CCRICKETRICKET | Page 2 GGOLFOLF | Page 5 Willey, Billings McIlroy may not star as England return to Europe beat Ireland in this year due to ODI return Covid-19

Friday, July 31, 2020 OLYMPIC GAMES Dhul-Hijjah 10, 1441 AH Olympics could GULF TIMES have limited spectators: Muto SPORT Page 6

HORSE RACING Fancy Blue lands Qatar Nassau Stakes at Goodwood Filly is Donnacha O’Brien’s first UK winner; Supremacy, son of Al Shaqab stallion Mehmas, wins Qatar Richmond Stakes

Ryan Moore (left) rides Fancy Blue to Qatar Nassau Stakes (Group 1) victory at Qatar Goodwood Festival yesterday. PICTURES: Goodwood Adam Kirby (foreground) guides Supremacy to Qatar Richmond Stakes (Group 2) victory yesterday.

FANCY BLUE LANDS QATAR astride, early in the seven run- believable, and it is massive. It is Adam Kirby landed the Group four lengths from Yazaman, who Glamorous Girl made every yard Agencies NASSAU STAKES Chichester, United Kingdom ners. She continued to lead until unbelievable that I get a fi lly like 2 Qatar Richmond Stakes a year is trained by William Haggas and a winning one when landing the Fancy Blue was Donnacha facing a strong challenge from her in my fi rst year. I was hopeful ago with subsequent Group 1 was ridden byTom Marquand. Al opening Mirabeau En Provence O’Brien’s fi rst runner as a trainer Fancy Blue two furlongs out. of a good performance due to the Commonwealth Cup hero Gold- Shaqab Racing’s Lauded made Handicap, a fi ve-furlong contest he third day of the 2020 in the UK and gave the Irish han- Ridden by Ryan Moore, Fancy weight she was getting, and this en Horde. The duo was on the a strong challenge at the fi nal for three-year-olds. It was a fi rst renewal of the Qatar dler reason to celebrate as she Blue took the lead entering the race fi tted in well after her win in mark again yesterday with Su- stages of the race to fi nish third Qatar Goodwood Festival winner TGoodwood Festival had an became his fi rst UK winner in the fi nal furlong and then had to see the French Oaks. We will give her premacy in the six-furlong con- for trainer Tom Dascombe and for both Chepstow-based trainer eight-race card, including Group 1 Qatar Nassau Stakes. It off the strong late challenge of a little break now. She has had a test for two-year-olds. jockey Richard Kingscote. This Chris Mason and jockey William the Group 1 Qatar Nassau Stakes was a second success at the top One Voice. Fancy Blue held on by busy start to the year. We might A son of Al Shaqab Racing clear-cut victory refl ects the Cox. The winner saw off all chal- for three-year-old and older fi llies level for the daughter of Deep a neck in front of One Voice, who look at Irish Champions Week- Stallion Mehmas, winner of this high class the progeny of Meh- lengers to score by a length and a and mares over 2,000m and the Impact, following her win in the is trained by Jessica Harrington end to bring her back,” the win- race in 2016, Supremacy broke mas’ who will certainly be in high half from Newyorkstateofmind, Group 2 Qatar Richmond Stakes Group 1 Prix de Diane (French and was ridden Tom Marquand. ning trainer said. well from stall two and soon went demand soon. who is trained by William Muir for two-year-old colts and geld- Oaks) on July 5. John Gosden’s trainee Nazeef into the lead. He continued at and was ridden by David Egan. ings over 1,200m. The day also saw It was Magic Wand, trained by fi nished third under Jim Crowley. SUPREMACY TOPS QATAR the head of aff airs and saw off all GLAMOROUS GIRL HANDS Show Me Show Me, trained by various Qatari-owned runners in O’Brien’s father, Aidan, who took “That was a lovely perform- RICHMOND STAKES comers before going away again MASON AND COX FIRST Richard Fahey, fi nished third un- several races. the lead, with Frankie Dettori ance from Fancy Blue. She is un- Trainer Clive Cox and jockey in the fi nal furlong to score by GOODWOOD SUCCESS der Paddy Mathers.

FOOTBALL HORSE RACING / QATAR INTERNATIONAL STAKES Xavi recovers from Ebraz and Tayf to go head-to-head again coronavirus By Sports Reporter Highness The Amir Sword. are required, however they are Doha Also opposing from France the youngest and least exposed QNA are two progressive fi ve-year- of the UK runners. All will be Doha olds, Deryan and Bel’izam. coming here without the ben- or a fourth consecu- Deryan comes here on the back efi t of a preparatory outing tive year, two of the of a recent Group 1 PA success and with prize money down to l Sadd’s training ses- Fworld’s leading Ara- over further, while Bel’izam sixth, the competition for the sion on Wednesday bian racehorses, Ebraz has scored three pattern suc- lower places will be strong. witnessed the return of A Xavi Her- and Tayf, will go head-to-head cesses so far. This month he QREC CEO Nasser bin Sher- head coach in the Qatar International denied Ebraz a win on his Eu- ida al-Kaabi said, “We have nandez after his recovery from Stakes. They complete a fi eld ropean reappearance, so is all been impacted by this pan- Covid-19, which he had con- of nine declared runners for the clearly going the right way. demic, but this year’s edition tracted around 14 days ago. £200,000 Group 1 PA contest, The remaining fi ve runners of the race refl ects our passion Al Sadd are preparing for the to be run over a mile on the fi - are all UK trained, the largest to support Arabian racing un- upcoming QNB Stars League nal day of the Qatar Goodwood Ebraz (left) had beaten Tayf (second from right) at the 2019 edition number of domestic challeng- der any circumstances. I also Round 19 clash against Al Ahli on expectations of the management Festival. The race will be the of Qatar International Stakes (Group 1 PA). (Debbie Burt) ers since the race began in 2015. would like to thank both ARO Monday at Al Janoub Stadium. of the club and its fans, who are fi rst to be held in front of UK Whilst Storm Troupour and and Goodwood for their com- Also, Al Sadd’s new player Ro- awaiting a lot from me,” Tabata spectators since the onset of ness The Amir Sword, highlight his Goodwood success last year, Zayin Angkor Centurion have mitment and hard work.” drigo Tabata was warmly wel- said. Covid-19 and promises to be a of Qatar’s annual February Fes- he put up a strong performance been found wanting in this Commenting on the event comed for his fi rst training ses- “I played with most of the thrilling contest. tival, concludes the challenge, to win in Paris and then claimed before, the most interesting ARO Finance and Commercial sion, after signing a one-season players in the Al Sadd team dur- It forms the fi rst stage of the making it a true test across three a third victory in His Highness could be Shaheer, making his Director Genny Haynes said: deal with the club. ing my time with the club in Doha Triple Crown, compris- countries. The Amir Sword this February. UK debut for new connections. “Though our season has been Tabata underwent special 2014 and I know them well and ing of three Group 1 PA contests To date, Ebraz, the world’s Dual Group 1PA winner Tayf is a He was Group 1 PA placed in delayed, we are very grateful training with the supervision of they also know my style, and over a mile, a mile and a quarter, highest rated Arabian, is the worthy opponent, having beaten France as a juvenile and in an- for the continued support of the fi tness coach to prepare him- therefore we will not need time and a mile and a half. The Qatar only horse to win the Doha Tri- Ebraz here in 2017 in an epic dual other similar event in 2018. Qatar Racing and Equestrian self to join group training. to adapt, especially in this pe- Arabian World Cup at Paris- ple Crown which carries a $1mn throughout the fi nal furlong and The sporting connections of Club and Goodwood race- “I am happy to join Al Sadd, riod when the team is up against Longchamp on Arc weekend is bonus. In what was a truly his- fi nished runner-up to him here Tijaary and Abiyah Athbah course of UK Arabian racing at and I promise everyone that I will some diffi cult challenges which the second stage and His High- toric achievement, following last year, and in this year’s His both admit that career bests this most challenging time.” give all that I have, and always require the combined eff ort of my best, so that I will be up to the everyone,” Tabata added. Gulf Times 2 Friday, July 31, 2020 CRICKET

ENG VS IRE, 1ST ODI FOCUS PCB expects Willey and Billings England to ‘do the right thing’ in 2022

