Qatar Star Samba Eyes Glory in Tokyo After Games Delay

SPORT SPORT | 07 SPORT | 09 Hamilton eyes Buffon and Schumacher record Chiellini extend as F1 steps into Juventus deals brave new world until 2021

TUESDAYTUESDAY 30 JUNE 2020 Qatar star Samba eyes glory in Tokyo after Games delay FAWAD HUHUSSAINSSAIN KarstenKarsten WWarholmarholm aandnd Rai Abderrahman Samba THE PENINSULAPENINSULA BenjaminBenjamin – eeyeingyeing top heaps special praise honourshonours in thethe inin thethe 400m40 on his team-mate and QatariQatari tracktrack anandd ffieldield star hurdleshurdles wwhathat was ddubbedubbed the world champion Mutaz AbderrahmanAbderrahman SambaSamba got littlelittle toughesttoughest bbattleattle in the Barshim (right). time to recover from a painful championships. injury bbeforeefore llastast year’s IAAF SambaSamba sufferedsuffered fromfrom an WorldWorld AthleticsAthletics Champion-Champion- injuryinjury ffewew weeweeksks bbeforeefore the ships Doha 2019. But with homehome championships whilewh TokyoTokyo OlympicsOlympics delayeddelayed byby runningrunning 400m flat at LLondonond a year ddueue to coronavirus DiamondDiamond League.League. EventuEventually,a pandemic,pandemic, tthehe star Qatari thethe Qatari star ffinishedinish hurdlerhhdlurdler sees th thee post-pos t- behindbebhidWhind WWarholmar hlholm aandnd dB BBen- ponementponement as an jaminjamin in Doha, but he hahailed ‘excellent’‘excellent’ hishis bronzebronze as a ‘gold‘gold medal’me oppor-oppor - atat thatthat time. tunitytunity “I competed in pain as I forfor did not recovered from the injury I suffered in LondonLond event,” SambaSamba recalledrecalled at LiveL withwith Al Adaamm programmprogramme. TheThe QQatariatari said with the organisers pushingpushing bback thethe OOlympics,lympics, hhee wiwillll not havehave to faceface tthehe sasame ordealordeal in sports’ biggestbigg spectacle.spectacle. “The“The OOlympicslymp While speaking on the pre- Abderrahman Samba Athletics Championships in delaydelay is ggoodood for me vailing situation worldwide, says Olympic Games London. because it will ggive Samba said athletes suffered a postponement due to “It was a difficult stage of meme ampleample time toto be lot because they were confined COVID-19 pandemic is a my career but at the same readyready whichwhich was not to home training due to restric- good developement for time it also gave me strength thethe case beforebefore,”,” he tions imposed to contain the to stand up for the challenge said.said. spread of virus. him as it will give him again,” he said. “I“I was raracingc “We are returning to ample time to attain full “The year 2018 was a aagainstgainst time to routine training with gradual ﬁtness from injury. turning point in my career in recover complecompletely lifting of restrictions, which which my performance was fromfrom the injury and is good,” he said. appreciation I received from very good. The same year I thethe postponepostponementm Memorable moment everywhere was huge and I clocked 46.98 during the himselfhimself is excellentexcellent for Recalling the highlights of will not forget all the support Paris Diamond League,” he to regainregain ffullull fitness.fitness. me,”me,” tthe his career during his career I received,” he said. said. AtAt thethe 20192019 WWorldorld 24-year-old24-year- so far, Samba said he would “What I am today is Samba also heaped praise ChampionshipsChampionships - thethe firstfirst said.said. not forget the moment when because of the QOC and the on his Qatari team-mate eventevent to bbee heldheld in tthehe President of Qatar Olympic Qatar Athletics Federation, Mutaz Barshim, the reigning MiddleMiddle East - SamSambaba Committee (QOC) H E Sheikh who give me full support and world high jump champion. was ffacingacing a furiousfurious Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani good atmosphere to train.” “He is a great athlete a competitioncompetition at DoDoha’sha’s congratulated him for The Qatari star also pride of our country and the iconiciconic KKhaifahaifa Interna-Interna- winning a bronze medal at recalled toughest time of his Arab world. Patience and tionaltional StaStadium,dium, witwithh Doha 2019. career when he stumbled in professionalism are his per- threethree sub 47 atathleteshletes – “The words cannot be the last hurdles of final race manent slogans,” said includingincluding himself,himself, erased from my memory. The during the 2017 World Samba. Half of Tokyo residents are not in favour of Games next year: Poll

AFP — TOKYO full-blown Olympics. Tokyo 2020 was postponed in March Just over half of Tokyo’s resi- as the coronavirus spread dents don’t think the postponed across the globe, causing the 2020 Olympics should be held worst disruption to the next year, backing either a Olympics since two editions further delay or outright were cancelled during World cancellation because of fears War II. The Games are now over the coronavirus, according scheduled to begin on July 23, to a poll published yesterday. 