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FRIDAY 9 JULY 2021 BartyB to face Pliskova in Wimbledon final This is incredible, this is close to as good a tennis match as I will eever play. Angie brought the best out of me today and it was a hhell of a match right from the first ball and I knew I would have tto play that well just to compete. Very proud of myself and my tteam and now we get a chance to win the childhood dream.

Ash Barty Sport |15

MLB RESULTS: Nationals 15, Padres 5; Braves 14, Pirates 3; Mets 4, Brewers 3; Marlins 9, Dodgers 6; Yankees 5, Mariners 4; Giants 5, Cardinals 2 Gold Cup: Qatar give final touches to preparations

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Asian champions Qatar yesterday started their final phase of preparations in Houston ahead of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which will begin on Sunday. The Felix Sanchez- coached side reached Houston on Wednesday to take part in the tournament following a three-week training camp in Croatia. The team underwent a training session yesterday under Sanchez's supervision. Qatar will be based out of Houston for all three of its Group D encounters. Qatar Hassan Al Haydos (left) and striker Almoez Ali during a training session Al Annabi will kick off their in Houston yesterday. RIGHT: Qatar players pose for a group photo. campaign against Panama on July 13, face Grenada on July 17 best competition from North since 2013 as the coach of the Sanchez’s squad that won the in the Qatar Stars League. Qatar Prior to their arrival in the and will close group play America, Central American and U19, U20 and U23 national 2014 AFC U-19 are yet to taste defeat so far in United States for the Gold Cup, against Honduras on July 20 in the Caribbean in their prepa- teams. Championship. 2021. Qatar based their camp in hopes of continuing their ration to host the 2022 FIFA Among the players that have Qatar have another They picked up close wins Pula, Croatia where they winning ways. World Cup. been part of the Spanish coach’s 24-year-old forward to watch over Luxembourg, Azerbaijan picked up a 3-1 win over the Participating for the first Head coach Sanchez has process is 24-year-old forward out for in Akram Afif. and the Republic of Ireland hosts in a June 30 exhibition, time in the Gold Cup as an been at the helm of the Qatar Almoez Ali, who was the 2019 The Doha native scored in earlier in the year before before playing to a 1-0 result invited guest, the reigning AFC men’s national team since 2017 AFC Asian Cup top scorer with both the U19 and Asian Cup defeating regional foes India against fellow Gold Cup par- Asian Cup champions will look and has been working with the nine goals. finals and has finished as the and Oman in 2023 Asian Cup ticipants El Salvador on July to test themselves against the country’s younger players Ali was also part of top scorer and top assist man qualifiers. 4. Beating England at Al Sadd’s Xavi, Cazorla and Bounedjah Wembley would be a clinch top QFA awards for the season dream, says Verratti THE PENINSULA — DOHA

REUTERS — ROME in a historic final,” the Italian Xavi Hernandez was named the star added. best coach as reigning QNB Italy midfielder Marco Verratti Italy are familiar with Stars League champions Al said beating England at Wembley having also beaten Sadd bagged top honours in the Wembley in the Euro 2020 Austria after extra time in their Best Awards for the 2020-21 final on Sunday would be a last 16 match at the stadium season, announced by the dream, insisting his side go into before ousting top-ranked Board of Trustees of Qatar the match against an in-form Belgium in Munich and then the Football Association (QFA) side with no fear. Spaniards. Award yesterday. England booked their first England reached the final Apart from Xavi, Spaniard European Championship final courtesy of an extra-time Santi Cazorla won the best spot with a 2-1 extra-time penalty, converted on the player award of the season victory over Denmark at rebound by captain Harry while feared striker Baghdad Wembley on Wednesday and Kane, following a foul on Bounedjah claimed the now face the Azzurri who beat Raheem Sterling - a decision Mansour Muftah Award for Top Spain on penalties at the same that has caused Scorer for his tally of 21 goals in QFA AWARDS (2020-21) stadium on Tuesday. controversy. the season. of votes in the final voting of QFA Award congratulated all Gareth Southgate’s “It was a generous penalty, Al Gharafa’s Homam Al process. awardees this season, and ³ 1>C?EB EǞ18G1B46?B England side have won 15 of I wouldn’t have given it,” Ver- Ameen was named the Best Abdulrahman Al Jassim was thanked and