CCRICKETRICKET | Page 5 TTENNISENNIS | Page 6 Teenage Thiem, Zverev hotshots break and Dimitrov into Pakistan’s join Djokovic in squad US Open doubts

Saturday, June 13, 2020 FOOTBALL Shawwal 21, 1441 AH Hazard warning as GULF TIMES Belgian returns for campaign restart SPORT Page 2

Qatar national team undergo tests before training camp

Qatar national football team coach Felix Sanchez, players and staff underwent Covid-19 tests at the team hotel ahead of the summer training camp yesterday. Sanchez had last week announced a squad of 34 players for the sum- mer training camp, which began yesterday, and will conclude on July 3. The Qatar squad will pre- pare for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers set to be held later this year. Qatar has three more matches to qualify for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup to be held in China.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW Bayern missing Lewandowski, Sevilla pip Real Mueller for potential title-clincher

Bayern Munich’s Robert Betis 2-0 as La Lewandowski (right) during a warm-up. Liga bounces back There was a minute of silence held before kick-off in memory of the victims of the pandemic, with the players standing at a distance from each other AFP to repeat their 2013 treble having Berlin beaten Chelsea 3-0 away in their AFP Champions League last-16 fi rst Madrid leg before the competition was ayern Munich could se- suspended in mid-March due to cure an eighth straight the coronavirus pandemic. evilla beat local rivals BBundesliga title this Fourth-placed Gladbach Real Betis 2-0 as La Liga weekend, but host pulled off a shock 2-1 victory at Sreturned after three Borussia Moenchengladbach Borussia Park when the sides met months away on Thurs- today without suspended duo last December. day, becoming the second of Thomas Mueller and Robert But Marco Rose’s side have Europe’s fi ve major leagues to Lewandowski. been erratic of late, crushing resume following the coronavi- Bayern will be confi rmed Union Berlin 4-1 at home at the rus pandemic. champions with a win if second- end of May before stumbling to After the Bundesliga in Ger- placed Borussia Dortmund lose defeat at Freiburg last weekend. many restarted on May 16, La at relegation-threatened Fortuna Rose hopes to include Swiss Liga opened its doors again to Duesseldorf earlier in the day. forward Breel Embolo, with the players but not supporters at the That scenario would give 23-year-old fi t after an ankle Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, where Hansi Flick’s side an unassailable knock. the usually vibrant Seville derby 10-point lead with three games At the foot of the table, fallen was played in front of empty remaining. giants Werder Bremen face a stands. But Bayern are without crucial game at Paderborn in a The game was the fi rst in Lewandowski, the league’s top battle of the bottom two. Spain’s top fl ight since March scorer this season with 30 goals, Florian Kohfeldt’s Bremen are 10 but 93 days later another and Mueller, who is one short of six points from safety in 17th and professional fi xture has been the Bundesliga record of 21 as- three off the relegation play-off completed without incident, of- sists in a single campaign. place following back-to-back fering further encouragement to “It’s annoying, but we can’t do home defeats. the Premier League in England anything about it,” said Bayern Bremen, who were in the and Serie A in Italy. Both are set coach Flick. Champions League a decade ago, to return next week. Thiago Alcantara has also been have spent more seasons in the Lucas Ocampos gave Sevilla ruled out, for three weeks and top fl ight than any other club, the lead from a 56th-minute needs an operation after strug- but are running out of time. penalty and Fernando Reges gling with a groin problem, Flick “We know how much is rid- Sevilla’s players celebrate at the then added the second goal for said yesterday. ing on this game,” said American end of the Spanish League football the home side, who are third in Joshua Zirkzee, 19, is an option forward Josh Sargent. “This club match against Real Betis at the the table. to replace Lewandowski up front has such a long history, and no Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium This was the fi rst leg of a 39- while Serge Gnabry could start one wants to let the team or the in Seville on Thursday. day sprint to the fi nish in La for Mueller if he is fi t after a back city down.” Liga, that will see teams playing injury. every three days for fi ve and a This was as far from a typical the atmosphere strange. On tel- porters had come to greet the pay tribute to those working on Bayern proved they can score FIXTURES half weeks and undergoing stern Seville derby as could be imag- evision, fans at home had the team buses but they dispersed the front line. goals without Lewandowski by (all times 1330 GMT unless stated) examinations of their fi tness. ined, a pale shadow of the divi- option to add virtual supporters shortly after, with 600 police In the stands, the substi- thumping Hoff enheim 6-0 in Today Both coaches made use of sion’s most heated fi xture and a taken from the computer game and security personnel in at- tutes, still wearing masks, sat late February when the Polish „Wolfsburg v Freiburg their new allocation of fi ve sub- clear demonstration of what has FIFA, as well as chanting, which tendance to prevent mass gath- spread out in the rows behind striker was injured. „Fortuna Duesseldorf v stitutes and there was a drinks been sacrifi ced to keep the sea- ebbed and fl owed according to erings. their coaches and Sevilla’s were They had a scare in Wednes- Borussia Dortmund breaks in each half but the con- son going. the action. “No fans allowed but we’re among the few celebrating when day’s German Cup semi-fi nal „Hertha Berlin v Eintracht test lost its fl uency late on, in “I always believed we would When the excellent Ocampos here and we can’t wait,” shouted the goals fl ew in shortly after win over Eintracht Frankfurt, Frankfurt part because Betis never looked play again,” said La Liga presi- and Fernando scored, there was a 60-year-old supporter in a Se- half-tiime. when Danny da Costa equalised „Cologne v Union Berlin like staging a comeback. dent Javier Tebas, who had also cheering, and when substitutes villa shirt. They were comfortable win- for the visitors before Lewand- „Paderborn v Werder Bremen Victory strengthens Sevilla’s indicated on Thursday that “10 came and went, there was ap- There was a minute of silence ners as Ocampos scored a pen- owski sealed a 2-1 win with his „Bayern Munich v Borussia hold on third place as they move or 15 per cent” of fans could at- plause. held before kick-off in memory alty after Marc Bartra was ad- 45th goal this season. Moenchengladbach (1630) four points above Getafe and tend stadiums before the season Earlier, the players had ar- of the victims of the pandemic, judged to have pushed Luuk de Mueller admitted Bayern were Real Sociedad below them. Betis fi nishes on July 19. rived wearing masks and gloves with the players standing at a Jong and, six minutes later, a “tired”, “worn out” and scrapped Sunday sit 12th and face the possibility For now though, stands re- and their temperatures were distance from each other around delightful Ocampos fl ick at the their way to victory in the fi rst of „Mainz v Augsburg of being dragged into a relega- main empty, the voices of the taken before entering the sta- the centre circle. In the 20th near post allowed Fernando to three games in six days. „Schalke v Bayer Leverkusen tion battle. players and coaches audible and dium. Outside, around 200 sup- minute, there was applause to head in a second. But they are still in the running (1600) Gulf Times 2 Saturday, June 13, 2020 FOOTBALL

