BBASKETBALLASKETBALL | Page 3 CCRICKETRICKET | Page 6 NBA GMs split No place for over whether Hales, Plunkett to fi nish regular in England season training group

Saturday, May 30, 2020 TENNIS Shawwal 7, 1441 AH Federer tops list GULF TIMES of world’s highest paid athletes SPORT Page 5

FOOTBALL SPOTLIGHT UEFA considers Spanish La Liga ‘all options’ for Champions confi rm season will League format

AFP told AFP. Paris, France “No decision has been taken yet but there should be at the Ex- ecutive Committee meeting on resume on June 11 EFA is studying “all June 17.” the options” for the According to a UEFA docu- Uformat of this season’s ment seen by AFP, August 29 Competition kicks off with Betis vs Sevilla. Rest of the league returns on June 13-14 interrupted Champions could be chosen as the new date League, amid reports yesterday for the fi nal. AFP that European football’s govern- The New York Times reported Madrid, Spain ing body is considering moving Friday that the fi nal would be the fi nal from its scheduled ven- moved from Turkey but that Is- ue in Istanbul. tanbul could be chosen as host of he Spanish league sea- The Turkish city was due to a future fi nal, when it is safe for son will resume after a host the fi nal today at the Atat- fans to travel from abroad in large Tthree-month corona- urk Olympic Stadium, but the numbers. virus lockdown on June tournament was suspended in Turkey, a country of 83mn, has 11 with the Seville derby, and mid-March at the last-16 stage so far recorded 4,461 coronavi- the 2020-2021 season will start because of the coronavirus pan- rus-related deaths and nearly on September 12, the Spanish demic. 161,000 confi rmed cases. Sports Council confi rmed yes- UEFA still hopes to conclude The country is currently in the terday. the competition by the end of process of loosening lockdown The council released a state- August, but with major changes measures introduced to halt the ment saying that the Spanish to the format likely and games set spread of the virus and its do- Football Federation (RFEF) and to be played behind closed doors. mestic football season is set to La Liga had agreed the format “We are looking at all the op- resume on June 12. for the 11 remaining rounds in tions regarding the calendar and Changes could also be made to the top two Spanish divisions. the format of the competition in the format of the Europa League, It said the season should be the working group involving the the fi nal of which was due to completed by July 19, “depend- clubs, leagues and national as- be played in the Polish city of ing on the evolution of the pan- La Liga president Javier Tebas. sociations,” a UEFA spokesman Gdansk this week. demic.” Competition will kick off on whether to watch matches, Thursday, June 11 when Betis which will all be played behind play Sevilla. The rest of the closed doors, with virtual sound league return to action on the eff ects added, an option that has weekend of June 13 and 14. caused debate among fans since Earlier yesterday, Javier Te- the resumed. bas, the league president told He said that he was taking Marca: “The important thing part in a demonstration of the will be to know the end date of technology on Friday evening the 2019-20 season. The next and that Javier Guillen, the di- one will start on September 12.” rector of the Tour of Spain, and The Spanish government last Carmelo Ezpeleta, the boss of week gave La Liga the green light Dorna Sports, promoter of the to resume from the week begin- In this March 7, 2020, picture, Barcelona’s Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal during the La Liga MotoGP championship had also ning June 8. match against Santander at Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain. (Reuters) been invited. “More than 130 people are “We want to off er an alterna- currently working so that every- already played three rounds June. two points at the top of the ta- tive for the fans — silence, or the thing can be done in a new for- following its restart earlier this But the top-fl ight seasons in ble when La Liga was halted in virtualisation of the stands. The mat: the travel, the organisation, month, while the English Pre- France, Belgium and the Neth- March. tests I have seen are interesting, everything,” said Tebas. mier League and Italy’s Serie erlands have all been ended. Tebas also said that television but there will be both options,” Ataturk Olympic stadium was supposed to host the UEFA Champions The German Bundesliga has A are also set to return in mid- Barcelona led Real Madrid by viewers would be able to choose said Tebas. League final in Istanbul, Turkey, yesterday. (Reuters)

BOTTOMLINE Fans could return for 20-21 season: Premier League chief AFP London, United Kingdom Premier League says ‘home and away’ venues

remier League chief ex- remains wish ecutive Richard Masters Reuters some clubs have expressed ing fixtures this season home and Psaid yesterday that fans Manchester, United Kingdom opposition to that idea — views away, where possible,” the league could be allowed to attend that have been put to the gov- said in a statement yesterday. top-fl ight matches in the 2020-21 ernment by the league. “We are working with our clubs season on a “phased basis”. he Premier League, which Some media reports have sug- to ensure risks are assessed and The Premier League plans to Twill resume action on gested that select games which minimised, while co-operating resume the 2019-20 campaign on June 17, says its aim is for may have a risk of fans gather- with the police at a local and June 17 following the coronavirus the remaining games to play on ing outside grounds, such as national level. lockdown. the usual home and away basis the Merseyside derby between “Discussions with the National But the remaining 92 fi xtures but that they have a contingen- Everton and Liverpool, would Police Chiefs’ Council and UK will be played behind closed cy plan for neutral venues. still be held at a neutral venue Football Policing Unit have been doors to minimise the health risks The initial suggestion from the even if most games are held on positive and are continuing. We of football’s return in a country UK government had been for a home/away basis. are prepared for all outcomes badly hit by the pandemic. the closed-door matches to be “The Premier League’s ambition and have a neutral venue contin- The prospect of playing the In this February 25, 2020, picture, Manchester City players take part in a training session at City Football played at neutral venues but is to complete all of our remain- gency,” the statement concluded. next season with no fans is unap- Academy in Manchester, United Kingdom. (AFP) petising for the Premier League and Masters suggested it could be ters told Sky Sports News. rus, which could lead to the com- “We need to have plans in place system is set to be used in the re- problem, so if you can’t do the fi eld or any other stadium their possible to being back supporters “Hopefully it will be a huge petition being suspended again. so that we go into the start of the maining matches, but Masters hub you have to do it remotely, team are playing at. at some stage. morale boost and that is what With that in mind, Masters season knowing that if it can’t be said it would be done remotely and that’s what we’re looking at.” Masters said talks with the “No one knows when matches we’ve been working towards. said it was crucial clubs agreed completed, what then happens,” rather than from the offi cials’ Liverpool are two wins away police about neutral venues for will move away from the behind- “We’ve got some incredible on a plan for what would happen Masters said. usual base at Stockley Park. from clinching their fi rst English some games are on-going, but he closed-doors model and it is fans in this country and we all if the season had to end early be- “(But) I’m not going to give “VAR has its own social dis- title for 30 years, but they could hopes Liverpool can at least have right to have contingency plans know the Premier League as we fore games resume. away any of the details of the pri- tancing issues but we think there be forced to play at a neutral a trophy presentation. in place, but there is optimism at know and love it won’t be fully But he would not be drawn on vate discussions we are having is a way of completing the season venue when the trophy is within “They (the police) have legiti- the Premier League and at clubs back until we have fans back whether an unweighted points- with our clubs.” with VAR, so absolutely our in- reach on police advice. mate concerns but we think we that we will see fans back in the through the turnstiles.” per-game model would be used in tention is to complete the season Police chiefs are concerned can mitigate some of the issues stadiums next season and it may The biggest concern for ‘Project decide the fi nal table in the event ‘LEGITIMATE CONCERNS’ with VAR in place,” he said. about the safety risks of Liver- they’re trying to deal with,” he happen on a phased basis,” Mas- Restart’ is another wave of the vi- of the season being abandoned. The video assistant referee (VAR) “The hub itself could be a pool fans gathering outside An- said. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, May 30, 2020 FOOTBALL

BUNDESLIGA SERIE A Virus like ‘walking up Kilimanjaro’: Leicester’s Rodgers AC Milan Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers said yesterday that being aff licted with the coronavirus was akin to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The Northern Irish boss president is the second Premier League manager to confirm he had suff ered with Covid-19 after Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta Schalke spiral opposes plan also tested positive in March. “I could hardly walk and it reminded me of walking up Mount Kilimanjaro, as you climb higher you get more breathless,” Rodgers told BBC to restart with Radio Leicester. “Walking 10 yards felt very diff erent. I went for a run, and I just couldn’t do it. We had a week off Cup matches when we were supposed to play Watford (on March 14) and then the week after that, I started to struggle.” The Reuters 47-year-old former Liverpool and Celtic manager added threatens Rome, Italy his wife had contracted the virus as well.

