Basaksehir said on the municationn wwillilll bbee mmadeadeine inn ddue empty because of corona- yesterday that sent them club’s official Twitter feed. course.” virus restrictions. into the knockout stage and But only Ronaldo eliminated the English side. enjoyed the revival of their Leipzig got off to a sen- 3-2 in the 82nd but United, spot and Krasnodar the fixturefixtuure in RRussiaussia in OOctober,ctobber, longstanding rivalry that sational start, stunning the who needed at least a point Europa League qualifying mademmade nnoo mimistakestake tthishis ttime.immee. enthralled fans for almost a visitors in the second to advance, could not get place by finishing third, but AbrahamAbraham fforcedorced aann decade when he played at minute with Angelino's the equaliser. the match was still played excellentexccellene t savesave fromfrom Kras-Kras- Real Madrid before leaving powerful shot from a Marcel Leipzig are leading at a breezy tempo in front nodarnnoodad r goalkeeperggoala keepper EEvgenivgeneni for Italy in 2018. Twice Sabitzer cross. Group H on 12 points, while of 2,000 fans as the hosts GorodovGoG rrodov inn thethe secondsecoonnd halfhaalf Ronaldo celebrated with his The Spaniard ran United United are eliminated with made 10 changes to their andannd mimightghht hhaveave donedonne bebbettertterr trademark leap, twist, and ragged down the left wing nine. Paris St Germain, also lineup. withwiw thth a headerheaaded r whenwhw eenn thrust of both arms down- and was again left with far on nine, face Istanbul Basa- Krasnodar took the lead teed-upteedd-uup byb N'GoloN'GGolo KaKKantentn e onn wards as he roared out his too much space in the 12th ksehir with the game still to when midfielder Remy whatwhw at waswass ultimatelyultl imately a frus-frrus- goals. minute when he floated the finish following an inter- Cabella finished a fine move tratingtrattinng ninightighght forfofor ththehe EnEEnglandnglannd While Ronaldo bene- ball across for Amadou ruption due to an incident by firing low into the striker.strikek r.. fited from errors by Barce- Haidara to volley in. involving the fourth official. bottom corner in the 24th Inn thetheh otherothhere GroupGrroup E lona’s defense, Messi was Leipzig added a third Meanwhile, Chelsea's minute, only the second mmamatch,tcch,h JJulesuless Kounde'sKououndn ee's left to carry the workload through substitute Justin Jorginho converted a goal conceded by Chelsea exexcellentxcellennt vvovolleylleyy ffromrorom ththehe Juventus’Juuveentn uss’ CrCCristianorisi tiano for the frustrated hosts. The Kluivert in the 69th minute penalty as a much-changed in the competition this edgeeeddgeg ofof ththehe boboxox anandd YYoYoussefussef RRoRonaldonalddo celebratescelel brates aafterfter was unable but Bruno Fernandes's side were held to a 1-1 draw season, but the lead lasted En NNesyri'sessyry i'i s doubledoububle ssealedeae led a to beat Gianluigi Buffon on 80th-minute penalty sud- by Russians Krasnodar at just four minutes. 3-13-3 1 wiwwinn forffor sectionses ctioon runners-rrunners-s scscoringoring theirtheir firstfirstt goalgoaal his five strikes between the denly sparked urgency in Stamford Bridge in their Chelsea forward upu SevillaSevvillaa atat SStStadeadde ReRennes,nnnees, agagainstainsst BBaBarcelonarcelona duduringuring posts. United's game. final Group E game with Tammy Abraham was whowho grgrabbedabbedabbed a consococonso-nso- ththee UEFAUEFA ChampionsChampions LLeagueeague Juventus clinched first Paul Pogba's header nothing at stake. upended in the box and lationlation throughthroughh - Group G match playedplayed at place in Group G on goal bounced off Harry Maguire Frank Lampard's side Jorginho, who missed a spot GeorginioGeorginio Rutter's late CamCampp NouNou in Barcelona, SSpain,pain, difference with the two and into the net to make it had already secured top kick in the corresponding penalty.penalty. yeyesterday.sterday. ACL: Players, coaches hail hosts Qatar as quarters draw announced AFC/THE PENINSULA – DOHA but now that I came again everythingng thethe facilities the countrcountryy is pputtingutting inn I have been impressed by Qatar and has changed,” said FC Seoul head coach place to prepare for the FIFA World Cup. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) the city of Doha. Here in this city Lee Won-jun who was part of the FC Qatar can be proud of what they have yesterday held the quarter-finals draw there are a lot of good stadiums, the Seoul side (then known Anyang LG achieved.” of the 2020 AFC Champions League, facilities are amazing. When I came Cheetahs) who played in the 1999-2000 Shanghai SIPG midfielder Cai East Zone, which will conclude in Doha here for the national team, I always Asian Cup Winners cup. Huikang had previously visited Doha on December 19. wanted to play here. I hope I will Meanwhile, 2006 FIFA World Cup with the Chinese national team for a At a ceremony held inside the Edu- winning captain and Guangzhou Ever- FIFA World Cup qualifier, and he is cation City Stadium, one of the stadiums come back with the national team in grande head coach Fabio Cannavaro hopeful he could return with his country of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, the draw 2022: Shanghai SIPG midfielder believes the nation is well prepared to for the Finals in two years’ time. saw South Korean side Ulsan Hyundai Cai Huikang host the second-ever FIFA World Cup “I have been impressed by Qatar and taking on Beijing FC of China in the first to take place in Asia. the city of Doha. Here in this city there quarterfinal while of “When we talk about the FIFA World are a lot of good stadiums, the facilities will play Bluewings of of the AFC Champions League East Zone. Cup, I was one of the luckiest guys to lift are amazing. When the players come South Koreain the other last-eight clash Meanwhile, the coaches and players the trophy. I am thankful to be here in on the pitch, everyone is eager to play on December 10. of participating clubs have heaped these facilities that will host the next on those stadiums. When I came here The two winners will meet in the praise on the organisation and facilities edition. I have been to Qatar many times for the national team, I always wanted semi-finals on December 13 at Al Janoub offered by the host nation Qatar. and I know everyone is working hard to play here. I hope I will come back with Stadium. The FIFA World Cup 2022 hosts had for 2022 and I’m sure they will be the national team in 2022.” The winner from the semifinal in successfully hosted the West Asia ready.” The 15-team competition, following Doha will play the final of the AFC matches between September 14 and For Melbourne Victory assistant the withdrawal of Malaysia’s Johor Darul Champions League, West Zone October 3, culminating in Iran’s Perse- coach Steve Kean, the preparations were Ta’zim, sees four air-conditioned venues champion side Persepolis of Iran at Al polis FC reaching the final, and Qatar clear to see from the moment the team hosting the matches, including three Janoub Stadium on December 19. was again chosen as the venue for the arrived at Hamad International Airport. 2022 FIFA World Cup host grounds; Al The Deputy Director of the AFC remainder of the competition where one “We have been extremely impressed Janoub Stadium, Khalifa International Competitions Committee Avaz Ber- team from East Asia groups aspires to from the moment we stepped off the Stadium and Education City Stadium, dikulov conducted the draw in the join them in the final taking place at Al plane with the measures in place and while Al Sadd SC’s Jassim Bin Hamad presence of the coaches of the four Janoub Stadium on December 19. the facilities. When we travelled on the Stadium having hosted matches in the teams competing in the quarter-finals “I visited Qatar as a player in 1999 road to come to the stadium, we saw group stage. WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2020 SPORT 11