TOP OF THE LINE Player names to be replaced by ‘Black Lives Gladbach ‘fl abbergasted’ by racist fans, tells them to leave Matter’ when Premier League resumes AFP support for “Black Lives Matter”. Moenchengladbach, to terminate in police custody in Minneapolis. The club thanked “the majority Berlin The club joined traditional rivals their membership”. It followed with Dortmund’s Eng- of the supporters who try to contra- English Premier League players will pay Borussia Dortmund, Schalke and The club has more than 150,000 lish attacker Jadon Sancho wearing dict (these hateful comments) with tribute to worldwide anti-racism movements Cologne in posting an anti-racism members. a protest tee-shirt and also showed reasonable arguments and facts”. by wearing shirts with the words ‘Black Lives orussia Moenchenglad- video last Friday. The joint video started by show- black players at all four clubs. Following the lead of players such Matter’ on the back during the opening round bach said they were “fl ab- “What we have experienced since ing Gladbach’s French striker Mar- “We continue to clean up the as Thuram, clubs, including Bayern of fixtures at the season’s restart, British Bbergasted” by an avalanche then in the comments leaves us fl ab- cus Thuram, on May 31, becoming many racist, hateful and contemp- Munich, joined in last week, with media reported on Thursday. The words will of racist comments that bergasted,” said the club in an online the fi rst player in Germany to take tuous comments,” the club said, the whole team kneeling or wear- replace player surnames on the back of the poured into their website and so- statement, asking members “who a knee on the pitch after the death adding that it was “deeply ashamed” ing tee-shirts, jerseys or armbands shirt, while the BLM logo will be displayed cial networks after the club’s public do not share the values of Borussia of African-American George Floyd of the fans who posted them. bearing anti-racist slogans. on the front, reports said. The tribute comes amid worldwide protests against racial injustice following the death of George Floyd, LA LIGA SPOTLIGHT a black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25. Several Premier League clubs in recent weeks have posed tak- ing a knee, like former NFL quarterback Colin Messi fi t and Kaepernick who popularised the gesture as a way to protest racial issues. Clubs will also respect one minute’s silence for those who ready for have died during the Covid-19 pandemic Hazard warning and kits will include a heart-shaped badge in honour of NHS and frontline staff during the Barcelona crisis. The Premier League will resume on June 17 after a three-month stoppage due to the outbreak, which has caused over 41,000 return: Setien deaths in the United Kingdom. as he returns AFP Turkish soccer season Real face Eibar a year after the Belgian made a 100mn-euro move Madrid, Spain restarts aft er almost three-month suspension DPA ionel Messi will know how to manage his Barcelona, Spain own fi tness through La Liga’s rapid end Turkey’s top-flight soccer league will resume Lto the season but has no injury problems with two matches played without fans yester- ahead of Barcelona’s return against Real day after an almost three-month suspension a Liga’s interrupted Mallorca today, says coach Quique Setien. due to the coronavirus outbreak. Turkey sus- season off ers a second Messi missed three sessions last week with pended its soccer, basketball and volleyball Lchance to Eden Haz- some discomfort in his thigh but has been back in leagues on March 17 due to the pandemic. ard tomorrow when the full training since Monday. The Turkish Football Federation said last Belgian faces Eibar in the fi rst “He is perfectly fi ne, he has trained with the rest month that its Super Lig will end on July 26 game of the restarted campaign of his teammates and he feels good. I don’t see any after clubs complete their remaining eight in Spain. problem,” said Setien in a press conference yester- matches. League leaders Trabzonspor visit The match comes one year and day. Izmir-based Goztepe and Fenerbahce host one day after he was presented Barcelona resume away at Mallorca after the Kayserispor in Istanbul with both matches to a packed Santiago Bernabeu three-month suspension due to the coronavirus kicking off at 1800 GMT. Three Super Lig as Real Madrid’s 100mn euros pandemic. La Liga restarted on Thursday and will matches will be played on both Saturday and (112mn dollars) signing. fi nish on July 19, with each team playing their re- Sunday, with one match on Monday capping The 29-year-old has scored maining 11 matches over just 39 days. off the first week of the resumed competition. just one league goal since then in An intense period of fi xtures will stretch play- The virus has so far killed 4,763 people in season beset with fi tness prob- ers like Messi, who will be crucial to Barca’s title Turkey, with nearly 175,000 confirmed cases. lems. His latest injury looked to bid. They sit two points ahead of Real Madrid at The government has rolled back almost all have ended his season but now the top of the table. containment measures since June 1 amid a he is back and ready to do what Asked if Messi could play all 11 games, Set- significant fall in deaths, despite concerns he was signed for — infl uence ien said: “We will have to play it by ear, fortu- over a second wave of infections. big games for Real. nately Messi and a lot of the players with expe- Former Real defender Alvaro rience know how to manage themselves. If any Romanian league to Arbeloa, who has recently been In this November 26, 2019, picture, Real Madrid’s Eden Hazard (foreground) is in action during the UEFA risk arises, he will be the fi rst one to say that he named coach of the club’s un- Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain in Madrid, Spain. (AFP) needs a rest.” resume, minus two der-14, is in no doubt what an Setien also said Luis Suarez is available after virus-hit teams eff ect he will have on the team. foot fi nish, rolling the ball in his injuries are taking into con- Under the watchful eye of he recovered from a knee injury but believes he Asked about Hazard and from close range, after he had sideration. He turned up with Gregory Dupont, the Real phys- could need time to fi nd full fi tness. “He is likely Top-flight Romanian soccer is scheduled to Marco Asensio, who also re- taken a pass from Karim Benze- hamstring trouble that delayed io who he fi rst worked with at to play but it may not be for the whole game,” resume on Saturday but without two of its turning from injury, he said: “I ma with whom he was supposed his debut until September 14 Lille, he has looked far fi tter said Setien. teams, after coronavirus cases among their imagine Marco is going to have to form a brilliant partnership in when he managed half an hour than he did at the start of the “It would be taking a risk that we are probably staff , professional league association LPF said be more cautious building up his his fi rst season. in a 3-2 win over Levante at the season when, by his own admis- not going to take. He is in good condition and yesterday. With the competition already at match fi tness game by game but Another positive sign is that Bernabeu. sion, he turned fi ve kilos over- getting better every day but after fi ve months the playoff stage, third-placed Universitatea Eden is fl ying and he is going to Hazard tends to come alive to- He then suff ered an ankle in- weight after the excesses of his it’s true that it will be good for him to play and Craiova had been due to host fifth-placed FC give the team so much.” wards the end of the season. jury at the end of November that summer break. he will need some games to be the best Luis Sua- Botosani on Friday, but the match was can- The signs were there for all Last season he was brilliant in kept him out for two months. “My fi rst season has been bad rez.” celled after the visiting team’s doctor tested to see last week when Hazard the Europa Leauge fi nal as Chel- And when he came back he but this is a season of adapta- Defender Nelson Semedo is available despite positive for Covid-19. The match between Di- scored a hat-trick in a practice sea beat Arsenal 4-1 in what was lasted barely three weeks be- tion,” he recently told RTBF in breaking La Liga protocol and having to train namo Bucharest and Chindia Targoviste had game at the club’s Valdebebas his last game for the club. fore he was diagnosed with a Belgium. “I will be judged on the alone on Thursday. Semedo had reportedly at- been postponed on Thursday after a Dinamo training complex. He needs to start repeating the shin fracture that looked to have second one.” tended a gathering of more