Reuters good stead. Lahore, Pakistan “Will that benefi t Pakistan star as England beat cricket in future? Of course it will,” he told a PCB podcast. akistan’s decision to “Have we struck a deal with tour England despite the them right now for them to Prisks of travelling dur- come?... Of course we didn’t. ing the Covid-19 pan- Now is not the time to do that. demic was not part of a recipro- It’s all about timing. cal agreement but the Pakistan “Conversations will take place Ireland in ODI return Cricket Board (PCB) expects its with ECB (England and Wales Campher scores unbeaten 59 in Ireland’s 172, hosts win by 22.1 overs to spare English counterpart to “do the Cricket Board) and they will do right thing” in 2022. the right thing by us as well.” AFP Pakistan are the second Test After years of staging ‘home’ Southampton, United Kingdom team, after West Indies, to tour Tests in neutral venues due to se- England this summer. They will curity concerns, Pakistan played play three Tests, the fi rst begin- their fi rst Test on home soil since avid Willey and Sam ning on Wednesday, and three 2009 against Sri Lanka in De- Billings guided world Twenty20 Internationals in bio- cember last year and have hosted Dchampions England to secure venues in Manchester and Bangladesh this year. a six-wicket win over Southampton. Khan said the PCB had put the Ireland at Southampton yester- England last visited Pakistan game’s interests ahead of its own. day in the fi rst one-day interna- in 2005 and are slated to return “We are making decisions not tional. in 2022, but the top teams have just for what’s good for Paki- Left-arm paceman Wil- so far declined to tour since a stan, but what’s right for global ley, appearing in his fi rst ODI 2009 attack on Sri Lanka’s team cricket. since being left out of England’s bus in Lahore. “Showing solidarity is abso- World Cup-winning squad for PCB Chief Executive Wasim lutely the right thing for us to be Jofra Archer, took a career-best Khan said yesterday that the tour doing. West Indies are doing it, 5-30 as Ireland were dismissed of England would stand them in we’ve done it.” for a modest 172 in a match that marked the return of white-ball cricket from the coronavirus lockdown. But an unfamiliar-looking England’s David Willey runs in to bowl during the first ODI against England, in the fi rst of a three- Ireland in Southampton yesterday. (AFP) match series that launches the new World Cup Super League to determine qualifi cation for Scorecard the 2023 50-over showpiece in India, slumped to 78-4 at the IRELAND Mahmood 9-1-36-2 (1w); Rashid Ageas Bowl. P. Stirling c Morgan b Willey 2 10-3-26-1; Curran 7-0-37-1 (1w); Sam Billings, a late injury re- Moeen 10-0-37-0 placement for Kent team-mate G. Delany c Banton b Willey 22 ENGLAND Joe Denly, made 67 not out in- A. Balbirnie c Bairstow b Willey 3 cluding 11 fours at better than a H. Tector b Mahmood 0 J. Roy lbw b Young 24 run-a-ball. J. Bairstow lbw b McBrine 2 Together with World Cup- K. O’Brien c Willey b Rashid 22 winning captain Eoin Morgan, L. Tucker lbw b Willey 0J. Vince c Tucker b Young 25 a former Ireland batsman, he C. Campher not out 59 T. Banton c Tucker b Campher 11 PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan shared an unbroken fi fth-wicket Simi Singh run out (Banton/ S. Billings not out 67 partnership of 96. Bairstow) 0E. Morgan not out 36 Willey took 4-12 as Ireland slumped to 28-5 after losing the England’s Sam Billings in action during the first ODI against Ireland at A. McBrine c Billings b Curran 40 Extras (lb6, nb1, w2) 9 Pakistan pacer Haris cleared for toss. the Rose Bowl Stadium in Southampton yesterday. (Reuters) B. McCarthy c Vince b Mahmood 3 Total (4 wkts, 27.5 overs) 174 Curtis Campher held fi rm C. Young c Roy b Willey 11 Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Bairstow), England tour for a duck to leave Ireland 28-5. to end the innings. with an unbeaten 59 on debut. 2-34 (Roy), 3-59 (Vince), 4-78 Willey’s return was his best Extras (b4, lb2, w4) 10 Together with Andy McBrine (Banton) AFP conducted on Monday and (40) he shared a stand of 66 after CAMPHER CARRIES ON in 47 ODIs, surpassing his 4-34 Total (all out, 44.4 overs) 172 Wednesday,” the PCB said in a Bowling: McCarthy 0.5-0-3-0 Karachi, Pakistan Ireland were in danger of being The 21-year-old Campher, a against Sri Lanka in Cardiff in Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Stirling), statement. dismissed for under 100 at 79-7. former South Africa youth in- 2016. (1nb); Stirling 0.1-0-1-0; Young Rauf rose to prominence 2-7 (Balbirnie), 3-28 (Tector), 8-0-56-2; McBrine 8-0-47-1 Willey struck with just the ternational qualifi ed for Ireland Ireland suff ered a blow in the 4-28 (Delany), 5-28 (Tucker), wenty20 pace sensa- earlier this year when he took fourth ball of the match when through his mother, survived fi rst over of England’s reply when (1w); Campher 5-0-26-1 (1w); tion Haris Rauf has been 20 wickets in 10 matches in 6-79 (O’Brien), 7-79 (Simi Singh), Simi Singh 3.5-0-23-0; Delany T Paul Stirling chipped him to the hat-trick delivery and went Barry McCarthy walked off after cleared to join Pakistan’s Australia’s Twenty20 Big Bash 8-145 (McBrine), 9-156 (McCa- 2-0-12-0 Morgan at midwicket. on to complete an admirable bowling fi ve balls with what ap- rthy), 10-172 (Young) cricket squad in England after league. Ireland were 7-2 when skip- 103-ball fi fty. peared to be a hamstring injury. RESULT: Bowling: England won by six twice testing negative for coro- He has played just two Twen- per Andy Balbirnie was caught Kevin O’Brien, whose stun- Off -spinner McBrine, how- Willey 8.4-2-30-5 (2w); wickets navirus, off icials said yesterday. ty20 internationals for Paki- behind driving at Willey. ning 50-ball hundred set up a ever, had Jonny Bairstow lbw for Rauf was ordered into stan, but will be a key member Gareth Delany hit fi ve fours remarkable Ireland win over two before fellow opener Jason campaign. son cut short by the Covid-19 quarantine on June 22 after of the squad in England. in his 22 before he struck Willey England during the 2011 World Roy fell leg before to Young. This was England’s fi rst home outbreak and they are maintain- testing positive for the virus, Pakistan start a three-match straight to backward point. Cup, made 22 before he holed As happened before each of ODI since they beat New Zea- ing two separate squads, mean- and despite never showing Test series in Manchester from Next ball, the 30-year-old out off leg-spinner Adil Rashid. the recent England-West Indies land in last year’s World Cup fi - ing several World Cup winners any symptoms failed four August 5. They will also play Willey, the son of former Eng- McBrine pulled Tom Curran Tests, players from both sides nal at Lord’s. including Joe Root, Ben Stokes more tests before finally being three Twenty20 internationals. land batsman and umpire David to deep square leg before Willey took a knee before play in sup- England’s red and white-ball and Archer won’t feature against cleared. Fast bowler Mohamed Amir Willey, had Lorcan Tucker lbw dismissed last man Craig Young port of the Black Lives Matter fi xtures are overlapping in a sea- Ireland. The Pakistan Cricket Board has already joined the Pakistan (PCB) said the 26-year-old squad in Derby after clearing will join the squad over the two virus tests. BOTTOMLINE weekend. He had to spend five days “As per the protocols, Rauf in isolation after arriving in has tested negative in tests Britain. Windies bowlers undermined by batting woes SPOTLIGHT AFP dies had to make do with a couple Manchester, United Kingdom of intra-squad games instead. The rise of lucrative franchise Twenty20 tournaments mean Hardik and Natasa hen the West Indies several leading West Indies crick- arrived in England eters now play little fi rst-class Wfor a three-Test cricket outside the Test arena. blessed with a baby boy series, many ob- But it is still only a year ago servers wondered if their bats- since West Indies captain Jason men could give a talented attack Holder, an all-rounder, made an enough runs to play with. unbeaten double century and In the end it was a task that shared a stand of 295 with wick- proved beyond the tourists’ top- etkeeper Shane Dowrich during order during a 2-1 reverse that a 381-run win over England in saw England regain the Wisden Barbados. Trophy. When West Indies were Test The Caribbean side struck cricket’s dominant force in the fi rst, winning the fi rst Test at 1970s and 1980s, many of their Southampton by four wickets, players were also English county with Jermaine Blackwood’s 95 regulars. anchoring their impressive run- Opener Gordon Greenidge chase in the fourth innings of and fast bowler Malcolm Mar- the match. shall faced Test team-mates Viv But it was a diff erent sto- Richards, one of cricket’s great- ry in the next two matches at est batsmen, and giant quick IANS Hardik’s Instagram post in Old Traff ord, where a fi red-up Joel Garner when Hampshire New Delhi, India May had read: “Natasa and I had Stuart Broad, controversially played Somerset. a great journey together and it is omitted from the series opener, An increasing number of in- just about to get better. Togeth- took 16 wickets — including his ternational matches and chang- ndia all-rounder Hardik er we are excited to welcome a 500th in Tests. es in regulations led to restric- Pandya and Natasa Stanko- new life into our lives very soon. Facing Broad in English con- tions on overseas stars, but from Ivic have been blessed with We’re thrilled for this new phase ditions, where he repeatedly England’s Stuart Broad (right) celebrates taking his 500th test wicket with teammates after taking the next season the 18 fi rst-class a baby boy, the 26-year-old of our life and seek your blessings makes the ball move off a good wicket of West Indies’ Kraigg Brathwaite (second from left) during the third Test on Tuesday. (Reuters) counties will again be allowed to announced via his social media and wishes.” length, is one of world cricket’s fi eld two per side. handle. Wishes immediately poured more challenging assignments. mons said that gave his side a ley scored vital hundreds for the Batsmen Darren Bravo and “That would defi nitely help His Twitter post read: “We in with India skipper Virat Kohli But whereas the West Indies hard task. home side. Shimron Hetmyer both declined and give our players exposure,” are blessed with our baby boy.” being one of the fi rst to wish the survived for 70.1 overs in the “Wherever you go it’s going to For all England’s excellence invitations to tour for a series said Holder of the prospect of It was posted with the picture cricketer. He was followed by not second innings of the second be tough, in England’s it’s going with the ball, there were several taking place against the back- renewed West Indian involve- of the baby’s hand. The delivery just the other Indian players, but Test, they were all out in a mere to be toughest with two bowlers self-infl icted wounds. drop of the coronavirus. ment in county cricket. happened in Vadodara. also chief coach Ravi Shastri. 37.1 overs as England completed (Anderson and Broad), one there Shai Hope, who scored his “At the moment the (visa) The duo had earlier announced Earlier this year, Hardik had a 269-run win in Manchester on in 600, one there in 500 wick- only two Test hundreds against SCHEDULE PRESSURE rules for overseas players are in May that they were expecting announced his engagement to Tuesday. ets,” he said. England at Headingley three Even before Covid-19, modern stringent — you have to play in- a third member in their family. Natasa via social media as well Broad was reunited with Blackwood, Kraigg Brathwaite years ago, gave his wicket away schedules had greatly reduced ternational cricket to qualify as Fast forward a couple of months on January 1. new-ball partner James Ander- and Shamarh Brooks all twice on Tuesday by mistiming a pull the number of warm-up match- an overseas player. and they shared the good news The news of India all-rounder son, England’s all-time leading reached fi fty but none went on off Chris Woakes to mid-on — es that enabled touring sides to “But if we get more players with their fans and followers on Hardik’s engagement to Natasa wicket-taker, in the third Test to reach three fi gures. In con- an attacking shot when the West adjust to local conditions. over here it would put us in bet- social media, with the photo of was not just a surprise for his fans, and West Indies coach Phil Sim- trast, Ben Stokes and Dom Sib- Indies were batting for a draw. This time around, the West In- ter stead.” their newly-born child. but also for his India teammates. Gulf Times Friday, July 31, 2020 3 SPORT

MLB SPOTLIGHT Kelly banned for eight games for Rios HR in 13th Astros fi reworks gives LA Dodgers sweep of Astros Rios, who struck out as a pinch-hitter leading off the 11th, drilled a 2-2 cutter from Astros reliever Cy Sneed (0-1) 368 feet into the seats in right field

