CCRICKETRICKET | Page 2 NNBABA | Page 3 Sultans, Zalmi, Coronavirus Qalandars, stalls Wood at Kings to fi ght for pinnacle of his PSL fi nal berths career

Tuesday, March 17, 2020 FOOTBALL Rajab 22, 1441 AH Fate of Euro 2020 GULF TIMES to be determined by UEFA today SPORT Page 4

GOLF SPOTLIGHT IOC’s Tokyo Games chief Woods, Park outside faces mandatory quarantine in Australia

Olympic qualifying Reuters Melbourne, Australia However, if the Olympics go ahead, ohn Coates, many golfers could opt out like in the Interna- tional Olym- Rio 2016 due to zika virus concerns pic Commit- as tours halt Jtee’s point man for Reuters the Tokyo Games, Cary, North Carolina faces mandatory self-isolation when he returns to Aus- o changes are planned to tralia from Europe the Olympic golf qualify- this week as part of ing system, the Interna- border controls to tional Golf Federation (IGF) curb the spread of whichN runs the event said after the the coronavirus. sport shut down due to the corona- Australian Prime virus. Minister Scott This could deal a hammer blow to Morrison an- the chances of Tiger Woods quali- nounced all inter- fying for Tokyo 2020, and for Park national arrivals to the country after midnight In-bee’s hopes of being eligible to on Sunday would need to self-isolate for 14 days defend her title from Rio 2016. to help the country “stay ahead of (the) curve” Based on the current rankings, in containment eff orts. Woods (United States) and Park The chairman of the IOC’s Coordination (South Korea) would not qualify for Commission for Tokyo, Coates is expected to their respective teams. arrive in Australia tomorrow from Lausanne, However, scrambling the equation Switzerland, where the IOC are headquartered. is that even if the Olympics go ahead, The infl uential Coates, who is also long- many golfers could opt out, much as serving president of the Australian Olympic they did from Rio 2016 due to con- Committee (AOC), has no special dispensation cerns over the zika virus. South Korea’s Park In-bee (also left). to avoid the government’s mandatory quaran- Eligibility for the Tokyo 2020 tine period, an AOC spokesman confi rmed to men’s and women’s events will be Reuters yesterday. determined by world ranking points The IOC’s Coordination Commission con- compiled over almost two years from ducts regular inspections of Olympic host cities July 1, 2018 until June 22 (men) and and works with international sports federations June 29 (women) this year. and national Olympic committees to resolve is- The list essentially mirrors the sues in the lead-up to Games. world rankings in determining the The Commission’s next meeting in Tokyo 60-player fi elds, with a maximum of is scheduled for mid-April, near the 100-day two players from any single country believe that the system still remains played before the Olympic cut-off . desire to play in what would likely be countdown to the Games’ opening ceremony. (four if inside the top 15). fair to all athletes who are vying for his only chance of being an Olym- The coronavirus, which has infected over But the halting of the professional qualifi cation to the Tokyo2020 Ol- LAST OLYMPIC CHANCE pian, though he has more important 160,000 people globally and killed more than tour schedules for an undetermined ympic Games.” An even bigger question from a glo- matters on his mind given that he 6,000, has thrown the Olympics into doubt, time frame will have winners and In other words, bad luck if you’re bal marketing aspect is what the PGA was unable to enter last week’s Play- with sports shutting down competitions around losers, because there will be little outside the qualifying cut line and Tour shutdown, at least through next ers Championship due to a stiff back. the world as part of containment eff orts. week-to-week fl ux in the rankings. hoping to play your way in. month’s Masters, means to Woods’s He has played only twice this year. Coates said a month ago in Tokyo that there Those on the outside looking in Though Park is 11th on the overall hopes. The 15-times major champion plays was no need to make contingency plans for the will for the most part continue look- women’s world list, she is only the He is sixth on the American list, such a limited schedule at the best of cancellation of the July 24-August 9 Games or ing in, and vice-versa. fi fth-ranked Korean behind Ko Jin- behind Brooks Koepka, Justin Tho- times that even if, under a best-case for moving them, citing advice from the World “This has proven to be a fair and young, Park Sung-hyun, Kim Sei- mas, Patrick Cantlay, Webb Simpson scenario, the PGA Tour cranks back Health Organisation. equitable system,” the IGF said of young and Lee Jeong-eun. and Patrick Reed. up again in mid-April, there are only Infections and deaths from the virus have the qualifying system in an email to The LPGA Tour has cancelled Dustin Johnson has ruled himself a handful of events he will contest be- soared since but Japanese organisers have reit- Reuters. three tournaments in Asia, and post- out, citing a busy schedule, though fore the Olympic deadline. erated the IOC’s stance. “The IGF is monitoring the chal- poned three US tournaments that he could be joined by others wanting The Olympic golf tournaments Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on lenges faced by our athletes to par- were scheduled over the next month. to keep their travel to a minimum un- are scheduled to take place from July Saturday that Japan would overcome the spread ticipate in events, which continues Even if rescheduled, it is unlikely less the coronavirus abates quickly. 30-August 2 (men) and August 6-9 of the infection and host the Olympics “with- to change daily, and we currently these American tournaments will be Woods, 44, has often stated his (women) at the Kasumigaseki course. Tiger Woods of the US. out problem, as planned”.

