NBA | Page 3 CRICKET | Page 5 Current Mavs Australia recall epic players willing battles against to take pay cut, Jordan’s Bulls says Hazlewood

Tuesday, April 21, 2020 FOOTBALL Sha’ban 28, 1441 AH Possible resumption of GULF TIMES Bundesliga on May 9 behind closed doors SPORT Page 2

FOCUS Virus expert ‘pessimistic’ Olympics can be held in 2021 ‘Japan might be able to control this disease by next summer, but I don’t think that would happen everywhere on Earth’

Agencies closely with relevant organisa- ment would take 1-1/2 years from Tokyo, Japan tions and review all necessary the start of the outbreak, or until countermeasures.” late 2021, at the earliest. Last week, Tokyo 2020 “So once you get up to 50,000, Japanese expert who spokesman Masa Takaya told re- 70,000, 100,000 (fans)... that is has criticised the coun- porters at an online briefing there an enormous amount of risk to be try’s response to the is “no Plan B” for the Games be- taking on without a vaccine.” Acoronavirus warned ing postponed again. The Olympics was “a uniquely yesterday that he is “pessimistic” But Iwata is not the only expert risky event”, he added, because that the postponed Olympics can to have raised questions about of the threats represented by be held even in 2021. 2021, with Devi Sridhar, chair visitors streaming in from areas “To be honest with you I don’t of global health at the Univer- with a lot of infections, and the think the Olympics is likely to sity of Edinburgh, warning last reverse flow when they return af- be held next year,” said Kentaro week that it was “very unrealis- terwards, perhaps carrying home Iwata, a professor of infectious tic” to think the Games could be infections. diseases at Kobe University. held next year unless a vaccine is Although more hopeful for Japan and the Internation- found. a vaccine to be found within a al Olympic Committee (IOC) “If we do get a vaccine within year, Jason Kindrachuk, an infec- agreed last month to delay the the next year then actually I think tious diseases expert at the Uni- Tokyo 2020 Games until July that (Olympics) is realistic. The versity of Manitoba in Canada, 2021 after pressure from athletes vaccine will be the game-changer flagged a risk of further delay to and sports federations. — an effective, affordable, avail- the Games, as vaccinating people But in recent days, as the coro- able vaccine,” Sridhar told the would take time. navirus pandemic continues to BBC. “It is going to push the limits spread worldwide, there have “If we don’t get a scientific right up to the border of when been questions about whether breakthrough then I think that the Olympics should be start- even a year-long delay will be looks very unrealistic.” ing,” said Kindrachuk, who has sufficient. worked on outbreaks of Ebola Iwata told a press briefing that ORGANISERS MUST BE and Sars. the virus would have to be under FLEXIBLE IF VACCINE NOT “You want to get people vac- control at home and abroad for READY IN TIME cinated not right at the point of the Games to take place “because Meanwhile, Zach Binney, an epi- the Olympics, but a little bit be- you have to invite the athletes demiologist at Emory University forehand, so they build up that and the audience from all over in the United States, has said that protective immunity.” the world”. the Tokyo Olympics will be a The decision to delay the “Japan might be able to control “uniquely risky” event, demand- Games was a painful one for or- this disease by next summer, I ing flexibility from organisers ganisers and the IOC, which wish we could, but I don’t think amid the uncertainty of the coro- came in for criticism for the that would happen everywhere navirus pandemic, particularly if drawn-out decision to postpone. on Earth, so in this regard I’m A passenger wearing a face mask stands next to a poster of Tokyo 2020 Olympic mascot Miraitowa on a train in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. (AFP) a vaccine has not been rolled out Initially both officials in Japan very pessimistic about holding by then. and at the IOC insisted the Games the Olympic Games next sum- of Japan’s handling of the coro- The decision to postpone the spite ongoing uncertainty about priate to respond to speculative “When we talk about bringing could go ahead as planned, even mer.” navirus-wracked Diamond Prin- Olympics is unprecedented in when the pandemic will be over. questions,” they told AFP. sports back with packed stadi- as lockdowns around the world Iwata said he could only see cess cruise ship that docked off peacetime, and followed a wave “With regard to countermeas- ums, I really think that is some- meant athletes were shut out of the Games being held next year the country’s coast. of complaints from athletes fac- ‘SPECULATIVE QUESTIONS’ ures against Covid-19, Tokyo thing we are going to have to wait training locations and forced to if they were significantly altered, Japanese officials opted to car- ing travel bans and lockdowns. Asked about potential delays to 2020 and the IOC have a frame- for a vaccine to be able to do,” stay home. “such as no audience, or very ry out an on-ship quarantine, but The postponement is a huge the 2021 date, organisers said work for information exchange said Binney. The virus had already wreaked limited participation”. more than 700 people on board undertaking, but organisers have their “mission is to prepare the and are cooperating closely with “Every person that you add to a havoc with preparations, forcing Iwata made headlines earlier ended up contracting the virus, insisted they are working to- stage for next summer”. the World Health Organization. gathering adds risk,” said Binney, the cancellation of qualifiers, and this year for his public criticism and 13 died. wards the new opening date de- “We do not feel it is appro- “We will continue to work who expects vaccine develop- alterations to test events.

COMMENT Djokovic opposes compulsory coronavirus vaccination

Reuters life. No vaccine = no tennis,” the two- Belgrade, Serbia time grand slam winner said in a wide- ly shared tweet. Medical experts have said that vac- ovak Djokovic faces a di- cines against the respiratory virus lemma if it becomes com- would not be ready until next year, pulsory for players to get raising doubts whether any further Nvaccinated before they can tennis tournaments can be contested begin competing once the tennis sea- this year. son resumes following the hiatus cre- This year’s Wimbledon champion- ated by the coronavirus pandemic, the ships have been cancelled for the first world number one said on Sunday. time since World War II while the “Personally I am opposed to vac- French Open, originally due to be held cination and I wouldn’t want to be from May 24-June 7, was rescheduled forced by someone to take a vaccine in for September 20 — October 4, shortly order to be able to travel,” Djokovic said after the end of the US Open. in a live Facebook chat with several fel- Djokovic made a flying start to the low Serbian athletes. 2020 season, winning the Austral- “But if it becomes compulsory, ian Open in January for his 17th grand what will happen? I will have to make slam title and stretched his winning a decision. I have my own thoughts run to 18 matches before the pandemic about the matter and whether those brought sports events across the world thoughts will change at some point, I to a halt. don’t know. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the “Hypothetically, if the season was Euro 2020 soccer championship were to resume in July, August or Septem- among the events postponed until ber, though unlikely, I understand that next year as the pandemic has caused a vaccine will become a requirement 165,000 deaths worldwide. straight after we are out of strict quar- not resume before players can get vac- So far the governing bodies of tennis antine and there is no vaccine yet.” cinated against the novel coronavirus. have suspended all tournaments until Last month, former world number “International circuit = players of all July 13. In addition, the women’s Rog- one Amelie Mauresmo said the rest nationalities plus management, spec- ers Cup in Montreal, which had been of the 2020 tennis season might be tators and people from the 4 corners due to be held in August, will also not wiped out, saying that action should of the world who bring these events to take place this year. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, April 21, 2020 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Possible May 9 resumption of Bundesliga behind closed doors A decision is imminent with a video conference due to be held on Thursday between the DFL and 36 clubs