C Milan President Paolo Judge suspends Neymar’s fi ne Scaroni says he is opposed payment to tax authorities Ato plans to restart the Ital- ian season by playing the A Brazilian judge has suspended Neymar’s payment of Coppa Italia semi-fi nals and fi nal in a fine of 88mn reais ($16.28mn) to tax authorities for Euro dream the space of a few days. irregularities, notably in connection with his transfer to The season was suspended on Barcelona in 2013. The judge, Decio Gabriel Gimenez, ‘We need to stick together and bring a positive feeling to the pitch’ March 9 due to the novel coronavirus at a court in Sao Paulo, suspended the payment of the outbreak after the semi-fi nal fi rst legs fine “until further notice”, on the grounds that the exact DPA from a 4-1 home collapse to had been played. amount due to be paid by Neymar was not clarified. Ac- Berlin, Germany Wolfsburg. Sports Minister Vincenzo Spada- cording to Brazilian press reports, the state has already Coach Peter Bosz labelled that fora confi rmed on Thursday Serie A appealed the decision. In September 2015, the Brazilian performance “awful... really in could resume on June 20 and sug- Treasury froze 188.8mn reais of the player’s assets, due potential dream fi rst all areas,” and a big improve- gested the Coppa Italia could be com- to unpaid taxes linked to his image rights from 2011 to season under coach ment will be needed against a pleted beforehand, with the second 2013. Neymar had left Brazilian side Santos for Barcelona ADavid Wagner is turn- Freiburg side, eighth, who are legs, Napoli v Inter Milan and Juven- in 2013. The fine was reduced in 2017 after a tax appeals ing into a nightmare still chasing Europe. tus v AC Milan, on June 13 and the fi - council quashed two of the five convictions. Neymar’s for Schalke who will attempt to Hoff enheim, one place above nal three days later. transfer from Santos to Barca attracted the attention of end a 10-game winless run in them, visit a Mainz outfi t who Spanish authorities, who prosecuted the now-28-year-old the Bundesliga against Werder are one place above the relega- and the La Liga giants for “fraud” and “corruption”. Bremen today. tion play-off having been held Schalke urgently need a vic- to a 1-1 draw at 10-man Union tory to boost their European Berlin on Wednesday. Sweden gives green light for hopes while Bremen, second The capital club have not hit league to start bottom, are fi ghting for their the ground running since the re- very survival. start and another loss, away to The Swedish government and the country’s Public Continental qualifi cation and Gladbach tomorrow, would keep Health Agency have given permission for the top-flight the relegation battle now take them in the relegation battle. soccer season, postponed due to the coronavirus centre stage with six rounds re- Eintracht Frankfurt, 14th, pandemic, to begin on June 14, Swedish Elite Football maining in the league after Bay- ended a fi ve game losing streak (SEF) said yesterday. The league was originally planned ern Munich closed in on an eighth with a midweek draw but face to start in April but despite Sweden not taking the successive title with a win at another hard trip to Wolfsburg stringent lockdown approach of many other countries Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday. today. “We understand the value of being to combat Covid-19, soccer was put on hold amid fears Schalke are one of several Augsburg travel to Hertha able to off er all fans quality matches fans would gather at bars and restaurants to watch clubs with plenty left to play for Berlin, who have picked up an after months of lockdown,” Scaroni games, which will be played behind closed doors. “We in the delayed season which is impressive seven points from told the ANSA news agency. are very grateful that the authorities have accepted the being completed behind closed nine under new coach Bruno “But, from a sports point of view, protocols that we have created so that our season can doors due to the coronavirus Labbadia while the weekend we fi nd it questionable to award an start on June 14, and that they share our view that we outbreak. concludes Monday with Co- important trophy like the Coppa Ita- can start without contributing to an increased level of “It’s really frustrating to have logne hosting RB Leipzig. lia with two matches in three days... infection in society,” SEF general secretary Mats Enquist lost again,” Schalke’s Weston Leipzig were held 2-2 by Her- after more than three months of said in a statement. McKennie said following the 2-1 tha midweek in an apparent downtime.” defeat at Fortuna Dusseldorf on fatal blow to their title chances The Gazzetta dello Sport said Inter Japan to restart football without Wednesday. “We can’t let our Schalke’s head coach David Wagner reacts during the Bundesliga and must recover to secure a Milan and Juventus were also op- heads drop now. match against Fortuna Duesseldorf on Wednesday. (AFP) Champions League return. They posed to the plans. spectators on July 4 “On Saturday we go again are two points behind second- Two other club presidents wel- against Bremen. We need to Wagner claiming on Wednesday Gross told the club website. placed Dortmund and two ahead comed the government’s decision to Professional football games in Japan will resume in stick together and bring a posi- the team have to “play a diff er- “Then I think we’ve got a of the pursuing Leverkusen and restart the season. early July without spectators in stadiums after a four- tive feeling to the pitch.” ent game to what we originally great chance of winning against Gladbach. “I’m sure that with this restart, our month suspension due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Wagner was appointed last intended and had done so well Schalke.” football will be able to maintain that J-League said yesterday. “We have decided to resume summer in a bid to change Schal- with early on in the season.” Bottom club Paderborn look RESULTS high standard of quality that is rec- games on July 4” for the first division, league chairman ke’s fortunes and initially seemed Bremen, with their future at doomed as they host Dortmund Today ognised throughout the world,” said Mitsuru Murai announced online. “Making a start on to be on the right track. After 18 stake, will not make life easy. tomorrow while Werder will „Wolfsburg vs Eintracht Lazio’s Claudio Lotito, whose side are July 4 means it is too early to invite spectators,” he said. games Schalke were fi fth and They are fi ve points off the rel- hope Bayern don’t ease off at Frankfurt second in Serie A, one point behind Lower divisions will resume games in late June. Football level on points with local rivals egation play-off place, occupied home to Dusseldorf in today’s „Hertha Berlin vs Augsburg leaders Juventus. is the second major professional sport in Japan to an- Dortmund and just three points by Dusseldorf, though do hold a late game. „Mainz vs Hoff enheim Torino’s Urbano Cairo said he had nounce a return to action after a break forced by the pan- off Bayern, then in second. game in hand. Bayern are seven points clear „Schalke vs Werder Bremen been sceptical about continuing the demic, following the baseball league’s announcement But a miserable haul of just And they have picked up four after all the other title challeng- „Bayern Munich vs Dussel- season but now agreed it should carry it would return to play in June. J-League first-division four points from the next 30 points from the last two match- ers faltered in midweek. dorf on. “I was not only thinking about Cerezo Osaka player Yoichiro Kakitani said “worries have has left them ninth and without es with their best performances One of those, Bayer Tomorrow what is of interest to me but about a not been completely cleared... but it will be best that all Champions League chances. in months. Leverkusen, were scheduled to „Bor. Moenchengladbach vs more general outlook and the health teams in the J-League work together and face off with The new goal is making up the “We need to continue as we open the weekend by visiting Union Berlin of the players and public. That’s why mutual respect”. The J-League kicked off the season for fi ve-point defi cit to Wolfsburg started against Freiburg and as Freiburg yesterday. Leverkusen „Paderborn vs Borussia I was doubtful,” he told ANSA. one weekend in February before suspending it. in the fi nal automatic Europa we ended [in a 0-0 draw against are out of the Champions Dortmund “Now, we’ve decided to get under League spot. Borussia Moenchengladbach on League spots on goal diff erence Monday way again and I’m obviously here to Managing England women’s Injuries have not helped, with Tuesday],” defender Christian and are looking to bounce back „ do things in the best possible way”. Cologne vs Leipzig team always a 3yr plan: Neville

