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12 SPORT MONDAY 15 MARCH 2021
MONDAY 15 MARCH 2021 SPORT 11
Sport
MONDAY 15 MARCH 2021
M
World No.1 Johnson to skip Olympics
W
I actually didn't really ever decide whether I was going to play
or not, I just didn't sign up. It's right in the middle of a big
o
st
stretch of golf for me, so that was the reason I was kind of
waffling on it a little bit. It's a long way to travel, and I think
w
WGC is the week right after it.
W
World No.1 golfer Dustin Johnson
W Sport |08
CRICKET - SECOND T20, AHMEDABAD: India beat England by 7 wickets - England 164-6; India 166-3 in 17.5 overs. Series level at 1-1
Frenchman dazzles with stunning putt to seize title
Rozner lifts Mother of Pearl Trophy
FAWAD HUSSAIN Fichardt by three shots, said. The Frenchman
THE PENINSULA “In my biggest dreams Commercial Bank Qatar Masters received €190,836.27 – the
I couldn’t imagine anything winner’s prize – with joint
RK PLAYER SCORE R1 R2 R3 R4 TOTAL
Something exceptional was needed like this happening. It’s second finishers Migliozzi,
to win the 2021 Commercial Bank probably the biggest putt 1 Antoine Rozner (FRA) -8 69 72 68 67 276
Bhullar and Fichardt
Qatar Masters yesterday, and of my career - amazing.” 2 Guido Migliozzi (ITA) -7 71 67 74 65 277 getting €84,009.20 each.
Antoine Rozner rose to the chal- The 28-year-old fin- Darren Fichardt (RSA) -7 68 68 70 71 277 Donaldson and Mcevoy
lenge with an incredible show of ished at eight under to lift Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) -7 67 73 68 69 277 collected €44,218.90
putting to seal the title. his second European Tour 5 Richard Mcevoy (ENG) -5 65 73 73 68 279 apiece.
The Frenchman holed a title, three months after Jamie Donaldson (WAL) -5 68 68 73 70 279 Meanwhile, Migliozzi,
60-foot birdie putt on the final hole winning his maiden crown 7 Chris Paisley (ENG) -4 67 70 73 70 280 who fired a phenomenal 65
to clinch the iconic Mother of Pearl at the Golf in Dubai Brandon Stone (RSA) -4 69 68 73 70 280 yesterday to secure joint
Trophy with a one-shot victory, Championship. 9 Niklas Lemke (SWE) -3 70 72 72 67 281 second said he took inspi-
carding 67 in a closely-fought final Yesterday’s triumph Kurt Kitayama (USA) -3 67 69 75 70 281 ration from Major Cham-
round at state-of-the-art Edu- makes Rozner the fastest Thomas Detry (BEL) -3 66 72 72 71 281 pionship winner Justin
cation City Golf Club (ECGC). French golfer ever to com- Joachim B. Hansen (DEN) -3 66 71 72 72 281 Thomas.
“It’s unreal,” Rozner, who plete a pair of titles, as he 13 Thomas Pieters (BEL) -2 68 69 76 69 282 Migliozzi, who started
entered the final round trailing was featuring in only his the final day five shots
the overnight leader Darren 29th event. behind leader, came close to
“It’s so early in my career, only before Italy’s Guido Migliozzi play-off after impressive card before
my second year on tour. I’m carded bogey free 65 to take the Rozner excelled to snatch the title.
playing great so I’m just going to share of lead. However, the The Italian, however, was
It’s so early in my career, only my keep doing what I’m doing, playing Frenchman took the result beyond delighted with his performance.
second year on tour. I’m playing great the way I’ve been playing the last doubt by draining a superb double “I’m really happy with my
so I’m just going to keep doing what two years and I’m excited to see breaker over the ridge. game today. I played solid from tee
what the future holds for me. It’s Migliozzi along with India’s to green and also on the putting
I’m doing, playing the way I’ve been very promising.” Gaganjeet Bhullar and South green it was better. I was able to
playing the last two years and I’m “Winning a golf tournament is African Fichardt finished joint read the greens better than yes-
excited to see what the future holds so rare – to win twice in just a few second, while Welshman Jamie terday, Migliozzi told European
for me. It’s very promising. Winning a months is unreal. I’m just very Donaldson and Richard Mcevoy Tour.