2021, although they will still be The survey carried out by known as the Tokyo 2020 two Japanese news organisa- Olympics. Min’ha leading the Criterium des Pouliches tions is only a single data point, Officials from Japan and the (Gr.2 PA) race at La Teste, France yesterday. but comes after health experts International Olympic Com- warned that even a year’s delay mittee have warned it will not may not be sufficient to hold be possible to postpone again, the Games safely. and even the year-long delay The poll conducted over the has created significant financial Min’ha wins Gr2 P/A Criterium des Pouliches weekend found 51.7 percent of and logistical headaches. respondents hope the Games The poll, conducted ahead in 2021 are postponed again or of the Tokyo gubernatorial H H Sheikh Mohammed THE PENINSULA — DOHA cancelled, while 46.3 percent election on July 5, also found Valentin Seguy. Drawn bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Racing and Thomas Fourcy. want to see the rescheduled incumbent Yuriko Koike towards the inside in this Trainer François Rohaut homebred Min’ha Olympics go ahead. leading her opponents “by a H H Sheikh Mohammed bin 12-runner race, she sat on the was pleased with the manner Among those opposed to a large margin”. Khalifa Al Thani’s homebred rail in second or third position (No Risk Al Maury x in which Min’ha won, and 2021 Games, 27.7 percent said Her precise lead was not Min’ha (No Risk Al Maury x throughout the early stages the Margouia) notches the commented: “She has they want them cancelled alto- specified, in keeping with a Margouia) yesterday notched 1900m run for 4YO+, with second Group victory improved over the winter. She gether, while 24.0 percent media tradition of not pub- the second Group victory of General Lady on her outside of her career in the is a very professional filly and would prefer a second lishing polling figures in the her career in the Criterium des while the pace was set by Criterium des Pouliches it will be interesting to see how postponement. days before a vote. Pouliches (Gr.2 PA) at La Teste, Belqees (Mahabb). (Gr.2 PA) at La Teste, she runs in the Group 1 PA The telephone poll, con- Koike has been heavily France. Following the leader, races for fillies. She won well ducted by Kyodo News and involved in preparations for the Before that, she was last Min’ha found herself alone in France. today. There was a decent Tokyo MX television between Games, travelling to Rio for the seen with Valentin Seguy in the straight, as Belqees pace and she came to the lead June 26-28, received 1,030 handover ceremony after the the saddle, in the Prix Nefta – weakened, and the François The Thomas Fourcy- easily. It’s what I wanted to replies. last Summer Olympics. Dormane (Gr.2 PA) behind Rohaut-trained Min’ha was trained runner-up was see from here today, and I Of those who said they Earlier this month, she said Amyr Du Soleil, owned by H H good enough to run all the way ridden by Jerome Cabre. The have.” want to see the Games held that the rescheduled Olympics Sheikh Mohammed as well, at to the line to secure a Julien Augé-ridden Almajdah Min’ha is out of Margouia next year, 31.1 percent said the will be safe despite the coro- Bordeaux on 23 May. 2½-length win in front of Al (FR) (TM Fred Texas x (Tidjani), so is a sister to event should be in a scaled- navirus pandemic, pledging a At La Teste, four-year-old Shaqab Racing’s homebred UM Ajdabya), who was further 2 Champion ASSY, the first ever back form, including without “120-percent effort” to ensure chestnut filly was partnered TAJ (FR) (Al Mamun Monlau x lengths behind gave the third Qatar-bred winner of the H H spectators, while 15.2 percent the first-ever postponed Games once again with jockey Dyala). place as well to Al Shaqab The Amir Sword. said they wanted to see a can go ahead. TUESDAY 30 JUNE 2020 SPORT 07

FIVE TALKING POINTS

Can Hamilton retain focus to land seventh title? The main threat to Lewis Hamilton’s bid to land a record-equalling seventh drivers’ title is likely to be himself -- just ahead of Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. The sport’s first black champion has admitted he is committed to racing for more than personal or team triumphs. “I’m racing for all of you out there who may feel that you don’t have a voice,” said the Brit- on, who made his voice heard in support of recent anti-racism protests during the en- forced time-out. “In the world, in the society that we live in, I think making it as a young black kid from a council estate in Stevenage, Action during the Austrian Formula One Grand Prix in Spielberg, making it to F1 through the tiniest window of in this June 30, 2019 ﬁle photo. opportunity -- that’s a very, very important part of my journey and then staying there and continuing to deliver against adversity.” Verstappen’s chance to seize the day? Having proved his speed and racing talent this Hamilton eyes Schumacher record is the time for Max Verstappen and Red Bull to seize their moment and emerge from the opening trio of races as championship leaders. A year ago, the young Dutchman bullied his way to victory at the Red Bull Ring and a as F1 steps into brave new world double repeat of that plus a strong result at Budapest would see the Milton Keynes-based team on top of the embryonic title race. LONDON CHAMPIONS SINCE 2000 AFP — days later, it will be an unprec- leave Renault and be the Span- “It will be a chance to Pre-season testing in Barcelona suggested edented and unique 2000 Michael Schumacher (GER) Ferrari iard’s replacement at the cash- review strategy just seven days their car is very fast, but also ‘skittish’ and Seven months after they last experience. 2001 Michael Schumacher (GER) Ferrari starved outfit so badly hit by the afterwards so that’s a first and may face reliability problems. competed in earnest, the Yet, despite all the change 2002 Michael Schumacher (GER) Ferrari pandemic. let’s see how we tackle that But the driver pairing of Verstappen and Alex Formula One circus will push a and the surreal atmosphere it Those 2021 moves will not challenge.” 2003 Michael Schumacher (GER) Ferrari Albon has a proven ability to shine in chal- post-lockdown reset button to is expected that the action, affect this year’s line-ups, but The opening three races 2004 Michael Schumacher (GER) Ferrari open the 2020 season in Austria when it begins, will deliver the may affect relationships form just part of an intensive lenging conditions and can beat Ferrari to on Sunday. same likely story. 