COMMENT ‘Don’t sacrifi ce lives’: doubts grow in Japan over Olympics

AFP the streets of Tokyo voiced con- Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike the panic.” Plans have been scrapped to Tokyo, Japan cern for the fans that would pour has said it is “unthinkable” to “Of course it would be disap- involve hundreds of children in from abroad. cancel the Olympics but the de- pointing, though,” he admitted. in the torch’s arrival ceremony, Koki Miura, a 27-year-old em- cision rests with the IOC, which Manfred Otto, 45, a half- while an exhibition and three oubts are growing in ployee at an internet company, is planning emergency talks with Japanese, half-German lawyer, events to display the fl ame have Japan about the Tokyo told AFP: “To be honest, even if international sports federations said he was “worried” about the also been axed. Olympics, with grow- Japan overcomes this crisis, we on Tuesday, according to an IOC Games and stressed: “We really Cancelling the Olympics ing opposition to hold- wouldn’t receive visitors from source. need to be careful.” would be a heartbreaking deci- ingD them as scheduled and some the world. I think we’d better not Bach has stressed the IOC will “If the outbreak does not get sion for Tokyo residents who urging offi cials not to risk lives by hold it.” follow World Health Organiza- controlled by June or July, I think rushed to buy tickets, and au- pressing ahead during the coro- “We cannot sacrifi ce people’s tion recommendations regarding we should postpone it,” said Otto. thorities whose preparations navirus emergency. lives for it,” added Miura, who a possible postponement. But he The betting odds are increas- have won widespread praise — Offi cials like Japanese Prime said the Games should be post- has also acknowledged that the ingly shifting towards the open- with the majority of venues ready Minister Shinzo Abe and Inter- poned — if not cancelled out- cancellation of qualifying events ing ceremony not taking place on well ahead of schedule. national Olympic Committee right. was posing “serious problems”. July 24. Bookmaker Paddy Power Hisaya Suzuki, 47, said he had chief Thomas Bach have repeat- Public opinion in Japan ap- At the beginning of March, is off ering 4-1 against the Games tickets to see baseball, Japan’s edly insisted preparations should pears to be moving against the Bach said the IOC would show opening on time. most popular sport. continue to light the Olympic Games. A poll for public broad- “fl exibility” regarding qualifi ca- This comes as the virus — “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime op- fl ame on July 24. caster NHK taken March 6-9 tions for the Tokyo, and encour- which has killed 6,400 people portunity, so I really wanted to But with events from the Pre- suggested 45 percent were op- aged “all athletes to continue to worldwide — shreds the inter- take my son,” he said, but added: mier League to NBA basketball posed to going ahead as planned, prepare” for the Games. national sporting calendar, with “If there will be negative conse- scrapped, and Japanese sport also with 40 % in favour. almost no elite sporting action quences, it may be wiser to pause at a standstill, even US President And a new poll of more than ‘LOOK AT THE PANIC’ taking place last weekend. it (the Games).” Donald Trump has suggested 1,000 people released Monday Masao Sugawara, a 90-year-old Preparations for the Games Sugawara said the magni- putting the Olympics on hold. by Japan’s Kyodo news agency pensioner, told AFP: “Personally, have already been aff ected, with tude of the coronavirus trumped Japan has seen relatively few showed 69.9 % of respondents Pedestrians wearing face masks walk past a board showing the I think it would be safer to post- qualifi ers cancelled, test events sporting considerations. “I am cases, with 814 testing positive believe Tokyo will not be able to number of days to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games in Yokohama pone the Olympics for a year, just scaled back and the Olympic 90 years old. Except for wartime, and 24 dead. But some people on hold the Games as scheduled. yesterday. (AFP) as President Trump said. Look at torch arrival and relay altered. I have never felt so worried.” Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, March 17, 2020 SPORT

TOKYO 2020 Games handover ceremony stripped down to bare bones Reuters the next Olympic Games host city. nounced, will be closed to the pub- Boxing qualifi ers for Europe, Americas suspended Athens This time round, however, it lic to stem the spread of the virus. will just be a handful of actresses Greece last week cancelled the re- The European, American and final world qualifying boxing tourna- playing the roles of ancient Greek mainder of the domestic Olympic ments for the Tokyo Olympic Games were suspended yesterday he Tokyo 2020 Olympics Priestesses, a small Tokyo Games torch relay through the country to due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, the International Olympic fl ame handover ceremony delegation and four torch relay avoid attracting crowds a day after Committee said. in Athens this week will be runners – two Greek and two Japa- the Tokyo Games fl ame was lit in The IOC said the European qualifier in London, which was already a scaled-down event with nese – in the marble stadium that ancient Olympia. under way and due to run to March 24, would end after Tuesday’s Tonly a few Tokyo Games offi cials can seat up to 50,000. Greece has had four fatalities evening session. It said it would provide details on the qualification and torch bearers inside the sta- “The Handover Ceremony will from the disease and more than process for the other regions at a later date. dium to protect everyone from the take place in the presence of the 300 cases till yesterday. The IOC’s boxing task force (BTF), which is organising the event in coronavirus, the Hellenic Olympic President of the Hellenic Repub- Japan is still preparing to host the Copper Box at London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, had opt- Committee said yesterday. lic... and of a small delegation of the the Olympics, Prime Minister ed earlier on Monday to hold it without spectators but then decided The handover ceremony usually Tokyo 2020 organising committee,” Shinzo Abe said on Saturday, de- to end it early. “The BTF eventually took the decision to suspend attracts thousand of spectators, the HOC said in a statement. spite rising global concern about the event today, amid increasing global travel restrictions and quar- offi cials and ceremony partici- “There will be a dance of the the viability of the summer Games antine measures, in order to allow the participants from over 60 pants in the central Athens’ Pana- priestesses that will not exceed the due to the coronavirus outbreak. countries to adjust their travel plans and return home,” the IOC said thenaic Stadium, site of the fi rst number of 10, and a torch relay of Abe and his government as in a statement. “The BTF will continue to evaluate the situation daily, modern Olympics in 1896. two Greek torchbearers and two well as the International Olympic aiming to complete the distribution of the remaining Tokyo 2020 They will traditionally cheer as Japanese torchbearers, that will Committee have been adamant boxing quota places in May and June.” “The BTF’s priority remains the last Greek torch enters the sta- take place inside the Panathenaic the July 24-Aug 9 Games will go Actors Billy Zane and Gerard Butler attend a ceremony during the qualification of athletes on the field of play, and it will inform all dium after a one-week domestic Stadium.” ahead, even as other global sport- the Olympic flame torch relay for the Tokyo 2020 Summer stakeholders as soon as more information is available,” it said. relay, for the offi cial handover to The stadium, as previously an- ing events have been put on hold. Olympics on Friday. (Reuters)