Phil Neville has said coaching the England women’s team was a three-year project for him and that his goal Virtual fans help kick off Danish football aft er virus break was always to move into club management. England’s DPA The stands were empty, but Fan Sounds: The Super League’s FA has confirmed Neville, who guided the team to the Stockholm, Sweden AGF Aarhus sought to create an comeback was more quirky than World Cup semi-finals in France last year, would leave atmosphere with cheering fans beautiful,” it wrote. the job at the end of his contract in July 2021. “My plan who joined using the Zoom video “More than 10,000 digital specta- was always just to go for the three years and then get mid social distancing conferencing system from video tors and fan sounds from loud- into day-to-day running of a club job, which would be Arestrictions due to the screens set up on one side of the speakers were good attempts, what I wanted to do,” Neville told beIN Sports. “It’s been coronavirus pandemic, the pitch. Cardboard cut-outs of fans but could not save the mood or brilliant and I’ve loved every minute of it, but ultimately Danish premiership league has were also placed on the stands. quality of the game as the Super you don’t get to see the players. You don’t get to impact kicked off again — with the first “A virtual stand marks the return League restarted after 79 days of them every single day, which is now what I feel I need match after the restart cheered on of football to Denmark,” wrote corona break with a draw.” to do.” Neville was set to lead England in the Euros on by virtual spectators. AGF Aarhus Spanish sports paper Marca, The Ekstrabladet tabloid said it home soil next year as well as the British team at the drew 1-1 with Randers FC in a west labelling it a “groundbreaking also missed the live sounds from 2020 Tokyo Olympics but the Covid-19 pandemic has Danish regional derby late Thurs- initiative”. the stands. “No sighs, no cheering, seen both pushed back. day after equalizing in injury time. AGF coach David Nielsen said he Players vie for the ball as fans are streamed live on to the screens on no big fluctuations in the sound- The Super League derby generat- was “sure this meant something to the sidelines during the 3F Super League football match between AGF scape no matter what happened Atletico’s Costa given court date ed headlines across the country the players, that it created a bit of and Randers FC at Ceres Park in Aarhus, Denmark, on Thursday. (AFP) on the pitch,” the daily said. — and around the world — due an alternative 2020 atmosphere,” Some fans sat in their cars and to face tax fraud charge to the innovation of introducing news agency Ritzau reported. match had a lot of energy and it Danish daily Politiken was a little watched the match on large digital spectators in the Ceres , Nielsen’s was as if “there were 10,000 to more sceptical in its review. screens at a location near the Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa is to face trial on Park stadium in Aarhus. counterpart at Randers, said the 15,000 spectators.” “Virtual Spectators and Fake stadium. June 4 for tax fraud in 2014, a court filing showed yester- day, with prosecutors asking the Spain international to be handed a six-month jail sentence and a fine of 507,208 euros ($564,877). According to the filing, Costa defraud- BOTTOMLINE ed the Spanish state of 1,014,416 euros by not declaring payments of 5,150,622 euros from his 2014 transfer from Atletico to Chelsea in his tax return, as well as more than one mn euros in image rights. The filing added that the Social distancing new challenge for stadium designers prison sentence could be exchanged for an additional fine of 36,500 euros, in accordance with Spanish law Reuters for,” senior principal Christopher have a drink or something how to dium using technology similar to When Japan unsuccessfully bid which allows penal sentences below two years for non- Bern, Switzerland Lee told Reuters. eat and, the trickiest bit, how do video conferencing. to host the 2022 World Cup, one violent crimes to be exchanged for a financial penalty. “It’s the antitheses of how you get to the toilets?” In the same way that video of its plans was to use holography Costa, 31, who returned to Atletico from Chelsea in 2017, we design a stadium,” he added. Lee said that Populous were conferencing had changed busi- to transmit 3-D images of match- could not immediately be reached for comment. rom getting to the toilets “Usually, we want people close working on solutions with their ness practices, it could transform es onto the pitches of stadiums to creating an atmosphere, and intimate... We try to design clients and expected technology sports watching habits. across the world. Polish football fans allowed at Fthe prospect of social dis- external spaces, concourses, ex- to provide many of the solutions. One “relatively cheap and sim- The idea was the fans could tancing is setting new its, bars, concessions and the like Among the ideas being con- ple option” is be a Zoom-style gather in a stadium thousands matches from June 19 challenges for stadium designers to be spacious but we go to live sidered were robots and wearable conference call that would trans- of kilometres away and watch and operators who usually aim to events to feel part of a crowd and devices. mit pictures of fans watching re- the game being played out on the Football fans will be able to attend matches in Poland’s keep people together rather than have that connection.” Lee said there were robots who motely onto screens around the pitch in front of them as if they top division from June 19, with stadiums at a quarter apart. “There is a lot of work to could do “anything from serving stadium — already being tried by were at the actual venue. of capacity in line with coronavirus measures, the Although football is starting to even get 10,000 or 15,000 into a coff ee to pulling a beer and guid- side Aarhus. Could the same be done with country’s prime minister said yesterday. That means reawaken after the Covid-19 pan- 60,000 stadium,” he said. “They ing people to their places”. Wear- A more sophisticated possibil- spectators, using holograms of supporters will be kept away from the two matches demic, the days of large stadiums have to be spaced... (and) you are able devices, meanwhile, could ity would be to use Augmented real fans in remote locations to fi ll being played on Friday, the first since anti-coronavirus crowds seem a long way off . Even talking about much longer times “beep annoyingly” whenever the Reality (AR) technology to bring empty seats? measures came into force over two months ago. “Fans when they return, they may have to get into the stadium.” wearer moved within two metres images of fans into the stadium, or “It’s some way off . We don’t will be able to attend matches... from June 19,” Premier to respect social distancing guide- Lee, the project director for of another spectator. to give remote viewers the sensa- think you can do it on that scale Mateusz Morawiecki said. “We will ensure that access to lines, something that stadium ar- Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadi- tion that they were in the stadium. at the moment. There are some disinfection facilities, the purchase of tickets and the ar- chitects such as Populous are al- um which opened last year, listed REMOTE FANS “For example, people gather awesome holograms, but on the rival at the stadium does not lead to gatherings and that ready considering. the some of the challenges. Meanwhile, Populous was also together in some little bar in a far scale of 60,000 plus, it’s probably people are placed in the stadium in accordance with “Assuming we don’t have a vac- “When you get onto a con- looking at ways of getting the corner of the world — so can you not yet viable so we are back to health standards.” The head of the Polish football fed- cine, there will have to be some course, how do maintain the two hundreds of thousands of remote then represent that in the stadium more simple technology,” said Lee. eration (PZPN), Zbigniew Boniek told reporters that only form of social distancing in sta- metre distances from your fellow fans more connected with the itself?” he pondered. Then there “Above all else, we are focused on local fans would be permitted to enter the stadiums. diums which they aren’t designed spectators,” he said. “How do you match, and even “inside” the sta- is holography. the safety and security of our fans.” Gulf Times Saturday, May 30, 2020 3 SPORT

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT NHL announces regular NBA GMs split over season award winners whether to fi nish regular season ‘EVERY TEAM IS OBVIOUSLY GONNA VOTE FOR WHAT’S BEST FOR THEM’

Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals. (AFP)

DPA lak won the Jennings Trophy, Los Angeles awarded to the goaltenders on the team that allowed the fewest goals. They gave up 167 he timetable remains goals. Rask’s 2.12 goals-against fl uid for the NHL’s average was the best among Treturn to play, but the goalies who played 23 or more league on Thursday games. reaffi rmed that the regular The NHL, which halted play season is over when it an- on March 12 and advised players nounced winners of three tro- to self-isolate, this week dis- phies that are automatically closed a cautious and change- awarded based on the regular- able plan for a revamped, 24- season performance of teams team Stanley Cup playoff . As or individuals. described, the second phase The Boston Bruins were rec- of its plan would begin in early ognised in all three categories. June with players working out First, they won the Presidents’ at their club’s facilities in small Trophy for compiling the top groups while adhering to local record in the pandemic-short- medical and safety guidance. ened season, at 44-14-12 for Phase 3 would kick off with the 100 points in 70 games. They opening of full training camps. also had the best points per- Multiple reports by Canadian centage (.714). media on Thursday said NHL In addition, Bruins forward players have been told those David Pastrnak and Wash- training camps won’t start be- ington Capitals winger Alex- fore July 10, meaning the play- ander Ovechkin shared the off s probably won’t start until Rocket Richard trophy, given late July or early August and to the player with the most might not end until September goals. Each scored 48 goals, or October. with Ovechkin reaching that Commissioner Gary Bett- number in 68 games and Pas- man has said he intends to trnak in 70. It was the ninth play the 2020-21 season in its time Ovechkin won or shared entirety and acknowledged it the goal-scoring title and third might not start until January in season in a row. order to give players a reason- Also, Bruins goaltenders able break between this inter- The NBA suspended the regular season indefinitely on March 11 when Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for Covid-19. Tuukka Rask and Jaroslav Ha- rupted season and the next one.

