CRICKET | Page 3 NBA | Page 4 No positive Lakers’ Bradley Covid-19 tests for opts out of NBA’s England ahead restart, cites of WI series son’s health

Thursday, June 25, 2020 TENNIS Dhul Qa’da 4, 1441 AH Djokovic slammed GULF TIMES over coronavirus ‘horror show’ SPORT Page 2

FOOTBALL / PREMIER LEAGUE CRICKET Pakistan’s Hafeez says Martial treble boosts second virus Man Utd’s Euro bid test ‘negative’ With 3-0 win over Sheffield, Solskjaer’s side are in fifth place, two points behind Chelsea

AFP Manchester, United Kingdom

nthony Martial’s hat- trick fired Manchester United to a 3-0 win over ASheffield United yester- day that boosted their bid to qualify for the Champions League. Martial struck twice in the first half and completed his first senior treble after the interval at Old Traf- ford. The France forward is the first AFP United player to score a Premier Karachi, Pakistan League hat-trick since Alex Fer- guson retired as their manager in 2013. akistan all-rounder Mohamed Hafeez said His heroics stole the spotlight yesterday that a second test he commissioned from United team-mate Paul Pog- himself proved he didn’t have coronavirus, a day ba, who was making his first start Pafter the country’s cricket board said he was one since September 30. of seven players who had officially tested positive. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, un- The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said Hafeez was beaten in their last 13 games in all one of ten players and tour staff who tested positive for competitions, remain in fifth place, the virus this week ahead of the squad’s departure for a but they are now just two points series of matches in Britain. behind fourth-placed Chelsea, Hafeez, described by officials as asymptomatic — like who face Manchester City today. the rest of those who tested positive — said he had im- United’s first win since the coro- mediately arranged a private second opinion. navirus hiatus was well deserved “I personally went to Test it again along with my as they took advantage of another family and here I along with my all family members are lethargic display from the Blades, reported Negative,” he tweeted. who would have gone above the Pakistan’s fragile health system is struggling to cope hosts with a victory. with the coronavirus epidemic and doubt has been cast Martial’s clinical finishing en- on the country’s ability to properly conduct mass testing. sured United built on Friday’s Manchester United’s Anthony Martial (second from left) scores their second goal during the English Premier League match against Sheffield United at It has confirmed nearly 190,340 cases so far, with the draw at Tottenham, but Pogba’s Old Trafford in Manchester, United Kingdom, yesterday. (Reuters) death toll approaching 3,792. confident return in his 10th ap- Besides Hafeez, Fakhar Zaman, Mohamed Rizwan, pearance of an injury-ravaged RUTHLESS EFFICIENCY managed in a single top-flight Freezing the Blades’ defence with Martial passing to Rashford Wahab Riaz, Imran Khan, Mohamed Hasnain, Kashif campaign was also encouraging On the hottest day of the year in campaign in his career. with his fake shot, Fernandes found and running onto the return pass Bhatti were diagnosed Tuesday as having the virus for Solskjaer. Britain, United were playing be- Rashford should have doubled Pogba, who spread the ball wide to before dinking a delicate chip over pathogens. Pogba came off the bench to de- hind closed doors at Old Trafford United’s lead moments later when Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Moore in the 74th minute. Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, Haider Ali, and a team liver an influential cameo against for the first time. Martial accelerated onto Pogba’s When Wan-Bissaka crossed low The only thing Martial did massage therapist, tested positive on Monday. Tottenham, winning the penalty The club had put enormous pass and teed up his strike partner. into the six-yard box, Martial, eas- wrong all day was forget the match Board officials have said all touring players and sup- that Bruno Fernandes converted. mosaics featuring photos of fans But the England forward could ily evading more sloppy marking, ball that goes to hat-trick scorers, port personnel who already passed as fit would be tested Once again, he linked up well across three stands to cover the only manage a woefully miscu- was on hand to beat Moore with but he remembered just in time again today. with Fernandes, the Portugal mid- seats and the empty stadium was ed effort that drifted wide as he ruthless efficiency. to claim it from the officials as he The entire squad will be also be tested again when fielder who has been a big hit since echoing to the shouts of celebrat- slammed the turf in frustration. Mason Greenwood was inches walked off the pitch. they arrive in Britain on Sunday. his January move from Sporting ing United players after just seven Dean Henderson, on loan at the away from making it three when he Despite the cases, both the PCB and the England and Lisbon, but there will be much minutes. Blades from United, was not al- curled wide early in the second half. RESULTS Wales Cricket Board insist next month’s tour will go sterner tests than the one posed by Marcus Rashford pounced on a lowed to face his parent club, so Pogba showed all his grace and n Manchester United 3 (Martial 7, ahead. Chris Wilder’s limp side. loose ball in the Blades penalty area Simon Moore started in goal for the poise when he dribbled past a host 44, 74) Sheffield United 0 Pakistan are due to play three Tests and three Twen- The Blades have failed to score and, with the visitors’ defence slow to visitors and he made a good tip over of Blades defenders, setting up n Newcastle 1 (Gayle 68) Aston ty20 internationals, with the first Test in Manchester in their first three games since the react, he whipped a low cross to Mar- from Fernandes’ free-kick. Greenwood for a chance the teen- Villa 1 (El Mohamady 83) starting August 5. restart and their hopes of a fairytale tial, who fired home at the near post. The influential Fernandes start- ager blazed over. n Norwich 0 Everton 1 (Keane 55) Planning minister Asad Umar warned last week that run to Champions League qualifi- It was Martial’s 12th league goal ed the move that brought United’s United saved the best until last n Wolves 1 (Jimenez 60) Bourne- the number of cases could double by the end of June, cation are fading. of the season — the most he has second goal in the 44th minute. as a superb flowing move ended mouth 0 and peak at more than a million infections next month.

ATHLETICS New York City Marathon cancelled due to Covid-19 Reuters sary, can either receive a full re- New York, United States fund or choose to run the race in Berlin marathon organisers shelve 2020 race any of the next three years. Reuters Chicago and New York. To date, 11 The statement said a compre- “As the latest US major on the he New York City Mara- Berlin, Germany world records have been set over hensive feasibility analysis calendar for the year, this one thon, one of the most the streets of the German capital. showed, however, that the stings,” former Boston Marathon prestigious events on the Yesterday, New York also an- marathon could not be held at a winner Des Linden wrote on Twit- global running calendar, he Berlin Marathon, nounced the cancellation of the later date this year either. ter. “It also offers clarity for season T one of the world’s big world’s largest marathon on No- Weather conditions and shorter has been cancelled this year be- goals and allows for patience and cause of the Covid-19 pandemic, Tsix races, will not take vember 1 due to the pandemic. days would make it difficult intelligence in mapping the way race organisers said yesterday. place this year because of the “Over the past weeks, we have and there was also uncertainty forward. It’s the right call.” The New York Road Runners Covid-19 pandemic, organisers put a lot of commitment and about the regulations after Of the six World Marathon (NYRR), in partnership with the said yesterday. effort into examining all options October. Majors, three have been can- mayor’s office, said the - deci The race was originally sched- for holding the BMW Berlin- “The question of whether celled this year due to the virus sion to cancel the world’s larg- uled for September 26-27 but Marathon 2020 under the given athletes will be able to travel with the Boston Marathon and est marathon was made due to organisers had already said conditions,” Berlin organisers internationally again by then Berlin Marathon also opting to novel coronavirus-related health it could not go ahead then said in a statement. can also not yet be answered,” shelve plans for their 2020 races. and safety concerns for runners, because of Germany’s ban on “We worked hard on the devel- said Juergen Lock, managing The Boston Marathon, origi- spectators, volunteers and staff. public gatherings of more than opment of a hygiene concept director of SCC Events. nally due to be held in April and The race was scheduled to take In this November 3, 2019, picture, runners cross the Verrazzano- 5,000 people until October 24. and held countless discussions Participants will be offered a then postponed until September, place on Nov 1. Narrows Bridge during the 2019 New York City Marathon. (AFP) The event is one of a group of with our experts, the respon- choice of repayment of the was cancelled this year for the “Cancelling this year’s TCS leading marathons that also sible authorities and service entry fee or a place in next first time in its 124-year history. New York City Marathon is in- Michael Capiraso. Former New York City Mara- includes Tokyo, Boston, London, providers, among others.” year’s event. The Tokyo Marathon went credibly disappointing for eve- The 26.2-mile race (42km), thon winner Meb Keflezighi said ahead on March 1 with elite run- ryone involved, but it was clearly which traverses all five boroughs the race held a special place in ners only, London was postponed the course we needed to follow of the city, routinely attracts over his heart and he was sad to hear “These decisions are never will see you in NYC for the 50th Runners who signed up for this to Oct 4 from April 26 and the from a health and safety perspec- 50,000 runners and more than that this year’s edition had been easy, but keeping people healthy running in 2021!” Keflezighi said year’s marathon, which would Chicago Marathon is currently tive,” said NYRR Chief Executive 1mn spectators. cancelled. and safe is always the right call. I on Twitter. have celebrated its 50th anniver- scheduled for October 11. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, June 25, 2020 SPORT