AFP world of baseball, and ulti- Los Angeles mately led to the suspension and dismissal of general man- ager Jeff Luhnow and eldfi os Angeles Dodgers manager A.J. Hinch. pitcher Joe Kelly was The Astros were also fi ned slapped with an eight- $5mn (4.24mn euros), the Lgame ban by Major maximum allowable under League Baseball on Wednes- MLB rules. day after his fi ery display MLB commissioner Rob against the Houston Astros. Manfred resisted calls to strip Kelly triggered a bench- the Astros of the title however, clearing confrontation dur- and also failed to levy punish- ing the Dodgers’ 5-2 victory ments against multiple Hou- Edwin Rios #43 of the over the Astros on Tuesday in ston players who admitted Los Angeles Dodgers the fi rst meeting between the their part in the cheating plot. celebrates with Enrique two teams since Houston were Speaking to reporters on Hernandez #14 after punished for their 2017 sign- Wednesday, Dodgers skipper hitting a two-run home stealing scandal. Roberts said he would warn run in the thirteenth A statement from Major his players not to leave the inning against the League Baseball said Kelly bench again, emphasising the Houston Astros at had aimed a pitch near Astros potential risks of confronta- Minute Maid Park on shortstop Alex Bregman’s hel- tions in the era of Covid-19. Wednesday. met, and later taunted Carlos “I’m going to talk to the Correa after striking the Hou- guys today briefl y about leav- ston slugger out in the sixth ing the bench. MLB is really Agencies the 11th. over 5 2/3 innings. homered as the Twins complet- 2/3 innings. inning. serious about this, as well as New York Mookie Betts provided the He made his big-league debut ed a two-game sweep of the St. Ponce de Leon, a substitute Kelly’s exchange with Cor- they should be. Dodgers a 2-1 lead when he drove July 25 against the Seattle Mari- Louis Cardinals with a 3-0 starter for Miles Mikolas, who rea prompted players from I have to reiterate it to guys, home Hernandez with his two- ners and was starting for injured victory on Wednesday night in was scratched Tuesday with a both benches to stream onto at any cost, to stay on the dwin Rios slugged a two- out double to left-center fi eld off ace Justin Verlander. Minneapolis. season-ending fl exor tendon the fi eld at Minute Maid Park bench,” Roberts said. run homer leading off Sneed in the 11th. Javier cruised early, rebound- Hill, pitching for the fi rst time injury in his right arm that will in a tense standoff before calm However Roberts, who Ethe top of the 13th in- But the Astros (3-3) answered ing after allowing a home run to since undergoing elbow surgery require surgery, struck out eight was restored. won’t appeal his one-game ning and the Los Angeles immediately in the bottom half Corey Seager in the second. in October, allowed just two sin- and also hit a batter. Kelly has appealed the sus- ban, sympathised with the Dodgers outlasted the host Hou- of that frame, with Yuli Gur- Javier faced and met his great- gles and a walk while striking out Minnesota took a 1-0 lead in pension, meaning he is free to lingering frustration of his ston Astros 4-2 in extra innings riel and Carlos Correa stroking est challenge with one out and two. the fi rst inning when Luis Arraez play until the case is settled. players over the Astros cheat- Wednesday night at Minute back-to-back hits. two runners on in the sixth. He didn’t permit a runner to walked and scored on Nelson Dodgers manager Dave ing scandal. Maid Park to sweep this two- Pinch-runner Jack Mayfi eld He had retired 12 consecu- reach second base before turning Cruz’s two-out line double into Roberts was also given a one- “This is something that has game interleague series. scored on the Correa opposite- tive batters following the Seager the game over to the bullpen. the gap in right-center. game suspension for his role in built up over the course of sev- Rios, who struck out as a fi eld single to knot the score at homer but showed signs of fa- Tyler Duff ey, who struck out Rosario made it 2-0 in the the confrontation. en months after the fi ndings,” pinch-hitter leading off the 11th, 2-2. tigue when he issued a four- the side, Sergio Romo, Tyler fourth with his fi rst home run Astros manager Dusty said Roberts. drilled a 2-2 cutter from Astros But Santana entered in relief pitch walk to catcher Austin Clippard and Taylor Rogers each of the season, a 398-foot drive Baker, who was caught on mi- “It sort of released. reliever Cy Sneed (0-1) 368 feet of left-hander Scott Alexan- Barnes, the Dodgers’ No. pitched a scoreless inning of re- off the front of the upper deck in crophone swearing at Kelly, “It was unfortunate, but to into the seats in right fi eld. der and preserved the tie by re- 9 hitter. lief for the Twins. right. has been fi ned an undisclosed spin it, it’s a good thing we got Enrique Hernandez, who cording a called third strike on Javier then failed to cleanly Rogers, who had 30 saves in One out later, Ponce de Leon amount. Tuesday’s clash be- it out of the way and move on opened the frame on second base Springer. fi eld a swinging bunt from Max 2019, picked up his fi rst of the hit Jake Cave and then walked tween the Astros and Dodg- and play baseball.” per rules enacted for the 2020 He worked 2 1/3 hitless in- Muncy, bringing Betts to the season as Minnesota extended Marwin Gonzalez. ers was a rematch of the 2017 Meanwhile, the second season, scored on the Rios blast nings with two walks and four plate with the go-ahead run in its winning streak to three. After Tyler Webb replaced World Series, which the Astros game of the Dodgers’ road — the fi rst two-run home run to strikeouts. scoring position in a 1-1 game. Hill (1-0), at 40 years and 140 Ponce de Leon on the mound, won in seven games. series in Houston passed off lead off an inning in MLB history, Houston stranded 15 baserun- Javier got Betts to lift a harm- days, became the oldest Twin to Alex Avila drove in Cave with a That World Series victory without incident on Wednes- per MLB.com. ners and fi nished 3-for-19 with less fl y ball to right, and rookie start a game since Bartolo Colon, bloop single to left. however was later tarnished day. Dennis Santana (1-0), the runners in scoring position. Blake Taylor stranded the two then 44, in 2017. St. by revelations that the Astros A two-run homer from Ed- ninth pitcher of the game for the Astros rookie right-hander runners he inherited by retiring He threw 68 pitches, 41 for Louis managed just one hit had used an elaborate system win Rios in the 13th inning Dodgers (4-2), earned the win Cristian Javier dazzled in his fi rst Cody Bellinger. strikes. over the fi nal 7 2/3 innings, an to steal the signs of opposing sealed a 4-2 victory for the after starting the game by strik- career start, limiting the Dodg- Meanwhile, Rich Hill pitched St. Louis’ Daniel Ponce de eighth-inning leadoff single by pitchers using cameras hidden Dodgers, who improved to 4-2 ing out George Springer with the ers to one run on two hits and fi ve shutout innings in his Min- Leon (0-1) gave up three runs on Dexter Fowler, who was later in the outfi eld. in the National League West potential winning run on third in one walk with eight strikeouts nesota debut, and Eddie Rosario two hits and three walks over 3 erased on a double play. The scandal stunned the standings.

BOTTOMLINE China’s NBA academies under the scanner AFP State broadcaster CCTV stopped other left because he couldn’t stomach Los Angeles screening NBA games last year after a the lack of education. Houston Rockets executive tweeted in “I couldn’t continue to show up eve- support of pro-democracy protesters ry day, looking at these kids and know- oung players have been phys- in Hong Kong. ing they would end up being taxi driv- ically abused and left without The NBA says the row has cost it ers,” told ESPN. schooling at NBA basketball hundreds of millions of dollars in lost Education was intended as a central Yacademies in China, which revenues. plank of the academies, but no formal were described as “sweat camp(s) for The NBA began launching interna- schooling was provided by the Chinese athletes”, an ESPN report said. tional academies in 2016, placing three sport bureaus, the report said. Multiple coaches have complained in China. It detailed cramped living conditions about physical punishment at the The aim was to “fi nd another Yao”, at the Xinjiang academy, where rooms academies including a facility in Xin- former employees told ESPN, referring meant for two players were accommo- jiang, the region where China is ac- to China’s towering former Rockets dating up to 10, sleeping in bunk beds. cused of holding more than a million center Yao Ming. Players trained two or three times a members of ethnic minorities in in- But the Chinese project was “fun- day and had few extracurricular activi- ternment camps. damentally fl awed” according to Bruce ties, ESPN said, adding that teenagers as The NBA says it cut ties last year Palmer, a former technical director at a young as 13 were often left unsupervised. with Xinjiang, but the world’s most private basketball school in China who One expert quoted in the report popular basketball league continues was hired by the NBA to evaluate the pointed out that physical punishment to operate academies in Shandong and academies. was common among sports coaches Zhejiang provinces, in sports facilities The main problems were that NBA in China, underlining a cultural diff er- run by the Chinese government. employees were placed under Chinese ence with the West. One former coach said he saw a authority, and that the league was pre- “For most of the older generation, Chinese counterpart hurl a ball into a part of that. “One of the lessons that we’ve “It’s fair to say we were less involved vented from working with China’s elite even my grandparents, they take cor- young player’s face and “kick him in The NBA is part of that.” learned here is that we do need to have than we wanted to be.” players, Palmer said. poral punishment for granted and even the gut” according to the ESPN inves- NBA deputy commissioner Mark more direct oversight and the ability to The report, by Pulitzer prize-win- “We were basically working for the see it as an expression of love and care,” tigation. Tatum told ESPN that only a “handful” make staffi ng changes when appropri- ning journalist Steve Fainaru and his Chinese government,” one former said Jinming Zheng, an assistant pro- “Imagine you have a kid who’s 13, 14 of complaints about abuse had been ate,” Tatum said. brother Mark Fainaru-Wada, who coach was quoted as saying. fessor of sports management at North- years old, and you’ve got a grown coach received — but added that the league “We don’t have oversight of the local covered the BALCO steroid scandal, According to ESPN, one coach re- umbria University in England. who is 40 years old hitting your kid,” is “re-evaluating” the academy pro- coaches, of the academic programmes comes at a time of fraught relations quested a transfer after seeing Chinese “The older generation still sees it as the coach was quoted as saying. “We’re gramme. or the living conditions,” he added. between the NBA and China. coaches hit teenage players, while an- an integral part of training.” Gulf Times 4 Friday, July 31, 2020 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Can the NFL avoid MLB’s Covid woes at the start? What we’re left with is a baseball season that will be lucky to make it through the month with people still paying attention

