SPORT SPORT | 07 SPORT | 09 F1 without None more spectatorsspe leaves unbeatable than HaHamilton with an Djokovic at his empty feeling best: Martin

SUNDAY 10 MAY 2020 Ricciardo braced for ‘chaos’ when Formula One returns AFP – LONDON “You’re going to see a bit of Daniel Ricciardo everything, I’m sure.” Even Australia’s Daniel Ricciardo though the pandemic means it anticipates “chaos”, “rust” and has been several months since “adrenaline” should the 2020 I am not really referencing Ricciardo was on a race track, the Grand Slam tally Formula One season start at last. cars everywhere. But 30-year-old believes his expe- The global spread of the there is going to be so rience of eight full seasons of should decide ‘GOAT’ coronavirus has already led to much rust, a combination Grand Prix racing means he will 10 races, of what was to have of emotion, excitement, be in the right physical condition debate, says Lendl been a record 22-event cham- should the 2020 campaign finally pionship, being either cancelled eagerness: Ricciardo get underway. REUTERS – LONDON or postponed. “If this was my first year or Officials at the FIA, motor- two in F1, if I was still not com- Eight-time Grand Slam winner Ivan Lendl said sport’s world governing body, out the crisis on his farm near pletely adapted to it, my answer whoever ends up winning the most majors are hoping to launch the season Perth, Western Australia, would be yes (it would take me among the ‘Big Three’ of Roger Federer, Rafa behind closed doors in Austria believes a dramatic season- time to get used to driving again),” Nadal and Novak Djokovic should be considered on July 5. opener is in prospect at the Red he said. “But winter testing is nor- the greatest male tennis player of the Open era. “(It will be) some form of Bull Ring. mally a good reference point. My The “GOAT” (greatest of all time) debate in chaos, hopefully in a controlled “Everyone is going to be first few winter testings, day one men’s tennis has divided opinions for a decade manner,” the Renault driver told ready to go,” he said. “You are always felt like a bit of a shock to and remains a hot topic as the trio continue to BBC Radio Five Live. going to get some guys who the system again. And the further dominate the field, sharing the last 13 majors “I am not really referencing perform on that level of adren- my career has gone on, the less of among them. cars everywhere. But there is aline and others who might not. a shock that has been. Federer, who will be 39 in August, leads the going to be so much rust, a com- “So you’re going to get some “The rookies, the first-year, race with 20 Grand Slam singles titles, with bination of emotion, excitement, bold overtakes, some miscalcu- second-year guys, will feel it a Spaniard Nadal close on his heels with 19. eagerness.” Ricciardo, waiting lated ones. little bit more.” Reigning world No. 1 Djokovic is three behind the Swiss with 17 majors under his belt and is the youngest of the trio - at 32 he is a year younger than Nadal. Umtiti suffers calf CONMEBOL unhappy Pundits and fans have debated various factors for determining the greatness of a player: number of weeks at No. 1 ranking, overall tally of titles, knock in second Barca with FIFA's five Grand Slam count or head-to-head record. “It’s between Novak, Rafa and Roger on who training session substitutes change ends up with the most majors and who is con- sidered the best of all time in the Open-era,” AFP – MADRID Lendl told Australia’s Channel Nine television in REUTERS – LONDON an interview posted on Friday, adding that he France defender Samuel Umtiti has picked up a considers Australian Rod Laver the best in the calf injury in just the second session since Barcelona FIFA’s decision to temporarily allow up to five pre-Open era. returned to training from the cornonavirus quar- substitutions per match to help cope with potential “All you can say at the moment is that Roger antine, the Spanish champions announced fixture congestion was met coolly in South is leading the race - the race has not been fin- yesterday. America. ished. When they retire the race will be finished Barca said that Umiti picked up an injury to his “This change has taken us by surprise, it was and you will be able to judge,” he said. “The race right calf during yesterday’s training session at the not made in consultation with our confederation,” is far from over. club’s Joan Gamper facility, but did not specify how Alejandro Dominguez, president of the South “You have to go with Roger right now, but long the 26-year-old would be out for. American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), I’m not closing the book on that,” Lendl added. Spanish media report that he will be unavailable said on twitter. As Djokovic and Nadal are younger and have for two or three weeks, so will likely be back in Earlier on Friday, football’s governing body longer to play, “that is going to be one hell of a time for a potential June 20 restart for football in announced teams will be allowed up to five sub- race to follow.” Djokovic has often been asked Spain as the country attempts to loosen corona- stitutions per match, instead of the usual three, as his thoughts on the overwhelming support for virus restrictions. a temporary measure to help cope with fixture con- Federer and Nadal from the crowd when he locks The 26-year-old Umtiti joined Barca from Lyon gestion as play resumes in the aftermath of the horns with them on the tennis court. in 2016 after he helped France to the final of Euro coronavirus outbreak. While the Serb says he does not feel antag- 2016. He had further success with France in their The change in the rules will be allowed in all onised by the lack of crowd support, Lendl said successful 2018 World Cup campaign. competitions which are due to finish by the end of the affection of the public should not be a He played 16 times for the Catalan giants this year and it will be up to individual competition deciding factor. this season before play was suspended in organisers whether to implement it, FIFA said. “Who is the most popular is one thing but March, and was twice injured earlier in Dominguez said CONMEBOL would call a panel who is the greatest is not being judged by pop- Barcelona’s French defender the campaign, causing him to miss 10 of experts together to analyse the decision “to ularity,” said the Czech-born Lendl, who has Samuel Umtiti attending a training matches between September and decide whether it is convenient adopting it in South coached Andy Murray and Alexander Zverev in session in Sant Joan Despi yesterday November last year. American tournaments” such as the Copa past. before he was injured. Libertadores. Glimmer of hope for sports as players, teams start training