Reuters regular season continue. seriously. Every team is obvi- teams return for fi ve to seven reg- could be held, and has support Los Angeles A little more than half of the ously gonna vote for what’s best ular-season games, leading into a from players including Portland GMs would like to see the 16 play- for them.” The NBA announced 20-team postseason that would Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard. Report: Non-playoff teams off teams seeded fi rst through 16th last weekend that it was in nego- include a six-team play-in tour- Lillard said he wouldn’t play if the will be allowed to trade BA general manag- without consideration of confer- tiations with Disney to restart the nament. In the meantime, Mil- Blazers returned for regular-sea- ers reportedly are ences. season this summer at Disney’s waukee Bucks owner Marc Lasry son games but didn’t have a shot at When the NHL season This is actually keeping Nsplit over whether Given a choice of a play-in ESPN Wide World of Sports Com- says that he expects a vote “early the playoff s. resumes with a 24-team with traditional NHL rules, the league should fi n- tournament to determine the fi - plex near Orlando, Florida. next week” before moving toward Lasry told CNBC the expecta- postseason, the seven teams as teams are allowed to ish the regular season when it nal playoff teams or a World Cup- It would be a “single site for an playoff games being played in Or- tion for Friday’s call was to receive left out of the playoff s appar- make trades after the trade resumes action after the shut- type group stage that would take NBA campus for games, practices lando in July. a number of options for returning ently won’t be entirely left deadline. However, NHL down caused by the coronavi- the place of the remainder of the and housing,” league spokesman “I think at the end of the day, to practice and how to proceed out of the action. According regulations prohibit players rus pandemic or if the playoff s regular season as well as the fi rst Mike Bass said. we’ll be in Orlando at Disney,” with the remainder of the 2019-20 to a report Thursday by The acquired after the deadline should commence immediately. round of the playoff s, 75 % opted However, the NBA has yet to Lasry said Thursday in an inter- season. Lasry said a fi nal decision Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, the from playing in the posts- The league sent out a survey to for the play-in event and 25 % for commit to a format for games view on CNBC. “The question on those options is not likely on seven teams that will not be eason with their new team, all 30 GMs last week, and com- the group-stage option. when they do resume. is going to be will we have all 30 Friday. part of the postseason will hence why post-deadline missioner Adam Silver revealed An anonymous general manag- The 2019-20 season was sus- teams there, or will we have 24; A typical timeline of the NBA be allowed to trade, but only trades are so rare. the results Thursday to the same er told O’Connor of the Thursday pended March 11 when Utah Jazz whatever the number will end up season would involve the confer- with other non-playoff clubs. The seven non-playoff teams people who were polled, TheR- call with Silver, “There was zero All-Star center Rudy Gobert test- being. But hopefully, by the mid- ence fi nals before the NBA Finals, Those seven teams are the will be placed in the draft inger.com’s Kevin O’Connor re- commitment to any one plan. But ed positive for Covid-19. At the dle of July, we start playing again.” which began May 30 last season. Detroit Red Wings, Ottawa lottery, which also will include ported. it was a call to gather more infor- time, NBA teams had played be- To be determined is whether Delaying the start of the play- Senators, San Jose Sharks, the eight teams that are O’Connor published the re- mation.” tween 63 and 67 of their scheduled the NBA will resume the regular off s during the hiatus also led the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim eliminated during the best-of- sults Thursday, citing anonymous An unnamed team executive 82 regular-season games. Earlier season or skip to the playoff s. A league to postpone the NBA Draft Ducks, Buff alo Sabres and five qualifying round for the sources: told O’Connor earlier this week, this week, Dallas Mavericks owner play-in tournament to determine Lottery, NBA Scouting Combine, New Jersey Devils. playoff s. Half of the GMs want to see the “Adam isn’t taking the results Mark Cuban proposed having all the fi nal spots in each conference and NBA Draft.

MLB Shortened draft will create a roster logjam for college teams By Jack Harris ball, the only NCAA sport whose to remain roster-compliant. “If (the NCAA) says, ‘We’re not Los Angeles Times major pro league drastically altered “There’s no way a majority of us going to do anything,’ you’re go- its amateur draft this summer. can get under 35,” Gill said. “There’s ing to see a massive amount of kids Even under normal circumstances, going to be some phone calls that enter the NCAA (transfer) portal on heir sport won’t return to managing college rosters is “a shell have to be made to families that are the suggestion of coaches,” Smith action until next February, game,” USC coach Jason Gill said, going to be unfortunate.” said. “That’s what we’re trying to Tbut repercussions from the forcing coaches to sign recruiting Gill and Savage believe their pro- get the NCAA, as a coaches group, coronavirus crisis already classes months before knowing grams will exceed the 35-man ros- to understand. If you don’t make have college baseball coaches brac- how many of their draft-eligible ter max by only a handful of play- some relief legislatively, there are ing for a potentially seismic eff ect. players (juniors and 21-year-old ers, depending on how the draft going to be kids run off of rosters Usually, college baseball serves sophomores) might be drafted and shakes out. But they know other through no fault of their own.” as a river connecting the amateur signed. schools could face rosters as large The expectation within the sport and professional ranks, ferrying Add in a 2020 draft one-eighth as 45 or 50 next year. is that the NCAA will approve the players to MLB clubs in a strong its normal length and a meager “That’s what we’re trying to get ABCA’s baseline proposals. But and steady stream. But when the $20,000 signing bonus cap for the NCAA, as a coaches group, after the NCAA Division I Coun- league, in an unprecedented cost- undrafted players, and “all those to understand. If you don’t make cil failed to address any baseball saving move, downsized the 2020 predictions are getting fouled some relief legislatively, there are management issues during its lat- MLB draft from 40 rounds to fi ve, up across the country,” Gill said. going to be kids run off of rosters est meeting May 20, the earliest it was as if a hastily built dam had “There’s a lot of layers.” The logjam through no fault of their own.” that rule changes can be considered suddenly clogged the whole sys- will swell even larger because the “Can you imagine your son get- is at the council’s next meeting, tem. NCAA will allow 2020 seniors in ting a call in July — after they’ve June 17 — six days after the draft By the time the two-day event spring sports to return in 2021. been committed to a school for is completed. “College baseball ends June 11, only a fraction of Ballooning college rosters could three years and signed a national needs clarity,” said Kendall Rogers, draft-eligible college and high stretch programs’ resources thin. letter of intent back in November co-managing editor of D1Baseball. school prospects will be off ered The limit of 11.7 scholarships per — that not only do they not have com. “You can get away with not professional contracts. The rest team is not expected to change a scholarship but they don’t have voting on it last week. But if you’re will be backlogged in a reservoir of even though scholarship money a spot on that team?” said Craig not voting on roster issues by June talent, threatening to fl ood college earmarked for incoming freshmen Keilitz, executive director of the 17, you’re going to have a lot of kids baseball with more players than it is may instead go to returning players. American Baseball Coaches Asso- and a lot of coaches in limbo lead- designed to handle. An overcrowded transfer market ciation, which issued recommen- ing up to school.” “In the big picture, it’s some- could exceed demand, potentially dations that the NCAA temporarily Rule changes won’t erase all thing that we’ve never calculated leaving some players with nowhere waive the 35-man roster cap and complications, either. Rogers ex- or prepared for,” UCLA coach John to go. increase the maximum number of pects the transfer portal, which he Savage said: “It’s so fl uid, we’re And if the NCAA doesn’t ad- scholarship-eligible players from said had already seen 1,000 en- changing our roster and the looks just its strict roster rules, which 27 to 32. trants since January, to “explode College baseball serves as a river connecting the of it literally day to day. It could currently cap baseball teams at 35 Keilitz continued: “I mean, that’s when the draft is over” — espe- amateur and professional ranks, ferrying players lead to mass confusion here in a players and allow only 27 to receive reality unless we make this change.” cially if more schools eliminate to MLB clubs in a strong and steady stream. (TNS) month or so.” scholarship money, many coaches Arizona State coach Tracy Smith their baseball programs, as The problem is unique to base- could be forced to cut players just echoed similarly dire predictions. Green and Furman did this month Gulf Times 4 Saturday, May 30, 2020 SPORT