American Kenin named QOC set to launch Beach WTA Player of the Year

REUTERS – LONDON

Games on December 20 American has been named WTA Player of the Year after winning her maiden singles title at the Australian THE PENINSULA – DOHA Open. Kenin defeated World No. 1 in the semi-finals The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and twice Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza in the final announced on Monday, that its first edition to claim the title at Melbourne Park. Kenin also reached the French of Beach Games will get underway from Open final and finished the season ranked a career-high No. 4. December 20 to January 2, at Aspire Park, The 22-year-old is the eighth American to win the WTA Player Doha. of the Year accolade, joining , Martina Navra- Beach games lovers and amateurs have tilova, , , , Venus Wil- been invited by the QOC to register their liams and . names and details via a link set up on the Iga Swiatek, who became the first Polish player to win a Grand QOC official website and social media Slam singles title when she beat Kenin in the French Open final, accounts, that to get confirmation for par- was namedd the WTAWTA’s s Most IImprovedmproved PlPlayerayer of the Year.Year. ticipation in the Games. Formerr worldworld numbernumber ononee ViVictoriactoria Aza-Aza- The participants will be competing renka was namenamedd WTA ComeComebackback PPlayerlayer in four beach sports , football, handball, of the Yearar afterafter sheshe claimedclaimed herher firstfirst volleyball and 3x3 basketball, as title in overer ffourour years at tthehe Western maximum 4 to 12 teams of men and & Southernn OOpenpen and advanced to her women are allowed to participate in fifth careerer GrandGrand SlamSlam fifinalnal at thethe each sport. US Open. The Belarusian also The QOC Beach Games, is a com- regained hherer spot in the WWTATA munity activity will help promoting these right now receiving a solid support from Top 20. sort of games inside the Qatari society, to a of local organizations, including ’se’s Kristina MladMlad-- keep the country’s unparalleled success Aspire Zone (official partner) , along with enovic andnd HunHungary’sgary’s after hosted the 2019 ANOC Beach Games the official sponsors, Vodafone Qatar, Timea BBabosabos were in Doha. Sports Corner and Al Meera ( as official voted thee WTA’s The tournament is one of the com- supplier). doubles duouo of tthehe munity events and activities organized by The QOC will keep organizing the year afterer cap-cap- the QOC annually to take all individuals tournament and promoting the beach turing thee AAus-us- of the society to greater standards of games to meet the objectives and tralian OOpenpen health and physical fitness. standards prescribed by its top sport and Rolandand The first edition of QOC Beach Games officials. Garros titles.es. Sofia Kenin

Al Sadd's players celebrate QSL: Al Ahli and the goal scored by Abdelkarim Al Gharafa meet with Hassan. ‘points’ at stake

CHINTHANA WASALA THE PENINSULA

It will be match not to be missed in the eighth round of QNB Stars League when two high-flying teams this season, Al Ahli and Al Gharafa, clash at Al Ahli Stadium today. The kick-off is at 7:45pm. Al Ahli, who led the points table until they were beaten by title-favourites Al Sadd in the fifth round, are currently placed second behind Xavi Hernandez’s men. The loss against the Wolves is their only one this season and now they have accumulated 16 points, three less than leaders Al Sadd. Al Ahli barely stayed away from the relegation zone Al Sadd continue goal-scoring last season, but this time they are going great guns, having already notched up same number of wins as they did in the entire 2019-20 season. Ahead of the key clash which will decide who will spree as Al Sailiya stun Al Duhail occupy the second spot in the standings, Al Ahli coach Nebojsa Jovovic yesterday said his team’s goal is to “maintain the position”. FAWAD HUSSAIN the ball to the Qatar captain, who But Al Sailiya took full “Al Gharafa are a great team that has quality players THE PENINSULA scored with a clinical strike from advantage of the missed chances and a great coach, but we are ready to achieve our just outside the circle. and went ahead with a goal from goal on the field. We will do everything we can to get Al Sadd continued their fine form Hassan then doubled the lead, Mohanad Ali in the 20th minute. a win,”Jovovic said. yesterday. in the 2020-21 season QNB Stars scoring from a long distance, The Iraqi striker took full “We respect Al Gharafa a lot being a strong team League, thrashing Al Wakrah 4-1 making it impossible for diving Al advantage of a deflection after a and they can compete for the league title. We are aware as reigning champions Al Duhail Wakrah goal-keeper Saoud YESTERDAY'S RESULTS corner kick to beat keeper

of that. But we have confidence in the capabilities of and last year’s runners-up Al Mubarak Al Khater. Al Duhail 1-2 Al Sailiya Mohammed Al Bakri. Al Wakrah 1-4 Al Sadd our players and their physical energy on the field. Rayyan suffered setbacks in their Al Wakrah fought back with a Senegalese defender Serigne “We will give all what we have to achieve our Week 8 clashes. brilliant header from Malian star Al Arabi 1-1 Al Rayyan Mbodji doubled the lead for Al desired result. As I always say, we will do everything After yesterday’s win at Al Ousmane Coulibaly off a cross in TODAY'S FIXTURES Sailiya in 38th minute with a bril- Umm Salal VS Al Kharaitiyat available to us on the field for the best result, so we Duhail Stadium, the Xavi Hern- 69th minute but strikes from At Al Ahli Stadium (5.30pm) liant header off a corner kick by maintain our position in the league standings,” Jovovic andez-coached side moved to 22 Baghdad Bounedjah (71st minute) Nadir Belhadj. Al Ahli VS Al Gharafa said. points on top of point standings, and 2019 AFC Player of the Year At Al Ahli Stadium (7.45pm) Desperately looking for goals, Meanwhile, his counterpart, Slavisa Jokanovic is six clear of second-placed Al Ahli, Akram Afif (77th minute) put pro- Al Duhail made several attacks in Qatar SC VS Al Khor aware of Al Ahli’s threat, but said he is confident in who will be seen in action today. ceedings behind Al Wakrah’s At Al Duhail Stadium (7.45pm) the second half, with Abdelrahman succeeding against the hosts in what he calls a “match However, Al Duhail endured a reach. Mohamed and substitute with six