AP – NEW YORK sports is not just an escape, that we can in the US after the Super Bowl, so the learn a lot from sports. But you know league has been able to carry on largely Finally, some signs of hope. what? They are an escape.” with business as usual. It’s only a glimmer. Let’s not cele- That’s something we could all use Free agency. A remote draft that brate just yet. right now, with the death toll climbing was a big hit. And Thursday night’s But there’s baseball in South Korea past a quarter-million worldwide and ridiculously over-hyped release of the and Taiwan. NASCAR is getting ready approaching 80,000 in the United 2020 schedule, which has a full slate to crank up its engines, and German States, not to mention the paralysing of games that are supposed to begin in soccer is revving to go, too. The PGA economic slump that has crippled early September. Tour and IndyCar racing are planning many businesses and left tens of mil- It seems quite likely the NFL (and to resume next month, and even the lions to deal with the despair of college football, too) will have to play tiniest of steps - Major League Soccer unemployment. at least some of its games in empty sta- clubs beginning individual workouts, Yep, we need sports more than diums, unless a vaccine or an effective a handful of NBA teams reopening their ever, but we also need to understand treatment comes along far sooner than training facilities on Friday - are an that things aren’t going to be the way anyone is projecting. But that shouldn’t indication that some form of normality they were before. be a huge drawback for the NFL, which is returning. Not in the short term, for sure. Players in action during a game between SK Wyverns and Hanwha Eagles in relies on lucrative television deals for “People are calling it the new Maybe never again. Incheon, South Korea, on Friday. The Korean Baseball League (KBO) began its the bulk of its revenue. normal,” said Darren Eales, president “I think we’re going to be looking new season under strict rules. The outlook isn’t nearly as hopeful of the Atlanta United MLS club. “We’re at a cultural shift in sports,” Bass said, for other leagues, in this country and calling the now normal. It’s hard to comparing it to the security-minded around the world. predict what’s going to happen, but we changes that affected all walks of life empty arena in Jacksonville, Florida, more cautious approach. There’s still The Canadian Football League will have to deal with it.” after the 2001 terrorist attacks. the first of those tonight in what essen- no indication when Major League likely have to cancel its season, Certainly, anyone with the least bit “There are kids today who don’t tially serves as the reopening day of Baseball will begin its season, or what according to Commissioner Randy of fandom running through their bones know we didn’t used to get frisked human-centric US sports (sorry, horse form that might take. Ambrosie, who told lawmakers this is eager to see live sports again - even going into a ballpark. So many things racing and bull riding). Ditto for the NBA and NHL, which week that the CFL’s future is “very if they can’t see it in person. changed in the culture of sports after It’s not ideal by any means - an still hope to finish their seasons or at much in jeopardy” without a hefty gov- That was apparent from the record 9-11.” indoor sport requiring brutal, hand- least find a way to crown their ernment bailout. ratings for the NFL draft, not to The most visible change that eve- to-hand combat - but UCF leader Dana respective champions. Bass said a more extensive mention the huge audiences tuning in ryone can expect as sports returns is White has been pushing for weeks to MLS has a bit more flexibility, since weeding-out of less-prominent leagues for the Michael Jordan documentary the lack of people in the seats. About get his gladiators back in the octagon it can take its barely started season and sports might be one of the biggest “The Last Dance.” the closest thing we’re going to get is (remember Fight Island?), so everyone right up until the end of the calendar legacies of the pandemic. “Good God, do I want to watch a those cardboard cutouts of fans that will be watching to see how it all turns year, but the individual workouts that But those are issues for another baseball game,” exclaimed Amy Bass, were placed in the stands by the out. a few teams began Wednesday were day. a professor of sports studies at Man- Korean Baseball Organisation. While NASCAR plans to resume its merely a tantalizing snippet. Let’s try to keep this positive vibe hattanville College just north of New The UFC is planning three mixed- Cup season with four races this month, That’s a lesson the NFL will soon going. York City. “We’re constantly saying that martial-arts cards this month at an other US sports are taking a have to consider. The pandemic struck Column by Paul Newberry SUNDAY 10 MAY 2020 SPORT 07

Vuelta cancels F1 without spectators leaves stages in Portugal amid COVID-19 crisis Hamilton with an empty feeling AFP – MADRID