happy with the way I got it done were joined third with a five under “I was watching Justin Thomas, France's Antoine
golf tournament is so rare – to win Rozner poses with
today in such a dramatic fashion, par 279. who shot eight under par, at The
twice in just a few months is unreal. it’s amazing. I’m very happy,” he Rozner, who was consistent Players,” he said. “I said to my the Mother of Pearl
I’m just very happy with the way I got told European Tour. throughout the event, came into caddie this morning on the range Trophy after winning
it done today in such a dramatic With conditions turning calm contention after firing a stunning ‘let’s try and shoot eight under par the 2021 Commercial
on the final day after golfers 68 in the penultimate round and we’ll see what happens’. Bank Qatar Masters
fashion, it’s amazing. I’m very happy: at Education City Golf
Antoine Rozner endured gusty winds during the braving strong winds, on a day “Four under par on the front
previous two rounds at ECGC, when only four golfers were under nine and two under on the back Club, yesterday.
Rozner reached on top in 33rd hole par. nine, it wasn’t easy.” PIC: EBRAHIM KUTTY
Commercial Bank, ECGC mark grand success of Qatar Masters
THE PENINSULA – DOHA exclusive Commercial Bank Majlis Apropos of the tournament and its
which overlooks impeccable views and dedicated campaign conducted by the
Commercial Bank, the Title Sponsor of landscapes. And, from the Commercial Bank and ECGC, Hussein Al Abdulla,
the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, Bank’s chalet, guests watched and EGM and Chief Marketing Officer at
and Education City Golf Club (ECGC) enjoyed the tournament and the Commercial Bank said: “For another
have successfully concluded a fantastic atmosphere. year, Commercial Bank Qatar Masters
golf tournament which took place at During the past month, Com- has proven successful.
the ECGC brand-new course. mercial Bank teamed up with ECGC to Our campaign which included
After what was a truly captivating support local schools in providing golf numerous activations and events has
final day of the event, Commercial training to Physical Education teachers. helped the public to get more familiar
Bank’s Board Member Sheikh Faisal A team of golf professionals from ECGC with the golf and its spirit. The tour-
bin Fahad bin Jassim Al Thani, and paid the Gulf English School a visit and nament has been an excellent
GCEO Joseph Abraham presented the distributed SNAG kits to the teachers showcase for Education City Golf Club
Mother of Pearl trophy to Antoine after having trained them on how to and golf in Qatar, as all the participants
Rozner as he emerged the winner of use the kit. in this spectacular event have praised
the tournament yesterday. Rozner was Commercial Bank donated ten cus- our facility and the outstanding organ-
also granted a financial award of tomized SNAG kit bags that include ization of the event.”
$228,048. enough equipment to train up to 16 Al Abdulla continued emphasizing:
The Commercial Bank Qatar teachers at a time. Moreover, Pro-Am “The event which was broadcasted on
Masters is an annual golf tournament tournaments were held before the start TVs was fantastic and the social media
that is part of the European Tour, of the official CBQM in order to give exposure has been remarkable. This
where many of the world’s top golfers amateur players a chance to compete tournament provided us with a unique
compete. Commercial Bank’s spon- alongside professional golfers and platform to help us accomplish our
sorship of the Qatar Masters for the learn more about the golf field of ECGC. mission to grow the game of golf here
The winner of the 2021 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, Antoine Rozner receives
16th consecutive year provided not This year, due to the pandemic sit- in Qatar and become an active player
his prize cheque. PIC: EBRAHIM KUTTY
only a world-class sporting tournament uation, Commercial Bank put the in the international tourist market. And,
to visitors, but also a range of exciting health and safety of the community on as we look forward to more successful
hospitality for adults. Masters is a premier European tour golf global sports hub and host to major the top of its priorities. Though the pan- tournaments in the future, I would like
Joseph Abraham, Group Chief event sponsored by Commercial Bank international sporting events.” demic did not stand in the way of the to extend my gratitude to all of our
Executive Officer of Commercial Bank over the last 16 years and demonstrates VIP guests attending the tour- tournament, the Bank was keen on proud sponsors without whom we
stated: “The Commercial Bank Qatar our support to Qatar’s Vision to be a nament had the chance to visit the delivering a safe tournament. wouldn’t have achieved such success.”