points”. blow to their title defence after a Al Wakrah slipped to 7th with teams walked away with a point Mohammed Muntari missing “It can be considered a match with six points, where shocking 2-1 loss to Al Sailiya, 10 points following the loss. each. chances from close range. a lot can happen and therefore we see it as an important while Al Rayyan dropped valuable Meanwhile, in a game dubbed Despite the draw, Al Rayyan, The champions could only match. We are working to find the ideal way to achieve points after they were held to a 1-1 the marquee Week 8 clash, Al moved to fourth position as Al open their account in stoppage victory and my confidence is great in the players who by Al Arabi at Al Sadd Stadium. Rayyan failed to capitalise on a 19th Duhail slipped to fifth after a time when Eduardo Rodrigues have shown great desire to succeed in this campaign,” The Wolves continued their minute goal from Qatar midfielder stunning defeat. scored in (90+4) minutes as Al Jokanovic said yesterday. goal-scoring spree and dominated Abdelaziz Hatim Mohamed as Al Al Sailiya entering the match Sailiya celebrated their full points Al Gharafa have collected 15 points from five wins Al Wakrah to register their 7th win Arabi fought well to earn a point with just 8 points, made their intent against a top side. and they have lost two matches. The Cheetahs have a in the season, in which they have from Diego Aguirre-coached side. clear in the first half, scoring two The victory put Al Sailiya on goal difference of +7 (18 goals for and 11 against), the scored 31 goals. After 15 minutes of a good goals against the defending cham- sixth position with 11 points. second-best in the tournament so far, after leaders Al As expected, Al Sadd started display on the field following the pions in yesterday’s first match at In today’s matches Umm Salal Sadd (+21). with an aggressive approach with deficit, Al Arabi struck through Al Duhail Stadium yesterday. will take on Al Kharaitiyat at Al Ahli In other matches today, Umm Salal will take on Al captain Hasan Al Haydos scoring striker Abdulaziz Rashid Al Ansari Al Duhail got off a bright start Stadium that will also host Al Ahli Kharaitiyat at Al Ahli stadium in the early kick-off their first goal in 4th minute after after a fine touch by veteran striker as they piled up pressure on Al and Al Gharafa fixture in day’s (5.30pm). Elsewhere, Qatar SC will play against Al Khor an assist from Abdelkarim Hassan. Sebastian Soria. The second half Sailiya, creating a couple of good other match. Qatar SC and Al Khor at Al Duhail Stadium (7.45pm). The 2018 AFC Player of the Year saw some good attacks but it failed opportunities through Ramin will square off at Al Duhail went past two defenders to pass to break the deadlock as both Rezaein and Edmilson Junior. Stadium. Inter look to Lukaku for Champions League survival

AFP – MILAN season. In total, the Belgian has scored just 15 goals in his final season. Anderlect, and tried to sign him for from their first 10 matches, their best 12 goals in 13 games this season, He wasas nevernever farfar ffromrom Chelsea before the Belgian’sBelgian’s move from haul at this stage since the 2009/2010 Inter Milan are counting on prolific including the opener at the weekend in fan criticism,cism, over his EvertonEverton to United.United. campaign when they won an unprec- striker Romelu Lukaku to power the a 3-1 Serie A win over Bologna. weight andand profession-profession- His move to ItalyItaly at the same edented treble under Mourinho. former three-time winners into the For 27-year-old Lukaku it is the first alism, as he fell down the timetime as ContConte,e, wwasa also eased “Romelu can still get better,” pre- Champions League last 16 on time in his career that he has scored pecking order once Ole by the presepresencen of his dicted Conte whose side are second in Wednesday in a must-win clash against more than seven goals in his first 10 Gunnar Solskjaerolskjaer replaced brotherbrother JJordanordan Lukaku, 25, Serie A, five points behind city rivals AC Shakhtar Donetsk. league games of the season. Jose Mourinho.ourinho. But whowho played asas a defender Milan. “I described him as a rough The Belgian scored a double in a 3-2 Lukaku has come into his own since Lukaku has foundfound a richrich forfor LLazio.azio. InIntert finished diamond when he arrived. I felt that by win over Borussia Moenchengladbach joining Antonio Conte’s side from Man- vein of formorm at InInterter second in SSerie A last putting in the work, he could become last time out to keep the Italian giants chester United in 2019 for €80m alongsidee Argentine seasonseason,, one point one of the best strikers in the world. alive in the continental competition ($89m). Lautaro MaMartinezrtinez behindbehin Juventus, “He’s like an American football whose knockout rounds they have not In his first season Lukaku scored 34 and formerormer althoughal player." reached since the 2011-2012 season. goals in all competitions, matching the United team-am- Lukaku’sLu own Former Juventus and Chelsea Bottom of Group B, Inter need to performance of Brazilian Ronaldo in mate Alexisxis goalgo in the manager Conte is bidding to avoid a win at the San Siro and for ‘Gladbach his debut season for Inter in Sanchez. EuropaE financially-damaging fourth group and Real Madrid not to draw their 1997-1998. Contee LeagueLe final stage exit from the Champions League. match. The Belgian’s high energy levels and had been a handedha Sevilla The 51-year-old’s best result as a “I’ve never played so well in my sharp play at Inter are in contrast to long-timeme victory.vic coach was leading Juventus to the life,” said Lukaku after bagging four United where he spent two seasons, admirerr of Lukaku, Inter have 2012/13 quarter-finals, and he reached goals in as many European games this scoring 42 goals in 96 appearances, but who startedarted his career at scoredsco 26 goals the last 16 with Chelsea in 2017-2018. 10 SPORT WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2020 Italy handed hard qualifying path for Qatar 2022 after missing last World Cup AP – ZURICH Daniele De Rossi picks out Italy during the UEFA Preliminary Group I should pit two of Draw for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in Zurich, , Europe’s most prolific strikers After missing out on the 2018 I think it will be a fight on Monday. against each other: England’s World Cup, Italy has been between us and Harry Kane and Poland’s handed a challenging path to Switzerland: Italy Robert Lewandowski. the 2022 tournament in Qatar. coach Roberto Mancini “He’s a player that can The four-time world hurt you and his goal-scoring champion was drawn in a I’m not going to jump record for his country is phe- qualifying group on Monday for joy, one always nomenally good,” England with Switzerland, which has needs to be humble and coach Gareth Southgate said made it to the last three World show respect to all of Lewandowski. “So that’s a Cups and was the highest- these teams. Obviously, challenge we’ll face.” ranked team outside of the as a seeded team France Hungary, Albania, top seeds. Italy’s failure in the will be favourite, but we Andorra and San