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Home , Fakhar Zaman (cricketer), Lucas Ocampos, Naseem Shah (cricketer), Styrian Grand Prix

SPORT SPORTSP | 05 SPORT | 07 SouthSou Africa's WRC8: Abdulla VanVa Niekerk in clean sweep '100%'10 ready' as top drivers for return advance

SATURDAY 13 JUNE 2020

This file photo shows a general aerial view of the Qatari players Street Circuit and the city skyline during a previous edition of the event. undergo virus tests before training camp

QNA – DOHA

Qatar national team’s players and staff yesterday took coro- navirus (COVID-19) tests before starting their first training camp of the season ahead of the World Cup 2022 and Asia Cup 2023 qualifiers. The tested players now remain in quarantine at the team hotel as they await the results before training starts tomorrow. The camps conclude on July 3. All training will take place with the appropriate precautionary measures set by the Ministry of Public Health in place. The players will join their clubs afterwards to continue their preparations for the five Singapore, Japan and Azerbaijan Grands Prix cancelled as revised calendar unveiled remaining rounds of QNB Stars League. They will take a second COVID-19 test on June 24 and 25 ahead of group Formula 1 axes three races training. Tokyo Games AFP – SINGAPORE The Singapore F1, a night REVISED 2020 F1 CALENDAR But it still has tough travel race around the city’s restrictions in place. ’s Singapore, floodlit waterfront, is a F1 got the green light to President Japan and Azerbaijan Grands highlight of the regular SCHEDULED RACES start when the Austrian gov- Prix were cancelled yesterday Formula 1 calendar. July 3-5: (Spielberg) ernment sanctioned the says 80% of over logistical problems caused July 10-12: Styrian Grand Prix (Spielberg) season-opening double-header by the coronavirus, officials July 17-19: (Budapest) at the Spielberg circuit after facilities lined said, in a new blow to the The Azerbaijan Grand July 31-August 2: (Silverstone) organisers “presented a com- disrupted season. Prix, originally due to August 7-9: 70th Anniversary Grand Prix (Silverstone) plete and professional plan” to Formula One was thrown take place in June this August 14-16: (Barcelona) combat the COVID-19 up for 2021 into chaos in March when the year, is also a street race August 28-30: (Spa-Francorchamps) outbreak. TOKYO curtain-raising Australian and takes place in the September 4-6: (Monza) The Hungarian Grand Prix AP – Grand Prix was cancelled hours capital Baku, with the will be brought forward to July before practice was to begin, STILL PLANNED 19 before a two-week break, About 80% of the facilities as the virus spread around the track running along the September-November: Eurasia (Russia), Asia (Vietnam followed by consecutive races needed for next year’s post- world. shoreline and through the and China) and Americas (Canada, United States, Mexico, Brazil) in Britain and events in Spain, poned Tokyo Olympics have With lockdowns being city’s medieval old town. December: Middle East (Bahrain and Abu Dhabi) Italy and Belgium. All will likely been lined up, the president of eased in some places, organ- be run without spectators while the organising committee said isers last week unveiled plans CANCELLED participants must adhere to yesterday. to start the season with two decision not to proceed with Australia, Monaco, France, Netherlands, Azerbaijan, Sin- strict safety protocols. Two of the largest venues races behind closed in the race.” gapore, Japan Regular health tests will be have not yet been secured, in July, followed by six other As well as the Australia conducted with the number of however. Grands Prix in Europe. race, Grands Prix in Monaco, team members and race staff “For a significant number But Formula One said the France and the Netherlands impossible for large groups of race. It takes place in the at the venue also reduced. of facilities, about 80% of them, decision had now been taken had already been cancelled. spectators to watch the outdoor capital Baku, with the track The blueprint for the we have already gained basic to cancel the races in The Singapore F1, a night event. running along the shoreline rehashed season features approval for their use next Azerbaijan, Singapore and race around the city’s floodlit Travel restrictions would and through the city’s medieval further races in Asia -- the year,” Yoshiro Mori said, Japan due to “ongoing chal- waterfront, is a highlight of the have also prevented tourists, old town. Shanghai and Vietnam races speaking at an executive board lenges presented by calendar. who make up a large chunk of The country has seen a have only been postponed for meeting of the organising COVID-19”. But organisers said they the F1’s audience, from coming sharp increase in virus infec- now -- and the Americas in committee. “In Singapore and had not been able to start con- to the city-state for the race. tions since lifting a state of September, October and Organizers are still working Azerbaijan, the long lead times struction of the Marina Bay Singapore, which has emergency at the end of May. November before finishing in to secure the 5,000-apartment required to construct street cir- Street Circuit due to curbs recorded the highest number Japan, whose Grand Prix the Gulf in Bahrain and Abu Athletes Village and the Tokyo cuits made hosting the events imposed to fight the virus. of virus cases in Southeast was due to take place at the Dhabi in December. Big Sight, a hulking convention during a period of uncertainty Other challenges include a Asia, has just started easing Suzuka International Racing The 2020 season was orig- center on Tokyo Bay that will impossible,” Formula One said ban on mass gatherings which, curbs. Course in October, lifted a state inally to have featured a record be used as the main press in a statement. if still in place in September The , of emergency last month and 22 races, but now it is set to be center. “In Japan, ongoing travel when the race was due to take originally due to take place in has suffered a relatively small the shortest campaign since The Tokyo Games are set restrictions also led to the place, would have made it June this year, is also a street outbreak. 2009. to open on July 23, 2021. Sevilla win derby in return COVID-19 tests continue as REUTERS – SEVILLE