FOCUS GOLF Education City Golf Club partners with IMG Prestige McDowell

By Sports Reporter rector, IMG Golf Course Serv- be the first club in Qatar to be as- Doha ices, commented: “We are de- sociated with IMG. The company withdraws from lighted to welcome Education has been involved in all aspects City Golf Club to our network. of the game for decades and we MG announced that Edu- The Club is already recognised are very much looking forward to PGA Travelers after cation City Golf Club has as one of the finest in the EMEA hosting IMG Prestige members joined the IMG Prestige glo- region, reinforced by its recent at the club, and also seeing our Ibal network of world-class nomination for World’s Best members taking advantage of the caddie tests positive clubs and resorts. New Golf Course in 2020 by the reciprocal benefits.” Education City Golf Club World Golf Awards. They have Education City Golf Club also AFP group, according to Golfweek. is a landmark project for Qa- been doing a fantastic job in de- offers stay and play packages New York, United States McDowell tested negative tar and the world of golf. De- veloping the game of golf in Qa- with some of the best hotels in for Covid-19 on Monday and signed by Jose Maria Olazabal, tar and we hope that IMG Pres- Doha. For more information played a Travelers practice round it comprises three golf courses Education City Golf Club. tige members enjoy the superb please visit www.ecgolf.com/ ormer US Open champi- Tuesday with Shane Lowry and including an 18-hole champi- facilities as soon as international Stay_Play. on Graeme McDowell of Brooks and Chase Koepka before onship course, a 6-hole flood- during the recent Commercial and practice facilities, includ- travel is allowed.” IMG Prestige provides a valu- Northern Ireland with- Comboy tested positive Tuesday. lit championship course and a Bank Qatar Masters, a European ing a Power Tee and TrackMan Michael Braidwood, General able and unique benefit to the Fdrew from the US PGA The 40-year-old from North- 9-hole floodlit par 3 course. The Tour event. equipped driving range and Manager, Education City Golf members of each participating Tour’s Travelers Championship ern Ireland who won the 2010 US 18-hole course is immaculately In line with its commitment luxurious performance studios Club, commented: “IMG Pres- club, delivering green-fee rev- yesterday after his caddie, Ken Open became the third player to groomed and conditioned and to developing the game in the featuring the latest swing and tige is an elite network of golf enues as well as providing an Comboy, tested positive for Cov- withdraw from the event. South received widespread acclaim country, the Club also fea- custom-fit technology. clubs and resorts from across the immediate seal of quality in the id-19. Carolina and Cameron Champ from players and media alike tures state-of-the-art learning Russell Hannah, Senior Di- world and it’s an honour for us to marketplace. McDowell, a February winner withdrew Tuesday after testing at the Saudi International on the positive. Both US golfers are iso- European Tour, told Golfweek lating under tour guidelines. TENNIS late Tuesday that he planned to Nick Watney was out after get tested and fly home to Flor- testing positive last week. ida. “I feel great physically and “For the protection of the field I was obviously surprised and and for my own physical and disappointed to learn of the test mental well-being, I’m going to result,” Champ said. “It’s impor- take a test tomorrow morning tant now to take the necessary then jump on a private plane,” steps and measures to protect McDowell said. others, including my loved ones.” Djokovic slammed “I’m going to get myself out of World number six Dus- here, home to Florida and decide tin Johnson, the 2016 US Open whether I need to quarantine champion, says he is pleased myself from my family.” with the testing program and Comboy took a commercial safeguards the PGA has in place. flight from Texas to Florida two “The tour is doing a great job weeks ago after the PGA’s first with all the things they have, over coronavirus comeback event following a the precautions we have to take,” three-month coronavirus shut- Johnson said. “For the most part, down when McDowell’s private most of the guys are pretty safe ‘In hindsight, it’s not plane proved too small for his and they are doing a great job.” something that should ‘horror show’ have gone ahead’ AFP tions disaster for Djokovic. , Serbia He was criticised for breaking lockdown rules to train in Spain and raised eyebrows by insisting ovak Djokovic was he would not be prepared to vac- widely condemned for cinate against the coronavirus. hosting a tennis exhi- Djokovic also described lim- Nbition where he was its on players’ entourages at one of four players to test posi- the US Open as “extreme” and tive for the coronavirus, a lapse “impossible”, again putting that sent shudders through a him at odds with much of pub- sport struggling to get back on lic opinion. its feet. His latest misstep has caused The world number one on some to question his presiden- Tuesday issued an unstinting cy of the ATP Player Council, apology for the now-cancelled which advises the ATP board. Adria Tour in the Balkans, where “I think there’s a lot of his was minimal peer group who are scratching and matches were played in their heads,” veteran coach Paul front of thousands of fans. Annacone told Tennis.com. Djokovic, 33, said he is “so Martina Navratilova, who deeply sorry” that the tourna- won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, ment “caused harm”. His wife tweeted: “Yikes... this is not Jelena has also tested positive good and it’s a pattern... What after the couple travelled back now, US Open? Roland Garros? from Croatia to Belgrade to be We have a lot of work to do.” tested. Brazil’s Bruno Soares, a dou- Among the scathing criticism bles player who sits on the Play- of Djokovic, there were ques- er Council, called the Adria Tour tions about whether he, or ten- a “horror show”. nis, should be allowed back on ATP chairman Andrea Gaud- any court in the near future. enzi said it was a lesson for other Many voiced concerns over tournaments. attempts to restart professional In this June 14, 2020, picture, (left) and his wife Jelena attend a match at the Adria Tour, “It’s a little bit like when you In this July 18, 2019, picture, Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell in tournaments in August, includ- the Serbian player’s exhibition tournament, in Belgrade. (AFP) tell your kids when they try to action during the British Open in Portrush, Northern Ireland. (Reuters) ing the US Open which is sched- learn to ride the bike to wear the uled to begin on August 31. this takes the cake,” tweeted the sociation) are different to Serbia The president of the Croatian helmet,” Gaudenzi said. “It’s Djokovic, , world number 40. and Croatia. No fans for a start.” tennis federation insisted that ‘no, no, no’.” Borna Coric and Britain’s Andy Murray, a In the latest repercussion, at the time of the Zadar event, it “And they ride the bike, they Vettel hopes for F1 race in Mugello all tested positive after tak- three-time Grand Slam winner Serbian NBA player Nikola Jokic appeared safe to go ahead with- fall, and then they wear the hel- ing part in the Adria Tour event who has known Djokovic since has reportedly tested positive out strict health regulations. met.” Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel has said that the Mugello track in Croatia, where players em- their junior days, said: “I don’t for the virus after being pictured “When we accepted No- Djokovic had already raised in Italy deserves to host a Formula One race, as one of several braced across the net, played think it has been a great look for with Djokovic at a basketball vak’s idea to organise the tour, eyebrows during lockdown for candidates for grands prix in the season revamped because of basketball and even danced in a tennis.” event in Belgrade earlier this the epidemiological situation his anti-vaccination stance the coronavirus pandemic. Vettel and teammate Charles Leclerc nightclub. “In hindsight, it’s not some- month. in Croatia was much better,” and for unusual claims includ- had test drives on Tuesday in Mugello ahead of the belated July 5 Australia’s Nick Kyrgios, so thing that should have gone Jokic’s team, the Denver Nug- Nikolina Babic told the Vecernji ing that human emotions can season-opener in Austria. The track was completed in 1974 but is often in the crosshairs for his ahead,” Murray told reporters. gets, who are ramping up prepa- List daily paper yesterday. change the quality of water. yet to stage an F1 race, with the Italian GP contested in Monza. “I own on-court indiscretions, “Some people have said may- rations for a resumption of the “Maybe some minor mistakes Serbian newspaper Danas really think Mugello deserves to host a Formula One Grand Prix,” said the incident was pure “stu- be this has put the US Open in NBA season, declined to com- were made but the idea was said that the farcical end to the Vettel said in a team statement. “I hadn’t driven it for eight years, pidity”. doubt — which it may well do. ment on the report in the Denver good.” Adria Tour could “maybe be the so it took a few laps for me to get used to the track and then I “Don’t @ me for anything I’ve But the measures and the pro- Post, citing medical privacy. The best warning for all others that really enjoyed myself.” F1 organisers have so far confirmed eight done that has been ‘irresponsi- tocols they have in place at the player is now in quarantine in PR DISASTER no one is immune to a vicious races in Europe until September 6, but one or two more could ble’ or classified as ‘stupidity’ — USTA (United States Tennis As- Serbia. Covid-19 has been a public rela- virus”. follow on the continent because it remains unclear whether racing is possible in Asia and the Americas, and the Singapore and Japa- nese races already scrapped. BOTTOMLINE Pope writes to Zanardi, hailing his Grand Slams plan ahead to avoid Djokovic fate example Pope Francis has written a letter of support to injured Paralympic Reuters New York from Aug. 31. Or- icon Alessandro Zanardi, hailing him as an “example of how to Mumbai, India Berlin tennis event will allow 1,000 fans ganisers have come under fire, successfully start again”, a sports daily said yesterday. Former For- including from Djokovic, who mula One driver Zanardi, who become one of the great figures in AFP coronavirus. Rittner told Deutsche Welle. initially called their measures disabled sports after both his legs were amputated in 2001 follow- ays after a handful of Berlin, Germany There will be two events in the “We will have around 1,000 “extreme”. They will now feel ing a motor racing accident, has been in a coma in hospital since the world’s leading German capital — one outdoors spectators at the Steffi Graf vindicated. a handbike crash last week. The 53-year old suffered serious head tennis players hugged at the Steffi Graf Stadium and stadium and around 300 in the “This situation is exactly why injuries. “Dearest Alessandro. Your story is an example of how to and high-fived on ne thousand fans will be one indoors at the city’s his- hangar at Tempelhof. we have created a comprehen- succeed in starting again after an unexpected stop,” Francis said D allowed to watch a Ber- toric Tempelhof Airport. “It will be important to careful- in a letter published by the Gazzetta dello Sport. “Through sport, court in front of packed stands sive health and medical plan... and partied together in carefree Olin tennis tournament “When we host the tournament ly observe all regulations and that was approved by New York you have taught us to live life to the full, making disability a lesson fashion some — including world next month despite the con- in mid-July, there will be a strict to test the players beforehand. State,” USTA spokesman Chris in humanity. Thank you for giving strength to those who had lost number one Novak Djokovic — troversy which has engulfed hygiene concept that we will co- This is one of the requirements Widmaier told Reuters. it. At this painful moment, I am close to you and I pray for you and were struck down by the Cov- Novak Djokovic whose Balkans ordinate with the Berlin Senate,” for these events. “The creation of a controlled your family,” he added. id-19 virus. event left him and three other tournament director and Ger- “We will treat the situation and US Open environment, includ- As a cautionary tale, it could players testing positive for man Fed Cup skipper Barbara regulations very respectfully.” ing official hotels, transporta- hardly be more stark. tion, food, medical and safety FBI investigation finds no crime in Though the players were not protocols, enables us to mitigate Wallace noose incident breaking government protocols they reopen the sport and seek as were the processes in place.” Pro Tennis Series, which will be potential risk, and appropriately during the Adria Tour exhibition to keep the players safe. Australia had successfully played at closed stadiums. respond to any issues.” The noose found in the garage stall of Nascar’s only black driver tournament, which was organ- “There were a fair few learn- curbed the virus spread but a Players would have to bring The US Open will have no Bubba Wallace was not evidence of a racist hate crime but a ised by Djokovic, it highlighted ings that have come out of that double-digit increase in new their own towels and will be spectators, there will be limi- pull rope that had been there for months, US investigators said the risks of athletes from differ- (Adria Tour),” Tennis Australia’s cases recently has triggered fear encouraged to shower off-site. tations on players’ entourage Tuesday. “The FBI has completed its investigation at Talladega ent countries mingling without (TA) Chief Operating Officer of another wave due to apparent On-court personnel would be and everyone must wear masks Superspeedway and determined that Bubba Wallace was not the adhering to what have become Tom Larner told Reuters. community transmission. limited to an umpire, minimal when onsite unless practising or target of a hate crime,” Nascar said in a statement after outrage social distancing norms. “And whilst, certainly the TA gave a glimpse of the bi- line judges with no ball-kids. competing. Testing will be con- erupted over the incident, at a time when protests against racial Hindsight offers clarity, but whole event was actually re- osecurity protocols that could ducted before travelling to the injustice are sweeping the United States. The probe found the pull organisers of the world’s big- ally well-intentioned in terms be in place for next year’s Aus- NO SPECTATORS United States and at least once rope fashioned like a noose was in the garage stall long before it gest tournaments say they will of raising money for charity, the tralian Open while announcing First up, though, will be the US per week along with daily tem- was assigned to Wallace for Sunday’s race at Talladega in Alabama. not make the same mistakes as execution was clearly not great, measures for the domestic UTR Open, scheduled to be held in perature checks. Gulf Times Thursday, June 25, 2020 3 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT COMMENT Took approaches too casually: Shakib No positive Covid-19 opens up on ICC ban

