ABU DHABI: Max Verstappen outpaced team-mate Sergio Perez to grab pole position for Sunday’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as Red Bull locked out the front row in a closely-fought qualifying session.
The two-time world champion clocked a best lap in one minute and 23.824 seconds to finish two-tenths clear of the Mexican, delighting Red Bull after a week of reported rifts between the two drivers.
Charles Leclerc was third ahead of Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz and the two Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, who claimed his maiden victory last weekend in Brazil.
Verstappen’s success brought him his third consecutive pole at the Yas Marina Circuit, his seventh of the season and 20th of his career ahead of a race in which he bids for a record-extending 15th win in a single season.
“Great job everybody, good team effort,” said Verstappen on his slow down lap. “Well done everybody,” added Perez, the two offering low-key enthusiasm after a stormy week since their ‘team orders’ row.
Lando Norris was seventh for McLaren ahead of Alpine’s Esteban Ocon and retirement-bound four-time champion Sebastian Vettel of Aston Martin. Daniel Ricciardo was 10th on his last drive for McLaren.
Under the dazzling floodlights, Vettel’s father Norbert was conspicuous in his green Aston Martin shirt as he cheered his son from the garage for his final qualifying session.
A full five minutes passed before the ‘big guns’ emerged, Mercedes delaying their entry to exploit a cooling track on a very warm evening with an air temperature of 30 degrees Celsius and the track at 34.
Much as expected, following their speed in final practice, the Red Bulls of Verstappen and Perez set the pace ahead of the Ferraris on their first runs before a frantic final flurry in Q1.
That left Kevin Magnussen as the fastest of the rest, eliminated in 15th place just a week after claiming his and Haas’s maiden pole in the rain at Interlagos.
Out with him went Pierre Gasly in his last weekend with Alpha Tauri before joining Alpine, Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas and the Williams pair of Alex Albon and Nicholas Latifi.
The Q2 section began with Perez outpacing Verstappen by four-tenths.
Hamilton had briefly appeared endangered, but responded to go second, splitting the Red Bulls, with Russell taking fourth. “Three-tenths?” he repeated when told of his gap behind the motivated Mexican.
Vettel, irritated by slower rivals including Ferrari, drove aggressively to rise to ninth and then fifth, an emotion-fueled effort.
Fellow former champion Alonso failed to make the cut for Alpine. Out with him went Yuki Tsunoda of Alpha Tauri, Haas’s Mick Schumacher, Lance Stroll in the second Aston Martin and Alfa Romeo’s Zhou Guanyu.
On the first runs in Q3, Sainz set the pace before Verstappen delivered a rasping lap in 1:23.988 to pull three-tenths clear of the Ferrari, stamping his authority on proceedings before the final runs.
Verstappen on pole as Red Bull lock-out Abu Dhabi front row
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Verstappen on pole as Red Bull lock-out Abu Dhabi front row
- The two-time world champion clocked a best lap in one minute and 23.824 seconds to finish two-tenths clear of the Mexican
- Charles Leclerc was third ahead of Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz and the two Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell
Marcus Stoinis lets rip as Australia crush Pakistan for T20 series whitewash
- After opting to bat, Pakistan raced to 62-1 before crumbling to 117 all out in the 19th over
- Stoinis slammed five sixes and five fours in his 27-ball masterclass, staying unbeaten at 61
HOBART: Marcus Stoinis slammed five huge sixes in an unbeaten 61 as Australia crushed Pakistan by seven wickets in Hobart on Monday to secure a 3-0 T20 series whitewash.
Chasing a meagre 118, the hosts hit the target in the 12th over to hand Pakistan a reality check after the visitors won the preceding ODI series 2-1.
Stoinis was unstoppable once he got going, also blasting five fours in his 27-ball masterclass.
“It’s really nice to get another win and go 3-0 up,” said Australia skipper Josh Inglis.
“When he’s going like that, it’s really hard to stop,” he added of Stoinis. “One of those sixes was probably the biggest I’ve seen.”
The match at Bellerive Oval was a dead rubber after Australia won a rain-hit match in Brisbane by 29 runs and then in Sydney by 13 runs.
After opting to bat, Pakistan raced to 62-1 before crumbling to 117 all out in the 19th over with Babar Azam top-scoring on 41 and Aaron Hardie taking 3-21.
Jake Fraser-McGurk began the run chase with consecutive boundaries from Shaheen Shah Afridi before the speedster dismissed Matt Short for two, caught at mid-on by Irfan Khan.
Fraser-McGurk (18) followed next over, undone by the sheer pace of Jahandad Khan in another mis-fire by the 22-year-old.
But Inglis kept the scoreboard ticking over alongside Stoinis, who let rip in the ninth over, punishing Haris Rauf for 20, including a massive six that landed on the stadium roof.
Their 55-run partnership ended when Inglis scooped Abbas Afridi to Rauf on 27, which brought Tim David to the crease.
He was bystander to Stoinis, who brought up his fifth T20 half-century with another giant six before seeing them home.