AFP the face of pressure from an industry Berlin anxious to get business going again, Laschet, who controls Germany’s big- gest state by population, has pushed for ermany’s Bundesliga could more relaxations. resume from May 9, regional But Soeder, who runs the biggest leaders of the country’s big- state by surface, has taken a more cau- Ggest states said yesterday, tious stance, including keeping schools although games can only take place shut a week longer than elsewhere in without spectators to prevent corona- Germany. German football was halted virus contagion. on March 13 to help reduce the spread of Markus Soeder, state premier of Ba- Covid-19 in Germany, which currently varia which hosts champions Bayern has 141,672 confirmed cases and 4,404 Munich, said it remains “completely deaths as a result of the pandemic. The unimaginable to have spectators” in the DFL is desperate for the season to be stadiums given the need for social dis- finished by June 30 to secure an instal- tancing to slow the virus spread. ment of television money, reportedly But “we could perhaps from May worth around 300mn euros ($326mn). 9 play such a round of ‘ghost games’,” It is hoping to get the green light Soeder told Bild, using the German from Angela Merkel’s national govern- term “Geisterspiele” for matches ment for the top two tiers to resume played in empty stadiums. “A weekend next month — possibly on May 9 or 16. with football is much more bearable Earlier yesterday, German FA chief than a weekend without football,” he Fritz Keller insisted the Bundesliga added. Likewise, Armin Laschet, pre- could only resume next month behind mier of North Rhine-Westphalia state closed doors, although a nationwide which is home to Borussia Dortmund, collective of fan groups voiced harsh said Germany’s top flight could resume criticism of the league returning. “on condition that there is a thoroughly “The resumption of football, even thought-out concept”. in the form of ghost games, is not jus- The German Football League (DFL) tifiable,” supporters’ group Fanszenen has presented “safeguards” in recent Deutschlands said in a statement. days, said Laschet, adding he “can im- The group says it would be a “sheer agine us returning to ‘ghost games’”. mockery of the rest of society” and es- The backing of the premiers of Ger- pecially to those in Germany’s health many’s two most powerful states could system dealing with the pandemic. prove to be crucial to the league as it “We are very much aware that football mulls a resumption of the Bundesliga. A without fans lacks its heart,” Keller told decision is imminent with a video con- Kicker magazine, adding without the ference due to be held on Thursday be- TV money “some fans might never be tween the DFL and 36 clubs in the first able to attend a game of their club again, and second divisions. because it might soon no longer exist.” Bayern Munich’s players attend a training session at the team’s training grounds in Munich, southern Germany last week. (AFP) While Germany began easing curbs Another issue that needs to be clari- and allowing smaller shops to open fied is the testing of players and back- would be needed just for the season to return during the pandemic sends the thousands of tests for ‘ghost games’ terbach, a member of the Bundestag from yesterday, large public events have room staff every few days, should the be completed, and a leading politician wrong message. when there is not enough testing for and a professor in epidemiology, wrote been scrapped through to August 31. In league resume. A reported 20,000 tests who is also a scientist says football’s “It would be wrong to use tens of nursing homes and teachers,” Karl Lau- on Twitter.

PREMIER LEAGUE ROUND-UP Arsenal announce 12.5% pay cuts Laporte buys French boxer’s Reuters “The resulting savings will help cover London some of the financial risks we have this sea- kit in auction, hands it back son in relation to our matchday and commer- cial income,” the club added. anchester City Olympic swimmer Camille Muf- Russian Premier League. He rsenal’s players and coaching staff Arsenal were ninth in the league table, defender Aymeric fat and sailor Florence Arthaud currently plays for Lokomotiv’s have agreed a 12.5% salary cut due eight points adrift of fourth place which Laporte paid around were also killed along with seven reserve team Kazanka in Russia’s to the Covid-19 pandemic, making guarantees qualification to the lucrative M5,000 euros ($5,435) others. Dumoulin, who plays for third tier. His coach at Kazanka, Athe London-based club the first Champions League, when soccer in England for the kit used by deceased HBC Nantes, has been selling Alexander Grishin, said that in the Premier League to announce such a was suspended indefinitely last month due to French boxer Alexis Vastine at training kits for two years to raise Samokhvalov had suffered a measure. the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. the London 2012 Olympics in money for good causes. “cardiac arrest”. Several Premier League clubs have fur- an auction to raise money for loughed employees since the new coronavi- SHEFFIELD UNITED MANAGER healthcare workers, then do- LOKOMOTIV MOSCOW’S SPURS’ SON BEGINS rus outbreak while others, such as West Ham WILDER TAKES WAGE DEFERRAL nated it back to his father. SAMOKHVALOV DIES DURING THREE-WEEK MILITARY United and Southampton, have said their Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder The auction of sports LOCKDOWN TRAINING SERVICE IN SOUTH KOREA players have accepted wage deferrals. said that he has agreed a deferral in wages memorabilia to raise money for Lokomotiv Moscow defender Tottenham Hotspur forward Son League leaders Liverpool, Tottenham and bonus payments to ease the financial French healthcare workers in the Innokentiy Samokhvalov died Heung-min has begun a three- Hotspur and Bournemouth reversed deci- pressure from the coronavirus pandemic. frontline of the Covid-19 pan- during an individual training week period of mandatory mili- sions to furlough non-playing staff follow- Wilder is joining Blades chief executive demic was thought up by French session forced by the coronavirus tary service in his native South ing criticism. “We are pleased to announce Stephen Bettis and senior members of the handball player Cyril Dumoulin, lockdown, the Russian club an- Korea while the Premier League that we have reached a voluntary agreement coaching staff in taking deferrals that are set a world and European champion. nounced. “He felt bad during an season is suspended due to the with our first-team players, head coach and to last for six months. Vastine won a bronze medal at individual training session, the Covid-19 pandemic, local news core coaching staff to help support the club Arsenal were able to secure the agreement The gesture will help the Premier League the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the circumstances (surrounding his agency Yonhap has reported. at this critical time,” Arsenal said in a state- thanks to manager Mikel Aarteta’s club keep the remainder of their staff on full light welterweight division but death) are still being clarified,” Son, who returned to South ment. “Reductions of total annual earnings influence, according to reports. (AFP) pay. Sheffield United were seventh in the Pre- was eliminated in the quarter- Lokomotiv said in a statement. Korea from London at the end by 12.5% will come into effect this month, mier League when play was suspended due to finals in London four years later. “He was a kind, nice man, a good of March, completed two weeks with the contractual paperwork being com- seasons ahead. The club said the agreement the pandemic in March. He died in a helicopter crash in friend. It’s deeply sad for our of quarantine and reported to a pleted in the coming days.” with players was based on the assumption of Like most Premier League teams, the Argentina in 2015 while taking family.” Marine Corps unit on the island Arsenal added that “agreed amounts” the 2019/20 season being completed and the Blades are yet to reach agreement with their part in a French reality TV show Samokhvalov, 22, arrived at of Jeju earlier yesterday, where would be repaid if specific targets primarily club receiving its full share of broadcasting players over whether they should defer or cut Dropped. Lokomotiv in 2015 but is yet he will remain until May 8, the linked to success on the pitch were met in the revenues. wages because of the virus lockdown. Nine other people, including to make an appearance in the report said.