By David Murphy (unlike society, the problem is that The Philadelphia Inquirer baseball’s structure does not include such a position, and not that it has ap- pointed a man who is either unwilling our mother lied to you. Some- or unable to do it). times, two rights do equal a Over baseball’s turmoil looms the wrong. The chaos that has spectre of the NFL season, which al- enveloped Major League ready looks to be on shakier ground YBaseball’s alleged championship sea- than one might have expected. With son is one such example. roughly a week to go before the dead- As is often the case with a trembling line to opt out, at least 26 players have structure, the blame falls squarely on a already announced that they will be foundation that is fundamentally un- sitting out. While none of those players sound. That shaky ground is the direct are of such a singular calibre that their result of the acrimonious negotiations absence alone threatens the legiti- between players and owners that re- macy of a season, they include enough sulted in the current season’s frame- prominent names/roles to bring the work. And that acrimony was the league uncomfortably close to the edge direct result of each party’s prioritisa- of the cliff . tion of its own immediate self-interest The deadline is a massive bit of lev- over the collective self-interest of the erage for the players, but for the NFL to game. have a chance at a successful season, What we’re left with is a baseball it must learn from baseball’s failures. season that will be lucky to make it Professional football’s only hope of through the month with people still staging a legitimate 2020 campaign is paying attention. After less than a with 100% buy-in from the folks who week’s worth of games, it has become actually play the game. This might be blatantly clear that the sport’s plan why you are starting to see a fl urry of for reopening amounted to little more contract extensions awarded. It’s also than “Hell, we can’t get lucky if we why there is some reason to think that don’t try.” Given the realities of the the NFL might be uniquely suited to virus in our midst, and the complete insulating itself from pandemic. failure of our local and national lead- Even in normal years, to play pro- ers to chart a coherent path to shore, fessional football is to spend fi ve-plus the only surprise is that baseball’s luck months inside a de-facto bubble. From ran out as quickly as it did. As for eve- August through December, most of rything else? The outbreak in the Mar- these guys spend 90% of their time at lins clubhouse? The decision to play home or at the practice facility. on? The players’ rebellion against that In fact, when word came out about decision? In hindsight, these things Cutouts of fans sit in the seats the NBA’s plan to isolate its players should have been self-evident from at Truist Park prior to the MLB from society for an extended period of the start. game between Atlanta Braves time, you could almost hear the snick- It’s easy to blame the Marlins for and the Tampa Bay Rays in ers from former gridiron greats. Throw handling things as they did. And may- Atlanta on Wednesday. in bunk beds and two-a-days and it be we should. Clearly, they understood used to be called training camp. that they had a decision to make after The NFL faces plenty of challenges several players tested positive. Clearly, unique to its sport, from the size of its the group chat discussion they held dealt with in a certain way. That way positive tests is preposterous. Expect- only chance at staging a legitimate sacrifi ce more of the cash that sits in rosters to the relative paucity of its pay before facing the Phillies resulted in would not involve cancelling any ing a team in the Marlins’ situation season was creating a framework that their credit-lined pockets in order to to the frequency of close on-fi eld con- the decision that was most likely to games. The players who tested posi- to play a competitive game is laugh- prioritised such a thing. And that incentivise players to take the season tacts. Navigating this minefi eld will further the virus’ spread. It seems tive would be identifi ed, removed, and ably counterproductive in a world in would have required the architects of seriously. And it would have required require a synergy of trust and vision clear that they chose the wrong op- isolated, and everybody who did not which the goal is to crown a legitimate that framework – MLB owners and players to sacrifi ce a greater percent- among owners, coaches, and players. tion. test positive would carry on. Given champion while also minimising the the MLBPA – to prioritise something age of the per-game pay that they The relationship between the NFL Except, the error of the Marlins’ that everyone who is participating in spread of a virus. From the standpoint other than their own immediate self- believed they were entitled to receive and its players’ association might not ways is only truly clear in a world in that world volunteered to do so, and of competitive legitimacy, Miami was benefi t. It would have required owners under the terms of their contracts. be as close as the glove-tight fi t be- which the primary objective is to min- given that they were all aware of that fortunate that it happened to be play- to sacrifi ce whatever meagre revenue Instead, the two sides spent three tween the NBA and the NBAPA, but it imise everyone’s risk of contracting world’s objective, it’s diffi cult to con- ing the Phillies. But that is beside the streams that will continue to trickle as months engaging in the same sort of also isn’t nearly as fractious as the la- the virus. And that’s not the world in clude that the Marlins were under any point. Like health, legitimate compe- a result of hosting games in their home partisan warfare that has hampered bour environment in baseball. which the Marlins made their choice. obligation to take matters into their tition is not the ultimate goal of the stadiums. And it would have required society at large. Like society, base- The next month might be the most In the world that baseball has created own hands and insist on halting play. season that baseball has created. players to sacrifi ce three months of ball’s factions were in need of a sin- precarious, as training-camp rosters for itself, the primary objective is to It might seem, then, that the owners Thus, we fi nd ourselves in a situa- their personal freedom and submit to gular leader capable of balancing the are full and players are shuttling off the fi nish the season. Before play began, are to blame. And maybe they are. The tion where it is possible to blame no- spending three months in an NBA- competing self-interests of his/her squad. NFL teams might not be rely- MLB and its players created a frame- idea that a team can and should con- body and everybody all at once. Aside style bubble. constituency and guiding the collec- ing entirely on good luck, but they are work where positive tests would be tinue to play games despite multiple from getting wildly lucky, baseball’s It would have required owners to tive toward its best possible outcome probably going to need it.

FORMULA 1 FOCUS F1 driver Perez Hamilton hopes to go on for tests positive for at least three more years coronavirus, out of AFP The six-time world champion British Grand Prix Silverstone had criticised the Haas driver’s leadership of the Grand Prix AFP Drivers’ Association (GPDA) and Silverstone ewis Hamilton plans handling of the drivers’ role in to stay in Formula One, the sport’s anti-racism stance chase championships following the Hungarian Grand ormula One driver Sergio Perez has tested positive for the and act as symbol in the Prix. coronavirus and will miss this weekend’s British Grand fiL ght against racism for at least The defending champion had Prix, his Racing Point team said yesterday. three more years, the six-time described the muddled ceremo- “Following the announcement that Sergio has test- world champion said yesterday. ny before the last race in Hun- Fed positive for Covid-19 at the Silverstone Circuit ahead of the Speaking during an offi cial gary, where several drivers were British Grand Prix, the team regrets to announce that he will be video news conference ahead late and some were missing, as unable to participate in this weekend’s race,” said his team in a of this weekend’s British Grand embarrassing. statement. Prix, the world championship Grosjean, chairman of the The 30-year-old Mexican is the fi rst driver to test positive for leading Mercedes driver said he GPDA, had conceded that “may- the virus since the world championship made its delayed start in felt fi t enough to stay on top — be I did it the wrong way” and Austria earlier in July with strict testing protocols. and is motivated by his position Hamilton said he was impressed “Sergio is physically well and in good spirits, but he will con- as the sport’s only black driver. with “his approach to our con- tinue to self-isolate under the guidelines of the relevant public “Fingers crossed, I will be versation. health authorities, with safety the ultimate priority for the team here and we will have fans here “He originally reached out to and the sport,” added his team. next year,” he said. “In terms of me to talk after the last race and Perez will likely be replaced by either fellow-Mexican Esteban how long I go, that’s a bit of an so I gave him a call and we had Gutierrez or Belgian Stoff el Vandoorne for Sunday’s race, the unknown — But I would say the this great conversation.” fourth round of this season’s truncated calendar. Covid lockdown, when we had “We learned that we actu- Earlier, Racing Point said that Perez had returned an “incon- the fi rst part of the season can- ally have more in common than clusive Covid-19 test.” He was absent from yesterday’s offi cial celled, whilst it was a negative in we perhaps think,” Hamilton media activities as he awaited the outcome of a second test. many, many ways, in some ways said.”And he’s clearly a caring Formula One has a strict protocol for all involved at a Grand it gave a lot of life, a lot of energy, person. Prix with personnel tested before each event and every fi ve days. to focus on some other things. So to hear that he’s said that The F1 season has so far seen more than 15,000 tests. “That bit of time off was a bit is...it’s not easy fi rstly for any- Until Thursday, there had been only two positive results, both of breathing space. It gave me a body to admit that you’re wrong. of which were for local set-up staff . renewed bit of energy to perhaps And that’s a great fi rst step. Racing Point said that Perez had not returned to Mexico since go longer. here, hopefully, for the foresee- my belt. He is on 86 ahead of this Sun- “When we got off the phone the Hungarian Grand Prix 10 days earlier. “Ultimately, I want to be per- able future. “I think you still have to earn day’s race as he seeks to overhaul I knew that we were united and Speaking before the Covid-19 delayed season began in Austria, forming at the level I’m per- “Also we’re in a period of time the right to be here in terms of Michael Schumacher’s records we’re going to be working to- Formula One chairman and chief executive Chase Carey said the forming at now -forever — but where there’s not another driver how you perform. of seven titles and 91 wins... wards the same common goal. sport would not cancel an event if a driver returned a positive test. there is a point at which physi- from my background at the mo- So my goal is to continue to He also heaped praise on Ro- So I’m really appreciative to “We encourage teams to have procedures in place so if an indi- cality and the mental side tail off ment — and I’m conscious of deliver for as long as I can — so main Grosjean, describing him Romain. vidual has to go into quarantine, we have the ability to quarantine and I don’t know when that’s go- that as well. I do see myself going for at least as a “caring person” with whom “And that’s really what it’s go- them at a hotel and then to replace that individual,” he said. ing to be. “I want to earn my position another three years.” he had more in common than he ing to take all of us to do — to re- Perez, who made his F1 debut in 2011, is sixth in the 20-driver “But I don’t see that happen- here. If he does that, Hamilton, 35, thought after the Frenchman re- ally open up our minds, don’t put championship after three rounds. ing in the short term in the next I feel every year I come back could claim an unprecedented vealed they had settled their dif- barriers up, don’t be defensive, All three races so far in the world championship — back-to- two or three years. it’s not a given just because I’ve eight world drivers’ champion- ferences in a 45-minute phone be open minded and acknowl- back events in Austria followed by the Hungarian Grand Prix — So I’m defi nitely going to be got world championships under ships and 100 race victories. call last week. edging that there is an issue.” have taken place behind closed doors. Gulf Times Friday, July 31, 2020 5 SPORT

GOLF FOCUS Six Nations to start in October as World McIlroy may not Rugby approves new calendar

