SPORT SPORT | 05 SPORT | 07 'The best I Spurs would faced':f Lehmann struggle to replace on battle with ‘big player’ Kane, Wasim Akram says Moura

FRIDAY 17 APRIL 2020 Tokyo could cut ‘extras’ in face of rising costs AP – TOKYO A woman walks past the Olympic rings in front additional costs,” Mori said. Tokyo’s coronavirus cases of the Japan Olympics Museum in Tokyo, Japan. “Of course, we know that have been spiking and Prime Tokyo Olympic organisers and we will have to pay what we Minister Shinzo Abe has the IOC said yesterday they will have to pay. However, the called for emergency cut some of the extras out of general direction is reducing measures, asking people to next year’s postponed games, the costs to the extent stay home. an attempt to limit what is possible.” The games host 11,000 expected to be billions of Tokyo CEO Toshiro Muto Olympic and 4,400 Paral- dollars in added expenses. promised to take a fresh look ympic athletes and staff from International Olympic “at the level of services we 206 national Olympic com- Committee member John provide.” mittees. They also rely on Coates, who heads the “Of course we will respond extensive global travel, and inspection team for Tokyo, said to the requests from federa- will need a go-ahead for mass in a teleconference that cuts tions and the national Olympic gatherings - 75,000 in Tokyo’s were likely in areas such as committees,” Muto added. “If new national stadium or hospitality and expensive “live we fully responded to all the 10,000 to 15,000 in many sights” for public viewing. requests coming from those arenas. “Do we need to make pro- entities the costs would be “We’ve given ourselves as visions for as much hospitality exorbitant.” much time as possible,” Coates for the sponsors, the broad- Coates was asked to explain said, pointing out that some casters and the national how Japan will be in shape to wanted to reschedule for the Olympic committees?” Coates host the Olympics in 15 months. spring of 2021. asked, suggesting the corona- international sports federations offering cost estimates, but “We are in the midst of Muto also expressed his “That was a factor to go as virus pandemic may dampen and national Olympic com- media reports in Japan suggest studying and reviewing the concern last week. late as possible.” enthusiasm. mittees stay afloat. The money an added bill of $2bn to $6bn “Many of the broadcasters is not destined for the Tokyo on top of current spending. may not have as big a presence organisers and the Japanese Japan says officially it is here of advertisers because of governments, which are pre- spending $12.6bn, but a the economic downturn.” paring the games. national audit says the figure Coates talked about the dif- IOC President Thomas Bach is twice that much. Whatever ference between “must-have” mentioned the contribution in the total, all but $5.6bn is public features and “nice-to-have” a Sunday interview with a money. accessories, which may be German newspaper but was The IOC was expected to ruled out when the Olympics not specific about the recip- pay out about $600m to fed- open on July 23, 2021. ients of the aid. erations this year, proceeds Coates also made it clear “We will not stand by and from the Tokyo Olympics. that Tokyo organisers and the see our international federa- Some federations rely almost Japanese government will be tions collapse,” Coates said. exclusively on IOC absorbing the billions in added Japan’s obligation to absorb contributions. Tokyo 2020 President Yoshiro Mori (left), expenses. the added costs is stipulated in A reporter for Japanese CEO Toshiro Muto (right), John Coates (top on He said the IOC would the “Host City Contract” signed broadcaster NHK asked Organ- screen), Chairman of the IOC’s Coordination make “several hundred million in 2013 when the IOC awarded ising Committee President Commission for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic dollars” in an emergency con- Tokyo the games. Neither the Yoshiro Mori if the IOC “should Games, take part in a meeting yesterday. tribution to help struggling IOC nor Japanese officials are pitch in on costs” to help Tokyo. Organisers to UEFA set to meet The adjusted 2019-20 season, which decide fate of was halted in mid-March because of the pandemic, is scheduled to on April 23 to US Open in June resume June 11-15 in Fort Worth, Texas with the Charles Schwab discuss plans for AFP – NEW YORK Challenge that was originally set to be held May 18-24. resumption of action US Open organisers said yesterday they are planning for the Grand Slam AFP – event to go ahead as scheduled and If play restarts as planned, the PGA that an event without spectators is Tour’s season, which has played 22 UEFA will hold an Executive Committee “highly unlikely”. events through the Arnold Palmer meeting by videoconference next Thursday, United States Tennis Association Invitational, will now consist of 36 events. April 23, European football’s governing body chief executive Mike Dowse said has confirmed, as it continues to look at ways nothing “is off the table” and a final of restarting the season in the midst of the decision on the fate of the event coronavirus crisis. would come in June but having fans Before that, the heads of each of UEFA’s attend the event is still their goal. 55 member associations will come together “Playing without spectators, we next Tuesday to look at developments across are not taking anything off the table. PGA Tour: Season to return both domestic and continental competitions. But right now that’s a highly unlikely UEFA is also set to meet with the powerful scenario,” said Dowse. European Club Association (ECA) and the “That’s not in the spirit of cele- European Leagues grouping yesterday. bration of tennis.” Dowse’s com- in June with no spectators The meetings could bring confirmation of ments come as the National Tennis the postponement of the next women’s center’s indoor courts in New York European Championship by a year to 2022 -- were being used as a makeshift hos- REUTERS – FLORIDA competition only when - working The invitation-based following the earlier decision to postpone the pital facility to treat those affected closely with our tournaments, tournaments - Colonial, men’s Euro to 2021 -- but any other firm deci- by the coronavirus pandemic. The PGA Tour said yesterday it partners and communities - it is Hilton Head and the Memorial sions may be unlikely. While the indoor tennis courts plans to restart its season in considered safe to do so under - would have their fields All leading leagues across Europe, as well have been turned into a hospital mid-June and that the first four the guidance of the leading public expanded to 144 players. as the UEFA Champions League and Europa zone, the Louis Armstrong Stadium events of the modified schedule health authorities,” PGA Tour Memorial, with Jack Nicklaus League, were halted in mid-March as coun- has been transformed into a meal will be closed to the general Commissioner Jay Monahan said as the host, takes the July tries went into lockdown due to the pandemic. assembly area for patients, volun- public given the ongoing threat in a statement. 16-19 week that had belonged The only country that has kept on playing is teers and area schoolkids. of the novel coronavirus. The second event will be the to the British Open before it Belarus. New York remains the hardest- The adjusted 2019-20 season, June 18-21 RBC Heritage in South was cancelled. The World Golf UEFA has since remained optimistic about hit area in America with over 31,000 which was halted in mid-March Carolina, which was originally Championship in Memphis, the prospect of finishing the European seasons dead, including 10,800 in New York because of the pandemic, is cancelled but will now fill the Tennessee, now has the dates and has been working on the possibility of City. More than 640,000 Americans scheduled to resume June 11-15 week vacated by the U.S. Open (July 30-Aug. 2) when the playing in July and August if need be. have been infected with Covid-19. in Fort Worth, Texas with the which was previously moved to Olympics were to be played. The German Football League (DFL) is also Dowse said they are in contact Charles Schwab Challenge that September. set to meet on April 23 to discuss next steps, with a half dozen doctors and are was originally set to be held May The June 22-28 Travellers and is determined to finish the season, with going to be seeking their advice in 18-24. Championship in Connecticut the PGA Tour’s season, which has matches behind closed doors, by June 30 to making the next moves. The PGA Tour said it will con- and July 2-5 Rocket Mortgage played 22 events through the ensure its clubs do not lose out on crucial TV “We’re very fortunate that we’re tinue to monitor the situation and Classic in Detroit make up the Arnold Palmer Invitational, will rights revenue. Most teams have resumed the fourth Grand Slam to go, so time follow the recommendations of final two events currently set now consist of 36 events. training in small groups. is on our side at this point,” Dowse local and state authorities. to be played with no The Canadian Open, origi- Belgium earlier stated its intention to said. “Obviously our ambition is to “As we’ve stressed on several spectators. nally scheduled to run June 11-14, bring an early end to the season, but UEFA run the tournament. occasions, we will resume If play restarts as planned, has been cancelled. responded to their announcement by “Having said that, it won’t be the warning that clubs risk being excluded from driving factor. The driving factor will European competition next season if their be the health and well being of the Our hope is to play a role - responsibly - in leagues unilaterally decide to declare cam- players, the fans and our staff.” the world’s return to enjoying the things paigns over. Dowse said they have some time to we love. But as we’ve stressed on several On Wednesday, Scotland announced an seek the advice of medical experts early end to the season in the three leagues before they make their final decision. occasions, we will resume competition below the Premiership, with current league The US Open is now the next only when ... it is considered safe to leaders declared champions. major tournament on the schedule do so under the guidance of the leading The resolution also allows the ruling SPFL from August 31-September 13, with public health authorities: board to call the Premiership as it stands -- Wimbledon having been cancelled PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan Celtic are top -- if it determines the remaining and the French Open postponed to games cannot be played, but they will be a September 20 start on the red clay waiting for further guidance from UEFA. in Paris. FRIDAY 17 APRIL 2020 SPORT 05 Formula One’s 70th anniversary season could culminate in tears

AFP — PARIS motorsport, has weathered and the magnitude being still financial storms before. Fol- unknown because we don’t Formula One’s 70th anni- lowing the 2007-8 crisis man- know when we will get back versary season, stalled by the ufacturers BMW, Honda, to racing, it is important we coronavirus pandemic, could Toyota and Renault quit. In can show our shareholders end in tears for teams facing 2009, the French Grand Prix that (whatever the) losses this NFL: Los Angeles financial ruin unless the sport was cancelled and the Fuji year, you can compensate cuts costs and achieves circuit in Japan, owned by over the coming years.” Rams’ Allen sustainable spending. Toyota, dropped out. The spending cap “is going Alarm bells have been But Formula One cut costs to be lowered,” FIA President ringing for weeks about and recovered. Jean Todt said on April 9. tests positive for whether the sport can survive This time the blow to the “Motor racing, starting in its current format ahead of sport and the global economy with F1, is too expensive,” he coronavirus key talks between