FOCUS Blast from the past PHOTO OF THE DAY UEFA meets clubs in bid to With sporting events around the world grinding to a halt, Gulf Times Sport resume European season dived down the vault for some fantastic, sometimes AFP Notably, the German Football League will offbeat stories that can be Paris hold a video call with the 36 clubs from its told through pictures. top two divisions later the same day as it hopes to resume playing by mid-May. In this April 21, 1995 file s European countries take steps When football ground to a halt in mid- photo, former heavyweight towards easing lockdown meas- March, the end of June was set out as the champion Muhammad ures imposed due to the corona- target date for finishing the season. UEFA Ali, considered one of the virus pandemic, UEFA will meet has since been working on the possibility of greatest boxers of all time, A with the continent’s football clubs and playing in July and August if required, and stands with a sculpture of associations this week to try to mark out a president Aleksander Ceferin remains opti- himself after it was unveiled pathway towards resuming the season. mistic that seasons can be completed. in Las Vegas. The sculpture, European football’s governing body is “We may have to resume without specta- along with two others, eager to steer all 55 member countries to- tors, but the most important thing, I think, commemorate the induction wards a consensus. They want to finish the is playing games,” Ceferin told Italian daily ceremony was to be held season, with Germany hopeful of restarting Corriere della Sera. “It is early to say that we for the American by the Bundesliga matches behind closed doors cannot complete the season. International Boxing Hall of next month. Elsewhere, Belgium and Scot- The impact would be terrible for clubs Fame later that year. land appear to be awaiting a green light from and leagues. Better to play behind closed An Olympic gold medallist UEFA to call an end to their seasons now. doors than not at all.” in 1960 and multiple-times Given the uncertainty surrounding the pan- UEFA has already postponed Euro 2020 world champion, Ali had demic, UEFA are remaining prudent. by a year. The Champions League and Eu- memorable bouts against Joe That means firm decisions are unlikely ropa League are on hold “until further no- Frazier and George Foreman this week, as UEFA hold a meeting with tice”, with both stuck in the last-16 stage. among others and retired the heads of all member associations to- According to Jean-Michel Aulas, presi- having won 56 of his 61 day, followed by another with the power- dent of French club Lyon and also on the fights. He passed away from ful European Club Association (ECA) and ECA board, UEFA’s hope is to complete septic shock in 2016, aged 74. the European Leagues grouping tomorrow. its club competitions in August, with the (Reuters) UEFA’s Executive Committee will then meet Champions League final on August 29. on Thursday, and that could trigger key an- Ultimately, though, football is at the mer- nouncements elsewhere. cy of the virus and of national governments. Gulf Times Tuesday, April 21, 2020 3 SPORT

NBA COMMENT ‘Hardest Stanley Cup to win’ if NHL Current Mavericks resumes: Pacioretty recall epic battles against Jordan’s Bulls ‘That was really interesting, and it was a fun series to be a part of, until you don’t win’