Reuters away from a second consecu- Dublin tive Grand Slam. return to Europe this World Rugby also approved a window from Nov. 7 to the he remaining rounds of second week of December for the Six Nations Cham- the southern hemisphere’s Tpionship will be played Rugby Championship. on October 24 and 31 The southern hemisphere’s after World Rugby approved governing body SANZAAR had dates for the temporary 2020 confi rmed New Zealand as its year due to Covid-19 Covid-19 calendar yesterday. preferred host for the annual The World Rugby Council competition after the country approved an adjustment to al- virtually eliminated the coro- ‘I honestly don’t know if I see myself going back to Europe this year’ low the release of players for navirus domestically. new international windows “Special measures will need Agencies after the pandemic forced the to be implemented to deal with New York sport’s suspension in March. any government-required iso- The Council approved the lation period prior to the start release of players for the win- of the competition,” World ory McIlroy says he may dow between Oct. 24 and the Rugby said. not return to Europe fi rst weekend of December. The governing body added Rfrom the United States The fi nal rounds of the that the rescheduling of do- this year due to the risks men’s and women’s Six Na- mestic, European and interna- associated with travelling amid tions will be followed by a rest tional calendars would allow the Covid-19 pandemic. weekend on Nov. 7 and then professional clubs to play their McIlroy, who is in the fi eld for four consecutive rounds of southern hemisphere interna- the PGA Tour’s WGC-FedEx St. international matches, World tional players when they com- Jude Invitational this week, will Rugby said in a statement. plete the 2019-20 season. play in the US Open in Septem- This year’s Six Nations saw Yet English Premiership ber but has hinted he may not four matches postponed due chiefs had expressed concerns take part in the European Tour’s to the pandemic. last week regarding the deci- Scottish Open or BMW PGA England are top of the sion to stage test matches in Championship in October. standings with 13 points, ahead November and December. “I honestly don’t know if I see of France on points diff erence. The new window would myself going back to Europe this All teams have one game left leave English top-fl ight clubs year,” the world number two said. to play apart from Ireland and without their overseas play- “I don’t know if I want to travel, Italy, who have two. ers for one week of domes- I don’t know if I want to be ex- England also topped the tic matches and the opening posed to more things and more women’s Six Nations stand- round of the European Cham- people. ings before the tournament pions Cup as next season’s “I’m sort of taking it week was suspended, with the un- Premiership is slated to start by week. I’ve got my schedule beaten Red Roses one win on November 20. planned up until the US Open, which is obviously a couple weeks after the Tour Champion- ship, and then I honestly have no Mexico’s Lopez out of LPGA opener idea what I’m going to do after aft er positive virus test that.” McIlroy said that while he Mexico’s Gaby Lopez, who to make sure I do not put understood why Lee Westwood won this year’s LPGA season anyone else at risk. “I am self- chose not to travel to San Fran- opener, has tested positive isolating and will be following cisco for the PGA Champion- for Covid-19 and withdrawn all the CDC (US Centers for ship, he would return to Eu- from the tour’s first event af- Disease Control and Preven- rope if there was a major on the ter a five-month coronavirus tion) and LPGA guidelines schedule. This year’s British pandemic shutdown. to get back to competing on Open, which was due to be held Lopez was the only player tour in a safe manner. at Royal St George’s in Kent this who tested positive Monday “I’m feeling good and looking month, was cancelled due to the in the first pre-tournament forward to when I can return pandemic. testing for the LPGA Drive to playing on tour.” “I understand their plight. I On Championship, a 54-hole LPGA protocols will require was just saying I don’t know if I event that tees off Friday at Lopez to quarantine for a would travel in the fall and go and Inverness Club in Toledo, minimum of 10 days, which play some of these other events Ohio. More results from later could force her out of next in Europe, but if it was a major tests were expected to be re- week’s LPGA event in nearby championship, it would probably Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits a shot on the 17th hole during a practice round for the World Golf Championship-FedEX St. Jude Invita- vealed as players conducted Sylvania, Ohio. On the 10th be diff erent,” he said. tional at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee, on Wednesday. (Getty Images/AFP) final practice rounds for the day, Lopez will take another The European Tour returned event, to be staged without saliva test and undergo a this month with back-to-back spectators. Lopez, 26, has medical evaluation to de- events in Austria, while the Brit- Jimenez sets new record with 707th European Tour start self-isolated and is work- termine if she can return to ish Masters last week was the Miguel Angel Jimenez made history yester- One of seven brothers, Jimenez, 571st in the because it would be amazing if I could see ing with the LPGA and area competition. Lopez won her fi rst of six tournaments on the day when he teed off at the English Open to world rankings, took up golf as a 15-year- all of you here and all my friends in the UK, health off icials on contact first LPGA title in China in ‘UK Swing’. make his 707th start on the European Tour, old while picking up balls at the range and always coming to see me play golf.” tracing. “I was very excited to November 2018 and captured surpassing Sam Torrance’s record. caddying. The English Open, taking place behind get back to playing on tour the second of her career in DAY SPLITS WITH LONG-TIME The Spaniard, who has 21 wins on the tour, The 56-year-old, who earned his European closed doors at the Forest of Arden Marriott after this long break,” Lopez January in the Tournament of COACH SWATTON became the oldest winner in European Tour Tour card in 1988, said: “It’s great, it’s amaz- Hotel and Country Club in central England, said in a statement. Champions at Orlando, beat- Jason Day has parted ways with history in 2014 aged 50 years and 133 days ing, 32 years moving around the world but is the second tournament in the six-event “And while I’m disappointed ing Japan’s Nasa Hataoka mentor and swing coach Co- after his victory at the Spanish Open. I really miss one thing here, it’s the public British swing. (AFP) that I’ll have to wait a little with a birdie on the seventh lin Swatton after a two-decade longer, I am glad that I playoff hole. partnership that yielded a major was able to get tested and (AFP) championship and the world’s 16 period. “It’s been a long and success- done for my golf and his contin- am proud of the man Jason has top ranking. He also won the 2015 PGA ful road working with Col. I have ued friendship.” become,” Swatton said. Day fi rst linked up with Swat- Championship at Whistling just decided I want to make a Swatton also doubled as Day’s “We will always remain close ton as a 12-year-old at a golf Straits and the Players Champi- change and work on my own as caddie for all but two of his 12 friends and I wish him well as he boarding school in Australia not onship the following year. it pertains to my golf swing,” Day PGA Tour wins but quit carry- continues his journey.” long after his father died of can- Day, 32, has not won on the told the PGA Tour website ahead ing his bag in late 2017 and has Day heads into the WGC event cer. tour since the 2018 Wells Fargo of the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invi- taken a more active role in golf in form and back in the top 50 af- Under Swatton’s guidance, Championship and dropped out tational in Memphis. media commentary over the ter back-to-back top 10 fi nishes Day claimed the world number of the world’s top 50 for the fi rst “Col has been way more than past year. at the recent Workday Charity one ranking and held it for 51 time in 10 years earlier this sea- just a caddie and coach to me. I “I am proud of what was ac- Open and the Memorial Tourna- weeks during a dominant 2015- son. am forever grateful for all he has complished but even more so I ment.

SPOTLIGHT ‘Snooker stars treated like ‘lab rats’ over return of fans’ AFP visit, including signing a code of London Hamilton out of World Snooker Championship over virus fear conduct and wearing face masks as they make their way to their Anthony Hamilton has with- Hamilton withdrew yesterday The four-time quarter-finalist seats, although they can be re- onnie O’Sullivan claims drawn from the World Champi- having gone through the also admitted he came close to moved during play. snooker stars are being onship due to his coronavirus qualifying competition and withdrawing from the event be- O’Sullivan declined to elabo- Rtreated like “lab rats” concerns, World Snooker Tour decided last night that he’s go- fore the qualifiers, which were rate on why he had made the de- at this year’s World chairman Barry Hearn said yes- ing to withdraw from the World played behind closed doors. cision to play in the tournament, Championship over the decision terday. Hamilton was scheduled Snooker Championship because The late notice of his withdrawal despite his belief that it was “not to allow spectators into snook- to play his first round match he’s got asthma and he is angered Hearn, who said: “The a risk worth taking”. er’s premier event. against Kyren Wilson today, but worried about his own health,” question I pose is why did he “I have the option not to play, O’Sullivan, a fi ve-time world the 49-year-old, who suff ers Hearn told Talksport. not withdraw before the qualify- but I’ve decided to play. I’ve got champion, launched his attack from asthma, has decided to After beating Scott Donaldson ing competition, because by my plan in place, I’ll pitch up on the plan after asthma-suff er- pull out. The World Champi- in the final round of qualify- getting through the qualifiers to play and hope everything’s ing fellow player Anthony Ham- onship, which starts today in ing on Monday, Hamilton had he has eff ectively stopped fi ne, and if I don’t feel comfort- ilton said he fears for his health Sheff ield, is one of three events criticised the move to allow someone else from going and able we’ll have to decide at that at Sheffi eld’s Crucible Theatre. being used to test the return of a limited number of fans into earning a living. point,” he said. “I am still very The World Championship, spectators to British sport on a the Crucible. Hamilton, who “He entered a competition careful about who I hang around which starts today, is one of limited basis. describes himself as “high risk”, knowing while he was in that with and where I go. It’s not just three sports events in Britain Ronnie O’Sullivan. A reduced capacity is being had called the situation “ridicu- competition he knew there was me who is aff ected – my mum used to test the safe return of used at the Crucible Theatre, lous” and warned: “Let’s say one going to be fans present. is high risk, she had pneumonia fans in the coronavirus pan- doing tests on crowds at some into a room full of people’ – un- with spectators issued with a person gets ill and dies from the “He knew the situation. He last year, so I actually haven’t demic. O’Sullivan, who will start point. You’ve got to start some- less you’ve got a death wish, and code of conduct and asked to Crucible – it’s one person who hasn’t had asthma that started come within 20 feet of my mum. his campaign against Thailand’s where, (so why not) start with some people have in many ways adhere to strict rules, including died for no reason at all, just for yesterday. He’s had asthma and “I’ve known people that have Thepchaiya Un-Nooh on Sun- snooker players – less insurance and they just don’t care. “But if wearing face masks. “Anthony entertainment.” health issues for some time.” died from Covid-19. It hits home day, said: “They’re treating this to pay out for Anthony Hamilton you’re one of those people who a lot harder when you’ve experi- snooker event like lab rats re- than there is for Lewis Hamilton. happens to care about your health enced someone dying and you’ve ally, so what can you do? You can “I defy anybody, if they’ve and are taking it seriously, I to- Snooker Tour referenced an of the Crucible to stage the fi rst Spectators with tickets for experienced the reality of talk- sit here and complain and say it been keeping their distance from tally get how he (Hamilton) feels.” earlier statement in which they indoor event with an audience sessions of this year’s event ing to someone on the front line, isn’t right, but it is what it is. people for four months, to say, Declining to directly address stressed safety was of “para- constituted a “fantastic tri- must undergo a series of strict telling you the actual reality of “Maybe they have to start ‘oh right, now you’ve got to go O’Sullivan’s comments, World mount concern”, and the choice umph” for the game.” protocols prior and during their what it’s like.” Gulf Times 6 Friday, July 31, 2020 SPORT

TOKYO 2020 Olympics could have limited spectators: Muto

AFP holding the event next year – virus and Muto said it was “too by saying the Games would go Tokyo we’re on the same page.” optimistic to assume all restric- ahead with or without a vac- He said International Olympic tions will be gone, so we must cine. Committee chief Thomas Bach think of other ways.” Organisers were “going ahead ext year’s coronavirus- was “not looking for” a Games With just under a year to go on the basis there won’t be a vac- postponed Olympics held without any fans, but ac- until the postponed Games, Jap- cine,” Coates told the Australian Ncould be held in front knowledged smaller audiences anese citizens have expressed newspaper. He added that they of a “limited number might be possible. scepticism about whether the were prepared “under whatever of spectators” to prevent the “He may be thinking about Olympics can or should be held. scenario we have to face, which spread of infection, Tokyo 2020 a limited number of spectators Two polls in July found the will become clearer at the end of chief executive Toshiro Muto has with full consideration of social majority of Japanese think the the year.” said. distancing,” Muto said. Games should be postponed Japan has so far seen expe- The Tokyo 2020 games are “We must build an environ- again or cancelled altogether. rienced a comparatively small now scheduled to open on July ment where people feel safe. And several medical experts coronavirus outbreak, but infec- 23, 2021, after a historic post- Athletes and the IOC family have suggested the Games will tions have been on the rise, par- ponement forced by the global may require testing before/af- not be viable without a proven ticularly in the capital. march of the pandemic. ter entering Japan and (we need) treatment or vaccine for the vi- Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, Muto told BBC Sports that strong medical systems around rus. Muto said a vaccine would speaking to Japan’s Kyodo news organisers were committed to accommodation and transpor- be “a benefi t... (but) not a pre- agency on Wednesday, warned holding the event in 2021, with tation plans,” he added. condition.” that “containing the new coro- no discussion of cancelling or Japan currently bans visitors Chairman of the Tokyo Co- navirus inside the capital is a postponing it further. from more than 100 countries ordination Committee John prerequisite” for holding the “Everyone should focus on in a bid to limit the spread of the Coates sounded a positive note Games.

