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Hit for six! Viñales bounces back with Misano masterpiece

Sep 22. 2020

 ‘Top Gun’ hits the bullseye to become the sixth different winner of the season, Mir slices through to second and Pol Espargaro completes the podium after late drama for Quartararo – and some heartbreak for Bagnaia

The season began pretty well for Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) in Jerez as the Spaniard took two podiums and a solid haul of points, but after a tough race in Brno, a dramatic Austrian GP and then a high-speed bailout in Styria, ‘Top Gun’ arrived at Misano poised to hit back. Last weekend it didn’t quite go to plan, but take two in the Gran Premio TISSOT dell’Emilia Romagna e della Riviera di Rimini saw everything fall into place as the Spaniard seared his way to his first win of the season and catapulted himself to within one point of the Championship lead. He also becomes the sixth rider so far to stand on the top step in 2020.

Viñales broke clear early on, lost out to Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing) and then started to haul the Italian back in, the number 12’s tactics readying us for a crescendo at the front. Heartbreak then hit for Bagnaia as the Italian crashed out, however, Viñales sweeping through and keeping it inch perfect to the flag for those invaluable 25 points. Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) sliced through from P11 on the grid for another stunning podium in second, with more drama just behind him as Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) took third back from Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Sprinta Racing) as the latter was given a time penalty for exceeding track limits and failing to complete a Long Lap Penalty.

As to be somewhat expected, Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) got a great launch from P2 to grab the holeshot as the lights went out, with polesitter Viñales slotting into second, Quartararo initially holding onto P3 and Bagnaia making up a place to get past Pol Espargaro. Viñales didn’t take long to take the lead though, the Spaniard up the inside at Turn 4 to mug Miller as Pecco had a very close look at getting past Quartararo at Turn 8 – although there was no way through for now.

Drama then unfolded behind for San Marino GP winner Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) as Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) tucked the front and collected the Italian, Morbidelli somehow staying on and continuing but the Italian dead last…

Meanwhile at the front, Viñales had a 0.9 second lead over the line as the riders clocked onto Lap 2, but fortunes were flipped for his teammate Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) as the ‘Doctor’ was soon out of his 250th Grand Prix with Yamaha. Down at Turn 4 and home podium dreams over, Rossi remounted but had a big ask on his hands to score points.

In the meantime, Bagnaia had got past teammate Miller for P2 and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) had charged through to third at Turn 10 but it sadly didn’t last long; the South African down at Turn 14. Bagnaia up ahead, however, was unleashing the fastest lap of the race as the Italian locked his radar firmly onto the back of Viñales’ YZR-M1, edging closer as Pol Espargaro started to do the same to him…

Bagnaia was right on Viñales on Lap 5 and by then, the duo were once again pulling away from Pol Esparagro and Quartararo, who was tucked in behind the number 44. Bagnaia set another fastest lap of the race – a 1:32.3 – and it seemed game on, with Viñales then slightly wide at Turn 4, opening the door. Bagnaia needed no second invitation and the Italian took the lead, then immediately half a second clear, although it subsequently stayed pretty constant at 0.6 seconds for a number of laps…

Behind that chess match, Mir had managed to get to the front of the battle for the lower ends of the top 10 and get some clean air in front of him – although the gap to Quartararo and the podium was 3.5 seconds on Lap 7. The top two pounded on, Bagnaia started to edge away, and Mir kept chipping away behind.

As the laps went on, the Suzuki edged closer and closer as Bagnaia stretched his legs. Not long after though, it started to turn as Viñales chipped back a tenth and then two, with the lead back down to just over a second and the last few laps looking set to cook up a storm. By that time, Mir was also under two seconds away from the podium fight but with seven to go, huge drama then unfolded. Turn 6 was the place and Bagnaia the rider, the race leader sliding out in some late heartbreak as Viñales shot past. The number 12’s lead was over four seconds then – with no one else having been able to stay near the leading duo.

The fight for the podium was then the focus. Quartararo was showing a wheel to Espargaro but the latter was defending brilliantly on his KTM… before Joan Mir finally appeared on the scene. 0.6 faster than the duo ahead of him with six laps to go, it was soon a three-rider dog fight for the remaining two spots on the podium. And also with six laps to go, Quartararo was handed a track limits warning – something that would prove to be costly for El Diablo shortly after.

With three to go, Mir struck. Turn 2 was the spot as the Spaniard shot through underneath and past Quartararo, and it wasn’t long before Mir was up to second as well. On the next lap at Turn 1, Mir was past Espargaro’s KTM and back into clear air. Quartararo then pounced on Pol at Turn 3 as well, Espargaro going from P2 to P4 in a matter of corners. It seemed that was that for the podium fight too, but there was one last shot of drama.

For exceeding track limits too many times, Quartararo was then handed a Long Lap Penalty. His only time to do it? The the last lap. Would he see it? He was just over a second clear of Espargaro and four seconds ahead of fifth place Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech3), so it looked like he was going to lose P3…

Ahead on track, Viñales didn’t have any such troubles. ‘Top Gun’ rounded the last corner to take his first victory since the 2019 Malaysian GP in fine style, taking 25 vital points and moving to within one point of the top. Mir crossed the line a magnificent second to take his third rostrum in four races, and Quartararo took the chequered flag in third… but hadn’t taken the Long Lap. He was therefore demoted to P4 as it became a three-second penalty instead, handing Pol Espargaro his second podium of the season.

Behind Quartararo classified fourth, Oliveira was stunning in the second half of the race to finish P5, the Portuguese rider had serious pace but starting P15 ultimately cost the Styrian GP winner. The leading Honda across the line was Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) in P6 as the Japanese rider showed strong late-race pace to get the better of Repsol Honda Team’s Alex Marquez in seventh. The reigning Moto2™ World Champion produced his best MotoGP™ ride to date, finishing seven tenths away from Nakagami.

So where’s Dovi? The man still leading the Championship had a tougher day at Misano, but with Quartararo finishing fourth and that very points leader Andrea Dovizioso in P8, it’s the number 04 still ahead. Viñales is now level on points with Quartararo but technically behind him as he has less wins, with Mir now just four points from the title leader – madness!

Despite sitting last on the opening lap, an unwell Morbidelli recovered to salvage a brilliant P9, with fellow Italian Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team) completing the top 10. Johann Zarco (Esponsorama Racing), Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and Bradley Smith (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) were the only other finishers in 11th, 12th and 13th respectively.

Iker Lecuona (Red Bull KTM Tech3) crashed out of P6 with two and bit laps to go after stringing together a fantastic race, Rossi pulled in with 12 laps to go after his crash, and Miller encountered issues early on that he later revealed had seemingly been caused by a visor tear-off blocking the air filter. Tito Rabat (Esponsorama Racing) crashed at Turn 1 on Lap 12 – rider ok.

Four riders, four points. That’s how it stands at the top of the MotoGP™ World Championship after the Misano double-header: Dovizioso, Quartararo, Viñales and Mir the quartet leading the way. But this is 2020, and this is MotoGP™ – it could all change in the blink of an eye! With Barcelona coming up in less than a week’s time, we don’t have to wait long to witness more unrivalled premier class action… so come back for more! MotoGP™ podium 1 Maverick Viñales – Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP – Yamaha – 41:55.846 2 Joan Mir – Team Suzuki Ecstar – Suzuki – +2.425 3 Pol Espargaro – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing – KTM – +4.528 Top Independent Team rider: 4 Fabio Quartararo – Petronas Yamaha SRT – Yamaha – +6.419* *includes time penalty Maverick Viñales: “Amazing, amazing job this weekend, we prepped really well for the whole race. Pecco was really fast! I was pushing a lot, I was trying to save a bit of tyre for the last ten laps, and then I started to push. I thought I was catching him, but then when he made a mistake I just tried to not crash, take the maximum points and wow. Fantastic, I’m really happy, my mentality is the same as the last weekend and last races, but we found a little bit better setup for the 20 litres at the beginning of the race. I made a mistake at Turn 4, I was pushing a lot at the beginning trying to open the gap – if were were only two riders it was good. I want to say thank you to all the people supporting me at home, because they know there have been tough times, but it seems it’s passed, now we have good luck and this is what counts! I’m very happy, I appreciate all the work and we need to continue like that, pushing very hard. We can have a lot more potential!”