CRICKET HORSE RACING Kentucky Derby in doubt as racing goes Sultans, Zalmi, Kings behind closed doors

AFP has also been suspended but Los Angeles Baff ert said it was the post- ponement of the season’s fi rst golf major, the US Masters at eading trainer Bob Baf- Augusta National next month, and Qalandars to fi ght fert said Saturday that that had really caught his at- May’s 146th Kentucky tention. Derby could be post- “Whenever they cancel the Lponed as racing went behind Masters, that’s like the Derby,” closed doors at California’s he said. Santa Anita track for the fi rst “I’ve never seen anything time since it opened in 1934 like this, it’s kind of scary. because of the coronavirus Hopefully they can get eve- for PSL fi nal berths pandemic. rything under control.” In a Offi cials at Churchill Downs statement posted on its web- ‘WE HAVE CHASED WELL, BUT I BELIEVE OUR STRENGTH LIES IN BOWLING’ revealed Saturday that they site, Churchill Downs indicated were considering the “timing” it was considering its options PSL their home grounds. Qalandars secured a of the showpiece and Baff ert for the Kentucky Derby. Derby comprehensive eight-wicket win against – who has saddled fi ve win- “We recognise that the impact Kings at Gaddafi Stadium and Kings ners in the “Run for the Roses” of this iconic event extends avenged it with a commanding 10-wicket – said that the fi rst leg of US well beyond the historic race- fter a high-octane double win at the National Stadium. racing’s Triple Crown could track of Churchill Downs,” the round-robin league, which was That the semi-fi nal line-up was de- be pushed back from May 2 to statement said. embellished by scintillating on- cided on the very last group match was later in the year. “The Kentucky derby is a fi eld performances, four teams largely due to , who “Churchill Downs is say- cherished and important time willA be vying for the two berths for the have progressed beyond the group-stage ing they’re not going to run for the City of Louisville and the fi nal of the HBL Super League for the fi rst time after four attempts. Qa- the Derby without the people Commonwealth of Kentucky. 2020 when the two semi-fi nals are played landars fi nished at the third spot, while there, so I’m hearing may be We are mindfully aware of our at Gaddafi Stadium today. Kings were ranked second at the June or in September,” Baff ert fans who travel from great dis- This year’s edition has brought forward completion of the group-stage. said after saddling Charlatan to tances to join us as well as our two new contenders for the coveted title It was their three consecutive wins in a big win in an allowance race valued employees whose most as Sultans and Lahore Qalandars the middle-phase of their HBL PSL 2020 at a deserted Santa Anita. intense preparations to host a have gone beyond the group stage for the campaign which gave Qalandars’ the hope Only accredited media, world-class event begin now. fi rst time in the history of the event. of their qualifi cation to the next round and owners, trainers, jockeys, For these reasons, we have been In the fi rst semi-fi nal, Sultans will face that it happened was due to the thunderous grooms and a limited number working carefully and diligently , the 2017 edition’s win- bat of – who has smashed 23 sixes of track employees were al- with relevant health experts and ners and two-time runners-up, at 2pm, this tournament, the most for any batsman. lowed in. Major professional authorities to ensure we make while the biggest rivalry of the event will Dunk leads Qalandars’ batsmen with 266 sport in the United States has the most responsible decision be ignited once again when runs at an impressive average of 53. But it is been brought to almost a com- regarding the timing of the and Qalandars play in the second semi- his blazing strike rate of 186 which makes plete standstill by the corona- 146th Kentucky derby this year. fi nal, which will commence at 7pm. him a nightmare for the opposition bowl- virus pandemic, with the NBA, “We thank you for your pa- Prior to this edition, only three teams ers. The Australian batsman has struck two NHL and MLS suspending tience and are committed to – Zalmi, and Islama- half-centuries – against Quetta Gladiators play and Major League Base- providing regular communi- bad United – had featured in the HBL and Kings (93 and 99 not out) – and that ball pushing back the sched- cation and transparency as we PSL fi nals, which mean that there will be both have come at the Gaddafi Stadium will uled start of their season by move forward.” at least one new fi nalist in the tomorrow be a concern for Kings. “at least two weeks” while Churchill Downs said it ex- title showdown. What augurs well for Qalandars is the suspending pre-season games. pected to have an update in the were the most success- fact that and The US PGA Tour season coming week. ful side in the group-stage with six wins have picked form at the right time. In his from 10 matches. They were perched at last three matches, Fakhar has scored two the top of the points table for the most half-centuries, both coming at the Gadd- part of the tournament and were the fi rst afi , while Sohail’s last four scores are 68 ones to secure a semi-fi nal spot. Zalmi, not out, 21, 68 and 19 not out. on the other hand, oscillated from wins to Lahore Qalandars captain Sohail Akhtar defeats over the course of their 10-match said: “I am very happy with how the team journey to date. has performed over the course of this They enter the semi-fi nals ranked tournament and the whole unit is moti- fourth with four wins and one of their Lahore Qalandars Fakhar Zaman plays a shot during the (PSL) vated and ready to perform. matches getting washed-out. Sultans match against Multan Sultans at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday. (AFP) “A semi-fi nal is always a big match, but came out on top on both occasions when there is no extra pressure on us because of the two teams met in the group matches. top-order batsman has piled up 253 runs, ment. The wicketkeeper-batsman has the fact that we are playing against Kara- They won the fi rst match by six wickets which include a half-century, at an aver- piled up 251 runs at a strike rate of 162 chi Kings. All teams that have progressed with as many as 31 balls remaining at Mul- age of 32. He is the highest run-getter for and struck his third HBL PSL century in this far are quality sides. Though we have tan Cricket Stadium, their home, and se- his side and sits sixth in the chart for the Zalmi’s second match of the tournament. chased well, but I believe our strength lies cured a three-run win in a closely-fought highest overall run-getters. The biggest inter-city rivalry in the in bowling.” match at Karachi’s National Stadium. For Zalmi, on the other hand, boast Paki- country will come alive once again as Kings are bolstered by the presence of Sultans, travelling to Multan played a huge stan’s leading T20 players. Kamran Ak- Gaddafi Stadium will stage the second Babar Azam at the top of their order. The role where they won all three matches and mal, the highest run-getter in the history semi-fi nal between arch-rivals Karachi top-ranked T20I batsman has been in got the desired momentum. Their captain of HBL PSL, continues to live-up to the Kings and Lahore Qalandars. red-hot form with 345 runs at an average has been leading the bat- expectations of the fans and is the top- The two teams are locked at 1-1 in this touching 50. He has smashed three half- ting unit from the front. The left-handed scorer for Zalmi in the ongoing tourna- edition after defeating each other on centuries.