La Liga returned after a three- QSL gears up for restart month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic as Sevilla beat city rivals Real Betis 2-0 on Thursday THE PENINSULA – DOHA with the help of a controversial Sevilla’s penalty and a touch of class from Lucas As part of arrangements for Argentine winger Lucas Ocampos. Ocampos the players’ training ahead Ocampos struck the post in (right) of the resumption of 2019-20 the first half before giving Sevilla celebrates season QNB Stars League a deserved lead from the spot in with (QSL), COVID-19 tests for the 56th minute after Betis’ Marc team-mates players, technical and Bartra was harshly judged to have after scoring administrative staff will fouled . their first goal continue at the Ali bin Ocampos produced an outra- against Real Betis. Hamad Al Attiyah Stadium geous backheel assist for mid- today. fielder Fernando to head home six were barred from attending for they were and show that we are The tests are being con- minutes later to seal a win which safety reasons. working hard for them,” the ducted in line with the consolidated Sevilla’s push for a Television broadcasts sought Argentine said. general plan and protocol, Champions League place. to re-create the experience of a Sevilla had been outplaying developed by QSL in co- ’s side are in normal match with fans by using their neighbours before Bartra operation with the Ministry third place in the standings with simulated crowd noise and was penalised for his challenge of Public Health and Aspetar 50 points after 28 games while images, while Ocampos still on De Jong although the former hospital, Betis were left in 12th on 33. saluted the stand behind the goal Barcelona defender was still Tests will be conducted Sevilla dominated the derby after breaking the deadlock from furious with the decision. for Al Sadd, Al Gharafa, Al in an empty and eerily quiet the penalty spot. “The penalty was incredible, Khor, Al Rayyan, Qatar SC Sanchez Pizjuan which would “I had never played a derby I was in a position to out-jump De and Al Wakrah clubs, in case, the patients will result is negative, players usually be teeming with colour here before and even though the Jong and he jumped into my arms, order to ensure the health undergo the procedures rec- and officials will join their and noise for the occasion, but the fans are not here I still wanted to the Sevilla players weren’t even and safety of everyone. ommended by the Ministry respective teams at their red seats were left bare as fans honour them and make it feel like expecting a penalty,” Bartra said. In the event of a positive of Public Health. If the test team hotels. SATURDAY 13 JUNE 2020 SPORT 05 Djokovic defends packed stands at charity event

BELGRADE AP — Dominic Thiem, Grigor Dim- veryy difficultdifficult to tthinkhink ofof thanthan 12,00012,000 COVID-19COVID-19 cases wrongwron for health,” Djokovic played -- because he described itrov and Jelena Jankovic. internationalernational and 252 deaths, although the said. precautions put on players as There was no social distancing The Serbian government standards,”ndards,” he numbersnumbers hhaveave beenbeen rising “We“W are doing what the “extreme” and not and few among the thousands recently lifted lockdown saidd befbeforeore thethe again since the gov-gov- SerbianSerbi government is telling ”sustainable.” of fans wore face masks - and restrictions in the coronavirus ceremonialr emonial ernmenternment lifted most of the us andan hopefully we soon will These included a 14-day Novak Djokovic (pictured) pandemic, only recommending openingning of his lockdownslockdowns andand restric-restric- getget backba on tour collectively. quarantine for foreign players; approved. people stay 1 meter apart. On Adriaia Tour. tionstions last month. “Of“O course, lives have been a limit of one person per com- The fans filled the make- Wednesday, there was a HeHe said ““YouYou can also cricrit-t- lost anda that’s horrible to see, petitor at matches; limited shift stands yesterday at Djok- 20,000-strong crowd for a Serbiabia has icise us and say this is inin thethe region and worldwide. ability to move around New ovic’s Belgrade tennis club on soccer cup semifinal in “betterter numbers” maybemaybe dangerous but it’s But lifelif goes on, and we as ath- York; and mandatory lodging the banks of the Danube River Belgrade. comparedmpared to other not up to me to make letesletes are looking forward to near the tournament site in for the opening day of his At the tennis, Djokovic countriesntries regarding thethe callscalls about competing.”comp Queens. charity tennis tour organized defended the freedoms of the coronavirusonavirus infec-infec- what is ButBu this week, the top- Djokovic’s Adria Tour is by him and his family. Other crowd. tions.s. Serbia has rightright rankedranke Djokovic said he was scheduled to move on to neigh- top players in attendance “We have different circum- registeredistered oorr thinkingthink of skipping the US boring Croatia, Montenegro included Alexander Zverev, stances and measures so it’s morere OpenOpen -- if it is and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Varner and Rose share lead as PGA Tour makes return