than 20 people ear- off icial also contracted the virus. Both virus- He scored two goals right- sort of form that saw him score ended his season. He means the 2020-21 cam- lier in the week. “Whether he plays or not will hit teams will be out of action until epide- footed coming in off the left 21 goals and make 17 assists in 52 That was when football’s paign but this 11 match period of not be because of this careless or unfortunate miological investigations are completed. “We wing, which is where Real had games for Chelsea last season. shutdown gave him a second 39 days is beginning to feel like thing he did,” said Setien. “He made a mistake want the return of football but the health of always intended to play him. One goal and fi ve assists in 15 chance to end the season in the a new season — Hazard’s second and he’s apologised to everyone.” Samuel Umtiti the players our first priority,” said LPF general And he scored with a right- matches looks bad even when right way. chance. is out with a calf injury. secretary Justin Stefan. Playoff s from among the bottom eight teams scheduled for today will now be the first matches of the re-start, PREMIER LEAGUE with clashes featuring those of the top six Florida teams set to open MLS return teams still authorised to play taking place on tournament in Orlando Sunday. Orlando City and Inter Miami on hiatus in March after only Loss of home advantage not a 2020 FA Cup Final to be will kick off Major League Soc- two weeks due to the Covid-19 cer’s 26-team tournament on outbreak. renamed ‘Heads up’ to July 8 when the league returns Miami, the new MLS club owned problem: Brighton boss Potter promote mental health from a four-month shutdown by retired England star David due to the coronavirus pan- Beckham that has yet to play a Reuters and have fi ve home games left — change things in the match. The 2020 FA Cup final will be renamed the demic. home match, will join Orlando London, United Kingdom including visits from Manchester “As an away team it’s diffi cult Heads Up FA Cup final to raise awareness The North American league in Group A along with New York United, Liverpool, Manchester City when there’s 30, 40, 50, 60,000 of mental health, Prince William announced conducted its group draw City FC, the Chicago Fire, Phila- and Arsenal. people at a game. But it’s not there, late Thursday. The FA Cup final will be held Thursday for the ‘MLS is Back delphia Union and Nashville SC. righton and Hove manager “It’s not like the Amex was a we haven’t got the crowd and you at Wembley Stadium on a rescheduled date Tournament’ that will crown a The defending champion Seat- Graham Potter believes the massive fortress for us before and just have to play football as well as of August 1 after a coronavirus-enforced champion August 11 at the Walt tle Sounders are joined by FC Babsence of home advantage now we haven’t got that anymore. you can.” suspension of all football fixtures. Prince Wil- Disney World Resort sports Dallas, the Vancouver White- will not be a problem for So we have to play football and Brighton have allowed season liam said the initiative will be “a moment to complex in Orlando, Florida. caps and San Jose Earthquakes his side when the Premier League we get on with it,” Potter told Sky ticket-holders to sign up for card- promote good, positive mental health for eve- The six-group event, closed to in Group B. season resumes in empty stadi- Sports. board cutouts of themselves to be ryone”. “It’s quite timely bearing in mind what spectators, will feature three The quarter-finals (July 30-Au- ums on June 17 after a three-month “I think the hostility of the home displayed at Amex Stadium. we’ve all been through with this pandemic,” group-stage matches for every gust 1) and semi-finals (August stoppage due to the Covid-19 pan- crowd in the Premier League is Brighton, who are 15th in the added the Duke of Cambridge. “I think there’s team that will count toward the 5-6) will set up the champion- demic. where the advantage is. Certainly, standings, will resume their Premier going to be, sadly, a lot of repercussions from MLS regular season, which went ship game on August 11. Brighton have won just four of the crowd in the British game get League campaign against Arsenal on this in society, not just in football, in terms of their 14 games at the Amex Stadium so involved and little moments can June 20. people’s mental health. Hopefully the FA Cup can be a bit of a pivot that people can rally around.” The FA Cup will resume from the BOTTOMLINE quarter-final stage on the weekend of June 27-28. Two defeats aft er From furlough to free-to-air: EPL becomes political football coronavirus stoppage AFP the return of live sport to televi- pressure and quickly reversed their cost Levski coach his job London, United Kingdom sion “could provide a much-needed decision to use the scheme. boost to national morale”. Coach Petar Hubchev’s relationship with On the day June 17 was set as the MASS AUDIENCES 26-times Bulgarian champions Levski Sofia he green light for the Pre- date for the Premier League’s re- Attention from politicians was cer- has ended after poor run that culminated mier League’s return owes turn, Oliver Dowden, Secretary of tainly not welcomed by players, in two defeats following the coronavirus Tmuch to a political will for State for Sport, said football had a particularly as they set up a fund to stoppage, with the club quickly appointed the national game to lift “special place in our national life”. generate funds for Britain’s National his successor. Levski in a statement named spirits in the country hardest hit by Health Service (NHS). former forward and coach Georgi Todorov as coronavirus in Europe. FURLOUGH FURY Hancock was accused of “de- the new boss, adding it was negotiating with Suspected and confi rmed deaths However, the Premier League has fl ecting” underfunding of the NHS Hubchev and his assistants to terminate their from coronavirus in Britain passed not enjoyed such political backing by Crystal Palace winger Andros contracts. Ex-Hamburger SV and Eintracht 50,000 according to analysis from throughout the course of the pan- Townsend, while Newcastle’s Danny Frankfurt defender Hubchev, part of the the Offi ce for National Statistics demic. Rose said players’ health was being famous Bulgaria team that reached the 1994 (ONS) this week. Restrictions on In the early weeks of April as clubs put at risk to boost the national mood. World Cup semi-finals in the United States, personal freedoms remain in place, scrambled to respond to a sudden For the fi rst time since the incep- took over at Levski in June 2019 after a three- while plans to reopen schools to all drop in revenue, Liverpool and Tot- tion of the Premier League in 1992, year spell managing Bulgaria’s national team. pupils in England have been shelved tenham were among the top-fl ight In this May 12, 2019, picture, Manchester City players celebrate with the the BBC will show four live games The 56-year-old was shown the door after until September. teams that signalled their intent Premier League trophy in Brighton, United Kingdom. (Reuters) before the end of the season. Levski suff ered a 1-0 home defeat to champi- Yet, on Wednesday, Premier to use the government’s furlough Amazon and a Sky freeview chan- ons Ludogorets yesterday when the domestic League stars will return to live ac- scheme for non-playing staff . Yet, the sight of last season’s two “moral vacuum.” nel will also bring more live games to league resumed, before losing 2-0 at Loko- tion with the government revelling The scheme, designed to protect Champions League fi nalists using At a daily news briefi ng at the a wider audience. motiv Plovdiv in the Bulgarian Cup semi-final in its role to ensure 33 of the re- jobs once lockdowns are lifted, has tax payers’ money without cutting height of the crisis, even Health By being beamed back to the first leg. Levski have slipped to fourth place maining 92 games of the season will seen the government cover the cost the wages of players provoked a fu- Secretary Matt Hancock told Pre- masses on its return, the Premier in the league with 46 points. Ludogorets top be shown on free-to-air platforms. of 80 percent of wages up to a maxi- rious reaction. mier League players to “take a pay League could ensure absence makes the standings with 58 points, nine ahead of Prime Minister Boris Johnson mum of 2,500 ($3,100) a month per Conservative MP Julian Knight cut and play their part”. the heart grow fonder and increase Lokomotiv Plovdiv and CSKA Sofia. told parliament last month that employee. accused the Premier League of a Both clubs bowed to the public its already massive following. Gulf Times Saturday, June 13, 2020 3 SPORT

