SPORT SPORTS | 10 SPORT | 11 DhoniDho a big idol, Rafael Nadal greatgreat lessonless to watch pessimistic him in actiona during about return IPL: Buttler of tennis in 2020

WEDNESDAY 6 MAY 2020 ATP, WTA Star boxer Sheikh Fahad plan $6m fund to targets September fight support 800

RIZWANRIZWAN REHMATREHMAT players THE PENINSULAPENINSULA AP – LONDON Qatar’sQatar’s ononlyly proprofessionalfessio boxerboxer Sheikh Fahad Al ThaniT The governing bodies of tennis (pictured)(pictured) isis targettargetingin a plan to announce as soon as returnreturn to the ringring in this week they are launching a SeptemberSeptember tthishis year.year. fund of more than $6m aimed UndefeatedUndefeated in 13 ffightsi at lessening the financial effects since hishis debutdebut in 2016, SSheikhh of the coronavirus pandemic FahadFahad is currently traintrainingin at for about 800 singles and homehome withwith empemphasishasis on doubles players. “strength“strength anandd balance.”balance According to an email “Hope-“Hop obtained by The Associated fullyfully this Press, the WTA and ATP pro- pandemicpande fessional tours, the groups that allowsallows life run the four Grand Slam tour- to getget backb naments and the International to normalnor started to train at home. Training (because of the coronavirus “As athletes, we have Tennis Federation are expected rroutineoutine in at home is quite restricted as you pandemic forcing athletes responsibilities as we have to to establish eligibility rules that some sshapeh have to adapt to keep fit, to keep indoors). Now I am working keep fit and motivate others will factor in the players’ oorr fform.orm. This in shape and trying not to shoot on strength and balance. to exercise at the a time like rankings and past prize money way wwee can up in weight,” the Doha-born “This will help me keep my this when we are at home. We earnings. resume our boxer said. body in good shape, in good have to educate people around If $6m were evenly dis- normanormall sportssp “Before this pandemic nick. Obviously as an athlete us. We have to spend time tributed to 800 players, each activities andand get broke through, I was really in you can’t change things as you with family and keep moni- would get $7,500. readyready fforor cocompeti-mp a good spot with my training. know there’s a peaking stage. toring the situation locally and The seven entities involved tions.tions. The targettarge in I was at my best, actually. But There are so many different globally on developments in the initiative are contributing my minmindd is to ffightig in I had to stop training close to elements to training. We have related to sports activities,” to what the email refers to as September,”September,” SSheikhhe peaking as I was getting ready to break things down,” he Sheikh Fahad said. the “Player Relief Programme,” Fahad,Fahad, 32,32, said in an for my 14th fight (in Feb- added. When asked about his diet, and the money will be divided interview.interview. ruary),” he said. “Like i said, I am working Sheikh Fahad said: “Diet in equally among men and ““BeforeBefore Ramadan,Ramadan, I had Sheikh Fahad was on strength and balance at Ramadan is not to jump on women. scheduled to fight Romanian home, using an app to co-train sugar so much. We have to The hope is additional boxer Marius Petrus on Feb- with my French coach Frank monitor the amount we take funding will come via other Before this pandemic broke through, ruary 29 but the light middle- Bohic. We take it from there. when it comes to sweets and sources, including donations I was really in a good spot with my weight division fight - to be Each day is different - Sunday desserts. Everything has to be from higher-earning players held under the umbrella of the is little bit of technique, using consumed in moderation. and auctions. training. I was at my best, actually. Professional Boxers Associ- shadow boxing. However, the Also, we have to rehydrate The email also confirms the But I had to stop training close to ation in Spain - was cancelled main theme is using exercise properly. It is a very important WTA and ATP would oversee peaking as I was getting ready for due to a sudden injury to to keep the body strong,” factor in our diet as it is getting the distribution of the financial my 14th fight (in February): Petrus 24 hours before the Sheikh Fahad said. warmer. Having healthy food aid, something mentioned fighters got into the ring. Sheikh Fahad said athletes is also a key element for ath- when word emerged last Sheikh Fahad Al Thani “There has been a lot of had responsibility to educate letes who are active in month of some sort of tennis change to my training routine those struggling to keep fit. training,” he added. fund in the works.