FORT WORTH — REUTERS FIRST ROUND SCORES holding us back moving 63 - Harold Varner (US), Justin Rose (ENG) forward. I think today was the Harold Varner III and Justin 64 - Jhonattan Vegas (VEN), Justin Tho- biggest day, just getting this Rose both fired seven-under- mas, Collin Morikawa, Abraham Ancer first day off.” par 63s to share the lead as Palmer (72) began his (MEX) the PGA Tour returned to round about two hours before 65 - Adam Hadwin (CAN), Tom Lehman, action for the first time in the 8:46am (1346 GMT) tee three months due to the Jordan Spieth, Daniel Berger, Brian Har- time was left vacant as golfers COVID-19 pandemic at the man, Gary Woodland, Bryson DeCham- stopped play to observe a Colonial Country Club in beau, Tyler Duncan, Xander Schauffele moment of silence to honor Fort Worth. 66 - Vaughn Taylor, Adam Schenk, Ryan George Floyd, the black man Englishman Rose Moore, Cameron Champ, Ian Poulter who died last month after a showed no signs of rust (ENG), Corey Conners (CAN), Sepp Straka white police officer knelt on after the long layoff as (AUT), Matt Jones (AUS), Im Sung-Jae his neck, sparking widespread SA's star runner he waltzed through a (KOR), Branden Grace (RSA) protests. bogey-free round in the 67 - Alexander Norén (SWE), An Byeong- It was a solemn scene as Van Niekerk ‘100% morning at the spec- Hun (KOR), Jim Furyk, Jason Kokrak, Kevin golfers and caddies stood with tator-free Charles Kisner, Doc Redman, Matthew Wolff, Brice their heads bowed during a

Schwab Challenge. Garnett, Patrick Rodgers, Mark Hubbard, time slot selected to reflect ready’ for return

PARIS Varner followed in the Keith Mitchell, Lucas Glover, Scott Piercy how long - 8 minutes and 46 AFP — afternoon with a blistering seconds - the officer’s knee round under sunny Texas was on Floyd’s neck. South African 400m world record holder Wayde skies, capping it off with an “It kind of feels like a com- Varner, who is among only van Niekerk (pictured above) says he is “100% 11-foot putt on 18 for his petitive practice round. But I a handful of black players on ready” to hit the track again after two years spent seventh birdie of the day to think we all know what’s on the tour, called the moment of on the sidelines with injury. pull even with Rose. the line. We all know what silence “pretty cool,” a sen- The Olympic and two-time former world Four players, including we’re playing for.” timent echoed by other 400m champion damaged knee ligaments in world number four Justin Everyone in the field players. October 2017 while playing in a celebrity touch Thomas, were locked in a tie underwent mandatory Varner has long been an rugby match that preceded a South Africa-New for third at six under. World COVID-19 testing prior to advocate for greater racial Zealand Test in Cape Town. number one Rory McIlroy had teeing off as the tour ended its diversity in the pro game but His recovery included time at medical facil- an unremarkable round to longest unscheduled break said right now his focus is on ities in the United States and Qatar, and there finish two under and tied for from competition since World trying to win his first PGA Tour were several setbacks, including bruising of the 39th. War Two. event. knee. “It felt quite subdued out “Just being out here is a “The reason I have a “There were days when I couldn’t walk,” Van Harold Varner III of the United States there for sure,” Rose said of success, to be honest with you, platform is because I’m really Niekerk told the Paris edition of the Diamond plays a shot on the 18th hole during playing without fans cheering getting started,” said American good at golf,” the 29-year-old League Call Room in an interview set to air on the first round of the Charles Schwab on the impressive field, which Ryan Palmer, who hit the day’s told reporters. social media. Challenge at Colonial Country Club in included the top five golfers opening tee shot. “I just need to focus on The Cape Town native has slowly come back Fort Worth, Texas. in the world rankings. “I don’t see anything that.” to the track, his most recent outing a victory in the Free State provincial championships 400m race in Bloemfontein in March, his fourth such low-key race. Van Niekerk said he had learned to differen- NHL camps to open on July 10 if tiate between “bad pain when I am on the brink of injuring myself and pain where I just need a day or two of rest and recovery”. Hopefully, the “I had to listen to my body more and I thank league, players agree to return owners and the my coaches for listening to me when I am in that situation.” AP — TORONTO “I think we have to be Setting a July 10 start for hopefully now we can keep commissioner Van Niekerk, who ran the world record of pretty cautious about that,” camps allows players to going in the right direction.” and the players 43.03 seconds when winning 400m gold at the The NHL and NHL Players’ Chicago Blackhawks make arrangements to Players were allowed to 2016 Rio Olympics, added: “My body is feeling Association gave the winger Patrick Kane said. return to their home cities resume small-group, vol- can all work out a good. go-ahead for teams to open “Hopefully, the owners in light of quarantine regu- untary workouts and teams deal that’s fair for “I have had time to allow my knee to get used training camp on July 10 in and the commissioner and lations in the US and could open their training everyone, and the to that ‘on your marks’ feeling.” the next step forward the players can all work out Canada. Commissioner facilities on Monday. His recent outings had given him a “massive toward completing the a deal that’s fair for eve- Gary Bettman said recently Groups of players began players feel safe confidence boost to know that I still have my pandemic-delayed season. ryone, and the players feel 17% of the league’s players skating this week, while enough to come speed”. The league and union safe enough to come back were overseas. others were waiting for a back and get back “Now I just need to puzzle everything back have already approved a and get back into some sort “It’s obviously very firm timeline to ramp up for together again to run the 400m successfully.” 24-team play-off format of normalcy here.” helpful having the dates,” games. into some sort of The coronavirus pandemic has played havoc but still need to decide on Camps are expected to Toronto Maple Leafs Under the format normalcy here: with the track and field season, with a number testing and health and last two weeks, if not defenceman Morgan Rielly devised by the Return to of elite Diamond League meets cancelled. The safety protocols along with slightly longer. Under this said. Play committee, the top Chicago Blackhawks Tokyo Olympics were also postponed a year to potential host cities for the timeline, exhibition games “To go that long without four teams in each con- winger Patrick Kane 2021. games. This is no guarantee could begin as soon as July any news or hard infor- ference advance to the But Van Niekerk argued that it was perhaps hockey is coming back 24 with playoff games mation in terms of a start round of 16 and play sep- easier for him to accept the thought of not amid the coronavirus starting roughly a week time, it is tough, but I think arate round-robin tourna- seeding. The other 16 teams competing. pandemic. later. it’s rolling now and ments to determine play best-of-five series. “I have been in a two-year lockdown hiber- nation vibe anyway with my injury!”