FOCUS In this file photo Triple Crown and Belmont Stakes contender Justify is walked in his barn by trainer Bob Baff ert after arriving prior to the 150th running of the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park Final leg of Bangladesh’s Pakistan tour postponed on June 6, 2018 in Elmont, New York. (AFP/GETTY IMAGES) Reuters Board (PCB) said in a statement. border controls. The Wellington ars to their maiden semi-fi nals for 60 days after the government British race meetings to go ahead, but no spectators Lahore Bangladesh toured Pakistan in Firebirds clinched the 2019-20 in the Pakistan Super League banned gatherings larger than January to play three title thanks to their 26-point on Sunday. “Unfortunately in 100 people in response to the British horse racing meetings Nick Rust said in a statement. Internationals before returning lead over Central Stags. these circumstances I’ve chosen threat of the coronavirus out- will continue but without “The restrictions we are he fi nal leg of Bangla- last month to play the fi rst test in NZC has also cancelled its to head home. I’ve always said break. The suspension applies to spectators until at least the putting in place to close rac- desh’s tour of Pakistan, which the hosts won March 30 annual award ceremo- there is more to life than cricket fi rst-class, limited-overs, semi- end of March, the British ing to spectators and limit which involved a Test by an innings and 44 runs. The ny scheduled in Auckland. New and this is certainly one of these professional, junior and amateur Horseracing Authority said attendees will reduce demand match and a one-day PCB has also indefi nitely post- Zealand’s schedule upheaval fol- cases,” Lynn wrote on Instagram cricket, with the country’s do- yesterday. on public services. We also Tinternational next month, has poned the domestic Pakistan lows Cricket Australia’s decision after smashing a 52-ball century mestic 50-over championship at Last week’s Cheltenham Fes- have a range of measures in been postponed due to the coro- Cup one-day tournament which to cancel the fi nal round of the in an empty Gaddafi Stadium in the semi-fi nal stage. tival went ahead as planned place designed in response to navirus pandemic, the cricket was to start from March 25. Sheffi eld Shield season in an ef- Lahore. The men’s national side have with around 60,000 fans on the government’s guidance boards said yesterday. Earlier yesterday, New Zea- fort to reduce travel. CA was yet Meanwhile Ireland’s tour of no fi xtures scheduled until a tour the course each day, despite on public health and we will Bangladesh were due to reach land Cricket (NZC) cancelled the to decide if the March 27 fi nal Zimbabwe has been postponed of the West Indies in late July. most other sports shutting continue to update these as Karachi on March 29 to play the last two rounds of the Plunket will take place as scheduled. due to the global coronavirus The West Indies board has sus- down because of the corona- appropriate.” one-dayer on April 1 and the Shield due to the pandemic and Australia and New Zealand’s pandemic, cricket chiefs an- pended cricket activities for at virus crisis. “Every eff ort will be made second Test match which was to awarded the title to league lead- limited overs tours have been nounced yesterday. The two least 30 days, it said on Saturday. “Racecourses and racing to notify customers and the begin four days later at the port ers Wellington Firebirds. postponed in the wake of new sides were due to play three The start of the Indian Pre- yards are embedded in their betting industry at the earliest city. “The two boards will now Chief executive David White travel restrictions announced by Twenty20 internationals and mier League has been moved to local communities and we opportunity,” it said. work together to identify a future said NZC took the “diffi cult de- the New Zealand government. three one-day internationals April 15 and the fi nal two rounds are acutely aware of our re- Britain recorded another 171 opportunity to complete the ICC cision” after receiving expert Australian limited-overs spe- next month.Cricket South Afri- of New Zealand’s domestic com- sponsibilities to protect public cases of coronavirus on Mon- World Test Championship com- medical advice and following the cialist will head home ca (CSA) yesterday suspended all petition have also been health,” BHA chief executive day, taking the total to 1,543. mitment,” the Pakistan Cricket government’s move to tighten after guiding Lahore Qaland- forms of the game in the country cancelled. Gulf Times Tuesday, March 17, 2020 3 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Gloomy outlook for sport amid pandemic lockdown AFP from disappointment that sport has been sacri- posal. “Let’s wait to see what UEFA decides, but I Paris fi ced, to support for measures aimed at staying adapt to everything, right now the priority is to healthy and saving lives. save lives,” he said. A social media backlash hit organisers for allow- Italy are set to host the opening match in Rome ilent stadiums and empty venues made ing the showpiece Cheltenham Festival to go ahead on June 12, but for the moment all sport has been for a gloomy weekend for sports fans but last week with more than 250,000 spectators at- suspended with the nation’s 60mn inhabitants in the fear yesterday was it could only get tending, one of the few recent events escaping lockdown. worse amid the widening coronavirus spectator bans. All horse racing in Britain has now Europe’s top football competitions have already pandemic.S been moved behind closed doors. suspended their seasons and Liverpool’s fi rst stab With governments opting for increasingly strin- The shift in mood was illustrated too by the at winning the Premier League after a 30-year- gent bans on the size and number of public gath- apology from Rudy Gobert, the Utah Jazz cen- wait passed them by yesterday. erings, most major sports events across the world tre and the fi rst NBA player to test positive for the They could have picked up the trophy at Goodi- have been suspended or scrapped. coronavirus. son Park if Manchester City had lost to