motor rac- is harder and the sport may said. ing’s governing body FIA, be less well equipped to deal “But the pandemic is AP — LOS ANGELES Formula One bosses and the with it. making it more difficult to 10 teams who take part in the Two races (Australia, cover these costs. There is a Los Angeles Rams centre Brian Allen circuit. Monaco) have been cancelled, risk of losing teams and (pictured) says he tested positive for “The crisis is the final seven (Bahrain, China, manufacturers.” COVID-19 three weeks ago. wake-up call for a sport Vietnam, Netherlands, Spain, Franz Tost of Alpha Tauri Allen is the first active NFL player to which was unhealthy and not Azerbaijan, Canada) have said his team would lose acknowledge testing positive during the sustainable and had reached been postponed and the later Members of the between $1.5m and $2m per coronavirus pandemic. a point where we need drastic rounds, starting with the Ferrari team race. The third-year pro is not hospi- changes,” McLaren’s team French Grand Prix on June 28, arrive to pack up Asked if he could see talized and is “feeling good,” according principal Andreas Seidl told are in doubt. their equipment teams going under, McLaren to a statement issued by the Rams on journalists on the eve of the Ratings agency Moody’s after the Formula chief executive Zak Brown Wednesday night only after Allen spoke conference. downgraded Formula One, One Australian told the BBC: “I could see four to Fox Sports about his positive test. Formula One, the most owned by the American group Grand Prix was teams disappearing if this isn’t Allen became the team’s starting expensive luxury brand of Liberty Media, early in April cancelled in handled the right way.” center last season. He played in nine but said it felt the sport could Melbourne, in He added it might be hard games before missing the rest of the year Alarm bells have been survive a lost season. this file photo. to replace any teams that with a knee injury. ringing for weeks about “Formula One has strong dropped out Allen is expected to start at center whether the sport can liquidity and a sufficiently “Given how long it takes again this season. He was a fourth-round survive in its current flexible cost base to manage to ramp up an F1 team, and draft pick out of Michigan State in 2018, format ahead of key through a severely curtailed given the economic and playing largely on special teams as a 2020 season,” wrote Moody’s, health crisis... to think there rookie. talks between motor adding that F1 “would likely would be people lined up to The 24-year-old Allen was training racing’s governing be able to support a full “We could achieve eight agreements for next season take over those teams like and rehabilitating at the Rams’ training body FIA, Formula cancellation.” races by starting in October. are still being negotiated by there has historically been. complex when he began to feel One bosses and the 10 The sport’s leadership is So if you wanted a drop dead the FIA, Formula One and the “I don’t think the timing symptoms last month. He told Fox Sports teams who take part in not ready to write this season point it would be October.” teams. One issue is reducing could be worse from that that he lost his sense of smell and taste, the circuit. off. The picture is different for the spending cap, which is standpoint.”” and they haven’t returned even after his “If we were able to start at the teams. Even those with currently $175m per team. Yet Seidl was optimistic other symptoms abated. This time the blow to the beginning of July we could wealthy backers, such as McLaren’s Seidl says the the crisis might accelerate New Orleans Saints coach Sean the sport and the global do a 19-race season,” Ross Renault and Daimler (Mer- impact of the coronavirus reforms of the sport that his Payton revealed last month that he Brawn, a F1 managing cedes’ parent company) might pandemic remains unknown team needs. tested positive for the virus. The Los economy is harder and director, said on April 8. rethink their future but Formula One needs to “We have a good sport,” Angeles Chargers last week revealed a the sport may be less Brawn said under FIA involvement in F1. assure its backers it can with- he said. “Hopefully we can positive test and symptoms for uniden- well equipped to deal rules “eight races is the The uncertainty is stand the blow. come out of this crisis with tified members of their organisation, but with it. minimum we can have a increased because com- “With all the financial Formula One in better the Rams hadn’t acknowledged Allen’s world championship.” mercial and governance losses we will face this year shape.” positive test. Darren Lehmann When sports returns, a chance to move past greed

AP — NEW YORK

Golfers on the European Tour received news this week that didn’t exactly paint a rosy picture of what things might look like when the coronavirus crisis subsides and play ‘The best I faced’: resumes. There will almost surely be less money to play for, which Lehmann on battle by itself was bad enough. Euro Tour CEO Keith Pelley told players he expects reductions with Wasim Akram in purses because sponsorships Veronica Joels in action during Apache and television money will be Creek tournament in Arizona, in this IANS — SYDNEY respond too. Lehmann then down. April 9, 2020 file photo. took a single off the next ball But no espresso in the Former Australia batsman to complete his fifty and took player’s lounge? No free and coach Darren Lehmann his time acknowledging the courtesy cars to get around? yesterday responded to a crowd as Akram walked back Possibly no fans, either, but video of his battle with to the start of his run up with that increasingly looks like the Pakistan fast great a wry smile on his face. reality for most sports, at least The old guarantees are if no games are played. Rev- It will be a bad thing for Wasim Akram in which he Former cricketers and for the remainder of this year. simply not there