appreciated all Top Scorer their last 17 matches at ratti added. Under-23 Player Award after declared the Best Referee of the nominees, wishing everyone Baghdad Bounedjah, Al Wembley in all competitions, “It was an important goal, receiving the highest number season. The Board of Trustees continued success. Sadd striker, with 21 goals. scoring 46 goals and con- they won the game, but let’s say ³5CD'>45B Ŧŧ#<1I5B ceding five, but that record it’s a generous penalty.” G1B4 does not faze Verratti. St Germain midfielder Homam Al Ameen “We saw the match (against Verratti missed the start of the (Al Gharafa) Denmark) together,” he told a Euros with a knee problem ³5CD?138G1B4 news conference yesterday. after a domestic season plagued Xavi Hernandez (Al Sadd) “England are strong and by injuries and is grateful to be ³5CD#<1I5BG1B4 they have players who are also part of Italy’s run to the final. Santi Cazorla (Al Sadd) technically good. “Three or four days after ³5CD$565B55&51=G1B4 “They deserve to be in this the injury I thought I would not 1. Best Referee: final in a stadium they know be fit for the tournament,” he Abdulrahman Al Jassim well. It would be a dream to be added. 2. Best First Assistant able to win it like this in their “The nightmare of missing Referee Khaled Ayed Khalaf stadium. Euro 2016 (also through injury) 3. Best Second Assistant “We are used to playing in came back but thanks to the Referee: Majed Al Shammari stadiums like this, it will give national team medical staff I 4. Best Video Assistant

us strength too. We are not was able to play this time, and Referee: Meshari Ali Al afraid. We are happy that they do so in excellent condition,” Shammari won, now we are both playing he said. Weetamoo wins Derby de l’Ouest in Nantes FINA says podium protests

THE PENINSULA — DOHA The runner-up Abraaj is banned for Tokyo Games trained by F. Rohaut and was Taking her tally to three wins from ridden by Valentin Seguy. The E. REUTERS — HONG KONG only six starts, Weetamoo (IRE) (Le Libaud-trained and Mickael Berto- Harve x Wild Silva) won the Derby ridden Equinoxe Prince Gibraltar Swimming’s world governing body FINA said athletes de l’Ouest in Nantes in the colours x Top Wave) battled on to take will be allowed to express their opinions at news confer- of H H Sheikh Mohammed bin third, but could not trouble the first ences and via media channels at the Tokyo Olympics Khalifa Al Thani yesterday. two as he was further three but protests during medal ceremonies are prohibited. Trained by Philippe Sogorb quarters of a length behind. Podium protests have emerged as a controversial and ridden by Olivier Peslier, the Bred by H H Sheikh issue ahead of the Games with the International bay filly showed plenty of resil- Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Olympic Committee (IOC) deciding to retain a regu- ience the Class 1 race for three- Al Shahania Stud, Weetamoo is a lation forbidding any kind of “demonstration or Weetamoo year-olds and scored for a second daughter of Monfort and Preaux’s political, religious or racial propaganda” in venues and in action consecutive time in Nantes. stallion Le Harve (Noverre) and out other Olympic areas. yesterday. Having broken on terms with of Wild Silva (Silvano) who was That has prompted criticism from some athletes, the field, Weetamoo was taken placed fourth in a Group Three at including Britain’s Olympic swimming champion Adam back by Peslier through the early Hambourg. The second dam Wild Peaty, who said they have a right to express their stages. At the halfway point, she the rear of the field as the sprint places. She stayed on stoutly and Side was a multiple group winner opinions without being punished. was well settled against the rail as for home started at the 600m managed to catch the long-time in Germany and bred Wild Coco FINA’s latest guidelines were issued just two weeks the leaders set a very steady pace point, Weetamoo quickly plunged leader Abraaj (FR) (Shalaa x Won- (Sirocco), winner of three group ahead of the start of the Games following discussions for the 2,400m contest. for a gap on the inside as they derous Light) in the dying stages, races and Welmacht (Mount with the IOC, the swimming federation said in a news Although, briefly shuffled to turned for home, making up three winning by a length at the line. Nelson) dual Listed winner. release yesterday. FRIDAY 9 JULY 2021 SPORT 15 Wimbledon: Barty to face Pliskova in final