IANS New Delhi

angladesh all-rounder tests for England Shakib Al Hasan opened up recently Bregarding approaches from bookies that saw him get- ting suspended by the Interna- tional Cricket Council last year. wards his lax attitude that saw Shakib was banned from all him being out of the game for forms of the game for two years such a long time. He stated ahead of WI series for breaching ICC’s Anti-Cor- that he regrets his decision to ruption Code, one year of that not report the approaches to suspended, in October 2019. the officials at the time. ‘WE CAN CONFIRM THAT ALL 702 TESTS WERE NEGATIVE’ He can finally to return to the “But I think that was a silly game in October 29 this year. mistake I made. Because with Agencies “I took the approaches too my experience and the amount London casually. When I met the anti- of international matches I’ve England pacer Mark Wood (left) with Jofra Archer corruption guy and told them played and the amount of ICC’s and they knew everything,” anti-corruption code of conduct o England cricketer Shakib was quoted as saying classes I took, I shouldn’t have tested positive for the by Cricbuzz. Gave them all the made that decision (to not re- coronavirus prior to a evidence and they knew eve- port), to be honest,” Shakib said. Ntraining group assem- rything that happened... To be “I regret that. And I think no bling at the Ageas Bowl ahead of honest, that’s the only reason I one should take such messages next month’s Test series against was banned for a year, other- or calls (from bookies) lightly the West Indies, it was an- wise I’d have been banned for or leave it away... We must in- nounced yesterday. five or 10 years.” form the ICC ACSU guy to be The England and Wales Shakib was suspended for on the safe side and that’s the Cricket Board said all results failing to report corrupt ap- lesson I learnt, and I think I came back negative from 702 proaches and he pointed to- learnt a big lesson.” tests carried out on players, sup- port staff, match officials, ECB staff, venue staff and hotel staff Connor to be first female MCC from June 3-23. However, that figure does not president in 233 years include the second test of Eng- Former England women’s Lord’s Cricket Ground, voted land fast bowler Jofra Archer, captain Clare Connor is set to to allow women to become whose result will be known to- become the first female presi- members. day. The three-match series, dent of Marylebone Cricket Connor, saying she felt which will mark the return of Club in its 233-year history. “deeply honoured”, added in international cricket from lock- Current incumbent Kumar a statement: “I made my first down, begins at Hampshire’s Sangakkara, the first non-Brit- visit to Lord’s as a starry-eyed, Ageas Bowl on July 8, with the ish MCC president, nominated cricket-obsessed nine year- other two matches taking place Connor via video link from old girl at a time when women at Old Trafford. his native Sri Lanka during were not welcome in the Long “The England and Wales an annual general meeting Room (of the pavilion). Cricket Board can confirm that yesterday. “Times have changed. Now 702 Covid-19 tests were carried Connor, now the England and I find myself entrusted with out between June 3 and June 23 Wales Cricket Board’s head of this remarkable opportunity – with several stakeholder groups women’s cricket, is set to take the opportunity to play a part working at the bio-secure ven- up her new post on October 1, in helping MCC, cricket’s most ues of the Ageas Bowl and Emir- 2021, subject to the member- influential club, to thrive and ates Old Trafford,” said a state- ship’s approval. It was not un- grow in an even more modern ment. til 1998 that MCC, which owns and inclusive future.” (AFP) “These groups include play- ers, support staff, match offi- cials, ECB staff, venue staff and hotel staff. We can confirm that all 702 tests were negative.” Bangladesh cancel Sri Lanka Although Archer has not cricket tour due to virus tested positive, the ECB said on Tuesday he would have to have Bangladesh have formally Sri Lanka’s cricket calendar another check-up after a mem- called off their Test series in this month. India pulled out of ber of his household – who are Sri Lanka because of the coro- a limited-overs series sched- all also free of Covid-19 – felt navirus pandemic, officials in uled for late June. unwell over the weekend. Colombo said yesterday. The Sri Lankan cricket team The West Indies, none of The Bangladesh team was started its second residential whose touring side have yet to due to play three Tests in late training camp in Kandy on contract the virus, continued July, but the tour was in doubt Monday to prepare for the their preparations with the sec- because of the worrying Twenty20 world cup in Aus- ond day of a three-day intra- spread of Covid-19 across tralia in September. squad match at Old Trafford Archer will be a major part of this summer, says Mark Wood South Asia. The island nation has report- yesterday. The Sri Lankan cricket board ed 11 virus deaths and some The first test match is sched- England pacer Mark Wood has 8. The three-Test series will also around again. I’m sure he’ll be Tuesday. Asked about train- said Bangladesh had pulled 1,998 infections. It has eased uled to begin in Southampton said Jofra Archer adds depth to mark the resumption of cricket back, hopefully tomorrow, if he ing inside a bio-secure bubble, out due to “the lack of prepa- lockdown measures and on July 8 without spectators fol- England’s fast bowling battery after the coronavirus break. gets the all-clear. It’s great that Wood said it is “weird” and a “bit ration for its players, caused resumed economic activity. lowed by games in Manchester. and will be a major part of their Gun-quick Archer, who did not we’ve got this sort of depth in like a sci-fi movie”. by the Covid-19 pandemic”. Bangladesh, meanwhile, has England will then host Pa- summer as they get ready to join the training squad after a the squad. He’ll be a major part “It’s a bit like a sci-fi movie,” he Former Bangladesh skipper confirmed over 122,660 infec- kistan in three Tests and three take on the West Indies in three member of his household fell ill, of this summer,” Wood was said on standard.co.uk. Mashrafe Mortaza – who re- tions and more than 1,500 Twenty20 internationals start- Test matches. has tested negative for Covid-19. quoted as saying by ‘Evening “Everybody’s masked up and mains in the Test squad – and deaths from the coronavirus ing on July 30 but doubts remain England’s 30-member training But he will be tested again and Standard’. you can’t see anybody. You don’t left-arm spinner Nazmul Islam so far. The country restarted over whether the tour can go group is preparing for the Test once cleared he will join his Wood and star all-rounder Ben know if they’re friendly or not! tested positive for the virus economic activities after lift- ahead after the Pakistan cricket series at the Ageas Bowl’s bio- team members for training Stokes joined on Monday night, It’s a bit different and a bit weird, Saturday. ing a months-long virus lock- Board said 10 of their players secure bubble, which is set to today. before the majority of the squad but it’s just something we’ll have This is the second internation- down at the end of May even tested positive for the virus. host the opening match on July “It would be great to have Jofra gathered at the on-site hotel on to get used to.” al engagement to be taken off as cases continued to rise.