NBA NBA reportedly sets 17-player rosters for return The National Basketball schedule 14 of the teams will Association plans to allow as be eliminated within 53 days many as 17 players per team of arriving in Florida. Only when the season restarts at four teams will remain after Two-way players the end of next month, US 67 days, ESPN said. media reported on Thursday. The league expects the NBA The total will includes finals to begin by September 15 players with standard 30. Once the playoff s start, contracts and two others per teams can replace any player team that are under two-way who tests positive for the deals. coronavirus with a substitute The NBA has been shutdown player. The new player would could make impact since March 11 due to the be subject to a minimum new coronavirus pandemic. seven-day quarantine period. Twenty-two of the NBA’s The league is planning to 30 teams are scheduled to begin training camps July resume the season at the 9-11. The players will quaran- end of next month at the Dis- tine before beginning formal ney Resort sports complex training camps. The eight in Orlando, Florida. The date NBA teams left out of the Or- under roster rules of the restart is July 31, but lando action are allowed to ESPN reported that the latest waive or sign players during The league and the players’ union are still negotiating details as part of a return-to-play plan plan was to moved it up to a transaction window in late July 30. Under the revised June. AFP

MLB Astros’ sign-stealing ‘not a two-man show’: Cora

Reuters Boston Red Sox after guiding Los Angeles that organization to the 2018 World Series title in his fi rst year as manager. lex Cora is accepting The Red Sox were later responsibility for his found by MLB to have used Arole in the Houston their replay room as part of a Astros’ sign-steal- sign-stealing system during ing scandal, but he said on the 2018 season. Cora was sus- Kostas Antetokounmpo (centre) during a training session for the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China at the Olympic Athletic Center of Athens, Greece, on August 2, 2019. (TNS) Thursday that he is tired of the pended by MLB in April for his chatter that it was just he and transgressions with the As- DPA allowed to bring as many as 17 contenders could end up spend- off s begin in mid-August. The Zubac, Montrezl Harrell and then-player Carlos Beltran tros. He will be eligible to re- Los Angeles players to Orlando, two more ing twice that long sequestered NBA Finals are planned to last Joakim Noah. Coff ey appeared behind the infamous scheme. turn to the dugout in 2021 but than the usual roster limit, and with their teams. Luguentz Dort, into October. in 13 games with the Clippers Particularly bothersome is told ESPN he is more worried that two-way players would be a two-way player who has be- Lakers rookie Devontae Ca- during his rookie season out of that then-Houston general about taking care of his per- ver since the NBA cre- eligible to play in the postsea- come a starter for Oklahoma cok, a 6-foot-8 forward, has Minnesota but showed why his manager Jeff Luhnow ngeredfi sonal life and family right now. ated the two-way con- son for the fi rst time, according City, could suddenly become a played in six games this season pathway to playing time is per- him as the ringmaster. He has kept a low profi le Etract three years ago, life to three people not authorized to factor in the playoff s for a Thun- for the Western Conference- haps clearer during a season- “If there is one thing I am since receiving his punish- for players on such deals speak publicly on the matter. der team that sits fi fth in the leading Lakers and second-year high 24 minutes against Cleve- absolutely sure of, it is that ment, and he said that was by often revolved around shuttling The additional players are Western Conference standings. 6-10 forward Kostas Antetok- land on Feb 9. Coach Doc Rivers it was not a two-man show,” design. back and forth between the G viewed as a way for teams to The eff ect two-way play- ounmpo, the younger brother used the 6-8, 205-pound wing Cora, who is currently sus- The commissioner’s report League and NBA and watching absorb potential losses should ers could have on champion- of reigning league MVP Giannis to add length to their perimeter pended from MLB, told ESPN. also led to the New York Mets the calendar — they could stay players get hurt, sick or decide ship contenders such as the Los Antetokounmpo of Milwaukee, defence while adding a slasher “We all did it. And let me be parting ways with recently with the big league club for up to not to take part in the NBA’s Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles has appeared in three games. off ensively and called the eff ort very clear that I am not deny- hired Beltran before he man- 45 days, per league rules. quarantined bubble because of Clippers is less obvious. Rota- For the Clippers, any contri- “phenomenal” after the victory. ing my responsibility, because aged his fi rst game. That dynamic is one of the concerns related to Covid-19. tions typically shrink, not ex- butions from Johnathan Motley, Coff ey played no more than we were all responsible.” After MLB announced the many NBA customs that could For two-way players, such pand, during the playoff s as a 6-8 center, and guard Amir 13 minutes the rest of the season The scheme that was de- penalties against Houston, be upended when 22 teams re- new rules would temporarily al- coaches lean on fewer, trusted Coff ey could be moot should as the roster grew healthier, but vised to inform batters of what Astros owner Jim Crane fi red convene next month on the Dis- ter NBA life as they knew it. No options. their roster look like the one that was inserted for short bursts to pitch was coming was used Luhnow and manager A J ney World campus near Orlando, need to hop onto an early morn- But the unique circumstances was healthy, deep and consistent utilize his long-armed defence throughout the 2017 season, Hinch. Both men received Fla., in an attempt to fi nish a ing commercial fl ight to join an of the NBA’s “bubble” restart in early March, before the season and play-making in transition. which was the year when the one-year suspensions from season unlike any other. NBA team for that night’s game; and potential for roster attrition was paused because of the novel “Hopefully that’s something Astros won the World Series. MLB. The league and the play- the farthest they’d travel would because of the virus could lead coronavirus. he’ll be able to do for us in games Cora was Houston’s bench Commissioner Rob Man- ers’ union are still negotiating be between the team hotel and to unusual outcomes that force Motley is in his third NBA to come,” Clippers guard Lou coach that season. fred also fi ned the team the numerous details as part of a the ESPN Wide World of Sports more roster fl exibility. Teams season and had appeared in Williams said after the rout of After Major League Baseball maximum allowable amount return-to-play plan, with lit- Complex on the Disney property. will play a handful of exhibitions 13 games for the Clippers. He the Cavaliers, and perhaps it released results of its investi- of $5mn and took away the As- tle fi nalised. Teams are expect- And that 45-day limit? Two- in late July and eight seeding would likely be at least the fourth could still be the case, at Disney gation prior to the 2019 sea- tros’ fi rst- and second-round ing, however, that they will be way players on championship games before the 16-team play- option at centre, behind Ivica World. son, Cora parted ways with the draft picks in 2020 and 2021.

NFL REPORT Ravens’ Harbaugh calls virus plan ‘impossible’ NFL pledges $250mn AFP fi eld, we’ve got to be able to com- for social-justice causes municate with each other in per- Baltimore Ravens head coach Washington John Harbaugh. (TNS) son. Reuters feated, the NFL already has “I’m pretty sure the huddle is Los Angeles donated $44 mn to aid social altimore Ravens coach not going to be six feet spaced.” justice through the Players John Harbaugh ripped as- Harbaugh was concerned how Coalition that was formed in Bpects of NFL plans to re- practice work could be accom- he NFL, which last the wake of protests by then- turn from the coronavirus plished within safety guidelines week committed to San Francisco 49ers quar- pandemic, calling them “humanly once they are determined by the Tdo more to promote terback Colin Kaepernick in impossible” to achieve. NFL Players Association and the equality, pledged to 2016 against racism and police NFL and players union lead- league. donate $250mn to social- abuses. ers continue to discuss details of “Are guys going to shower one justice causes over a 10-year In November 2017, the safety measures for when play- at a time all day? Are guys going to period. league vowed to contribute ers return to team training camps, lift weights one at a time all day? The announcement was nearly $100mn to causes aid- scheduled for late July. These are things the league and made in a statement Thurs- ing African-American com- Harbaugh told Baltimore radio the PA need to get a handle on and day: “The NFL is growing our munities. Last week, in re- station 105.7 The Fan that he would need to get agreed with some com- social justice eff orts through a sponse to a challenge issued by struggle to follow social distancing mon sense so we can operate in a 10-year total $250mn fund to a number of prominent black and other guidelines inside train- 13-hour day in training camp that combat systemic racism and players, NFL commissioner ing facilities such as weight and they are giving us and get our work support the battle against the Roger Goodell said in a video, locker rooms and showers as well done.” ongoing and historic injustices in part, “We, the National as on the fi eld. Harbaugh was concerned that faced by African-Americans. Football League, condemn “The other part of the thing is some teams could obtain a train- “The NFL and our clubs racism and the systematic op- how we’re going to operate in the ing advantage over others by being will continue to work collabo- pression of black people. We, building,” Harbaugh said. “No- less faithful about staying within ratively with NFL players to the National Football League, body knows. And the experts don’t whatever safety guides govern support programs to address admit we were wrong for not know. I’ve seen all the memos on training camp. criminal justice reform, police listening to NFL players earlier that, and I’ll be honest with you, And he also expects updated ide- reforms, and economic and and encourage all to speak out it’s impossible what they are ask- as before players report to camps. educational advancement. and peacefully protest. ing us to do — humanly impossi- “Maybe we’ll know more in two “In addition to the fi nancial “We, the National Football ble.” months and they will be able to be commitment, we will continue League, believe Black Lives Harbaugh said the Ravens would a little more realistic and practical to leverage the NFL Network Matter. I personally protest do everything possible such as us- in what they are asking,” Harbaugh and all of our media properties with you and want to be part ing facemasks and social distanc- said. “I expect that to be the case. to place an increased empha- of the much needed change in ing where possible. “But the way I’m reading these sis on raising awareness and this country. “But this is a communication memos right now, you throw your promoting education of social The pledge comes in the sport,” Harbaugh said. “We want hands up and you go, ‘Well, what justice issues to our fans and wake of the death of George to get out there and actually have the heck? There’s no way we can be help foster unity.” Floyd on May 25 in Minneapo- any idea of what we’re doing on the right.’” According to The Unde- lis. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, June 13, 2020 SPORT