Marino are 2018 play-offs cost FIFA also in Group I. still need to make sure A victorious rider holding his ticket around $100m in lost tele- Top-ranked , we do deliver: France presented by Turkish Airlines. vision revenue. coach Didier which finished third at the Only the first-placed Deschamps 2018 World Cup, is in Group teams qualify automatically. E with Wales, the Czech “I think it will be a fight Republic, Belarus and Estonia. Champions and between us and Switzerland,” We are going into the European champion Portugal Italy coach Roberto Mancini race as the big is in Group A with Serbia, public continue said. favourites: Ireland, Luxembourg and Italy will contest the coach Joachim Löw Azerbaijan. to win with 2020 Nations League finals next Rather than the usual year, meaning it has only four We are tired of playing glitzy event in the host nation opponents in Group C: against each other: with all the coaches, the draw Ooredoo Ride of Northern Ireland, Bulgaria coach Luis was conducted in a studio in and Lithuania. Enrique Zurich without any audience Champions World Cup-holder France, due the pandemic. Belgium and Spain are also The 10 group runners-up THE PENINSULA – DOHA vying for UEFA’s newest title will enter the playoffs, joined next year. Germany faces five oppo- the 2018 World Cup, is in or us are happy about it.” by two teams from the Turkish Airlines was the proud sponsor France is in Group D with nents in Group J, but only Group G with Turkey, It’s also a politically Nations League groups. Those and official airline of the 2020 Ooredoo Ukraine, Finland, Bosnia and North Macedonia qualified for Norway, Montenegro, Latvia charged group since Kosovo two will be the two highest- Ride of Champions, organised by Qatar Herzegovina, and the European Championship and Gibraltar. will play Spain, Georgia and ranked Nations League group Cyclists Center. Kazakhstan. next year, unlike , Group B produced yet Greece, who all don’t rec- winners who did finish in the As part of their support, and to cel- “I’m not going to jump for Iceland, Armenia and more matches between Spain ognize the former province top two of their World Cup ebrate the 2020 event, they are giving joy, one always needs to be Liechtenstein. and Sweden, who met in Euro which declared independence qualifying group. away round-trip (return) tickets humble and show respect to “We are going into the 2020 qualifying and are in the from Serbia in 2008. Play-offs will be three between Doha and its expansive all these teams,” France coach race as the big favourites,” same group at the delayed Spain’s refusal to respect brackets of four teams in network in Turkey, and even flights to Didier Deschamps said. said Joachim Löw, who is tournament. the flag and anthem of Kosovo March 2022, each playing Europe. Prizes are being distributed in “Obviously, as a seeded remaining Germany coach “We are tired of playing last year forced UEFA to move single-game semifinals and lucky draws or competitions including team France will be favourite, despite recent poor results. against each other,” Spain qualifying games in soccer’s finals to fill the last three the Corporate Challenge, Social Media but we still need to make sure The Netherlands, another coach Luis Enrique said. Under-17 European places in Europe’s 13-nation (for participants as well as any Qatar we do deliver.” powerhouse to miss out on “I don’t think them Championship. quota. permanent residents), and for lucky vol- unteers, who helped make this year’s event such a success. Having connected Qatar to Turkey Zidane ‘not thinking’ about sack ahead of Borussia clash since 2006, Turkish Airlines has been a multi-year partner of the Ride of Cham- REUTERS – MADRID Frenchman insisted his only focus is we’re only thinking about our what we’re all thinking about. All pions. Mehmed Zingal, General Manager on getting the three points, rather than game. We’reWe re up matches are importantim but this is a at Turkish Airlines spoke about his air- Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane his future. againstst a toughtough greatgreat chance to show what we are as line’s continued sponsorship of the event insisted he is not contemplating losing “The club will do what they have side whowho willwill a team.” ZidaneZidane will welcome back and said: “We would like to congrat- his job if his side fail to progress from to do (in the event of not qualifying), make llifeife ddif-if- captain SerSergiogio RRamos to the side after ulate all participants for their ride and the Champions League group stage. as they always do, but I’m only ficult foror us.us. thethe defenderdefender missedmi the last six games active participation at the Ride of Cham- The 13-time European champions, thinking about the game,” Zidane told “WeWe knknowow throughthrough ininjury.jury. pions event - 2020.” who have never failed to make it out a news conference. exactlyy what Full back DDania Carvajal also took The ride covered a total distance of of the groups, host Group B leaders “I’m not thinking about anything the situationtuation isis.. a ffullull part in training yes- 101,589 kilometers, which is approxi- Borussia Moenchengladbach on else other than winning. I’m focused We wantant to get terday,terd having been mately 37 flights between Qatar and Wednesday needing to better Shakhtar on tomorrow’s game and we know the ththreeree absentab for the side’s last Turkish Airlines’ home of Istanbul. Donetsk’s result against Inter Milan in what we have to do. It’ll be tough, but pointss aandnd fourfo matches. However, Turkish Airlines flies to more than order to progress. we need to be able to walk off the pitch finish toptop forwardfo Luka Jovic will 50 destinations within Turkey, and a Local media reports suggest that satisfied with our work. of thee missm out after suf- handful of winners will get their chance Zidane will be sacked should Real not “We know there’s another game group;; fering an adductor to visit the destination of their choice in go through to the last 16, however the going on (Inter versus Shakhtar), but that’ss Zinedine Zidane problem. Turkey as an added celebration for fin- ishing the Ooredoo Ride of Champions. The chance to win has been Al Gharafa, Al Shamal victorious extended to all Qatar Residents as well as the participants of this year’s event. Contestants may register by simply vis- iting @rocdoha on Instagram and fol- lowing directions, as described on its social media accounts. By Liking, Sharing, and Tagging three or more Instagram friends on a special Turkish Airlines post shown on the @rocdoha account, contestants are able to gain entry into the lucky draw which takes place on 11th December, 2020. The themes of this year’s giveaway centred around the Turkish Airlines hashtags: #MeetAgain #Wide- nYourWord, and of course, #TurkishAirlines. Contestants have until tomorrow to enter and no purchase is necessary. More information is available at Instagram.com/rocdoha. The home of Al Gharafa's Tyler James Lee Harris (right) is challenged by Qatar SC's Aladji Bobo Magassa the Ooredoo Ride of Champions is at during their Qatar Basketball Federation-organised Senior Men's League match played at Al www.rocdoha.qa. You may also follow Gharafa Sports Club Hall yesterday. The hosts beat Qatar SC 105-64. TOP: Al Shamal and Al @rocdoha on Twitter, Facebook and Khor players in action during yesterday's second League match. Al Shamal beat Al Khor 102-85. Instagram. All Black great McCaw voted rugby’s player of the decade