Xavi Hernandez Aussie legend Cahill to go with his supporting staff live with Generation Amazing and players at Al Sadd SC. QNA – DOHA children. During the live stream, Cahill will also discuss football for Australia football legend Tim Cahill development, along with his will become the latest star to take involvement with Generation part in Generation Amazing's Amazing in his role as an SC Instagram Live sessions when he ambassador. appears on the broadcast this Ahead of Cahills appearance, week. Nasser Al Khori, Generation Cahill, who appeared in four Amazing Programmes Director, FIFA World Cups for the Soc- said: “Its so important to us at Gen- ceroos, will share health and eration Amazing that we not only QMMF unveils Online wellness tips on GA4Good today ensure the programme continues at 8 PM Doha time (GMT+3). to impact the lives of people during Supreme Committee for this crucial period, but also that we MotoGP racing series Delivery & Legacy (SC) ambas- are able to join forces with SC sador Cahill, Australias record goal ambassadors, like Tim Cahill, who THE PENINSULA – DOHA scorer, will share advice on how strongly shares our vision for using 'Wasn’t the right to keep fit during the COVID-19 football to alleviate the stresses we Following the unparalleled pandemic a time when most face currently. Together, through success of the Qatar Online people are staying at home in the power of football, we can share time' to take Barca Racing Championship (QORC) order to prevent the spread of the messages of solidarity and positive for cars, the Qatar Motor and virus. affirmation.” Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) Following a 21-year playing This weeks Generation job, says Xavi is gearing up for their next key career, Cahill has gone on to Amazing Live schedule features an event, the QORC MotoGP Racing launch a number of initiatives, impressive line-up. Along with ses- IANS – DOHA Championship, the governing including the Tim Cahill Coaching sions from the Generation Amazing body for motorsport in Qatar Clinics, the Tim Cahill All-Star master coaches, there will be an Former Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez has revealed the announced yesterday. Academy, along with a schools interview with Dutch footballer reason why he turned down the head coach job at his former The competition will take programme which provides free Nigel De Jong, who currently plays club FC Barcelona. place on the PlayStation 4 football training and has already for Qatar Stars League team Al Speaking to former team-mate Samuel Eto’o during an virtual platform of MotoGP 19 reached more than 10,000 Shahania. Instagram live session, Xavi stated he felt it wasn’t the right game, starting on Sunday. time for him to take over at such a big club so early in his Only 42 slots will be Commenting on the Cham- managerial career. available for riders in the cham- pionship, QMMF Executive Barcelona had gotten in touch with Xavi in January to pionship. Riders will be split into Director, Amro Al Hamad (pic- EFL clubs facing a £200m replace Ernesto Valverde but citing lack of experience, Xavi three groups with each group tured) said: “The competition is turned down the job in favour of staying at Al Sadd in Qatar. having maximum of 14. going to start next Sunday. We Then Real Betis manager Quique Setien was named as Each rider is expected to join have already opened up regis- 'cash hole' by September Barcelona boss after Xavi passed on the chance to return to the three ‘qualifying rounds’ tration for entries. The series his boyhood club. taking place during the first will be held for 42 competitors REUTERS – MANCHESTER The EFL, which includes the “In January the time was not right,” Xavi told Eto’o as week of the Championship. and it’s going to be for two second tier Championship, has not per Daily Mail. “I had conversations with (Eric) Abidal and After that, the top 4 riders from weeks. The first week is going Football League (EFL) clubs are played since early March “We are (Oscar) Grau and an important proposal, but it was not the each group will qualify to go to to be for qualifiers, the second facing a “cash hole” of £200m by heading for a financial hole of time. the finals. week is going to be for the finals, September, chairman Rick Parry about £200m, a cash hole we need “I need a little more experience. Training for Barca is my The qualifying rounds and like we did for cars. There is told a parliamentary committee to fill, clubs will need to fill...the dream and I would like someday day to manage them. I have finals will take place on Sunday, going to be three groups and the yesterday. cash hole towards autumn looks said that many times,” he added. Tuesday and Thursday in the races will be held on Sundays, Parry, the former chief exec- pretty grim,” said Parry. Xavi is one of the most decorated players in the history first and second weeks respec- Tuesdays and Thursdays, utive of Liverpool, was being ques- “We need a rescue package. of the game, winning multiple team and personal honours tively, starting at 9pm on each starting at 9pm. The fastest four tioned by the Digital, Culture, We also need to address the longer on the international arena as well as club level. day. from each group will qualify for Media and Sport Committee, and term or we will back into problems At Barcelona, Xavi won eight LaLiga titles, three Copa Each round will consist of the finals, which means 12 riders said all involved in the game, in two or three years, they need to Del Reys and four Champions League trophies. He is also a 15 minutes of qualifying and a will battle for the top honours including players and owners, go hand in hand,” he said, referring one time World Cup (2010) winner and two-time European 30-minute Race. in the final week.” needed to “share the pain”. to “root and branch” changes. Champion (2008, 2012) with his national team Spain. WEDNESDAY 6 MAY 2020 SPORT 09 UK sports leaders outline ‘catastrophic’ impact of coronavirus

