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FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 2 CCRICKETRICKET | Page 6 Juventus host Anderson Milan as Italian grateful for West season fi nally Indies’ decision resumes to tour England

Friday, June 12, 2020 TENNIS Shawwal 20, 1441 AH US Open protocols GULF TIMES won’t work for Halep: coach Cahill SPORT Page 5

FOOTBALL Qatar maintains 55th position in FIFA rankings

The Qatari national football team maintained its 55th position in the FIFA monthly rankings issued yesterday for men’s teams. The ranking didn’t witness any change, due to the lack of matches in the previous period due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Belgium main- Premier League’s tained the first position with 1,765 points, followed by France and Brazil in the second and third places respectively. The Qatari team came in the 55th position with 1,396 points, behind Greece in the 54th spot with 1,409 points, and ahead of Mali in 56th place with 1,389 points. The Qatari team ranked fifth in Asia, as Japan topped Asian teams, after it ranked 28th in the world with 1,500 points, followed by Iran in the 33rd place, then South Korea in 40th spot restart hamstrung and Australia came fourth in Asia and the 42nd globally.

MOTORCYCLING by injury fears Shortened MotoGP A deluge of matches is expected to take a toll on players hit by the combination of season to start July a long layoff , little contact training, fixture congestion and less hands-on treatment 19 at Jerez AFP London, United Kingdom AFP headers are also booked in at Paris, France Aragon and in Valencia for Octo- ber and November respectively. he Premier League will The Czech Grand Prix will be return after a 100-day he 2020 MotoGP sea- the third race of the campaign Tstoppage on June 17, son will start on July 19 on August 9, before two races at cramming the remain- Tin Spain following the Austria’s Red Bull Ring and two ing 92 games of the season into coronavirus lockdown, more in Italy, at the track used for just fi ve-and-a-half weeks. with back-to-back races to be the San Marino Grand Prix. A deluge of football may be held at the Jerez circuit, organis- Le Mans will host the French welcomed by fans starved of live ers announced yesterday. Grand Prix on October 11. action for three months. There will be a minimum of Possible races in the United But it is expected to take a 13 races in the season, all in Eu- States, Thailand, Argentina and heavy toll on players hit by the rope between July and Novem- Malaysia will be confi rmed by combination of a long layoff , ber, with “possibly four more” July 31. little contact training, fi xture outside the continent later in the “We (want) to fi nish the season congestion and less hands-on year. by December 13... so we need to treatment. Whether or not fans can at- decide which of the races we will “We are expecting more in- tend races will depend on each have outside Europe,” said Dorna juries at this time,” Newcastle host country’s coronavirus regu- CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta. club doctor Paul Catterson told lations. “We need to wait because as the BBC. “All dates, events and “We have had players asking the eventual attend- if they can have ice baths after ance of spectators are training and they can’t at the subject to the evolu- moment — all we can do is give tion of the pandemic them ice to take home. It’s like and the approval of the going back 15 years.” corresponding govern- The injury risk is of particular ments and authorities,” concern for those players who MotoGP said in a state- are out of contract at the end of ment. the season and fearing for their On Wednesday, the future. Italian Grand Prix at Mugello had we’ve commented before, to do Championship side Charlton become the eighth race of the the races outside Europe it’s nec- will be without top scorer Lyle season to be cancelled due to the essary to do it with spectators. Taylor for their battle against Covid-19 outbreak. “We are waiting to see the de- relegation as the 30-year-old The season was originally velopment of health measures has decided not to play and put In this February 23, 2020, picture, Manchester United’s David de Gea holds the match ball during the Premier League match against Watford scheduled to start on March 8 in in other countries, in the States, a lucrative move at risk. at Old Traff ord in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Reuters) Qatar, but only the Moto2 and Argentina, Malaysia and Thai- “It makes me think what Moto3 events were raced. land, and then we will see what would happen if I had an injury “I’ll admit that if I could have returned on May 16, is that an the boundaries of the typically the health of players at stake.” The British race at Silverstone, is possible to include in the cal- now that threatened the rest of more care and treatment to look increase in injuries is almost in- observed injury rates,” Mason “I am convinced the players the German Grand Prix at the endar.” my career,” Taylor told Sky. “I’ll after my body, it would be bet- evitable. wrote in a blog post. sense the danger, but they are in Sachsenring and races in Japan, Spanish star Marc Marquez be honest with you, it scared the ter,” he said. According to sports science Conditioning expert Ray- a diffi cult and dependent posi- Australia, Finland and the Neth- will be bidding for his fi fth life out of me.” specialist Joel Mason, Bundes- mond Verheijen has been a tion,” Verheijen told the Mirror. erlands were all scrapped. straight top-class title and sev- Olivier Giroud was also out of ‘RUSSIAN ROULETTE’ liga injuries went from a pre- consistent critic of the grind There is so much still to play MotoGP organisers Dorna enth in total. contract at the end of the cam- To help lighten the load on play- lockdown average of 0.27 per Premier League players are put for at both ends of the Premier had been waiting for the Span- “Revised 2020 calendar! Eager paign when coronavirus hit, but ers, the Premier League has game to 0.88 in the fi rst round under even without the compli- League that players can ill af- ish government to give the green to come back to the circuits and has been handed an extra year on not only adopted a temporary of fi xtures after the competition cating factor of coronavirus. ford to bed themselves back into light for the races in Jerez to go start the action!” said Marquez his deal at Chelsea. change to allow fi ve substitutes resumed. The Dutchman, who served as rhythm. ahead before releasing the re- on social media. But at 33, the French World per side, but also increased the “The early indications from part of Guus Hiddink’s coaching The battle for survival or Eu- vised schedule. The Moto 2 and Moto 3 sea- Cup winner is feeling the eff ects size of a matchday squad from both training and matches con- staff and has worked with Bar- ropean qualifi cation could come Spain will host seven races in sons will resume with the same of pre-season-style training 18 to 20. tinue to point in one direction celona, Chelsea and Manchester down to those lucky enough to total, with the Catalunya Grand calendar, while there will be without the help of physios to However, the lesson from — that post-lockdown injury City in the past described the have their stars on the pitch and Prix to go ahead in Barcelona seven MotoE races, including in aid his recovery. Germany’s Bundesliga, which rates are comfortably outside return as “Russian roulette with not the treatment table. on September 27, while double- France for the fi rst time.