AFP – PARIS votes. Because New Zealanders women’s player of the year was only MEN’S and Dan Carter each instituted in 2015. TEAM OF THE DECADE (15-1) Double World Cup winner Richie won the men’s award twice in the France full-back Tremouliere, who McCaw and Olympic medallist and decade there were eight men’s was player of the year in 2018, beat (NZL); George North (WAL), women’s Six Nations champion Jessy candidates. three Englishwomen and three New Brian O’Driscoll (IRL), Ma’a Nonu (NZL), Tremouliere were named players of Former All Blacks skipper McCaw Zealanders as well as Canadian Magali (RSA); Dan Carter (NZL), the decade on Monday by World also edged two forwards Hall. Conor Murray (IRL); (ITA), Rugby. in and , No 8 Heaslip finished off an Irish Richie McCaw (NZL), David Pocock Rugby fans voted New Zealander former France captain Thierry move that went the length and width (AUS); (NZL), Brodie and Fijian Jerry Dusautoir, Ireland’s fly-half Johnny of the field against Italy in the 2016 Retallick (NZL); (NZL), Tuwai the sevens players of the Sexton and Springbok forward Pieter- Six Nations for teh try of the decade decade. Ireland’s Jamie Heaslip and Steph du Toit. award. Bismarck du Plessis (RSA), Tendai Woodman scored the tries of the Fly-half Carter said McCaw’s It topped scores by a stellar col- Mtawarira (RSA) Women’s team of decade. award was thoroughly deserved. lection of backs including Chris the decade (15-1) In addition to the two awards she McCaw, a flanker who retired in Ashton, Bryan Habana, Barrett, Julian (ENG); Lydia Thompson (ENG), Emily won, Black Fern Woodman was the 2015 and won the last of his three Savea and TJ Perenara as well as Scarratt (ENG), (NZL), only player to feature on both the player-of-the-year awards in 2010, hulking lock Retallick who threw a Portia Woodman (NZL); Katy Daley- sevens and 15s player of the decade led New Zealand to victory in the 2011 huge dummy to fool the Wallabies Mclean (ENG), (NZL); lists The awards were announced in and 2015 World Cups. He held the defence for the 2018 try of the year. New Zealand’s captain Richie McCaw Safi N’Diaye (FRA), an online ceremony. The best players record for most Test appearances until A panel of rugby greats also (ENG), Linda Itunu (NZL); Tamara Taylor holds the Webb Ellis Cup as he and the men’s try of the decade were he was overtaken by Wales skipper selected two teams of the decade. The celebrates with team-mates after (ENG), (NZL); Sophie chosen from the annual winners from Alun Wyn Jones in October. men’s team was dominated by New winning the 2015 the years between 2010 and 2019. There were also eight candidates Zealand and contained no French or Hemming (ENG), Fiao’o Faamausili final in London, in this file photo. World Rugby said it received 394,795 for the women’s award, although a English players. (NZL), (ENG) WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2020 SPORT 09

Ben Stokes’ Australia fight off blazing Kohli father dies after cancer in final T20 to avoid whitewash battle

AFP — SYDNEY Samson for 10 off Swepson and then pulled off an incredible AFP — LONDON Virat Kohli blasted 85 but it leap over the ropes to prevent wasn’t enough to prevent a six off Kohli next ball. Ben Stokes’ father Ged Stokes, Australia from fighting off a T20 Swepson finished his final a league series sweep with a thrilling over with the wicket of Shreyas international, has died after a 12-run victory in the final match Iyer, lbw for a first-ball duck to battle with brain cancer, it was in Sydney yesterday. finish with three for 23. announced yesterday. While Kohli was at the He was named Stokes, who played rugby crease in his imperious 61-ball man-of-the-match. league in England in the 1980s knock, India had hopes of Sams had 20 runs taken off and returned as a coach, was pulling off victory, but when he his second over, two sixes by diagnosed with the disease in fell to a sensational diving out- Kohli and another one from January. field catch by Daniel Sams 11 Pandya to rev up India’s The Rugby Football League balls from the finish India’s run-rate. said on Twitter: “We are sad- hopes went with him. India needed 43 runs off the dened to learn that Ged Stokes Before a raucous crowd of last three overs to win, but leg- has passed away. over 30,000 -- with attendance spinner Adam Zampa crucially “Ged was a New Zealand limits lifted in new Covid-19 removed Pandya for 20, caught international who became a fine protocols by the New South by Finch. servant to the British game with Wales state government -- Aus- Pandya was subsequently his work in rugby league across tralia set India a competitive named man of the series for his Cumbria. 187-run target to chase. match-winning innings to guide “The RFL sends its condo- But India could not replicate India to a series win in the lences to the Stokes family. Rest Indian players celebrate with the winning trophy after the third T20 in Sydney, yesterday. their dynamic batting at the second T20 on Sunday. in Peace, Ged.” Sydney Ground two New Zealand-born Ben nights ago when they sealed the highest T20 score and an and two sixes. Maxwell was SCOREBOARD Stokes missed most of England’s T20 series after losing the pre- eventful Glenn Maxwell half- given the new ball and got KL AUSTRALIA S. Dhawan c Sams b Swepson ...... 28 summer Test series in Pakistan ceding one-day international century lifted Australia to 186 Rahul’s wicket with his second M. Wade lbw b Thakur ...... 80 V. Kohli c Sams b Tye ...... 85 after returning to series 2-1 to the home side. for five after India had won the delivery in India’s innings, A. Finch c Pandya b Sundar ...... 0 S. Samson c Smith b Swepson ...... 10 to be with his father. “At one stage when Hardik toss. hitting down the throat of Steve S. Smith b Sundar ...... 22 S. Iyer lbw b Swepson ...... 0 However, he played in all (Pandya) started going we Maxwell had a night out. He Smith at deep mid-wicket. G. Maxwell b Natarajan ...... 54 H. Pandya c Finch b Zampa ...... 20 three matches on Eng- thought we could pull it off,” survived two reviews, was But Smith put down a M. Henriques not out ...... 5 W. Sundar c Tye b Abbott ...... 7 land’s tour of South Africa. He was D. Short run out (Kohli/Rahul) ...... 6 S. Thakur not out ...... 17 Kohli said. caught off a no-ball, had a six similar catch when Kohli was D. Sams not out ...... 4 D. Chahar not out ...... 0 rested for the one-day interna- “The middle over phase prevented by athletic Sanju on nine in Maxwell’s next over Extras (lb1, nb1, w10) ...... 12 Extras (b1, w6) ...... 7 tionals, which were scrapped over during our batting cost us the Samson fielding over the rope in what could have been a Total (for 5 wickets; 20 overs) ...... 186 Total (for 7 wickets, 20 overs) ...... 