AFP – LONDON of the UK’s Digital, Culture, facing their sports to politicians. Rugby Football Union the Premier League are also dire Premier League clubs are Media and Sport (DCMS) com- The ECB’s controversial new (RFU) Chief Executive with lower leagues much more hoping to forge ahead with their Rugby Football Union (RFU) mittee yesterday. Hundred competition has been Bill Sweeney reveals dependent on gate receipts than “Project Restart” with the aim of Chief Executive Bill Sweeney “If this was to be prolonged delayed until 2021 and even if England’s RFU, which has the top tier. salvaging £762m in television (pictured) warned of the “cata- and go into the summer of next Test matches can go ahead later deals for the remainder of this strophic” impact coronavirus year and the Six Nations games in the summer, they are likely to already lost £15m ($19m) season alone. could have on the sport if the were impacted then it would be be behind closed doors. due to the crisis, will lose By contrast, Parry believes professional game cannot return a catastrophic impact on rugby “We anticipate with no a total of £107m if the it would cost clubs in his organ- in the next year. union in England. cricket this year a worst-case autumn internationals isation to put games on behind Sweeney revealed England’s “If we get into a situation scenario could be as bad as closed doors. RFU, which has already lost where we are talking about Six £380m,” said Harrison on the are cancelled. “We are heading for a £15m ($19m) due to the crisis, Nations matches next February/ loss of revenue faced by the ECB. financial hole of about £200m will lose a total of £107m if the March being impacted then “That would be the loss of by the end of September,” said autumn internationals are there is a limit to what we can 800 days of cricket across all of “Hopefully we will be able Parry. cancelled. do independently. We would our professional clubs and the to play a significant number of “We have a great deal of The prospect of also having have to be coming to gov- ECB. That is the worst-case sce- Test matches this summer which uncertainty around next season to postpone or play next year’s ernment for some kind of nario for us this year.” will help us mitigate those of course, the great undeter- Six Nations Championship support.” England were due to host the financial losses that we are mined matter being when behind closed doors is even English Football League West Indies and Pakistan in Test facing at the moment,” added we’re going to return to more stark. (EFL) chairman Rick Parry and matches this summer. However, Harrison. play in front of “Eighty-five percent of our England and Wales Cricket the West Indies series has The pros- crowds, which revenues come from hosting Board (ECB) chief executive Tom already been delayed with pro- pects for for the EFL is men’s internationals at Twick- Harrison also spelled out the fessional cricket postponed until football absolutely enham,” Sweeney told a meeting gravity of the financial crisis at least July. clubs below critical.” 'Difficult to LA Clippers predict' complete restart of purchase badminton: of Forum AGENCIES – LOS ANGELES

BWF chief SK Wyverns’ Ro Soo-kwang Steve Ballmer finalised his in action during the KBO AFP – HONG KONG $400m purchase of the Regular season match Forum in Inglewood, Cali- Badminton will be back in against Hanwha Eagles fornia yesterday, allowing Los action “as soon as possible” at the Munhak Baseball Angeles Clippers to move after the coronavirus crisis, the Stadium in Incheon, South closer to building their new sport’s chief told AFP, adding Korea, yesterday. arena in the neighborhood. that international travel CAPSS LLC, formed restrictions were complicating recently by Clippers owner the picture. Ballmer, bought the Los Badminton, like tennis, Baseball restarts South Korea’s Angeles Lakers’ former home golf and other sports with an from Madison Square Garden international circuit, faces Entertainment Corp. major hurdles after countries MSG, wich also owns the introduced an array of travel sports season without fans New York Knicks, and the bans and quarantine periods Clippers had been engaged in AFP – SEOUL to combat COVID-19. Dummy control thanks to an extensive lengthy litigation over the lat- Thomas Lund, Secretary- spectators “trace, test and treat” ter’s plans to construct General of the Badminton South Korea’s professional sport programme. another NBA venue in the replacing World Federation, said an returned to action after the coro- The start-up will bring area. the audience announcement on a rejigged navirus shutdown with the welcome live action in a barren While the Clippers intend during the 2020 calendar was expected opening of a new baseball sports world where fans have to build an 18,000-seat arena match. soon. But he cautioned that the season yesterday, while football had to make do with sports at a cost of more than $1bn, situation remained fluid. and golf will soon follow suit in channels and broadcasters they will retain the slightly “We are gearing up to be a ray of hope for suspended airing repeats of past events. smaller Forum as a music- ready to start competition as competitions worldwide. The K-League, originally due only venue. The newly formed soon as possible. This includes Friday will see the delayed to start in February, will kick off Forum Entertainment LLC formulating a revamped BWF start of football’s K-League, and Friday with a blockbuster clash will run the Fourm. tournament calendar for 2020. next week some of golf’s leading between Jeonbuk Hyundai “We are excited to An announcement on this will women players will tee up in a Motors, champions for the past welcome The Forum to our be made shortly,” Lund said in domestic tournament as South three seasons, against FA Cup family,” Clippers president a statement. Korea becomes a rare hotspot winners Suwon Bluewings. of business operations “But at this point in time, it for live sport. And South Korea will next Gillian Zucker said in a press is difficult to predict when Fans were not allowed in week become the first country release. international movement and when any of yesterday's five to see women’s professional golf “The talented team at The entry restrictions will be lifted opening Korean Baseball over the unprecedented Players have also been asked resume after COVID-19. Forum has created