Burnley on What happens next may become clearer to- He was guilty of making light of the virus when Saturday — but the feat remains hypothetical as day when UEFA offi cials meet to discuss whether the subject came up at a press conference a week neither match was allowed to take place. football’s showpiece European championships, the ago — two days before he tested positive and the Meanwhile there were signs of a change of tone year’s biggest sporting event along with the Tokyo entire NBA season was suspended. in Japan about the Tokyo Olympics, with opposi- Olympics, should go ahead. “I wish I would’ve taken this thing more seri- tion growing to holding the Games as scheduled. UEFA have already scrapped the coming week’s ously and I hope everyone else is going to do so Until now the International Olympic Commit- mouthwatering round of Champions League and because we can do it together. Take care and stay tee and Japanese offi cials have indicated prepara- Europe League ties. Any hope that the Euro 2020 safe,” the 27-year-old Frenchman said Sunday. tions for the event set to be held between July 24 would be spared an increasingly Europe-wide vi- and August 9 should continue as planned. rus lockdown was hard to sustain as the death toll SAVE LIVES Public opinion may be wavering, however. A poll and the number of Covid-19 cases spiralled and the Many European governments are taking no chanc- yesterday showed 69.9% of the Japanese popu- continent became the new epicentre of the disease. es about the spread of the virus and there are those lation believed the Games would not be held as The fact was hammered home when Chinese who believe football’s Euro 2020, scheduled to take scheduled. footballers from Wuhan, where the virus fi rst place in 12 countries across the continent from Koki Miura, a 27-year-old employee at an inter- emerged late last year, were seen fl eeing back home June 12 to July 12, should also be postponed. net company, told AFP they should be delayed or from Europe, where they had initially exiled them- The head of the Italian football federation, cancelled. A general view of Golden 1 Center where a game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Sacramento selves to escape the illness. Gabriele Gravina, has expressed that view and Italy “We cannot sacrifi ce people’s lives for it,” said Kings has been cancelled following the decision by the NBA to suspend the season in response to the The public mood has also apparently shifting coach Roberto Mancini says he is open to the pro- Miura. coronavirus outbreak. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

FOCUS COMMENT Gobert regrets not taking virus threat Coronavirus stalls more seriously Wood at pinnacle The spotlight shifted Saturday, after Wood had a preliminary of his career positive test for Covid-19 DPA Los Angeles

t was maybe the best week of basketball in Christian Wood’s life. In a four-game span, he set a new career File photo of Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert. (AFP) Ihigh three times: 29 points against the Oklahoma City Reuters News of Gobert’s diagnosis Thunder, 30 points versus the Los Angeles minutes before the scheduled Utah Jazz and 32 points against tip-off of a game between the the Philadelphia 76ers. Jazz and Oklahoma City Thun- The peak period in Wood’s tah Jazz player Rudy der led to the surreal scene of nomadic four NBA seasons was Gobert, whose coro- a member of the Thunder’s moving toward the spotlight, navirus diagnosis medical staff running onto the with him as the breakout cen- last Wednesday was court to tell the referees, while trepiece in the Pistons’ im- Uthe fi rst domino that eff ec- the players were warming up. promptu rebuild. The spotlight tively shut down American The offi cials then consulted shifted Saturday, after Wood sports, regrets not having tak- both coaches in a huddle for had a preliminary positive test en the threat more seriously, several minutes before sending for Covid-19/coronavirus. He he said in a social media post the players back to the locker became the third NBA player on Sunday. room, the game cancelled. to test positive, after Utah Jazz “I’ve been feeling a little Gobert was not at the sta- stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan better every single days,” the dium. Mitchell announced their status 27-year-old Frenchman said The NBA that night sus- this week. on the National Basketball As- pended the entire league, and The NBA suspended the sociation (NBA) feed. within 36 hours nearly every remainder of the season on Gobert was diagnosed with major American sport had fol- Wednesday night, after Gobert’s the virus two days after play- lowed suit, including the Na- preliminary positive result. fully touching reporters’ mi- tional Hockey League, Major Wood’s diagnosis is signifi cant crophones and recorders at the League Soccer, the PGA and because the Pistons hosted the end of a news conference. LPGA Tours and NCAA college Jazz on March 7 at Little Caesars “I wish I would have took basketball. Arena and Wood guarded Gobert this thing more seriously and I A second Utah player, Do- that night, though it’s not cer- hope everyone else will do so,” novan Mitchell, tested positive tain if that’s when he contracted he said on Sunday. for coronavirus last Thursday. the virus. “He feels 100-per- cent fi ne,” Wood’s agent, Adam Pensack, e-mailed The News on Saturday. CDC suggests lengthy sports shut-down In the aftermath, Wood’s name has become more re- AFP of the coronavirus pandemic nowned in the NBA, and around Los Angeles after Utah Jazz player Rudy the world, for a positive Cov- Gobert tested positive for id-19 test than his remarkable Christian Wood of the Detroit Pistons plays against the Sacramento Kings at Little Caesars Arena on January 22, 2020 in Detroit. (TNS) Covid-19 on Wednesday. season — one that should elevate he NBA and other Three NBA players are now him in the conversation for the Wood was on a non-guaranteed that consistently,” Casey said. Following two good seasons NBA) was kind of in the back of major sports leagues known to have tested positive. NBA’s Most Improved Player contract that didn’t fully