AP — WIMBLEDON Ashleigh ever been past the fourth round trust my body,” Barty said. “If Barty at the grass-court you told me a month ago we’d It might have been difficult for in action tournament. be sitting in this position, I really Ash Barty to imagine that a trip against Pliskova, a 29-year-old wouldn’t have thought that we to her first Wimbledon final was Angelique from the Czech Republic, was would even get close.” just around the corner when she Kerber the runner-up at the 2016 US On Thursday, she faced a stopped playing at last month’s yesterday. Open to three-time major big test in the second set, which with a hip injury. champion Kerber and used to Kerber was two points from Or even when she was two be ranked No. 1. owning when Barty served at points from being pushed to a The 25-year-old Barty won deuce while trailing 5-2. The third set by the 2019 French Open and is full-capacity crowd was in their semifinal at the All currently ranked No. 1. She is backing the comeback effort for England Club. the first woman from Australia the 33-year-old German, too, Barty does not let obstacles to reach the title match at Wim- with shouts of “Come on, trouble her for too long. She bledon since Evonne Goolagong Angie!” and “Go on, Kerber!” figures out a way. That’s why Karolina Pliskova won the trophy 1980; Barty has But Barty steeled herself to she’s ranked No. 1 and now celebrates winning been wearing an outfit intended hold there, then broke to get stands one win from a second her semi-final. as a tribute to Goolagong this within 5-4 with a cross-court Grand Slam title after beating fortnight. forehand passing winner. 2018 champion Kerber 6-3, 7-6 “Now to kind of give myself That was part of a 38-16 (3) yesterday. one moment or one, kind of, Her opponent in tomorrow’s Pliskova “got a bit frustrated,” a chance to create some history, advantage in total winners for “I’ve had ups and downs road that we’ve taken in my final will be No. 8 seed Karolina she acknowledged afterward. almost in a way that’s a tribute to Barty, responsible more than and everything in between and path and my journey,” said Pliskova, who emerged from a But she went 1 for 1 in that her, is really exciting,” Barty said. anything else for her triumph. I wouldn’t change one day or Barty, who was the 2011 junior power-hitting and serving display category in each of the last two She arrived in England not And this was remarkable: She champion at the All England to come back to defeat No. 2 sets. having competed since June 3, compiled that many point- WIMBLEDON RESULTS Club and stepped away from 5-7, 6-4, 6-4. “It was just super important when she withdrew during her ending shots while making only tennis for almost two years Pliskova produced 14 aces, to stay in the game, stay second-round match in Paris, 16 unforced errors. Women Semi-finals starting in 2014 because of Sabalenka 18. The difference: focused,” said Pliskova, whose in too much pain to continue. “A great level, the best level (AUS x1) bt Angelique Kerber burnout. Pliskova was broken just once, coach, Sascha Bajin, used to “To be honest, it was going I’ve played in quite some time,” (GER x25) 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) “It’s been unique. It’s been Sabalenka twice. work with and to be touch-and-go. Everything Barty said. “Angie is an Karolina Pliskova (CZE x8) bt Aryna incredible. It’s been tough. After going 0 for 8 on break was ’ hitting had to be spot on to give myself incredible competitor. She Sabalenka (BLR x2) 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 There have been so many things points in the first set, the first partner. “That’s what I did.” a chance to play pain-free and brought out the best in me that led to this point.” set she’s dropped in six matches, Neither she nor Barty had to play knowing that I could today.” Mahmood shines as new-look England thrash Pakistan in opening one-dayer

REUTERS — CARDIFF trapped Pakistan opener Imam- ul-Haq leg-before with the first England’s makeshift one-day of the match. international team put the Two balls later, Mahmood COVID-19 issues that hit the picked up his second previous squad behind them to when Pakistan skipper Babar Lusail bowl out Pakistan for 141 runs Azam -- the top-ranked ODI in action before cruising to a clinical batsman -- departed for a duck yesterday. nine-wicket win in the series after edging to Crawley at opener in Cardiff yesterday. second slip. Mohammad Rizwan Stand-in skipper Ben Stokes was next to be dismissed for 13 led an entirely fresh England XI, before Mahmood trapped Saud including five debutants, after Shakeel in front of the stumps Lusail wins Group Two a COVID-19 outbreak in the to leave Pakistan teetering at squad during the recent series 26-4. Tattersalls July Stakes win over Sri Lanka meant all 16 Opener Fakhar Zaman, who players initially selected had to was making a return to the