Bastianini bolts through the chaos to get back on top Three – almost – starts and some rain playing havoc couldn’t stop the ‘Beast’, with Bezzecchi and Lowes completing the podium

Italtrans Racing Team’s Enea Bastianini clinched an impressive Moto2™ victory at Misano after rain played havoc at the Gran Premio TISSOT dell’Emilia Romagna e della Riviera di Rimini. Red flags were brought out after just seven laps as the heavens opened but, from the restart, and back in the dry, the ultra-aggressive Bastianini bolted clear to take the win ahead of Sky Racing Team VR46’s Marco Bezzecchi and EG 0,0 Marc VDS’ Sam Lowes. With his victory, the ‘Beast’ cut Luca Marini’s (Sky Racing Team VR46) title lead down to just five points.

On the first start it was Petronas Sprinta Racing’s Xavi Vierge managing to squeeze his way into the lead pat Marini and the hit the front of a Moto2™ race for the first time in 2020, with a strong start coming in from his Petronas Sprinta Racing teammate too as Jake Dixon settled into fifth. The Italians suffered a few dramas in the early shuffles, but the biggest drama was about to come down as rain started and the flag came out to let the riders know. By then, Bastianini had muscled to the front and started to bolt despite the worsening weather, but the Red Flag came out not long after.

The riders filtered into pitlane and a ten lap restart was announced, but as the grid reformed, with everyone on slicks, the rain suddenly got heavier again. As the Moto2™ field set off on their Warm Up lap, the entire grid instantly pointed skywards and began wagging fingers to signal it was far too wet for the race to start. The rain eventually subsided and, after a short delay, a dry-ish 10 lap dash was back underway – with Bastianini on pole as the grid formed up based on standings before the flag.

Lights out for the second time saw Marini take control into Turn 1, and Bastianini settling in behind him. The Beast struck immediately though at Turn 4, sending the pair wide and giving Vierge chance to pounce. The Spaniard took the lead and Marini lost out big time with his fellow Italian’s move dropping him back to fifth. Bastianini then hit the front at the end of the opening lap, and the plan appeared the same: BOLT.

The Italian made the most of Vierge and Marcel Schrötter (Dynavolt Intact GP) battling over second and didn’t need a second invitation, stretching his lead out to over a second after two laps.

Next, Marini lost out to Bezzecchi for fourth place and then got beaten up by Sam Lowes over fifth place, with valuable points slipping through the fingers of the Championship leader. Meanwhile, an incredible fight was ensuing between Vierge and Schrötter, the German moving through into Turn 7 and on the exit the pair were side by side, bashing elbows for good measure. Some more contact then saw Vierge crash out, with Schrötter dropping back to fourth and then fifth as Marini sliced with his way past. Lowes found himself up to third too, trying to go with the fastest man on the track with three laps left: Marco Bezzecchi.

He was eight tenths quicker than Bastianini and suddenly, just like a week ago, Bezzecchi was hunting down the race leader at some rate. By two laps to go it was seven tenths separating the two Italians at the front of the race, with Bezzecchi visibly throwing everything at it and Lowes in close company too. As they started the final lap, it was just half a second between the leading duo.

Despite the mounting pressure, Bastianini remained calm and didn’t fold, however, crossing the line seven tenths clear to take a third intermediate class win of 2020, and his second GP win at Misano. Bezzecchi came across the line in P2 for a third consecutive top three finish, even more closely followed by Sam Lowes. Marini, meanwhile, took 13 points in fourth place and kept hold of his World Championship lead. But only just, with Bastianini now only five points adrift and breathing down his neck heading to Barcelona next weekend…

Schrötter took fifth after his earlier dramas, with Jake Dixon the next man over the line after getting the better of Jorge Navarro (Beta Tools Speed Up) by three tenths. That’s Dixon’s best ever Grand Prix result and after an impressive fight for it, in the dry to boot. Rounding out the top ten were Fabio Di Giannantonio (Beta Tools Speed Up), Tom Lüthi (Dynavolt Intact GP) and Hector Garzo (FlexBox HP40), who jumped up following a one place penalty for Nicolo Bulega (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) for exceeding track limits on the final lap.

Joe Roberts (Tennor American Racing) crashed before the restart in a monster high side, rider ok.

That’s it for Moto2™ at Misano, and it’s just five points in it on the road to Barcelona. Will we see a change of lead there? Find out next weekend! Moto2™ podium 1 Enea Bastianini – Italtrans Racing Team – Kalex 16:11.977 2 Marco Bezzecchi – Sky Racing Team VR46 – Kalex +0.720 3 Sam Lowes – EG 0,0 Marc VDS – Kalex +1.124 Enea Bastianini: “I’m really happy to be here in first place, today was a strange race because we stopped twice but after I kept good pace in the third race and it was possible to keep a bit of distance from Marco. I put the soft rear tyre on, and it was pushing a bit more on the front and Marco was really close the last two laps! But I’m happy for this victory for my team and my family, and in my town… it’s incredible!”

Fenati fights through to make history at Misano The Italian takes Husqvarna’s first win and becomes the most successful Moto3™ rider in terms of wins AND podiums

Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) was back on the top step of the podium for the first time in over a year at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, the Italian veteran judging a last lap battle to perfection to pip compatriot Celestino Vietti (Sky Racing Team VR46). In doing so, Fenati takes Husqvarna’s first Grand Prix victory and becomes the most successful rider in the Moto3™ class, overtaking both Joan Mir’s win count and Enea Bastianini’s podium record. He also becomes only the second Moto3™ rider to win more than once at Misano, alongside Alex Rins. Ai Ogura (Honda Team Asia) completed the podium behind the home heroes, moving to within two points of Albert Arenas’ (Gaviota Aspar Team Moto3) Championship lead.

Polesitter Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) got the initial launch off the line but Tony Arbolino (Rivacold Snipers Team) ultimately fired his way into Turn 1 ahead, with Championship leader Arenas making a good start from the second row to grab P3. Arbolino’s lead didn’t last long though, with Fernandez through at Turn 5 before Arenas was also past the Italian around the outside at Turn 13.

Further back, third in the Championship John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) was 17th after the opening couple of laps, not making great headway after having started P18. As Fernandez fought it out with Arbolino, Arenas and Vietti near the front though, the top 17 were still covered by two seconds.

After crashing out seven days prior, Arenas was on a mission. The Spaniard was leading from the front early doors, before Vietti took the baton and led for a fair chunk of time. Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) was making good ground up to get the better of Fernandez and move into the top three too, and McPhee was starting to recover by the halfway point; the top 11 locked together and the British rider just behind Ogura at the back of that.

Into the final 10 laps, Vietti was making P1 his own, with Masia was now his immediate threat. Darryn Binder (CIP – Green Power) and Jeremy Alcoba (Kömmerling Gresini Moto3) came into contact heading down the back straight before Turn 11 – a close call – but with eight laps remaining, Binder wasn’t fazed and was up to P4 behind Vietti, Gabriel Rodrigo (Kömmerling Gresini Moto3) and Masia. Arenas then got the better of Binder for P4 in the 11-bike freight train, before a change came courtesy of Masia  at Turn 8. Rodrigo and Vietti were lucky to stay upright too, as Rodrigo came into the contact with the Italian’s rear tyre.

With five to go, Arenas was almost down at Turn 1 as he ran out of room in the slipstream and just behind, Binder suffered a huge highside as he got shuffled by it too, the South African’s stunning Sunday charge over. With three to go, Vietti was still the race leader but it was all to play for in the lead group, with Ogura was making his presence in the top three known as he got the better of Arenas. With two to go, Masia then led into Turn 1 – and it was the start of some serious, fairing-bashing action. Arenas lunged into Turn 4, but Vietti was aggressive up the inside at Turn 5 and some contact was made between the duo. Further back, Alcoba made contact with McPhee at Turn 4 as well, which left the Scot down in P10.