2005 Fernando Alonso (ESP) Renault between departing drivers and spell of eight European races in take the fight to champions Mercedes. The event at Spielberg is Lewis Hamilton, powered 2006 Fernando Alonso (ESP) Renault teams anxious not to allow 10 weeks, which may become Will Vettel shine with Ferrari? being held on its original cal- by the all-conquering Mercedes, 2007 Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) Ferrari unique operational and per- nine in 11 if a round at Mugello, After confirming he is leaving Ferrari at the endar date, but is not the once- goes in search of a seventh 2008 Lewis Hamilton (GBR) McLaren formance intelligence to leave in Italy, is added. end of this year, Sebastian Vettel may feel anticipated 11th round of the drivers’ title to equal the record 2009 Jenson Button (GBR) Brawn with them. Vettel added that he “can’t freed and capable of delivering the consisten- championship, but the first - a of Michael Schumacher. 2010 Sebastian Vettel (GER) Red Bull If anywhere, this is likely to imagine what it will be like to cy and speed that can inspire the team again season-opener delayed by the “It has been unbearable - I 2011 Sebastian Vettel (GER) Red Bull have most effect at Ferrari as race without any fans,” espe- despite the threat of Charles Leclerc. The four- global coronavirus pandemic. have missed the racing and the 2012 Sebastian Vettel (GER) Red Bull the Italian team strives to avoid cially at the sweeping circuit time champion has the speed and quality, but More than three months competition so much, so it will 2013 Sebastian Vettel (GER) Red Bull open conflict between rising where Max Verstappen was Ferrari have to deliver a car that can show im- after the Australian Grand Prix be great to be back,” said Mer- 2014 Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes star Charles Leclerc and Vettel, roared to victory by a huge mediate performance development as the was abandoned on the eve of cedes team boss Toto Wolff. 2015 Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes who is a free agent and a orange wave of Dutch sup- season unfolds. Pre-season testing suggested opening practice in Melbourne, Even during lockdown, 2016 Nico Rosberg (GER) Mercedes potential target for not only porters last year. that this year’s machine had sacrificed some the race in the Styrian Alps will drivers moves for next year 2017 Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes Renault, but also Mercedes. Verstappen and Red Bull are of last year’s outright straight-line speed for

be run behind closed doors, took pplace, Ferrari announcingg 2018 Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes The ppair, who were intense expected to challenge Mercedes, improved pace in slow and medium corners. without fans, sponsors’onsors’ agents thethe releaserelease of four-timefour-time 2019 Lewis Hamilton (GBR)(GBR) Mercedes rivalsrivals lastlast year,yea tested in Italy with Ferrari and Racing Point, End of the road for Williams and what and guests and onlyonly a hhandfulandful championchampion Sebastian Vettel, ttoo lastlast week ahaheadea of the opening newly dubbed “the pink Mer- now for talented Russell? of reporters restrictedtricted to thethe bebe succeesucceededded by “double-header”“double-heade with two suc- cedes” team after copying the George Russell and Williams face a defining media centre. CarlosCarlos Sainz ofof cessive races at Austria’s Red champions’ cars, in close The usual high-risegh-rise motor McLarenMcLar e n BullBull RingRing circuit before a pursuit in the opening events challenge and season after the famous British homes will be replacedplaced byby tents andand DanielDaniel thirdthird raracece in Hungary. where it will be intriguing to see team was put up for sale during the lockdown and awnings whilehile the teams, RicciardoRicciardo ““I I have no expe- if Hamilton’s focus has been - leaving their young and talented English cut to 80 membersrs andand signingsigning to rience of affected by his active and vocal driver to race for his future this year. all in protective heading back to support for the current anti- Russell, a member of the Mercedes junior gear, will the same track racism protests. driver programme, is tipped to have a big fu- operate in san- and having a Last week, just days after ture, but needs a stronger team in 2021 to itised “bubbles second race, but launching the Hamilton Com- prove himself unless Williams find some re- Lewis Hamilton within bubbles” I’ve been mission to boost diversity in surgent form and haul themselves off the bot- in a paddock around for a motorsport, he slammed tom of the championship. Russell made good bereft of while,” said remarks made by former use of the lockdown to become F1’s ‘virtual human contact Vettel. Formula One supremo Bernie champion’ during e-racing from his home and the usual “I guess the Ecclestone as “ignorant and computer and said recently he is “very excit- swell of level of per- uneducated” before calling for ed” to return to racing. rumour and fection will be the restoration of Grand Prix “It’s going to be surreal, but I can’t wait for it speculation. higher the in Africa. - I just want to be back in a car.” For all second “It’s a really weird time in No hugging and not much prospect of joy involved, who weekend - the the world and the biggest chal- are tested four level of errors lenge in my mind is not about for Ricciardo at Renault? days before the will be even the championship Daniel Ricciardo is famous for his beaming event and five smaller. necessarily." smile and big hugs, but he has had to aban- don his tactile approach to life. “I’ve got to keep my distance,” he admitted in a team video call last week. Some of the records in “We’re going to find some new ways to em- brace each other, especially after a good result, but obviously we’re going to do what we Lewis Hamilton’s sights can to keep this thing out of the paddock.”