TENNIS OPINION Murray calls for more mixed-gender World No.1 Barty events on main tours

Reuters “Putting match-ups in ten- London nis like Serena Williams and Roger Federer on the same court, it is so brilliant for our ennis is “missing a sport,” Murray told British skips US Open trick” by not includ- media. Ting more team events “We are able to do that in involving both men tennis and we should embrace and women on the main tours, it a little bit more, not neces- three-times Grand Slam win- sarily every single week but ner Andy Murray has said. at times it would be great. I Mixed doubles is currently would like to see Rafa (Nadal) played only at the four Grand on the court with some of the citing virus risks Slams on the professional ten- top female players. nis circuit. “I think sports miss “When I watched Roger and a bit of a trick with this stuff ,” Serena playing, it was great. ‘I love both events so it was a diff icult decision but there are still significant risks involved said Murray, who is taking part They were into it and I’m sure in the Battle of the Brits exhi- they enjoyed it as well.” due to Covid-19 and I don’t feel comfortable putting my team and I in that position’ bition featuring male and fe- Murray said there was op- male players. portunities for other sports “The Hopman Cup, for ex- to embrace mixed-gender ample, was a brilliant event in events. “Golf is another sport my opinion. The players en- where I think it would be in- joyed it. I played there a bunch teresting to see a mixed Ryder of times and I loved it.” Cup event,” he said. The inaugural ATP Cup “Again it’s a sport where men’s team competition took they are able to do it and they the Hopman Cup’s Australian just miss out a little bit. I Open warm-up slot in 2020 do think people really enjoy but organisers have said it will watching it, and the players return. like it too.”

FOCUS Review launched of Australia gymnastics aft er abuse claims

AFP lease of American documen- Sydney tary “Athlete A”, which looks at investigations carried out into USA Gymnastics doctor Larry n independent re- Nassar, who was jailed for life Ash Barty is yet to decide if she’ll defend the French Open title she won last year for her breakthrough singles major. view of Australian in 2018 after abusing more Agymnastics was an- than 250 athletes. AFP rent US Open champion, were nounced yesterday Chiller said the Australian Sydney Osaka will play in US Open, says team among the men’s entries, signal- after a host of former athletes review would “build an un- ling their likely intent to play the went public with accounts of derstanding of the culture of Naomi Osaka will play in next pandemic. However, the year and is set to start in mid- Grand Slam. physical, mental and emotion- gymnastics in Australia and orld number one month’s U.S. Open in New York, 22-year-old’s management August. Earlier on Thursday, Also on the list was Barty’s al abuse in the sport. any barriers there may be in Ashleigh Barty the 2018 champion’s manage- team told Reuters via email world number one Ash Barty fellow Australian Nick Kyrgios, The probe will be carried out reporting behaviours that go Wpulled out of the ment team has told Reuters. that the reports were wide of said she was skipping the New who last month blasted the ATP by the country’s Human Rights against what we stand for -- US Open yesterday Several media reports had said the mark and that she would York tournaments due to as “selfi sh” for pressing ahead Commission, which will look zero tolerance of any form of over “signifi cant risks” from the she had not registered for the be participating at Flushing concerns over the coronavirus with plans for the US Open. into the culture and practices abuse”. coronavirus pandemic in a major tournament and had decided Meadows. Osaka would also pandemic. Japan’s Osaka, who The opinionated Kyrgios has of the sport at the request of The commission will set up blow for the Grand Slam, which to skip the event, which kicks be playing in the Western and is based in the United States, since waged a running battle governing body Gymnastics a series of listening and focus is scheduled to start in New York off on August 31 and will be Southern Open, which is held last played competitive tennis on social media with some of Australia (GA). groups for athletes past and on August 31. played under strict bio-security annually in Cincinnati but has in early February during Fed the top names in the game who “Over the last couple of present, seek written submis- The Australian is the biggest protocols due to the Covid-19 been moved to New York this Cup qualifiers against Spain. played at Djokovic’s ill-fated weeks athletes have shared sions and conduct interviews name so far to withdraw from Adria Tour tennis exhibition last their personal experiences of with key fi gures. the tournament, with her deci- next year,” she added. Her deci- year and has stayed there since, the US Open from August 20- month, blasting their “stupid- gymnastics in Australia,” said It will also look into policies sion coming as the United States sion came despite the New York said she would continue to mon- 28 in a quarantine environment ity” and risky behaviour. GA chief Kitty Chiller, who and practices relating to the marked a grim milestone when area keeping coronavirus cases itor the situation before decid- without spectators at Flushing Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, was Australia’s chef de mission safety and well-being of gym- its Covid-19 deaths topped at a relatively low level since ing whether to travel to Europe Meadows. Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki at the 2016 Rio Olympics. nasts, reporting its fi ndings in 150,000. “My team and I have spiking in March and April while to prepare for a defence of her While Serena Williams was all tested positive for Covid-19. “Many of those experiences the fi rst quarter of next year. decided that we won’t be trav- areas such as Florida, Texas French Open crown. confi rmed, others missing in- The tennis season has been at are quite simply not accept- The Australian Olympic elling to the US for the Western and California have become “I will make my decision on cluded world number two Simo- a standstill since mid-March due able. They reinforce the need Committee welcomed the and Southern Open and the US hotspots. the French Open and the sur- na Halep, the current Wimble- to the virus outbreak worldwide, for more to be done to change move, applauding GA for its Open this year,” she said in a There have been more than rounding WTA European tour- don champion, plus fi fth-rated with Wimbledon cancelled for the culture of gymnastics, so “positive and constructive ap- statement to Australian media. 4.4 million detected infections naments in the coming weeks,” Elina Svitolina and last year’s US the fi rst time since World War II. that our sport can be trusted, proach”. “I love both events so it was in America so far. It was not un- she said, with Roland Garros due Open champion, sixth-ranked Calendars have been reshuffl ed respected and celebrated.” “Committing to an inde- a diffi cult decision but there are expected from Barty, who last to start on September 27. Bianca Andreescu. .Whether with the WTA tour scheduled to While none of the allegations pendent review of policies, still signifi cant risks involved month expressed concerns about they play the US Open remains restart on August 3 in Palermo, involved sexual impropriety, practices and governance due to Covid-19 and I don’t feel the US Open going ahead, and she RESHUFFLED CALENDAR to be seen. Italy. The men are set to get back they detailed body-shaming, structures sends a strong sig- comfortable putting my team won plenty of support yesterday Barty was one of several leading In contrast, world number under way at the Western and neglect and manipulation and nal to the gymnastics com- and I in that position. on social media for her “sensible” women players not on the en- one Novak Djokovic, the reign- Southern Open, one of the few “a culture of fear created by munity and indeed the broader “I wish the USTA all the best decision to give it a miss. try list Wednesday for the ATP ing Wimbledon and Australian times since the tournament be- people in power”. sporting community of their for the tournaments and look The 24-year-old, who surged and WTA Western and South- Open champion, and second- gan in 1899 that it has not been Their disclosure earlier this commitment,” said chief ex- forward to being back in the US to the top of the rankings last ern Open, a tune-up event for ranked Rafael Nadal, the cur- held in the Cincinnati area. month followed the recent re- ecutive Matt Carroll. Gulf Times Friday, July 31, 2020 7 FOOTBALL

SERIE A Juve crash to humiliating loss, Immobile eyes goal record Gagliano and Simeone score a goal each to give Cagliari their first victory over Juventus in 11 years

AFP August 7 in Turin, when they need to Milan overturn a 1-0 fi rst-leg defi cit. In Rome, Immobile moved to within one goal of equalling the Serie A sin- uventus crashed to a humiliat- gle season scoring record as Lazio beat ing 2-0 defeat at Cagliari on relegated Brescia 2-0 to stay in the JWednesday night, days after race for second place. Immobile struck sealing their ninth consecutive eight minutes from time to close in on Serie A title, prompting coach Maurizio Gonzalo Higuain’s record of 36 goals, Sarri to consider fi elding his Under-23 scored for Napoli in 2015-16. team in Saturday’s fi nale to conserve Lazio are fourth, equal on 78 points resources ahead of their Champions with third-placed Atalanta, who beat League challenge. Parma 2-1 on Tuesday, and one adrift Cagliari’s 20-year-old forward Luca of Inter Milan who are second follow- Gagliano tapped in the opener eight ing their 2-0 win over Napoli. Inter minutes into his fi rst Serie A match, and Atalanta will go head-to-head this beating veteran Juventus keeper Gian- weekend with Lazio’s last game at sev- luigi Buff on to score his fi rst top divi- enth-placed Napoli. sion goal. And the young Italian then Immobile helped Joaquin Correa teed up Giovanni Simeone in fi rst half open the scoring after 16 minutes at the stoppage time to give Cagliari their fi rst Stadio Olimpico, with Correa returning win over Juventus in 11 years. the favour late on. Behind the top four, “The 40 goals conceded (this sea- who are assured of Champions League son) may be a concern, but tonight’s football next season, Roma sealed their game is not,” said Sarri. “We had nine Europa League group stage berth with a injured and we won a championship 68 3-2 win at Torino. Napoli have already hours ago, so it was an atypical game secured their place as a result of their that should be taken for what it is. We Italian Cup win while AC Milan, who are the only ones in Europe who have will fi nish sixth, must go through the played fi ve games in 12 days, the League Europa League qualifying rounds de- has created big problems for us. Let’s spite beating Sampdoria 4-1. see how we are tomorrow and if it is ap- Stefano Pioli’s side remain four propriate to line up the Under-23 team points behind Roma after Zlatan Ibra- on Saturday against Roma.” himovic scored twice and set up a third Cristiano Ronaldo missed the chance in a dominating display against Samp. to keep pace with Serie A’s leading scor- The 38-year-old got his head to an Cagliari’s Luca Gagliano (right) er Ciro Immobile, the Portuguese now Ante Rebic cross within four minutes celebrates after scoring four goals behind the Lazio forward’s in Genoa for his fastest goal in the Ital- against Juventus in the Serie A tally of 35 with one match remaining. ian top fl ight, before nodding the ball on Wednesday. (Reuters) The fi ve-time Ballon d’Or winner had a across for Hakan Calhanoglu to add the goal ruled off side after 16 minutes and second six minutes after the break. was denied twice by Cagliari goalkeep- Turkish winger Calhanoglu provided er Alessio Cragno as the 13th-placed the cross which allowed Ibrahimovic to Sardinians ended their eight-match add his second of the night. Leao added winless run. a fourth in injury time as Milan extend- It was a worrying performance for ed their unbeaten run to 11 games. Ib- Sarri’s side, who have won just two of rahimovic has scored nine league goals He also becomes the fi rst player to have been young, never old,” said Ibrahi- to the fi nal day after they came from mered 5-0 at Sassuolo. their last seven games, with key for- since rejoining Milan in January. scored 50 goals for both Milan clubs, movic of the fi lm of a man who ages in behind to beat Udinese 2-1. The south- Both Lecce and Genoa will face Par- wards Paulo Dybala and Douglas Costa The veteran brings his club tally to 51 with 57 netted during his time at city reverse. “They tell me I’m old and tired ern club occupy the fi nal relegation po- ma and Hellas Verona respectively at fi ghting for fi tness ahead of the Cham- goals for the club, combined with his rivals Inter from 2006 to 2009. but I’m just warming up.” sition but are now just one point behind the weekend hoping to avoid joining pions League showdown with Lyon on previous stint between 2010 and 2012. “Like Benjamin Button, I’ve always Lecce’s bid for survival will go down 17th-placed Genoa, who were ham- Brescia and SPAL in Serie B.