vest “And not only off ensively, but at Nevada-Las Vegas, Wood my head, but I never wanted to in the United States The NHL and Major League award. for his full veteran-minimum of he’s got to be able to do it to get left for the NBA Draft at age 19. quit,” Wood said. “I always be- could be idle for long- Soccer have also suspended After pitstops in Philadelphia, $1.6mn until January. him off the boards and box out As a sophomore, he posted 15.7 lieved in myself, always knew erT than initially anticipated competition, while Major Charlotte, Milwaukee and New It’s the biggest contract of his and hold his spot in a rebounding points and 10 rebounds but even what I was capable of doing on under new recommendations League Baseball cancelled Orleans, Wood came to the Pis- career but when Wood becomes position.” Casey lauded Wood’s with his 6-foot-10 wiry frame, the court if given an opportuni- from the Centers for Disease Spring Training games and tons in the summer, just looking an unrestricted free agent in the development this season, noting 7-foot-2 wingspan and pogo- ty. “Even in the limited minutes I Control (CDC) to combat the pushed back the scheduled for an opportunity. He’s made summer, he’s is in line for a big that he’s still making mistakes stick jumping ability, he wasn’t was playing, you know with cer- coronavirus pandemic. March 26 start of its season “at the most of his chance, going payday, possibly in the range of but his production outweighs a fi rst-round pick. In fact, he tain teams, with Milwaukee and The CDC recommended least two weeks.” from 10.5 points, 5.3 rebounds $10mn or more per season. The those errors. The Detroit News wasn’t drafted at all, a disap- New Orleans, I think I was do- Sunday that sporting events The PGA Tour and LPGA Tour and 38% on 3-pointers in about Pistons have Wood’s early Bird Many of Wood’s highlights this pointment that Wood called “a ing good, so that was defi nitely and other “large events and have cancelled tournaments 18 minutes per game in the fi rst rights, which means they can season end with a dunk, many of stunner.” a plus for me to tell me, keep my mass gatherings” be cancelled into April, and the Masters, first 49 games. outbid another team coveting which came against reserves, but Wood latched on with the head to keep going.” or postponed for the next eight men’s major of 2020 will not When the Pistons moved to- Wood in free agency. “No, I’m in recent weeks, they’ve come Sixers during their rebuilding The last stint, with the Peli- weeks. take place at Augusta National ward a rebuild after trading An- not surprised; he’s extremely against anyone around the rim, “Process” for 17 games, shut- cans, proved to be pivotal for “Large events and mass April 9-12. Tennis, motor racing, dre Drummond on Feb. 6, Wood talented,” Blake Griffi n said. “His including Gobert, a two-time tling back and forth from their Wood, because he started to get gatherings can contribute to figure skating and boxing are moved into a starting role and his talent is unbelievable. It’s at a defensive player of the year. Be- G League team, the Delaware consistent minutes and to show the spread of Covid-19 in the also among the sports that numbers jumped: 22.8 points, high (level).” yond that, he’s expanded his 87ers, throughout most of the that he could play in the paint United States via travellers have been aff ected in North 9.9 rebounds and 40% from With some of his recent high- game beyond the 3-point line season. He had similar luck with and beyond the 3-point arc, with who attend these events and America. beyond the arc, averaging 34.2 lights, Wood likely will draw and has become a driving threat the Hornets and their devel- four games of at least 20 points. introduce the virus to new The NBA suspension was open- minutes in the last 13 games. “I more attention for the dominant as well. opment team, the Greensboro “It was really a confi dence- communities,” the agency said ended, with commissioner wouldn’t say it’s taken me sur- player he’s become, including “My mindset has been to at- Swarm and the Bucks (Wiscon- booster for me. I played against in a statement. Adam Silver saying Thursday prise,” Wood said last week. “I a mammoth dunk over Thun- tack and take advantage of the sin Herd). the Warriors and had 26 points “Examples of large events that the league had think I was always been con- der center Steven Adams, which opportunity. With (Derrick Rose) That’s when things started to to fi nish off the season. It was and mass gatherings include determined it would be “most fi dent with myself before the drew praise from coach Dwane gone, I have to be one of the fi rst come together, but tough ros- huge for me the last eight games conferences, festivals, parades, likely at least 30 days.” (Drummond) trade. I think I was Casey. “Wood caught him at options for the team and I’ve ter decisions and “the numbers because coach (Alvin) Gentry concerts, sporting events, An eight-week shut-down from doing great then and only getting the right time and hit his shoul- been doing a good job of help- game” have been tougher for gave me a chance, an opportuni- weddings, and other types of Sunday would extend to May like 18 minutes.” der and I think it was probably ing my team score,” Wood said. Wood to dodge than the likes of ty to play,” Wood said. “He liked assemblies.” 10, past the scheduled end of He was the last player to make more Adams losing his balance “Dunk it. That’s always been my Gobert, Adams or Joel Embiid. my game; it was just that at the The NBA became the first the NBA regular season and the Pistons’ roster this season, as much as Christian knocking mindset this whole season. At- “Yeah. After a while, after I was end of the summer, I couldn’t major US pro sports league to the scheduled April 18 start of beating out veteran Joe John- him off — but that’s the strength tack the rim with ferocity and in the G League so much, up really stay because of numbers; suspend its season in the face the playoff s. son at the end of training camp. he has to develop, to be able to do keep going until they stop me.” and down, (not making it in the it wasn’t right for me.”