anymore. The enues are going to be down players, who might be shocked ended up being the winner. commentators have been A different era in sports is financial model for sports may across the board in all sports. to find out that in the real world, Lehmann said that he got tapping into nostalgia, coming, thanks to the ravages not be broken, but it’s certainly There’s no way around it salaries can go down just as lucky that day before among other things, in the of the new coronavirus. And it’s going to suffer from a million because even if games resume, they once used to always go up. admitting that Wasim was absence of live due to not only golfers who will be cracks. fans will be slow to return and It’s already an issue in the best he faced. coronavirus. Earlier, former feeling the fallout for some time That’s a big reason why the adjustments will have to be England, where players in the “Got lucky that day, he Australian captain Ricky to come. XFL folded its tent rather than made to lure them back. Premier League are digging was the best I faced,” said the Ponting recalled a spell he Around the world, sports try to resume what had been a That might not be such a their cleats in and refusing to former Australia coach in his faced in a Test match from officials are scrambling to figure promising first season. It’s the bad thing for fans who have to accept pay cuts. tweet. Shoaib Akhtar as the fastest out a future that is suddenly same reason colleges around pay $50 to park and $16 for a That drew a response from The video was a clip from he had ever experienced in uncertain. And just what that the country are beginning to decent beer after already a Conservative Party lawmaker a 1996 ODI between Aus- his illustrious career. future might be is now make moves as they try to digging deep to buy tickets for who contrasted player pay to tralia and Pakistan in which “This from @ beginning to come into a little figure out what football and the family. that of health care workers and Lehmann sends Akram’s shoaib100mph was the focus. basketball will look like when That’s especially true now, said they needed to have their sailing over mid- fastest spell I’d ever faced In golf, it likely means fewer sports resume. with millions of fans out of salaries cut as part of sacrifices deep into the stands. and trust me Justin (Langer) tournaments, fewer perks and, Already, the University of work and others living pay- being made across the nation. Clearly incensed, the wasn’t backing up too far at yes, less money. While the PGA Cincinnati has slashed soccer, check to paycheck, with no There’s no easy answer, and then Pakistan captain sent a the other end,end,” Ponting wrotwrote Tour has yet to weigh in, Pelley a sport on campus for nearly a money in the budget to go to a no magic wand to return to the bouncer fizzingfizzing in hishis ttweet.weet. made it clear what the sport is half century. Salaries at Iowa ballgame when they resume. days of not so long ago. There above Leh-Leh- facing in the places it plays State have been trimmed, and hasn’t been since we first heard mann’smann’s hheadead around the world. Louisville basketball coach whispers of a virus in China that thethe nextnext ballball “The reality is, the pan- Chris Mack had $400,000 was spreading so fast it baffled afterafter whiwhichch demic is going to have a pro- lopped off his $4m annual pay. health officials. he saidsaid a few found impact on the tour finan- Meanwhile, Major League The world is being reset, things to the cially, as well as many of our Baseball is cutting the salary of and sports will be reset, too. The batsmbatsman.an. partners, both in sponsorship senior staff by an average of A different era in bubble of ever-escalating LehmannL e hma nn and broadcast areas,” Pelley 35% for this year as it becomes sports is coming, profits, salaries and costs has seemedseemed to said. increasingly clear any season been punctured, and it’s hard There will be changes in that might be played - if it is thanks to the to imagine it will re-inflate other sports, too. Money that played - will be shorter than ravages of the new quickly. has fueled exorbitant profits - anyone wants. coronavirus. And it’s Everyone wants sports and exorbitant salaries - for MLB had already made a back, that’s a given. But when most of the current century deal with the players’ union to not only golfers who they do come back, it can’t be Wasim Akram won’t be as easy to find as busi- advance $170m to players in will be feeling the as if nothing ever really hap- nesses and entire industries try salary for the first 60 days of fallout for some time pened to force them to go away. to recover from the economic the season in exchange for The price tag of sports that shock of the coronavirus players giving up the remainder to come. comes with sports will be in shutdown. of their roughly $4bn in salary need of a heavy discount. 06 SPORT FRIDAY 17 APRIL 2020

Sabres owners furlough workers Women’s sports likely to bear to cut costs AP - LOS ANGELES

The parent company that brunt of coronavirus fallout oversees the NHL Buffalo Sabres announced a series of AP - LOS ANGELES know, we’re riding around out there in cost-cutting measures, a canoe.” including lay-offs and Linked to the rising call for gender equity Among the signs women’s sports furloughs affecting 125 worldwide, women’s sports were could suffer more came in Colombia employees as a result of the enjoying unprecedented attention and when Independiente Santa Fe suspended new coronavirus pandemic. support before the coronavirus all player contracts for its women’s Pegula Sports and Entertain- pandemic. soccer team recently but said its men’s ment says 104 employees are The World Cup in France put a spot- team would only see pay cuts. being furloughed, while another light on women’s soccer, culminating The impact of COVID-19 and the 21 were laid off on Tuesday. A with the United States lifting the trophy resulting hit to the economy