a world- by individual countries and Organisation (KBO) matches format. not to shake hands or exchange South Korean players dom- class live entertainment territories in order to guar- saw the first pitches thrown, a “Baseball is finally back! But high-fives, while spitting is pro- inate women’s golf with eight venue, and we are committed antee that players, their marked contrast from the I wonder when I can actually hibited -- putting a new com- featuring in the world’s top 20, to building upon that entourage, officials and staff packed stadiums of previous go to the stadium,” tweeted one plexion on what is South Korea’s including number one Ko reputation. can participate in tournaments years when fans sang and fan. most popular spectator sport. Jin-young. The new Clippers arena is safely.” cheered relentlessly no matter Another online user said: ESPN announced it will The $1.8m the Korea Ladies slated to be built directly Badminton has already the score. “This doesn’t feel like the show six KBO League games per Professional Golf Association across from SoFi Stadium, the moved the Thomas and Uber Instead, banners with opening of a season at all. I’m week to fans pining for live (KLPGA) Championship begins new home of the Los Angeles Cups, a highlight of the season, photos of masked fans stretched watching baseball from home, baseball in the US, while broad- on May 14 in Yangju, east of Rams and Chargers that is to later in the year, hoping that across the empty bleachers at hugging a pillow.” At the casters in 10 foreign territories Seoul with world number six scheduled to open later this the virus emergency will have the Incheon-based SK Wyverns stadium, strict health checks and have snapped up rights to air Kim Sei-young and 10th-ranked year. passed. club’s Munhak Baseball hygiene measures were K-League matches. Lee Jeong-eun in the 144-strong The area once was home The de facto men’s and Stadium. enforced. South Korea endured one of field. to the Lakers and the NHL’s women’s world team cham- Banners carrying messages Players must have their tem- the worst early outbreaks of the South Korea has been seeing Kings at The Forum along pionships -- orginally for victory were also put up at perature checked twice before disease outside China, prompting only a trickle of new coronavirus with the now-closed Hol- scheduled for May, and then the LG Twins club’s Jamsil games, with face masks to be professional sports to suspend or infections in recent days, with lywood Park thoroughbred moved to August -- are now derby in Seoul, saying: “Even worn in all areas except the delay their seasons. three fresh cases reported on racetrack, but it hasn’t set to take place in Aarhus, if we are apart, we are playing field and the dugouts, But the country appears to Tuesday taking the total to hosted major sports in two Denmark in October. TWINS.” Fans were divided according to the KBO. have brought its outbreak under 10,804. decades. French Sports Minister says no guarantee Olympic champions back on the Tour will go ahead water as Croatia ease lockdown REUTERS – PARIS

There is no guarantee that the Tour de France will go ahead this year due to the COVID-19 crisis, French Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu said yesterday. The Tour, cycling’s biggest event of the year, has been REUTERS – ZAGREB “I honestly don’t think rescheduled to August 29-September 20. Brothers Valent about it too much. I prepare With crowd-drawing events being banned in France until Olympic sculls champions and Martin as if it was going to be the the end of August, special arrangements might have to be made Valent and Martin Sinkovic Sinkovic are seen Olympics,” he said. “I had that for the start of the Tour in Nice, the sports ministry said last have returned to outdoor rowing during attitude before they postponed month. training after lockdown the training after it this year. “Many people are begging me to keep the Tour even behind restrictions in Croatia were the relaxation of “Hopefully everything will closed doors,” Maracineanu told France Television. relaxed. the coronavirus be fine. I don’t want it to be “I hope it will take place but I am not sure. We do not know Croatia entered lockdown disease (COVID- delayed again, but it is how it what the epidemic will be like after lockdown.” in March to limit the spread of 19) restrictions, in is and we’ll adjust to the new France’s lockdown, in place since March 17, will be partially the novel coronavirus, but Zagreb’s lake in situation.” The European lifted on Monday, although the seasons of several sports cham- with cases declining the gov- Jarun, Croatia. Championships this year have pionships, including soccer’s Ligue 1 and rugby’s Top 14, have ernment has eased the curbs also been pushed back to already been abandoned. on movement. October but Valent said the Maracineanu added that the Tour and tennis’s rescheduled The Sinkovic brothers, “We trained all the time at a week, probably a couple of brothers kept each other French Open, expected to start on September 20, could be held who won the men’s double home, we had ergometers and weeks.” The Tokyo Olympics, motivated. behind closed doors should the ban on popular events be sculls event at the Rio a room bike, so we were in originally scheduled to start “We motivate ourselves extended. Olympics in 2016, have spent shape, we just have to get back in July, have been postponed day after day, we try to be “Just like the Tour de France, the French Open is the quin- the lockdown training at into rowing shape, rowing to July 23-Aug. 8, 2021, due to better, we try a better tech- tessence of professional sports with fans. The Roland Garros home, but carried their boat technique,” elder brother the outbreak, but younger nique,” he added. “Now our stadiums have many seats to fill, having it be played behind out to Lake Jarun in Zagreb for Valent told Reuters. brother Martin said the change focus is more on ourselves closed doors would be the worst solution but we would do it if a light session on Monday. “That will take more than in dates had not affected him. than on competition.” the survival of those sports was at stake,” she said. 10 SPORT WEDNESDAY 6 MAY 2020 Cricket chief warns of £380m Dhoni a big idol, loss if no matches played great lesson to