ATHLETICS Warholm smashes 300m hurdles world best in Oslo AFP ambiance, Warholm’s feat was all and rain. The Ingebrigtsens, Filip, “It’s been slightly diff erent Oslo the more impressive as he ran the Henrik and Jakob, maintained an without a normal crowd, but the race solo. early lead over the Kenyans, the athletes had a platform to do their Setting off in his favoured lane latter two brothers taking up the best and they certainly gave it ouble world 400m hur- seven, the 24-year-old went running from the 1km mark. their all.” dles champion Karsten through his normal pre-race rou- A men’s pole vault competition DWarholm put aside tine before blasting off , keeping AN IMPORTANT OCCASION saw world record holder Armand coronavirus-induced his rhythm early on before pro- The victory went to Jakob In- Duplantis of Sweden up against Lego building to smash the world ducing a blistering push for the gebrigtsen, just 19, in an Euro- 2012 Olympic champion Renaud record for the unorthodox 300m line. pean record of 4min 50.01sec Lavillenie. hurdles behind closed doors at a “I’ve been building a lot of Le- that smashed the previous best The Frenchman had already near-empty Bislett Stadium on gos, yeah, and also I’ve been train- of 4:51.39 set in 1985 by Britain’s jumped from his own back garden Thursday. ing almost just as much, putting Steve Cram, but remained a way — off a much-shortened runway After Oslo’s famed Diamond in training and trying to become off Moroccan Hicham Guerrouj’s — and his eff ort was broadcast League meet, scheduled to be held even better,” said Warholm of his world best of 4:44.79 set in 1999. in line with his Swedish counter- this week, was cancelled because time away from the sport. All three Norwegian brothers part’s. of the coronavirus pandemic, or- “Of course, I missed the crowd fi nished within the 4:57 mark, The pair competed last month ganisers chose to innovate as track and everything but it’s awesome while the fastest home for the by fi lming themselves at home, and fi eld returned with its fi rst to be back. It’s better to do it alone Kenyan team in terrible condi- but Duplantis benefi ted from international, multi-discipline than to not do it at all.” tions was Cheruiyot in 5:03.05. proper track conditions to win, event, dubbed the ‘Impossible There was more home suc- “Cheruiyot was our main com- clearing 5.86m at the third at- Games’. cess as a Norwegian team led by petitor. It’s not easy beating a tempt. Lavillenie failed on his And home favourite Warholm the three Ingebrigtsen brothers world champion, but we did it!” three eff orts at the same distance. did not disappoint, the Norwe- triumphed in a 2,000 metre race said Jakob Ingebrigtsen, welcom- Duplantis had a shot at a gian clocking 33.78 seconds in the over a strong Kenyan quintet led ing a return to the track. “crowd-pleaser” of 6.01m, but rarely-run event, pulverising the by Timothy Cheruiyot and Elijah “I’ve spent so much time do- did not come close. previous record of 34.48sec set Manangoi, world 1,500m cham- ing boring training sessions, it’s “I wanted to jump a little bit by Briton Chris Rawlinson back pions in 2019 and 2017 respec- the competition that counts the higher, but I knew I wasn’t in the in 2002. tively. most, it’s fun.” best shape of my life right now. I In a stadium where cardboard The Kenyans were running Cram, now a commentator for know I’m rusty!” said Duplantis. cutouts replaced fans, barred simultaneously via video link the BBC, said the Oslo meet had “I’ve been missing competition entry because of the Covid-19 from Nairobi, where they had to been “a special and important oc- for sure and even if it’s not what outbreak, and socially-distanced contend not only with the city’s casion because it’s athletics back we are typically used to, it’s still Karsten Warholm of Norway competes in the 300m hurdles event during the Impossible Games 2020 dancers with mannequins added 1,795m altitude, but also wind at the highest level”. fun to get back on the track. at the Bislett Stadium in Oslo on Thursday. (AFP)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT New rules as rugby returns in Australia Varner, Rose share AFP Johnson said. Sydney One key change will see dropouts taken from the try line instead of the 22-metre if ugby Australia the defending player touches agreed yesterday the ball down inside the goal Rto test new rules in area. its domestic Super There are also variations on lead in PGA return as Rugby competition in a bid the 50/22 and 22/50 laws. to liven up the game, includ- Under the new-look rules, ing goal-line dropouts and a a kick taken from within the 10-minute golden point pe- defending team’s 50m area riod if matches are tied. that goes into touch with- Seven new laws will be tri- in the opposition’s 22 after alled when the tournament bouncing will earn a lineout featuring Super Rugby sides for the kicking team. Floyd remembered the Queensland Reds, NSW Similarly, a kick taken in- Waratahs, ACT Brumbies side the 22 that travels into and Melbourne Rebels, plus touch within the opposition’s ‘I WAS IN THE ZONE. I JUST WANTED TO PLAY WELL. IT WAS GOOD TO BE BACK OUT THERE’ Perth-based Western Force, 50 after bouncing will be re- kicks off on July 3. warded with a lineout to the AFP Similar innovations will be kicking team. Washington used in New Zealand when Other innovations will al- its domestic tournament gets low red-carded players to be underway today after the replaced after 20 minutes, and arold Varner III, among original 15-team Super Rugby two fi ve-minute periods of only three black golfers season across fi ve countries ‘super time’ tacked on to the Hon the US PGA Tour, was halted by the coronavirus end of games if drawn, with fi red a seven-under par pandemic. the fi rst team to score points 63 on Thursday to grab a share of RA director of rugby Scott winning. the Charles Schwab Challenge Johnson said the changes fol- Referees will also crack lead as the tour paid tribute to lowed talks with coaches and down on policing the break- George Floyd and ended a three- players on ways to deliver down, while limiting the month coronavirus shutdown. more entertaining games. number of scrum resets. Floyd, whose killing by a po- Rugby union struggles for “Throughout the process lice offi cer touched off worldwide visibility in Australia, where we stuck to the principle that protests over racial and social in- rugby league and Aussie Rules whatever we changed, the justice, was remembered with a dominate. game still had to be rugby, and moment of silence hours before “We assembled some of the nothing could compromise Varner matched Britain’s Justin best minds in the game from a the Wallabies’ preparation for Rose atop the leaderboard in the range of diff erent roles to look Tests,” Johnson said. opening round at Colonial Coun- at adding some new attacking “In fact, I believe the try Club. Asked if he felt he was dimensions to the game while changes we have implement- playing for more than himself this at the same time sticking to ed will broaden and enhance week, Varner said, “I for sure think some key principles to pre- the capabilities of our play- that.” serve the fabric of the sport,” ers.” Varner, the 2016 Australian PGA Championship winner, spent the past few days at the centre of the PGA’s social injustice discus- Springboks scrum-half Reinach sion in the wake of Floyd’s death. But the issue was not on his signs for Montpellier mind as he and 147 others returned to competition after 91 days off due to the deadly virus outbreak. “I didn’t think about that when I was on the golf course,” Var- ner said. “I was in the zone. I just wanted to play well. It was good to be back out there, trying to keep it Harold Varner III of the United States plays his shot from the ninth tee during the second round of the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial as normal as possible. Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, yesterday. (AFP) “I know we’re still in a tight spot. I’ll handle it when I get done and Americans Justin Thomas and nine. Varner’s longest birdie putt He’s the oldest player to shoot with work. The platform I have is Collin Morikawa. “Could have of the day was a 23-footer at 10. so low on tour in 40 years and the through golf. I have to focus the maybe gotten it into the clubhouse He followed with another from 65 was his lowest round since the most on what I’m doing and trying better than seven in the end, but three feet at the 12th and closed his 2011 Phoenix Open’s fi rst round. to play well.” honestly, great start,” Rose said of round with an 11-footer at 18. South Korea’s Kang Sung made The 29-year-old American his bogey-free round. “Rode my a hole-in-one at the par-3 13th. matched the second-best round of luck a little bit on the back nine, HOT PUTTER FOR ROSE his career, one shot off a 62 in 2016 my front nine, and that was the England’s Rose, who turns 40 next SCORES at Mayakoba. Varner made 29 key to the day.” month, began on the back nine 63 Harold Varner, Justin Rose putts and hit all 18 greens in regu- No spectators were allowed at and holed out at 10 from 25 feet (ENG) lation, fi ring a bogey-free round the event, where increased safety with a 3-wood after missing the 64 Jhonattan Vegas (VEN), Justin like Rose at Fort Worth, Texas. measures included social distanc- green. Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Abra- AFP France. “It goes to show you life is pre- ing and temperature taking in the Rose, who won at Colonial in ham Ancer (MEX) Paris Fly-half Pollard touched cious,” Varner said. “You take eve- wake of the deadly disease out- 2018, added a birdie from eight feet 65 Adam Hadwin (CAN), Tom down on the south coast af- ry day as it comes.” break. “It’s eerie because there are at the 12th and sank an 18-footer Lehman, Jordan Spieth, Daniel ter the World Cup, which saw A moment of silence was ob- no fans out there,” Thomas said. for birdie at the par-3 13th. Berger, Brian Harman, Gary Wood- ivewire South African South Africa beat England served at 8:46am for Floyd. The World number one Rory McIl- The reigning Olympic cham- land, Bryson DeChambeau, Tyler scrum-half Cobus 32-12 in the final. time represents the eight minutes roy, number two Jon Rahm and pion struck again at the par-3 Duncan, Xander Schauff ele LReinach, part of the Reinach, who scored the fast- and 46 seconds while a Minnesota third-ranked Brooks Koepka 16th, holing a 12-foot birdie putt, 66 Vaughn Taylor, Adam Schenk, Springboks squad est World Cup hat-trick in his- policeman held a knee to the back played together. McIlroy and and then ran off three birdies in a Ryan Moore, Cameron Champ, that won last year’s World tory as the Boks beat Canada of the handcuff ed black man. Koepka fi red 68s. Rahm, who row to begin his second nine — a Ian Poulter (ENG), Corey Conners Cup, has signed a three-year 66-7 in Japan, will be battling PGA Tour commissioner Jay could overtake McIlroy atop the 13-footer at the par-4 third the (CAN), Sepp Straka (AUT), Matt contract with Montpellier, the for the starting number nine Monahan stood in silence at the rankings with a victory, shot 69. longest. Jones (AUS), Im Sung-Jae (KOR), Top 14 club announced yes- shirt with French interna- fi rst tee while air horns halted play “Uneventful,” McIlroy said. “It “Didn’t play particularly well Branden Grace (RSA) terday. tional Benoit Paillaugue and and practice across the course. was one of those days.” the fi rst six or seven holes but the 67 Alexander Norén (SWE), An The 14-time capped Reinach, Georgian Gela Aprasidze. Rose, the 2013 US Open cham- Varner opened with back-to- putter was really hot,” Rose said. Byeong-Hun (KOR), Jim Furyk, 30, joins Montpellier from Montpellier were in eighth pion, birdied seven of his fi rst 12 back birdies, sinking an 18-foot A group two adrift on 65 includ- Jason Kokrak, Kevin Kisner, Doc English Premiership club place in the Top 14 when the holes then closed with six pars as putt at the par-5 fi rst and tapping ed 61-year-old American Tom Le- Redman, Matthew Wolff , Brice Northampton and will team championship was cancelled he and Varner seized a one-stroke in for another at the second. He hman, the 1996 British Open win- Garnett, Patrick Rodgers, Mark Justin Rose reacts during the up at half-back with fellow because of the coronavirus edge over Venezuela’s Jhonattan also sank a 15-footer for birdie at ner, who won the Colonial crown Hubbard, Keith Mitchell, Lucas first round of the Charles Schwab Springbok Handre Pollard in pandemic. Vegas, Mexico’s Abraham Ancer six and an 18-foot birdie putt at in 1995. Glover, Scott Piercy Challenge on Thursday . (AFP) Gulf Times Saturday, June 13, 2020 5 SPORT