Former NBA player Stephen Jackson (front, NBA sets 17-player rosters left) and friends speak and raise their fists during the protest for Justice for George Floyd India's Marimuthu outside the Hennepin county Government for return, says report Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. handed 4-year AFP — LOS ANGELES Under the revised schedule 14 of the teams will be eliminated within The National Basketball Association 53 days of arriving in Florida. Only ban for doping plans to allow as many as 17 players four teams will remain after 67 days, per team when the season restarts at ESPN said. AP — MONACO the end of next month, US media The league expects the NBA finals reported. to begin by September 30. Asian champion runner Gomathi Marimuthu was The total will include 15 players Once the play-offs start, teams banned yesterday for four years for doping and with standard contracts and two can replace any player who tests pos- stripped of her 800-metre title. others per team that are under itive for the coronavirus with a sub- The Athletics Integrity Unit said the 31-year- two-way deals. stitute player. old Indian runner will be banned until May 2023 The NBA has been shutdown since The new player would be subject and disqualified from all races in a two-month March 11 due to the new coronavirus to a minimum seven-day quarantine period last year. pandemic. period. Marimuthu tested positive for the anabolic Twenty-two of the NBA’s 30 The league is planning to begin steroid nandrolone at the 2019 Asian track cham- teams are scheduled to resume the training camps July 9-11. The players pionships in Qatar in April. season at the end of next month at will quarantine before beginning It followed three more positive tests from the Disney Resort sports complex in formal training camps. samples taken in India in the previous month. Orlando, Florida. The eight NBA teams left out of Those test results were confirmed after she won The date of the restart is July 31, the Orlando action are allowed to the Asian title. but ESPN reported that the latest plan waive or sign players during a trans- Marimuthu can challenge the ban at the Court was to moved it up to July 30. action window in late June. of Arbitration for Sport. 06 SPORT SATURDAY 13 JUNE 2020 Sarfaraz, Alam and Sohail back for England tour Teenage hotshots break into Pakistan squad

AFP — hat-trick in February after only PAKISTAN SQUAD debuting in Australia last year. Teenage cricketing sensations Haider’s inclusion, at the (Test ), (Twen- Teenage cricketing sensations ty20 captain), , Fakhar Zaman, Imam- Haider Ali and Naseem Shah age of 19, will also spark Haider Ali and Naseem Shah have have been picked for Pakistan’s excitement after he scored 107 ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Asad Shafiq, Fawad tour of England next month, runs in the Under-19 World Cup Alam, Haider Ali, Iftikhar Ahmad, Khushdil been picked for Pakistan’s tour of continuing the country’s this year, followed by 218 runs Shah, , , Mo- 17-year-old pacer England next month. tradition of throwing young in the Emerging Teams Cup in hammad Rizwan, , Faheem Naseem Shah players in at the deep end. Bangladesh. Ashraf, , Imran Khan, Mohammad will be a star Sarfaraz Ahmed, sacked as Pakistan’s 29-member He also tallied 645 runs -- Abbas, , Naseem Shah, attraction. captain and excluded from all squad will begin the tour with including a century in the final Shaheen Shah Afridi, , Usman three formats last year in a