REUTERS - LONDON coming with their children. watch him in "It's a profit centre for English cricket is braced for cricket. It was going to bring in losses of up to £380m if no £11m of profit to the game this matches are played this year. It carries with it an extra action during summer due to the coronavirus dividend to the counties, which pandemic, according to Tom is critical revenue to them," the Harrison, CEO of The England report quoted Harrison as IPL, says Buttler and Wales Cricket Board. saying. The cricket season was due Meanwhile a three-match IANS - LONDON to begin on April 2, but no Test Series with the West Indies matches will be played now originally scheduled for June Dashing England wicket-keeper batsman Jos Buttler (pictured until the start of July at the has been postponed until later below) said yesterday Mahendra Singh Dhoni has always been earliest. in the summer. a big idol and while playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) “We anticipate the cost of England are due to play a one lesson for him has been how the decorated former India no cricket this year could be as series of T20 and one-day captain manages all the fanfare and still performs in crunch bad as 380 million pounds. That internationals against Australia situations. is the worst-case scenario for in July and then followed by a “MS Dhoni has always been a big idol of mine and chaos is us,” Harrison told the UK gov- Test series against Pakistan in always going around him, people wanting a bit of him, the ernment’s Digital, Culture, July and August. cricket and the noise,” Buttler said in an interview to Lanca- Media and Sport committee Harrison was still hopeful shire Cricket with Warren Hegg. about the impact of some Test matches would take “....it is such a great lesson to just watch him and see first coronavirus. place without spectators, which hand how to manage all that thing if you have to perform at “That would be the loss of would still incur a loss of the top level and perform in those crunch moment, that cer- 800 days of cricket across all around £100m. tainly has been one of the massive pluses,” Buttler added. of our professional clubs and But he said such matches Buttler plays for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL which is the the ECB. It is the most signif- An event promotional poster of The Hundred showing England’s were subject to serious logis- currently postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. icant financial challenge we Moeen Ali. The Hundred, a new version of cricket series designed to tical difficulties while the coro- The 29-year old England’s limited over vice-captain said have ever faced.” attract new audiences to the game in England, has been postponed navirus continues to be a global the cash-rich T20 league has taught him how to handle pressure. The sport’s new compe- until June 2021. threat. “It was one of pressures you have to learn, especially in tition, The Hundred, which Har- “The complexities of India, as an oversees players, you are one of the four in the rison described as a “profit lockdown in those nations team and you know the other four who are not playing are centre” for cricket that was It has been pushed back that number of tickets at that means there’s a huge amount also world-class players. So you are under pressure to perform,” expected to add £11m of until 2021 but Harrison believes speed before, with the of complexity to bring teams he said. revenue to the game in its first the 100-ball competition will exception of the Cricket World over, follow government guide- “So that’s been a great learning curve. One of the things I year, has been postponed until still be a success. Cup. lines and get players ready,” he came out with from the first IPL is to just learn to deal with the next year. "In terms of the position we "We were in a very strong added. chaos.” The ECB had sold 170,000 put ourselves in for The position to achieve exactly what “But with a following wind, “There is so much going on off the field, with adverts and tickets for The Hundred, which Hundred, right at the moment we set out to achieve in terms hopefully will be able to play a stuff that you never done before, meet and greet and different had a budget of £40m in its first Covid-19 struck, we were in a of growing the audience for significant number of Test things for different sponsors and then thinking about the game year and was to be partially very, very strong place," Har- cricket in this country. matches this summer which all the time and finding ways to switch off,” added Buttler who shown on BBC television - the rison said in a reported on the "The profile of ticket buyers will help us mitigate those started his IPL journey with Mumbai Indians. first time live cricket has been BBC website. was extremely encouraging - financial losses that we are Talking about cricket being played behind closed doors, on the channel since 1999. "The game had never sold young adults and parents facing at the moment.” Buttler said: “An interesting thought about when cricket returns, if it comes behind closed doors Kookaburra waxes lyrical over and there is no fans and stuffs, I know that will be really strange for profes- anti-virus cricket ball innovation sional cricketers but in a funny sort of AFP - SYDNEY way it will take you back to what it was Australian cricket ball manu- like when you first facturer Kookaburra is devel- started. oping a wax applicator that “There is no one allows players to shine the ball watching you and without using saliva or sweat, you are playing minimising the risk of because you love the COVID-19 transmission. game. I know it will Players regularly shine one be different because side of the leather-clad ball you have experi- and scuff up the other to make enced the other side the ball swing sideways in of it but that is the mid-flight and deceive the most purest form of cricket, isn’t it?” batter. Buttler added that he is hoping for some form of cricket to But rubbing spit or sweat return this year. into the ball’s surface is “One thing that sports