REUTERS – LONDON The Vuelta a Espana organ- isers said yesterday that a race Six-times Formula One world already rescheduled and champion Lewis Hamilton says shortened would also now cut the prospect of a home British its foray into neighbouring Grand Prix without spectators Portugal from the 2020 itin- leaves him empty inside but he erary. is still raring to get going after Postponed until October months of waiting. 20, the race had already lost None of the drivers have three stages in the Netherlands raced since December, with the where it had been slated to season stalled due to the embark August 14 and reduced COVID-19 pandemic, but there to just 18 stages instead of 21. are plans to start up behind Now the scheduled closed doors in Austria and then two-day swing into Portugal Silverstone in July. for parts of two stages has also “It gave me a really empty been binned, organisers feeling, because the fans really announced with regret make that race,” Hamilton -- a Saturday. record six-times winner on “In a situation as excep- home soil -- said in a video tional as the one we are cur- interview released yesterday by rently living, we have to be his Mercedes team. flexible and understand “Around the world, the these kinds of decisions and more fans there the more changes” declared Javier atmosphere you have, that’s Guillen, Director of La why you have places like Sil- Formula One World Drivers Champion Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain celebrates after the F1 Grand Prix of USA at Circuit of The Vuelta. verstone and Monza. So it’s Americas in this November 03, 2019 file photo. The changes mean that going to be very empty. stage 15, with its finish-line “I don’t know how exciting located between Porto and it’s going to be for people The champion, who has I’ve been in one place for six delivering and keep working “I’ve always wanted to learn Matosinhos, as well as stage watching on TV but it’s going to homes in Monaco and the weeks,” he said. with this great team.” Hamilton a language and I still don’t know 16, with its departure from be better than nothing,” added United States and enjoyed a “I’m excited to get back in, said his weight had stayed the any other languages. It’s embar- the city of Viseu, are off the the Briton, 35. busy lifestyle before the crisis, I really do miss it. This has been same and he was focusing on rassing I feel when people ask,” route. “For us it’s going to be like did not disclose his location. almost a blessing on one side areas of weakness in training, he said. “I aced French at school, The Vuelta unveiled its a test day, probably even worse He said he was enjoying the because it gives you more such as calf exercises he nor- it was the only thing I aced. final line up on Friday with a than a test day in the sense that downtime and described appreciation for the things that mally found boring but recog- “When I do things I just do roster of 19 cycling world tour at a test day there’s not a huge himself as a generally quiet, if you love and do. nised were important. it to the extreme so I sit down teams and three wild card amount of people in Barcelona workaholic, person. “This has given me more He had also done some and do it in two hours basi- invites that excluded 2016 that come to watch but there “I’m great. This is the first energy and inspiration and gaming and signed up for a six- cally,” Hamilton added. “I just champion Nairo Quintana’s are still some.” time that I can remember that determination to keep week online course. do one week a day.” Arkea-Samsic. Tokyo Games could be ‘greatest ever’: Top IOC official

REUTERS – SYDNEY Coates said he thought amongst the greatest Games and the siting of athletes villages Games as a critical part of the Tokyo could surpass even the ever, if not the greatest. And were progressing and the nec- state and nation’s economic Senior international Olympics reputation of the 2000 Sydney putting the parochialism of a essary buy-in of local, state and recovery in the short term, quite official John Coates said Games, which he helped proud Sydney boy aside... I cer- national government was apart from all of the long-term yesterday the delayed Tokyo organise and were described by tainly hope Tokyo will be.” largely in place. health, well-being, economic Because we all must Olympics could end up being then IOC chief Juan Antonio Turning to future “oppor- Coates, who ran a failed bid and sporting legacies.” wait longer than the the greatest Games ever, Samaranch as “the best Olympic tunity”, Coates told the meeting, to host the Games in Brisbane A decision over which city already-long wait for coming next year as the world Games ever”. which was held online, that the in 1992, said an Olympics could or region would host the 2032 an Olympics, the Games emerges from COVID-19 crisis. “Because we all must wait proposal for Australia to host the provide an economic catalyst Olympics could be made as of Tokyo will gently Coates, Australia’s Olympic longer than the already-long Summer Olympics for the third to help Queensland and Aus- early as 2022, he added. Bids but perceptibly echo chief and head of the Interna- wait for an Olympics, the Games time in 2032 was gathering pace. tralia out of the expected post- from India, Indonesia and a the sheer joy and relief tional Olympic Committee’s of Tokyo will gently but percep- The bid, centred on South coronavirus recession. joint proposal from North and of the other delayed inspectorate for the Games, tibly echo the sheer joy and East Queensland around “I have always believed in South Korea have also been Olympics of Antwerp in cited the examples of positive relief of the other delayed Brisbane, had been given the making necessity a virtue. There mooted. Summer Games that followed Olympics of Antwerp in 1920 official backing of the AOC in is already a need for jobs and Coates, who has been pres- 1920 and London in 1948: the two world wars of the 20th and London in 1948,” he told the January, he said, and was now growth in the Queensland ident of the AOC since 1990, John Coates, Australia’s century. annual general meeting of the in the phase of “continuous dia- economy arising from the also said he was confident the Olympic chief and head of The Tokyo Games were Australian Olympic logue” with the IOC’s Future impact of COVID-19,” he