self-isolate. England’s Saqib ground where he made a fifty THE PENINSULA — DOHA was travelling better than most. But the revamped hosts Mahmood celebrates in Pakistan’s 2017 Champions He was sent for home inside the were on the front foot from the after taking the Trophy semi-final win over Notching up a third win, and final furlong and held off big start, with paceman Saqib wicket of Pakistan’s England, offered stiff resistance second straight victory, from challenges from the eventual Mahmood marking his return Saud Shakeel. with Sohaib Maqsood as they only four career starts and In second and third-placed colts to the side with four for added 53 runs for the fifth the colours of Al Shaqab to land a head victory. 42 to help bowl out Pakistan wicket. Racing, ultra-game colt Lusail The Alan King-trained and with just under 15 overs to England lost Phil Salt in the fifth Malan (68 ) brought The partnership, however, (IRE) (Mehmas x Diaminda) Martin Harley-ridden Asym- spare. over before fellow opener up his second fifty in his fourth ended with a farcical run out stuck his neck out to claim the metric (IRE) (Showcasing x Chasing 142 for a 1-0 lead Dawid Malan and Zak Crawley ODI appearance and Crawley when Fakhar called Maqsood Group Two Tattersalls July Swirral Edge), who took second in the three-match series, steadied the ship. (58 not out) also scored a half- for a single and then left him Stakes at Newmarket while his half-brother the Tom century on his ODI debut as stranded as James Vince flicked yesterday. Dascombe-trained and P J SCOREBOARD England cruised home in 21.5 the bails. Trained by Richard Hannon McDonald-ridden San Maximus overs. Pakistan’s hopes of posting and ridden to perfection by Pat (Showcasing x Daring Day), was Pakistan Overton 6.2-0-23-2 (1w); Carse 7-0-31-0 (1w); Par- Imam-ul-Haq lbw b Mahmood ...... 0 kinson 7-0-28-2 (1w); Stokes 1-0-6-0 (1nb) “It was a very clinical per- a competitive total ended with Dobbs, Lusail broke quickly out a further head behind in third. Fakhar Zaman c Crawley b Parkinson ...... 47 England formance,” said Stokes after Zaman (47) miscuing a square- of the stalls for the six-furlong Bred by Tally Ho Stud, Babar Azam c Crawley b Mahmood ...... 0 P. Salt c Maqsood b Afridi ...... 7 leading the team to victory cut straight to point off leg- contest for two-year-olds and Lusail is a son of Memhas Mohammad Rizwan c Simpson b Gregory ... 13 D. Malan not out ...... 68 despite them having spent only spinner Matt Parkinson. was aimed up the centre of the (Acclamation), who was also Saud Shakeel lbw b Mahmood ...... 5 Z. Crawley not out ...... 58 one training session together on “To be honest we were a bit course. owned by Al Shaqab Racing Sohaib Maqsood run out (Vince) ...... 19 Extras (lb1, nb1, w7) ...... 9 the eve of the match. loose with the bat, and that’s With a brisk pace being set, and was Champion First- Shadab Khan c Malan b Overton ...... 30 Total (1 wkt, 21.5 overs) ...... 142 “Any time you get the - why we didn’t get a big total,” Dobbs chose to steady the colt Season Sire in Europe in 2020. Faheem Ashraf c Simpson b Mahmood ...... 5 Did not bat: J Vince, B Stokes, J Simpson, L Gregory, Hasan Ali c Malan b Parkinson ...... 6 C Overton, B Carse, S Mahmood, M Parkinson sition four down early on then Azam said. after two furlongs and Lusail His dam, Diaminda Shaheen Shah Afridi c Stokes b Overton .....12 Fall of wickets: 1-22 (Salt) you’re massively ahead in the “I don’t think we misread travelled strongly in third (Diamond Green) won her Haris Rauf not out ...... 0 : Afridi 5-0-22-1 (2w); Ali 4-0-33-0 (1nb, game so that helps -- especially the conditions, but credit to position, leading the group in maiden at Ascot and is a Extras (nb1, w3) ...... 4 2w); Rauf 4-0-28-0 (2w), Ashraf 5-0-33-0 (1w); when you’re captain for the first their bowlers. The momentum the centre of the track. daughter of Lominda (Lomond), Total (all out, 35.2 overs) ...... 141 Shadab 3-0-22-0; Shakeel 0.5-0-3-0 time. they got, and the fact we Two furlongs from home who produced Group One Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Imam), 2-0 (Babar), 3-17 Result: England won by nine wickets “Not every game of cricket couldn’t get a big partnership, both groups began to merge Golden Jubilee Stakes winner (Rizwan), 4-26 (Shakeel), 5-79 (Maqsood), 6-90 Player of the match: Saqib Mahmood (ENG) (Zaman), 7-101 (Ashraf), 8-123 (Ali), 9-134 (Shadab), Series: England lead three-match series 1-0 goes that smoothly for us.” is why we didn’t get a big total.” and it was apparent that Lusail Jag (Fayruz). 