CRICKET FOCUS Arthur says Sri Lanka back at Teenage hotshots break match level

AFP Colombo

ri Lanka are raring to into Pakistan’s squad play international cricket Sagain even though India have postponed a tour Chief selector and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq said selection of the unusually large team was diff icult planned for this month because of the coronavirus, coach Mick- AFP ey Arthur said yesterday after his Karachi team completed a fi rst post lock- down training session. The “return-to-play” pro- eenage cricketing sensations gramme begun at the start of Haider Ali and Naseem Shah this month had been a suc- Thave been picked for Pakistan’s cess, Arthur told reporters as he tour of England next month, wrapped up the fi rst residential continuing the country’s tradition of training for 13 players. throwing young players in at the deep “We have done a lot of con- end. Pakistan’s 29-member squad will ditioning and every day we have begin the tour with at least a month of upped their bowling,” Arthur training in a ‘bio-secure’ environment, said. “So they are almost ready before the series of three Tests and three in the next month, they will be Twenty20 internationals gets cracking ready to play cricket.” on August 5. Seventeen-year-old pacer The next training session is Shah will be a star attraction, having due in about a week even though become the youngest bowler ever to Sri Lanka still have no idea when take a Test hat-trick in February after they will play again. only debuting in Australia last year. India, who were due to visit Sri Haider’s inclusion, at the age of 19, Lanka this month for three one- will also spark excitement after he day internationals and three T20 scored 107 runs in the Under-19 World matches, have called off the tour Cup this year, followed by 218 runs in because of the Covid-19 pan- the Emerging Teams Cup in Bangla- demic. desh. He also tallied 645 runs — includ- Cricket on the island came to ing a century in the fi nal — in Pakistan’s a halt on March 13 when Eng- premier domestic tournament Quaid- land pulled out during a prac- e-Azam Trophy last year. tice match ahead of a two-Test Chief selector and head coach Mis- series. bah-ul-Haq said selection of the unu- Arthur, the former Pakistan sually large team was diffi cult. “The se- caoch, had customised home- lectors have picked a squad which gives training regimes for many play- us the best chance of success in Eng- ers in the national team after land. It was a challenging process as the the lockdown was imposed on players have not played for an extended March 20. period of time,” said Misbah. A 24-hour curfew in Colombo Middle-order batsman Haris Sohail was eased on May 27, but a night was the only player who pulled out of the curfew is still in force. Skipper tour due to coronavirus fears, while fast In February this year, Pakistan teenager Naseem Shah (centre) created a world record, when he took a hat-trick against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, becoming the Dimuth Karunaratne said get- bowler Mohamed Amir — sentenced in a youngest bowler to take a hat-trick in Test cricket at the age of 16 years and 359 days. (AFP) ting back to training after idling spot-fi xing case in UK in 2010 — with- Haider Ali, Iftikhar Ahmad, Khushdil during the 24-hour curfew in the drew to attend the birth of his second Wicket-keeper Sarfaraz Ahmed, Nawaz, opener Imran Butt, fast bowler ty20 internationals will all be played Shah, Mohamed Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, capital was not easy. child in August. Amir was part of Paki- sacked as captain and excluded from Musa Khan are named as reserves in in Southampton on August 28, 30 and Mohamed Rizwan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, “Even when we are training in stan’s tours in 2016 and 2018 after com- all three formats last year in a surprise case any of the players fail pre-tour September 1. Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Imran Khan, the fi rst day it was really hard, pleting his fi ve year ban for spot-fi xing. move, will also tour England and has a coronavirus testing, which will be car- Mohamed Abbas, Mohamed Hasnain, but now I am shaping and I am SQUAD getting my fi tness back,” Karu- Middle-order batsman Fawad Alam, a chance to play in the Twenty20 series. ried out on 20 and 25 June, said Misbah. : Azhar Ali (Test captain), Babar Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, prolifi c scorer in domestic events but Fast bowler Sohail Khan was recalled Pakistan will play Tests in Manchester naratne said. “We are trying to Azam (Twenty20 captain), Abid Ali, Sohail Khan, Usman Shinwari, Wahab who has not been given a chance in a after playing his latest Test in December (August 5-9) and Southampton (Au- bounce back and play good in- Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Riaz, Imad Wasim, Kashif Bhatti, Shadab Test team since 2009, made the squad. 2016. Spinners Bilal Asif and Mohamed gust 13-17 and 21-25). The three Twen- ternational cricket.” Masood, Asad Shafiq, Fawad Alam, Khan, Yasir Shah