told body was financially in “good the International Olympic postponed for a year to 2021 in Committee. Host Commission. his online audience. order” to come through “this Committee’s inspectorate the aftermath of the new coro- “I believe the Tokyo Planning for venues, mostly “Our (government partners) time of some chaos” after a raft for the Games navirus outbreak. Olympics may ultimately be already existing or temporary, recognise a potential 2032... of cost-cutting measures. NBA: Silver reveals season plans Aussie AFP – LOS ANGELES A worker removes a Super Rugby giant advertisement Adam Silver said yesterday a of the NBA China eyes early decision on when the NBA can Games from restart could come sometime in a building in July return June with the league looking to Shanghai, China in AFP – SYDNEY play out of one or two hubs with this October 9, 2019 Orlando and Las Vegas being the file photo. lead contenders. Australia’s Super Rugby Speaking in a conference call competition is planning for an open to all NBA players and early July return, a spokesman designed to update them on the said yesterday, after the coro- league’s status among the navirus outbreak derailed the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, season and sparked turmoil A baseball fan wears a face mask while the league commissioner was within the sport’s cash- taking a photo of the opening show at joined on the call by players’ strapped governing body. the first professional league game that union executive director Michele Rugby Australia’s board allow audience since the coronavirus Roberts. suffered another tumultuous outbreak in Taipei, Taiwan. Silver told the players that if week with new director Peter there is no vaccine the league Wiggs -- who had been tipped could end up playing with no fans to take over the chairman’s role in the stands into 2021, US media -- quitting after just five weeks Baseball: Taiwan lets said. in the job. He wants daily testing for all tickets, sponsorship deals and “We could do all that, and His departure followed the some fans back in players and those testing positive concessions. then what happens when one or resignation last month of chief quarantined. The games would He said all 30 owners are two or 10 players test positive executive Raelene Castle after REUTERS – NEW TAIPEI go on with officials making sure committed to resuming play and after that 28-day isolation? Do pressure from the board and a the others were all constantly the league is leaning toward a we shut it down?” Reports last simmering financial crisis. Taiwan reopened baseball games to a limited number of fans being monitored and tested. minimum of three weeks of month said the NBA had studied Clubs are set to begin for the first time since controls were imposed to limit the With travel problematic training camp ahead of the the feasibility of staging the training in the coming days spread of the coronavirus, part of government efforts to slowly amid social distancing and restart. entirety of the post-season in a under strict health regulations allow normal life to resume. stay-at-home requirements in But ESPN reported earlier on locked down part of Las Vegas. aimed at preventing the spread Taiwan has been relatively successful at controlling the a number of American states, Friday the idea of basing teams The NBA has been in of COVID-19 among players, a virus, with 440 cases to date and 6 deaths, with only 85 active the league believes it would be in a giant quarantined zone has shutdown since the global pan- spokesman said on Saturday. infections, thanks to early prevention and detection efforts. safer to return to action in just been met with skepticism by the demic brought sport to a stand- “We do not have a con- The island has never gone into total lockdown although one or two sites, with Orlando players. still, forcing the suspension or firmed date for the resumption the government has promoted social distancing and face and Las Vegas being the The proposal floundered after postponement of every profes- of Super Rugby in Australia, masks, and stopped mass attendance at events like sports frontrunners. they wondered how the zone sional league in North America. however early July presents a matches. “There’s no point in adding would be policed to guarantee Silver also said that when the best case scenario,” he added. Both the baseball and soccer seasons got underway in risk for flying all of you city to city isolation. NBA season was halted on March This year’s Super Rugby Taiwan last month, but without spectators, providing rare if there’s not going to be fans. We “When that one was first 11 after Utah Jazz centre Rudy competition saw seven rounds live action for fans at a time when the pandemic has shut think it would be safer to be in a floated, there was some conster- Gobert tested positive, Gobert played before the pandemic down most professional sport around the globe. single location, or two locations, nation,” Roberts told ESPN before wasn’t the first player to be forced a stop to the season in On Friday evening, 1,000 spectators were allowed in to to start,” he said in a recording of the call. tested. He was just the first to test March. baseball matches in New Taipei, which surrounds the capital the call obtained by ESPN. “Are we going to arm guards positive. The modified domestic Taipei, and the central city of Taichung. Silver also said one of the around the hotel? That sounds The conference took place on fixture will not include matches Fans were required to undergo temperature checks, wear “single greatest challenges of our like incarceration to me.” the same day that teams are against international oppo- face masks and sit at least one metre apart. Tickets were sold lives” was having fans in “So then, the players were being allowed to reopen practice nents but will reportedly see on a “real name” basis with designated seats, meaning author- attendance because 40 percent like, ‘Well, I don’t know that it’s facilities for limited workouts, the return of the Perth-based ities can easily trace people if there are any infections linked of the NBA’s revenues come from worth it to be away from my which will take place under strict Western Force, which left the back to attending the matches. directly from the games through family for that long. safety protocols. top flight competition in 2017. 08 SPORT SUNDAY 10 MAY 2020 Imran Khan was a cricketer ahead of his time: Ramiz