Al Annabi gear up for European qualifiers
Qatar national team players take part in a training session at the Aspire Zone yesterday under the watchful eyes
of coach Felix Sanchez (pictured right) yesterday as they gear up for the European qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA
World Cup. The squad will fly out for Hungary on March 20. The Asian champions will start their campaign in
Group A, alongside UEFA Euro 2016 winners Portugal, Serbia, Republic of Ireland, Luxembourg, and Azerbaijan.
MONDAY 15 MARCH 2021 SPORT 09
Qatar ExxonMobil Open crown puts
icing on Basilashvili’s Federer triumph
REUTERS – DOHA
Al Khelaifi hails
Nikoloz Basilashvili arrived in Doha without any expec-
tation, having won just two of his previous 16 matches,
but the Georgian managed to not only cut short his idol
tournament's
Roger Federer’s return to the tour during the week but
also clinched his fourth title.
Basilashvili saved a match point in the final set of his
success
quarter-final to beat 20-times Grand Slam winner Federer, QNA – DOHA
who was playing his first tournament in 14 months at the
Qatar Open after double knee surgery in 2020. President of the Qatar Tennis,
The 29-year-old, who reached a career high ranking Squash, and Badminton Feder-
of 16th in 2019, defeated Spain’s former top-10 player ation Nasser Al Khelaifi
Roberto Bautista Agut 7-6(5), 6-2 in the final on (pictured) underlined that the
Saturday. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin
“I had zero expectations, for sure, to win (the) tour- Hamad Al Thani’s attendance
nament,” said the current world No.42. “But at the same of the final of the Qatar
time, I was working a lot. I was feeling good on court. I ExxonMobil Open is the
was playing last half of year with a lot of stress in my body. culmination of its
I was not able to put 100% on court on any matches. This success.
week I somehow found a way to deal with these stressful In a statement on Saturday evening, Al Khelaifi
moments and very happy to get through.” expressed his thanks and appreciation to the wise lead-
Bautista Agut defeated two top-10 players in Dominic ership of the country for the great support enjoyed by
Thiem and Andrey Rublev in consecutive matches but sport, especially tennis, in Qatar.
could not find a way past the aggressive and big-hitting Al Khelaifi, who is also the Chairman of the Organ-
Basilashvili. ising Committee of Qatar ExxonMobil Open, expressed
The Georgian has now won his past four ATP Tour his great happiness with the great success achieved by
finals. the tournament in these difficult circumstances that the
“I am somehow managing to play good in tougher world is going through thanks to the precautionary
conditions and tougher matches,” he told reporters. “This measures taken by the organizing committee for the
tournament was one of the toughest ATP 250s I have ever safety of all.
seen, probably. We had three Top 10 players. It is inter- He stressed that the organising committee always seeks to
esting why I am playing good in the big tournaments and present the best edition every year by attracting the largest number
big matches. (It is) surprising. At the same time, (I am) of top-ranked players, in addition to spreading the sport of tennis
happy. and attracting the largest number of youngsters to practice it.
“Even though he (Federer) came back after a long time, President of the Qatar Tennis, Squash, and Badminton Feder-
for me to beat Roger, my idol, gave me a lot of confidence. ation also praised the organisational success of the tournament,
That’s why I think I played the next two matches a bit more stressing that it was achieved after tremendous work and con-
relaxed.” tinuous effort over the past period.
Muguruza relieved to
ATP World Tour Dubai
Duty Free Results
Men’s Singles
Qualification
Mikhail Kukushkin (4), Kaza-
khstan, def. Lorenzo Giustino
(10), Italy, 6-2, 6-2.