Tuesday, March 17, 2020 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Spanish football coach dies from virus Fate of Euro 2020 to be aged 21 Malaga, Spain: A 21-year- old Spanish football coach Francisco Garcia, who worked with Atletico Portada Alta, has died from coronavirus, having also been suff ering determined by UEFA from leukaemia. He was tak- en to the hospital with severe coronavirus symptoms. European football’s governing body today will hold a videoconference with representatives from all According to Spanish newspaper Malaga Hoy, 55 member associations as well as from clubs and players bodies Garcia was advised to seek further medical help after AFP struggling to breathe, and Paris was told that he had both coronavirus and pneumonia. He was also told that decision over whether to post- he had leukaemia, which pone football’s Euro 2020 by increased the level of risk up to a year, with all the sport- that he was exposed to after ing and fi nancial consequenc- contracting the virus and Aes that would entail, is set to be made died on Sunday. Infectious when UEFA holds a crisis meeting today disease experts said that had as Europe battles the ongoing coronavi- Garcia not been suff ering rus pandemic. from leukaemia, he would European football’s governing body likely have survived the bout will hold a videoconference with repre- of coronavirus. sentatives from all 55 member associa- García had been coach of tions as well as from clubs and players the club’s Infantil Aside for bodies. UEFA will then hold an execu- the last four years. Atletico tive committee meeting at 1400 (1300 Portada Alta released an GMT) at their Swiss headquarters. emotional statement on The future of the European Cham- social media about the death pionship, due to take place for the fi rst of the young coach. time in 12 diff erent cities spread across The club statement read: the continent from June 12 to July 12, “From Atletico Cotada Alta is up in the air along with those of the we want to express our deep- Champions League and Europa League. est condolences to the family, The “dark scenarios” that UEFA friends and relatives of our president Aleksander Ceferin warned coach Francisco Garcia who against envisaging when he spoke at the has left us, unfortunately, un- organisation’s congress in Amsterdam fortunately, today. And now just two weeks ago now have to be con- what do we do without you, sidered. All of Europe’s leading domes- Francis? If you were always tic leagues ground to a halt last week, with us when it was neces- while UEFA suspended all Champions sary, helping us and giving League and Europa League games due to your all. How are we going to be played this week. Both tournaments continue conquering winning are still in the last-16 stage. in the league? We don’t know Europe has become the epicentre of how, but surely we will, for the coronavirus pandemic, with Italy you. We will not forget you, and Spain on lockdown, France gradu- rest in peace, phenomenon. ally following suit, and other countries Forever.” closing borders to halt the spread of the Club president Pep Bueno outbreak. More than 1,800 people have paying tribute to him after re- died in Italy, which is supposed to host vealing how quickly his con- the opening game of Euro 2020 in Rome. dition declined. Bueno said: The head of the Italian football fed- “Francisco was a great guy eration, Gabriele Gravina, has already and a very talented coach. proposed that the Euro be postponed, We are all still shocked. The with Italy coach Roberto Mancini call- hospital rang me at 7pm on ing for it to pushed back 12 months. “We Sunday to say his condition would have won the European Champi- had stabilised, but then an onship this summer, we can also win it hour later because of the in 2021,” Mancini said. coronavirus and (cancer) ... It is a position that many around the I do not believe it. It seems continent are coming round to amid A Euro 2020 countdown clock is seen outside Wembley stadium, which is due to host the Euro 2020 final in July. (Reuters) impossible to me.” much uncertainty as to when club foot- According to Independent, ball can resume. “UEFA has no choice. appear, as it would need FIFA president the semi-fi nals and fi nal of Euro 2020. pected to go the same way. In any case, cancelling them altogether, or playing Garcia is possibly the young- They have to postpone the Euro and the Gianni Infantino to agree to halting the The alternative option, according to world governing body FIFA has already matches behind closed doors. “The fi - est victim of the coronavirus Champions League,” one senior fi gure inaugural edition of his highly lucra- ZDF, is to maintain a Euro 2020 by play- moved to say that clubs no longer need nancial stakes are enormous,” according outbreak. in the world game said, although fi nd- tive Club World Cup, due to take place ing it towards the end of the year. to release players for the scheduled in- to one senior fi gure in the international The youngest individual to ing agreement across the board may not in June and July next year in China That supposes that the crisis will ternational dates. game. “We know that FIFA has signifi - die in Italy – the worst-hit Eu- be easy. “There are people who want with some of Europe’s top club sides have calmed down by then, and there They may come to a decision to try cant reserves but we don’t know about ropean nation – is a 38-year- to play, and others who don’t,” French involved. FIFA off ered “no comment” is also the issue of all the other football to complete the Champions League UEFA or the diff erent leagues.” old man who died last week, football federation president Noel Le yesterday on the matter. that has been suspended. Le Graet said and Europa League by curtailing the In any case, the European Leagues while China’s youngest victim Graet said on Sunday. A German report There is also the issue of the women’s “it is probable” that all friendly matches competitions, meaning ties up to the grouping of almost a thousand clubs is a 36-year-old male. said that two possible options are on the European Championship, scheduled to scheduled to be played at the end of this semi-fi nals could be decided in one-off in 29 countries across the continent Nearly 300 people have table for the European Championship. run from July 7 to August 1 next year in month will be postponed. matches. From a fi nancial viewpoint, warned that “co-operation, co-ordi- died from the Covid-19 out- One is to push it back to 2021, al- England, with the fi nal at Wembley. The Play-off matches to decide the last UEFA would undoubtedly prefer post- nation and fl exibility are going to be es- break in Spain. though that is not as simple as it might London venue is also supposed to hold four berths at Euro 2020 can be ex- poning their fl agship tournaments to sential”.