RIZWAN REHMAT to defeat a situ- THE PENINSULA ation by being aggressive to not Pakistan’s World Cup hero get beaten. Imran Khan was a cricketer “Imran ahead of his time, former instilled in us this national team skipper Ramiz great self-belief, Raja said in an ESPN Cricinfo self-confidence. Podcast. And then he was Talking with former Indian mighty fair with batsman Sanjay Manjrekar, his selections - a retired opener Raja, 57, said: “His bit like MS Dhoni passion for the game was like - he would think that of a 10-year-old. Whether through with a lot he was playing against India or of clarity,” Raja Sri Lanka, he would only talk said. about getting players out or “Imran liked a World Cup winning captains Kapil Dev of India (left), Imran Khan of working on his bowling action.” challenge and he Pakistan (second right) and Arjuna Ranatunga of Sri Lanka (right) Raja, who played most of his always backed are seen in this 2011 file photo taken in India. West Indies great cricket under the captaincy of himself to Sir Viv Richards, who featured in two World Cup finals but not as Khan from 1984 to 1992, added: compete against captain, is also seen. “Even in the off-season, he the best and do wouldn’t bowl an out-swinger new things for the in the nets for 6-7 days because game. He brought because he was so compact. And “He would offer everything he would tell us that certain Former West Indies captain Richie Richardson (third left) and Pakistan’s ex-skipper in the neutral if Imran Khan said this was a from his side. That’s why we had muscles in his body were not in Ramiz Raja (second left) call on Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad umpires (for giant of the sport then you would Wasim (Akram), Waqar (Younis), the right condition. He was in this file photo taken in February this year. Khan guided Pakistan to their only Pakistan’s home listen to him,” Raja, who played Mushtaq (Ahmed) and Inzamam meticulous in preparation, way World Cup title win in 1992 in Australia. series against 57 Tests and 198 ODIs for Ul haq because he backed those ahead than the rest of the players West Indies in Pakistan, added. talented players. in training.” Pakistan lift the Nehru Cup - a playing with a dead Pakistan 1986 and India in 1989). I think Raja said Khan was influ- “During the 1992, World Khan, who was the captain team event held in India and team that would look to draw the series we played against the ential in helping young Pakistan Cup, Imran after every failed of the national side for 10 years, contested by six countries in the games in the early 70s West Indies in 1988 in West players become world-beaters match, would tell us that played international cricket from 1989. despite having promising Indies was really high-octane in a short period of time. Inzamam would win us the 1971 until the 1992 World Cup Khan remains the game’s top players. He never had that draw stuff. During one of the three “The other great thing was he World Cup. We got thrashed where he guided Pakistan’s to all-rounders and a hugely mentality. Either we are going Tests in that series, I received 18 would make champions (out of early on in the tournament. their only title victory in the final popular figure in the West for his to win or lose,” Raja said. straight bouncers in Guyana,” ordinary players). He would spot Inzamam started as an opener, against England at the iconic illustrious cricketing career that “Under Imran we had the Raja recalled. young talent and provide (that was pushed into the middle Melbourne Cricket Ground. spanned 21 years. He was named freedom to express ourselves, “We were absolutely in awe particular player) with every kind order and then late-middle Currently the Prime Minister the Wisden Cricketer of the Year with the bat or ball. He took the of say somebody like Sunil of backing. He would give tips on order because he kept failing. of Pakistan, Khan during his in 1983 and inducted into Cricket fear of losing away from us. It Gavaskar in the 1987 series mental preparations; he would But Imran kept telling us ‘he playing days captained the side Hall of Fame in 2010. was all about winning. Even if (Pakistan) played in India. In talk about techniques and share would win us the World Cup’. that beat India and England on “He had it (the confidence) we were trying to draw a game, Gavaskar, we were looking at an his experience from county or Test “And that is exactly what their home soil and helped in him even when he was with that mindset, we were able impossible target to defeat cricket,” Raja told Manjrekar. happened in the end,” Raja said. Cricket’s ‘magic’ up in smoke Closed door games for India without live audience: Kohli series 'might help Australia'

REUTERS - SYDNEY AFP - NEW DELHI “It’s a really weird feeling. When you’re in India, you expect to be outnumbered India captain Virat Kohli (pictured) believes Playing against India behind closed doors massively but you can be outnumbered in cricket will be robbed of its “magical in the much-anticipated test series at the Melbourne, as well as Sydney to some moments” if games are forced into empty end of the year might end up being an extent also.” stadiums when the sport emerges from its advantage for the home side, according to Led by Virat Kohli, India secured their pandemic lockdown. Australia batsman Usman Khawaja. first ever Test series triumph on Australian “It might happen. I honestly don’t know Cricket Australia are desperate for the soil the last time they toured in the 2018-19 how everyone’s going to be able to take that, tour, scheduled for December and January, season. because we are used to playing in front of so