Vietti led over the line to start the last lap, from Arenas and Fenati, with Masia and Ogura inside the top five. Arenas got a good run down into Turn 8 and was alongside the race leader, but Vietti was late and strong on the brakes. Then, Arenas made a classy move stick into Turn 10 and led with half a lap to go, but the slipstream played its part and heading into Turn 11 as Masia stormed up the inside of Vietti – who in turn was looking for a way through on Arenas – and it got breathtakingly close at high speed. After leading heading onto the straight, Arenas then found himself down in P5 just seconds later as Masia, Vietti, Fenati and Ogura stormed their way through.

At Turn 14 Masia went defensive in the lead, but that didn’t stop Vietti lunging up the inside and the Italian ended up a bit out of shape, some slight contact was made, and the top two were wide. Reading that perfectly and slicing through was Fenati, the veteran now in the lead and looking to defend it. That he did, as Vietti couldn’t find a way through and was forced to settle for second, just holding off Ogura to keep P2 as well. Masia was forced down to P5 with Arenas getting through, although the latter just holds onto the points lead…

Fernandez finishes P6 for the fourth time in 2020 to end the race just 0.4 from victory, with Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech3) showing fantastic late-race pace to finish seventh. Andrea Migno (Sky Racing Team VR46) and Kaito Toba (Red Bull KTM Ajo) were also less than a second from the race win in 8th and 9th respectively, the duo finishing ahead of McPhee who now drops to 21 points off Arenas in the standings after a tougher race.

That’s it from Misano, with another twist in the title race as Ogura and Arenas head into Barcelona just two points apart. The lightweight class go again in less than a week’s time at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya – tune in! Moto3™ podium 1 Romano Fenati – Sterilgarda Max Racing Team – Husqvarna 39:30.124 2 Celestino Vietti – Sky Racing Team VR46 – KTM +0.036 3 Ai Ogura – Honda Team Asia – Honda +0.121 Romano Fenati: “The final lap was really crazy, in the last part of the track I thought immediately on the last lap that I didn’t know where they’d overtake me, it was a bit scary! But the feeling with the bike was really good, we were really strong on braking, I’m really happy and now it’s important to be consistent and to always be strong.”

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https://www.nationthailand.com/sport/30394838?utm_source=category&utm_medium=internal_referral

Ratchapol’s spectacular show lands him his first title in 10 years

Sep 21. 2020Ratchapol Jantavara 

By THE NATIOM

Unfancied Ratchapol Jantavara kept his cool all day long on Sunday to end a 10- year wait for a title, winning the Bt5-million Singha All Thailand Masters in overcast conditions at the Santiburi Country Club in Chiang Rai.

The 33-year-old from Ubon Ratchathani province produced an unblemished round of 66 for a total 19-under-par 269 to beat the trio of Thongchai Jaidee, Sarit Suwannarut and Tanapat Pichaikul by four strokes for his greatest professional achievement to date.

“There are no words that can describe my feelings,” said Ratchapol, who takes home the winner’s prize money of Bt750,000. “I’ve always dreamed of winning a title since I turned professional 10 years ago. All the hard work has finally paid off,” said the tournament dark horse whose previous best result on the All Thailand Golf Tour was in Rayong province last year.

In fact, Ratchapol had been missing the cut in his last four tournaments. An adjustment in his swing and putting, plus a pressure-free attitude, were the keys to win him his maiden crown.

“To be honest, I was so focused that I wasn’t aware of anything most of the day. I just started looking at the scoreboard after 13 holes. I was so satisfied with how I dealt with the conditions out there. I would have been happy even if I had not won,” added Ratchapol, who expressed special gratitude to longtime coach Thanayot Thubthim for the win.

Tanapat Pichaikul 

Young gun Thanapat made five straight birdies from holes 9-13, settling for joint second on 15-under-par 272. The 20-year-old from Bangkok has had to be content with the runner-up spot for the third time in a row, following the two previous legs in Lopburi and Pattaya.

“I’ve been playing well in these three tournaments but I made a few mistakes and let my chances slip. I still need to keep improving my standard and when things come together, it will finally be my day,” said Tanapat, a winner in Rayong last year. He earned Bt318,500 for runner-up.

Thongchai Jaidee 

Three-time Asian Tour No 1 Thongchai, playing his only Thai tournament this season, hit a bogey-free 69 to share second place. Despite plenty of wins both locally and internationally, the Thai legend has never won this tournament, the biggest of the All Thailand Golf Tour.

The last and final stop of the Tour is at Laguna Phuket from October 15-18.

Sarit Suwannarut 

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https://www.nationthailand.com/sport/30394823?utm_source=category&utm_medium=internal_referral

Unfazed by recent setbacks, Panuphol poised for another shot at glory

Sep 20. 2020Panuphol Pittayarat 

By THE NATION

The in-form Panuphol Pittayarat will have to put two back-to-back play-off defeats behind him, as he eyes his season’s first win in Sunday’s final of the Bt5-million Singha Thailand Masters at the Santiburi Country Club in Chiang Rai province.

The 27-year-old, who endured two straight defeats to Thanyakorn Krongpha and Suradit Yongcharoenchai on the Thai PGA Tour in extra time, carded an even par 72 to lead alongside two unfancied rivals — Sarun Sirithon and Ratchapol Jantavara — on 13-under-par 203.

“You cannot let what happened in the past bother you,” said the 2017 champion who after seven play-offs finally surrendered to Suradit two weeks ago in Kanchanaburi. “You have to look ahead and try to relax out there.”

Despite his experience and familiarity with the course where he triumphed three years ago for his first and only All Thailand Golf Tour victory, Panuphol, or “Coconut” as his family calls him, never views himself as the favourite going up against Sarun and Ratchapol. The two are still looking for first career wins.

“What happened before cannot be taken into account in the final. Only the best player wins,” he added.

Ratchapol Jantavara

Ratchapol, 33, was up and down all day before settling for a 71. The Nonthaburi-based player is looking for a breakthrough victory after finishing second in the All Thailand Golf Tour in Rayong last year.

“This is the first time that I’m playing well after having poor results in five tournaments. I will give my all in the final round and hope to make some good putts,” added Ratchapol.

Sarun Sirithon

Sarun, 24, from Khon Kaen province has never been in the lead before. But he hopes to cause some stir as he tees off in the final group on Sunday.

“The key is to hit good tee shots. As long as you hit the fairways, you can create opportunities and try to make putts. However, I will give my all in the final and won’t regret whatever the outcome,” Sarun said.

Thongchai Jaidee 

Falling a shot behind is former world top-50 player Thongchai Jaidee, who picked up his golf clubs just four days ago. His unblemished round of 67 saw him land at fourth on 204.

“I just want to catch up with my fellow players and have fun. I barely play golf these days because of Covid-19,” said the 50-year-old, who despite his wide range of victories and extensive experience, has never won on this course before.

“I hardly played this tournament because I was on overseas tours most of the time. Having this score for a guy my age is beyond expectations. I just hope to have more fun time with the guys tomorrow,” added the former Thai No 1.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/sport/30394819?utm_source=category&utm_medium=internal_referral

Petchmorakot extends his One featherweight reign with technical KO

Sep 19. 2020

By THE NATION

ONE Championship put on yet another spectacular event in Bangkok, which was broadcast on Friday.

“One: A New Breed III”, a previously recorded, closed-door event, saw a host of Thailand’s top martial arts talent take the One Championship ring.

In the main event of the evening, One featherweight Muay Thai world champion Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy of Thailand continued his reign with a resounding victory over challenger Magnus “Crazy Viking” Andersson of Sweden.