FOCUS ‘First love’ – how 1983 World Cup victory triggered India’s obsession with cricket AFP just one win – against East Af- ral Twenty20 World Cup title tory that came against any ex- the World Cup’s third edition, New Delhi rica – in the previous two edi- in 2007 and their second ODI pectations.” said optimism was non-existent tions. world trophy in 2011, but the India were reeling at 17 for five at the start. “We never, ever imagined we victory in England will always in a crucial group match against “Expectations were zero when First love cannot be for- would reach the quarter-final or remain a watershed moment. Zimbabwe when Dev’s unbeaten we went, because India’s past gotten,” is how one mem- the knockout stage,” Syed Kirm- The Board of Control for Crick- 175 won the game and proved to be record in the World Cups had ber of Kapil Dev’s team ani, the team’s flamboyant wick- et in India is now the wealthiest the turning point for their cam- been dismal,” Memon told AFP. describes India’s debut etkeeper-batsman, told AFP. association in the game and play- paign. Kapil’s Devils outplayed “I did not even see the first cricket“ World Cup win in 1983 – “A few of my colleagues in ers like Sunil Gavaskar, part of hosts England in the semi-finals match, India v West Indies, be- a victory that aroused passions that team had expressed them- the 1983 team, Sachin Tendulkar and then defended a modest total cause I thought they would lose so fierce they would change the selves that ‘we are going to have and Virat Kohli have been instru- of 183 in the title clash. easily, but a lot of things con- game forever. fun, enjoy ourselves and that’s it’. mental in taking Indian cricket to Roger Binny, who sent back spired to make it India’s tourna- When ‘Kapil Devils’ stunned “But we laid a very strong greater heights. West Indies skipper Clive Lloyd ment. the West Indies at Lord’s, the foundation by winning the Cup. “The board started getting for eight in the final, said Dev’s “I was witness to Kapil Dev’s traditional home of cricket, it It is like the first love cannot be commercial benefits only - af leadership and India’s all- innings at Tunbridge Wells triggered an obsession with forgotten. Thirty-seven years ter the World Cup win and for rounders were key to the team’s (against Zimbabwe). BBC was on the sport in India and created have gone, people still remember us it was a game-changer,” Su- success. “I think it has got be one-day strike, so there was no its biggest market – ultimately our victory.” nil Valson, who was part of the the all-rounders. If you see the radio or TV commentary. One making India’s board the richest He added: “The younger gen- 14-member squad, told AFP. scores in all the matches, contri- man’s genius gave India the di- and most powerful in the world. eration are also keen to know “Understand nowadays butions came from the latter half rection to go for glory. It lifted up India was previously a hock- when we won the first World whenever the Indian team goes of the team,” Binny told AFP. the self-belief in the team.” ey-loving nation, owing to their Cup and who were the players. for a World Cup the expectations “Definitely one strong point He added: “In 1983, what In- five Olympic gold medals- be Oh God, it is a fantastic, nostal- are so high on them. But in ’83 was (Dev’s) captaincy. Also when dia did was turn the game up- tween 1948 and 1980. gic feeling.” nobody expected it, but the way we beat the West Indies in the side completely on its head in But on June 25, 1983, India’s India’s run to the title is soon we played was just amazing. first game in Manchester, that the power matrix. Suddenly you cricketers became world-beat- to get the Bollywood treatment, “’83 will be ’83, that changed lifted the spirit of the guys.” found India were champions, ers. Nobody saw the victory with popular actor Ranveer the passion, the trend. Money Veteran journalist Ayaz Mem- therefore their participation in In this file photo taken on June 25, 2008, Kapil Dev, captain of the coming, after India came into Singh playing Dev. MS Dhoni came into the sport much later, on, one of the half-a-dozen In- the sport became greater and 1983 World Cup-winning Indian cricket team, holds up the actual cup the one-day tournament with later led India to the inaugu- but certainly it was a great vic- dian journalists that travelled to bigger.” won in 1983 at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Thursday, June 25, 2020 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Japan 2019 left ‘huge legacy’: World Rugby CEO AFP Rugby is that it also created the third- concerns. “Hopefully they will be able London biggest broadcast market,” he said. to put in a bid for one of the two RWCs. “That is a legacy for all rugby be- It will be interesting and a great com- cause our revenues get pushed around pliment to the sport that the US are in- he 2019 Rugby World Cup has 120 unions.” terested in hosting a RWC.” left a “huge legacy” in Japan Gosper said the rugby world had tra- The Chinese market remains elu- and its success should em- ditionally been reliant on France and sive but Gosper hopes that success at Tbolden countries such as the Britain and the challenge now was to Olympic level — their women’s sevens United States to bid for future events, sustain a third sizeable market. team qualified for Tokyo 2020 — could says World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper. “That is the reason we went to Japan have a positive knock-on effect. The 61-year-old Australian spoke to and Asia, was to create new markets “China is still an ambition for rug- AFP as audit giant EY released its re- and participation,” he said. by,” he said. port, “The economic impact of Rugby “It gives us a bigger commercial “It is a complex market, very decen- World Cup 2019”. footprint to put back into other areas tralised. However, it is a very strong EY estimated that 46,000 jobs were of the world.” Olympic country — the women’s sev- created or sustained for the tourna- ens team qualified for the Tokyo Ol- ment and £4.3bn ($5.4bn) — a record ‘RISKING THEIR LIVES?’ ympics. for a Rugby World Cup — was gener- Gosper believes the success of Japan “So it would not take a lot to ignite ated in economic output. 2019 will give World Rugby chiefs con- something very special in China from Gosper said “Japan 2019 was one of fidence that rugby-playing nations an Olympic point of view.” the greatest, maybe the greatest, of all with a similar profile can host the tour- For Gosper, the pool match between World Cups” and exceeded all expecta- nament. Japan and Scotland in Yokohama — tions. USA Rugby filed for bankruptcy ear- threatened by Typhoon Hagibis — “For Japan there is a huge legacy,” he lier this year but Gosper said that did stands out as a highlight from the 2019 said via video call. “There was an up- not rule the United States out of bid- tournament. tick in participation at schools, young- ding for the 2027 or 2031 tournaments. Japan won to qualify for the quarter- er audiences on social media and, on “I am sure that their time will come,” finals. TV, 58mn watched the Scotland v Japan he said. “The bankruptcy does make it “To me it was really the high point of game. slightly more complex but everything the tournament emotionally,” he said. “It shows it was a major national is more complex in the world now in “Fifty people stayed overnight at ubiquitous event for all age groups.” both the short term and medium. Yokohama Stadium to ensure it was Gosper said the tournament had at- “We are looking at 2027 and 2031 up and ready for the next day after ty- tracted swathes of new players to the (both bids will run at the same time). phoons raged through. sport in Asia and also created a new “To put on a Rugby World Cup it re- “Were they risking their lives? Pos- source of income alongside traditional quires financial effort beyond any one sibly. markets. union. “They were certainly taking risks to “The legacy is beyond stadia “England and France have economic put themselves out to ensure the game facelifts, gym equipment and higher muscle from their governments and in was put on and the spectacle put on participation — the legacy for World the USA case it would be more private was the real high point.” World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper. (AFP)