DPA Los Angeles

ick Carlisle saying, “I really don’t want to Reuters halted in mid-March due to talk about that stuff. Los Angeles the coronavirus pandemic. RIt doesn’t interest me” All NHL teams had be- happens almost as infrequently tween 11 and 14 regular-sea- as a sunrise. And when it comes egas Golden Knights son games remaining when to discussing the new ESPN forward Max Pa- play was paused. The format documentary about Michael cioretty is setting to be used when and if action Jordan and his Chicago Bulls’ Vthe bar high should resumes remains uncertain. title run of 1997-98, Rick says, the NHL resume play and de- NHL deputy commissioner more than once, “I really don’t termine a champion. Bill Daly told ESPN recently want to talk about that.” “I think this will be the that the league is listening to “The Last Dance” is a 10- hardest Stanley Cup to win offers from venues around part series that will air over the out of all of them. Look at all North America that are vol- next five Sundays. The first two the obstacles,” Pacioretty told unteering to host neutral-site episodes can be seen at 8pm on the Golden Knights’ website. playoff games. Among the Sunday on ESPN and ESPN2, for “Who knows when we’re go- sites that could host games, those who want to hear a fami- ing to play, where, fans or no probably without spectators, ly-friendly version. The series fans, everything is up in the are Grand Forks, N.D.; Man- will also be available on Netflix air. chester, N.H.; and Saskatoon, starting Monday. “With that being said, Saskatchewan. Before Carlisle can push away, whatever teams that have been NHL Players Association I use a prybar and a drill to ex- banged up are healing up right executive director Donald tract anything from the reticent now. They’re getting their Fehr, however, said Saturday coach on this topic. Talking bodies ready, and you better that he had not yet had discus- about certain things in his past believe everyone around the sions with the league about is a selective sport with Carlisle, league is trying to get every any specifics related to neu- and there are some subjects that advantage possible in terms of tral-site locations. still hurt. recovery and getting in what- Pacioretty insisted that he The Dallas Mavericks head ever shape they can. Most has no problem playing the coach was the top assistant un- Michael Jordan in action during a regular NBA game on June 5, 1998. (TNS) teams go into the (Stanley waiting game. der Larry Bird for the 1997-98 Cup Playoffs) beat up, but that “I mean, if we had to wait six Indiana Pacers, the only team to best record which is why Larry What the Bulls were to the won’t be the case this year. months and play in Antarctica, push the Bulls to an elimination and myself all coached the All- ‘90s in terms of winning, the Jordan’s ‘Dream Team’ jersey sells for $216K Guys are going to be healthy I’d be willing to do that,” Pa- game that postseason. Star Game in New York. Mavs were in terms of losing. and teams are going to be able cioretty said. “We had a great series with “But in the second half, Chi- The Mavs were the worst NBA Michael Jordan’s game- April 7 and ended on the night to show their true forms with When the season was sus- them. It was a hell of a series. cago was a little bit better and team that decade, and Harper worn jersey from the 1992 of the premiere of ESPN’s “The pretty much every player on pended, Pacioretty had a We pushed them to the brink,” they got the home court... “ was a part of a lot of those beat- Barcelona Olympics sold for Last Dance” documentary. the roster.” team-leading 32 goals and 66 he said. “That was really inter- And that’s about as much ings. “It was fun to play against $216,000 on Sunday night in “Michael Jordan is arguably The NHL season, like those points for the Golden Knights esting, and it was a fun series to as Rick wanted to dip into this the best. You always hear title an auction that coincided with the most iconic athlete of of all other major North (39-24-8), who led a congest- be a part of, until you don’t win.” topic. When it came to playing teams say they get everybody’s the release of a widely viewed all-time, winning six NBA American sports leagues, was ed Pacific Division at the time. In the spring of 1998, the Bulls against Michael’s title-winning best, and it was true,” Harper Chicago Bulls documentary. titles and two Olympic Gold played the Pacers in the Eastern Bulls squads, reaching Game 7 said. “Your approach has to be, Robert Edward Auctions, medals,” Robert Edward Conference Finals. The home was not only an achievement, it ‘On any given Sunday.’ If you which sells high-end sports Auctions president Brian NFL team won every contest, and in was more of a miracle. beat them, it was an accom- memorabilia, confirmed the Dwyer said in a statement. Game 7 the visiting Pacers led Derek Harper, who is a cur- plishment. sale of the autographed, “Collectors relished a a tight one midway through the rently an analyst for the Mavs’ “People think other pros are game-used jersey. rare opportunity to own fourth quarter before losing, 88- TV broadcasts, played against in awe of those teams, or Jordan. It fetched the second-highest Jordan’s jersey from the League navigates 83. Jordan during the height of his That’s not the case at all. You auction price for a Jordan 1992 Dream Team — the Given the historical signifi- career. just want to go against that guy.” jersey. greatest basketball team ever cance of the Chicago Bulls in the Harper was with the Knicks In that final season of the Bidding opened at $25,000 on assembled.” Reuters cyber risk as draft ‘90s, I asked Carlisle if there was when Jordan scored 55 points Bulls’ dynasty, there was the any satisfaction in being one of on March 28, 1995. “I normally fraction of hope for the Maver- only two opponents to push MJ didn’t guard him because I was icks organization. Look for it in or Kobe Bryant, to execute the ve Nash to complement Michael moves online to an elimination game over the a point guard. Occasionally, I’d the documentary. triangle tends to change things. Finley. Bulls’ run of six titles. Or is it get stuck on him,” Harper said During that season, the Mavs On March 12, 1998, the Mavs The Bulls went on to win Reuters month that he is in frequent just a loss? in a phone interview. “(Knicks fired Jim Cleamons as their upset the Bulls at Reunion Are- their final title that season, after New York contact with his IT team but “It’s a loss. A loss is a loss,” he guard John) Starks was guarding head coach. He had originally na in Dallas in overtime. It was which the Mavs would no longer that he remains sceptical. said. “That is why the regular him that night. At the half, Jor- been hired away from the Chi- the only time the Mavs beat the be the worst team in the NBA. “They assure me we are do- season is so important. To get dan had 30. So I wanted a shot cago Bulls with the idea that he Bulls in12 games during Chica- Everyone who played or ith countless ing everything humanly pos- a Game 7 at home. That year, it at him. would implement the “triangle go’s six championship seasons. coached in the ‘90s has their hours of research sible and I remind that that’s was a fraction of a percentage “I remember Jordan saying offense” that had been so suc- The following offseason, the MJ, or Bulls story. Some are just and planning kept what Wells Fargo and all those for the best record in the East. to me, ‘You’re a pretty good de- cessful with Jordan. Mavs acquired Dirk Nowitzki in a little bit more painful than Was closely guarded other places said about our At the All-Star break, we had the fender, but it’s way too late now.’ Not having Michael Jordan, a draft-day trade, and then Ste- others. as the President’s nuclear foot- private information, so I have ball, cyber security is in focus some real concerns,” said Har- for this week’s NFL Draft, as baugh. SPOTLIGHT teams pivot to a “virtual” for- “I really wouldn’t want the mat on COVID-19 lockdown. opposing coaches to have our Usually Draft Day secu- playbook or our draft meet- rity involves little more than ings. That would be prefer- checking credentials and able.” Celtics’ Brown pens message of keeping fans in line, but as franchises take their opera- SIGNIFICANT RISK tions online this Thursday, cy- During the draft, clubs will ber security experts say teams submit their selections to the are vulnerable to online mis- NFL Player Personnel de- unity amid coronavirus crisis chief-makers. partment through Microsoft “A lot of people like to do Teams, the NFL said, adding AFP breath away.” Brown sympathized things not because they have that it had contingency plans Los Angeles with anyone feeling frustrated or con- any malice against you but in place in case of a tech mal- fused at seemingly conflicting infor- they want to see if it will work function. mation coming from different leaders. or they want to get their name Video conferencing appli- oston Celtics guard Jaylen But he said he believed a calm, con- out there, they want to have cation Zoom, which has faced Brown urged people to “come certed response could make the pan- their 15 minutes of fame,” Paul criticism over security con- together” amid the coronavi- demic an opportunity for change. Vixie, the CEO and co-founder cerns, will be permitted for Brus pandemic, even as he used “I hope that our nation not only of Farsight Security, told Reu- communication on an individ- an essay in The Guardian to point out consolidates over the next few weeks ters. ual basis within clubs but not that the virus has highlighted inequal- but also heals,” he wrote. “Let’s use Vixie said that the NFL between teams and the league ity in America. this time to look for solution based an- Draft doesn’t offer much in office. Noting that more than 30,000 have swers and cooperative efforts for those the way of monetary appeal “Assume what’s happen- died from COVID-19 in the United (societal) problems. for hackers, but that he would ing in Zoom is not staying in States — it was 40,000 by Sunday “My intention in writing this edito- “be much more worried about Zoom,” said Ekram Ahmed, a afternoon — the Georgia native add- rial is to hopefully inspire our society deliberate interference as per- spokesperson for cyber securi- ed that of “those heart-wrenching to come together rather than drift far- formance art.” The league ty firm Check Point. “You just numbers, the percentage of African ther and farther apart,” he said, urging declined to disclose its secu- have to have that mentality.” Americans and people of color is both those able to reach out with aid to food rity measures but told Reuters As millions across the globe alarming and disproportionate. banks and homeless shelters as well as they are “comprehensive and moved business online as “Our healthcare system could be healthcare workers. thoughtful,” and that they coronavirus lockdowns took potentially highlighting injustices this He offered condolences to Min- have provided best practices effect, hackers have refocused beautiful nation has composed and nesota Timberwolves star Karl-An- and are planning to run a sys- their efforts toward “exploit- suppressed since its establishment,” thony Towns, whose mother died of tem test with all 32 teams. ing things around the home,” he wrote. COVID-19 complications after weeks Individual clubs have been he said. Data on COVID-19 cases by race in an induced coma, and said he was running their own mock drafts “The risk is significant, not show a pattern of over-representation proud of the NBA’s response to the and the NFL will have also just with Zoom but with any by black Americans in states or juris- pandemic. carried out a one-round draft workplace online workplace dictions that are sharing the numbers. “It’s Game 7,” Brown wrote — a ref- simulation with clubs select- or collaborative tool,” said When it was shown in early April erence to the do-or-die game in an ing former players before Ahmed. “That’s just because that 68 % of coronavirus deaths in NBA championship series — “and how Thursday. Ravens head coach since coronavirus has hap- Chicago had been among African we perform down the stretch is go- John Harbaugh was among the pened the attention of hackers Americans, who make up just 30 % ing to determine our outcome. Let’s first to voice concern over cy- has dramatically shifts towards of the city’s population, mayor Lori lean in and get this done together as a ber security during the draft, exploiting almost anything Lightfoot said the numbers “take your team.” File photo of Celtics guard Jaylen Brown. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports telling reporters earlier this that orbits around the home.” Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, April 21, 2020 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Snooker referee Marteel on virus A year in three months — potential frontline in Belgium dream calendar for cycling DPA tober and November. As if travel agents Frankfurt can sell trips, hotels can offer rooms and public transport can move people, all with their old capacity. The urgency of he world of cycling has come up cycling to get going is understandable with a plan. Events have been because the lockdown threatens the very stopped, until the end of July, due existence of the sport in its current form. Tto the coronavirus outbreak — “The economic situation makes me but from then, the sport will return to the fear that one or other teams will not sur- track and roads with a vengeance. vive this phase,” German time trial spe- AFP to be tested for the disease or Not only will the scheduled events, cialist Tony Martin told the Frankfurter London to see a doctor. like the road world championships, take Allgemeine Zeitung. “And also that race Marteel said the volume of place, the postponed early year classics organisers could not survive. That would patients and a lack of personal will be rearranged as well. be damage because they are irreplaceable nooker referee Olivier protective equipment meant A year of sport in three months? Possi- Martin said the Tour, which creates 70 Marteel has swapped he had to be creative in an at- bly. But while those in charge finalise and per cent of total revenue, is “existentially the green baize for a tempt to keep himself safe. prioritise, doubts are growing about the important.” frontline role in the “I have never worked in an S A&E (accident and emergency) concept. From whom? Just the cyclists While Prudhomme may hope for full fight against coronavirus in themselves. streets and a celebratory mood for the his native Belgium. situation like this before,” he Former road world champion Alejan- Tour, it is less important for the teams Marteel, who refereed the said on World Snooker’s official dro Valverde, for example, simply does who are reliant on sponsorship money. World Championship final in website not believe cycling can return to normal A ‘closed doors’ Tour, as much is that is 2015, would have been at the “When I was asked to take on in little over three months. “We want that possible racing across the French coun- Crucible in Sheffield to officiate this role, I didn’t even have one sport gets going again but to be honest tryside, is therefore also on the table. in this year’s tournament had second of doubt. Ever since I I’m very pessimistic that’ll happen this That touches on another problem cy- it not been postponed but in- was a young child I wanted to year,” he told Spanish paper El Mundo. cling must face. While football, for ex- stead he is working as a nurse work in medicine. I trained for “At the start of the quarantine I was still ample, could theoretically isolate players in Veurne. three years and I have been hopeful but ever more I think that there and compete in closed stadiums, major The 50-year-old normally working for 28 years. So when will be no races at all.” The Tour de France covers 3,000 kilometres with every day demanding infrastructure, cycling is a massive village which relo- works in the radiology this came up, I jumped at it, The start gun for the busiest autumn hotels and travel arrangements on a grand scale. cates on a near daily basis. The Tour de department but was asked to even if there are some risks. in cycling history should be the Tour de France covers 3,000 kilometres with eve- work in his hospital’s emer- Marteel has refereed on the France, delayed from summer to August of September 20, but said he had se- virus, which has shattered the sporting ry day demanding infrastructure, hotels gency department during the World Snooker tour since and September. cured widespread agreement to start on calendar, will largely have eased. It is in- and travel arrangements on a grand scale. Covid-19 crisis. His job is to 2006 and has also taken Tour boss Christian Prudhomme said August 29. But the 59-year-old French- tended the three-week Tour, and various A single positive test for a rider could triage patients, assessing them charge of UK Championship the race had never taken place so late in man seems to be working on the basis the one-day classics, will be watched by fans cause chaos. But no big plans can be im- to decide whether they need and Masters finals. the year, with a rescheduled conclusion majority of concerns around the corona- consistently throughout September, Oc- plemented without some element of risk.