NFL REPORT MLB fi nalises plans for a fi ve-round draft Cardinals’ Hopkins starting June 10

Reuters Rounds 2-5 will take place Los Angeles on June 11. The Baltimore Orioles pick second in the 2020 draft, fol- ajor League Base- lowed by the Miami Marlins, and Peterson talk ball fi nalised plans Kansas City Royals, Toronto Mfor a fi ve-round Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, draft starting June Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego 10. Padres, Colorado Rockies and The fi rst night of the draft Los Angeles Angels. will encompass the fi rst round, The Orioles also have the which is 37 picks including 30th pick — the fi rst competi- competitive balance selec- tive balance selection. big ahead of season tions. The Houston Astros lost The Detroit Tigers have the their fi rst- and second-round No 1 pick. picks as part of their penalties ‘THIS IS DEFINITELY GOING TO BE A BIG YEAR. JUST WAIT AND SEE’ A typical MLB draft lasts for illegally stealing signs, with 40 rounds, but the NCAA’s the Boston Red Sox losing their decision to off er repeat eligi- second-round selection in the The Arizona Cardinals wide Patrick Peterson bility for spring sport college scandal. receiver DeAndre Hopkins. athletes due to the coronavi- The Angels, Atlanta Braves, rus pandemic led to a revised Arizona Diamondbacks, New agreement with the players York Mets and New York Yan- association. The length of the kees forfeited their second- draft is just fi ve rounds this round picks as a of sign- year and 20 rounds in 2021. ing qualifi ed free agents.

ANNOUNCEMENT Dodgers’ David to donate $1K apiece to team’s minor leaguers

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher David Price.

Reuters out how to play a partial 2020 Reuters (Thomas)... but he knows if I ground. seasons. the fi rst six games because of Los Angeles season. In April, Rangers des- Los Angeles had (Saints quarterback) Drew “Going into this situation The player who likely will a suspension for violating the ignated hitter Shin-Soo Choo Brees my whole career what with a guy, a young quarter- cover Hopkins throughout league’s performance-enhanc- made a $1,000 donation to these numbers would be. back, that I know is gonna be camp and practice — corner- ing drug policy and using a os Angeles Dodgers each of the minor-league ith the reigning Of- “(Falcons wide receiver) Julio my quarterback for the future, back Patrick Peterson — held masking agent. pitcher David Price players in Texas’ farm system. fensive Rookie of Jones knows if I had Matt Ryan is great,” said Hopkins, who a near-hour-long Zoom news “For me to jump back into the Lwill gift $1,000 to each Choo, 37, spent three sea- Wthe Year behind my whole career... That’s my touchdown passes from conference on Thursday, and thick of things, Superman may- of the players in the sons in the minors before he centre and coming boy. I trained with Julio, too. 10 diff erent quarterbacks in his he said his goal is to be named be can do that, but I’m not Clark team’s minor-league system, broke into the big leagues. off an off season hailed by many He knows what these numbers seven seasons with the Texans. the NFL Defensive Player of the Kent,” Peterson said. “I might MLB writer Francys Romero “I came here with nothing, as one of the best in NFL, the would be.” “We’re able to build a chemis- Year in 2020. have some Superman moments reported. but baseball has given me a lot Arizona Cardinals have plenty of The Cardinals acquired Hop- try, and hopefully, I’m able to “I’ve got a chip on my shoul- or some Superman ways, but Major League Baseball since,” Choo told Naver Sports people talking them up heading kins in a trade with the Houston play more than three seasons der that’s bigger than it’s ever it just wasn’t happening for agreed to pay each minor of South Korea. “Minor league into 2020. Texans in March. He will join with a quarterback. I don’t been,” Peterson said. “I can feel me. But once I got back in the leaguer $400 for May as teams players are the future of our Including two of their most future Hall of Fame wideout think I’ve done that yet. So, I’m something special (coming).” groove, I felt unbelievable. And coped with the fi nancial loss- organization. I just hope that high-profi le players. Larry Fitzgerald and budding excited just to see how I’ll be This season is the fi nal one in that’s what’s going to carry over es caused by the coronavirus they can fi ght through and Speaking Thursday on the star Christian Kirk to give quar- able to play with a consistent Peterson’s contract. to this year. pandemic. overcome this diffi cult time.” “Jalen & Jacoby Show” on terback Kyler Murray one of quarterback.” “I feel I have something to “I’m not really into, ‘Watch Price’s gesture comes amid The Dodgers acquired Price, ESPN, DeAndre Hopkins left no the best receiving corps in the Hopkins also has familiarity prove,” he said. “This is going to this (or) prove this.’ But I can a report from ESPN’s Jeff Pas- the 2012 American League Cy doubt as to who he thinks is the league. with playing with a young quar- be, I believe, an incredible, in- promise you this: This is defi - san, who reported Thursday Young Award winner, along best wide receiver in the NFL. Murray, the No 1 overall pick terback, as his last three sea- credible year for me because the nitely going to be a big year. that teams released “hun- with outfi elder Mookie Betts “I defi nitely think I’m the in 2019, threw for 3,722 yards sons in Houston were the fi rst defence I believe is tailor-made Just wait and see. To whoever dreds” of minor leaguers. The in a trade with the Red Sox in best,” Hopkins said. “I know I’m with 20 touchdowns and 12 in- three in the career of Deshaun for some of my strengths.” doubting me or whoever don’t minor league baseball season December. He has three years the best. Mike’s my boy. I love terceptions as a rookie, adding Watson. Hopkins was a fi rst- Peterson is also coming off think I can still play at a high widely has been expected to remaining on a seven-year, (Saints wide receiver) Michael 544 yards and four scores on the team All-Pro in each of those a season in which he missed level, just wait and see.” be cancelled as Major League $217mn deal he signed with Baseball attempts to fi gure Boston in 2015.

SPOTLIGHT Sabres’ coach understands Eichel’s frustration NFL still on track for Week 1 Reuters training camp and eventually Los Angeles games. States around the country continue to relax restrictions he NFL continues to that were put in place due to the plan with the expecta- coronavirus pandemic, creat- Ttion of an on-time start ing optimism about the NFL to the 2020 season, season proceeding as planned, commissioner Roger Goodell beginning with the Sept 10 told reporters on a conference regular-season opener between call on Thursday. the Houston Texans and Kansas “As a league, in City Chiefs. with the NFLPA, we’ll continue There is also an increasing to prepare and adjust as neces- possibility that fans will be per- uff alo Sabres coach easy pill to swallow right sary,” Goodell said. “... We are mitted to attend at some ven- Ralph Krueger said now.” prepared for the 2020 season.” ues. Bhe understands cap- The Sabres (30-31-8, 68 Goodell announced that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is- tain Jack Eichel’s points) were one of seven the virtual off season program sued a proclamation Thursday frustration with losing. teams to miss the playoff s has been extended two weeks, announcing fans will be allowed “Across the board we are frus- after the NHL deemed the through June 12, and that he’s at outdoor professional sport- trated. We are not where we regular season complete on “hopeful” coaches can return ing events as soon as Friday, want to be,” Krueger said in a Tuesday. Buff alo has missed to team facilities as soon as next with capacity capped at 25 %. conference call with reporters the playoff s in each of the week. However, he added that Leagues must receive approval yesterday. “... It also shows past nine seasons, which coaches will not be allowed to from the state health depart- that our core has a youth that marks the league’s longest return until all 32 teams are able ment, and indoor events (and is willing to reach for higher active streak. to open their facilities in ac- high school or college events) standards and now we need Eichel, 23, recorded a career- cordance with local government are currently not included. to do the work that backs high 36 goals to go along with regulations. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. (Reuters) The Dallas Cowboys and that up.” team-best totals in assists (42) To this point, teams have Houston Texans both play in In a 27-minute conference call and points (78) in 68 games been permitted to allow only next week, adding it is working protocols that would allow “at person workouts in late June or domed stadiums that have re- of his own on Thursday, Eichel this season. He also pieced non-football personnel back at closely with “Governors and least some players to return to early July, but several steps must tractable roofs. laid his feelings on the line. together a 17-game point their facilities, in an eff ort to other state and local authori- your facilities on a limited basis be taken fi rst. According to WDSU New “Listen, I’m fed up with the streak during the campaign, maintain competitive equity. ties” in areas where pandemic prior to the conclusion of the Goodell said the league’s cur- Orleans, the Mercedes-Benz losing and I’m fed up and which was cut short on March In a memo sent to all 32 teams, regulations remain strict. off -season program.” rent “highest priority” is fi nd- Superdome could permit up to I’m frustrated,” he said. “You 12 when the NHL paused for the league said it expects to al- The memo also said the league Various reports have said that ing a way for players to safely 13,000 fans at a time if the NFL know, it’s definitely not an the coronavirus pandemic. low coaches back into facilities is working with the NFLPA on teams might be able to hold in- return to facilities in time for allows this fall. Gulf Times Saturday, May 30, 2020 5 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Federer tops list of world’s highest-paid athletes Two women, tennis stars Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams, made the list, the most females on it since 2016