FOCUS NFL Brady, Bucs continue group workouts against Lakers’ Bradley opts NFLPA advisory out of NBA’s restart, cites son’s health ‘I’ll use this time away to focus on the formation of projects to help strengthen my communities’ Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady. (TNS)

Reuters states that no players should Avery Bradley (left) of the Los Los Angeles be engaged in practising to- Angeles Lakers in action against the gether in private workouts,” Memphis Grizzlies during a regular Mayer wrote. “Our goal is to NBA game at Staples Center on om Brady and several have all players and your fami- February 21, 2020. (AFP) members of the Tam- lies as healthy as possible in pa Bay Buccaneers the coming months. Tcontinued to work out “We are working on the together on Tuesday despite best mitigation procedures at the NFL Players Associa- team facilities for both train- tion’s strong recommendation ing camps and the upcoming against such gatherings. season, and believe that it is in More than a dozen Bucs the best interest of all players players — including new tight that we advise against any vol- end Rob Gronkowski, wide re- untary joint practices before ceiver Chris Godwin and cen- training camp commences.” tre Ryan Jensen — met again at According to ESPN, the a Tampa prep school Tuesday NFLPA declined further com- morning for a two-hour work- ment on Tuesday. However, out, according to the Tampa NFL spokesman Brian McCa- Bay Times. Also present, per rthy told ESPN, “Everyone as- the Times, were backup quar- sociated with the NFL should terbacks Blaine Gabbert and follow the recommendations Ryan Griffin, wideout Scotty and guidelines of state and Miller and defensive backs local authorities and medical Mike Edwards, Sean Mur- experts, including the NFLPA. phy-Bunting and Jamel Dean. The league is working with Brady, 42, and teammates have the NFLPA to conclude the been working out regularly at remaining protocols and fi- Berkeley Preparatory School nalize arrangements for the since mid-May. In the wake safe opening of training camps of several NFL players across next month.” the league testing positive in Coronavirus cases are ris- recent weeks, NFLPA medical ing rapidly in Florida, and re- director Thom Mayer released ports last week said multiple a statement Saturday implor- members of the Bucs’ staff ing all players to stop group had tested positive. The team practices amid the coronavirus confirmed on Saturday that pandemic. some staff have tested -posi “Please be advised that it is tive, though it did not offer a our consensus medical opin- number. ESPN reported that ion that in light of the increase two Bucs players and an assist- in Covid-19 cases in certain ant coach had Covid-19. Reuters due to run July 9-29 with games tiple media outlets reported that Los Angeles to commence on July 30. free agent JR Smith could be a Jokic, six other NBA players test “As committed to my Lakers top target. teammates and the organization Smith won an NBA champi- positive for Covid-19 Report: Redskins remove Marshall he Western Conference- as I am, I ultimately play basket- onship alongside current Lakers Seven NBA players, includ- NBA is due to restart late next from Ring of Fame leading Los Angeles ball for my family,” Avery Brad- star LeBron James in 2015-16. ing Denver Nuggets All-Star month with 22 of the 30 teams Lakers will be without ley said, per ESPN. “And so, at However, the 34-year-old veter- centre Nikola Jokic, have tested competing at the Walt Disney George Preston Marshall, the of FedEx Field are being a starter when the NBA a time like this, I can’t imagine an last appeared in an NBA game positive for the coronavirus World Resort near Orlando, Fla. last NFL owner to integrate renamed in honour of Bobby T recently, according to various Training camps at Disney are in the 1960s, will be removed Mitchell, who was the first season resumes, as guard Avery making any decision that might in November 2018. Bradley announced Tuesday that put my family’s health and well- Bradley, 29, averaged 8.6 media reports Tuesday. due to open July 11. Jokic was from the Washington Red- African American to play for he will not join the team next being at even the slightest risk. points and 2.3 rebounds for the The only one of the group who scheduled to return to Denver skins’ Ring of Fame. Marshall’s team. month in central Florida. “As promised also, I will use Lakers in 49 games (44 starts) was specifically identified was this week. According to ESPN, Last week, a statue of Marshall launched the fran- Bradley told ESPN that his de- this time away to focus on the this season. He missed 13 games Jokic, who reportedly is under Jokic has been asymptomatic Marshall was removed from chise as the Boston Braves cision was made out of concern formation of projects to help in November and December due quarantine in his native Serbia, since testing positive last week. the grounds of RFK Stadium. in 1932 and remained the for the health of his 6-year-old strengthen my communities.” to a hairline fracture in his right per multiple media outlets. Per the report, he is expected to Marshall integrated the fran- principal owner until he died son, Liam, who has dealt with Last week, Bradley joined with leg. Two unnamed members of the be cleared to travel to Denver chise only after being forced in 1969. respiratory problems. Bradley Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irv- A 2010 first-round pick of Phoenix Suns have the virus, ac- within a week. Players who left to do so by federal officials In 1933, the franchise was and his wife have three children. ing in fronting a coalition of NBA the Celtics (19th overall) out of cording to the Arizona Republic. their home team market were in 1962. renamed the Redskins and After a four-month hiatus players asking the league and the Texas, Bradley played seven sea- And ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski scheduled to return to their The Ring of Fame encircles shared Fenway Park with the prompted by the coronavirus players union to focus on social sons in Boston before splitting tweeted that an unnamed pro team market on June 15 for the facade on the middle Boston Red Sox. Marshall pandemic, the NBA will send the reform and anti-racism causes. the past three seasons between Western Conference playoff testing. Jokic was granted an level of the stadium at FedEx brought the team to his top 22 of its 30 teams to the Walt The rules of the paused season the Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles team had four players test exception by the NBA to stay in Field in Landover, Md. hometown of Washington, Disney World Resort near Or- will allow the Lakers to replace Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies and positive in the past week. The Sombor, Serbia. The lower bowl sections DC, in 1937. Reuters lando, Florida. Training camp is Bradley on the roster, and mul- the Lakers. Gulf Times Thursday, June 25, 2020 5 SPORT