10-141 (Afridi) Toss: England England made a rousing The teams now head to the Bowling: Mahmood 10-1-42-4; Gregory 4-1-11-1; Umpires: Alex Wharf (ENG), Richard Kettleborough (ENG) start with the ball in hand on a Lord’s for the second ODI sunny afternoon as Mahmood tomorrow. Politt takes solo win on WI recall Cottrell, the Tour as Pogacar Hetmyer and Bangladesh score 468 in first innings keeps overall lead Chase for after massive ninth-wicket stand Australia ODIs REUTERS — NIMES REUTERS — SCOREBOARD German Nils Politt (pictured) LONDON REUTERS — Bangladesh first innings 92-2 (2nb), Myers 3-1-13-0, Shumba 21-4-64-1, won the 12th stage of the Tour Mahmudullah scored a career- Saif Hassan b Muzarabani ...... 0 Kaia 10-0-43-0 de , a 159.4-km ride Top-order batsman Shimron best unbeaten 150 in a massive Shadman Ismal c Taylor b Ngarava ...... 23 Zimbabwe first innings from Saint-Paul-Trois- Hetmyer, fast bowler Sheldon ninth wicket stand of 191 as Najmul Hossein c Myers b Muzarabani ...... 2 Milton Shumba lbw b Shakib ...... 41 Chateaux, yesterday to claim Cottrell and all-rounder Bangladesh moved into a strong Mominul Haque c Myers b Nyauchi ...... 70 Takudzwwanashe Kaitano not out ...... 33 the biggest win of his career. Mushfiqur Rahim lbw b Muzarabani ...... 11 Brendan Taylor not out ...... 37 Roston Chase returned to the position at the close of day two Shakib al Hasan c Chakabva b Nyauchi ...... 3 Extras (lb3) ...... 3 The 27-year-old rider pre- West Indies one-day squad for of the first Test against c Nyauchi b Tiripano ...... 95 Total (1 wkt, 41 overs) ...... 114 vailed from the day’s their three-match series Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Mahmudullah Riyad not out ...... 150 To bat: Dion Myers, , Roy Kaia, Regis breakaway, making his decisive against Australia later this Club yesterday. Mahedi Hasan lbw b Tiripano ...... 0 Chakabva (wkt), , Victor Nyauchi, attack 11.8 km from the line. month. Bangladesh started the b Shumba ...... 75 Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava Spain’s Imanol Erviti was The trio were left out of the day on 294 for eight, and were Ebadot Hossain c Chakabva b Muzarabani ...0 Fall of wicket: 1-61 (Shumba) second, with Australian Harry breakaway took shape while team’s 3-0 ODI series sweep eventually bowled out for Extras (b10, lb11, nb16, w2) ...... 39 Bowling: Taskin 10-6-16-0, Ebadot 9-2-28-0, Sweeny third, both 31 seconds the pace was controlled by Total (126 overs) ...... 468 Shakib 13-2-43-1, Mehidy 9-1-24-0 against Sri Lanka in March for 468, before Zimbabwe went Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Saif), 2-8 (Najmul), 3-68 Toss: Bangladesh behind, according to provi- Pogacar’s UAE Team Emirates. failing to meet the Kieron to the close on 114 for one, still (Shadman), 4-106 (Mushfiqur), 5-109 (Shakib), Match position: Zimbabwe trail by 354 runs with sional timings. The presence of world Pollard-led side’s fitness 354 runs adrift on the first 6-132 (Mominul), 7-270 (Das), 8-270 (Mehidy), nine first-innings wickets standing Overall leader Tadej champion Julian Alaphilippe in standards. innings. 9-461 (Taskin), 10-468 (Ebadot) Umpires: Marais Erasmus (RSA), Langton Rusere Pogacar of Slovenia crossed the the breakaway led his Deceu- The matches will be Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Bowling: Muzarabani 29-4-94-4, Ngarava 23-5- (ZIM) line safely in the bunch, almost ninck-Quick Step team not to played at the Kensington who was playing with a score 83-1 (7nb), Tiripano 23-5-58-2 (7nb), Nyauchi 17-1- TV umpire: Iknow Chabi (ZIM) 16 minutes behind but the top chase, meaning that Mark Cav- Oval in Barbados on July 20, of 33 and experienced right- positions in the general classi- endish would not contest the 22 and 24. handed batsman Brendan their stand ended on 191, four The latter reached his fication remained unchanged. final sprint and missed out on Taylor (37 not out) will resume runs short of the 195 put on by career-best score in Harare, Politt’s victory gives his Bora- an opportunity to equal Eddy WEST INDIES ODI SQUAD on the third morning for the South Africans Mark Boucher finishing with an unbeaten Hansgrohe team something to Merckx’s all-time record of 34 Kieron Pollard (captain), Shai Hope, Fabian home side. and Pat Symcox against score of 150 off 278 with 17 cheer about after triple world Tour stage wins. Allen, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Sheldon Mahmudullah and Taskin Pakistan in 1995. fours and a six. champion Peter Sagan pulled out In the front group, Politt Cottrell, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Ahmed had earlier put on the But it did break the Bang- He took a bit of time with a knee injury before the start attacked first with 40 km Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Jas- second-highest ninth wicket ladesh record of 184 runs for trusting his partner at the other of the day’s racing. remaining and there were four