as F1 season kicks off REVISED 2020 CALENDAR July 5 - Austria. The Red Bull Ring at Spiel- Lewis Hamilton (pictured) is hoping to equal Michael Schumacher’s record seven For- berg. 71 laps of 4.318km. Total distance: mula One championships in the season that starts in Austria this weekend after being A black-liveried Mercedes 306.452km. 2019 pole: Charles Leclerc (Mo- delayed since March by the COVID-19 pandemic. Formula One car for the naco) Ferrari. 2019 winner: Max Verstappen The following details some of the milestones the Mercedes driver and his team can 2020 season. (Netherlands) Red Bull. reach. A rural circuit in southern Styria, owned by 7 - Titles. A record held by Ferrari great Schumacher. Also successive constructors’ ti- Red Bull. tles. Mercedes have won the last six, a record shared with Ferrari. July 12 - Austria, the second race at the Red 8 - Schumacher holds the record of eight wins at the same grand prix. Hamilton is on Bull Ring will be officially known as the Grand seven for Canada, which remains uncertain for this year, and Hungary -- third race of Fight against racism: Mercedes Prix of Steiermark (Styria). the revised season. July 19 - Hungary. The Hungaroring, outside Also Grand Slams (pole, led every lap and fastest lap). Hamilton needs two more to Budapest. 70 laps of 4.381km. 306.670km. equal late compatriot Jim Clark’s all-timeme record of eieight.ght. to compete in all-black cars 2019 pole: Verstappen. Winner: Lewis Hamil- 11 - Longest gap between first and lastst championships. Hamilton tooktook ton (Britain) Mercedes. Tight, twisty and slow. AP — BRACKLEBRACKLEYY this record last year (2008-19) from Schumacherchumacher ((1994-2004)1994-2004) anandd actions in the fight against from the heart when I appeal for The first race in 1986 was a breakthrough for can stretch it to 12 this season. racism and all forms of discrim- change,” Hamilton said. F1 behind the ‘Iron Curtain’. MercedesMercedes aannouncednn ination,” Mercedes announced Mercedes said Monday that 13 - Most races won in a single season,, a record Schumacher August 2 - Britain. Silverstone. 52 laps of yesterday that it wwill race in in its colour switch from silver. just 3% of its workforce identify shares with Sebastian Vettel. Hamilton’sn’s hihighestghest tally is 11. ThThatat 5.891km. 306.198km. 2019 pole: Valtteri all-blackall-black cacarsrs fforor the 2020 Hamilton, who is the only as belonging to minority ethnic looks unlikely in this coronavirus-affectedcted year,year, with the sporsportt Bottas (Finland) Mercedes. Winner: Hamilton. setting its sights on 15-18 races after originallyginally planning a record 22.22. FormulaFormula OOnene seaseason as it Black world champion in F1, groups, and that only 12% of its pledgespledges to fightfight rracisma and has spoken widely about racism employees are women. The first world championship grand prix was 19 - Grands Prix won after leading everyery lap. Hamilton shares ththee improveimprove the ddiversityi of following the killing of George “We will not shy away from held here in 1950. record with Ayrton Senna. itsits teateam.m. Floyd in Minneapolis last our weakness in this area, nor August 9 - Britain, officially designated the 70th 33 - Consecutive points finishes. An ongoingngoing record helheldd Six-timeSix-ti F1 month. He plans to create a from the progress we must still Anniversary Grand Prix. Also at Silverstone. by Hamilton, whose last failure to scorere was in AuAus-s- world cchampion commission to increase make; our livery is our public August 16 - Spain. Circuit de Catalunya, near tria in 2018. LewisLewis HamiltonH diversity in motorsport. pledge to take positive action,” Barcelona. Race consists of 66 laps of 65 - Front row lockouts. Ferrari hold thishis oonene andand team-matete “It is so important that we Wolff said. 4.655km. Total distance: 307.104km. 2019 but Mercedes are on 64. ValtteriValtte Bottas seize this moment and use it to “We intend to find and pole: Bottas. Winner: Hamilton. Completely 88 - Pole positions. A record held by HHamil-amil- will alalso race in educate ourselves whether you attract the very best talents familiar to all teams from pre-season testing. ton, whose 88th was in Abu Dhabi lastt No-No- blackblack overalls are an individual, brand or from the broadest possible On the calendar since 1991. vember. for ttheh season, company to make real mean- range of backgrounds, and to August 30 - Belgium. Spa-Francorchamps. 44 91 - Race wins, a record held by Schumacher.macher. whichwhi starts ingful changes when it comes create credible pathways for laps of 7.004km. 308.052km. 2019 pole and The German’s last win was in China in 2006.2006. on SundayS in to ensuring equality and inclu- them to reach our sport, in winner: Leclerc. The longest lap on the calen- Hamilton starts the campaign with 84 wins AustriaAust after a sivity,” Hamilton said in the order to build a stronger and dar and one of the fastest and oldest circuits. longlong delay announcement Monday. more diverse team in the to his credit. He has averaged 10 wins a sea-sea- Sept. 6 - Italy. Monza. 53 laps of 5.793km. causedcaused by the Hamilton said he had future,” Wolff added. son for the past six years. 307.029km. 2019 pole and winner: Leclerc. 148 - Most grands prix led. Hamilton setset this coronaviruscorona spoken to Mercedes F1 team The season will finally get pandemic.pandemic. principal Toto Wolff about underway with back-to-back “La Pista Magica”, Ferrari’s home track, dates last year. back to the 1920s but is still the fastest in F1. 155 - Podium finishes. Another of Schumacher’sumacher’s rrecordsecords thathatt “The“The BlackBla Lives standing united. races at the Austrian Grand Prix MatterMatter mmovementove has “I have personally experi- as part of an eight-race Races still to be scheduled: China, Canada, Vi- looks destined to fall. Hamilton is on 151.51. shone a searchingsearc light enced racism in my life and seen European swing. The Red Bull etnam, Russia, Mexico, US, Brazil, Bahrain, 250 - Most consecutive starts. A Hamiltonlton recorrecord.d. on how mucmuchh we need my family and friends expe- Ring in Spielberg will host races Abu Dhabi. new measmeasures and rience racism, and I am speaking on July 5 and 12. 