could person told reporters the laid- to chants of “Equal Pay!” -- a nod to the resemble the 2008 recession. off employees were informed team’s gender discrimination lawsuit The Houston Comets of the WNBA they were fired, and spoke on the against US Soccer -- and the sport could not find a buyer and the league condition of anonymity because remained in the public eye to open the contracted back then. Whirlpool, mean- that information wasn’t included year. while, pulled out of its planned spon- in the news release. The professional National Women’s sorship of Women’s Professional Soccer, PSE also said more than Soccer League, home to many of the US which had the unfortunate timing of 36 employees, including man- national team’s players, was expecting launching in 2009 and lasted just three agement, hockey staff and to open its eighth season with a new tel- seasons. broadcasters, will have their evision contract. The WNBA is in salaries reduced temporarily. Women’s pro better shape today PSE says it will continue to softball was than many women’s pay health insurance coverage looking toward sports because of its for furloughed employees. the sport’s return affiliation with the In this file photo taken on Jan 16, 2020, Oregon Ducks’ guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) The cuts won’t affect the to the Olympics NBA. The league has drives to the basket as Stanford Cardinal’s guard Lexie Hull (12) defends during the staff of the NFL's Buffalo Bills, for the first time put off the start of second half at Matthew Knight Arena. who are also owned by Terry since 2008. the season, set for and Kim Pegula. Their Buffalo- Professional May 15, but Com- “It’s hard to say what will happen in currently impossible. The athletes face based company employs more volleyball, which missioner Cathy Turkey or China, where there are pretty uncertainties going forward: When the than 3,000 across its various enjoys popularity Engelbert recently strong economies for sport. But for sure, events do return, will the sponsors holdings. in Europe, Russia suggested it might Italy I know will have to decrease sal- remain? Will younger prospects fall Meanwhile, Seattle’s expan- and Brazil, simi- be able to return aries, maybe not at the top team, but I’m away from those sports out of economic sion NHL franchise along with larly draws peak sooner rather than sure it’ll affect lower teams and clubs,” necessity? arena operator Oak View Group interest in an later. Robinson said. The WTA said last week that its say they have raised $1m to sup- Olympic year. “We might be “We’re not finishing the season right planned start date is now July 13. Wim- port at-risk families in the city Any able to tip this now or playing, so that’s a hard financial bledon has been cancelled for this year. and help nonprofit organizations momentum these season off before burden for our club because a lot of the “Health and safety remains the top on the Seattle Centre campus leagues, and some other leagues salaries for the coming season depends priority as we navigate the challenges where the team’s new arena is women’s sports in A photo of Kelsey Robinson posted by the since we only have on how we finish in the play-offs.” ahead in these unprecedented times, and being constructed. general, had American volleyball player on her Twitter 12 teams and 144 NWSL Players Association executive we will do everything we can for the tour NHL Seattle and OVG say the worldwide has handle @Krobin32. players,” she told director Yael Averbuch West said current to resume at the earliest opportunity leadership, staff and partners seemingly been The Associated fears about loses are legitimate. once it is safe to do so,” ATP Chairman of the two organizations have halted by the pan- Press. “I think that everybody is afraid of Andrea Gaudenzi said. come together to help make the demic. Now the question is whether But there are concerns among those that. And especially right now, looking The National Pro Fastpitch softball donations. women will lose the gains they had made who aren’t similarly positioned. at women’s soccer and coming off of league was hit particularly hard. The first donation of when life returns to normal. Volleyball player Kelsey Robinson, what we feel is a huge positive The 17-year-old league included $800,000 will be to the United “If the seas get choppy and rough who is on the US team that was bound momentum after the World Cup, and the national teams from Australia, Canada Way of King County and will be and you’re out there in a yacht, you can for the Tokyo Olympics this summer NWSL doing really well and continuing and China this season in preparation for distributed as grocery vouchers go downstairs and live it up and ride it before the Games were postponed, can to grow, it’s obviously a concern. This is the Olympics. Australia and Canada have to those who have recently lost out. You can eat good, drink good and usually make a living playing overseas, tough for everyone, including the own- already said that even if the league gets their jobs or seen their hours all that. Men’s sports are the ones with like many national team players. She was ership groups, the fans, the players, the off the ground this season, they won’t significantly reduced due to the yacht,” said Cheri Kempf, commis- just heading into the play-offs with her league office,” Averbuch West said. participate. the COVID-19 virus pandemic. sioner of the National Pro Fastpitch club in Turkey, which has a thriving pro- Athletes in individual sports could “I don’t want to say that I’m worried Another $200,000 is being softball league. fessional volleyball league, when play be hit hardest. that we won’t survive,” Kempf said. “But earmarked as grants for 21 dif- “But if you’re out there in a canoe, was suspended. Tennis, golf and track athletes are I think that common sense would dictate ferent nonprofit organizations and seas get choppy, you’re in big Now she worries about her oppor- largely dependent on competing to earn and tell you that it’s a hit for that share the Seattle Centre trouble. And that’s women’s sports. You tunities in a post-pandemic world. a paycheck, and that’s everyone.” campus. Athletes, teams, celebs are ‘All In’ to feed the hungry