MOTORSPORT RUGBY Pichot wants to put Lions on global stage Silverstone open to AFP London

gustin Pichot, who is campaigning for the role of World ARugby chairman, hosting two races wants to see the British and Irish Lions expand their hori- zons and play on a “worldwide scale”. The Lions, a combined side made up of players from the The 45-year-old added: “I national teams of England, would use the Lions on a more Scotland, Wales and Ireland, worldwide scale. I would like without spectators tour every four years, visiting to see that brand travel even New Zealand, Australia and further. South Africa on a rotation. “They would be very popu- ‘WE HAVE A LOT OF EXPERIENCE, A LOT OF KNOWLEDGE, WE CAN TURN THAT ON DEFINITELY’ But Argentina great Pi- lar in North and South Amer- chot, who is standing against ica but that’s a conversation Reuters current World Rugby chair- to have with the CEO of the London man Bill Beaumont, a former Lions.” captain of both England and Although they have never the Lions, wants them to tour toured the Americas, the Lions ilverstone would be will- North and South America as have faced Argentina, drawing ing to host an unprec- part of his plan for reform of 25-25 with the Pumas in Car- edented two successive the global game. diff in a warm-up match ahead Sgrands prix without With rugby in a worldwide of their 2005 series in New spectators to help Formula One shutdown due to the coronavi- Zealand. Pichot, currently the fight back from the coronavirus rus, Pichot has often been pre- vice-chairman of World Rug- crisis, circuit boss Stuart Pringle sented as the “reform” candi- by, said he was disappointed said on Sunday. date, with Beaumont seen as by the lack of responses he had The season has yet to start more of a continuity figure. received from many of the Six but the Liberty Media-owned But former Pumas scrum- Nations unions, all of whom sport’s management are hop- half Pichot told the Daily Mail: have three votes each, as the ing to get going in the European “People think I don’t like tra- election campaign enters its summer with a revised and re- dition, but I speak to Lions final week. duced schedule that could run players like Brian O’Driscoll “I would like to talk to each into next year. and it’s a great product. individual union,” said Pichot. Pringle told the Guardian “I love it. There is still room An election by electronic newspaper that he had discussed for the Lions. It is a traditional ballot is due on April 26, with “all sorts of permutations” with thing but we can still add a the results announced on Formula One, including two modern look to it.” May 12. races over the same weekend or consecutive weekends at the British track. REPORT No circuit has ever hosted two races in succession in the same season. “I have complete confidence Australia rugby in our ability to put on these events. We have a lot of expe- rience, a lot of knowledge, we league chief quits can turn that on definitely,” said Pringle. AFP That has caused TV rev- While some countries are A general view of the Silverstone Circuit during the British Grand Prix in 2019. (Reuters) Sydney enues to dry up and could starting to ease strict lockdown threaten the existence of sev- conditions imposed to tackle can’t set this ball rolling unless eral teams and the financial vi- the coronavirus crisis, events they have a solution that stands a Hamilton ready to stick with Mercedes ‘dream team’ he head of Austral- ability of the league. involving large crowds of people fighting chance of running suc- Lewis Hamilton has hailed ia’s National Rugby The NRL is planning to are likely to remain banned for cessfully over multiple races,” Mercedes as his “dream team” League stepped down resume on May 28 but it is far some time. said Pringle. as the world champion made it with immediate ef- from clear if that will be pos- clear he has no plans to leave T Official guidance in Britain is “That timescale would suit us fect yesterday, as the top-level sible, with the government for people to stay at home and to if we didn’t have to put in the in- when his contract expires after competition continues to reel warning that travel restric- practice social distancing if they frastructure for accommodating the 2020 season. from the Covid-19 crisis. tions and social distancing do have to go outside. the public.” The British driver was linked The NRL said “it has been could remain in place for the Every race on the original F1 McLaren boss Zak Brown told with a move to Ferrari after mutually agreed” that chief foreseeable future. calendar has been cancelled or the BBC last week that all races the six-time world title winner executive officer Todd Green- As well as being a lucrative called off up to the French Grand in Europe could be held without revealed in January he had yet berg would step down Monday TV product, rugby league in Prix at Le Castellet on June 28, spectators and with numbers on to open talks over a new deal “after reflecting on the needs Australia also fills newspaper but that is also expected to be site kept to a minimum. with Mercedes. Ferrari chief of the game”. columns with players’ soap- postponed. “Everything is very tenta- executive officer Louis Carey The cash-strapped league, opera-style scandals. That would leave Austria on tive but (the British Grand Prix) Camilleri said in December that which pitches itself as part of “It has been my great hon- July 5, at a circuit owned by en- would go on its scheduled date he was “flattered” that Hamilton Australia’s social fabric, has our and privilege to be the ergy drink Red Bull who have two but closed to fans,” said the had agreed to discuss his future floated a series of unsuccessful CEO of the NRL for the last F1 teams, two weeks before the American. in conversations with the team’s schemes to get play restarted four years. Despite the variety British Grand Prix at Silverstone. “In fact, it looks like possi- chairman John Elkann. quickly — including isolating of challenges and pressures I “I think F1 will make a calen- bly all the European rounds will But the 35-year-old appeared to way, as I’m not trying to move. moving towards a new contract players on an island. have loved every single minute dar-wide decision in the earlier most likely be in that scenario. end talk of a switch yesterday I’m with the people who have are confirmed. Four-time world After vowing to play on of the journey,” said Green- part of May,” said Pringle, whose “With now our condensed when he said his future remains cared from day one.” Hamilton, champion Vettel, like Hamilton, through the crisis, the season berg. “I am very proud of my circuit drew the biggest crowd schedule, what’s the best way to with British-based Mercedes. who added that Mercedes were is out of contract at the end of was suspended on March 24 contribution to the game.” of any last year and is a short get as much racing done as pos- “There is no dream of another “the best team”, will have been the season, while the German’s after just two rounds as the The NRL appointed chief drive from seven of the 10 teams’ sible? One of the ideas is poten- team. I am with my dream aware that any opportunity to team-mate Charles Leclerc has government shut down all commercial officer Andrew headquarters. Silverstone also tially (to have) multiple events at team,” Hamilton said on Insta- join Ferrari would be quashed if a contract with the Italian team non-essential gatherings in a Abdo as an acting chief execu- hosted the first world champi- the same location, Silverstone gram. “There’s not a thing in my reports that Sebastian Vettel is until the end of 2024. AFP bid to stem the spread of coro- tive “while a search is under- onship grand prix in 1950. “They being one of those.” navirus. taken” for a replacement. Tuesday, April 21, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