to go ahead as the lucrative Indian TV The home side were, however, missing many passionate people,” said the star rights for the series would go a long way their two best batsmen as they served bans batsman. to easing a financial crisis triggered by the for their part in the Newlands ball-tam- “It will be played at a very good intensity, coronavirus pandemic. pering scandal, and Khawaja said he but that feel of the crowd connecting with India have said their players would be thought their return would make for a dif- the players, everyone feeling that tension prepared to spend two weeks in quarantine ferent series this year. around the stadium, those emotions are dif- in Australia if that helped but social-dis- “They were clearly the better team last ficult to recreate,” he told the Star Sports tel- tancing restrictions might still keep fans time, we hung in there but (Cheteshwar) evision channel. locked out of the grounds. Pujara was outstanding and Kohli led from The coronavirus pandemic has halted all Khawaja, though, thinks that might not the front as a captain,” he added. major sports and cricket is suffering without necessarily be a disadvantage for the home “Their bowling unit was as good as I’ve its cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) side given how much noise Australia’s sig- ever seen an Indian bowling unit, they which should now be reaching its final stages. was to play for the Delhi Capitals in the IPL, said it nificant South Asian community make really went toe-to-toe with our bowlers. “We will play the sport how it’s supposed to be would be a “hollow feeling” if games are played in when India tour Down Under. “Our bowlers are still in great form, played but those magical moments would be very dif- front of empty stands. “It’s definitely an advantage” he told though, and this time Steve Smith and Davy ficult to come by,” Kohli said. “Cricket as we’re used to is going to be different Fox Sports News with a laugh yesterday. Warner will be in the side too, so a little bit Some European football leagues are already for a bit," Carey said in an instagram session with “I remember the last time they came over of difference in the batting line-up,” he making plans to restart in empty stadiums. Delhi’s official website. for a one-day series, the roar for India was said. "But the IPL has not announced its intentions and "There’s the T20 World Cup and the IPL that we’re much bigger. Islamabad-born Khawaja played all there are now major doubts on whether the Twenty20 all looking to play, but it’s hard to picture anything “Especially in Melbourne, the amount four Tests against India in 2018-19 but will World Cup will start in Australia in October. without the fans,” he added. of expats they have over there, they flock need to force his way back into the test The International Cricket Council has said it is “It’s going to be a hollow feeling, but I feel the fans in. And when India’s on top they really let side this year after missing out on a “exploring all options” for the tournament. will at least have some live cricket to look forward to you know it. national contract a couple of weeks ago. Australia’s wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey, who on TV.” Kohli's top matches are 2011 final, 2016 clash against Australia IANS - MUMBAI helped the Men in Blue snatch a thrilling six- suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic which “We will play sports how it is supposed to be wicket win with five balls to spare and enter the has wreaked havoc across the world. played, but those magical moments will be dif- Prolific India batsman Virat Kohli has been quite semi-finals of the tournament. Kohli, the current India skipper, has admitted ficult to come by,” he added. vocal about reminiscing the day when Team India, “Apart from the 2011 final, my other favourite the “magical” atmosphere will be missing if the He, however, believes playing without fans under the leadership of M S Dhoni, lifted the 2011 match from the atmosphere and importance of cricket season currently stalled by the COVID-19 in attendance would not dampen the compet- World Cup beating Sri Lanka in the summit clash the game point of view, would be the 2016 T20 pandemic resumes in empty stadiums. itive side of matches. on April 2. The win had ended India’s 28-year-old quarter-finals against Australia in Mohali,” Kohli “It’s quite a possible situation, it might happen, “I know matches will be played at a very good wait for the coveted trophy. said while speaking on Star Sports ‘Cricket Con- I honestly don’t know how everyone is going to intensity,” he said. In addition to that glorious moment at the nected’ show. take that because we all are used to playing in “But that feeling of the crowd connecting with Wankhede, Kohli also has another match that he However, India had to face a crushing seven- front of so many passionate fans,” Kohli said. the players and the tension of the game where will always remember -- the 2016 World T20 wicket defeat at the hands of West Indies in the “Things will still go on, but I doubt that one everyone goes through it in the stadium, those quarter-final game against Australia in Mohali semi-final. will feel that magic happening inside because of emotions are difficult to recreate (in front of played on March 27 -- where his unbeaten 82 The cricketing activities at the moment remain the atmosphere that was created. empty stands),” he added.