Action picked up quickly in the first round, with the champion pressing forward behind rapid kicks and his signature knees in the clinch. In the second round, Andersson battled back with low kicks, but Petchmorakot continued to dominate in close quarters. In the third round, Petchmorakot rocked Andersson with a hard left hand, forcing the referee to issue a standing count. After the break, Petchmorakot finished Andersson off with another left on the button to complete the technical knockout victory and retain his One Featherweight Muay Thai World Championship.

In a One Super Series kickboxing bout, Capitan Petchyindee Academy of Thailand authored an explosive six-second knockout victory over countryman Petchtanong Petchfergus in the very first round. A single right hand from Capitan clipped his opponent right on the chin, turning the lights out on Petchtanong before he hit the canvas.

In the evening’s only mixed martial arts contest, Thailand’s Sunisa “Thunderstorm” Srisen notched a huge victory over fan-favourite Rika “Tiny Doll” Ishige, winning by a unanimous decision after three rounds. The two women warriors started the bout off in a heated striking battle, with Ishige aggressively pushing the pace while Srisen chose to counter with the overhand. Towards the end of the second round, Ishige was able to take matters to the ground where she secured the rear naked choke at the bell. The third and final round saw Srisen stunning Ishige with combinations. Although Ishige tried her best to take the action back to the mat, Srisen held her down with a headlock, nullifying her grappling advantage. In the end, all three judges saw the bout in favour of Srisen.

In a bantamweight Muay Thai bout, Brazil’s Felipe “Demolition Man” Lobo scored a major upset over multiple-time Muay Thai World Champion Yodpanomrung “The Lightning Knee” Jitmuangnon of Thailand, winning on the judges’ scorecards. Both men were aggressive to start the first round, with Yodpanomrung attacking with his thudding round kicks while Lobo opted to box. In the second round, the Thai athlete tried to use his height and length to keep Lobo at bay, but the Brazilian continued to move forward behind his punch combinations. In the third round, Lobo constantly remained a step ahead of Yodpanomrung, beating his opponent to the punch until the final bell. Two of three judges saw the bout in favour of Lobo to win by split decision.

Making a successful One Super Series debut was Yurik “Mee Khao Jomhot” Davtyan of Armenia and Russia, who upset hometown bet Bangpleenoi Petchyindee Academy of Thailand with a crushing knockout.

One Championship returns with One: Reign of Dynasties, on October 9. The main event will see reigning One strawweight Muay Thai and kickboxing world champion Sam-A Gaiyanghadao of Thailand defending his Muay Thai world title against ISKA K-1 world champion Josh “Timebomb” Tonna of Australia.

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“The Championship is crazy!”: another spectacular race weekend awaits

Sep 18. 2020

 The Pre-Event Press Conference gets the grid in gear for the Gran Premio TISSOT dell’Emilia Romagna e della Riviera di Rimini

Ahead of the Gran Premio TISSOT dell’Emilia Romagna e della Riviera di Rimini, Championship leader Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) was joined by fourth overall Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar), nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), winner last time out Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT), fresh premier class podium finisher Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing) and Aprilia Racing Team Gresini rider Aleix Espargaro to talk a little about last weekend and the Misano test, as well as look ahead to our second assault on Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.

Here are the key quotes from those present, with Dovizioso up first: 

ANDREA DOVIZIOSO: “The Championship is crazy. A lot of up and down for everybody, which is why we are very close. I’m happy to be in this position at this moment of the Championship, but for sure we have to make a step to be able to fight. I’m really happy about Tuesday’s test, we had two targets and we achieved those two targets. I’m really happy about that, my speed was really good. A lot of riders did a really good pace. In the way I rode it was much better, we understood which corners I wasn’t good enough and I was able to be better, more relaxed. We changed the set-up to allow me to help me in a better way and we tried something on the bike, a new piece, and it was a bit better. Overall the feeling is better than Sunday for sure, but there are a lot of really fast riders, especially after Misano 1 – we will see.

“For me it’s always difficult to make a really good lap in qualifying and in MotoGP, it’s very important. But that’s not the biggest issue at the moment. Most of the race I wasn’t fast enough, it’s very important to be stronger now than what I did was. For example at the start of the race I was with Pecco, so I still had a chance to get a podium but I didn’t have the speed. I’m really happy with the way the test ended, so let’s see if everything we tried is true.”

As well as the weekend ahead, he was also asked about the recent announcement that many on the grid, Dovizioso included, will be testing at Portimao on street bikes to get to know the track.

“In this Championship, to be there and fight for the Championship, you have to do everything. To ride with a street bike is really different and you can’t understand the tricks of the track. But you can understand a bit and be able to start in a better way when we go with a MotoGP bike so we decided to organise that.”

JOAN MIR: “It is really difficult to find something to be faster, as we did a lot of laps on this track and it is not easy to find something to gain that tenth or two tenths to be more competitive but yeah I’m happy now I think we made a good step with my confidence on the bike. I’m able to ride a little bit better, maybe not faster, but better. It is a good improvement and I am happy with the test so let’s see if this can give us more in the early laps of the race and maybe the qualifying.

And what about a comment recently from a rival saying the Suzuki is the best bike?

“It is nice that somebody can say something about your bike without trying it. It is something funny. For me it is difficult to say what is the best bike in the championship because Fabio said this but the winner last week was a Yamaha so it was curious to hear this!

“I think that we have a great package which is important and on most tracks we are competitive. We have to improve in areas like everybody but the consistency is nice.”

VALENTINO ROSSI: “For us last Sunday it was an unforgettable day, especially for all the people who work for the academy project. We are very proud of our riders and very happy for my brother, Bez and especially for Pecco and Franco. Yes like you said if I could have arrived on the podium it would have been a historic moment, but unfortunately Mir overtook me on the last lap. For me anyway it was a good race. I was able to keep a good pace from the beginning but at the end I was a bit in trouble. I tried everything to remain on the podium, and I was able to stay in front of Rins but when Joan arrived he was too fast for me. It was a great shame because the podium is always special, Misano more, to share with Franco and Pecco could also be more special but it’s like this. It was a good day and good race, we have another chance this weekend, I think it will be difficult for everybody because I expect the other riders and bikes to be more competitive, and closer to us. So if we want to try and fight for the podium we have to try and improve Sunday and be stronger on Sunday.

“It was a good test on Tuesday, we worked very hard, I did a lot of laps and we had some stuff to try. Some things were better, some were worse. For tomorrow I don’t think we will change a lot the race bike to start with. After we’ll see during the weekend. Also, the forecast and track conditions will be very important.”

And did he expect to be fighting with riders from his own academy?

“Sincerely, no, sincerely no. First of all when we started, we didn’t know what would happen in the next years, it’s a very unique programme. At a certain point when Franco won the first Championship in 2017, I started to think in that moment I will have the strongest rivals in MotoGP from the Academy. But anyway it’s good, we are happy, I think that staying together we improve always our level and we always enjoy racing together.”

Next to speak was the winner next time out – who also then missed testing on Tuesday with an upset stomach. Will that hurt his second weekend at Misano?

FRANCO MORBIDELLI: “Sincerely I don’t think so because testing is in a little bit different conditions and many riders had the chance to test some items to improve, and improve the feeling with the bike, but they still have to confirm it in the race weekend.

“I don’t think skipping the test is going to affect me too much. Anyways I hope to make a good and nice weekend like I had last weekend. It will be important to reconfirm the level that we had in the last race and it will be important to step it up. If you want to remain in the same spot you need to step up your game a little bit.

“It will be important to heal a little bit more and I hope that for the weekend I will be better!” 

Bagnaia was next up, and first explained how it was a bit different racing Rossi at first…

FRANCESCO BAGNAIA: “Its normal that everybody thinks about Vale, riders like us coming from Moto3 and Moto2 arriving to MotoGP. When you see Vale on track it’s always something different because when you’ve grown up with an idol and you race against him it’s always special, and strange. Last year I was, not in trouble, but thought more in this moment because I always thought more when I was behind Vale. I don’t know why but it was more like this and maybe because I’m more comfortable with the bike, this year I race against him like we are at the Ranch! You are thinking less. It’s strange but it’s like it’s Dovi or other riders in that moment.