does is it brings people together, give expressly forbidden under people hope. So hope there can be some form of cricket whether Australian Institute of Sport it is behind closed doors, or we play the Blasts, just a little bit guidelines released last week of something, it would be great to see the boys on field again that set out the conditions for even if it is for TV, and get that enjoyment from sport again,” the game to resume. he said. “But sports is not on the top of tree with how things Kookaburra said its wax Red, pink and white cricket balls manufactured by Kookaburra are seen in this photo posted on the are going on. But fingers crossed, things can turn in the pos- applicator, while still in “very company’s official twitter handle. Pic@KookaburraCkt itive way as quickly as they went the other way.” early stage product devel- opment”, could provide a solution. “At Kookaburra we are committed to continuous Warne suggests weighted improvement and innovation in the game we love,” General mManager David Orchard said ball to solve shining dilemma yesterday. “As a result of the REUTERS - MELBOURNE a taped tennis ball or like with with it with bottle tops, sand- COVID-19 pandemic we are the lawn bowls,” the former paper, or whatever. It would be always looking for solutions Australian spin great Shane leg-spinner told Sky Sports a good competition between bat to allow our game to be played Warne has suggested using Cricket Podcast. “I’m not sure and ball.” safely by all cricketing com- weighted balls to help pace you’d want it to hoop around Warne, who retired in 2007 munities around the world,” bowlers generate swing without corners like Wasim (Akram) with 1,001 international he said. risking health when cricket and Waqar (Younis) but it could wickets, said compared to the Cricket is suspended resumes after the coronavirus swing and give the seamer bat, the ball used in cricket has around the globe because of shutdown. something on flat wickets when not really evolved over the the pandemic and the wax The traditional way of it’s hot and the pitch is at its years. applicator would need shining the ball by rubbing it flattest on day two, day three.” “If you pick up one of the approval from governing with sweat and saliva to gen- Pakistan greats Akram and bats you started with in the bodies to be used when play erate swing is likely to be dis- Younis are considered the ‘80s, and then one you used at resumes. continued on health grounds foremost exponents of reverse the end of your career, it’s like Former Pakistan Test, ODI and T20 all-rounder Shahid Afridi (right) Kookaburra’s innovation when cricket restarts after the swing. A weighted ball would four of your old ones stuck wears a face mask while distributing dry food rations to family involves using a sponge to pandemic has subsided. also pre-empt any ball-tam- together - but the thing is members of policemen, who died in service, during a government- apply small amounts of wax “Why can’t the ball be pering, Warne said. lighter! So why has the ball not imposed nationwide lockdown as a preventive measure against to the ball. weighted on one side so it “You wouldn’t have to evolved? If anything, it has got the COVID-19 coronavirus in Quetta. Current laws forbid the use always swings? It would be like worry about anyone tampering worse.” of artificial substances to alter the ball but there is a long history of tampering that goes well beyond bowlers spitting England must ‘make do’ with limited T20 chances: Morgan on the ball and rubbing it on their clothing. Test players REUTERS - LONDON more than 250,000 deaths. Cricket “For the last month, everybody has possible.” have been accused of using authorities said late last month they were struggled to get a sense of what’s pos- Morgan said reduced game time in lozenges, petroleum jelly and England’s players would have to “make still planning for the World Cup in sible and what might or might not the shortest format ahead of the World resin to shine the ball, and also do” with limited chances to prepare for October this year, although Cricket Aus- happen,” Morgan told reporters via Cup was not ideal. scuffing it with bottle tops, the Twenty20 World Cup scheduled for tralia has conceded the entire interna- Zoom. “If the T20 World Cup goes ahead in trouser zippers and grit. later this year in Australia due to the tional schedule is up in the air due to the “We may have to make do. If Tests the slot that it’s been allocated at the The most notorious recent COVID-19 pandemic, limited-overs virus. were going on, there would be ways and moment, we’ll have certainly played a case was in 2018, when some skipper Eoin Morgan said. Morgan said there are doubts about means we could have meaningful limited amount of cricket before then,” Australian players attempted The England and Wales Cricket Australia’s limited-overs tour of England practice games in and around those he added. to alter the ball with sandpaper Board last month extended the sus- in July, but believes his team’s three Ireland games in a similar “Given the circumstances we’ll have during a Test against South pension of the professional game in the one-day internationals against Ireland environment. to see how much cricket we play and the Africa in Cape Town, resulting country until July 1 due to the novel coro- in September could be converted into “We could have proper opposition opportunities that land on guys’ laps. in lengthy bans for those navirus outbreak, which has infected T20s to help them prepare for the World and maybe use the England Lions there They’ll have to make the most of them,” involved. over 3.52 million people globally causing Cup. too to make it as highly competitive as Morgan said. WEDNESDAY 6 MAY 2020 SPORT 11 Nadal pessimistic about WTA chief backs Federer’s ATP, WTA return of tennis in 2020 merger suggestion AP – MADRID without proper training. The AFP – NEW YORK in one only organization,” Spaniard has had to deal with Nadal added. If ggiveniven the ooption,ption, RafaeRafaell a series of injuries throughout The head of the WTA Tour has In his interview with the NadalNadal (pictured)(pictured) saidsaid hehe his career and expects his body