BUNDESLIGA FIFA tipped to award 2023 women’s World Cup to joint Mueller welcomes Dortmund challenge Australia and New Zealand bid Lausanne: Helped by the terms of sporting and general to Bayern’s league domination withdrawal of rival candidates, infrastructure. It would also a joint bid by Australia and appear to present the most New Zealand is expected to be commercially favourable AFP awarded the hosting rights for proposition”. Berlin the 2023 women’s World Cup The joint proposal would by FIFA today. see games played in 13 venues With Japan pulling out ear- across 12 cities, with the open- homas Mueller says Bayern lier this week to follow Brazil, ing match at Eden Park in Auck- Munich welcome the challenge Argentina, South Africa and a land and the final in Sydney. issued by Borussia Dortmund joint Korean bid in falling by the Seven cities in Australia would defender Mats Hummels, who wayside, only Colombia stand host games, and five in New T in the way of the strong bid of Zealand. “When you look at insists they want to break the Bavar- ian giants’ eight-year domination of the Australia and New Zealand. our bid, we think it ticks a lot of Bundesliga. The 2023 tournament is set the boxes,” Football Federation Last week, Bayern were crowned Ger- to be the first 32-team women’s Australia chairman Chris Nikou man champions for the eighth season World Cup, up from the 24 said an interview this week. in a row with Dortmund confirmed as nations who competed at last Colombia plans to use 10 Bundesliga runners-up for the second year’s finals in France, won by venues with the opening match straight season. Last Saturday, Erling the United States. and final in Bogota. All are Braut Haaland scored twice in a 2-0 win Today’s decision at a video- existing stadiums, but one — at RB Leipzig, which confirmed Dort- conference meeting of the 37 in Cucuta in the north of the mund’s second place. members of the FIFA Council country by the Venezuelan In post-match interviews, Hummels, comes with football, and global border — requires “significant who spent three years at Bayern before sport in general, struggling to renovation work”. returning to Dortmund in 2019, insisted get back on its feet in the midst The FIFA report also “we want to finish one place higher next of the coronavirus pandemic. highlighted security worries. season”. Bayern stalwart Mueller, 30, who The Australia and New Zea- “Although there has been a has won the Bundesliga title nine times land bid was given the highest significant reduction in domes- in his career, said the champions relished score, of 4.1 out of five, in an tic terrorism, some concerns hearing how they can expect another evaluation by world football’s remain in terms of the potential fight for the title with Dortmund next governing body published impact of crime on tourna- season. earlier this month. It was fol- ment stakeholders,” the FIFA “Absolutely. Dortmund have a squad lowed by Japan, on 3.9, but the report states. Today’s meeting that can be dangerous to us,” Mueller Japanese bid was withdrawn on will also raise the issue of the told Sport Bild. “The competition in the Monday, with the head of the international calendar in the past two years can be rated much higher country’s football association men’s game, given the havoc than usual. I can understand Mats’s com- noting that key support was caused by the global health ments,” added Mueller who was in the moving towards Australia and crisis. Among the issues is the same Germany team as Hummels which New Zealand. future of the next Africa Cup won the 2014 World Cup title. “At FC In addition, Kozo Tajima of Nations, due to be played in Bayern, we want a competitor who stands admitted that Japan’s focus Cameroon in early 2021. up and says: ‘Hey, by the way, we also could not resist teasing Dortmund, where really enjoy it,” added Mueller. contract runs for,” he added. was on hosting next year’s After playing in the northern want to become German champions’.” leaders Bayern claimed a key 1-0 win at The attacking midfielder, who has “I will do everything possible to make it Olympics in Tokyo. “I sensed hemisphere summer at last Dortmund were the last team to deny the end of May which allowed them to made 529 appearances for the club since happen. I have to say, from a neutral point resistance against hosting two year’s tournament in Egypt, Bayern the title, which they managed open a seven-point lead to effectively de- his debut in 2008/09, hopes Bayern ex- of view, one does miss the fiercely con- top events in the same country the Confederation of African the feat under Jurgen Klopp in 2011 and cide the title race. tend their domination for the rest of his tested title races, won in the last minute. in a short period of time, which Football plans to revert to the 2012, but since then the Bundesliga shield “What makes it so special, after a 1-0 time in Munich. “I can only talk about But I’m not responsible for making it ex- was reinforced by the impact middle of the European season. has exclusively gone to Munich. Mueller win in Dortmund, is that we can really, the next three years. This is how long my citing.” of the coronavirus pandemic,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino Tajima said in a statement. also needs to find a way for- FIFA’s evaluation report gave ward for the potentially lucra- FOOTBALL Colombia a score of just 2.8 out tive, expanded Club World Cup, of five as it raised doubts about which he is having difficulty the ability to provide invest- fitting into the calendar. ment required to carry out The event was due to be “necessary improvements”. played in 2021 but has been In contrast, the Australia/ postponed to avoid a clash with New Zealand bid “provides a the rescheduled Euro 2020 and Guardiola prioritising FA variety of very good options in the Copa America.

Cup, Champions League FOCUS 'Still the team is not fit for players to play 90 minutes every three days' US threatens to pull