Brentford beat Swansea ROUND-UP to reach Championship play-off fi nal Italy great Pirlo appointed Juventus U-23 coach ormer Italy star Andrea Pirlo are the latest club to fall foul of UEFA’s Lucescu sparked an uproar from fans London: Thomas Frank insisted analytical-based approach off has been appointed coach of the FFP rules. Seven-time European cham- because of the his 12-year spell in charge Brentford proved they are not the field, overseen by two co-di- FJuventus Under-23 team, the pions AC Milan missed this season’s of bitter rivals Shakhtar Donetsk, where chokers by booking their place rectors of football, to make the Serie A champions announced Europa League. he won a host of domestic honours and in the Championship play-off most of their meagre resources yesterday. Pirlo began his career at the 2009 UEFA Cup. final with an impressive 3-1 win in comparison to the Champi- Brescia and went on to play for Inter, AC FIORENTINA RENEW COACH IACHI- Lucescu, 75, told Romanian reporters against Swansea on Wednes- onship’s wealthier clubs. Milan and Juve before moving in 2015 for NI’S CONTRACT FOR NEXT SEASON on Monday he would not take up the post day. Frank’s side trailed 1-0 after It has proved a successful two seasons with New York City FC in Giuseppe Iachini will continue to coach at Dynamo Kiev after fans reacted furi- first leg semi-final, but they hit formula and Brentford are now the MLS. During his four seasons with Fiorentina for the 2020-21 season, the ously, describing his appointment as a back to mark the last match at just one win away from a lucra- Juventus the 41-year-old won Serie A Serie A club confi rmed. Iachini, a former “spit in the face”. Surkis refuted the claim their Griff in Park stadium with a tive £170mn place alongside four times and one Italian Cup. midfi elder, played over 100 times for the saying that Lucescu would remain head 3-2 aggregate success. Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool Capped 116 times for Italy, Pirlo was a club between 1989 and 1994. He has also coach. Dynamo said last week that Lu- Ollie Watkins cancelled out and company in the Premier key fi gure in the team that won the 2006 coached Sampdoria, Palermo, Sassuolo cescu, who has been unemployed since Swansea’s advantage in the League. That would be the per- World Cup. He also won two Champions and Udinese. Iachini replaced Vincenzo February 2019, had signed a two-year opening minutes and Emiliano fect way to say farewell to Grif- Leagues and two league titles with Milan Montella in December with the club just contract with the option of extending it Marcondes doubled stylish fin Park, the club’s home since during his 22-year playing career. three points above the relegation zone. for one season. Lucescu took over after Brentford’s lead before the 1904, as Brentford prepare to The 56-year-old led the Tuscan side to the sacking of Oleksiy Mykhailychenko, break. Bryan Mbeumo bagged move into a new stadium next SAINT-ETIENNE CAPTAIN safety and they are now 10th following who guided the club to a 12th Ukrain- their third goal after half-time season. PERRIN RETIRES, SIX DAYS their 4-0 win over Bologna midweek, ian Cup earlier this month but saw them and Rhian Brewster’s strike was Although the ground was AFTER MBAPPE CLASH with their fi nal game of the season at fi nish second in the league title race, a too late to spark a Swansea empty due to the coronavirus, Loic Perrin, who played his entire career relegated SPAL on Sunday. record 23 points behind Shakhtar. Over revival. Brentford will face local Danish boss Frank had called with his home-town club Saint-Etienne, his 40-year career, Lucescu has coached rivals Fulham or Cardiff in the on his players to deliver “one announced that he was retiring. The COACH LUCESCU ‘HAPPY’ the Romanian and Turkish national play-off final at Wembley on last magical moment” at the 34-year-old’s fi nal appearance was in their appeal against a one-year ban from AFTER CHANGING DECISION TO teams as well as clubs in Romania, Italy, August 4. Fulham hold a 2-0 old place and Watkins rose the French Cup fi nal last Friday when he European competition for Financial Fair QUIT DYNAMO KIEV Turkey, Ukraine and Russia. first leg lead heading into late to the occasion in the 11th was sent off for a foul on Kylian Mbappe Play violations. Mircea Lucescu reversed his decision to last night’s decisive meeting at minute. Breaking quickly from of Paris Saint-Germain as Saint-Etienne In a statement, CAS said it had ruled quit Dynamo Kiev just days after news RICHARLISON MAY STAY AT Craven Cottage a Swansea corner, Brentford cut lost 1-0. The defender joined Saint- that the six-time Turkish champions had of the controversial appointment of the EVERTON FOR ANOTHER SEASON . Successive defeats against through the visitors’ defence Etienne at the age of 12 and went on failed to respect an agreement made with former Shakhtar Donetsk coach sparked Everton forward Richarlison has said he lowly Stoke and Barnsley at as Watkins ran onto Mathias to play 470 matches for the club and European governing body UEFA in 2016 an outcry from fans. “I am very happy to may stay at the Premier League club for the end of the regular season Jensen’s precise through-ball captain the team for more than a decade. which said they had to break even for the come back to Ukraine. I really hope we another season but will discuss his future ruined third placed Brentford’s and slotted a clinical finish He was called into the France squad on a 2019 fi nancial year. will go a long way together,” Lucescu said with manager Carlo Ancelotti if they hopes of automatic promotion under Erwin Mulder. couple of occasions but never won a cap. Trabzonspor fi nished second to Istan- during a news conference with Dynamo receive a “good off er”. to the Premier League. Brentford had been too bul Basaksehir in the recently completed president Igor Surkis. “I hope that the The Brazilian, who joined Everton But the unfashionable west conservative in the first leg, CAS REJECT TRABZONSPOR’S AP- 2019-20 Turkish Super Lig season, supporters (...) will end up being on our from Watford for around 40mn pounds London club, forever in the but they were surging forward PEAL AGAINST UEFA FFP BAN which would have given them a place in side. They should fi rst appreciate my ($51.92mn) in 2018, has been linked with shadow of neighbours Chelsea, with poise and purpose this Trabzonspor will miss out on the the Champions League qualifying rounds courage to have taken this step and come a move to several of Europe’s top clubs remain in the hunt to reach time and doubled their lead in Champions League next season after the had the ban not been upheld by CAS. to Dynamo,” he added. including Barcelona and Manchester England’s top-flight for the first the 15th minute. Said Benrahma Court of Arbitration for Sport rejected The club on the coast of the Black Sea The club’s decision to hire Romanian United. time in 73 years. And Frank was lofted his cross into the penalty adamant he always believed his area and, with Swansea’s de- team could cope with the play- fence slow to react, Marcondes FOCUS off pressure. had time and space to guide his “Because we had these two header past Mulder. minor setbacks everyone was Brentford hadn’t won a single talking about ‘can they handle play-off match in 11 previous Napoli president Laurentiis questions decision to it’, but you know we put too attempts dating back to 2002. many things on a specific But Frank’s team made it three game,” Frank said. “We were less than a minute after the play Champions League tie in Barcelona just on it. The way we played to- interval. Brentford’s Rico Henry night, I honestly think we could had been sent off in the first By Paul MacInnes neutral venue. Barcelona last played at the Camp Nou matches to be played in Lisbon and Eu- have won three or four nil. I said leg, but he was available to play The Guardian “I hear a lot of perplexity and fear com- on 16 July, in a 2-1 defeat by Osasuna. ropa League ones in the German region of after training yesterday that we after the red card was quashed ing from Spain and they’re acting like UEFA, following the restart of many of North Rhine-Westphalia. All ties will be wouldn’t leave this pitch until on appeal. nothing is wrong,” he said. “What does the major European leagues, agreed in reduced to a single fi xture. we’re in the final. I felt we were Making the most of his he president of Napoli has cast it take to say: ‘Don’t go to Barcelona, but June to hold the remaining ties from sus- In making its decision regarding the the better team and thought reprieve, Henry tore down the doubt over his team’s Champi- rather go to Portugal, Germany or Ge- pended last-16 fi xtures in the Champions remaining last-16 fi xtures, UEFA said it we had that irritated feeling left wing and whipped over a Tons League fi xture in Barcelona, neva?’” and Europa League behind closed doors reserved the right to “reassign any such in our bodies. It is a very nice cross that Mbeumo met with a claiming Spanish authorities On Monday the president of Catalonia, at the grounds of the home sides. matches to the venues of the fi nal tourna- moment and we have achieved superb volleyed finish. Brews- are “acting like nothing is wrong” as the Quim Torra, said the region had 10 days Other fi xtures include Manchester ment of the relevant competition should something good. But we want ter, on loan from Liverpool, country endures a new spike in coronavi- to get a new coronavirus outbreak under City’sat home to Real Madrid and Chel- new events occur”. to achieve something big and pounced on a mistake from rus cases. control or it could face a return to lock- sea’s at Bayern Munich. Yesterday, a UEFA spokesperson said: we are going to the final to win." Pontus Jansson to lob Swan- Aurelio De Laurentiis, well known for down. “Figuratively speaking, we’re in After the completion of the last 16 “We are monitoring the situation and are Brentford owner Matthew sea’s goal in the 78th minute, outspoken remarks, has asked for the the precursor stage of what we faced in on the weekend of 8-9 August, both in touch with the relevant local authori- Benham has introduced an but Brentford held on. last-16 second leg, due to be played at the March and we all know what happened competitions will be completed in neu- ties. The match is scheduled to take place Camp Nou on 8 August, to be moved to a then,” Torra said. tral countries, with Champions League in Barcelona as planned.” Friday, July 31, 2020 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

FRENCH LEAGUE CUP FOCUS Swiss prosecutor launches criminal PSG target domestic probe of FIFA chief Infantino treble while hoping AFP Geneva