And what about the test?

“We just had one thing to try and I think it has good potential for the future. At the moment we are concentrated on the standard setting and I let Ducati work more on that. Tuesday’s test was difficult to understand things, the grip was right and the conditions were incredible. Every rider was so fast, in the test it’s difficult to understand what something will be like in the race. We stopped before to rest the leg, I think that I arrive to this weekend more prepared with the leg because I know we can do the race, it’s not a problem. Starting working on Friday is for sure better.”

ALEIX ESPARGARO: “Obviously you can’t be happy with 13th place, but if you analyse the race we were more than 20 seconds quicker than 2018 and 2019 and we were battling the same group of factory KTMs that finished on the podium in the last three races.

“And, also very close to the leader of the championship, Andrea; who won here in 2018, so I mean the performance and level of the bike is growing. I’m happy if we compare with last season but the level of the MotoGP category is very high so unfortunately we still have to show that our bike is better by finishing in a better position but we are taking a step forwards.”

Finally, how was the test day for the Noale factory on Tuesday?

“The plan was not easy to organise because I had many small things to work on to improve my level for the next GP. But it is on Aprilia’s mind to improve the bike and understand the direction for the 2021 bike as we are the only manufacturer who can change or improve the bike for next season. So, it was a compromise, I spent a lot of laps trying different configurations to understand the new bike, trying new items, so no big news or changes for my bike for this weekend but we understand a few things for the future.”

That’s all folks, from Thursday at the Emilia Romagna GP at least! Tune in for FP1 at 9:55 (GMT +2) on Friday before the race starts on Sunday at 14:00, with fans in the stands once again and another spectacle just around the corner. Top photo L-R: Mir, A Espargaro, Dovizioso, Morbidelli, Rossi and Bagnaia

FIM MotoGP™ Stewards Notification of Sanction: Alonso Lopez Please find below a penalty for Moto3™ rider Alonso Lopez (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) for riding slowly in FP3 at the Gran Premio Lenovo di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini. He has been suspended from the first 15 minutes of FP2 at the Gran Premio TISSOT dell’Emilia Romagna e della Riviera di Rimini.

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“This weekend is different”: MotoE™ ready for Misano rematch

Sep 18. 2020

 The pre-event Press Conference gets the first FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup double-header of the season underway

Before the track action begins at the Gran Premio TISSOT dell’Emilia Romagna e della Riviera di Rimini, Thursday saw a few of the frontrunners from the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup grid sit down for the pre-event Press Conference to talk about the weekend ahead. Points leader Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP) was joined by Matteo Ferrari (Trentino Gresini MotoE), Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40), Mattia Casadei (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse), Xavier Simeon (LCR E-Team) and Eric Granado (Avintia Esponsorama Racing) as the first double-header of the season gets underway. Here are the key quotes from those present! Dominique Aegerter: “For me last time out was slightly different and more difficult than Jerez because of the test we had in Jerez, the race was easier, let’s say, we already had data. But now we have two races more here and we have data from last weekend, we’ve been working on the data and watched the practices to improve. I hope we can start tomorrow better and be more consistent in front, especially the E-Pole and first race will be important for the Sunday race. But I think this weekend we are prepared better, so I have a great feeling, the team are working well and I can’t wait to go out on the bike! “We will check with the team the tactics we have, it’s slightly different with E-Pole Saturday morning, but we try some small things and also still I need to adapt a bit more to the bike, how it reacts on this track but we’re… I think our strategy for the weekend will be good, and we always have a new tyre when we go out which will help us to improve the bike and my riding style, and to be ready for E-Pole and the race.” Matteo Ferrari: “Every race is different, I have to cancel the other weekends and not think about them! I love this track, this weekend we will have two races and only two practices so the strategy will be different. And we have the first E-Pole in the morning, last year E-Pole was always in the afternoon so a bit different, we didn’t ride during the morning for just one lap. So I’ll try to do my best because E-Pole is very important for the races. “E-Pole is different because in every other category you can ride before, but in MotoE no. The preparation is very different and E-pole in the morning for me will be interesting because I took my first pole in MotoE last week but I’ll try to do my best.” Jordi Torres: “For us the most important now is try to gain some rear traction, because the races are very short and during the races if you try to be too fast at the beginning then maybe in the last two or three laps you don’t have rubber on the rear so it’s important to manage the races and keep a good strategy during the seven laps… it sounds strange because they are few laps but if you push too much in the beginning maybe you arrive at the end without good rear grip! But we need to work on this, and also try to be more aggressive in the races, because we have now a little step forward, have good pace and we’re fast on one lap,  but sometimes you’re more focused on the guys trying to overtake you and don’t try to attack – this is important in this category, to always try and gain some tenths on your rivals and try to keep concentration throughout the seven laps. “I don’t know the difference between grip on Saturday and Sunday but after three races last weekend there was more rubber down. We don’t know exactly, it depends which tyres were used before our sessions. It depends, for example after MotoGP we go on track, maybe the grip is different to Moto2 or Moto3, for sure it changes a little.” Mattia Casadei: “I hope to start the race in front again, another first row… and the strategy I don’t know. I don’t know what to do but for me it’s better to stay in front and try and keep my rhythm to try and win! “I have to do a little step, and I checked the data after the race and I see it’s possible to make that step, with my crew chief we’ll try to do that before the races.” Xavier Simeon: “It’s a new weekend, in the race everybody was fast and laptimes were similar for nearly all the riders. The most important is E-Pole, the position on the grid is very, very important because the race is short and if you’re in the leading group it’s a different race if you start from the back. So like Matteo said, this weekend is different with E-Pole on Saturday morning, we’ll have to sleep well and be very awake for one lap! I like this system though, I like to make one fast lap without a warm up, so I hope I can be fast. “We could see in Jerez, missing my data from last year was important because my experience was there but we were missing something for setup and the laptimes are very close, we were missing small tenths to fight at the front with the top guys. But last weekend we made a big change on the bike and that made a big improvement, especially for my riding style, I hope we can make another this weekend and fight at the front.” Eric Granado: “It was a strange weekend for me, we were ready to fight for the win, I had good pace, then that lap and mistake and unfortunately the rule is like this. As everyone says, the E-pole is so important and I started last, so I had not so much I could do! I tried to overtake the maximum riders I could but the bikes are so similar on the straight, you can have slipstream and if you overtake a rider in the corners it’s hard. I did what was possible and tried to finish and take points. I was ready to fight for the win last week and I’m ready again this weekend, it’s good to know we have two chances. I’ll try to be perfect, make no mistakes… and go for it. “I try to do my best in all the races, I don’t want to think about the Championship, I’m 23 points down and it’s not impossible to arrive so I’ll do my best and we’ll see what happens!” That’s it from Thursday! Keep up to date with all the Friday news and tune in for another stunning E-Pole session earlier than normal on Saturday as MotoE™ get ready to rumble TWICE this weekend at Misano. Race 1 then starts at 16:20 (GMT +2) on Saturday, before Race 2 at 10:05 (GMT +2) on Sunday.

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As Big Ten changes course, schools credit better testing

Sep 17. 2020President Trump 

By The Washington Post · Rick Maese, Emily Giambalvo, Ben Strauss · NATIONAL, SPORTS, HEALTH, FOOTBALL
Five weeks after postponing its football season over safety concerns, the Big Ten Conference reversed course Wednesday, saying it would play this fall even as its colleges and surrounding communities struggle to contain the coronavirus.

The decision was cheered on not only by fans but by President Donald Trump, who has used the conference’s decision to seek an edge in Midwestern battleground states where Big Ten football reigns. But it raised immediate questions, including from students, about the role politics and economics played in changing the minds of university presidents. 

Trump quickly took credit for helping save the seasons of some of college football’s most popular teams. But while White House officials implied it had made federal resources available to the Big Ten, one person familiar with the process said the conference hasn’t been given, nor has it requested, federal assistance. And the conference’s university presidents insisted the decision was not political, crediting instead their evolving understanding of the virus and access to more and better testing.