on Mohammed, Anderson Philip, Nicholas stand in Test history. the ninth wicket between Abul end early in the stand, but soon Crosswinds created splits left to contest the stage win - Pooran, Romario Shepherd When the latter missed a Hasan and Mahmudullah in allowed the partnership to in the peloton in a fast and Politt, Swiss Stefan Kung, Erviti slog off Milton Shumba on 75, 2012. flourish. furious start before a 13-man and Sweeny. Sport FRIDAY 9 JULY 2021 14

Argentine F1 great Carlos Olympics: Host city Tokyo bans Games Reutemann dies aged 79 spectators amid COVID-19 emergency

REUTERS - TOKYO REUTERS — BUENOS AIRES 22. It was announced as the capital reported 896 new daily Former Formula One driver The Olympics will take place infections yesterday, near highs and Argentine politician without spectators in host city last seen in mid-May. Carlos Reutemann, who Tokyo, organisers said International Olympic Com- competed for more than a yesterday, as a resurgent coro- mittee (IOC) president Thomas decade at the top of world navirus forced Japan to declare Bach, who chaired yesterday’s motorsports, died on a state of emergency in the talks after arriving in Tokyo Wednesday aged 79. capital that will run throughout earlier in the day, told reporters Reutemann had the event. that strict measures were in undergone surgery in New Although widely expected, place and those were York for a hepatic tumor in the move marked a sharp turn- successful. 2017 and struggled to about from just weeks ago, Underscoring the last- regain full health. when organisers said they minute nature of Olympic prep- “Dad left in peace and aimed to hold the global arations, which had left dignity after fighting like a sporting showpiece with some sponsors frustrated, organisers champion with a strong and spectators, and all but robs the presented various spectator noble heart that accom- July 23 to Aug 8 Games of their scenarios to sponsors as late as panied him to the end,” his last vestige of pomp and public Wednesday, according to daughter Cora tweeted. spectacle. sources. In a career marked by Prime Minister Yoshihide Sponsors were told that in brilliance behind the wheel Suga said it was essential to the case of no spectators, all and stubborn single-mind- prevent Tokyo, where the The Olympic Rings monument is seen outside the Japan Olympic Committee (JOC) headquarters sports and opening and closing edness but also a lack of highly infectious Delta near the National Stadium, the main stadium for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games that have been ceremonies would likely be held consistency, Reutemann COVID-19 variant was postponed to 2021 due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in Tokyo, Japan. without fans, meaning tickets was considered the greatest spreading, from becoming the allocated to sponsors could not Argentine driver after five- source of another wave of global stage after a devastating Tokyo’s neighbouring pre- New daily cases in Tokyo be used. time world champion Juan infections. earthquake, tsunami and fectures of Kanagawa, Saitama could increase to 1,000 in July The absence of crowds will Manuel Fangio whose Venues outside the greater nuclear disaster a decade ago, and Chiba will also not allow and 2,000 in August, raising the likely further strain the Games’ heyday was in the 1950s. Tokyo metropolitan area would the Games were delayed by the spectators at their Olympic risk of hospitals in the capital budget, which has already The son of a cattle allow small numbers of spec- pandemic last year and have events, the government said. region running out of beds, blown out to an estimated rancher from Santa Fe tators, and the policy for the been hit by massive budget The government’s drive to according to recent projections $15.4bn, with ticket revenues of province, Reutemann fin- Paralympics will be decided overruns. hold the Olympics even as the from Yuki Furuse, a Kyoto Uni- about $815m expected to ished runner-up in the next month, the government Medical experts have said epidemic worsens has alienated versity professor working with dwindle to close to zero. Formula One championship said. for weeks that having no spec- much of the Japanese public the government’s coronavirus Until this week, officials to Brazilian Nelson Piquet “It is regrettable that we are tators would be the least risky and sparked concern among experts group. have insisted they could in 1981 after coming third delivering the