Australia’s Usman Khawaja in action against India at the I feel for spinners in Australia: Khawaja The Oval, London, Britain, in this June 9, 2019, file photo. IANS - SYDNEY corners and you’re playing on really game, Australia have tried as many as green decks,” Khawaja told Fox Sports 14 spinners before settling on Lyon who Left-handed batsman Usman Khawaja News. has played 96 Tests, 29 ODIs and just has voiced his concern for the spinners “He’s always been a part of our 2 T20Is. in Australia, saying the lack of quality team and he’s always there no matter “Unless we have spinners playing tweakers could leave the nation what the wicket is because he’s such a day in and day out, getting involved in exposed like it was after Shane Warne’s good bowler. those match scenarios across the retirement. “But it’s really hard to get him in the country, we’re going to suffer,” said According to Khawaja, his game sometimes because the wickets Khawaja who was recently omitted Queensland teammate Mitchell weren’t really favouring spin," he said. from the list of centrally-contracted Swepson -- who has played just 1 T20I “I feel for spinners in Australia and players by Cricket Australia. so far -- is the best spinner in Australia we need to be careful here because we “Just like we suffered when Warnie apart from Nathon Lyon. have an absolute genius in Nathan left. However, he is reluctant to bowl Lyon...but who’s coming after him?” "I think we had a similar situation Swepson at domestic level because Lyon, 32, is expected to lead Aus- where Tassie was really green, they pitch conditions often don’t suit tralia’s spin attack for a few more years. were trying to make really green spinners in Australia. However, Khawaja is concerned wickets. “It’s really hard, even for me as a about the Warne-sized gulf forming “These guys need to bowl so hope- captain, to get (Swepson) into the game behind the off-spinner. fully this year we’ve got wickets that when the ball is hooping around After Warne’s retirement from the are favourable for everyone,” he added. SUNDAY 10 MAY 2020 SPORT 09 ATP tour chief None more unbeatable than not ruling out 2020 return Djokovic at his best: Martin REUTERS – MUMBAI REUTERS – LONDON glittering career, Spanish left-hander returner of serve ever and I mean way Despite the growing possibility of a total Rafa Nadal is just one behind with 19 better. wipeout of professional tennis this year There is no one more unbeatable in majors and will be 34 next month. “Having worked with him, when due to the coronavirus pandemic, ATP men’s tennis than Novak Djokovic Djokovic is the youngest of the so- he is focused he has that ‘I’m going Tour chief Andrea Gaudenzi is refusing (pictured) when the Serb is at his best, called ‘Big Three’ and will be 33 later through a brick wall mentality’. Now to give up on 2020 just yet. former world number four American in May. he is not always focused, but when he The tennis season was suspended in Todd Martin has said. The triumvirate have shared the is and we have seen this for long early March due to the COVID-19 out- Reigning world number one last 13 Grand Slam titles, re-ener- stretches, he doesn’t have to play great. break, and the hiatus will continue at Djokovic has already established gising the GOAT (greatest of all time) He is that much of a fighter and thrives least until mid-July with many countries himself as one of the best ever to debate. on it.” in lockdown to contain the virus. play the game and the Serb’s “Roger is the most aesthetically The virus forced the cancellation Wimbledon has been cancelled and Grand Slam haul of 17 is just pleasing I have ever seen,” Martin, who of this year’s Wimbledon for the first the French Open postponed from its three behind the 20 that was part of Djokovic’s coaching team time since World War Two while the usual May start to September, while the Roger Federer has amassed. briefly in 2009 and 2010, told French Open was pushed back from status of the US Open, scheduled to take The Swiss player will be 39 Tennis365. its May start to September, shortly after place in late August, is still unclear. in August. “He is pleasing with the serve, he the scheduled end of the US Open. Many people, including 19-times While Federer is is pleasing with the return, offence, Federer, who is currently ranked Grand Slam winner Rafa Nadal, have nearing the end of a defence ... everything he does really fourth, last played at the semi-finals voiced doubts about whether the sport looks beautiful. of the Australian Open, where he lost can return in 2020 because players “For me though, if Novak is right, to Djokovic, before undergoing would need to travel around the world if Novak is confident and comfortable keyhole surgery on his knee in to compete in tournaments. with his physical status and is really February. “It would be unwise to call it quits focused, I’ve never seen anybody more Martin said Federer was a “natural” now,” Gaudenzi told Reuters. unbeatable. This guy has played the and he still expected the Swiss to chal- “Obviously, there could be a subset game better than anyone else ever has, lenge for Grand Slam titles when the of options, which is playing with closed in my opinion.” season is able to restart. gates or deciding how to deal with travel Djokovic was in imperious form “With the Olympics being post- restrictions. But we have not made these before the novel coronavirus pandemic poned, I would imagine it will compel decisions so far because they are all brought the circuit to a halt in early him to play another year,” Martin said. hypothetical scenarios.” March. “Plus, this is no way to end anything. The Tour is working on a time frame He lifted the ATP Cup with Serbia, It is really important to Roger, I would of six to eight weeks to decide on won an eighth Australian Open title imagine, to conclude his career on a tournaments. and then completed a fifth triumph at bona fide high note. “We have set a deadline of May 15 for the Dubai Tennis Championships, “Nothing I’ve seen indicates that the tournaments in July, post Wimbledon. extending his unbeaten run to 21. physically he is incapable of keeping And June 1 for the tournaments in August. “His athleticism is from another going. Nothing I’ve seen has indicated So we are, in principle, dealing it on I world,” said Martin, who reached two his love for the sport has waned, so I would say six to eight weeks in advance Grand Slam finals. “His return of wouldn’t be surprised if we see several in time for making a decision. Longer serve is way better than any other more years out of him.” than that, it would be foolish to make decisions in my opinion.”