“Medical advice I relied on when I voted five weeks ago said virtually no chance we could do it safely,” Northwestern University President Morton Schapiro said Wednesday. “For me, it was, OK, we’re going to postpone the season and let’s hope we have that in place the first weekend of January. And then the medical opinion changed.”

Reviving the Big Ten season, which is now scheduled to start Oct. 23, will have major financial ramifications for all 14 conference schools, which include Ohio State University, the University of Michigan, the University of Maryland and other premier public universities. With state budgets and other revenue already devastated by the pandemic, the universities were bracing for a huge economic hit. Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel has estimated his school alone would lose $100 million without fall sports.

The rescheduled football games will be contested without paying fans in attendance, but the conference and schools will get a chance to recoup other revenue, including broadcast fees and sponsorship money.

Testing 14 football teams will require processing about 150,000 tests between Sept. 30 and Dec. 19, the conference’s final weekend. Big Ten officials have not disclosed some key details around its testing plan, although Commissioner Kevin Warren said Wednesday that the conference would pay for the tests.

“We are so much better and so much more prepared today than we were 43 days ago,” Warren said.

Conference officials say the medical advice and testing capabilities have changed dramatically in the past month, which swayed the school presidents and chancellors, who unanimously agreed to resume play.

“Our ability to test consistently and uniformly amongst the conference and provide that was really important,” Ohio State head team physician James Borchers, co-chair of the conference’s Return to Competition Task Force medical subcommittee, said on a video conference with reporters. “I think we have been very comfortable with the idea that we’ll be able to provide daily rapid testing, which will give us great surveillance of our student-athletes and those individuals involved in those competitions.”

The sudden availability of testing raised immediate questions about the fairness of testing athletes and not other students. The virus, which has killed more than 193,000 people in the United States, has thrived on college campuses. In the Big Ten, the counties of five schools – Penn State, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Nebraska – are averaging more than 30 new cases per 100,000 people per day, according to Washington Post data. And nine of the counties where Big Ten campuses are located are currently experiencing more weekly cases than they were on Aug. 11.

While the NCAA and other college officials routinely liken scholarship athletes to the rest of the student body, the Big Ten’s decision means football players will now be afforded medical care not available to other students. A Northwestern student journalist pressed Jim Phillips, the Northwestern athletic director, on that issue Wednesday.

“In the end, this is something that the Big Ten is administering, and obviously we’re one of the institutions in the Big Ten, and so it’s a fair question,” Phillips said, “and I don’t know if I have an answer.”

Dan Alpert, the student body president at the University of Maryland, said in an interview that the student government has been pushing for greater testing capacity on campus. He would still like to see more of the Big Ten’s resources “being devoted to schools overall and not just athletics.”

“One thing that frustrated me and other student body presidents from across the Big Ten [is that] resources are being devoted to bring football back, but not for the rest of the school,” Alpert said. “I think it’s important that if you’re going to try to bring something back, you also then enhance the academic experience of other students as well.”

As the NFL and some other college conferences pressed ahead this summer, the Big Ten postponed its season on Aug. 11, with 11 of the 14 university leaders reportedly voting not to play. The backlash was swift. Parents held a rally outside the conference’s headquarters near Chicago. Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields urged the Big Ten to reverse its decision with a petition that received more than 300,000 signatures. Some Big Ten coaches publicly criticized the conference and voiced their desire to play, and families at the University of Nebraska sued the conference.

Politicians and pundits seized on the discord, looking for leverage in key battleground states where Big Ten football rules, including Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Former vice president Joe Biden, the Democratic presidential nominee, ran ads in the Midwest featuring pictures of empty football stadiums, while Trump and his surrogates went on talk radio to blame liberals’ cautiousness for a fall without Big Ten football.

Within minutes of the Big Ten’s announcement, the White House had mobilized to claim victory.

Trump tweeted: “Great News: BIG TEN FOOTBALL IS BACK. All teams to participate. Thank you to the players, coaches, parents, and all school representatives. Have a FANTASTIC SEASON! It is my great honor to have helped!!!”

Trump spoke with Warren, the Big Ten commissioner, on Sept. 1, offering federal government assistance. Both Trump and the Big Ten described the call as a “productive conversation,” though one person familiar with the process said Wednesday it had little bearing on the conference’s final decision.

A senior administration official, who spoke to reporters on the condition of anonymity to describe the president’s role, said Wednesday that the White House was heavily involved in discussions in the past month, which the official claimed included more than 300 phone calls. In addition to the president’s call with Warren, the official said Trump also spoke with Big Ten coaches, athletic directors and parents, who the official declined to name.

“All I can tell you is that the president within 48 hours of that call [with Warren] had what the Big Ten was asking for in order to allow them to play,” the White House official said. “He fulfilled what they’re looking for.”

A conference spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday, but a person familiar with the process said the conference wasn’t relying on any White House assistance in restarting its season.

It’s unclear how the return of football might alter the electoral landscape in those states where Big Ten football is popular. A YouGov poll of more than 7,000 adults found 59 percent of respondents approved of the Big Ten’s decision to postpone college sports. Republicans were closely split; 41 percent supported the decision while 36 percent were opposed.

“I don’t think it’s going to benefit President Trump any more than it was going to benefit Biden before,” said Nick Everhart, a national GOP consultant based in the Midwest. “But what is impactful is you do have two to three weekends of conference games, particularly in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, where you will have large ceilings for audiences for running ads.”

On a video conference call with reporters Wednesday, conference and university officials stressed that the decision to resume the football season was made solely because health and safety concerns had been addressed.

“For me, it wasn’t about political pressure,” Northwestern’s Schapiro said. “It wasn’t about money, it wasn’t about lawsuits. It wasn’t about what everyone else is doing. It’s about the unanimous opinion of our medical experts. That sort of evolved over the course of weeks. Even a week ago, I wasn’t convinced to be a part of the unanimous decision to move forward.”

Added Penn State Athletic Director Sandy Barbour: “If it was possible to get there safely, we were gonna find a way. And that’s what happened.”

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Nationals top Rays on Luis Garcia’s two-run homer in 10th

Sep 17. 2020

By The Washington Post · Jesse Dougherty · SPORTS, BASEBALL
TAMPA, Fla. – The automatic runner at second, that pesky new rule for 2020, has led to a breathless conversation about extra-inning strategy. Is it best to bunt the man to third to set up a sacrifice fly? Is that worth it on the road when the home team can easily do the same in the bottom of the inning? Or is a bunt ever worth it when the analytics say, no, it’s never good to give away outs, especially with the game on the line. 

But that all gets thrown out when your rookie second baseman sits on a first-pitch fastball, crushes it off the other team’s best reliever, then stands a foot outside the batter’s box, almost posing, while a game-winning, two-run homer sails way over the right-field wall. That’s what happened for the Washington Nationals on Wednesday, once Luis García, at 20 the youngest player in the majors, delivered a 4-2 win over the first-place Tampa Bay Rays. 

Daniel Hudson had blown his second consecutive save opportunity just minutes earlier. But García took Carter Kieboom, the automatic runner, and told him to jog home. García was right behind him, drifting toward the plate, the dugout, into a small celebration with his teammates before Kyle McGowin struck out the side in the bottom of the 10th. 

The Nationals are now 18-29 because of García’s bat. They left Tampa with a glimpse into their future. 

“What a great kid,” Manager Dave Martinez said of García, who debuted in mid-August after Starlin Castro broke his wrist. “I’ll tell you right now, he has no fear. He’s going to give you everything he’s got. He goes out there and has fun playing the game.”

Before the game reached extras, and gave García his shot, Austin Voth bent an issue that’s plagued him all summer. The starter hadn’t completed five innings since Aug. 8, six starts and many earned runs ago. He had a 10.72 ERA in that span, inviting questions of whether he should be in the rotation at all. Martinez, though, wanted to keep watching Voth. He wanted to see if the 28-year-old could fix himself on the fly. And finally, with next to no shot at the playoffs now, something clicked. 