Emil Ruusuvuori (3), Finland,
end trophy drought
def. Viktor Troicki, Serbia, 6-2, REUTERS – DUBAI often, and I’m excited that it happened now,
6-2. after a few finals that didn’t go my way. A
Christopher O’Connell (5), Aus- Former world number one Garbine Muguruza nice relief to be able to hold a champion’s
tralia, def. Thomas Fabbiano was relieved to finally avoid tripping at the trophy and not the finalist’s trophy.”The
(12), Italy, 6-2, 6-4.
Lloyd Harris (2),
def. Blaz Rola
2), South Africa,
a (11), Slovenia,
last hurdle and end her trophy drought on
Saturday in Dubai, the Spaniard
Spaniard’ss fir
singles title in almost two yea
first WTA
years.
strongly built Spaniard won her maiden
Grand Slam title at Roland Garros in 2016
and bagged her second at Wimbledon the
Clijsters faces more time on
6-2, 6-4.
Yuki Bhambri, ri, India,
The 27-year-old Muguruza
had last won a tourna
Mu
tournament at
following year to climb to the top of the
women’s rankings.
sidelines, but not quitting
def. Ramkumar ar Ram- Monterrey, Mexico, iin April, She is ranked 16th but leads the WTA
anathan, India, ia, 7-5, 2019.
2
20 19. Since then she reached
r tour with 18 victories during the 2021 season. REUTERS – LONDON Clijsters, who won her first
5-7, 6-2. the title rounds at ththe 2020 “Definitely it helps the confidence having Grand Slam title at the 2005 US
Men’s Singless Australian Open, Yarra a trophy under your belt,” Muguruza said. Former world number one Kim Open, first retired from tennis in
Round of 64 Valley Classic in Melbourne
Me “It’s a sign, a real proof that you’re playing Clijsters underwent knee surgery last 2007, taking a break to have the first
Kei Nishikori, Japan, def. in February and last
las week’s well, that you’re doing the right things. year and contracted the novel coro- of her three children.
Reilly Opelka,, United event in Doha. “But I’ve always been very determined navirus in January but the mother She returned to the sport in 2009
-3, 6-4.
States, 3-6, 6-3, “It means a lot, it
it’s never in that way and believed in myself. I always of three is not ready to quit just yet. and won the U.S Open again as an
Jeremy Chardy, rdy, easy to win titles,” believe every time I go out there that I’m The 37-year-old Belgian has not unseeded wildcard in her third tour-
France, def. ef. Muguruza told one of the players that can get the trophy ... managed a win since coming out of nament back.
Albert Ramos- s- reporter
reporters after and I’ve always believed that in good retirement for a second time in Feb- The Belgian won her third
Vinolas, Spain, n, her 7-6
7-6(6) 6-3 moments and in bad moments.” Muguruza ruary, 2020, and her last match was Flushing Meadows title in 2010 fol-
6-3, 3-6, 6-4. win over
ove Czech said the last two weeks have been mentally in the opening round of last year’s lowed by an Australian Open the fol-
Aslan Karatsev,ev, Barbora challenging for her after her coach, Con- US Open in September. lowing season before retiring again
Russia, def. Egor
gor Krejcikova.
Krejc chita Martinez, tested positive for the new Clijsters was scheduled to return in 2012.
Gerasimov, “ I t coronavirus after arriving in Doha for the at the WTA 1000 event in Miami “It’s disappointing and frus-
Belarus, 6-4, 6-4. doesn’t Qatar Open. starting this month but has been trating,” Clijsters said, adding that
Alexander Bublik,
blik, happen Playing 10 straight matches was also forced to pull out. she will also miss next month’s WTA
Kazakhstan, def. physically very demanding. “In October, I had surgery on my 500 event in Charleston, United
Y o s h i h i t o “Very hard nowadays because I feel right knee to repair damage sus- States.