174 coronavirus concerns. game. A partnership of 30-odd and finished with three sixes major turning point. Fall of wickets: 1-14 (Finch), 2-79 (Smith), Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Rahul), 2-74 (Dhawan), Workington rugby league would’ve made it easier for before he was out for 54 off 36 Sams took a superb diving 3-169 (Wade), 4-175 (Maxwell), 5-182 (Short) 3-97 (Samson), 4-100 (Iyer), 5-144 (Pandya), club said in a statement: Ged is Hardik. balls. catch at the second grab in the Did not bat: S. Abbott, M. Swepson, A. Tye, A. 6-151 (Kohli), 7-164 (Sundar) written into the fabric of Town “We are finding ways to Wade put on 90 with deep to dismiss Shikhar Zampa Did not bat: Y. Chahal, T. Natarajan history and will be sadly come back and give the oppo- Maxwell for the third wicket Dhawan for 28 off leg-spinner Bowling: Chahar 4-0-34-0 (1nb), Sundar 4-0- Bowling: Maxwell 3-0-20-1 (1w), Abbott 4-0- missed.” Whitehaven also said 34-2 (1nb), Natarajan 4-0-33-1 (2nb), Chahal 49-1 (1w), Sams 2-0-29-0 (1w), Tye 4-0-31-1 sition a scare and the series win before he was leg before Mitchell Swepson in the sixth 4-0-41-0 (2w 1nb), Thakur 4-0-43-1 (1w), Swepson 4-0-23-3, Zampa 3-0-21-1 they were “deeply saddened” by is a little asterisk for us to finish wicket to Shardul Thakur for over. INDIA Result: Australia won by 12 runs the death of a figure who was the 2020 season on a high.” 80 -- his highest T20 score -- Smith made amends for his K.L. Rahul c Smith b Maxwell ...... 0 Series: India 2-1 “a major part of Cumbrian rugby Matthew Wade blasted his off 53 balls with seven fours earlier costly fumble to catch league”. England's virus Pakistan team released from managed suspects cleared to return home isolation ahead of New Zealand series

AFP — AP — The two members of England’s cricket touring party who tested positive for COVID-19 have The Pakistan cricket squad has been been cleared to return home with the rest of allowed to leave managed isolation the tourists tomorrow, the England and Wales to begin its preparation for Cricket Board said yesterday. Twenty20 and Test series against The announcement came a day after a New Zealand. one-day series against South Africa was All members of the squad tested scrapped without a single game being played. negative on the 12th day of their The statement quoted ECB chief medical 14-day stay in isolation and will be officer, Professor Nick Peirce, as saying that allowed to travel to the independent ratification of the “unconfirmed resort of Queenstown, where they positive” tests had shown the two unnamed can now train as a group. individuals were not infected. The team’s exemption to train “The England and Wales Cricket Board in smaller groups after the third day can confirm that, following further testing in isolation was revoked by New and analysis, in the opinion of the inde- Zealand health authorities when pendent virologists based in Cape Town and players breached protocols by min- London, the two individuals are not infected, gling in corridors and sharing food. and do not pose any risk of passing on the Six members of the 53-strong squad infection to the rest of the party,” said Pro- tested positive for COVID-19 on fessor Peirce. arrival and two more subsequently The decision to call off the tour followed returned positive tests and were apparent breaches of the bio-secure envi- moved to the quarantine wing of ronment at the hotel in Cape Town where both their hotel. Members of Pakistan’s cricket team teams were staying. New Zealand’s Ministry of arrive at Christchurch International Health reported 52 members of the Airport from their hotel, yesterday. Pakistan squad will be released from the quarantine facilities in The England and Wales Cricket Board can Christchurch yesterday. but has since tested negative. “After require a certain environment to a two-test series against West Indies, confirm that, following further testing and “One case will remain in the extensive testing and completion of prepare so that they can perform at and will host Pakistan in 3 T20s on analysis, in the opinion of the independent Christchurch quarantine facility their time in managed isolation in the minimum expected levels every December 18, 20 and 22 before a virologists based in Cape Town and London, until fully recovered,” the ministry Christchurch, the... medical officer time they represent their countries,” 2-Test series starting December 26. the two individuals are not infected, and do said in a statement. of health is satisfied these people Misbah said in a statement issued New Zealand’s borders have “One person repeatedly tested pose a very low risk to the com- by the Pakistan Cricket Board. been closed to all but returning New not pose any risk of passing on the infection negative and is being released from munity,” the ministry said. He said Pakistan players and Zealand citizens and residents, to the rest of the party. the quarantine facility Head coach Misbah-ul-Haq officials “respect and understand” though exemptions have been today, where they had been trans- earlier was quoted as saying his the health and safety regulations allowed in the case of the touring Professor Nick Peirce ferred on arrival as a precaution.” Pakistan players had suffered “men- implemented in New Zealand to West Indies and Pakistan teams. That person is reported to have tally and physically” during their protect the community against New Zealand has had only 25 deaths shown symptoms of COVID after time in isolation. COVID-19. from COVID-19 and currently has arriving in New Zealand from Dubai “Top professional athletes New Zealand is currently leading no community cases. Sri Lanka's Mathews accepts Test bowling days are over

REUTERS — limited-overs series against debut in 2008 as a strapping “I’ve“I’ve started bowlinbowlingg in the MathewsMathews becabecameme UnderUnder Dimuth Karu- West Indies earlier this year but seam-bowling all-rounder but last 1188 mmonthsonths in tthehe sshorthort SrSSrii LLanka’sa nka ’ s naratne’snaratne’s leleadership,a Sri Lanka Veteran Sri Lankan all-rounder Mathews said the workload was broke down frequently due to formatmat where obviously we youngestyoy ungest ttestest areare rrankedanked fifth in Tests and (pictured) is probably the most he could persistent leg injuries. playy a lot of cricket,” he captainccaptain at the aagege eighth in one-dayers and slowly coming to terms with the handle. He did not regret playing as added.ed. of 2525 in 2013.2013. HeHe MathewsMathews saids he had no fact his body can no longer “Unfortunately I haven’t much, though acknowledges he “In“In shorter formats,formats, I quitquit as limited- ambitionambition ttoo return to the role. stand up to the rigours of Test bowled much in Test matches, could have put more thought thinknk mymy experience anandd ooversvers captacaptainin iinn “I gavegave up captaincy two bowling and that his future role purely because of the into his training. bowlingwling can help the team 202201818 aafterfter tthehe years ago aandn never thought of in the team will be as a specialist workload,” Mathews said from “Only thing I could have in a bibigg wawayy in terms ooff team’stet am’s earlyearly exit takingtaking it baback,”c he said. batsman. Hambantota where he captains