at least a month of trainingg in a -- in Pakistan’s ppremier ShinwariShinwari,, WahabW Riaz, , Kashif surprise move, will also tour ‘bio-secure’‘bio-secure’ environmentenvironment,, domesticdomestic tournament QuQuaid-aid- BBhatti,hatti, ShadabSha Khan, Yasir Shah England and has a chance to play beforebefore the series of thrthreeee e-Azam Trophy last TestsTests anandd tthreehree year.year. in the series. Twenty20Twenty20 interna-interna- Chief selector and ssuccessuccess in England. It was a tionalstionals getsgets crackingcracking headhead coaccoachh Misbah-Misbah- challechallengingn process as the Fawad Alam, a prolific scorer in onon AAugustugust 5. ul-Haqul-Haq said selection of playersplayers have not played for an domestic events but who has Seventeen- thethe unusuaunusuallylly llargearge extendedextende period of time,” said not been given a chance in a year-oldyear-old pacer SShahhah team was difficult. Misbah.Misbah. Test team since 2009, makes the willwill bbee a star attraction, ““TheThe selectorsselectors havehave Middle-orderMidd batsman Haris squad. havinghaving bbecomeecome tthehe pickedpicked a squasquadd wwhichhich SohailSohail wwas the only player who youngesty oungest gives us thethe pulledpulled outo of the tour due to bowlerb owler best coronaviruscoronav fears, while fast everever to chancechance bowlerbowler -- taketake a ooff sentencedsentenc in a spot-fixing case TestT e st inin UK inin 2010 -- withdrew to attendattend thet birth of his second childchild in August. Sarfaraz Ahmed AmirAmi was part of Pakistan’s made the squad. -keeper latest Test match in December 20 and 25 June, said Misbah. tours inin 2016 and 2018 after Sarfaraz Ahmed, sacked as 2016. Pakistan will play Tests in completingcomple his five year ban captain and excluded from all Spinners Bilal Asif and Manchester (August 5-9) and forfor spot-fixing.sp Middle-order three formats last year in a sur- Mohammad Nawaz, opener Southampton (August 13-17 batsmanbatsm Fawad Alam, a pro- prise move, will also tour Imran Butt, fast bowler Musa and 21-25). lificlific scorer in domestic England and has a chance to Khan are named as reserves The three Twenty20 inter- eventseve but who has not play in the Twenty20 series. in case any of the players fail nationals will all be played in beenbe given a chance in a Fast bowler Sohail Khan pre-tour coronavirus testing, Southampton on August 28, 30 TestTeTe team since 2009, was recalled after playing his which will be carried out on and September 1. Coronavirus may force Sammy: Nickname controversy is IPL out of India, says opportunity to educate on racism

REUTERS — NEW DELHI about racism. Earlier this week, things that have been said or league's chairman the 36-year-old sought clarifi- done, that even though you Former West Indies captain cation from his former team- don’t mean it in any way to be AFP — NEW DELHI Patel said the IPL is still Daren Sammy (pictured) says mates over the nickname used degrading to someone else, but looking at a window ahead of he has accepted a former team for him when he was part of the It’s a great the fact that it can be perceived The Indian the T20 World Cup in Aus- mate’s explanation of a poten- Indian Premier League fran- opportunity to to (be) that or it could mean that.” could be moved out of the tralia, which is scheduled for tiallyy racist nickname he chise from 2013-14. The Sunrisers Hyderabad country if the coronavirus October-November. waswas givengiven at thethe SammySammy said he did nnot educate people and Indian board (BCCI) pandemic does not ease in the But the International Sunrisers HyderabadHyderabad knowknow the meaninmeaningg oof a about certain things officials Reuters contacted next two months, IPL Cricket Council has deferred andand hopeshopes thethe HHindiindi wwordord that somesom that have been said declined to comment. chairman Brijesh Patel said taking a decision on the fate issueissue cancan be uunnamednnamed SuSunrisersnrise Several athletes have yesterday. of the T20 showpiece event usedused to team-matesteam-mates wwouldould ccall or done, that even spoken out about racism in “Let us first see, we will try because of pandemic educate himhim andand ononlyly bbecameecam though you don’t sport and society after the death to stage it in India and if the worries. playersplayers aware ofof its raciaraciall ccon-o mean it in any way of George Floyd, a black man situation does not allow then “We are looking at a Sep- notations aafterfter watcwatchinghi who died on May 25 after a we will certainly look at other tember-October window for a TV sshowhow tthathat ddiscussediscuss to be degrading to white policeman knelt on his options,” Patel said. the IPL, but it depends on the thethe iissue.ssue. someone else, but neck for nearly nine minutes in “We will see how the sit- other tournaments as well,” “I’m please(d)please(d) to Minneapolis. uation is in the next month or said Patel, who played say thatthat I’ve hadha a the fact that it can be While none of India’s two and then take a call 21 Tests for India, said. reallyreally inter-inte perceived to (be) that frontline cricketers have com- accordingly,” said Patel, “Nothing certain estingesting convconver- or it could mean that: mented on the issue, soccer adding that options included at the moment, but sation withw captain Sunil Chhetri stressed staging the cash-rich tour- we are keeping our oneone of tthe Daren Sammy the need to confront any racist nament abroad. plans in place to guysguys aand behaviour. Pandemic cases have make the IPL we aare tives,” Sammy tweeted. “My “Racism comes from igno- surged in the nation of 1.3 happen.” lookinglooki brother reassured me that he rance,” Chhetri said in a billion people. India now has The IPL is at wayswa operated from a place of love statement issued by the coun- the fourth highest caseload in usually a seven- tot and I believe him.” try’s football federation. the world, concentrated in week tour- educateeduc Separately in a video, “If I see someone being major cities like Mumbai, nament, ratherrath Sammy advocated awareness racist, I would get hold of them Delhi and Chennai which are although BCCI ththana to fight racism. and explain to them why what cricket hubs. president focusing on “It’s a great opportunity to they are doing is wrong,” said The UAE and Sri Lankan Sourav Ganguly thethe nenega-g educate people about certain the striker. cricket boards have already has said he shown interest in hosting the expects it to be shortened tournament this year. this year. Head coach Arthur says Sri SA cricket rift intensifies as India cancel Zimbabwe Lanka back at match level supended CEO