Coronavirus may force IPL BOTTOMLINE SPOTLIGHT out of India, chairman says S African cricket Sammy says nickname controversy is New Delhi: The Indian Premier repeatedly postponed because rift intensifi es as League could be moved out of of a nationwide coronavirus the country if the coronavirus lockdown which is only gradu- suspended CEO opportunity to educate on racism pandemic does not ease in the ally being eased. The Board next two months, IPL chairman of Control for Cricket in India tries to return Reuters a white police offi cer knelt on his neck for Brijesh Patel said yesterday. (BCCI) has been working on New Delhi almost nine minutes. “Let us first see, we will try to contingency plans to save the AFP “It’s been a very thought-provoking few stage it in India and if the situa- event, although these have had Johannesburg weeks for everyone,” Anderson told the tion does not allow then we will to remain fluid as the situation ormer West Indies captain Daren British media on Thursday. “It’s made me certainly look at other options,” evolves. Sammy says he has accepted a do a lot of thinking. We will have conver- Patel said. Ganguly said this week that he power struggle at Fformer teammate’s explanation sations about what we can do as players to “We will see how the situa- the board wanted to hold tour- the top of South Afri- of a potentially racist nickname make a stand, defi nitely. I expect that to be tion is in the next month or two nament this year even it means Tcan cricket escalated as he was given at the Sunrisers Hyderabad a conversation we have.” and then take a call accord- playing in empty stadiums. Thabang Moroe said he and hopes the issue can be used to educate The International Cricket Council usu- ingly,” said Patel, adding that BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal was back in charge, but his board players about racism. Earlier this week, the ally does not allow gestures supporting options included staging the said the board would suff er responded yesterday by saying 36-year-old sought clarifi cation from his portunity to educate people about certain “political, religious or racial activities” but cash-rich tournament abroad. losses of more than 500mn dol- the chief executive was still sus- former team mates over the nickname used things that have been said or done, that has decided to take a “common sense ap- Pandemic cases have surged lars if the IPL is scrapped. The pended. Moroe attempted to re- for him when he was part of the Indian even though you don’t mean it in any way proach” for any potential Black Lives Mat- in the nation of 1.3bn people. league is a huge revenue-earn- turn to work on Thursday, saying Premier League franchise from 2013-14. to be degrading to someone else, but the ter (BLM) protest by the players. India now has the fourth er for the BCCI, and is estimated that a six-month suspension on Sammy said he did not know the mean- fact that it can be perceived to (be) that or Earlier this week, former England bats- highest caseload in the world, to generate more than $11bn for full pay had expired. ing of a Hindi word that some unnamed it could mean that.” man Michael Carberry said cricket was concentrated in major cities the Indian economy. He was initially thwarted Sunrisers teammates would call him and “rife with racism”. Anderson, Test cricket’s like Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai because the offi ces of Cricket only became aware of its racial connota- ENGLAND MAY JOIN WINDIES IN most successful pace bowler, said he could which are cricket hubs. The INDIA CANCEL South Africa (CSA) were in lock- tions after watching a TV show that dis- POTENTIAL BLM PROTEST: ANDERSON not remember experiencing racism but felt world’s wealthiest Twenty20 ZIMBABWE TOUR down because of Covid-19, with cussed the issue. “I’m please(d) to say that England will consider a joint anti-rac- players could help tackle the issue. tournament has twice been India called off their cricket tour staff working from home. CSA I’ve had a really interesting conversation ism protest with West Indies during the “I wasn’t in New Zealand when (team- held outside India in years of Zimbabwe over the coro- responded with a statement in with one of the guys and we are looking at three-Test series between the sides next mate) Jofra Archer was racially abused. But that it clashed with national navirus yesterday, a day after the early hours of Friday saying ways to educate rather than focusing on the month, pace bowler James Anderson has it made me think...’Have I turned a blind elections. their upcoming trip to Sri Lanka the suspension remained in force negatives,” Sammy tweeted. “My brother said. Visiting West Indies skipper Jason eye to things?’ We need to actively make South Africa hosted the sec- was also cancelled. The Board until the completion of a foren- reassured me that he operated from a place Holder has said it would be a team deci- this game for everyone,” Anderson said. “Is ond IPL in 2009, and the first of Control for Cricket in India sic investigation into allegations of love and I believe him.” sion for them whether to protest the death there more I can do as a player to help the half of the 2014 season took added that it would not “rush of misconduct. It promised that Separately in a video, Sammy advocated of George Floyd, an unarmed black man situation? Can I be more active? As players place in United Arab Emirates. into any decision” about resum- more “clarity and certainty will awareness to fi ght racism. “It’s a great op- who died in Minneapolis last month after and a game we need to be more active.” The UAE and Sri Lankan cricket ing training camps for India’s be provided by the end of June”. boards have already shown players. After Sri Lanka’s board While Moroe has been sus- interest in hosting the tourna- revealed on Thursday that this pended, major changes have OLYMPICS ment this year. month’s visit by India was off , taken place in the CSA adminis- Patel said the IPL is still the tour of Zimbabwe in August tration under acting chief exec- looking at a window ahead of had also looked in jeopardy. utive Jacques Faul, with former the T20 World Cup in Aus- India had been due to travel to Test captain Graeme Smith ap- 80% of venues secured for next year’s tralia, which is scheduled for Sri Lanka on June 24 for three pointed as director of cricket and October-November. But the In- ODIs and three Twenty20s, and former Test wicketkeeper Mark ternational Cricket Council has then launch a three-ODI Zimba- Boucher as head coach, under an Games: Tokyo 2020 CEO deferred taking a decision on bwe tour on August 22. arrangement that largely side- the fate of the T20 showpiece India’s next trip is a ma- lines the board. Reuters “Adjustments still remain, but we are able event because of pandemic jor, money-spinning tour of CSA has faced heavy criti- Tokyo to use 80% of the facilities that were origi- worries. “We are looking at a Australia for three ODIs, four cism with sponsors and former nally supposed to be used last year, they September-October window Tests and three T20s starting in administrators calling for the can be used again.” for the IPL, but it depends on October. resignation of the board or, al- okyo 2020 organisers announced Muto added that the Athlete’s Village the other tournaments as well,” Although India’s government ternatively, for president Chris yesterday that 80% of the venues and Tokyo Big Sight, the planned media said Patel, who played 21 Tests has allowed stadiums to reopen Nenzani and vice-president Be- Trequired to run a successful Ol- centre, were among the venues yet to be for India, said. “Nothing certain during the national coronavirus resford Williams to step aside. ympics have been secured ahead of fully secured. “Regarding Tokyo Big Sight, at the moment, but we are lockdown, the BCCI said it was Nenzani was granted an extra next year’s rearranged Games. to be used as the IPC (International Press keeping our plans in place to not about to resume training. year at the helm last September In the original plan for the Olympics, Centre) and MPC (Main Press Centre), it is make the IPL happen.” “The BCCI will conduct a camp despite having served the maxi- which were due to start next month, there also Tokyo-owned but many reservations The IPL is usually a seven- for its contracted players only mum two three-year terms per- were 43 venues, including eight new sites have already been made by other users for week tournament, although when it is completely safe to mitted by the CSA constitution. built for the Games. The National Sta- Yoshiro Mori, President of the Tokyo 2020 next year,” he explained. “Therefore, we BCCI president Sourav Ganguly train outdoors,” said BCCI. The extension was ostensi- dium, set to host the Opening and Clos- Games Organising Committee, attends an are working together with the Tokyo Met- has said he expects it to be “The BCCI is determined bly to oversee a radical change ing Ceremonies, is one of the venues that Executive Board Meeting. (Reuters) ropolitan Government (TMG) in coordi- shortened this year. The Asia to take steps towards the in administration in which Mo- has been successfully secured for 2021. In nating the schedule.” The Athlete’s Village Cup, which will be a T20 event, resumption of international and roe as chief executive was given March, the Japanese government and the from the postponement, including rising promises to be the most complicated venue is also scheduled to be held in domestic cricket, but it will not wide-ranging powers, notably in International Olympic Committee made costs, athlete safety and securing the ven- to lock down as many of the apartments September with UAE and Sri rush into any decision that will the running of the national team. the unprecedented decision to postpone ues. yesterday, Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro in the newly-built complex have already Lanka as possible hosts. jeopardize the eff orts put in by Under Moroe, there was a break- the Tokyo Olympics until 2021 due to the Muto announced that the majority of ven- been sold to private buyers for use after The IPL should have started the central and state govern- down in relations with the SA ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. ues had been secured. the Games. TMG are negotiating with the on March 29 but it has been ments.” Cricketers’ Association, which Since then, organisers have battled “We are hoping to use the same venues 11 construction companies involved in the represents the country’s players. against an array of problems stemming for the same sports next year,” he said. village’s build and sale.

Saturday, June 13, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

ESPORTS Unbeaten Abdulla cruises into next round of QORC By Sports Reporter Doha

del Abdulla completed a clean sweep winning 22 stag- Aes, including seven in the fi nal qualifying round on Thurs- day, to storm into the next round of the Qatar Online Racing Championship (QORC) for rally cars The former FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies T2 champion topped Group A with maximum 120 points. In the third qualifying round, set at the simulated gravel track in Ar- gentina, Abdulla continued to display his skills in the PlayStation console. Misfer al-Hajri fi nished runner-up in the Group A with 100 points, fol- lowed by Patrick Roux with 97 points. Kuwari (99). prize money. The runner-up will take Al-Hajri and Roux joined Abdulla in the Group D too was topped by an Omani home QR13,000, while third-placed next stage, with the top three from the racer, with Ammar Balushi tallying 120 competitor will get QR10,000. group qualifying. points. Khalid al-Maraghi (108) and Mansour Dbeissy also continued to Mishari al-Thefi ri of Kuwait (97) joined THIRD ROUND RESULTS impress as he claimed the Group B hon- Balushi into the next week’s races. GROUP A: 1. Adel Abdulla; 2. Mohamed ours. On Thursday, he won all the stag- The fi nal week of races will begin to- al-Thefiri (Kuwait); 3. Patrick Roux The final week of races will begin tomorrow at the simulated Gravel Terrain set in Chile. es and fi nished with 116 points. QORC morrow at the simulated Gravel Terrain GROUP B: 1. Mansour Dbeissy; cars champion Ahmed al-Kholy came set in Chile. Tuesday’s race will be held STANDINGS points; 2. Hamad al-Sulaiti 109; 3. Ahmed Dbeissy, 3. Misfer al-Hajri, 4. Khalid al- second in the group with 109 points, in Spain’s Asphalt and Gravel Terrain, 2. Mohamed al-Atiyah; 3. Ahmed al-Kholy GROUP A al-Kuwari 99 Maraghi, 5. Ahmed al-Kuwari, 6. Patrick while Nasser al-Kuwari was third with while Germany’s Asphalt Terrain will : 1. Adel Abdulla 120 points; 2. GROUP C: 1. Zakariya al-Ofi (Oman); 2. GROUP D Roux 95 points. be the virtual venue for Thursday’s race. Misfer al-Hajri 100; 3. Patrick Roux 97 : 1. Ammar Balush (Oman) Ahmed al-Kuwari; 3. Hamad al-Sulaiti GROUP B In Group C, Zakariya Alofi of Oman Three leading drivers from each group GROUP B: 1. Mansour Dbeissy 116 points; 120 points; 2. Khalid al-Maraghi 108; 3. : 1. Adel Abdulla, 2 Ammar too won all the stages and fi nish on top will then qualify for fi nal race, which is GROUP D: 1. Ammar Balush (Oman); 2. 2. Ahmed al-Kholy 109; 3. Nasser al- Mishari al-Thefiri (Kuwait) 97 al-Bulushi, 3 Ahmed al-Kholy, 4 Hamad with 116 points. Hamad al-Sulaiti was scheduled for either Friday or Saturday. Khalid al-Maraghi; 3. Mishari al-Thefiri Kuwari 95 SECOND WEEK RACE’S GROUPS al-Sulaiti, 5 Mishari al-Thefairi, 6. Nasser (Kuwait) al-Kuwari second (109), followed by Ahmed al- The winners will receive QR15,000 in GROUP C: 1. Zakariya al-Ofi (Oman) 116 GROUP A: 1. Zakaria al-Ofi, 2 Mansour