“There’s lots of positives, the way some of the players batted and bowled, these youngsters will come good,” said Salman Agha, Pakistan’s skipper for the night with Mohammad Rizwan rested.
“It’s a big achievement for us to win a one-day series here after 22 years, we could have done better in the T20 series but we’ll come back stronger.”
Sahibzada Farhan opened the Pakistan batting with Azam in the absence of Rizwan.
But on a chilly evening, he lasted just seven balls before top-edging a short one from Spencer Johnson — fresh from taking five wickets in Sydney — to Xavier Bartlett.
Azam produced a series of elegant strokes as he and Haseebullah Khan put on a quickfire 44 for the second wicket.
But Kahn was no match for Adam Zampa’s spin, collecting an outside edge on 24 to Short.
Pakistan’s woes mounted with Usman Khan (3) caught on the ropes after slogging Hardie and Agha trapped lbw by the same bowler for one.
It left them reeling on 72-4 at the halfway mark and when Zampa bowled Azam and Khan (10) was needlessly run out they were in deep trouble.
Shaheen Shah Afridi blasted only six of the innings but didn’t last as the tailenders were mopped up.
Tottenham midfielder Bentancur banned 7 games, fined $126,000 for offensive comment on South Koreans
Tottenham midfielder Bentancur banned 7 games, fined $126,000 for offensive comment on South Koreans
- The English Football Association also ordered Bentancur to attend a ‘face-to-face education program’
LONDON: Uruguay midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur was banned for seven matches on Monday for making an offensive comment about South Koreans in relation to a remark about Tottenham teammate Son Heung-min.
The English Football Association said in a statement that an independent commission also imposed a £100,000 ($126,000) fine on the player. The sanction can be appealed.
The suspension only covers domestic matches, meaning that the 27-year-old Bentancur will be available to play for his London club in the Europa League. Spurs take on Roma in the league phase of the tournament on Nov. 28.
Appearing on a Uruguayan television show in June, Bentancur was asked for a Tottenham player’s jersey and replied, “Sonny’s?” He added it could be Son’s cousin, too, because “more or less they are all the same.”
Bentancur later apologized to Son on Instagram, saying it was a “very bad joke” and he would “never disrespect you or hurt you.”
Son accepted the excuses, saying that his teammate had made a mistake and “would not mean to ever intentionally say something offensive.”
“We are brothers and nothing has changed at all,” Son said in June. "We’re past this, we’re united, and we will be back together in preseason to fight for our club as one.”
Bentancur was charged by the English FA in September because he was alleged to have “acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or brought the game into disrepute.”
The FA said it constituted an aggravated breach because it included “reference to nationality and/or race and/or ethnic origin.”
The FA also ordered Bentancur to attend a “face-to-face education program”, details of which will be provided later. The course should be completed by March 11 next year.
“If the player fails to complete the program satisfactorily in that period, he will be immediately suspended from all domestic club football until such time as the mandatory program is completed,” the FA said.
Tottenham and Bentancur did not immediately react to the punishment.
Rafael Nadal, Spain’s Davis Cup captain won’t say whether he’ll play before retirement
- Spain is scheduled to face the Netherlands on Tuesday in the quarterfinals
- Nadal announced last month that he would walk away from tennis after the Davis Cup
FUENGIROLA, Spain: Neither Rafael Nadal nor Spanish captain David Ferrer would say Monday whether the 22-time Grand Slam champion will play singles or doubles – or even at all – at the Davis Cup Final 8, his last event before retirement.
Spain is scheduled to face the Netherlands on Tuesday in the quarterfinals on an indoor hard court at the Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena. The winner will play in the semifinals on Friday. The championship will be decided on Sunday.
Asked at a news conference how he has been feeling in practice in recent days and whether he is ready to play, Nadal said: “That’s a question for the captain.” That response drew a smile and laugh from Ferrer, sitting to Nadal’s left.
Moments later at a hotel in Fuengirola, about 12 miles south of the arena in Malaga, the question of Nadal’s participation was put to Ferrer.
“I don’t know yet,” Ferrer said. “At the moment, I have not decided the players that are going to play tomorrow.”
The 38-year-old Nadal announced last month that he would walk away from tennis after the Davis Cup at home in Spain. He has been dealing with a series of injuries the past two seasons and has been limited to fewer than 25 official matches in that span.
“I’m not here to retire. I’m here to help the team win. It’s my last week in a team competition and the most important thing is to help the team. The emotions will come later,” said Nadal, wearing the squad’s red polo shirt with a tiny red-and-yellow Spanish flag on the left sleeve.
“I’m enjoying the week. I’m not putting too much attention to the retirement,” Nadal said. “It will be a big change in my life after this week.”
Nadal said it doesn’t “make sense to keep going knowing that I don’t have the real chance to be competitive the way that I like to be competitive because my body” won’t allow it.
He hasn’t played an official match since the Paris Olympics in early August. He lost in the second round of singles to Novak Djokovic and in the quarterfinals of doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz.