08 SPORT TUESDAY 30 JUNE 2020 WI to wear ‘Black Lives Matter’ Johnson hangs on Being able learn from logo for England Test matches Joe Root in different situations in the game to win title has rubbed off on me AFP - LONDON Deeney said he and Hosannah were and I will put me in REUTERS - NEW YORK overwhelmed by the gesture. good stead for all the The West Indies cricket team will wear “Alisha and I are immensely proud to situations a Test match A pair of bogeys on the back “Black Lives Matter” logos on their shirts be asked and take part in a monumental can throw at you. At nine and a rain delay were not during next month’s Test series against moment in world sport, this amazing the same time we have enough to derail Dustin England in a show of solidarity with the decision by the West Indies cricket team to some experienced Johnson (pictured below), global movement. show their support for Black Lives Matter,” guys out on the ﬁeld who shot 19 under par to win The tourists will follow the lead of he said. I can use like Jimmy the Travelers Championship English Premier League footballers during Player power was behind the Premier (Anderson) and (Stuart by one stroke in Cromwell, the three-Test series, which starts at the League’s move to put “Black Lives Matter” Broad) Broady, so many Connecticut, on Sunday. Ageas Bowl on July 8. on the back of shirts for the first 12 games people to throw ideas The 2016 US Open The move comes after the death of following the restart of the competition. off. I always try to set champion fended off fellow African-American George Floyd in US police Footballers are also wearing the logo the example in terms American Kevin Streelman custody last month. on their sleeves for the rest of the of commitment and after shooting a career-low 61 The logo, which has a clenched fist in campaign. the day prior, claiming his 21st attitude. When it comes place of the letter ‘A’ in the word “Black”, West Indies head coach Phil Simmons PGA title to mark his 13th con- down to what to do in a was designed by Watford player Troy is in self-isolation after leaving his team’s secutive season with at least Deeney’s partner Alisha Hosannah. West Indies captain Jason Holder. bio-secure location in Manchester for a situation it will always one victory. West Indies captain Jason Holder said PIC: WWW.WINDIESCRICKET.COM short period of compassionate leave. be a positive route: “I’m definitely proud of the team remained focused on winning the Cricket West Indies confirmed that Ben Stokes, England's myself for continuing the series but that there were bigger issues to solidarity and also to help raise awareness.” Simmons had twice tested negative for the new captain in waitinwaiting streak… it was a long time address. Holder said sportsmen and women virus since returning on Friday, and would between wins though - hope- “This is a pivotal moment in history for could influence opinion and be a force for have another test on Wednesday before fully it won’t be that long for sports, for the game of cricket and for the change. “We did not take our decision rejoining the squad. the next one,” Johnson said in West Indies cricket team,” he said in a lightly,” he said. The West Indies start a four-day a televised interview. statement issued by Cricket West Indies “We know what it is for people to make warm-up match against England at Old He narrowly avoided dis- yesterday. judgements because of the colour of our Trafford on Monday. aster on 15, when he was “We have come to England to retain the skin, so we know what it feels like, this goes Simmons attended the funeral of his forced to remove his shoes and Wisden Trophy but we are very conscious beyond the boundary. father-in-law, who had died prior to the stand in a pond to hit his ball, of happenings around the world and the “There must be equality and there must team’s recent assembly in Manchester, which landed in the damp turf fight for justice and equality. be unity. Until we get that as people, we having been given permission by medical next to the water. He made “We believe we have a duty to show cannot stop.” officials. par, only to bogey on the next hole, after rain forced a brief delay at the fanless Captaining England tournament. English county cricket season “Even though there’s no fans here, you can still feel the would be ‘huge pressure,” said the 36-year- old American. “The rain delay set to start on August 1 didn’t help very much because honour’, says Stokes then I actually had time to AFP - LONDON A staff member think about everything.” REUTERS - LONDON puts a model American Will Gordon The English county cricket season will start rocketed nine spots up the lea- cricket player on August 1, the England and Wales Cricket England’s talisman Ben Stokes says captaining his country derboard to finish tied for third in its place at Board announced yesterday. even just once in his career would be a “huge honour” but with Canadian Mackenzie Bekonscot Model The format has still to be decided, admits it was never a massive ambition. Hughes. Village to prepare although the ECB said this was “due to be The all-rounder is poised to lead the team in the first Johnson, who finished for its reopening, agreed” by the 18 first-class counties in Test against West Indies on July 8 with captain Joe Root second at both the Masters and following the early July. likely to miss the game to attend the birth of his second the PGA Championship in coronavirus Officials had previously announced child. 