changed, or I should have teamm balance and givingivingg fromfrom tthehe AAsiasia “I’ve movedmov on from leading The 33-year-old, who has Colombo Kings in the Lanka changed, was how I trained,” thatt extra option to Cup.Cup. the team,team, andan there are some been battered by injuries Premier League. he said. the captain anandd excellentexcellent charactersch who have throughout his career, has not “I’ll definitely keep bowling “But that’s all history, I’m the coaccoach.”h.” lelleadershipadership qqualities. bowled in a since in the shorter formats as long glad that I’m feeling good right ““I’mI’m gglad to help out as a 2018 in Christchurch due to as possible... but to bowl in test now and hope to continue in the senior playerp in whatever concerns about the physical toll matches, my workload would same manner.” wayway I can with my expe- from his workload across all be extremely high and it’s very Mathews said Sri Lanka riencerienc or planning. And three formats. demanding when you play all could still benefit from his I’mI’I m going to do that Sri Lanka did call upon his three formats.” bowling in limited-overs anaand play just as a seam bowling in their home Mathews made his . player,”p he added. Sport WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2020 08 Stage set for two FIA World Cup for Cross-Country rounds Toyota, Mini headline field for Bajas in Hail THE PENINSULA — DOHA Russia, the European Union, local drivers Saleh Al Saif, Eastern Europe and other coun- Ibrahim Bin Salamah and Fifty-four cars, one truck, 27 tries in the Middle East to tackle Abdullah Al-Shegawi, Russian motorcycles, 25 quads and 35 the two three-day events over Vasily Gryazin and San Marino- additional cars running in a challenging desert routes based female driver Camelia Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah National category will take part through the An Nafud desert. Liparoti. in action in this file photo. in the two Hail Bajas that will Two additional FIA entries will Four Can-Am Maverick X3s run on December 10-12 and join the field for the second of and a Yamaha YXZ 1000 are 14-16 as the fourth and fifth the Bajas. entered in the T4 section. counting rounds for the 2020 Russian driver Vladimir Poland’s Aron Domzala leads FIA World Cup for Cross- Vasilyev (Mini) and Dutchman the way from Dutchman Kees Country Bajas running under Bernhard Ten Brinke (Toyota) Koolen, Portugal’s Lorenço the ‘Hail Rally Toyota 2020’ will be locked in a duel to Rosa, Qatar’s Khalifa Al Attiyah banner. decide the outcome of the (brother of Nasser Saleh Al- The Saudi Automobile and Drivers’ Championship, leaving Attiyah) and Saudi Arabia’s Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) the path clear for several of the Hamad Nasser. announced the impressive entry world’s top drivers to challenge Ibrahim Al-Mohanna drives on Saturday and competitors for outright victories. Ten the sole Mercedes truck in the are now arriving in the Brinke currently holds a 1.5- T5 category, while 35 Saudi Kingdom from as far afield as point lead over his rival. crews and Kuwait’s Meshari Al- The Germany-based X-raid Thefiri will tackle the National team has sent four cars to the Rally that runs in conjunction event, which also offers an ideal with the FIA event. Regular Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah is opportunity for teams to make Saudi competitors such as Faris a former winner of the Dakar and a final shakedown of equipment Khalaf Al Moshna, Sami Al- clinched victory in the Hail before the Dakar Rally in Shammeri, Ahmed Al Malki and International Rally in 2008 and January. Yayha Helawi will be hoping to Defending Dakar champion earn success over the two 2011. He leads the way in a South Carlos Sainz and French legend the Dakar Rally. Qatar’s Nasser Yazeed Al Rajhi with from the Czech former WRC events. African-built ToyotaHilux and is Stéphane Peterhansel lead the Saleh Al Attiyah is a former Frenchman Ronan Chabot driver Martin Prokop, fellow Baja Hail 1 will run over 592 supported by five Overdrive way in their Mini John Cooper winner of the Dakar and joining the team for the second countryman Miroslav Zapletal competitive kilometres, while Racing Hiluxes in the hands of the Works Buggies. clinched victory in the Hail event. and the SRT Century Buggies of Baja Hail 2 offers 479 kilo- Dutch duo of Ten Brinke and Erik They are joined in the International Rally in 2008 and A five-time former winner Saudi driver Yasir Seaidan and metres of competition and both X-raid line-up by the Russian 2011. of the Hail International Rally, Frenchman Mathieu Bajas are taking place under van Loon, Poland’s Jakub duo of Denis Krotov and Viktor He leads the way in a South Al Rajhi is the defending Saudi Serradori. the supervision of the Hail Przygonski and local hero Yazeed Khoroshavtsev in their African-built ToyotaHilux and Desert Rally Championship, Six teams will compete for Regional Development Al Rajhi with Frenchman Ronan respective Mini All4 Racing and is supported by five Overdrive having secured the title with T3 glory: talented young Belgian Authority in co-operation with Chabot joining the team for the Mini JCW Rally. Racing Hiluxes in the hands of victory at the Sharqiya Baja last driver Guillaume de Mevius the General Authority for second event. Toyota Gazoo and Over- the Dutch duo of Ten Brinke and December. leads the way in his South Tourism and National Heritage drive Racing have sent six cars Erik van Loon, Poland’s Jakub Main competition to the Racing Can-Am Maverick X3 and the General Authority for to Hail as a final shakedown for Przygonski and local hero X-raid and Toyota teams comes and faces competition from Sport. F1: Vettel has big shoes to fill as All-female W Series announces Formula 1 Perez’s replacement, says Brawn support races in 2021

REUTERS — LONDON his view that it will be a fairly big shoes to fill now, even has 53 wins to his credit. Racing AFP — LONDON “The eight races will ‘tragedy’yeesot if Perez is not if he’sesawo a world dc champion.” a po . Point’sPoint other driver is Lance allow our fast and fearless Four-times world champion racingn g VettelVettel wwonon hhisis Stroll,Stroll, son of the Canadian bil- The all-female W Series female racing drivers to now has big nextt titlestitles with Red lionairelionair owner Lawrence Stroll announced its provisional showcase their skills on some shoes to fill next season after season. Bull fromfrom andand inin no danger of losing his calendar for the 2021 season of the world’s most iconic Sergio Perez won Sunday’s “Thee 2010-132010-13 seat.seat. on Tuesday, consisting of racing circuits, in Europe and Sakhir Grand Prix for Racing teamm andand BrawnBr also hailed Briton eight Formula One support the Americas, and literally Point, Formula One’s motor- must bee thinkingthinking GeorgeGeorg Russell, who stood in at races starting at the French follow in the tyre tracks of sport managing director Ross about tthehe decdeci-i- MercedesMerce for Lewis Hamilton Grand Prix. the greatest racing drivers in Brawn said yesterday. sions theyhey have whilewhile the seven-times world The first race will take the world today,” said