Swiss special prosecu- tor has launched crimi- nal proceedings against A Gianni FIFA president for Mbappe ‘miracle’ Infantino, authorities in Swit- zerland said yesterday, as part of an investigation into suspected PSG’s game against Lyon today will go ahead in front of a limited number of fans collusion between him and the country’s Attorney General, AFP Michael Lauber. Paris In a statement, authorities said special prosecutor Stefan Keller “has reached the conclu- aris Saint-Germain can belat- sion that...there are indications edly wrap up another domestic of criminal conduct” in relation Ptreble today when they face Lyon to meetings between Infantino, in the fi nal of the French League Lauber and another offi cial, Cup, but their build-up to the game has Rinaldo Arnold. “This concerns been overshadowed by Kylian Mbappe’s abuse of public offi ce, breach of ankle injury. The World Cup-winning offi cial secrecy, assisting off end- superstar was crocked in last Friday’s ers and incitement to these acts,” French Cup fi nal against Saint-Etienne the authorities said. Infantino been convicted and sentenced, in the fi rst competitive game on French has not denied that the meetings thanks to FIFA’s co-operation, soil since the coronavirus-imposed shut- took place and continued to de- and especially in the United down in March. fend his actions. States of America, where our Mbappe was left with a sprained “To meet with the Attorney co-operation has resulted in over right ankle after a crunching challenge General of Switzerland is per- 40 criminal convictions. There- from Saint-Etienne’s Loic Perrin and fectly legitimate and it’s perfect- fore, I remain fully supportive looks certain to miss the game that re- ly legal,” he said in a statement of the judicial process, and FIFA ally counts for the Qatar-owned club, the released by FIFA. “It’s no viola- remains willing to fully cooper- Champions League quarter-fi nal against tion of anything. On the contra- ate with the Swiss authorities for Atalanta on August 12. Yesterday, PSG ry, it is also part of the fi duciary these purposes.” coach Thomas Tuchel admitted it would duties of the president of FIFA.” Lauber, 54, has denied ac- take “a miracle” for the 21-year-old to re- Lauber resigned last week over cusations that he lied about the cover in time for that game in Lisbon. his handling of a corruption in- meetings but is also under crimi- Angel Di Maria has already been ruled vestigation targeting world foot- nal investigation. A Swiss parlia- out of that match because of suspen- ball’s troubled governing body. mentary commission decided in sion, and asked if there was any hope for Infantino and Lauber are said May to open proceedings against Mbappe, Tuchel said: “Yes, always, but to have held a series of meet- Lauber over “well-founded sus- it’s going to be tight. Every day counts for ings in 2016 and 2017. Two such picion of serious violation of us to produce a miracle.” meetings were initially exposed the duties of offi ce either inten- PSG were handed a third straight Ligue in 2018 by “Football Leaks”, a tionally or by gross negligence”, 1 title by virtue of being top of the table cross-border investigation by which risked seeing him sacked. when the season was ended in April with several European news organisa- Previously Lauber had been 10 rounds of matches unplayed because tions. Like Infantino, Lauber has docked 5% of his salary — re- of the health crisis. They came out of the denied any wrongdoing. Lauber duced from 8% on appeal — long shutdown to win their fi fth French was in charge of Switzerland’s following a disciplinary probe Cup in six years by beating Saint-Etienne probe into the corruption scan- which found that he had repeat- 1-0 thanks to an early Neymar goal. dal that exploded at the heart of edly lied when questions were That game was played in front of just FIFA in 2015. raised about the FIFA investi- 2,800 spectators inside the 80,000-seat The scandal erupted when gation. Arnold, meanwhile, is a Stade de France due to restrictions on Swiss police in May that year childhood friend of Infantino’s gatherings. Today’s game against Lyon raided a luxury hotel in Zu- who went on to become a sen- will go ahead in front of a similarly lim- rich before dawn, arresting a ior prosecutor in Switzerland’s ited number of fans. number of top football offi cials. Haut-Valais region where they Postponed in early April, it will be the The Swiss judiciary under Lau- grew up. last ever fi nal of an unloved competition, ber quickly opened criminal In April a Swiss newspaper, albeit one which PSG have also dominat- proceedings against then-FIFA the Tribune de Geneve, alleged ed, with fi ve successive victories — and Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar (left) jokes with teammate during a training session at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, president Sepp Blatter and other that Infantino wrote to Arnold eight overall — before Strasbourg won it north of Paris yesterday, on the eve of the French League Cup final against Lyon. (AFP) top offi cials. after becoming “worried” about last year. For both teams, it is a last chance Blatter was eventually re- an investigation into him by the to prepare in a competitive environment returned to complete their domestic sea- Kylian has a big infl uence, that’s clear. I qualifying rounds of the Europa League. moved in 2015 and Infantino country’s Offi ce of the Attorney before resuming their Champions League sons while France opted not to. Juventus hope we can fi nd the solution.” If they fall short, they will need to win the took over as FIFA president in General (OAG) in relation to his campaigns. and Atalanta play their fi nal games in Se- The game will be played in searing Champions League in Lisbon on August 2016. “It has been my aim from awarding of a television rights PSG head to Lisbon for the fi nal stages rie A this weekend. heat, with temperatures in the French 23 to feature in continental competition day one, and it remains my aim, contract to an off shore company after their win over Borussia Dortmund However, Tuchel said the fi nal cannot capital forecast to reach 40 degrees Cel- again next season. “This is a terrifi c op- to assist the authorities with in- in his previous role as UEFA’s in the last 16 in March. Meanwhile, Lyon be used to prepare his team to face Ata- sius today. Lyon are chasing a fi rst piece portunity to win a trophy,” said Garcia. vestigating past wrongdoings at legal aff airs director. FIFA re- have to go to Italy on August 7 to face Ju- lanta. “It is not possible to prepare tac- of silverware in eight years and have extra “PSG might be a level above us but we FIFA,” Infantino insisted. sponded to that report by say- ventus defending a 1-0 lead from the fi rst tically for Atalanta because I don’t know motivation to win the trophy. have a top-class team too and one that is “FIFA offi cials have met with ing that emails referred to in the leg of their last-16 tie played in February. any team that plays the way they do,” said Having failed to qualify for Europe next also in a position to qualify for the Cham- prosecutors in other jurisdic- newspaper’s article were “obvi- Both clubs fear being at a disadvantage the German. “The only thing we can pre- season via the league, Rudi Garcia’s team pions League quarter-fi nals. There is tions across the world for exactly ously obtained by hacking, which given all their Champions League rivals pare is our own mindset. Being without have to beat PSG to secure a place in the only positive pressure on us.” these purposes. People have is an illegal and criminal act.”

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Man City agree deal to sign Chelsea’s Lampard aims for FA Cup glory

AFP Bournemouth’s Ake: reports London

AFP London rank Lampard has set his sights on capping an impressive fi rst season as FChelsea manager by leading the Blues anchester City are to FA Cup glory against Arsenal to- set to sign Neth- morrow. Lampard enjoyed four FA Cup fi nal erlands defender victories as a Chelsea player, but getting his MNathan Ake from hands on the fi rst trophy of his nascent man- Bournemouth after agreeing a agerial career would be an even more signifi - £41mn ($53mn) deal, accord- cant moment for the 42-year-old. ing to British media reports Having led Chelsea into next season’s yesterday. City are reported to Champions League via a top four fi nish in the have negotiated a £40mn fee Premier League, Lampard heads to Wembley with relegated Bournemouth, surfi ng a wave of positivity. with the deal potentially rising It is a testament to Lampard’s acumen that, Frank Lampard has led Chelsea into next season’s Champions League. (AFP) by a further £1mn depending on in just his second season as a manager, he has clauses. Chelsea positioned as an emerging force just With his hands tied by the transfer embar- At a club where owner Roman Abramovich Ake’s likely arrival at the Eti- 12 months after the club was in turmoil. go, Lampard was compelled to give some of dispenses with managers in ruthless fashion, had Stadium comes after City When Lampard arrived at Stamford Bridge the club’s youngsters a chance to prove their Lampard showed he wasn’t intimidated by endured a poor season defen- in June 2019 after one season as boss of sec- worth. That they responded so tenaciously twice dropping error-prone goalkeeper Kepa sively following the departure ond tier Derby, he carried the good wishes of and with such verve was a tribute to Lam- Arrizabalaga despite the club’s fears it could of Vincent Kompany to Ander- supporters who idolised him during his glit- pard’s infl uence. The energy and optimism harm his future transfer value. lecht last year. Hampered by a nature. Ake, capped 13 times his fi nal appearance for Bourne- tering 13-year spell with the club. provided by Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount, Lampard’s furious response to perceived long-term injury to Aymeric by the Netherlands, missed mouth after the Leicester game, But there were many pundits who doubted Reece James, Billy Gilmour and Fikayo To- antagonism from Liverpool’s coaching staff Laporte and the disappointing Bournemouth’s fi nal three Pre- Howe replied: “I think it would whether Lampard was the right man to get mori gave the entire club a jolt of adrenaline. during their recent clash at Anfi eld was an- form of John Stones and Nicolas mier League fi xtures after suf- be silly of me to comment on Chelsea back on track following the turbulent A swaggering 5-2 win at Wolves in September other sign he isn’t to be trifl ed with. While Otamendi, City boss Pep Guar- fering a groin injury in 4-1 win that, to be honest, at this mo- reign of Maurizio Sarri. served notice that Lampard and his young Chelsea’s progress under Lampard has been diola was forced to deploy Bra- over Leicester on July 12. ment in time. I think next sea- The taciturn Sarri fell out with several prodigies wouldn’t be out of their depth, undeniable, they still lost 12 times in the zilian midfi elder Fernandinho Ake, who had two years on his son and everything beyond it of Chelsea’s stars, alienating them with his while a mature 1-0 Champions League win at league for only the second time since Abram- at centre-back. contract, is on holiday but is ex- will take care of itself.” monotonous training regime and infl ex- Ajax showed they could handle Europe’s elite. ovich bought the club in 2003. City never looked settled pected to have a medical within City are also reported to be ible tactics. Fixing the fractures in Chelsea’s Lampard’s midas touch hasn’t been re- Unable to fi x Chelsea’s defensive frailties at the back and that weakness days before sealing a club- involved in advanced nego- dressing room wasn’t the only problem facing stricted to the young guns. He coaxed con- and often frustrated by their lack of cutting played a key role in Liverpool record sale for Bournemouth. tiations with Valencia for the Lampard, who also had to deal with the club’s sistency from Willian and brought Olivier edge, Lampard has been busy in the transfer ending their two-year reign as Joshua King and Callum Wil- signing of 20-year-old winger transfer ban last summer and the sale of Bel- Giroud back into the fold after the French market and more new signings are on the way. Premier League champions. Ake son are also expected to leave in Ferran Torres. gium playmaker Eden Hazard to Real Madrid. striker had appeared set to leave in January. Lampard needs Leipzig striker Timo Werner had been one of Bournemouth’s the coming weeks, and there is It is understand the Premier Even for an experienced boss, it would have Exiled in the fi rst half of the season, Giroud’s and Ajax playmaker Hakim Ziyech to hit the best players since joining from thought to be interest in Aaron League side have agreed an ini- been a daunting situation, but Lampard has prolifi c form since the coronavirus hiatus ground running next season. He has also been Chelsea for £20m in 2017. There Ramsdale and David Brooks. tial fee of £20.9mn with Valen- risen to the challenge. “There were a lot of — seven goals in 10 matches in all competi- linked with Manchester United keeper Dean was expected to be strong inter- In Ake’s absence, Eddie cia and talks over potential add- unknowns when I came in, could we move tions — played a key role in Chelsea holding Henderson, West Ham’s Declan Rice and est in the 25-year-old during Howe’s side slipped into the ons are continuing. City are in forward without Eden Hazard? We knew we onto their top four berth. “What we’ve done Bayer Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz as he tries to the summer transfer window Championship after fi ve years the market for a new winger fol- had lost a massive player,” Lampard said. this season is take the opportunity to bring in bridge the 33-point gap to Liverpool. “The and City have made their move in the Premier League. lowing the departure of Leroy “We’ve a real spirit within the group now and the younger players and improve the existing challenge now is to see what more we can do now in a bid to secure his sig- Asked if Ake may have made Sane to Bayern Munich. it’s a real team eff ort now.” players,” Lampard said. next season,” Lampard said.