CRICKET SPOTLIGHT QCF to host Qatar Australia players Champions League Chess Lightning Championship willing to take pay QNA place with a 60-minute points Doha accumulation system, and the Federation has set the date for the start of the competitions at he Qatar Chess Federa- 2pm via the LIchess application tion has announced that through smartphones or iPad it will organise the Qa- devices. cuts, says Hazlewood Ttar Champions League Hussein Aziz, the tournament Chess Lightning Champion- director, said that the Federation ship this Saturday. It is a series stressed the importance of hold- ‘We’re obviously partners in the game and we’ve always said that’ of 12 tournaments held by the ing local tournaments besides in- “remote” playing system with ternational championship during Reuters the participation of a number of the current period and the tour- Melbourne players from the Qatari teams, nament came in order to support and will be held every Saturday talents and raise their capabilities and will end on July 25. during the current suspension ustralia’s cricketers are willing The tournament will take period of the tournaments. to take pay cuts if it will help keep the game afloat during Athe coronavirus shutdown but the country’s board must be transparent Players joining exhibition about its finances, paceman Josh Hazle- wood has said. events must be vigilant: ATP Cricket Australia (CA) said last week it planned to furlough almost 80% of its Mumbai: Players are free to competitive matches and earn staff, putting them on 20% pay until June participate in exhibition events some income,” the ATP added. 30 when it is hoped more information while the professional tennis “We also remind players of will be available on how long government season remains shut due to the need to prioritize health curbs to control the new coronavirus will the novel coronavirus but they and safety and to follow any last. Hazlewood said he was taken aback must prioritise their health applicable governmental and by news of the financial pressures CA was and remain vigilant against health agency guidelines at this under situation, given that the Australian corrupt approaches, authorities time as well as the applicable cricket season was all but over when the have said. Professional tennis provisions of the Tennis Anti- national lockdown brought sport to a halt came to a halt in March after Corruption Program (TACP).” in March. countries started closing bor- While Australian Alexei Popy- “It probably took me a little bit by sur- ders and imposed lockdown to rin will take on world number prise just due to the fact that it’s hap- contain the spread of the virus, 10 David Goffin in the open- pened at a perfect time, this pandemic, and all events are currently ing match at Mouratoglou’s for Cricket Australia,” Hazlewood told re- suspended till at least July 13. academy, the event at the Base porters on a video conference yesterday. The tennis shutdown has left Tennis Academy near the small “We’re obviously partners in the game players in the lower tiers who town of Hoehr-Grenzhausen and we’ve always said that. We’ve rid- depend solely on tournament will have no players currently den the highs and now it’s time to ride the winnings without the chance to ranked in top 100. lows. We’ll see what it comes to and we’ll earn a living. The Rafa Nadal Academy in obviously play our part.” “Players are self-employed in- Spain’s Mallorca is also con- CA has been criticised in the media fol- dependent contractors and, as sidering turning its campus lowing reports over the weekend that its such, are free to make decisions into a place where elite players financial reserves had been hit by a slump concerning their own activi- can stay, train and compete in in global stock markets due to the pan- ties during the time the Tour is matches among themselves demic. The reserves could come under suspended,” an ATP spokesman that will be televised around further pressure if the Twenty20 World said yesterday. the world. A 2018 International Cup, which starts in October, and the Serena Williams’ coach Review Panel report commis- lucrative Test series against India in the Patrick Mouratoglou said his sioned to address betting and home summer are forced to be abandoned tennis academy in south of integrity issues said that players due to the virus. Hazlewood said relations France will host a five-week in the lowest tiers were suscep- between CA and the national players’ un- tournament starting in May that tible to corruption because of ion were on a far better footing than three will give players the chance to the difficulty in making a living. years ago during acrimonious negotia- get back on court during the The Tennis Integrity Unit tions over a new pay deal. COVID-19 pandemic. (TIU) reminded the players “That will go a long way to go toward The German state of that they will still be expected this episode going a lot better than last Rhineland-Palatinate is also set to uphold the anti-corruption time,” he said. “Hopefully it’s a lot better to host an exhibition event with- principles despite the events communication and I think we’ll see that out the presence of fans from being not recognised by any in the coming weeks, coming months. As May 1, according to The Tel- governing body. long as (CA) (show) a lot of transparency Australian paceman Josh Hazlewood. egraph newspaper. Both events “We understand that these on all the numbers, all the players will be said they will comply with local will be attractive opportunities pretty happy with that... to see exactly keeper Adam Gilchrist has forecast a dra- and two-Test tour of Bangladesh both Even maybe further for a while,” Gilchrist physical distancing require- to many of you eager to play where we’re situated at the present and matic winding back of player salaries and postponed, while the women’s team had a said. “It’s going to get stripped back, right ments and health protocols to and to earn an income,” the TIU, moving forward.” the overall cricket economy, while former white-ball tour of South Africa cancelled. back. Support staff numbers have to get ensure the safety of players, which is tasked with tackling CA have already delayed an announce- captain Mark Taylor believes pay cuts are Gilchrist predicted “ongoing and dragged back. The revenue is going to go coaches and staff onsite. corruption in the game, said in a ment on national and state player con- inevitable. Only one of three scheduled long-standing consequences” for cricket down significantly, 50 per cent they (CA) “We understand that some statement on its website. tracts for men and women cricketers by a Gillette ODIs against New Zealand could arguing sport on the whole had lost per- are banking on at the moment and that’s privately organised exhibition “While the playing opportuni- month to April 30 due to the uncertainty be played before cricket was cancelled, spective and this juncture could have a an optimistic position I believe. The play- matches may start to take place ties created are welcomed, we created by the virus. Hazlewood said the and that was held behind closed doors “cleansing effect”. ers will take a whack.” where and when local govern- must advise you that there may players wanted CA to honour the new at the SCG, while the end of the Marsh “Without being aware of any numbers Former captain Taylor, who resigned ment restrictions allow, and be an elevated risk of corrup- deadline. “But I guess these are strange Sheffield Shield season was curtailed by and the financial side of it, I wouldn’t be from the CA Board in 2018 after 13 years, these are attractive opportuni- tion and corrupt approaches in times and anything can happen,” he said. the pandemic. Australia has seen a three- surprised if we go back a decade or two said there was “no doubt” players would ties for our players to play some some of these environments.” On Sunday, former Australia wicket- match T20 series against New Zealand to the level of payment that players get. take a cut.