voiced support for a merger Times, Simon said that any wouldwould scrap this seasoseasonn Sadly, I’m not going to lie to struggle again when com- with the ATP Tour following unification was still some way entirely so tennis could to you, the feeling is that petitions finally resume. calls led by Roger Federer and in the distant future. resume normallynormally in 20212021.. we are losing a year of our Nadal also complained Rafael Nadal to integrate the However, the climate of TheThe second-rankedsecond-ranked lives. And at 33, 34 years about “confusing” information men’s and women’s circuits. uncertainty caused by the Spaniard,Spaniard, who is 33 yearsyears old, that is more valuable regarding the return to practice In an interview with the coronavirus pandemic could old anandd hhasas won 19 GranGrandd than at 20, when you have of tennis players in Spain. He New York Times published provide the impetus to reach SlamSlam titles,titles, saidsaid hhee hopedhoped more time ahead of you: said he went to train on a yesterday, WTA chief exec- agreement on a merger. to resume playing this Rafael Nadal private court because it wasn’t utive Steve Simon said a “This is a unique time,” yearyear butbut doubteddoubted iitt clear to him whether he could unified circuit made sense. Simon said. “Crisis and chal- could happen practice normally after the “I’m not afraid of the full lenges can sometimes provide because of the “I would sign up right now government eased some of the merger; I never have been,” opportunity as well. pandemic.pandemic. just to being ready for 2021,” lockdown measures that have Simon told the Times. “There’s going to be no Nadal said in interviews with been in place in the country “I would certainly be the shortage of accountants, tax El País and other Spanish since mid-March. first to support it ... Obviously attorneys, attorneys and eve- newspapers published Professional and high-per- it’s a long and winding road to rybody else that is involved yesterday. formance athletes have been get there, but I think it makes with it. It would take time, but “I’m more concerned with allowed to resume practicing all the sense in the world.” conceptually it may not take the Australian Open than with at any time this week, but sports Simon’s remarks came after as long. what happens later this year. I facilities and training centers Federer and Nadal voiced “If you agree on the goal, think 2020 has been practi- are to remain closed, with some support for a merger last you can usually get things cally lost. I’m hopeful of being exceptions for soccer clubs and month. done quicker.” able to start next year.” a few other sports. “Just wondering... am I the Both the ATP and WTA Nadal said the logistical Novak Djokovic apparently only one thinking that now is Tours have been forced to take difficulties of having to move broke confinement rules on the time for men’s and cost-cutting measures since people from country to country Monday for going onto a tennis women’s tennis to be united the COVID-19 pandemic for tournaments make it hard court at a club in the Spanish and come together as one?” erupted. Both tours have been for tennis to resume safely city of Marbella. The tennis Federer asked in a posting on on hiatus during the crisis, amid the pandemic. federation had said players are Twitter. with several tournaments “Sadly, I’m not going to lie not yet allowed to practice on Federer’s statement drew either canceled or to you, the feeling is that we courts. enthusiastic support, with postponed. are losing a year of our lives,” “It’s not clear to me Nadal and trailblazing Simon told the Times that Nadal said. whether I can go practice or women’s tennis legend Billie a merger was not necessary to “And at 33, 34 years old, not,” Nadal said. Jean King among those ensure the WTA Tour’s that is more valuable than at He said he won’t be able to aligning with the Swiss ace. survival. 20, when you have more time use the main courts at his “I agree, and have been “This isn’t about trying to ahead of you.” tennis academy in Mallorca saying so since the early 1970s. save the WTA,” Simon said. Nadal recently said he was because there are still 85 kids One voice, women and men “We’ll be fine, but look, if concerned with the risk of new confined there. together... Let’s make it we’re going to do the right injuries when players return “Nobody can get in there,” happen,” King tweeted. business thing and we’re to action after a long time Nadal said. “I completely agree that it finally going to bring the sport would be great to get out of together, I think the WTA this world crisis with the union would be very supportive of Spanish club says it of men’s and women’s tennis this concept. mistakenly allowed French players Djokovic to train can resume training

AP – MADRID bit with my phone in the hands.” “understanding that from May on Monday Spain has eased some of 4 all professional sports APA – PARIS The tennis club where Novak the lockdown measures that players were authorized to Djokovic (pictured) broke had been in place since mid- train.” The club said it TheThe FrenFrenchc Tennis Federation hopes professional players can confinement rules in Spain said March, allowing professional therefore believed he was resume individualin training if the lockdown ends as planned yesterday it mistakenly allowed athletes to return to practice, “permitted to train in our on Monday.Monda the top-ranked Serb to practice but most training centers and facilities.” FFT prpresident Bernard Giudicelli says the protocol pro- and apologized for the error. sports facilities must remain It said it later received a posedposed waswa “favorably received by the sports ministry” and Djokovic published a closed until next week. “clarification” from the couldcould lleadead to the resumption of training and other amateur video of him training on “We are sorry that our Spanish tennis feder- activities.activities. Monday in apparent violation interpretation of the regu- ation and “both parties ProfessionalProfes players would train on outside courts only at of Spain’s current rules amid lation could have been erro- have agreed that training thethe nationnational training center