2019, failed to make the cut disease (COVID- that the inaugural edition of the Hundred “I’ve given it a little thought but not really dived into earlier this month at the 19) outbreak, in franchise competition had been scrapped it yet,” the 29-year-old told a virtual news conference Charles Schwab Challenge Beaconsﬁeld, because of the coronavirus pandemic. yesterday. when the tour resumed after Buckinghamshire, The first Test between England and “I mean, it’s not like it’s not a big deal. Getting the the COVID-19 forced a three- the West Indies behind closed doors at Britain, yesterday. opportunity to captain England is a huge honour. Even if month suspension of play. Southampton, starting on July 8, is set to it’s only the once, you can say you captained England. American Brendon Todd, be the first major international cricket “So it’s something that I’m looking forward to if the who had been in the lead after match since lockdown. opportunity presents itself. But also I know I’m only a career low nine-under 61 in The opening round of the first-class stepping in to take over the reins because of Joe’s personal the third round, self- County Championship was originally situation.” destructed on 12 with a triple scheduled to begin on April 12. Stokes has matured since his well-chronicled disci- bogey and failed to recover, The ECB has said the Twenty20 Blast is their most preparation”. PCA chairman Daryl Mitchell said: plinary problems and was inspirational as England won ending the tournament tied for lucrative domestic format, with international fixtures “County cricket returning from August 1 is hugely the World Cup last year. He is now Root’s trusted 11th. the biggest cash draw. positive for our membership. It has been an incredibly vice-captain. Health and safety remains the major concern for uncertain time for players who have waited patiently He said the last time he captained a team was during the ECB, which has approved the return to training for some encouraging news.” an academy game against Scotland when he was a Golf scores of first-class counties on or before July 1. Two-day friendly matches between Surrey and teenager. “It is a significant step for our game that we are Middlesex and Yorkshire and Lancashire in July had “I never set a goal to want to be a captain,” Stokes said. New York: Leading scores on able to approve the start of the men’s domestic season already been announced. “If you look at Alastair Cook he was destined to be captain Sunday after the US PGA Tour for August 1 and one which will be welcomed by eve- The ECB said it remained “committed” to staging after Andrew Strauss and Joe Root was destined to be Traveler’s Championship in ryone connected with county cricket,” said ECB chief women’s domestic cricket. captain after Alastair Cook, you know who the next one Cromwell, Connecticut (USA executive Tom Harrison. But a new structure of eight regions could be will be when one is coming towards the end of his career. unless noted, par-70): Harrison, who previously warned a season without shelved for 2020 because of difficulties in ensuring “If I’m being honest, I’m not one of those who people any fixtures at all could cost the ECB £252m ($309m), medical personnel are in place to handle COVID-19 would necessarily associate with being next England 261 - Dustin Johnson also welcomed the input of the counties and the Pro- return-to-play protocols. captain. But I am looking forward to the opportunity of 69-64-61-67 fessional Cricketers’ Association in preparing for a There was no word yesterday from the ECB on doing it.” 262 - Kevin Streelman “domestic season unlike any the game has faced when recreational cricket would return. Should Stokes captain the side next week in South- 66-66-63-67 before”. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week ampton -- a match being played in a bio-secure stadium 263 - Will Gordon 66-62- Harrison stressed British government health frustrated hopes for a quick restart, saying that a without fans because of the COVID-19 pandemic -- he 71-64, Mackenzie Hughes guidance “will continue to shape our planning and cricket ball was a “natural vector of disease”. says he will be well prepared. (CAN) 60-68-68-67 264 - Kevin Na 66-66-65-67 265 - Ryan Armour 67-66- Athletes should not QORC, Round 5: QMMF retain points 68-64, Bryson DeChambeau 65-67-65-68, Scott Stallings ‘minimise’ whereabouts 66-68-64-67, Brendan Steele lead as Al Sulaiti sparkles again 69-62-68-66, Patton Kizzire rule, says IAAF chief 66-66-66-67 267 - Abraham Ancer AFP - LONDON THE PENINSULA - DOHA With his win on Sunday RESULTS AFTER ROUND 5 (MEX) 67-65-66-69, Patrick and only one round to go, Al 1. Saeed Al Sulaiti, Time: 26:58.347 secs; Cantlay 66-67-69-65, Viktor World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe says no Saeed Al Sulaiti (pictured) on Sunday Sulaiti has strengthened his 2. Saoud Al Thani +14.752; Hovland (NOR) 63-69-67-68, athlete should “minimise the importance of the night bagged his third successive win grip on the overall standings. 3. Denis Foggia +29.709; Zach Johnson 68-64-67-68, whereabouts rule” after 100m world champion as Qatar Motor and Motorcycle His team-mate Saoud Al 4. Marco Ramirez; Kim Si-woo (KOR) 68-66- Christian Coleman missed three doping tests in Federation riders (QMMF) continued Thani finished second at Aus- 5. Lorenzo Dalla Porta; 68-65, Rory McIlroy (NIR) a 12-month period. to lead the points table after round tralia’s virtual Philip Island 6. Jassim Al Thani; 63-68-69-67, Noh Seung-yul The American sprinter, who was provisionally five of the Qatar Online Racing circuit to make it yet another 7. Danny Kent (KOR) 64-68-66-69, Doc suspended earlier this month, risks a two-year Championship (QORC). 1-2 finish for QMMF. Redman 68-67-69-63, ban that would rule him out of next year’s Tokyo Al Sulaiti, who won the first round The QMMF team is now RIDER STANDINGS Brendon Todd 66-65-61-75 Olympics. in the battle against Leopard Racing almost certain to the win title 1. Saeed Al Sulaiti 196 points; The 24-year-old said in a statement on riders last Tuesday, on Sunday pro- after round 6. 2. Soud Al Thani 139; Twitter that he was the victim of “a purposeful duced another session of slick riding With just one race to go, 3. Marcos Ramirez 125; attempt to get me to miss a test” in December in the digital battle. QMMF has 518 points to 4. Xavi Artigas 96; last year. He said he was out shopping for Leopard Racing’s 473 for a 5. Jassim Al Thani 88; Christmas presents and had not received a phone 45-point lead. 6. Jaume Masia 87; call. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), the anti- On Sunday, Leopard’s 7. Danny Kent 73; doping arm of World Athletics, said “a phone call Danny Kent once again posed 8. Abdulla Al Qubaisi 67; is discretionary and not a mandatory the toughest challenge for Al 9. Dennis Foggia 62; requirement”. Sulaiti, but the British rider suf- 10. Lorenzo Dalla 30; “It’s not really our policy to comment on fered multiple clashes in the 11. Hamad Al Sahouti 28 . unresolved cases -- this is now quite properly a 18-lap simulated Philip Island matter for the AIU,” Coe told BBC Sport. circuit. TEAM STANDINGS But he added it was “not a good story (for Kent, who had won the 1. QMMF 518 points; athletics)”. second round, was third going 2. Leopard Racing 473 “No athlete should minimise the importance into the final lap but crashed of the whereabouts rule,” said Coe. “The where- once again and was relegated abouts rule is to protect the athletes, it’s to protect to seventh position. their reputations and it’s to make sure that we Al Sulaiti, meanwhile, was Leopard’s Marco Ramirez and move as hard and as fast as we can to drug-free assured of the win in the MotoGP 20 Lorenzo Dalla Porta were fourth and sport. It’s one hour a day -- this is not arcane PS4 game as the Qatari ace finished fifth respectively, while QMMF’s maritime law, this is not complicated. The vast the race in 26:58.347. Jassim Al Thani finished sixth. majority of athletes make sure they don’t miss Saoud Al Thani was 14.752 The sixth and final round will be those tests. They have to take it seriously.” seconds behind the winner, while held at Qatar’s simulated Losail Inter- Leopard’s Denis Foggia came third. national Circuit. TUESDAY 30 JUNE 2020 SPORT 09 Dutch football star Aron Winter to discuss illustrious career on live feed

THE PENINSULA - DOHA

Former Netherlands star Aron Winter will be the special guest in tomorrow's edition of Generation Amazing Instagram Live. The current assistant coach of the Greece national team will discuss his football career and outline the life values he has learned from the sport. Winter, who turned out for Ajax, Inter Milan and Lazio, appeared in three FIFA World Cups for the Netherlands. He will talk about both his early and present-day inspirations, along with the power of football to unite people and break down cultural barriers. Winter is the latest football legend to appear in the series. He follows Xavi Hernandez, Samuel Eto’o, Cafu, Tim Cahill and others. A general view outside Wembley stadium where the FA Cup Final was due to take place today before being postponed following the All the star chats can be viewed here. outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), London, Britain, in this ﬁle photo taken on May 23, 2020. In addition to Winter’s appearance, Sheffield FC’s Foundation Director, Chris Dolby, will also join @GA4good this week. The former midfielder will discuss his club’s partnership with Generation Amazing and Leeds United today at 4:00pm Doha English FA cuts jobs as pandemic time. The collaboration between Sheffield and Leeds helps young people from disadvantaged communities, including refugees, wipes out Wembley events learn life skills through football – in line with the Generation Amazing methodology, which promotes communication, teamwork and leadership, along with diversity, inclusion, equal AP - LONDON said yesterday. “So we have to plan for “Unfortunately the past few months rights and communal solidarity. extended periods of social distancing which have impacted the FA severely and we have Dolby said: “I’m looking forward to discussing how we’ve The English Football Association is set to could limit crowds, could limit attendances lost a significant amount of money that we been able to work together to deliver the football for development make 82 people redundant as it faces a and could limit the number of competitions can never recoup,” Bullingham said sessions we provide for underprivileged youth in the Sheffield shortfall of £300m ($370m) over four years played.” yesterday. community, as well as how we plan to develop the sessions in due to the coronavirus pandemic shutting FA chief executive Mark Bullingham “The situation has worsened to a point collaboration with Generation Amazing and Leeds United.” down the sport and restarting without fans said the focus will be spending on the key where we now need to reduce the size of Moza Al Mohannadi, Generation Amazing’s Marketing & Com- in stadiums. mission - helping the men’s and women’s the FA in order to deal with the financial munications Director, said yesterday: “We are extremely excited Wembley Stadium, which is owned by national teams win major tournaments. impact of the crisis.” to welcome Chris Dolby to discuss our joint initiative in the UK. the FA, was due to be staging seven games “That means we have set out in our pro- When Britain went into lockdown in We also look forward to receiving some useful insight for our at the European Championship including posals some difficult choices because we March, the FA halted recruitment and 42 programme participants from European football legend Aron the semifinals and finals next month but do not think we can afford to do all the vacant positions will not be filled. Winter.” the tournament was postponed by a year. things that we did before,” he said. Another 82 roles are being removed A Qatar 2022 social and legacy programme, Generation Other events, including concerts and Hospitality revenue, which can generate from the not-for-profit governing body, Amazing has reached 500,000 beneficiaries. It aims to positively two NFL regular season games, that were £35m a year, has “completely fallen away details showed. impact 1 million people via unique football training methodology due to be staged at English soccer’s and will probably take years to recover,” Wembley will still be staging sessions by 2022. 90,000-capacity national stadium this year Bullingham said. Compensation has also rescheduled lower-league playoff finals and Follow @GA4good on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for have also been called off. had to be paid for some of the cancelled the semifinals and final of the FA Cup in the more information. Capture you and your relatives enjoying the “No one knows when a vaccine will be events, while the FA has been unable to coming weeks but there cannot be sup- streams on Instagram for a chance to be reposted and win exclusive ready or when better medical treatments fulfil some commitments to sponsors and porters in the venue due to efforts to contain prizes from the football stars! Make sure to tag @GA4good and will be ready,” FA chairman Greg Clarke broadcasters. the spread of COVID-19. use the #GALive hashtag!