AFP play a part in the Champions League. WADA funding as war London City’s second leg against Madrid is due to take place on August 7 or 8. “Every- thing went well, and I’ll soon begin re- of words escalates anchester City manager Pep covery,” Aguero tweeted. “A big thanks to Guardiola said his priority Dr.(Ramon) Cugat and his team — and to Reuters is Sunday’s FA Cup quarter- all of you for your support.” New York Mfinal at Newcastle rather than postponing Liverpool’s coronation as LAMPARD FOCUSED ON Premier League champions. Should Liv- FINISHING THIRD he United States is erpool beat Crystal Palace late last night, Chelsea manager Frank Lampard will threatening to cut off City will need to beat Chelsea when they happily play a part in crowning Liverpool funding to the World travel to Stamford Bridge 24 hours later to champions for the first time in 30 years, TAnti-Doping Agency keep the title race alive. but only because it would mean his side (WADA) unless it immediately The top two then clash in their next have taken points from Manchester City. enacts serious reforms, accord- league game on July 2. However, with a Chelsea are in need of the points them- ing to a report by the White 20-point gap between the runaway lead- selves to cement their place in the top House’s Office of National Drug ers and City, Guardiola is focused on se- four, with Lampard keen to catch Leices- Control Policy (ONDCP). DA’s reputation and credibility curing more silverware in the FA Cup and ter in third before the season is over. “I If WADA does not “change in the wake of the Russian dop- the Champions League come August. have had absolutely no thought of Liver- its way of doing business” the ing scandal,” read the ONDCP City lead Real Madrid 2-1 from the first pool’s situation, it makes no odds to us at agency could soon find itself out report. “However, the US Gov- leg of their Champions League last 16 tie all,” said Lampard. “We respect Liverpool of funding and out of business, ernment will not rely merely on and will be one of the favourites to secure and Manchester City as two fantastic warned Travis Tygart, the head hope but will continue to insist a first ever European crown should they teams, in the last two to three seasons of the United States Anti-Doping upon structural reform of WADA progress to the quarter-finals, which will Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. (Reuters) they’ve been dominant, but we can only Agency (USADA). The 19-page and closely scrutinize.” be held as one-off games in Lisbon. look at what this match means for us.” report seen by Reuters contains Tygart, one of WADA’s fierc- “We have to see day-by-day, game- sive victories over Arsenal and Burnley Newcastle game. It is a final for us.” Chelsea famously played a big part on a series of recommendations to est critics, labelled the report by-game to arrive in the two incredibly over the past week, despite Guardio- City have already suffered one signifi- the night Leicester clinched the league the US Congress that are highly another “wakeup call”. “It is a important games we have in the next pe- la making eight changes between the cant injury setback since the return as in the 2015/16 season, coming from 2-0 critical of WADA, particularly its damning report,” Tygart said riod, which are Newcastle next Sunday games. “Still the team is not fit for players Sergio Aguero has undergone surgery on down to draw 2-2 against Tottenham in handling of the Russian doping yesterday. “They (WADA) have and especially Madrid,” said Guardiola. to play 90 minutes every three days. This a knee problem in Barcelona. The Argen- what became dubbed “The Battle of the scandal, and questions its use of got to change the way they are City have made an impressive return to is not going to happen,” added Guardiola. tine is expected to at least miss the rest of Bridge” after nine of the Spurs side were taxpayers money. doing business or they are going Premier League action with comprehen- “We cannot deny we have one eye in the the domestic season, but could return to booked. The US is the largest single to start losing funding.” contributor to WADA, paying WADA immediately con- over $2.7mn to the 2020 budget demned the ONDCP report, say- ROUND-UP of $37.4mn, half of which comes ing it was deeply flawed. “It is from the International Olympic very unfortunate that the report Committee (IOC). “The United was written without due regard States Government has a duty to for the facts or context and with David Luiz agrees Arsenal contract extension ensure that American taxpayer the clear intention to discredit dollars are spent effectively for WADA,” WADA said in an email. eteran defender David Luiz has OUT-OF-CONTRACT GOETZE TO pions Bayern Munich, which effectively the purpose to which they are The exchange is the latest salvo signed a new one-year deal with MISS DORTMUND FAREWELL ended the title race. appropriated,” the report said. in a battle over control of the glo- Arsenal, the Premier League Mario Goetze will miss out on making Goetze has failed to hold down a “American taxpayers should bal anti-doping effort. The Rod- Vclub announced yesterday. The a final appearance for Borussia Dort- first-team place at either ex-club Bayern receive a tangible return on their chenkov Anti-Doping Act, named 33-year-old Brazil international joined mund this weekend due to coronavirus Munich or Dortmund, who he rejoined investment in WADA in the form after the whistleblower Grigory the Gunners last year from Chelsea on an regulations, the Bundesliga club said. in 2016, since his moment of World Cup of clean sport, fair play, effective Rodchenkov who helped expose initial 12-month deal. The 28-year-old, whose contract expires glory in Brazil. administration of the world anti- Russia’s state-sponsored doping, He was heavily criticised after being this month, has been regularly visiting He has played the full 90 minutes just doping system and a proportion- is currently moving through the sent off in last week’s 3-0 loss to Man- hospital following the premature birth of once this season. It is still unclear where ate voice in WADA decision- US House and Senate. chester City — when the Premier League his son in June. Goetze will play next season, with Spain making.” If the bill is passed it would give resumed after the coronavirus shutdown. Bundesliga rules stipulate that players or Italy touted in the German media as The report details WADA’s the US Department of Justice the But Arsenal technical director Edu hailed must limit contact outside their club, the most likely destinations. investigations into the Russian ability to go after and prosecute Luiz’s influence on and off the pitch. meaning Goetze will miss Dortmund’s doping saga that began in 2015 those defrauding sport through “David is a really important player last league match of the season against CITY’S AGUERO SAYS KNEE when a WADA-commissioned doping in much the same man- for us,” said. “He has played most of Hoffenheim on Saturday. Goetze, who SURGERY WENT WELL report detailed state-sponsored ner FIFA officials were punished our matches this season and has been Southampton on Thursday. scored the winner for Germany in the Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero doping in Russian athletics. for corruption in soccer. important for the team. His passing, his 2014 World Cup final, does not have underwent knee surgery in Barcelona Russia is currently appealing a Tygart is unhappy that Rus- communication with the team on and off DUTCH STADIUMS TO REOPEN FOR enough time to return two negative tests yesterday and said the operation had four-year ban from competing sian officials, who orchestrated the pitch — he helps everyone.” LIMITED CROWDS AFTER SUMMER for the virus, which would have allowed gone well. “Everything went well, and under its flag at major interna- state-sponsored doping, have Arsenal have also moved to make the Football fans will be allowed in limited him to be in the squad. I’ll soon begin recovery,” Aguero said on tional sporting events, including not only been allowed to escape temporary moves of fellow defenders numbers at stadiums in the Netherlands But Dortmund say Goetze will still get Twitter with a photograph of himself the Olympics. The suspension punishment but in some cases Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares into per- after the summer, as long as they keep an official send-off on Saturday after 219 lying in a hospital bed. was imposed last December af- have been rewarded. The USADA manent arrangements, while midfielder a safe distance and do not sing or yell, appearances in two separate spells for The club’s record goalscorer limped off ter WADA found that Moscow chief pointed to the recent inves- Dani Ceballos’s loan from Real Madrid Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Dortmund, who he helped win the 2011 with the injury in Monday’s 5-0 Premier had provided it with doctored tigation into the International has been extended until the end of the yesterday. It was part of a widespread and 2012 Bundesliga titles. League home win over Burnley. Guar- laboratory data. “ONDCP hopes Weightlifting Federation whose 2019/20 season. Arsenal, who are 11th easing of restrictive measures following a His final game for the club was a brief diola said after the game he feared the that WADA’s new leadership will former president Tamas Ajan in the table, will bid to end a run of two slowdown in coronavirus infections and substitute appearance in last month’s 1-0 32-year-old could miss the rest of the implement necessary reforms to was found to have covered up defeats since the resumption away at hospital admissions, Rutte said. home defeat by newly-crowned cham- league season which ends in July. repair the damage done to WA- dozens of doping cases. Thursday, June 25, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

QATAR ONLINE RACING CHAMPIONSHIP QNB STARS LEAGUE QMMF’s al-Sulaiti wins thrilling race 1 Teams go into home By Sports Reporter quarantine after Doha second round of tests aeed al-Sulaiti emerged trium- phant as Qatar Motor and Motor- l Ahli, Umm Salal, Al with all preventive measures cycle Federation (QMMF) riders Sailiya and Al Shaha- stipulated in the approved gen- Sdominated the opening round of nia clubs have com- eral protocol, the Qatar Stars the Qatar Online Racing Championship pleted the quarantine League said in a statement. (QORC) against Leopard Racing on Mon- Aprocedures at their team hotel The test process will continue day. Al-Sulaiti, who had won the second and have decided to be in home periodically, twice a week, in co- version of the QORC, was involved in quarantine. The team members operation with the Ministry of a close battle with teammate Saoud al- and officials went through a sec- Public Health and Aspetar hos- Thani before prevailing by 3.529 seconds ond round of coronavirus tests pital. If any of the team staff fails at the simulated 4.655km Circuit de Bar- and their samples were taken for to or does not comply with these celona-Catalunya. The competition was laboratory analysis. tests or in the event of a positive held on the MotoGP 20 PS4. The Clubs, players as well as result, he will become ineligi- Al-Sulaiti had started the 16-lap race administrative and technical ble to participate in training and on pole but was soon overtaken by al- staff have the pledge to comply matches. Thani, who led through the halfway stage before suffering a crash. Al-Sulaiti took advantage of his teammate’s misery as he surged to lead but al-Thani was always a threat. The two exchanged leads many times but al-Sulaiti kept his cool to finish first. Leopard Racing’s Xavi Artigas was a distant third, coming home over 25 sec- onds behind the winner. QMMF’s Hamad al-Sahouti was fourth, while Leopard’s Jaume Masia was fifth. Leopard were one After the first race, QMMF riders held the edge over the rivals with 107 points to Leopard’s 63. (QMMF) rider short for the first race due to some Jaume Masia +1:47.646 technical issues. – except this Friday – until June 29th. six races is declared as winner. After the first race, QMMF held the There are a total of four riders on each STANDINGS edge over the rivals with 107 points to team with each race being set at a differ- RESULTS 1. Saeed al-Sulaiti 40 points; 2. Saoud Leopard’s 63. The race format consists of ent circuit. The points scored by the rider 1. Saeed al-Sulaiti Time: 27:34.532 seconds; al-Thani 36; 3. Xavi Artigas 33; 4. Hamad qualifying (15 mins) and race (30 mins). is accumulated for team’s total points. 2. Saoud al-Thani +3.529; 3. Xavi Artigas al-Sahouti 31; 5. Jaume Masia 30 The competition will be held every day The team with the highest team total after +25.100; 4. Hamad al-Sahouti +1:42.160; 5.