“I’ve tried to prepare as hard as possible for the last month and a half. I’m trying to give my best for this event,” Nadal said. “When you don’t compete so often, it’s difficult to maintain the level consistently. But the improvement is there every day. I believe that.”
Spain’s Davis Cup team also includes Alcaraz, Marcel Granollers, Roberto Bautista Agut and Pedro Martinez.
Pakistan skittled for 117 in final T20 against Australia
- Aaron Hardie takes three wickets as Pakistan get bowled out in 19th over
- Pakistan have already lost three-match series 2-0 to Australia
HOBART, Australia: Aaron Hardie took three wickets as Pakistan crashed to a meagre 117 all out in the final game of their T20 series against Australia at Hobart’s Bellerive Oval on Monday.
The hosts have already wrapped up the series after winning a rain-hit match in Brisbane by 29 runs and then in Sydney by 13 runs.
After opting to bat, Pakistan were 62-1 before losing focus to be dismissed in the 19th over with Babar Azam top-scoring on 41.
Hardie took 3-21 while spinner Adam Zampa and quick Spencer Johnson grabbed two wickets each.
Pakistan opted to rest captain and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, with Sahibzada Farhan moving up the order to open with Azam.
But on a chilly evening, the partnership failed to fire with Farhan lasting just seven balls before top-edging a short one from Johnson — fresh from taking five wickets in Sydney — to Xavier Bartlett.
Azam produced a series of elegant strokes as he and Haseebullah Khan put on a quickfire 44 for the second wicket.
But Kahn was no match for Zampa’s spin, collecting an outside edge on 24 to Matt Short.
Pakistan’s woes mounted with Usman Khan (3) caught on the ropes after slogging Hardie and skipper Salman Agha trapped lbw by the same bowler for one.
It left them reeling on 72-4 at the halfway mark and when Zampa bowled Azam and Irfan Khan (10) was needlessly run out they were in deep trouble.
Shaheen Shah Afridi blasted the only six of the innings, but didn’t last as the tailenders were mopped up.
A concern for Australia was Glenn Maxwell leaving the field midway through with an apparent left hamstring problem.
‘Won’t be that challenging’ — Iraq’s Ali Taleb confident as he heads into PFL MENA Championship
- Taleb will take on Moroccan standout Rachid El Hazoume in the league’s 135-pound finale
RIYADH: Iraqi bantamweight Ali Taleb is showing no lack of confidence as he prepares to compete in the inaugural PFL MENA Championships in Riyadh later this month.
“The victory is closer to me, and I’ll surprise my opponent with a level and style he won’t expect,” said the 27-year-old, who boasts slate of 11-1.
Taleb will take on Moroccan standout Rachid El Hazoume in the league’s 135-pound finale.
His record may boast fewer fights but Taleb could have the advantage as he has competed in the PFL since 2022 and has championship experience under the UAE Warriors banner.
Given this, Taleb believes El Hazoume will not be much of a threat.
“I’ve already been a bantamweight champion in 2022, when I defeated Brazilian Vinicius de Oliveira,” he said.
“The fight with El Hazoume won’t be that challenging, especially since he has three losses compared to my one, and this will certainly affect his performance and motivate me to give my best and achieve victory.”
As far as preparations go for what will be the biggest test of his career to date, Taleb says he has had superb training.
“I’m fully prepared and ready for this match. I’ve undergone an intensive and high-quality training camp under the guidance of top coaches,” he said.
The Iraqi is also counting on the fans’ support come fight night.
“Undoubtedly, the presence of Iraqi fans … will fuel my enthusiasm and motivate me to win, fulfilling my plan and satisfying my fans who follow all my fights,” he said.
Taleb will face El Hazoume in the PFL Mena Championships on Nov 29. The event also features three more must-see title bouts. The complete fight card is:
PFL MENA Featherweight Championship: Abdelrahman Alhyasat (5-0) vs. Abdullah Al-Qahtani (9-2)
PFL MENA Welterweight Championship: Mohammad Alaqraa (7-0) vs. Omar El Dafrawy (12-6)
Amateur Women’s Atomweight Bout: Hattan Alsaif vs. Lilia Osmani
PFL MENA Bantamweight Championship: Ali Taleb (11-1) vs. Rachid El Hazoume (15-3)
PFL MENA Lightweight Championship: Mohsen Mohammadseifi (6-1) vs. Georges Eid (10-4)
Showcase Fights:
Lightweight MENA Showcase: Mansour Barnaoui (21-6) vs. Alfie Davis (17-4-1)
Heavyweight MENA Showcase: Slim Trabelsi (7-0) vs. Abraham Bably (5-0)
Featherweight Global Showcase: Jesus Pinedo (23-6-1) vs. Jeremy Kennedy (19-4)
Featherweight Global Showcase: Asael Adjoudj (8-1) vs. Jose Perez (9-1)
Middleweight Global Showcase: Costello van Steenis (15-3) vs. Joao Dantas (7-1)
The PFL MENA Championships can be seen live on MBC on Friday, Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m. AGT.
Tickets are now on sale via webook.com