Voth hit trouble when he plucked Randy Arozarena with two outs in the first. The next batter, Nate Lowe, punched a double to right and Arozarena wheeled around from first. It hinted at more of the same from Voth, who’s too often left the Nationals behind in his starts. But this time he recovered quickly, leaning on heavily on his four-seam fastball. 

The pitch brought 28 swings, 10 whiffs and four called strikes. He spotted it on the low-and-outside and ran it up in the zone. When Voth’s at his best – a form the Nationals have seen in quick flashes – he throws his fastball at will and lets his curve play off it. On Wednesday, five of his season-high six strikeouts came with a batter swinging through his fastball. The other was on his cutter, another pitch that improves when his fastball is commanded well. 

So Voth showed Martinez what he’d yearned to see: some length, steady velocity, even a few 94-mph throws on the radar before he exited after 88 pitches. In his second trip through the order, what has been a nightmare for him, Voth allowed one hit, one walk and issued an intentional pass to the red-hot Lowe. He then finished his outing by stranding runners on first and third. 

“It was huge,” Voth said of trending in the right direction. “Just to be able to come out here and throw the way I did today, I’ve been working hard week in and week out and it seemed like I hadn’t been getting progress for the longest time.” 

“The main thing for me I was using my legs properly,” he added of the success with his fastball. “I felt like I still had energy and stuff left in the tank in the fifth inning.”

That was enough to hand the bullpen a slim lead. And while most of it excelled – with scoreless innings from Wander Suero, Kyle Finnegan and Will Harris – Hudson kept struggling. He allowed the tying homer to Lowe with two outs and two strikes on the scoreboard. It was off an inside slider that Hudson left too high around Lowe’s thighs. This was five days after Hudson blew a three-run save against the Atlanta Braves, and he’d also recorded the first two outs of the ninth. 

But, just like in that game, the Nationals endured in extras. This time, Hudson had García to thank. García met a 5-for-30 slump in late August after a solid start. Since, he’d been mostly average, learning to face major league pitchers and adjusting in the field. But he had four hits in seven at-bats heading into this one, leading him to a matchup with closer Nick Anderson. And that’s when his lack of fear kicked in. 

“One thing my dad and I always talked about is that players always seemed afraid, a little bit, when the game got too, too big for them, once they first got to the big leagues,” García said in Spanish through a team interpreter. “And we would talk about how it was weird, that that’s where you want to be and yet at the same time you’re a little afraid of that moment. And it shouldn’t be that way.”

Anderson entered the game with a 0.00 ERA in 12 innings. He left it with one earned run on his season line, put there by the second homer of García’s young career. He may never return to the minors beyond this year. But on Wednesday, once McGowin worked a spotless 10th, in the twilight of a season short on bright spots, it only mattered that García was here right now. 

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Open season: seven riders within less than 20 points as MotoGP™ gets back in the ring at Misano

Sep 17. 2020

By THE NATION

Four first time winners in six races makes for a cool stat. How about five in seven? The Emilia Romagna GP could give us just that…

Another week, another maiden winner… and another huge twist in the Championship. Can 2020 get any more dramatic? We’re about to find out as MotoGP™ gears up to take on Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli in the Gran Premio TISSOT dell’Emilia Romagna e della Riviera di Rimini, returning to the track after not only the San Marino GP, but also after a day of testing that could well increase the intrigue even more.  The man in the hot seat now, despite all the twists, turns and surprises of the season, is veteran Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team). The Italian had a more muted race weekend last time out, but his trademark consistency brought him home with some solid points – and more than enough to overhaul former points leader Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) after the Frenchman crashed out. Dovizioso is six points ahead and that may not seem much, but he was brimming with positivity after the test and we can likely expect him to be a little further up the board this weekend. When Dovizioso says he’s happy with what they’ve achieved, he really means it… The fastest Ducati on Sunday, however, was Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing). Coming back from a broken leg, no one expected him to pick up exactly where he left off, but that he did. The impressive Italian blasted through to take his first podium, and made it look easy – so can he do it again? And could he even take to the top step? He’s a candidate to make it five first timers in seven races. His teammate Jack Miller was in the mix early on in the San Marino GP too, and then faded, so he’ll be looking for more. Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team) will want a step forward as well, and Johann Zarco (Esponsorama Racing) could be one to watch. Still struggling to get back to full fitness, he nevertheless put in quite a shift at the test – and was third fastest. San Marino GP victor Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT), did not test, however. The first time winner was sidelined through illness but will be back for the weekend – so it will be interesting who’s managed to cut the gap to the runaway man at the front. His teammate Fabio Quartararo hasn’t even shown his full hand at Misano either as he crashed out too early to unleash his pace – so can he bounce back and take back to the top step? Ominously for the man who made everyone else fade into the distance in Jerez, he said he was working on race pace at the Misano test… when he already had a fair bit of before the extra track time. Can he regain that top spot? At Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP, meanwhile, there’s even more to talk about. Maverick Viñales was on pole and then faded back in the early stages on the harder tyre… before finding some serious speed later in the race. Can he iron that out? At the test the Spaniard was fastest and focused on working with the medium tyre for much of the day, which he says is work he’ll continue during the race weekend. If he can solve that and get in the mix earlier on… Jaws music may be heard by those around him. Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) was tantalisingly close to that 200th podium in the San Marino GP too. Over more than 400 corners of the race, ‘The Doctor’ was there – and then with a handful to go, got mugged by Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar). His pace was good and his defence of position exemplary as ever, however, so don’t count Rossi out… especially on home turf. On the topic of Joan Mir, that Jaws music may need to make a return for him, and not just this weekend. The Spaniard has scored more points than anyone else in the last few races, despite the Red Flag in Styria interrupting what looked like a charge for the win, and the San Marino GP saw the Suzuki man put in a stunner and take his second podium. His ruthlessly brilliant charge through whole postcodes of distance on Sunday to catch and dispatch those fighting for third was something to behold – and then he says he found some more race pace at the test. His gap to the top of the Championship is just 16 points… and he’s the one man in the seven close at the top who hasn’t won yet. Mir is, surely, one of, if not THE candidate to continue the history-making run of first time winners. His Team Suzuki Ecstar teammate Alex Rins was no slouch in San Marino either. Still recovering from his shoulder injury sustained earlier in the season, the number 42 was right in the podium fight until the last couple of laps. He also explained that compensating for the weaker shoulder ended up giving him arm pump in the latter stages, but another new week is a little more time to recover – and some more time in testing to work towards a solution. The last time a Suzuki was on the podium at Misano before Mir’s second place last time out was in 2007, but that day… there were two. Could we see that again in the Emilia Romagna GP? And which way round? It’s a stunning battle at the Hamamatsu factory between two seriously fast riders. At KTM, meanwhile, the euphoria of the last few races faded into a tougher first weekend at Misano, but the Austrian factory seemed to have a positive day testing, with Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) happy with an improvement in race pace and ending the day in fourth. Can he move forward? His rookie teammate and Brno winner Brad Binder is always an interesting prospect too, and Misano was the first time the South African hadn’t teased a serious threat on race day. Styria GP Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) was also testing and said the focus was on those details they’d be lacking… so if they’ve solved those, what can we expect from KTM in Emilia Romagna? Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) continues to lead the Honda charge, and despite a tougher race in the San Marino GP there are positives to be expected next time out. Testing saw the Japanese rider end the day happy, and he’ll want to get back to the top five fight he’s frequented so far in 2020. Alex Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) will also want a step forward after a tougher time since some solid opening races. Aprilia Racing Team Gresini’s Aleix Espargaro and Bradley Smith, after a solid day of testing and a mountain of laps, will also be looking for a step forward at one of Aprilia’s home races. The Noale factory are continuing work on their new bike and both have scored some solid points finishes, but will definitely want more as the season goes on… Seven riders are within less than 20 points at the top of the Championship. Every single one of them has now won a premier class race bar one… and that’s the man in form, Joan Mir. Four maiden winners in the first six races hasn’t happened since the first season of the MotoGP™ World Championship. Can Mir – or maybe Bagnaia – make it five in seven? Strap in on Sunday the 20th of September at 14:00 (GMT +2)… we’re about to find out! MotoGP™ Championship Standings 1 Andrea Dovizioso – Ducati Team – Ducati – 76 2 Fabio Quartararo* – Petronas Yamaha SRT – Yamaha – 70 3 Jack Miller* – Pramac Racing – Ducati – 64 4 Joan Mir – Team Suzuki Ecstar – KTM – 60 5 Maverick Viñales – Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP – Yamaha – 58 *Independent Team riders Marini, Bastianini, Bezzecchi: can anyone bet against more home turf heroics? A fast faction of Italians dominated Moto2™ last time out. Now, at the same track, can they do it again? The San Marino GP was all about three men in Moto2™, and the good news for them? We’re about to do it all again at the same, home venue. It’s Luca Marini (Sky Racing Team VR46) who came out on top last time out to extend his Championship lead, and the Italian will be focused on a rinse and repeat. Marini has nevertheless mentioned a number of times that, second time round at a track this season, he seems to retain the same pace… as those around him only get quicker. Will that prove true again or can the number 10 reverse the trend? Teammate Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46) was the man duelling it out with him in the San Marino GP, so he’ll certainly be gunning for role reversals in Emilia Romagna. Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Racing Team) will more be looking to flip the podium positions completely. He came third – just! – as he made up some serious ground on the duel ahead, and it’s a track he knows well, where he took his first Grand Prix win in Moto3™. Back on fighting form and ready for more, Bastianini is another reason to expect an Italian national anthem again on Sunday… As John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) ruined the all-Italian run with his Moto3™ win last time out though, so too could a British threat do the same in the Moto2™ race in the Emilia Romagna GP. Sam Lowes (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) was on pole last time out but starting from pitlane due to a penalty from Styria… and he still managed to cut through the pack into eighth. Where would that pace have taken him from the front row? We will likely find out this weekend… The likes of Xavi Vierge (Petronas Sprinta Racing), Augusto Fernandez (EG 0,0 Marc VDS), Tom Lüthi (Liqui Moly Intact GP), teammate Marcel Schrötter and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Beta Tools Speed Up) will be hoping to make a step forward and get in the mix though… can they move forward second time round? Sam Lowes vs Italy may well be the story we expect, but plenty can always happen in Moto2™. Tune in for another stunner on Sunday the 20th of September at 12:30 (GMT +2).   Moto2™ Championship Standings 1 Luca Marini – Sky Racing Team VR46 – Kalex – 112 2 Enea Bastianini – Italtrans Racing Team – Kalex – 95 3 Marco Bezzecchi – Sky Racing Team VR46 – Kalex – 85 4 Jorge Martin – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – 79 5 Tetsuta Nagashima – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – 68 Game on: Ogura and McPhee home in on Arenas The San Marino GP shook the standings once again, with Arenas under more pressure than ever It was a truly stunning win for John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) last time out as the Scot went from P17 on the grid to the top step of the podium, and it was a headline grabber in more ways than one. With Championship leader Albert Arenas (Gaviota Aspar Team Moto3) crashing out, McPhee’s 25 points catapulted him right back to within 14 of the top – and Ai Ogura (Honda Team Asia), just 0.037 off the win in second, is now just five off the Championship lead. In the Gran Premio TISSOT dell’Emilia Romagna di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini then, it’s game on. McPhee will be flush with confidence and can be expected at the front, so the pressure will keep piling on Arenas. But the Scotsman will also likely play the long game, with plenty of points left on the table… so expect a measured, valuable ride for some good points. Can Arenas do the same? He did early doors in 2020… but there has been plenty water under the bridge since then. Ogura, on the other hand, is a different kettle of fish. The Japanese rider is simply going racing, getting on the podium, and then doing it again. His only 0 of the year wasn’t his fault, and he’s not particularly focused on the crown, it would seem – despite having been a favourite for some time. One thing Ogura is focused on is a maiden win, however, with that the last box to tick after getting his first pole position in the San Marino GP. Is now the time? It’s never that simple in Moto3™ though, and there are plenty more riders lining up to join the front freight train battle. Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse) won last year and was back on the podium last week, Kömmerling Gresini Moto3 duo Gabriel Rodrigo and Jeremy Alcoba were up there, Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) took Husqvarna’s best result of the season, Tony Arbolino (Rivacold Snipers Team) is a consistent threat… they, and more, can all be expected in the Emilia Romagna GP. There’s only one thing for it… tune in for another classic Moto3™ melee on Sunday the 20th of September at 11:00 (GMT +2)! Moto3™ Championship Standings 1 Albert Arenas – Gaviota Aspar Team Moto3 – KTM – 106 2 Ai Ogura – Honda Team Asia – Honda – 101 3 John McPhee – Petronas Sprinta Racing – Honda – 92 4 Tatsuki Suzuki – SIC58 Squadra Corse – KTM – 75 5 Tony Arbolino – Rivacold Snipers Team – Honda – 70