AFP — COLOMBO about a week even though tour because of the tries to return tour due to virus fears Sri Lankan team still have COVID-19 pandemic. Sri Lanka are raring to play no idea when they will play Cricket on the island REUTERS — NEW DELHI India, who last visited international cricket again again. came to a halt on March 13 AFP — JOHANNESBURG Zimbabwe for a bilateral even though India have India, who were due to when England pulled out India will not travel to series in 2016, were postponed a tour planned visit Sri Lanka this month for during a practice match The power struggle at the top of South Zimbabwe for a one-day due to play a 3-match for this month because of three one-day internationals ahead of a two-Test series. African cricket escalated as Thabang international series in August the coronavirus, head coach and three T20 matches, have Arthur had customised Moroe said he was back in charge, but due to the threat posed by the ODI series. The Indian Mickeykey ArtArthurhur (pi(pictured)ctured) called off home-traininghome-training rregimes for his board responded yesterday by COVID-19 pandemic, the board has not confirmed said yyesterdayesterday after his team the manymany plaplayersyers in the national saying the chief executive was still Board of Control for Cricket rescheduled dates for completedmpleted a first ppostost teamteam aafterfter tthehe lockdown suspended. in India (BCCI) secretary Jay either of the tours. lockdowndown training session. waswas imposedimposed onon March 20. Moroe attempted to return to work Shah said yesterday. TheThe “return-to-play” A 24-hour24-hour curfew in on Thursday, saying that a six-month The move follows the programmegramme begun at the ColomboColombo was eeaseda on May suspension on full pay had expired. He BCCI’s decision on Thursday Central and State govern- startt ofof thisthis mmonthonth hhadad 27, but a night ccurfewu is still was initially thwarted because the to postpone India’s limited- ments and several other beenn a success, Arthur in force.force. offices of (CSA) overs tour to Sri Lanka, which respective agencies in con- told reporters as he SkipperSkipper DimuthDim Karu- were in lockdown because of COVID-19, was originally scheduled for taining the spread of the wrappedpped uupp the first naratne said ggettinget back to with staff working from home. later this month. coronavirus.” residentialdential training for training after idlingid during CSA responded with a statement in India, who last visited England are scheduled to 13 players.ayers. thethe 24-hour24-hour curfewcu in the the early hours yesterday saying the sus- Zimbabwe for a bilateral host the first international “WeWe havehave donedone a lotlot capital was not eeasy. pension remained in force until the series in 2016, were due to series since the novel corona- of conditioningonditioning and every “Even“Even whenwhe we are completion of a forensic investigation play a three-match ODI series. virus outbreak, when they day we have uppedupped their ttrainingraining in the first day it into allegations of misconduct. It The BCCI has not confirmed face West Indies in a three- ,”ling,” Arthur said. waswas really hard,ha but now promised that more “clarity and cer- rescheduled dates for either test series without fans in “SoSo they are almost I am shapishapingn and I am tainty will be provided by the end of of the tours. attendance starting on July 8 readydy in the next getting mym fitness June”. “The BCCI is determined at the Ageas Bowl in month,nth, they will back,”back,” KKarunaratne While Moroe has been suspended, to take steps towards the Southampton. be readyeady to play said.said. major changes have taken place in the resumption of international The BCCI said it will cricket.”ket.” “We“W are CSA administration under acting chief and domestic cricket,” Shah conduct a camp for its cen- TheThe nnextext trtryingy to executive Jacques Faul, with former Test said in a statement. trally contracted Indian crick- trainingi n i ng bobounce back captain Graeme Smith appointed as “But it will not rush into eters only when it is com- sessionsion aandn play director of cricket and former Test wick- any decision that will jeop- pletely safe to train is dueue ggood inter- etkeeper Mark Boucher as head coach, ardise the efforts put in by the outdoors. inn nnational under an arrangement that largely side- cricket.” lines the board. SATURDAY 13 JUNE 2020 SPORT 07 QORC WRC8: Abdulla in clean sweep as top drivers advance