W The 33-year-old German is made, losingosing hhimim Sebastian championchamp was recovering from place at Le Castellet on June Series chief executive Cath- joining from Ferrari, where he when he’s Vettel COVID-19,COVID for an exceptional 26, a day before the Grand erine Bond Muir. has been out of sorts of late, to driving soso wewell,”ll,” performance.perfor Prix. There will also be races F1’s managing director of what will be the Aston Martin said thee Briton.Briton. ““II always thought he was a in Austria, Britain, Hungary, motorsport Ross Brawn said: team in 2021 in a move that has “HisH is goodgood Grand Prix driver,” said Belgium, the Netherlands, the “There is a really exciting mix pushed on-form Mexican Perez replacementement thethe foformerr Mercedes team boss. United States and Mexico, of circuits that will showcase out of the door. Sebastianan VetteVettell “But“B you never know if he with the season ending there the exceptional talent of the Perez, three years younger I’m sureure willwill hashas tthath last little bit of speed on October 30. drivers in the series." and in the form of his life, is come bacbackk thatthat marksm you out as a brilliant The W Series was The W Series was fourth in the drivers’ standings stronger,r, as hhe’se’s in a bbitit driver.driver launched in 2019, with drivers launched to boost female par- after his first F1 win. He has no of a troughugh at thethe moment, bbutut “George“G demonstrated that using identical 1.8-litre ticipation in motorsport, with seat lined up for next year, Checo (Perez)Perez) is a guaranteedguaranteed hehe hhas got that extra little bit Formula 3 cars, but the 2020 the aim of equipping drivers however. deal. So tthat’llhat’ll bbee interesting to - anand a star is born. There is season was cancelled due to with the skills to compete Brawn, in a column on the see howw tthathat develops.develops. nowno no doubt that he’s F1 the coronavirus pandemic. against male drivers. formula1.com website, repeated “In a way,way, Seb hashas somesome worldwo champion material.” NBA to loosen rules on Team Washington stun undefeated resting players: Report Pittsburgh Steelers in NFL shocker REUTERS — NEW YORK he and the Lakers will be careful with his workload in the AFP — WASHINGTON In the night’s only other The NBA plans to give greater early part of the regular season. matchup, Buffalo’s Josh Allen leeway to teams this season “I’ve always listened to my Alex Smith threw for 296 yards completed 32-of-40 passes for when it comes to resting coaches,” James said last and a touchdown, and the 375 yards and four touchdowns players in non-nationally tele- season. “We had the same Washington Football Team to power the Bills (9-3) over San vised games, according to a thing last year. We’re going to stunned previously unbeaten Francisco 34-24 at Arizona. report from ESPN. be as smart as we can be on... Pittsburgh 23-17, preventing the Buffalo, which entertains A league memo obtained by making sure that my body, on Steelers from clinching an NFL Pittsburgh on Sunday, stayed a the network said the making sure that I’m play-off berth. game ahead of Miami atop the relaxed restrictions ready to go. Washington’s Dustin AFC East division, while San would apply to “Obviously, Hopkins kicked a 45-yard field Francisco fell a game back of teams taking part in every game matters, goal with 2:07 to play and -- the final NFC wild-card play- back-to-back but we’re competing after Jon Bostic intercepted a off spot. games, as well as for something that’s deflected Ben Roethlisberger The 49ers (5-7) were forced other scenarios “to high. We don’t ever pass -- added another 45-yard Washington Football Team quarterback from their home stadium by rest a key veteran want to shortchange field goal with 17 seconds Alex Smith (left) scrambles with the Covid-19 safety measures player who played a our stuff. For me remaining to seal the shocking ball during the first quarter. imposed by local government substantial role on a personally, that’s a victory. officials. team that advanced fine line with me, “It was well earned. Our - Jackson back for Ravens - deep into the 2020 but understanding guys played pretty doggone The Steelers fell level with Pittsburgh responded with In off-field news, the Bal- Play-offs, or to rest that it’s a shortened good,” Washington coach Ron reigning Super Bowl champion Matthew Wright’s first NFL field timore Ravens activated quar- a player who is still season. I think it’s 71 Rivera said. Kansas City at 11-1 in a fight for goal on the opening play of the terback Lamar Jackson off the returning to full days that the off- “This really does rank right the top seed in the American fourth quarter. Covid-19 list just in time for him strength after recov- season is going to up there because of who we Conference and a first-round But Smith flipped a 15-yard to start against Dallas on ering from be, the shortest (off- beat, in Pittsburgh. To come in playoff bye. touchdown pass to Logan Tuesday in a game postponed COVID-19.” season) for any pro- and win, it was big for our guys. Roethlisberger threw Thomas with 9:09 to play, from last Thursday due to coro- Load man- fessional sport ever. Real proud of them.” second-quarter touchdown lifting Washington level at 17-17. navirus rescheduling issues. agement has been a The league Rallying from a 14-point passes of three yards to Diontae Pittsburgh turned over the The Ravens (6-5) hope to touchy subject in the memo states that deficit, the team that dropped Johnson and 50 yards to James ball on downs at the Wash- end a three-game losing streak NBA for the past few years, but qualifying factors for “unusual its nickname this year over Washington as the Steelers took ington 28-yard line, and a one- at the expense of the Cowboys this year is unusual in that stars circumstances” include the age, Native American racism issues a 14-0 lead. handed catch by Cam Sims on (3-8). such as LeBron James, Anthony injury history, COVID-19 improved to 5-7, winning its But Hopkins kicked a a 29-yard Smith pass sparked The New York Jets (0-12) Davis and Jimmy Butler com- recovery, season and career third consecutive game to 49-yard field goal just before the drive for the Hopkins go- fired defensive coordinator peted in the NBA Finals until workload of a particular player. match the New York Giants for half-time, and Washington ahead kick. Gregg Williams on Monday, a mid-October. Schedule concerns also could the NFC East division lead. marched 82 yards in 14 plays Thomas had a career-high day after the winless club The league is set to restart play a role, such as how much The only Super Bowl over 6:44 to open the second nine catches for 98 yards, and allowed a last-second before Christmas, marking the a team has recently played and champion with an unbeaten half, a one-yard touchdown run teammate J.D. McKissic made touchdown pass by Las Vegas shortest offseason in its history. how many consecutive road season remains the Miami Dol- by Peyton Barber pulling the a career-best 10 grabs for 70 to give the Raiders a 31-28 James said this week that games it has endured. phins in the 1972 campaign. visitors within 14-10. yards. triumph.