Games in a very option, amid a sluggish pro- sponsors about a consumer SLOW VACCINE ROLLOUT organise the Games safely with in 1975, 1978 and 1980. limited format, facing the gramme and widespread public backlash. Japan has not suffered the some spectators, but a ruling “He was a big part of spread of coronavirus infec- fears that an influx of thousands Suga said COVID-19 infec- kind of explosive COVID-19 party setback in a Tokyo our sport for many years tions,” Tokyo 2020 President of athletes and officials will fuel tions were on the rise in Tokyo, outbreaks seen in many other assembly election on Sunday, and was a fighter to the end. Seiko Hashimoto said following a fresh wave of infections. due in part to the Delta variant, countries but has had more than which some allies of Suga He will be greatly missed,” talks between government offi- Torch relays have been warning that it could hit the rest 810,000 cases and 14,900 attributed to public anger over Formula 1 said in a cials, Tokyo organisers and scaled back or taken off of of the country. deaths. A slow vaccine rollout the Olympics, had forced the statement. Olympic and Paralympic public roads, and promotional “We absolutely must avoid has meant only a quarter of the change of tack, sources said. The Argentine broke representatives. events dropped. Tokyo - which Tokyo being the starting point population has had at least one Japan will hold a parlia- into Formula One in 1972 “I am sorry for those who had been counting on a record again of another spread of the shot. The new state of emer- mentary election this year and and joined Bernie Eccle- purchased tickets.” boom in tourism - has experi- infection,” he told a news con- gency in Tokyo, under which the government’s insistence stone’s Brabham team MEDICAL WARNING enced none of the buzz and ference, adding that Japan’s restaurants will be asked to stop that the Games should go ahead alongside then twice world Once seen as a chance for excitement that normally char- vaccination programme was serving alcohol, will begin on this year could cost it at the champion Graham Hill. He Japan to stand large on the acterise host cities. making “good progress”. Monday and run through to Aug ballot box, they said. made a sensational debut, putting his car in pole position for his home grand prix in Buenos Aires before Whatever, whenever Federer decides, it’s up to him finishing seventh. MOURNING He also raced for AP - WIMBLEDON Ferrari, leading the Italian team’s challenge in 1978 If this really was it for Roger after being overshadowed Federer at Wimbledon - and no by Niki Lauda in 1977, and one knows for sure either way then joined Lotus in 1979. right now, not even the man That proved a poor himself - then both he and his decision, with Ferrari fin- fans should take solace from ishing first and second in this: that year’s championship He will be heading out on and Reutemann a distant his own terms and still at an sixth. elite level. Switzerland’s Roger He then moved to Wil- Just maybe not the exact Federer waves after liams in 1980. terms and level he would prefer, “We are saddened to given that he lost in the quar- losing his quarter-final learn of the passing of our terfinals at the All England Club match against Poland’s former driver Carlos Reu- to someone new to Grand Slam temann, winner of three success. at Wimbledon on Grands Prix for Williams And if this wasn’t it, if Wednesday. during his career. Our Federer does return to the site thoughts go out to his of eight of his 20 Grand Slam family and friends at this triumphs, then all the better for difficult time,” Williams the sport. Racing tweeted. His 40th birthday is a month In 1981, he famously from yesterday, and what ignored team instructions matters the most at the moment in Brazil, refusing to let Alan is that he make his own choices, Jones pass for the win, but for his own reasons, on his own led the championship timeline. ahead of the finale in Las Well, with input from his Vegas where he qualified coaches, his trainer, his agent, on pole. his family and whatever other Reutemann then faded opinions Federer values. in the race, won by Jones, “Obviously, we’re going to and Piquet became speak a little bit tonight, Club and 21st at any major, that he is not who he used to be. contributions to tennis. The nament in Washington. The Citi champion by a single point. depending on how I feel, then holding two championship Of course not. answer veered to Federer’s future. Open announced today that the Nicknamed “Lole” in a the next couple of days, as well. points against Djokovic. Still, he was good enough to Murray, a three-time major 20-time Grand Slam champion