AFP $104mn, $32mn of that from sponsor- to the 2020 campaign was postponed by New York ship deals. the virus outbreak, put only one player Messi and Ronaldo, who have traded on the list after 15 in 2019. The lone the top spot three of the past four years, MLB player was Los Angeles Dodgers oger Federer topped the 2020 saw their combined incomes dip $28mn pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who was 57th Forbes magazine list of high- from last year due to salary cuts when at $27.3mn with only $750,000 from Rest-paid global athletes an- European clubs halted play in March. endorsements. nounced yesterday, leading Brazilian footballer Neymar was Spanish footballer Carlos Ramos, the the lineup for the fi rst time with pre-tax fourth overall on $95.5mn, $25mn from Real Madrid , was last among earnings of $106.3mn (95.5mn euros). endorsements, while NBA star LeBron the 100 on $21.8mn, including $3mn The Swiss tennis legend, a men’s record James of the Los Angeles Lakers was in endorsements. Two women, tennis 20-time Grand Slam singles champion, fi fth on $88.2mn, $60mn of that from stars Naomi Osaka of Japan and Serena becomes the fi rst player from his sport endorsements. Williams of the United States, made the atop the annual list since its 1990 de- NBA star Stephen Curry of the Gold- list, the most females on it since 2016. but, rising from fi fth in 2019. en State Warriors was sixth on $74.4mn Osaka ranked 29th overall on $37.4mn Federer’s haul over the past 12 with former teammate Kevin Durant ($34mn in endorsements), four spots months included $100mn from appear- next on $63.9mn. Tiger Woods, the ahead of Williams with $36mn ($32mn ances fees and endorsement deals plus reigning Masters champion and a 15- in endorsements). $6.3mn in prize money. His previous time major winner, was eighth on the Federer, 38, boasts the biggest spon- best showing was second in 2013. “His list and tops among golfers at $62.3mn, sorship lineup among active athletes brand is pristine, which is why those all but $2.3mn from sponsor deals. with Moet & Chandon and Barilla that can aff ord to align with him clamor Woods topped the Forbes list a record among those paying from $3 to $30mn to do so,” University of Southern Cali- 12 times before an infi delity scandal to link him with their brands. Federer, fornia sports business professor David helped end his run. Two NFL quarter- who spent a record 310 weeks as world Carter told the magazine. backs rounded out the top 10 with Kirk number one, reached 18 of 19 Grand The ongoing coronavirus pandem- Cousins ninth at $60.5mn and Carson Slam fi nals from 2005-2010. ic that shut down sports worldwide Wentz 10th on $59.1mn. Only Woods has joined Federer in caused the fi rst decline since 2016 in The top 100 featured athletes from making $100mn in sponsor deals in the total income of the world’s 100 top- 21 nations and 10 sports. More NBA a single year. Federer’s newest deal is paid athletes, a 9% dip from last year players made the list than those from with Swiss running shoe On, where he to $3.6bn. Another plunge is expected any other sport at 35, but 31 NFL play- is an investor, but several sponsors have next year from the shutdown. ers made the cut, up from 19 from last been with him for more than a decade, Portuguese football star Cristiano year, and they pulled down the most including Rolex, Credit Suisse, Mer- Ronaldo was second on the list at money of any league, aided by fi nish- cedes-Benz and Wilson. A split with $105mn, $60mn in salary and $45mn ing the season before the deadly virus Nike in 2018 opened Federer to Japa- from endorsements, with Argentine outbreak. nese apparel brand Uniqlo’s 10-year Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer’s haul over the past 12 months included $100mn from appearances fees and endorse- football hero Lionel Messi third on Major League Baseball, whose start deal worth $300mn. ment deals plus $6.3mn in prize money. (Reuters)

FOCUS British and TENNIS Australian Williams says any team sale MotoGP Murray to return to action in June AFP races cancelled London would be to secure F1 future London: This year’s British and Australian MotoGP races ndy Murray will return from his latest have been cancelled due injury problem on June 23 in a tourna- Williams have won 114 races to the Covid-19 pandemic, ment organised by his brother Jamie to to date but have been last for A organisers said yesterday. raise money for a UK National Health the past two years. (Reuters) The British Grand Prix was Service charity. Jamie Murray has helped cre- scheduled for Silverstone on ate the behind-closed-doors tournament called Aug. 30 while the Australian ‘Schroders Battle of the Brits’. round had been due at Phillip The event, which runs from June 23-28, will Island on Oct 25. see the Murray brothers and fellow British play- The season is yet to get ers Kyle Edmund and Dan Evans go head to head underway after the season- at the Lawn Tennis Association’s Roehampton opening Qatar Grand Prix base in London. It will be screened live on Ama- was cancelled in March as the zon Prime and aims to raise at least £100,000 novel coronavirus outbreak ($122,000) for the state-run NHS. shut down world sport. With the ATP and WTA seasons postponed Races in Germany, Finland due to the coronavirus, Murray’s fi rst appearance and the Netherlands which since November’s Davis Cup Finals will be a wel- Prior to the lockdown, former world number were to be held in June-July come tonic for tennis fans. “The last few months one Andy Murray had been returning to the were also removed from the have been incredibly challenging times for eve- court after another injury-enforced absence. The revised calendar. ryone and we see this event as our way of giving 33-year-old was unable to hit for three months “We’re saddened to have back,” Jamie Murray said. because of what was initially diagnosed as a mild to announce the cancellation “A lot of work has gone in to make sure this bone bruise. Murray, a two-time Wimbledon of these iconic events after could happen and we are very excited to be able champion, later believed the problem was heter- finding no way through the to bring an action-packed week of tennis, while otopic ossifi cation, bone growth associated with Reuters previous profi t of 12.9mn. “I feel the season in July. Williams said logistical and operational raising valuable funds for NHS heroes to say the hip resurfacing operation he underwent in London very much that seeking inward her father, now 78 and removed issues resulting from the thank you for the amazing work they have done.” January 2019. investment at this juncture is from the day to day running of pandemic and rearranged absolutely in line with that phi- the business, was ‘up to speed’ calendar,” Carmelo Ezpeleta, illiams are prepared losophy we’ve always had — to and supportive. “He wants to chief executive of the com- BOTTOMLINE to end decades of protect our team’s future, to pro- ensure the future success of his mercial rights holder Dorna, Wfamily control and tect the people that work for us.” team and understands and agrees said in a statement. sell the struggling A strategic review will look at that this is the right time to seek Silverstone managing Formula One team to secure its all options ranging from secur- inward investment in order to director Stuart Pringle said Renault staying in F1: interim CEO future after tough times on and ing new investment to a poten- achieve that,” she said. they had no choice but to Reuters Renault’s F1 future had been and sporting rule changes is due off the track, deputy principal tial sale of the entire company. Formula One will have a cancel the event despite Paris uncertain given the fi nancial in 2022 which the sport hopes Claire Williams said yesterday. Williams said nothing was ruled $145mn budget cap next year, putting in “months of work pressures on the French car gi- will narrow the gap between the The announcement is a major out but sidestepped a question which should reduce the big gap behind the scenes” to ensure ant and a slump in demand due top teams and the rest and make shift for a proudly British com- about whether the company was between the top teams and the it went ahead. enault will stay in to the Covid-19 pandemic. It racing more sustainable. pany co-founded by Frank Wil- at risk if a sale was not forthcom- rest, while technical measures Australia is yet to open Formula One, interim had said nothing would be “ta- Renault, who won world liams, Claire’s father, and that ing. “I have every confi dence that for 2022 aim to make racing more its international borders RChief Executive Coltil- boo” as it reviewed its business, championships with Spaniard won a string of world champion- we will fi nd the investment we competitive. Williams said that while people travelling to de Delbos said yester- with the sport’s commercial Fernando Alonso in 2005 and ships during a period of domi- need,” she said. would make the sport more at- the United Kingdom must day after announcing the car- ‘Concorde Agreement’ expiring 2006, will have a vacancy in nance in the 1980s and 90s. Williams said the review was tractive to would-be investors. quarantine for two weeks. maker’s restructuring measures at the end of the year. 2021 when Australian Daniel The team have won 114 races not driven by any one, key factor Williams also announced the Grand Prix races in Spain, including plans to cut 15,000 Renault fi nished fi fth overall Ricciardo leaves for McLaren to date but have been last for the such as the Covid-19 pandemic end of the team’s title sponsor- France, Italy and Catalunya jobs worldwide. last season. Formula One has and yesterday’s announcement past two years. Claire Williams that has stalled the 2020 season ship with ROKiT but hoped to were postponed until later “We confi rm that we intend moved to reduce costs, with a makes the seat more desirable. rejected a suggestion that any and will have a big impact on bring in new money to replace this year. Earlier this month, to stay in Formula One,” she $145mn budget cap due to come Four-times world champion potential sale might be seen as a revenues. She said the company it. The struggling team had ex- MotoGP had proposed start- told a conference call. “The in next season. Sebastian Vettel is one name sign of desperation. wanted to wrap things up in the tended only last July the contract ing its season with two races new regulations, new cap in Some of the top teams are in the frame after Ferrari an- “Williams as a family have next three to four months. “We with the company, whose busi- on consecutive weekends term of investments, because spending signifi cantly more nounced the German would be always put our Formula One are fully funded throughout the ness interests range from mobile in July at the Jerez circuit we had less investment than than that, although they also leaving at the end of 2020. An- team fi rst,” she told reporters in remainder of this year to con- phones to beer and vodka brands, in southern Spain, with the some of our competitors who get a bigger share of the rev- other option could be the return a video call after annual results tinue racing as and when we can through 2023. Claire Williams government yet to approve are spending a lot of money, so enues and attract more spon- of Alonso, who left McLaren at showed a loss of 13mn pounds go back to the circuit,” she added. said her team had met contrac- the proposal. F1, we are here, and we stay in sorship. the end of 2018 but is keen on a ($15.98mn) in 2019 compared to a Formula One aims to start tual obligations. Formula One.” A major package of technical comeback.