AP - NEW YORK

With factories closed, tens of millions out of work and a recession looming because of the coronavirus pandemic, athletes, teams, entertainers and business leaders are donating prized possessions in response to a challenge to feed families suddenly in need. Al Kuwari storms to The “All In Challenge” was started by Philadelphia 76ers partner Michael Rubin on Tuesday, and some of the biggest names yet another QORC win in sports and entertainment have answered the call. After 24 hours, there was already an THE PENINSULA - DOHA impressive roster of A-listers offering prizes. Khalid Al Kuwari maintained a perfect record after he clinched They include quarterbacks Tom Brady his sixth successive race win in Group B of the Qatar Online Racing and Peyton and Eli Manning; musicians Championship (QORC). Yesterday’s virtual race, contested over Justin Bieber, Meek Mill and Robin Thicke; 15 laps, was set at Circuit De Barcelona-Catalunya and Al Kuwari actors Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, was unstoppable as he cruised to victory to become the only driver Kevin Hart and Matthew McConaughey; from the three groups to finish with an all-win record. director Martin Scorsese; TV hosts Ellen The competition is open for Qatar residents only with Qatar DeGeneres and Ryan Seacrest; TikTok stars In this file photo taken on December 11, 2019, Bismack Biyombo of the Charlotte Hornets Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) organising the online Charli and Dixie D’Amelio; basketball Hall reacts during the second half of the NBA game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Centre competition to engage fans as the COVID-19 pandemic has brought of Famer Magic Johnson; Chicago Cubs in New York City. Biyombo has donated $1m in surgical masks and hazardous materials a stop to on-track action. infielder Anthony Rizzo and retired baseball suits through his charity to his native DR Congo. The supplies include four containers Al Kuwari’s final points tally was 240 points, a massive 54 star Alex Rodriguez; and several NFL, NHL filled with 10,000 face masks and 780 protective hazmat suits to help in the Democratic points ahead of runner-up Mohamed Emadadhi. Abdulla Khelaifi and NBA teams. Republic of the Congo’s battle against the worldwide new coronavirus, The Bismack finished second behind Al Kuwari yesterday to end up third in This list is growing, said Rubin, who Biyombo Foundation announced yesterday. Group B with 180 points. After six races, 15 drivers – top five from came up with the idea two weeks ago. each group – moved into next week’s final round. “I had two goals from the second this Races will be held this Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, with popped in my mind,” Rubin said Olympic opening ceremonies. then go to a restaurant for dinner with the the overall leader being declared the winner. yesterday. Entries for Rubin’s prize can be pur- winner and 10 guests. His recently retired Ahmad Kholy topped Group A after winning yesterday’s race “The first was to feed as many people chased in amounts of $10, $25, $50 and brother, Eli, offered the Corvette he received to finish with 229 points, ahead of Rashid Al Lebdah (216 points). as possible. It was such an important cause $100. The winning ticket will be selected as the MVP of the New York Giants’ Super In Group ‘C’, Hamad Al Sulaiti won his fifth race to finish with an and need. The second thing was, I love a randomly by computer. Bowl win over the Patriots in February overall points tally of 236 points. good come together... to have every athlete Other prizes are being auctioned. 2012. The official gaming console for participation is Gran Turismo and actor come together, the sports and Those who answered the challenge Meek Mill is auctioning his 2018 Rolls- Sport on Playstation 4. entertainment worlds coming together. To were required to post a video about their Royce Phantom. Bidding starts at $200,000. Races are held in the following format: 10 Minutes for practice, me, that is incredibly special.” donation and explain why they chose their Mill was the person Rubin ran his idea 15 minutes for qualifying and 25 minutes of racing. Points are Rubin said all the money raised will go prize. past and his response was, “I’m in.” awarded only for the race results. No points for free practice or directly to one of four organizations that Rubin said donations topped $4m by Rubin asked him if he was serious. qualifying. feed the hungry: Feeding America, Meals midday yesterday. His goal is to collect “He said: ‘I don’t need the car. I need to The winner will walk away with QR15,000 in prize money, On Wheels, World Central Kitchen and No donations in the tens of millions of dollars, do what helps people eat,’” said Rubin, while the runner-up and third-place winner get QR13,000 and Kid Hungry. and his dream objective is $100m. whose job brings him in contact with people QR10,000 respectively. The fourth-placed driver gets QR6,000 A billionaire who made his money with Brady, who left New England to sign in the sports and entertainment industries while QR5,000 will be awarded for the fifth-place finisher. an e-commerce company he started in 2011, with Tampa Bay after winning six Super on a daily basis. Race 6 Results Rubin has donated what might be the Bowls with the Patriots, offered tickets to Hart is offering a speaking role in his GROUP A: 1. Ahmad Kholy; 2. Rashid Al Lebdah; 3. Khalid Al biggest prize. the Buccaneers’ home opener, his game next movie. DeGeneres and Seacrest plan Maraghi; 4. Mansour Dbeissy; 5. Khalid Al Abdulla. The winner of a digital raffle will receive jersey and shoes, and dinner with him. That to have their winners as co-hosts on their GROUP B: 1. Khalid Al Kuwari; 2. Abdulla Khelaifi; 3. Mohamed a Super Bowl experience with 20 friends, package is in the auction with the opening shows. Sajjad; 4. Ibrahim Ali Al Abdulghani; 5. Ali Emadadhi. along with tickets to the NBA Finals, Stanley bid at $50,000. Longhorns superfan McConaughey is GROUP C: 1. Hamad Al Sulaiti; 2. Salman Al Khater; 3. Abdulla Cup Final, World Series, Masters, Final Four, Peyton Manning plans to play a round offering a sideline experience at a Uni- Shaikhan; 4. Faesal Al Yafei; 5. Khalid Abdeen. tennis’ US Open, the Daytona 500 and the of golf with the winner and two guests, and versity of Texas football game. FRIDAY 17 APRIL 2020 SPORT 07