Nishioka, Japan, pan, like the level is much stronger,” said tained over my career and to reduce “I knew this was going to be hard
6-4, 7-6 (4). Muguruza. “I feel really everybody can win pain,” she said on social media. when I started this journey - and
Malek Jaziri, Tunisia, a tournament. This is how hard women’s “Results following surgery were there have been challenges that have
def. Jo-Wilfriedlfried tennis is now and very happy that I good - rehab and recovery went been out of my control. I’m not ready
Tsonga, France, ance, managed to, for two weeks, reach the last well and I was feeling really to quit ... I’m going to keep pushing
3-3, ret. Garbine Muguruza match.” positive. and see what’s possible.”
Debutant Kishan, Kohli help India Spinner Rashid shines as
Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe
level T20 series against England REUTERS – ABU DHABI Hashmatullah Shahidi scored
200 not out. The skipper made
REUTERS – AHMEDABAD hitting five fours and four Jason Roy once again top- Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid 164.
sixes in total. scored for England with a Khan picked up his second The Asian side seemed
A belligerent 56 off 32 balls There was plenty of 35-ball 46, following up on 10-wicket haul in Test cricket headed for quick revenge for
from India debutant Ishan entertainment for the his knock of 49 in their win to help his side beat Zimbabwe losing inside two days in the
Kishan and an unbeaten 73 sizeable crowd at the world’s in the first match on Friday. by six wickets for a series- opening test when they dis-
from captain Virat Kohli biggest cricket stadium, with Put in to bat, the right- levelling win in the second Test missed Zimbabwe for 287 in
helped the hosts to a most fans not wearing masks hander gave the touring side in Abu Dhabi yesterday. the first innings and reduced
commanding seven-wicket in the stands, as Kohli and a steady start with a 63-run Afghanistan, who played them to 142-7 in the second
win over England in the Kishan added 94 in nine stand for the second wicket their first Test against India in after enforcing the follow-on.
second Twenty20 Interna- overs. with Dawid Malan after the 2018, chased down a target of But Zimbabwe captain Sean
tional in Ahmedabad Rishabh Pant came in loss of opening partner 108 against the African nation Williams, who remained
yesterday. after the dismissal of Kishan, Buttler to seamer Bhuv- in the final session of the match unbeaten on 151, and Donald
Kishan, 22, smashed leg- who was dropped by Ben neshwar Kumar on the first to square the two-match series Tiripano showed fight to add
spinner Adil Rashid for two Stokes on 40 off Rashid, and delivery he faced. at 1-1. 187 for the eighth wicket and
consecutive sixes to get past continued to pummel Eng- Roy hit four fours and The 22-year-old Rashid, help Zimbabwe avoid an
fifty as India made short land’s bowlers with a 13-ball two sixes in his knock before who had taken 11 wickets innings defeat.
work of a 165-run target to 26, during which he hit two holing out in the deep off against Bangladesh in 2019, Rashid broke the
win with 13 balls to spare and sixes and an identical number spinner Washington Sundar, picked up 7-137 in the second resistance with his sixth
level the five-match series at of fours. who also sent back the dan- innings against Zimbabwe for wicket of the innings and he
1-1. Kohli, who also survived gerous Jonny Bairstow for 20. a match haul of 11-325. denied Tiripano a maiden test
India’s chase of England’s a dropped chance by wick- Fast bowler Shardul Playing their sixth Test hundred when he trapped him
164-6 got off to a shaky start etkeeper Jos Buttler on 10 off Thakur pegged back Eng- match, the Afghans posted lbw for 95 shortly before the
when Sam Curran sent back Chris Jordan, sealed the win land’s hopes of a flourishing 545-4, their highest ever total, lunch break.
opener KL Rahul in the first with a four and a six in suc- finish by dismissing oppo- before captain Asghar Afghan Rashid also removed
over without scoring but it cessive balls to also get past sition captain Eoin Morgan declared their first innings. number 11 batsman Victor
did not curb Kishan’s 3,000 runs in T20 interna- and Stokes as India conceded That was built on the first Nyauchi, before he had scored,
aggression, the left-hander tionals in the process. just 35 off the last five overs. Ishan Kishan hits a baoundary during double hundred by an Afghan- as Zimbabwe were dismissed
yesterday's match. Pic: Twitter / @BCCI istan player when for 365 in their second innings.