FOCUS BOTTOMLINE Serie A campaign could be Aft er fl eeing abroad, Chinese teams rush home AFP Wuhan itself is still in lockdown, despite vi- tions and strict quarantine rules when com- Shanghai rus numbers in China reducing. ing home. Wuhan Zall were stranded in spread over two seasons The CSL season was supposed to begin on Frankfurt, Germany on Sunday, according February 22 but was indefi nitely postponed. to Chinese media, and their current location Reuters ing a champion at all. tives of national federations, ost Chinese Super League It could start behind closed doors in May, was not immediately available. Rome But with Italy in complete European leagues and clubs hold (CSL) clubs fl ed abroad when according to reports. Leo Baptistao, Wu- The Beijing News reported that Li Tie’s lockdown to fi ght the spread of an emergency video-conference the deadly coronavirus hit the han’s Brazilian attacker, told Chinese media national team were curtailing their stint the virus, it is looking ever-more call on Tuesday. country but they are now rush- before departing Spain that the situation in Dubai and had planned to fl y back to the he President of the Ital- likely that the suspension of European club football has Ming back again as it takes hold elsewhere. “has fl ipped”. “We are more in danger (here). Chinese capital from Dubai. However, their ian football federation football matches will be extend- ground to a halt as countries The national side is still training in Dubai It now appears... better to leave,” he said. return is also becoming complicated, as Bei- (FIGC), Gabriele Gravi- ed. There are currently 12 rounds across the continent look to stop — where many CSL teams also went in re- Fabio Cannavaro’s CSL champions jing authorities are now sending all interna- na, said that the 2019/20 of league action left to be com- the spread of the virus. cent weeks — but they too are now making Guangzhou Evergrande, who were in Dubai, tional arrivals in the capital to quarantine TSerie A campaign could be spread pleted, although eight Serie A Euro 2020, which is set to start hasty arrangements to get home as soon as and runners-up Beijing Guoan are among facilities. After declaring it had “basically” over two seasons in order to teams have 13 fi xtures remaining. on June 12 and take place for a possible. the clubs that have recently returned to curbed the spread of the disease within the bring the league to a conclusion. “If it isn’t possible to bring the month across 12 diff erent na- Wuhan Zall, from the city at the epicentre China. Guangzhou R&F, coached by former country, China is now worried about an All sports events in Italy have leagues to a conclusion, we will tions, could be pushed back by a of the outbreak, had been training in Spain Arsenal and Barcelona star Giovanni van infl ux of infections from other countries. been put on hold until April 3 opt for other decisions,” Gravina year to give the national leagues a since late January but left at the weekend Bronckhorst, yesterday became the latest There have been more than 6,400 confi rmed due to the coronavirus outbreak, said. “It isn’t ruled out that the chance to fi nish. “The postpone- because of the worsening situation in Eu- club to say they were cutting short their Du- deaths globally from the coronavirus, which putting the completion of the current season could be spread ment of the European Champi- rope, now the focal point of the pandemic. bai training camp. emerged in Wuhan in December. Many Italian football season in doubt. out over two diff erent seasons. I onships is the idea to follow,” said Wuhan will reportedly continue their cha- However, getting back to China is not prominent sports competitions across the At a FIGC meeting on March understand that there is a lot of Gravina. otic pre-season preparations in Shenzhen. straightforward because of fl ight disrup- globe have been halted. 10, the body confi rmed that the curiosity, but today nobody is in “Tomorrow we will ask for an option of holding playoff s to de- a position to say what our future act of responsibility from UEFA cide the champion and relegated holds.” and all the Federations, to follow ROUND-UP teams was being considered, Gravina also revealed that he a path that seeks to protect the as well as declaring the current will back calls for Euro 2020 to health of the athletes and fans standings as fi nal or not declar- be postponed when representa- across the world.” Chelsea’s Mount defi es self-isolation protocol helsea midfi elder Mason Mount West Ham said last week that some club contract the virus that has aff ected a host was spotted playing at a football personnel are self-isolating after mak- of global sports events. “I knew today that park along with West Ham’s Declan ing direct contact with Arsenal boss Mikel I am #coronavirus positive,” Mangala said Rice on Sunday, defying the club’s Arteta — who also tested positive for the on Twitter. “I’m feeling good and I have no Cself-isolation protocols which came into virus — but the players were not self-isolat- symptoms associated with the virus. How- place last week. Chelsea’s fi rst-team players ing. The Premier League has been sus- ever, I am confi ned in house and separated and coaching staff are all in self-isolation pended until April 4 due to the coronavirus from my family. I learned we can carry the after winger Callum Hudson-Odoi tested pandemic. The United Kingdom has nearly virus without having symptoms, that’s why positive for the coronavirus last week. 1,400 cases with 35 deaths. I recommend everyone to follow confi ne- Mirror reported that Mount and Rice, ment measures and avoid contact with both England internationals, were playing a MANGALA TESTS POSITIVE other people, as much as possible, even fi ve-a-side game at the Trent Park Football France international Eliaquim Mangala if you feel well.” Valencia had travelled to centre near Barnet. It is understood that said that he is one of the fi ve players and Milan last month for a Champions League Chelsea players have been reminded about staff of La Liga side Valencia who have match against Atalanta, which was played the self-isolation protocols and they are tested positive for the coronavirus. The in front of a packed San Siro stadium, Juventus and Inter Milan played their game behind closed doors in Turin on March 8 but since then Serie expected to resume training only when they 29-year-old’s team mate Ezequiel Garay on before restrictions were placed on sports A has been suspended with 12 rounds of fixtures remaining. (AFP) are out of isolation on March 22-23. Sunday became the fi rst La Liga player to events in Italy.