THE PENINSULAPENIN – DOHA QORC WRC8 STANDINGS (AFTER THREE RALLIES) ENTRY LIST FOR SECOND ROUND GROUP A GROUP A Qatar'sQatar's cchampion T2 Rally driver # Driver R1 R2 R3 Pts AdelAdel AAbdullab (pictured) secured Ahmed Al Kuwari, Khalid Al his thirdthir consecutive win in the 1 Adel Abdulla 40 40 40 120 Maraghi, Mansour Dbeissy, qualifyingqualif rounds as he 2 Misfer Al Hajri 36 33 31 100 Misfer Al Hajri, Patrick Roux, marchedmarch into the semi-finals of 3 Patrick Roux 33 31 33 97 Zakariya Al Ofi GROUP B thethe QatarQa Online Racing Cham- GROUP B pionship'spionsh WRC8 series in a Adel Abdulla, Ahmed El Kholay, dominantdomina manner. 1 Mansour Dbeissy 36 40 40 116 Ammar Bulushi, Hamad Al Sulaiti, TheThe former FIA World Cup for 2 Ahmed El Kholay 40 36 33 109 Mishari Al Thefiri, Nasser Al Cross-CountryCross-C Rallies T2 cham- 3 Nasser Al Kuwari 31 33 31 95 Kuwari pion,pion, AbdullaAb was no match for GROUP C anyany of theth drivers in his group (A) ARGENTINA RALLY RESULTS GROUP A GROUP C asas hehe mmaintaineda over three min- 1 Zakariya Al Ofi 36 40 40 116 uutes'tes' leadlead ahead of his closest rival 2 Hamad Al Sulaiti 40 36 33 109 1. Adel Abdulla 45:17.360, 2. 1. Zakariya Al Ofi, 2. Ahmed Al forfor tthehe tthirdhir consecutive time in the 3 Ahmed Al Kuwari 30 33 36 99 Mohamad Al Theri +3:46.633, 3. Kuwari, 3. Hamad Al Sulaiti onlineonline rarallyll series. Patrick Roux +3:51.804 Abdulla,Abdul who has won all of GROUP D GROUP B GROUP D thethe stagestagess he competed in the first 1 Ammar Bulushi 40 40 40 120 1. Mansour Dbeissy 44:35.558, 2. 1. Ammar Bulushi 44:33.120, 2. round, cocompletedm Thursday's stages 2 Khalid Al Maraghi 36 36 36 108 Mohammed Al Attiyah +2:19.589, Khalid Al Maraghi +1.213, 3. Mishari inin 45:17.360,45:17.3 ahead of Mohamad Al 3 Mishari Al Thefiri 31 33 33 97 3. Ahmed El Kholay +2:40.602 Al Thefirib +1:02.243 TheriTheri wwho booked the second spot forfor ttheh second time in the series. Zakariya Al Ofi clinched the win Others who made it to the next AbduillaA was 3:46.633 faster in group C as both of them led their stage were, Ahmed Al Kuwari, thanthan Theri who managed to respective groups to advance. Khalid Al Maraghi, Misfer Al Hajri, finishfini four seconds ahead of The drivers will now head to Patrick Roux, QORC Touring Car thirdthir placed Patrick Roux. the semi-final stage of the series, Series champion Ahmed El Kholay, Group D also saw a clean organised by the Qatar Motor & Ammar Bulushi, the Qatar Touring sweepsws of victories with Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) Car Championship M240 Class OmanOm Raklly champion where virtual races will take place winner Abdulla Al Khelaifi, the AmmarAm Bulushi winning in Chile (gravel terrain), Spain runner-up in the same class, Hamad hish third qualifying race (asphalt + gravel) and Germany Al Sulaiti, Kuwaiti rally champion in 44:33.120. (asphalt) on Sunday, Tuesday and Mishari Al Thefiri and his Qatari His compatriot, Thursday respectively. partner Nasser Al Kuwari.