mangled reference to his Then we go from there. Just see: But Federer didn’t convert be one of the last eight men champion, noted people have is in the field for the July 31 to love for pigs - “los OK, what do I need to do to get either and ended up on the standing of the 128 in the Wim- speculated for years about Aug 8 event that serves as a US lechones” in Spanish - he in better shape so I can be more wrong end of a fifth-set bledon bracket. when Federer might be done. Open tune-up. left the sport abruptly after competitive?” Federer said on tiebreaker. “Clearly, there’s still a lot of “I don’t quite understand - Nadal has not played since the Brazilian Grand Prix in Wednesday night after exiting When he needed two oper- things missing in my game that because I’ve experienced it his loss to in the 1982 having raced in 146 with a 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-0 defeat ations on his right knee in 2020, maybe 10, 15, 20 years ago were myself - just sort of why people semi-finals of the French Open Grands Prix, with 12 wins against Hubert Hurkacz of what pushed him through the very simple and very normal for want to always ask those last month. and 46 podium finishes. Poland. recovery was a desire to get me to do. Nowadays, they don’t question about when someone The 35-year-old Spaniard After trying his hand in Today, Hurkacz faces back to his favourite tourna- happen naturally anymore. I’ve is going to finish. He’ll do it decided to sit out Wimbledon, the World Rally Champi- , and Novak ment’s grass courts. got to always put in the extra when he’s ready,” Murray said. which ends on Sunday, and the onship in 1985, Reutemann Djokovic meets Denis Shapo- “You need a goal when effort, mentally, to remind “I wish everyone would Tokyo Olympics, which open turned to politics and was valov. Only Djokovic has you’re going through rehab with myself: Remember to do this or start, like, encouraging him to July 23, saying his body needed elected governor for Santa appeared in the Wimbledon what I did. You can’t think of do that,” he said. “I have a lot of keep going and keep playing as time to rest and recover after Fe province, serving 1991- semi-finals previously. the entire mountain to climb as ideas on the court, but some- long as he can, as long as his the clay-court season. 1995 and 1999-2003. “I’m actually very happy I once. You’ve got to go in steps. times I can’t do what I want to body can do it, because we’ll Others on the list of players In 2003, he was elected made it as far as I did here - and Wimbledon was the initial, first do. I think it’s a bit of a tricky miss him when it’s over.” entered in the Citi Open include senator for Santa Fe and re- I actually was able to play Wim- ‘super step,’ if you like,” Federer situation, sometimes.” Wimbledon semi-finalists Denis elected in 2009 and 2015. bledon at the level that I did, said. What’s not tricky: We Shapovalov and Hubert He declined to run for pres- after everything I went “For me, now that that’s shouldn’t judge Federer’s Hurkacz, who beat Roger ident in 2002, even though through,” Federer said. over, you’ve just got to reassess choices about whether to walk to Federer on Wednesday. polls showed he would “Of course, I would like to everything.” away. make return to Wimbledon quarter- have been a leading can- play it again, but at my age, Federer chats regularly with Andy Murray’s situation is finalists Felix Auger-Aliassime didate. Known for his indif- you’re just never sure what’s his team to figure out next steps. somewhat similar: He’s 34 and competition and also are ference to fame, he failed around the corner.” Where he should play. Whether trying to compete after two hip entered. to show at his own book He doesn’t know if he’ll his body needs rest. How he can operations. with debut in DC The tournament says Rock launch in 1998, after enter Wimbledon again. He also improve. And so on. His first singles appearance Creek Park Tennis Center will working for years with a doesn’t think retirement is There’s a lot to discuss, at Wimbledon since 2017 ended AP - WASHINGTON be allowed to have spectators ghost writer. “That’s Reu- imminent. including if he’ll go to the Tokyo with a third-round loss. at 50% of capacity. temann,” the writer Alfredo Two years ago, Federer Olympics. Afterward, he sounded glum. Rafael Nadal will return to Last year’s Citi Open was Parga said at the time. came as close as possible to his What’s not up for debate, Before Wimbledon, Murray competition by making his cancelled because of the ninth trophy at the All England and Federer doesn’t hide it, is was asked about Federer’s debut at the hard-court tour- pandemic.