Juventus’ Gianluigi Buffon and Giorgio Football in England loses Chiellini celebrate after Sami Khedira (not pictured) scored their third passion, soul with no fans goal during a Serie A match against AC LONDON Milan at the Allianz AP - worship at best and, at worst, who has also supported Arsenal Stadium, Turin, Italy, plumb the depths of outright all his life felt the same in this March 31, What have I learned about racism and xenophobia. watching live from New York 2018. pandemic Soccer - I mean Watching the English in our hyper-connected world. football, of course - since its Premier League upon its return We WhatsApp-ed, then moved return in England? has been excitement-free for on with the rest of our You watch soulless matches me - quite a bizarre feeling after weekends. with no fans out of ingrained decades of following my The same friend and I had habit - and the misplaced hope London team, Arsenal, in the attended a match that we still that slays you. Your team flesh at home and abroad. reminisce about where a implodes, also out of ingrained So far, the team hasn't winning goal, a penalty deep habit. All in all, an added played a ‘’home'' match that I into stoppage time, had sent my unpleasantness in trying times. would normally attend. row bonkers, us included, and But let's rewind. Watching other empty stadia seemed to take the roof off. In the grand scheme of has featured a decision: Those are the joys. Cama- things, sport during the pan- whether to choose the fake raderie with several people I sit demic is only a matter of life or audio atmosphere generated by with as a season ticket holder Buffon and Chiellini extend death if players, staff or fans the channels. for more than a quarter century. become infected. Perhaps an No, thanks. That ranks with The pre-match rituals, the pub updated rendering of the laugh tracks, lip synching and for a couple looseners (or not, famous Karl Marx quote: Has ghostwriting. So it's natural in the event my teenage son, Juve deals until 2021 sport become ‘’the opium of the sound for me - the agitated who has gone off the game in people''? strains of players, coaches and the last few years, accompanies AFP - ROME a statement yesterday. Buffon between 1997-2018, winning In Britain, where I live, the ball being kicked and me - a rare treat). returned to Juve last summer the 2006 World Cup. some in the political arena ven- headed. Then on Thursday, a win - Gianluigi Buffon and Giorgio after a disappointing season at Buffon has made a total of tured that the return of profes- The first two matches I but dreary watching Chiellini have extended their Paris Saint-Germain and is the 13 appearances in all competi- sional football without fans in watched, my team lost. Once, nonetheless. Juventus contracts until 2021, club’s all-time record Serie A tions this season, with Wojciech seats, dubbed Project Restart, against a superior team, barely I'll keep watching the the Serie A leaders announced appearance maker, turning out Szczesny now Juve’s first- would lift the national morale. registered on the anger scales. matches every few days as the yesterday. 479 times in the league since choice keeper. Debatable. The second, against an inferior league races to complete the The new deals, long arriving in 2001. The 35-year-old Chiellini, It's a passionate game of one, rankled due to a long-term interrupted season. expected to be confirmed by With Juventus he has won who succeeded Buffon as Juve which the fans are the lifeblood. injury to our goalkeeper But let's not kid ourselves: Juve, mean that former Italy the league nine times but his and Italy captain, joined the That's true across Europe and because of unnecessary foul Like so much else, this was a captain Buffon will stay with only European trophy came club in 2005 and has since beyond. play from an opponent who financial decision as lockdowns the Turin-based club beyond when he won the UEFA Cup become a stalwart in one of the Supporters, many clad in then rubbed salt in the wound are eased across the world to his 43rd birthday. with Parma in 1999. Turin giants’ most successful team colours, are a breathing, by scoring the winning goal in resuscitate flatlining econ- “Bianconeri since the He is Serie A’s joint record periods. heaving, shouting mass - living the dying seconds. omies. Hundreds of millions in beginning. Bianconeri forever. appearance holder with Paolo He has won eight league every moment, every decision, But it passed quickly, various currencies are at stake And to confirm it, in case there Maldini, playing in Italy’s top titles and four Italian Cups, with joyful outbursts or howls quicker than it ever would have for the monstrous cash-cow is a need, today their contract flight 647 times, and also holds although he has missed most of of derision. Chants full of indus- in the past. brand; global TV rights are in renewals have become official, the appearance record for his this season due to a cruciate lig- trial language encourage hero A close friend and colleague the balance. for another: 2021!,” Juve said in national team, with 176 caps ament injury suffered in August. But the first Newcastle United’s Joelinton in action in front of an ‘’home" game of empty stadium during the FA Cup quarter-ﬁnal at the pandemic rest- Scheme launched to increase St James’ Park, Newcastle, Britain, in this June 28, of-season this 2020, ﬁle photo. week will feel especially soulless number of ethnic minority coaches to view denuded of fans and denuded AFP - LONDON It will have its first intake for the 2020/21 of me. season. And I cannot The Premier League, English Football League The lack of representation of black people in even fathom when and Professional Footballers’ Association have senior leadership roles in the sport has been in it will cease to be set up a scheme aimed at increasing the number the spotlight because of the increased focus insanity to attend of coaches from ethnic minority backgrounds. worldwide on the Black Lives Matter movement. an event with some The placement programme, jointly funded Manchester City and England forward 60,000 other by the Premier League and the PFA, is designed Raheem Sterling has questioned why so few people again. to help footballers make the transition to playing black ex-players have made the transition into Memories to coaching. coaching or other high-profile roles within fortify. Maybe It will be open to all PFA members from a football clubs. Humphrey Bogart's black, Asian or other ethnic minority background At present, only six of the 91 Premier League Rick was right in and will initially provide up to six coaches per and EFL managers or head coaches are from a ‘’Casablanca'': season with a 23-month placement at an English black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) back- "We'll always have Football League club. ground, according to the BBC. ...''