in western Paris or other approved the coronavirus pandemic. neous, and this could have should resume” only next trainingtraining ccenterse if approved. The national training center was The video posted on inconvenienced Mr. Djokovic week. mademade avaavailablei for COVID-19 patients at the height of the virus Instagram showed Djokovic or any other citizen acting in Rafael Nadal said he also outbreak.outbreak. exchanging shots with another good faith,” the Puente went to train on a court this SocialSocial distancing will remain in place with all staff on site man at the club in the coastal Romano Marbella Tennis Club week, but he did it on private obligedobliged to wear protective masks. Players will not be required city of Marbella, where the said in a statement. property because the rules to wear ththem under the proposed guidelines. Serb has been staying for the The statement, which was weren’t fully clear to him. All pplayersla must arrive alone and in their Tennis gear and past several weeks. relayed by Djokovic’s man- Soccer players were with theirtheir own rackets. Players will have a maximum of six Djokovic filmed the agement team, said the club among the exceptions who balls and mmust serve only with their marked balls. All partic- video while hitting shots and received a request from the could start training inside ipants mustmu keep their towels inside a bag throughout their wrote he was “so happy to player to practice and gave sports facilities beginning this stay.stay. play on clay .. well, just for a him the go-ahead with the week. Ramsey first back at Juventus Another virus case in German training, Ronaldo in quarantine football before key meeting AP – GERMANY AUE Last week, Chancellor Angela Merkel and 16 state governors postponed a AFP – MILAN Second-division German soccer club decision on whether the Bundesliga could Erzgebirge Aue put its entire squad in resume without fans present. She warned Welsh international Aaron Ramsey home isolation yesterday after a member there was still a danger that COVID-19 was the first Juventus player to return of staff tested positive for the corona- infections could rise if containment to individual training at the team’s virus. measures were relaxed too soon. sports centre in Turin yesterday as It was the first confirmed case in the A meeting between Merkel and the Cristiano Ronaldo began two weeks’ German league’s second round of testing, governors on Wednesday will discuss quarantine after returning to Italy. coming a day before a government resuming soccer in Germany. The Ronaldo flew back to northern meeting on loosening lockdown league’s plan has faced public criticism Italy by private jet on Monday night Juventus’ Welsh measures to pave the way for soccer to regarding the use of coronavirus testing after almost two months in corona- midfielder Aaron Ramsey return in empty stadiums. kits on people who appear healthy, and virus lockdown in his native arrives in his car at the Aue didn’t name the staff member concerns that fans could gather near Portugal. Juventus’ Continassa involved or say how the person could stadiums. Midfielder Ramsey joined Juventus training ground in Turin, have contracted the coronavirus. The There was a further backlash on this season after 11 years with Arsenal, yesterday. club didn’t report any positive tests from Monday after Hertha Berlin forward and scored his fourth goal in their last the first round of testing last week. Salomon Kalou live-streamed a video of game against Inter Milan behind All players, coaches and backroom himself greeting teammates with closed doors before the championship staff will stay at home ahead of more physical contact and bursting in on a was suspended on March 10. But sports minister Vincenzo “The majority of Italians do not coronavirus testing tomorrow, though teammate’s coronavirus test. Kalou was Champions Juventus are leading Spadafora warned that training in welcome the resumption of the German soccer’s restart plan doesn’t suspended by the club. Serie A, one point ahead of Lazio, as groups must wait until May 18, and it championship. But I’m not looking at require automatic quarantine measures. Commenting on the incident yes- they target a ninth consecutive Scu- remains uncertain whether matches polls at the moment. Football is an Ten people tested positive last week terday, Health Minister Jens Spahn said detto. Captain Giorgio Chiellini fol- can restart as the country battles a important world in this country, I from the 36 clubs in the top two men’s German soccer’s plan was sound despite lowed shortly after Ramsey, with pandemic which has killed over know it well compared to those who divisions. That included two Cologne the flouting of social distancing shown fellow Italy defender Leonardo 29,000. want to give a different message. players and a staff member. The club did in Kalou’s video. Bonucci, wearing a black face mask, “A realistic prediction can be made “I hope to start again, but the gov- not put its squad in isolation, nor did “The basic concept makes sense and arriving later in the afternoon. in mid-May,” Spadafora said in an ernment will decide. We will rely on second-division club Stuttgart, which can also be an example for other pro Italy’s interior ministry has given interview with Corriere della Sera yes- scientific elements, which are not reported one “inconclusive result.” sports categories, by the way. But it has the go-ahead for players to return to terday, denying that he wanted to call available today. The other cases have not been pub- to be lived, too,” Spahn told Deutsch- club training facilities two weeks a halt to the season. “There is no opposition of mine, licly attributed to any club. The German landfunk radio. ahead of schedule, offering a glimmer “It would be surreal for a sports but the desire to evaluate the restart Football League, which oversees the top Clubs in the top two divisions have of hope that the 2019-20 season might minister to demonise football,” he only if the health of the people within two divisions, has asked clubs not to dis- committed to finishing the season by the yet be saved. said. the team group is safeguarded. close cases. end of June.