FOCUS TENNIS Cricket chiefs to Jarry can return in November after ban backdated

AFP NO FANS, NO BALLKIDS — discuss virus-hit London GERMAN TENNIS PLANS SERIES Davis Cup players Jan-Lennard Struff and Philipp Kohlschreiber will have global calendar icolas Jarry will be able to to pick up balls themselves and lines- return to tennis in November people are also not planned in a German AFP ing matches. ICC chief executive after the Chilean world number tennis series designed to help players get London Manu Sawhney said the meet- N89’s doping ban was backdated through the coronavirus pandemic. ing would be the first step in a yesterday. Jarry tested positive for ana- There will also be no fans or post- “collective process”. “We need bolic agent ligandrol and anabolic steroid match handshakes in the series by the ricket chiefs will this to share knowledge and start to stanozolol at the Davis Cup in November. German Tennis Federation (DTB) for 32 week discuss the future build a deep understanding of The 24-year-old claimed his positive men and 24 women which is to start on of some of the sport’s what it will take to resume inter- test was due to “cross-contamination” June 8, if possible, and last seven weeks. Cbiggest events as they national cricket,” he said. and the International Tennis Federation “It is a good idea. It is about getting try to find a way through the “Countries will start to reo- have accepted that explanation, allow- through the times for the lads before it all disruption caused by the coro- pen at different stages and in ing him to return to action this year if starts again,” Davis Cup captain Michael navirus pandemic. Thursday’s different ways and we will need the sport resumes after the coronavirus Kohlmann said. conference call will bring to- to respect that and have a ho- pandemic. “He must serve a period of “After an extended break players gether the chief executives of the listic view of this to enable us ineligibility of 11 months and that period always take a while to find their rhythm International Cricket Council’s to take well-informed decisions of ineligibility is back-dated to start and to show the performance they are 12 full member nations and three that mitigate the various risks as on 16 December 2019, and so ending at capable of. So it is good that the lads have associate representatives. much as possible.” midnight on 15 November 2020,” an ITF the opportunity this way to get at least The start of the English season statement said. some match practice.” and the lucrative Twenty20 In- SOUTH AFRICA’S TOUR Jarry was originally charged in Janu- In order to go adhere to government dian Premier League have both OF SRI LANKA POSTPONED ary and was provisionally suspended restrictions and social distancing rules been delayed by Covid-19. Eng- South Africa’s planned tour of later that month. He said he had taken Chile’s Nicolas Jarry tested positive for anabolic agent ligandrol and anabolic steroid the event will be as basic as possible, land and Wales Cricket Board Sri Lanka in June has been post- “multi-vitamins made in Brazil” that stanozolol at the Davis Cup in November. (Reuters) with only the two players and the chair chief executive Tom Harrison poned, the controlling bodies of his doctor recommended because they umpire present. Play is to take place in has warned an entire season the two countries announced. were “guaranteed to be free from banned in 2021, like Kim Clijsters,” Fognini told finishing. “Right now I find it hard to eight groups at four yet to be determined without cricket would cost the The visitors were due to play substances”. Italian daily Corriere della Sera. “I spoke imagine a return,” he said. “How can a outdoor locations for the men and three game there more than £300mn three one-day and three Twen- to (Francesca) Schiavone and (Corrado) tournament director take responsibility for the women, with two further stages while Cricket Australia have laid ty20 internationals. The one-day FOGNINI WANTS WIFE PENNETTA TO Barazzutti, they train her and I manage for the health of players, staff, media, to follow. Group winners are to earn off staff. games would have been South MAKE COMEBACK LIKE CLIJSTERS them, I already have the tournament spectators? 4,000 euros and the prize money then South Africa’s limited-overs Africa’s first fixtures in the Inter- Italian tennis player Fabio Fognini has re- programme ready.” “I’m honest: I’m sorry because they rises at the event which is not so much tour of Sri Lanka in June became national Cricket Council’s new vealed he would like wife Flavia Pennetta Pennetta won 28 WTA titles during her are big tournaments and give so many designed for top stars like three-time the latest series to be postponed one-day league. Cricket South to follow in the footsteps of another career, reaching a career-high number points, but I don’t know if I will return to Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber yesterday. The virus could also Africa acting chief executive former US Open champion, Kim Cli- six ranking in singles and number one Asia anymore. I would not have gone to but rather the likes of world number 161 threaten this year’s T20 World Jacques Faul cited health con- jsters, and make a comeback to the sport in doubles. The couple returned to their the Tokyo Olympics this year. My biggest Andrea Lottner. Struff and Kohlschreiber Cup in Australia, meant to start cerns and the fact that the South after having a child. home at Arma di Taggia, south of Genoa fear is not catching the virus, but spread- have however signalled interest on the on October 18. And next year’s African players would have been Pennetta, 38, retired soon after win- after the outbreak of the coronavirus ing it. I am no longer alone. I am a dad men’s side as the ATP and WTA tours inaugural World Test Champi- unable to prepare properly be- ning the US Open in 2015, and the couple pandemic. and husband. Talking about the economy have been suspended since March and at onship final at Lord’s may have to cause of the country’s corona- have two young children, three-year-old And the 11th-ranked Fognini, who won is fine, but I’m not going anywhere until least until mid-July. Fund-raising efforts be delayed if countries are unable virus lockdown as the main rea- Federico, and a daughter Farah born last the Monte Carlo Masters last year, said I am 110% sure. Will I lose points and are also planned along with possible to play their scheduled qualify- sons for the postponement. December. “I’m trying to get Flavia back he could not see the 2020 tennis season money? Patience.” television broadcasts.