Juventus’ Rugani, Bigger than Camp Nou: Guangzhou Matuidi make full to build 100,000-capacity stadium recovery from virus REUTERS – MILAN AFP – Juventus players Daniele Rugani and Blaise Chinese champions Guangzhou Matuidi have fully recovered from COVID-19, Evergrande yesterday began the respiratory disease caused by the new coro- building a new stadium costing navirus, and will no longer need to self-isolate, ¥12bn ($1.7bn) and boasting a the Italian side have said. 100,000 capacity, making it one of Rugani and Matuidi are two of three Juventus the world’s largest arenas. players who last month tested positive for the It will be marginally larger than virus. The duo were asymptomatic, but the third Barcelona’s Camp Nou and is player, forward Paulo Dybala, showed strong scheduled to be ready by the end of symptoms. 2022, Xinhua news agency said. “Daniele Rugani and Blaise Matuidi Guangzhou Evergrande Football underwent, as per protocol, a double check with Stadium will have an eye-catching diagnostic tests (swabs) for the Coronavirus- lotus flower design wrapped around COVID-19,” Juventus said on their website. it, a nod to the southern city’s status “The tests came back with negative results. as China’s “Flower City”. The players have, therefore, recovered and are The stadium will be -- for a time no longer subjected to the home isolation regime.” at least -- the world’s largest football The Serie A has been suspended since March venue, until Camp Nou expands to 9 but the Italian football federation is hoping clubs 105,000 seats after its ongoing can resume training with precautionary measures redevelopment. in place after the current lockdown in Italy ends Eight-time Chinese champions on May 3. Guangzhou, who are coached by People attend the ground-breaking ceremony of Guangzhou Evergrande’s new stadium in Guangzhou in China’s Italian World Cup winner Fabio southern Guangdong Province yesterday. Chinese champions Guangzhou Evergrande yesterday began building a Cannavaro and have won the AFC new stadium costing ¥12bn ($1.7bn) and boasting a 100,000 capacity - one of the world’s largest arenas. Champions League twice, average Turkmenistan League about 50,000 fans for home matches. major new stadiums are being built constructing a new arena that will expanded 2021 FIFA Club World Cup set to resume with China’s government is making around the nation. seat 33,000 and is expected to be and the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, while an aggressive push to promote Evergrande’s Chinese Super finished in 2021. Shanghai is interested in holding the fans despite pandemic football in the country and several League rivals Shanghai SIPG are China will host the newly Olympics. REUTERS – ASHGABAT

CK Vineeth of India’s JSW Turkmenistan in Central Asia is set to resume Bengaluru FC in action during the Seasons will resume without its soccer season with spectators at the weekend, AFC Cup 2016 final against Iraq’s making it only the second country in the world Air Force Club at the Suhaim Bin to let fans attend matches as the new corona- Hamad Stadium in Doha, in fans, but no dates yet: Official virus shuts down almost all of world football. this file photo. Belarus is the only other country letting fans attend matches at the moment, while leagues REUTERS – LONDON Colombo said. “But, of course, lockdown ends on May 3 and in Nicaragua and Tajikistan are thought to be it’s impossible to answer the has recommended that players the only others still playing - but behind closed Predicting when football will question: ‘When will we be and staff be tested and isolated doors. resume in Europe is impossible back playing?’ Nobody has in training camps. Burundi, the last African country to let in the current climate but there these answers. “The priority so far has football continue through the pandemic, sus- is no doubt that matches will “Ultimately, we all know been on focusing on creating pended its league on Monday although it did have to be played in empty the governments of the coun- conditions to be able to resume not link the stoppage to the threat of the virus. stadiums when it does, the tries are the ones in charge for competition during the The Turkmenistan Football Federation (FFT) deputy general secretary of lifting the various restrictions summer should we be able,” suspended its eight-team domestic league on European Leagues (EL) has that apply to sport.” Colombo added. March 24 but gave no official reason for its said. The English Premier “There is no doubt that decision. The EL represents profes- League has been suspended players’ health comes first, and sional soccer leagues in Europe until at least April 30 and its also the health of all those and its members include the clubs are meeting today to involved in matches - staff of top flights of England, Spain, review the situation although clubs, media, everyone has to Bayern star Suele Germany, France and Italy, a resumption in the near future be safe.” which have all been suspended is unlikely with Britain still in Belgium has cancelled the wary of Bundesliga Different goal: Former due to the COVID-19 lockdown. rest of the top-flight season pandemic. German clubs returned to citing health concerns and returning too soon India winger