Romania Mueller, Lewandowski to miss resumes action without two virus-hit Bayern's potential title-decider teams AFP – BERLIN Bayern Munich’s BUNDESLIGA STANDINGS German forward REUTERS – BUCHAREST Bayern Munich could secure an # TEAM PL W D L PTS eighth straight Bundesliga title Thomas Mueller reacts 1 Bayern Munich 30 22 4 4 70 Top-flight Romanian this weekend, but host Borussia during the German Cup 2 Borussia Dortmund 30 19 6 5 63 football is scheduled to (DFB Pokal) semi-final Moenchengladbach today 3 RB Leipzig 30 16 11 3 59 resume today but without without suspended duo Thomas football match against two of its teams, after Eintracht Frankfurt in 4 M'gladbach 30 17 5 8 56 Mueller and Robert Lewand- 5 Bayer Leverkusen 30 17 5 8 56 coronavirus cases among owski. Munich on Wednesday. their staff, professional Bayern will be confirmed 6 Wolfsburg 30 12 9 9 45 league association LPF champions with a win on Sat- 7 Hoffenheim 30 12 7 11 43 said yesterday. urday if second-placed Borussia 8 SC Freiburg 30 11 8 11 41 With the competition Dortmund lose at relegation- 9 Hertha Berlin 30 10 8 12 38 already at the playoff threatened Fortuna Duesseldorf 10 Schalke 30 9 11 10 38 stage, third-placed Uni- earlier in the day. versitatea Craiova had That scenario would give been due to host fifth- Hansi Flick’s side an unas- placed FC Botosani yes- sailable 10-point lead with three terday, but the match games remaining. was cancelled after the But Bayern are without visiting team’s doctor Lewandowski, the league’s top tested positive for scorer this season with 30 goals, COVID-19. and Mueller, who is one short Later on Friday, of the Bundesliga record of 21 Botosani said that a assists in a single campaign. 17-year-old player, who “It’s annoying, but we can’t was not included in the do anything about it,” said squad for the Universi- Bayern coach Flick. tatea game, also tested Thiago Alcantara has also positive for the novel been ruled out, for three weeks coronavirus. and needs an operation after All 34 players and struggling with a groin problem, staff members, who Flick said yesterday. 2-1 win with his 45th goal this Borussia Park when the sides and three off the relegation play- the winner in last weekend’s made the 10-hour trip Joshua Zirkzee, 19, is an season. met last December. off place following back-to-back tense 1-0 win over Hertha Berlin from Craiova, were iso- option to replace Lewandowski Mueller admitted Bayern But Marco Rose’s side have home defeats. despite playing as part of a back lated after returning to up front while Serge Gnabry were “tired”, “worn out” and been erratic of late, crushing Bremen, who were in the three. Botosani, the club pres- could start for Mueller if he is scrapped their way to victory in Union Berlin 4-1 at home at the Champions League a decade The 26-year-old, who ident Valeriu Iftime fit after a back injury. the first of three games in six end of May before stumbling to ago, have spent more seasons usually plays in midfield, has said. Bayern proved they can days. defeat at Freiburg last weekend. in the top flight than any other been a reliable figure for “Those who live score goals without Lewand- But they are still in the Rose hopes to include Swiss club, but are running out of Dortmund since joining from alone are isolated at their owski by thumping Hoffenheim running to repeat their 2013 forward Breel Embolo, with the time. Juventus in January. homes and the others, 6-0 in late February when the treble having beaten Chelsea 3-0 23-year-old fit after an ankle “We know how much is He has shown his versatility who have a wife, Polish striker was injured. away in their Champions League knock. riding on this game,” said by adding steel to a sometimes children... went to a hotel They had a scare in last-16 first leg before the com- At the foot of the table, fallen American forward Josh Sargent. vulnerable side while still pro- where everyone was Wednesday’s German Cup petition was suspended in mid- giants Werder Bremen face a “This club has such a long viding an attacking threat, accommodated in a semi-final win over Eintracht March due to the coronavirus crucial game at Paderborn in a history, and no one wants to let having also marked his debut in single room,” he said. Frankfurt, when Danny da pandemic. battle of the bottom two. the team or the city down.” One February with a stunning long- The match between Costa equalised for the visitors Fourth-placed Gladbach Florian Kohfeldt’s Bremen to watch: Emre Can The range strike against Bayer Dinamo Bucharest and before Lewandowski sealed a pulled off a shock 2-1 victory at are six points from safety in 17th Germany international scored Leverkusen. Chindia Targoviste had been postponed on Thursday after a Dinamo official also contracted Liverpool thrash Blackburn in warm-up friendly the virus. Both virus-hit teams will be out of action until REUTERS – LONDON epidemiological investi- gations are completed. Liverpool cruised to a 6-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers in a “We want the return friendly behind closed doors at Anfield on Thursday as Juergen of football but the health Klopp’s side stepped up their preparations for the Premier League of the players our first restart next week. priority,” said LPF First-team regulars Sadio Mane, Naby Keita and Joel Matip general secretary Justin got their names on the scoresheet along with Takumi Minamino Stefan. and youngsters Ki-Jana Hoever and Leighton Clarkson in a con- Romania’s football vincing win over the Championship side. federation suspended all Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah and left back Andy Rob- soccer in the country due ertson were left out of the squad as a precaution but Klopp was to the COVID-19 pan- satisfied with how his players responded. demic in mid-March. As “We didn’t have enough first-team players,” Klopp told the of yesterday, the Black club’s website. “So that’s why we decided to let three players go Sea state had 21,404 con- for 60 minutes. firmed cases of the virus “That’s OK. It looked really good, pretty much from the and 1,380 people have beginning. died. “In the first game, we don’t have to be football-wise on our Play-offs from among highest level, but we need to show that we are ready for compe- the bottom eight teams tition, that we are ready to defend, that we are ready to find solu- scheduled for today will tions.” Liverpool, who are 25 points clear at the top of the standings now be the first matches Liverpool's Roberto Firmino and on the verge of clinching their first league title in 30 years, of the re-start, with (centre) vies for the ball against will restart their campaign against local rivals Everton at Goodison clashes featuring those of Blackburn Rovers players during Park on June 21. the top six teams still their warm-up match played Klopp’s side will have a shot at securing the title by beating on Thursday. authorised to play taking Everton if second-placed Manchester City lose to Arsenal on Picture: Twitter / @LFC place tomorrow. Wednesday.