Sport MONDAY 15 MARCH 2021 08
Japan mulls 50% cap on Olympics spectators: Media Rugby:
REUTERS – TOKYO government and on the
committee.
President Seiko Hashimoto
has said that no decision has
Foreign delegations to be
limited
England
Japan is considering limiting spectators
for the delayed Tokyo 2020 Summer
An organising com-
mittee official who
been reached.
Organisers have Japan is also considering limiting the players
Olympics to 50% of venue capacity due answered the phone said she repeatedly spoken of their number of people who will be allowed
to risks posed by the spread of COVID-19,
the Sankei newspaper reported
was not able to comment.
The Games were post-
resolve to hold the Olympics
this year at all costs, despite
to accompany foreign ministers and
leaders for the Games, Kyodo news
revel in best
yesterday.
For large venues the limit for spec-
poned last year due to con-
cerns about the spread of the
low public support.
Although the number of
agency reported.
Kyodo said the Japanese government show since
tators could be set at 20,000, but more new coronavirus. They were coronavirus cases in Japan will restrict the accompanying staff to 11
people may be allowed if the pandemic
situation improves, the Sankei reported.
rescheduled for July 23 to
Aug. 8.
is relatively low compared
to other countries such as
people per head of state, while cabinet-
level delegations will be limited to five
World Cup
Japan’s organising committee will Sources have told the United States, some people, the report said. REUETRS – LONDON
announce its decision next month and Reuters that Japan has decided to stage areas including Tokyo are still under a Kyodo said VIP guests will be asked
is expected to comply with domestic reg- the Games without spectators from state of emergency, with the country cur- to undergo COVID-19 testing within 72 England’s players have spent
ulations, the newspaper said, citing abroad due to concerns over the spread rently experiencing a third wave of the hours of travelling to Japan and will be much of the last 18 months
sources it did not named in the of COVID-19, but Organising Committee pandemic. re-tested on arrival. being forced to justify some
stultifying performances so it
was no surprise that their joy
Verstappen Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action during Formula
One Pre-Season Testing at Bahrain International
came pouring out after an
effervescent 23-20 win over
leads last Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain, yesterday. France on Saturday.
Coach Eddie Jones had
routinely dismissed the critics
day of testing by saying there was no space
in modern rugby to play the
to give Red all-court game fans and media
were crying out for, while
Bull hope flyhalf George Ford had
explained away the endless
tactical kicking by describing
AP – SAKIR the ball as a “ticking time
bomb in some areas”.
Having won the last race of the On Saturday it was back to
2020 Formula One season, being cherished and passed
Red Bull showed it might be a with speed and ambition, par-
strong challenger to Mercedes
this year after leading the final
day of pre-season testing
yesterday.
With the evening sun
Red Bull looking particularly ticularly in a wonderful first
half where both teams poured
on the style from the opening
whistle.
England matched France
setting on Bahrain’s desert
track in Sakhir, Max Ver-
stappen topped the leader-
board after his new teammate
strong, says star Hamilton in that regard then turned the
screw in the second half,
securing victory with a late try
by Maro Itoje, who had been
Sergio Perez was fastest in the REUTERS – SAKHIR at the prospect of a real battle. 2010-13, could also be November. widely criticised for giving
morning run. Mercedes have won the last favourites. Hamilton said he was not away five penalties in the pre-
Verstappen, who won the Red Bull are looking particu- seven drivers’ and constructors’ “They’ve had some really wasting any time worrying vious defeat by Wales.