joins Clubs across Europe have training last week with financial woes in the wake of been hit hard by the stoppage squads split into small groups the pandemic but Colombo AFP – BERLIN coronavirus relief work and leagues are now looking and having to adhere to strict said most leagues wanted to at different ways to resume social distancing finish. Germany and Bayern Munich defender Niklas REUTERS – NEW DELHI their seasons, the EL’s Alberto guidelines. “The vast majority has been Suele admits having mixed feelings about the Colombo told the BBC. The Italian football feder- focusing 100% on the possible return of German league football next A month after Jamshedpur FC ended their disap- “There’s no doubt games ation wants to resume training resumption of their competi- month amid the coronavirus pandemic. pointing Indian Super League (ISL) season, winger will be behind closed doors,” as soon as the country’s tions,” he added. Next Thursday, the German Football League CK Vineeth joined another team - working in a (DFL) plans to meet via video conference with call centre providing relief to people in his district the 36 clubs in the first two leagues to discuss during the COVID-19 pandemic. whether matches can resume in early May. Since India announced a lockdown last month As public events in Germany are banned until to curb the coronavirus spread, Vineeth has been August 31, football matches before that date could driving 25 kilometres every morning to reach a only be played in near-empty stadiums with fans call centre in Kannur in the southern Indian state locked out. If the German authorities give the of Kerala. green light, the Bundesliga could be the first top The 31-year-old former India international European league to resume since German league and 14 other volunteers operate five helpline matches were halted on March 13. numbers to arrange the delivery of groceries and Most of the 18 top flight clubs in Germany medicines. returned to training last week, albeit with social “People need help, and the administration is distancing being observed even on the pitch. doing so much. Why should I sit home and chill “There are many more important things than when I can also help?” football at the moment,” the 24-year-oldhas said. Vineeth told Reuters from Kannur. “Of course I want to get fit and play again, “It’s not me only. There are plenty of young but the important thing is that my family is well, men and women working tirelessly to help others that everyone is healthy. in these difficult times.” “As football professionals, we are blessed The footballer works 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at when we see how many companies have to close the centre. or how hard some families are hit. That’s bad. His team takes orders and passes them to Bayern Munich’s players attend a training session at the football team’s training grounds in “Whether we play sooner or later is irrel- delivery agents, who pick up items from the super- Munich, southern Germany, yesterday. Bundesliga clubs returned to training earlier last week evant.” However, Suele admits he would be “very markets. Vineeth said he remains anonymous happy if we could start again. Maybe it would after almost a month off due to the COVID-19 outbreak. during calls. also be a little distraction for many fans”. “People are going through tough times. This is not the time to say ‘Hello, you are talking to CK Vineeth’. We used to get 200 calls every day. Now the number has dropped to about 150, which is Spurs would struggle to replace very heartening.” Back home after they failed to make ISL playoffs, Vineeth trains in the morning before heading to the call centre. ‘big player’ Kane, says Moura Football is the last thing on his mind these days but he does get to chat occasionally about the game REUTERS – TOTTENHAM with a fellow volunteer. After guiding Gokulam Kerala FC to the Indian Tottenham Hotspur would struggle to replace Women’s League title in February, coach Priya captain Harry Kane if he leaves the Premier League PV has also joined the call centre. club at the end of the season, team-mate Lucas “As sportspersons, we rarely get oppor- Moura (pictured right) has said. tunity to directly serve people,” the former Kane is contracted to Spurs until 2024 but India under-19 coach told Reuters by said during an Instagram Live session with Sky telephone. Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp last month that In between calls, she talks football he could leave if he felt the London club were with Vineeth. not moving in the right direction. “We do chat about the game, Kane, who also captains England, is almost daily. Vineeth volunteering Spurs’ third-highest scorer of all time but for the centre will motivate young- has yet to win a trophy with his boyhood sters to do their bit.” club. The coach also keeps tabs on her “I’m sure that every season Tottenham in England was suspended indefinitely due to the players, including Nepali striker Sabitra receive offers for Kane. I want him to stay COVID-19 pandemic. Bhandari, after a triumphant season. because he’s very important for us and it’s Tottenham were eighth before the game’s sus- “We have a WhatsApp group where we not easy to find a player like him,” Bra- pension, seven points adrift of fourth place and qual- interact daily,” she said. zilian forward Moura said. ification for next season’s Champions League. “I’m in regular touch with Sabitra who is on “Everyone knows he’s a big player.” Moura said Kane would be central to manager special coronavirus duty with the Nepal army. We Kane, who scored 11 league goals in 20 Jose Mourinho’s plans. “I’m sure that Mourinho wants speak every alternate day. I ask them to stay fit appearances this season, was recovering to keep him. He counts on him for the rest of the and cheerful, and enjoy the time with family.” Tottenham Hotspur captain Harry Kane from hamstring surgery when football season as well as for the next one,” he said.