Inter Milan's players arriving at their training Fernandes, grounds for individual training. Google honours England’s PICTURES: TWITTER / @INTER_EN Pogba can ‘forgotten footballer’ Frank Soo thrive in AFP – LONDON created a Doodle of Soo on their UK homepage to honour Frank Soo, the first and his memory and celebrate his midfield: only player of Asian inspiring legacy. heritage to represent Soo, who captained Solskjaer England’s national Stanley Matthews while football team, was playing for Stoke, also turned honoured by Google yesterday became the first non-white out for Leicester, Luton and REUTERS – LONDON on the anniversary of his debut player selected by England for Chelmsford City. He left England for his country. a wartime friendly against to take over as coach of Padova Manchester United manager Inter, AC Milan back at Soo, born in Derbyshire to a Wales in 1942. in Italy’s Serie A in the early Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (pictured Chinese father and English Often referred to as Eng- 1950s before a lengthy spell in below) believes playmaker training after lockdown mother in 1914, became a trail- land’s forgotten footballer, Soo Scandinavia with a number of Bruno Fernandes and record blazing figure in the sport after would go on to make nine inter- different clubs. signing Paul Pogba can form a signing for Stoke as a teenager national appearances -- Soo also led Norway at the strong midfield partnership in coronavirus epicentre in 1933. although none were recognised 1952 Olympics in Helsinki. when the Premier League The first player of Chinese as official caps during World He eventually returned to season resumes following the AFP – MILAN descent to play in the English War II. In collaboration with the England and died in 1991 at the COVID-19 disruption. Football League, he later Frank Soo Foundation, Google age of 76. The 25-year-old Fern- Italian football giants Inter andes, who joined United from Milan and AC Milan were both Sporting Lisbon in January, reg- back training two months after istered three goals and four a strict lockdown which has hit assists in nine matches, adding the northern Italian city hard. creativity to the team with Inter said all their players Pogba out of action due to a and staff had tested negative for foot injury. the coronavirus on Friday, Pogba, restricted to eight clearing the way for them to appearances in all competitions return to individual training. this season, was primed to Captain Samir Handanovic return before the campaign led the way in the afternoon as was suspended due to the coro- players, including Belgium navirus outbreak and Solskjaer striker Romelu Lukaku, wearing said the Frenchman and Fern- face masks and some in gloves, andes can thrive. arrived at the team’s Appiano “Good players can always Gentile training centre, 35km Inter Milan's players during play together, so definitely they northwest of Milan. individual training. can... it’s a big yes,” Solskjaer Temperatures were taken PICTURES: TWITTER / @INTER_EN told Sky Sports. on arrival with three groups of “I’ve got Scott (McTominay), players alternating in the Fans wait outside the Vicarage Road Stadium before Fred, Nemanja (Matic). There afternoon to respect social dis- the start of a Premier League match between Watford are many games coming up. tancing rules. and Liverpool in this February 29 file photo. I’m sure we can find a good Their city rival resumed connection between them. earlier in the week with club We’ve been discussing that as technical director Paolo Maldini a coaching team and we’re warning “not going back on the Watford slam Premier League’s looking forward to it. pitch would be a disaster.” “Of course, Bruno coming The city in the northern in, making the impact he made, Lombardy region is the epi- ‘distorted’ neutral venue plan it was a boost for everyone, the centre of Italy’s outbreak, one club, the supporters and of the worst in Europe in terms AFP – LONDON “familiarity and advantage” of under these fundamentally players. Getting Paul and of deaths and infections. playing at Vicarage Road. changed conditions? How is Marcus Rashford (back injury) It has suffered some 15,000 Watford have become the latest “There is no altruism in the there any semblance of fairness? backback wwouldould be fantastic.”faantn astic.” deaths,de around half of Italy’s English top-flight club to hit out Premier League,” Duxbury To wave aside all the fears and 30,00030 coronavirus fatalities, at proposals by the Premier wrote in yesterday’s edition of concerns is too simplistic. sincesin the outbreak first erupted League to end the season at The Times. “Surely all 20 clubs must inin early March. One by one stars Italian Sports Minister Vin- neutral venues, with chairman “There are 20 different agree the fairest way forward to haveha returned to Italy with cenzo Spadafora said afterwards Scott Duxbury worried about the vested interests, which some- complete the season?” A 14-6 JuventusJuv forward Cristiano he was “hopeful” group training impact of a “distorted nine- times align but more often than majority of would, however be RonaldoRo in two weeks’ corona- could resume on May 18. game mini-league”. not work purely to protect each enough for Project Restart to be virusvir quarantine as his team got Italian football bosses want Clubs are due to meet individual club. put into action. backba to training on Tuesday. to follow the example of tomorrow to consider the “That is why some clubs are Duxbury also insisted it was Milan are awaiting the Germany, which returns to Premier League’s controversial happy to sign up to ‘Project wrong to play matches when rereturnt of Swedish star Zlatan action on May 16 and where ‘Project Restart’ plan, which Restart’ because arguably there society was “probably still facing IbrahimovicIbr early next week. only positive cases would be put seeks to play the season to a is only an upside in participating the kind of restrictions unen- But opinions are divided on into isolation. finish following its suspension in this compromised format; it forceable on a football pitch”. whetherwh to follow France and But the scientific committee because of the coronavirus pan- means (leaders) Liverpool can “And with all these compro- thethe Netherlands and end the insisted football must comply demic, with Watford joining win the title, other clubs can mises and health risks we are sseasonea or the Bundesliga and with the general rule that those fellow relegation candidates book their place in Europe next asked to finish a competition returnret behind closed doors. who have been in contact with Brighton and Aston Villa in season.” that bears no resemblance to the The Italian Football Feder- positive cases should be iso- voicing their opposition. Duxbury said it was wrong one we started, which could end ationati (FIGC) met on Thursday lated. In this scenario, any pos- Duxbury, while accepting to switch to neutral venues a small club like Watford’s time withwi the government’s technical itive screening after the fans cannot attend because of three-quarters of the way in the Premier League. scientificsci committee to discuss resumption of collective training COVID-19, is unhappy with a through a season. “So is this fair? Does it have detailsde of the medical protocol on May 18, would sideline the proposal that would see 17th- “How can the long-term any semblance of sporting for a return to group training. entire team. place Watford denied the future of clubs be determined integrity? Of course not.”