GOLF LPGA stars set to compete at Texas Women’s Open next week AFP Boutier, Maria Fassi, of Mexico, and in Texas. The LPGA remains on hiatus ernor Greg Abbott plans to allow pro- played with spectators since the coro- state of Illinois ban gatherings of more Los Angeles Gerina Piller for the June 2-4 event. because of the Covid-19 pandemic. fessional leagues to host fans again for navirus pandemic, has been cancelled, than 50 people and those were expected The Texas Women’s Open used to be It shut down in February after just outdoor sporting events at up to 25% the tour confi rmed on Thursday. Mul- to still be in place during the week of the an LPGA Tour event in the 1950s, but four events, two in Florida and two in capacity. Leagues, like the LPGA, will tiple media outlets had reported the John Deere event. Rory McIlroy plans to wo-time major winner Stacy is now sanctioned by the North Dallas Australia, and isn’t scheduled to return have to apply to state health offi cials to event, scheduled for July 9-12 in Silvis, be among the golfers in the fi rst return Lewis and former US Women’s chapter of the PGA of America. It was until July. Many of the same players be allowed to have fans. Indoor events Illinois, would not be staged this year. event, the Charles Schwab Challenge at TOpen winner Brittany Lang will fi rst played in 1933 and previous win- had expected to be in Texas next week will still be without spectators. The Classic, won last year by South Colonial on June 11-14 without specta- tee it up at the Texas Women’s ners include Babe Zaharias and Betsy for the US Women’s Open in Houston Africa’s Dylan Frittelli, is a staple at tors at Fort Worth, Texas. Three other Open next week in Dallas. American’s Rawls. The three-day, $50,000 tourna- before offi cials moved that event to De- US PGA JOHN DEERE TPC Deere Run and was scheduled to events are set to be played without fans Lewis and Lang will be joined by sev- ment begins next Tuesday at the Old cember. The Texas Open will not allow CLASSIC CANCELLED be the fi fth tournament in the tour’s — the Heritage in South Carolina, the eral other US LPGA players, includ- American Golf Club outside of Dallas, fans, but golf matches in the state with The John Deere Classic, in position return since it shut down in March. Travelers Championship in Connecti- ing Cheyenne Knight, France’s Celine Texas. Both Lang and Lewis were raised spectators may not be far away. Gov- to be the fi rst US PGA Tour event to be Ongoing coronavirus restrictions in the cut and the Rocket Mortgage Classic.

Saturday, May 30, 2020 GULF TIMES CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS World No place for Hales or Cup schedule under ‘very high risk’: CA