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Andersson looks to upset Petchmorakot in ONE World Championship showdown

Sep 17. 2020

 Twenty-six-year-old former Lion Fight World Champion Magnus “Crazy Viking” Andersson of Sweden is ready to show fans exactly what he is capable of after climbing into the ONE Championship ring for the very first time.

Andersson, who has spent his time honing his skills at Revolution Muay Thai Phuket, stepped into perhaps the most important bout of his career when he took on reigning ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy of Thailand a few weeks ago.

Andersson and Petchmorakot squared off in the main event of ONE: A NEW BREED III, a closed-door, audience-free and previously recorded event — the results of which will be made known when the show is broadcast globally this Friday night, 18 September.

Speaking of this highly-anticipated bout just days before its commencement, Andersson was beaming with confidence, and even expressed his gratitude to be able to compete in the world’s largest martial arts organization.

“For the past eight years, Petchmorakot has been very successful, and he’s part of a strong team. He has a strong left kick, good elbows, and good defense — not to mention, a lot of experience. I admire and respect him, but I am looking forward to the challenge of beating him,” Andersson said.

“I am very excited to be involved with such a fantastic organization. ONE Championship showcases the best martial arts fighters in the world. It has been a great success and is the fastest rising promotion in the world.”

Petchmorakot is one of the most well-rounded and experienced Muay Thai fighters to come out of Thailand. At just 26 years of age, the Thai warrior is already a veteran of nearly 200 Muay Thai and kickboxing bouts combined. 

Just last February, Petchmorakot captured the inaugural ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Title. He has since successfully defended the belt one time, against the legendary Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex no less.

Petchmorakot took on the task of welcoming a newcomer into the ONE Super Series fold for his next defense. For one, Andersson said he and his team have come up with a sound strategy to beat the champion, and score the monumental upset.

“Petchmorakot will try to control the distance and collect the points,” Andersson said.

“This is a difficult fight because Petchmorakot likes to counter and fight off the back foot. My coaches at Revolution Muay Thai Phuket made a strong game plan, and if I keep to the plan, I will have a good chance to win.”

Fans will find out this Friday night if that strategy indeed paid off.

ONE: A NEW BREED III was a closed-door, audience-free event previously recorded from Bangkok, Thailand. It’s the final entry of the “A New Breed” series from Bangkok. Aside from a spectacular headline bout between Petchmorakot and Andersson, fans will also get to see Thai women’s martial arts pioneer Rika “Tiny Doll” Ishige return to action to face countrywoman Sunisa “Thunderstorm” Srisen.

With ONE Championship gold in his sights, Andersson exhibited supreme confidence in his promotional debut. 

“I will be out to let him know that the Crazy Viking is in town and wants to be World Champion. Both of us will be trying to put on a show for the fans, and one of us will go home with the ONE Championship belt,” Andersson said.

“I am honored to get the chance to fight Petchmorakot and it’s my dream to become champion. This fight is about showing the world that Muay Thai is alive. It’s about giving hope to all the fans around the world, whenever they see exciting events in ONE Championship.”