TENNIS FOCUS Djokovic relishing Thiem, Zverev and fan infl ux at charity tournament

Reuters Dimitrov join Djokovic Belgrade orld number one Novak Djokovic is Wlooking forward to returning to ac- tion in front of fans at the Serb’s charity tennis tournament in Belgrade this weekend. The fi rst in US Open doubts leg of Djokovic’s Adria Tour is being held at his tennis complex by the Danube River, with Ger- ‘Under these circumstances I don’t think a lot of players will feel comfortable in the environment there’ many’s Alexander Zverev, Aus- trian Dominic Thiem and Bul- AFP garian Grigor Dimitrov arriving Belgrade for the event. Fans will be able to attend de- spite the Covid-19 pandemic af- ominic Thiem, Alexander ter the government lifted its ban Zverev and Grigor Dim- on outdoor public gatherings. Ditrov yesterday joined world “We have diff erent circum- number one Novak Djoko- stances and measures (to other vic in expressing their reluctance over countries) so it’s very diffi cult playing at the US Open under current to think of international stand- conditions while the coronavirus pan- ards (regarding the pandemic),” demic is still active. Djokovic told a news conference “All of these circumstances are pretty yesterday. tough,” world number three Thiem told “We have had better numbers a press conference in Belgrade. “So I compared to some other coun- think some circumstances will have tries. Of course, lives have been to change (for it to) make sense to go lost and that’s horrible to see, in there,” the 26-year-old Austrian said. the region and worldwide. But Germany’s Zverev, the world number life goes on and we as athletes seven, echoed that view. “It’s great if we are looking forward to compet- get the opportunity to play, but under ing. You can also criticise us and these circumstances I don’t think a lot say this is maybe dangerous but of players will feel comfortable in the it’s not up to me to make the calls environment there,” he said. “So that’s what is right or wrong health- my opinion. But it’s not really up to wise. We are doing what the Ser- us players in that way, in a way the US bian government is telling us and Open decides.” hopefully we soon will get back Like Djokovic recently, Zverev cited on tour collectively.” notably the obligatory 14-day quar- Serbia, with 12,175 registered antine for players arriving in the US, Covid-19 cases and 252 deaths, housing in airport hotels near the tour- has lifted the ban on outdoor nament and not allowing them to be Germany’s Alexander Zverev (from left), Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov and Austria’a Dominic Thiem pose for a selfie before a press conference for public gatherings. accompanied by more then one mem- the Adria Tour at the Novak Tennis Centre in Belgrade, Serbia, yesterday. (Reuters) Some 25,000 fans turned up ber of the team. Thiem stressed that a at Belgrade’s football derby on “Grand Slam can be pretty demanding at the tournament. at the US Open as he repeated concerns resuming tennis too soon, saying she rything is unclear. Nobody knows, it’s Wednesday. physically and you’ll have to choose The US Open main draw is due to get about playing in North America. needed more information before com- diffi cult to imagine the US Open being Several thousand fans are ex- your coach or your physio”. underway in New York on August 31. The Serbian, a three-time champion mitting to the tournament. The tennis held,” Gasquet said ahead of the start of pected to throng the makeshift But both Thiem and Bulgaria’s Dim- The three players arrived in Belgrade for in New York, stressed that US Open season has been on hold since mid- the Ultimate Tennis Showdown, taking stands at Djokovic’s complex itrov said they would wait until a deci- a charity tournament hosted by Djoko- organisers had to relax their “extreme March because of the pandemic, with place close to Nice. over the weekend and Thiem sion on the US Open — widely expected vic, which kicks off today. The Adria conditions” or players would wait Roland Garros pushed back to Septem- The ATP held a video conference with said he was delighted to be part to be announced on Monday — before Tour will be held until July 5 in Serbia, for the European tournaments. Last ber-October and Wimbledon cancelled. players on Wednesday to discuss tenta- of the event. taking a fi nal position. “Well nobody Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia. week world number two, and reigning Meanwhile, former US Open semi- tive plans for the second half of a season “It’s amazing that we will play knows, maybe things improve, maybe Djokovic, also the ATP players’ coun- US Open champion, Rafael Nadal ex- fi nalist Richard Gasquet of France said that has been suspended until at least in front of a crowd again and get not, so we’ll have to wait until the facts cil president, suggested on Wednesday pressed similar reservations. he was also struggling to see how this the end of July. “Nothing came out of that atmosphere back so I really are out and then decide,” Thiem said that his season might resume on clay Women’s world number one Ashleigh year’s tournament could be played. “I it,” said Gasquet, who reached the last can’t wait for tomorrow and get when asked whether he will participate ahead of the French Open rather than Barty has also voiced caution about fi nd it hard to see for the US Open, eve- four at Flushing Meadows in 2013. back on court,” he said.

SPOTLIGHT F1 cancels Azerbaijan, Singapore and Japan races Reuters tators on July 5. The championship is due to end in Abu cancellation of the race at Suzuka on Oct. London “As a result of the ongoing challenges Dhabi in December after visiting Bah- 11. The sport indicated some circuits not presented by Covid-19, we and our pro- rain, which could host two races around on the current calendar could now fea- moters in Azerbaijan, Singapore and diff erent layouts. Singapore and Az- ture instead. “We have made signifi cant zerbaijan, Singapore and Ja- Japan have taken the decision to cancel erbaijan GP organisers said the long lead progress with existing and new promot- pan joined the list of Formula their races for the 2020 season,” Formula times needed to build street circuits had ers on the revised calendar and have been AOne Grands Prix cancelled One said in a statement. made hosting impossible. particularly encouraged by the interest due to the Covid-19 pandemic The announcement, widely expected, Singapore has nearly 39,000 Covid-19 that has been shown by new venues,” the yesterday but organisers said they were blew a hole in the long-haul part of the cases, one of the highest tallies in Asia F1 statement said. still aiming for a reduced season of 15-18 season, with questions about the sched- due to mass outbreaks in cramped mi- A second race in Italy has been mooted races. ule after Italy’s Monza on Sept. 6. grant worker dormitories in the city- for Mugello or Imola, once home of the The sport had already cancelled four Races in Canada, Mexico, Texas and state. The race in Baku had already been San Marino Grand Prix, while Germany’s races, including the showcase Monaco Brazil are uncertain due to the pandemic postponed from June and organisers said Hockenheim and Portugal’s Algarve cir- Grand Prix in May, with a revised and while Vietnam, also a street circuit, and they had “explored every possibility” but cuit are other possibilities. Formula One shortened provisional European sched- China remain possibilities and Russia run out of time. said it expected to publish a fi nal calen- Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel celebrates after winning the Singapore Grand Prix ule set to start in Austria without spec- could host two races at Sochi. Travel restrictions in Japan led to the dar before travelling to Austria. at the Marina Bay Street Circuit on September 22, 2019. (Reuters)