season-ending Abu Dhabi larly strong and will be a titles and Hamilton, 36, is good running, both drivers have about testing setbacks. “In camp, in training and
Grand Prix with a com- “different animal” this season chasing a record eighth cham- been looking quite strong. They “We’re just working hard in our bubble we have been
manding drive last December, with Sergio Perez alongside pionship this year. are going to be a different and focusing on getting through building towards something,”
also topped Friday’s first Max Verstappen, seven times “It’s quite impressive to see machine or animal this year the short amount of testing we Itoje said. “We have not been
testing day. Formula One world champion the speed of some of the other with a really good, strong have and trying to be as effi- able to consistently convert
World champion Lewis Lewis Hamilton said yesterday. teams. I think Red Bull are line-up and a really good car,” cient as possible,” he said. that into the type of per-
Hamilton span his car 360 Experienced Mexican Perez, looking particularly strong,” he added. “It’s better that it doesn’t go formance that we have wanted
degrees on track late in Sun- a winner in Bahrain last Hamilton told reporters. “Having seen them win the smooth now and goes smooth to have in games
day’s session and finished the December, has joined Red Bull “It’s great to see McLaren last race, you can imagine they once we get into the racing “We were sharper. The
day only fifth fastest and, from the team that was Racing also looking strong and also are going to be right there in the scene. So this is the perfect time more time we spend together,
encouragingly for Red Bull, Point and is now Aston Martin Renault (Alpine). I’m excited first race and it’s going to be a for us to find the issues and the better we will become. It
about one second behind Ver- as a replacement for Thai racer also because that means more great long battle with them have the problems. And so I is hard to pinpoint exactly one
stappen’s time. Alexander Albon. fun.” Verstappen, who was through the year.” Verstappen welcome that. thing but it is probably a cul-
Mercedes struggled on Hamilton, whose Mercedes fastest on Friday with Perez won the final race of 2020 from “No-one’s particularly fazed mination of a few things.”
Friday and on Saturday team started the last day of the quickest on Sunday morning, pole position in Abu Dhabi after by it. We’re a multi-champi- England round off the
morning before finding its three-day test in Bahrain with said Mercedes were still the Perez won the Sakhir Grand onship-winning team and we defence of their title - which
form in Saturday’s afternoon fewer laps completed than favourites. Prix. Hamilton and Mercedes’ know how to pull together and will now be taken by Wales or
session. Yesterday, Bottas was others after a gearbox problem Hamilton said Red Bull, who most recent win was the keep our head down and focus France - away to Ireland next
down in 16th. on Friday, said he was excited won four titles in a row between Bahrain Grand Prix in on the job.” Saturday.
NBA has a PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP SCORES
World number one
record day 1 Lee Westwood 69-66-68-203
with five
2
3
Bryson DeChambeau
Justin Thomas
Doug Ghim
69-69-67-205
71-71-64-206
71-67-68-206
Johnson to skip
triple-doubles
5 Paul Casey
Jon Rahm
Brian Harman
73-67-67-207
72-68-67-207
67-71-69-207
Tokyo Olympics
8 Chris Kirk 72-65-71-208
AP – NEW YORK Sergio Garcia 65-72-71-208 REUTERS – FLORIDA
Lee Westwood
plays from the Matthew Fitzpatrick 68-68-72-208
An NBA-record five players rough on the 11 Cameron Smith 71-73-65-209 World number one Dustin Johnson (pictured) confirmed on
had triple-doubles Saturday, 18th hole during Si Woo Kim 72-70-67-209 Saturday he did not put his name forward for a spot on the
including former MVPs the third round US team for this summer’s Tokyo Olympics and will instead
Giannis Antetokounmpo and of The Players
focus on the PGA Tour.
Russell Westbrook in the
same game.
All-Stars James Harden,
Championship at
TPC Sawgrass -
Stadium Course
Westwood, Bryson Johnson, who said he had not given the Olympics much
thought, did not sign up to be included in the pool of golfers
seeking one of four possible berths.
Julius Randle and Domantas Up to four players from a country can qualify for the
Sabonis also had triple-
doubles in victories by their
teams.
on Saturday.
DeChambeau set Summer Games provided all four are in the top 15 of the world
rankings after the US Open in June.
There are currently 11 Americans, including Johnson, in
Antetokounmpo had 33
points, 11 rebounds and 11
assists to help Milwaukee beat
up final-round the top 15.
“I actually didn’t really ever decide whether I was going
to play or not, I just didn’t sign up,” explained Johnson fol-
duel at Players
Washington 125-119. lowing his third round at the Players Championship in Ponte
The two-time MVP helped Vedra Beach, Florida on Saturday.
the Bucks overcome 42 points, “It’s right in the middle of a big stretch of golf for me, so
12 assists and 10 rebounds by that was the reason I was kind of waffling on it a little bit.