Reuters Plunkett as England Melbourne ricket Australia boss Kevin Roberts has Cdownplayed the pros- pect of the Twenty20 World Cup going ahead in 2020, saying the October-November name training group schedule was under “very high risk” due to the coronavirus pan- demic. “Obviously, we’ve been hopeful all along that it could be Players will not train in one place, but with individual sessions across several venues staged in October-November but you would have to say there is a AFP very high risk about the prospect London of that happening,” Roberts told reporters in a video call yesterday “In the event that doesn’t hap- tournament, which was sup- lex Hales and World Cup-win- pen, there are potential windows posed to start at the end of ner were both left in the February-March period, March, had to be postponed in- Aout of a mammoth 55-man Eng- October-November the following defi nitely due to the pandemic land training group announced year. And there are implications and the BCCI faces a $530mn yesterday. But 14 uncapped players here for the ICC over a number of dip in revenue if the competition were selected as England look to stage a years. So there’s a lot of complex- fails to go ahead. The IPL’s move full Test and limited-overs programme ity for the ICC to deal with.” to an October-November slot against West Indies, Pakistan, Ireland The International Cricket could impact Australia’s sched- and Australia, despite the coronavirus Council, the sport’s world gov- uled T20 series with West Indies delaying the start of their home season erning body, has the fi nal say (Oct 4-9) and India (Oct 11-17) until at least July. over whether the Oct 18-Nov 15 confi rmed on Thursday, with a Among those recalled was David Wil- event will go ahead. On Thurs- number of Australian interna- ley, who lost his place in the one-day day, the ICC deferred decisions tionals contracted to IPL teams. squad to shortly before Eng- over the tournament until its Australia’s cricketers would land won the World Cup for the fi rst time next board meeting on June 10. need exemptions from CA to be last year. Offi cial squads will be named India’s cricket board (BCCI), excused from international duty at a later date, with three Tests against which is set to host the follow- and play in the IPL but Rob- the West Indies, set to be played behind ing edition of the tournament in erts declined to say whether CA closed doors at bio-secure venues such as 2021, is keeping a close eye on would grant them. “The question Old Traff ord in Manchester and South- developments as a postpone- of the IPL will be addressed when ampton’s Ageas Bowl, fi rst up for England ment could open up a window for a decision is made around the this season. the . T20 World Cup, that’s the key The group will not train in one place, The lucrative franchise-based infl uencing factor there,” he said. but with individual sessions across sever- al county venues, that started with bowl- ers back in the nets last week, the only TOUGH TIMES form of training allowed at present. “It’s really pleasing to be in a position to have players returning to training and a huge amount of work has been done by Australia faces further many to get us this far,” said England and Wales Cricket Board performance direc- tor Mo Bobat, who helped England coach cost-cutting despite Chris Silverwood and the selectors com- Opener was dropped shortly before last year’s World Cup after it emerged he had tested positive for drugs. pile the list. Dawson, , Ben Duckett, Laurie “The pool of players will give selectors But England one-day captain Eoin mined to press ahead with a full, lucrative Evans, , Richard Gleeson, improved outlook strong options when it comes to selecting Morgan dashed Hales’ hopes on Wednes- international programme amid fears a , , Tom Helm, Will squads across formats further down the day when he said “it will take more time” cancelled campaign could cost the board Jacks, , , Tom Reuters told reporters on a video call. line, as we move closer to our aim of play- for him to regain the trust of the squad. £380mn ($463mn). Kohler-Cadmore, , Jack Melbourne “Ordinarily that would deliver ing international cricket this summer.” Meanwhile, 35-year-old fast bowler Leach, , , well over A$50mn in revenue to ENGLAND TRAINING GROUP: Nottinghamshire opener Hales was Plunkett has not played for England since , , , Cricket Australia. The T20 World dropped shortly before last year’s World taking three in the dramatic , James Anderson, Jofra Archer, , Matt Parkinson, , ustralian cricket faces Cup is a big question and that’s a Cup after it emerged he had tested posi- World Cup fi nal victory over New Zealand another round of cost- factor of perhaps A$20mn and... , , Dom Bess, , Ollie Robinson, , Ja- tive for drugs. There had been specula- at Lord’s. cutting to shore up fi - it’s likely that our biosecurity , James Bracey, , son Roy, , , , A tion that, with England likely to need The ECB on Thursday pushed the start nances hit by the coro- measures we need to put in place , Pat Brown, , Jos , , , separate red and white-ball squads, Hales of the domestic season back until August navirus shutdown and no part of to deliver the season will cost in might be recalled. 1 at the earliest but offi cials are deter- Buttler, Brydon Carse, Mason Crane, Zak , , , the game will be immune, board the order of A$10mn.” Crawley, , , Liam . chief Kevin Roberts said yester- Most CA staff remain fur- day. Cricket Australia (CA) has loughed on 20% pay until the end already furloughed about 80% of June, while the board’s execu- of its workforce, while state as- tive team have taken a 20% pay- Relieved Afghanistan looking forward to Australia Test: CEO sociations have also made deep cut. Roberts’ leadership amid the Perth: Relief and excitement are the match might not go ahead but it is a for the development of Afghanistan While there may still be restrictions staff cuts in recent weeks. pandemic has been slammed by overwhelming emotions for Afghanistan relief for us and our cricket fans that cricket,” Stanikzai said. that aff ect how many fans, if any, can CA’s fi nancial outlook has former players and media pun- after Australia confirmed they would we have been given a confirmation,” “Everyone in the cricket world, espe- watch the test at the 60,000-seater improved with India’s four- dits, who have accused him of host them for a one-off Test in Perth Chief Executive Lutfullah Stanikzai told cially in , looks up to Australia. Perth Stadium, Stanikzai said it was test tour, worth an estimated exaggerating the game’s fi nancial from Nov. 21, the chief executive of the Reuters in an interview. “The world in It’s going to be a historic and memora- important to see the big picture. A$300mn ($200mn) in revenue problems. country’s cricket board has said. general — and the cricketing world in ble occasion for Afghanistan as a new “The important thing is that the fans to CA, set to go ahead in the However, Roberts said further Uncertainty loomed over Afghani- particular — may not be the same after cricketing nation to play Australia in a get an opportunity to see Afghanistan home summer. cuts were necessary to maintain stan’s first ever test against Australia due the coronavirus but we have to move on Test match.” playing against Australia. Although it But Roberts said the board was investment in community crick- to travel and other restrictions imposed and cricket has to return.” The test newcomers, who were award- might be diff erent, there might not be still facing an A$80mn shortfall et as much as possible. to curb the spread of the novel corona- Having had to postpone a tour of ed the coveted red-ball status in 2017, will any spectators and so on... We are hop- due to Covid-19 and the high “We’ve made a commitment virus. However, Cricket Australia gave Zimbabwe next month due to travel not be completely unknown quantities ing that by November the situation will likelihood Australia will not be to signifi cantly reduce the cost the day-night match the green light on restrictions, the importance of the match to Australian cricket fans. Players such improve and we will see good cricket able to host the Twenty20 World base of Cricket Australia, un- Thursday when it announced its summer against the world’s top ranked test team as and between both countries.” Afghanistan Cup in October-November. fortunately that means no area schedule headlined by a marquee series was not lost on the Afghan board. “It’s have become fan-favourites in Australia’s have played four Tests to date, losing to “So we’re focused on deliver- of the organisation will be un- against India. going to be a fantastic opportunity for Big Bash League with their fearless hit- India and West Indies and beating Ireland ing the best season as possible touched,” he said. “It’s unfortu- “There were rumours that this test our players’ development and in general ting and economical spin-bowling. and Bangladesh. (Reuters) noting that the likelihood of sig- nate that there will be an impact nifi cant crowds is very slim,” he on our people.”

BOTTOMLINE Poised for leap before pandemic, women’s cricket limps into future Reuters tional board may trim back domestic New Delhi competitions as part of cost-cutting measures. “We don’t want to lose any cricket. I don’t feel our domestic play- omen’s cricket appeared ers get to play enough as it is,” said poised for a great leap for- wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy. Wward when Australia beat India’s wealthy board (BCCI) will not India in the Twenty20 consider cost-cutting measures until World Cup fi nal in front of a record it has a clearer idea of how much the 86,174 crowd at Melbourne Cricket shutdown has cost them, but its play- Ground in March. Less than three ers, both male and female, were un- months since that heady night, though, likely to suff er, its treasurer Arun Singh it risks slipping back into the shadows Dhumal said. cast by the men’s game after being “Once we have a clear-cut picture grounded by the Covid-19 pandemic. that this is the net loss on account of Cricket boards are staring at fi nan- the pandemic, we’ll work out a strat- cial losses ranging from signifi cant to egy where we can cut cost,” he said. severe as a result of the coronavirus “There’s no question of reducing in- shutdown and there is a danger the vestment (in women’s cricket). And women’s game will bear the brunt of cutting player salaries is the last thing the cost-cutting. we’d want to do.” “This is a concern across the game, Wasim Khan, chief executive of Pa- and in particular in countries where kistan’s cricket board, sees the value of there isn’t an agreed model in place the women’s game and instead of cuts ensuring gender equity principles are he wanted to give a fi nancial boost to built into the game,” Tom Moff at, the the next set of central contracts and chief executive of the Federation of Australian players celebrate after winning the Women’s Ashes series against England in Bristol, Britain, on July 31, 2019. (Reuters) double the match fees for women. International Cricketers’ Associations “From the day that I arrived, I made (FICA), told Reuters. “We are urging the relatively positive. That does not mean contracts as part of its 20mn pounds (ECB) will pay up to 24 domestic play- of women’s cricket, said earlier this it clear that women’s cricket had been ICC and the boards to continue to in- there will be no pain, but it may not be ($24.72mn) investment in the women’s ers a regional retainer starting on June 1 month. “While we still intend to award massively undervalued within Paki- vest in sustainable foundations for the overly inequitable compared to cuts the game. Several uncontracted female as an interim solution. those full-time contracts in 2020, we stan,” Khan said. “We have to obviously women’s game around the world.” men’s game faces. cricketers have also been denied what “The momentum behind the wom- want to try to support our players as plan accordingly for all the areas of in- While the fi nal fi nancial cost of the England’s centrally contracted was to be their only source of income en’s game has been staggering in the much as we can until that point...” vestments within our game. Certainly coronavirus shutdown will not be women players volunteered a three- after the launch of The Hundred com- last few years and it is still fi rmly our Australia has blazed a trail for wom- there are no plans to back down on the known for months, perhaps years, the month pay cut and their board has put petition was postponed to next year. ambition to build on that,” Clare Con- en’s cricket in recent few years but pledges that I made when I fi rst arrived early signs for women’s cricket are on hold plans to introduce 40 domestic The England and Wales Cricket Board nor, the ECB’s managing director some players are worried that the na- 14 months ago.”