LA LIGA

Four clubs players and officials went through a second round of coronavirus tests on Tuesday. Barcelona grind ROUND-UP Qatar Volleyball Association releases schedule to complete 2019-2020 season out win over Bilbao Qatar Handball Association said QNA Doha that the programme for prepar- Messi was creator-in-chief and Barcelona depended highly on him again ing the national team will start in October after the end of the local AFP atar Volleyball As- competitions, as the preparatory Madrid sociation (QVA) has period will start with an internal announced the sched- camp that will witness exten- Qule for completing the sive training and local friendly arcelona limped to a 1-0 win remainder of the 2019-2020 matches. over Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday season, which was suspended It noted that after the comple- night that sends them back to last March due to the pandemic tion of the internal camp, the Bthe top of La Liga, for 24 hours at of the coronavirus pandemic. team will organise a camp in Eu- least, three points ahead of Real Madrid. The QVA has set September 10 rope, that includes a number of Only a goal from substitute Ivan Rakitic as the date for start of national practice matches. The team then in the 71st minute prevented Barca from championship, with the matches will return to Doha to compete in another stalemate after a draw at Sevilla to be completed by September the Qatar International friendly on Friday had allowed Real to go top on 14. The League Championship tournament, and then go to head-to-head. for Al Amal category will be held Egypt to participate in the world Madrid will return to the summit if between September 12 and 19, championship. QHA had earlier they beat struggling Real Mallorca in late and the QVA league for senior announced the completion of all last night match but Barcelona’s victory men will be played on September competitions for the local season at least puts the pressure back on Zined- 18 with Al Arabi taking on Police starting from September 10. The ine Zidane’s side, whose upward momen- for the title. The group competi- league championship will be tum is yet to be reflected by the table. tions will be completed between held first followed by Qatar Cup This Barca performance though was September 12 and 19. and Amir’s Cup. hardly a statement of intent, devoid of Qatar Cup will be held from chances, lacking zip and tinged with September 30 while, The Amir QATAR WOMEN’S SPORTS frustration rather than the free-flowing Cup is scheduled soon after and COMMITTEE TO RESUME football Quique Setien was appointed continues till October 16. The ACTIVITIES IN SEPTEMBER to bring in. “We knew it was going to be QVA also announced its sched- The Qatar Women’s Sports complicated,” Setien said. ule for the 2020-2021 season, Committee (QWSC) has con- “Also because of the situation there which will start from September firmed that the resumption of is some anxiety because there’s less and 13 in Junior category, followed by sports activities will begin next less margin for error. Sometimes we sub-junior category from Sep- September after it had been didn’t play with that composure and that tember 14. The start of Al Amal suspended in the last period due showed in the first half when were more Barcelona’s Lionel Messi (second right) attempts to get past Athletic Bilbao’s defenders during the La Liga match. (Reuters) category is from September 26, to the spread of the pandemic inaccurate than usual. We gave some be- followed by Youth category on coronavirus pandemic. lief and confidence to Athletic.” assignment than the ones that come af- the space and Griezmann failed to react. Earlier, Atletico Madrid continued October 1. The new senior league Sheikha al-Qahtani, Secre- Lionel Messi looked particularly wea- ter against in-form Atletico Madrid and Griezmann’s disappointing night came their surge towards Champions League season will begin from October tary-General of the QWSC said ried by his team’s display. The Argentin- Villarreal. Athletic Bilbao stay 10th after to an end when he was replaced by Ansu qualification by winning 1-0 at Levante 19. On October 31 there will be a in a statement that the QWSC ian was creator-in-chief again but the suffering their first defeat since La Liga Fati, who headed over with his first touch. to climb to third, thanks to an early own launch of volleyball festivals for has suspended all its sports dependence on him was high and he re- returned. Riqui Puig also came on and it was the goal by Bruno Gonzalez. Since matches the under-10 and 12 age group, activities since last March due mains one away from the 700th goal of They created the better chances in 20-year-old’s pass that started the attack restarted in Spain two weeks ago, Atleti- which are of great importance to the spread of Covid-19 as his career. Rakitic is likely to be among a the first half. Inaki Williams, playing his for the goal. Messi crossed to the back co have taken 10 points from a possible in popularising the sport in the directed by the government to handful of players allowed to leave this 150th game in a row, darted in behind and post and Arturo Vidal’s header should 12 and are now six points clear of fifth, country. curb the spread of the virus. summer. Yeray Alvarez should have scored when have been cleared by Mikel Balenziaga. as their top-four rivals have crumbled The QWSC has implemented a He has not been a regular this season free at the back post but missed from four Instead, he gave it back to Messi, whose around them. One of them is Getafe, who QHA ANNOUNCES number of remote programmes, and this was his first Barca goal since the yards. Messi cut a frustrated figure as he reverse pass was taken on by Rakitic, who continued their post-suspension slump PREPARATION PROGRAMME such as practising yoga and Clasico in March last year. Arthur Melo tried to create a spark but his efforts from bundled through and finished. as they were held to a 1-1 draw against FOR 2021 WORLDS fitness training for players and started, despite reports he could be close distance, including one chip easily col- Raul Garcia had an open net late on struggling Real Valladolid. Getafe are fifth Qatar Handball team has coaches of different Qatari to joining Juventus, and struggled. Ser- lected, hinted at desperation too. after Gerard Pique and Marc-Andre ter but without a win in the four games since launched preparation for 27th teams, she noted. Al-Qahtani gio Busquets picked up a yellow card and In the second half, Messi’s lifted pass Stegen both evaded a cross but he failed La Liga resumed. Valladolid are 15th, World Men’s Championship, added that team training will will be suspended against Celta Vigo on found Antoine Griezmann clear in the to connect. Fati struck the post with a re- seven points clear of the relegation zone. which will be held in Egypt dur- begin after the Eid al-Adha in Saturday but that should be a simpler area but Unai Simon was quick to close bound in injury-time. Levante stay 11th. ing January 2021. In a statement, August.

FOCUS Josoor Institute’s website offers free access to expert case studies osoor Institute – a FIFA World The case studies were developed and ray of industry leaders, Josoor Institute Cup Qatar 2022 legacy pro- carried out in collaboration with faculty is leading the effort to enhance knowl- gramme – has a newly revamped experts from Georgetown University in edge of the sports and events industries Jwebsite which features a host of Qatar, the University of Liverpool and in Qatar and across the region. free research resources, including 25 Leeds Beckett University, along with “We believe this in-depth research case studies about the region’s sports other experts and senior practitioners will prove to be an essential source of and events industries. in the sports and events industries. information for companies and organi- The information has been made The case studies are currently availa- sations. In addition, it will help indi- freely available in order to support the ble to view in English, with Arabic ver- viduals in the sports and events sectors development of the industries in Qa- sions set to be available in the coming – along with academics, researchers tar and across the region. Anyone who months. By allowing sports and events and experts – to enhance their knowl- registers with the website will be able to professionals access to the case stud- edge.” download the content. ies, Josoor Institute aims to generate Josoor Institute’s research efforts Selected case study titles include: insights into emerging trends that will support its educational offerings and ‘Considering Qatar’s World Cup Venue bring new understanding to the sector, provide local and regional context to its Strategy as a Framework for the Future’, while also inviting feedback that trig- programmes and workshops. Learning ‘Mo Salah, Egyptian Hero: The Social gers new questions and further inves- has continued at Josoor Institute even and Commercial Role of Celebrity En- tigation. amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, with dorsement in Football’, and ‘The Use of Afraa al-Noaimi, Executive Director, its diploma programmes being deliv- Broadcasting and Social Media at Local Josoor Institute, said: “By working with ered online since March. The case studies were developed and carried out in collaboration with faculty experts from Georgetown University in Qatar, and Mega Events Across Qatar’. world-leading academics and a vast ar- (qatar2022.qa) the University of Liverpool and Leeds Beckett University, along with other experts and senior practitioners.