Westbrook, who owns the “It’s a long way to travel, and I think WGC is the week right
NBA record with 42 triple- AGENCIES – FLORIDA company, and it’s like ‘Round 2: green with his approach shot. The after it.
doubles in 2016-17. The Rematch.’ I’m going to really 47-year-old, who won most “The British is a couple weeks before it. It’s a lot of trav-
Triple-doubles have since Bryson DeChambeau figured enjoy tomorrow. I enjoyed last recently in January 2020 at the elling at a time where it’s important for me to feel like I’m
become more common - he there would be more duels with Sunday, and I’m going to enjoy Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, focused playing on the PGA Tour.” The Olympic golf tour-
averaged one for three England’s Lee Westwood ahead this Sunday.” Known for his long has not won on the PGA Tour nament starts on July 29 just 11 days after the final round of
straight seasons - but there and just as he predicted, the two drives, DeChambeau has backed since 2010 at the St. Jude Classic the British Open at Royal St. George.
had never been so many as will go head to head in the final off his bombastic approach ever at Memphis. The PGA Tour picks
p upp again
g in the United States four days y
during Saturday’s eight-game group at The Players Champi- so slightly on the tricky Sawgrass Justin Thomasas had the round after the golf gold is awarded with the $10.5m WGC FedEx St.
schedule. onship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. track, leaning on his putter to of the day Saturday,
urday, firing an Jude Invita- tional in Memphis.
Randle started the record Westwood carded a bogey- make a difference. He drained a 8-under 64 to move to 10 under Right on the heels of that event are
day with 26 points, 12 free, 4-under 68 on Saturday to 14-foot birdie putt on the 18th for the tournament
ment and into a tie the FedEx Cup playoffs, won by
rebounds and 12 assists in hold onto the lead at 13-under- green to move into a temporary for third place with Doug Ghim Johnson last year, followed by the
New York’s 119-97 victory in par 203 on the TPC Sawgrass tie for the lead with Westwood (68). The round d came despite Ryder Cup.
Oklahoma City, becoming Stadium Course, while with a 5-under 67 in the third posting a bogey at the par-4 fifth With that crammed schedule
the first Knicks player with DeChambeau moved into second round. hole. Johnson felt something had to
two triple-doubles in the place at 11 under. “Putting has always been Ghim, who is on the hunt for give and for him it was a shot at
same season since Mark Last weekend at the Arnold pretty good and my driving was his first careerr victory, was 5 an Olympic medal.
Jackson in the 1988-89 Palmer Invitational in Orlando, a little bit better today,” under for the day
ay before a bogey “I think if there was a little more
season. they were in the same positions DeChambeau said. at No. 16. time, especially if you weren’t
Harden had 24 points, 10 heading into Sunday’s final Still on the course after Thomas had d birdies on his trying to fly right from
rebounds and 10 assists, his round, with DeChambeau fin- DeChambeau’s finish, Westwood first four holes,les, carded Tokyo to Memphis
ninth triple-double since ishing off the victory. It was then punctuated his round with four another at No. o. 7, then and play WGC,
being traded to Brooklyn in that DeChambeau figured he birdies on the back nine including delivered two more
ore birdies yeah, I obviously
January, as the Nets beat would duel with Westwood a 25-foot right-breaking birdie on Nos. 10 and 11 before definitely would
Detroit 100-95. again. putt on the famed island green at an eagle 3 at the
he par-5 have thought
Sabonis got the last of the “Yeah, really looking forward the 17th hole. He shot a steady 16th hole when n he hit about it a lot
night with 22 points, 13 to it,” said Westwood regarding even par on the front nine before his second shott from more,” said the
rebounds and 10 assists to the final-round pairing. “I enjoy making his first birdie at No. 10. more than 200 yards reigning
lead Indiana to a 122-111 playing with him. I enjoy his Westwood closed with a par out to 7 inches from Masters
victory in Phoenix. company and his caddie’s save at 18 after he missed the the cup. champion.
champion
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