HORSE RACING Al Wasmiyah Farm’s Kadupul excels on debut at Yarmouth Agencies nal 300m, they began racing and Yarmouth, United Kingdom Kadupul came up from outside to Al Shaqab to participate in Menton Horse Championship in France chase the John Gosden-trained Willabell, who was running QNA championships of Purebred seeks to appear as the champion adupul, a two-year-old strongly. Doha Arabian horses in 2020. in the upcoming championship. fi lly, was a winner on These two fi llies pulled clear This is the first international Commenting on Al Shaqab par- Kher racecourse debut from the others and Kadupul championship for Purebred ticipation in the championship, in the British Stallion battled back inch by inch to the l Shaqab, a member of Arabians since the global Sheikh Hamad said that the Studs EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes line to snatch victory by a short Athe Qatar Foundation, outbreak of Covid-19, which horses were shipped to Europe at Yarmouth for owner-breeder head from her Frankie Dettori- will participate in the led to the cessation of various some time ago. Al Wasmiyah Farm on Wednes- ridden rival. 2020 Menton Horse Champion- sports activities, but Al Shaqab He said that Al Shaqab will day. By speedy sire Dark Angel, ship in France on July 4 and received confirmation from the compete in the Menton cham- Trained by William Haggas, Kadupul is out of Cup Cake, the 5, which is a qualifier for the organising committee of the pionship with 15 horses in one- she was a little green coming out dam of multiple Group scorer Arabian Horse World Champion- Menton championship that the year foals, one-year-old fillies, of the stalls, losing some ground Suedois. The mare was pur- ship, to be held in Paris. tournament will be held. three-year-old fillies, and mares in this fi ve-runner race over six chased by Al Wasmiyah Farm at It will be the first European par- Al Shaqab’s Breeding and Show categories, adding that the larg- furlongs. She was then settled the Tattersalls December Mares ticipation for Al Shaqab’s depart- Manager HE Sheikh Hamad bin est exhibitors in the world will in behind the leaders by jockey Sale in 2017 when carrying James Doyle (left) rides Kadupul to British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden ment of horse show in the major Ali al-Thani said that Al Shaqab participate in the horse show. James Doyle. Once inside the fi - Kadupul. Fillies’ Stakes in Yarmouth on Wednesday. (Yarmouth Racecourse) Gulf Times 2 Friday, June 12, 2020 FOOTBALL

TOP OF THE LINE French football boss hopes fans can attend matches SC organises media meeting on third World again in summer French football federation president Noel Le Graet hopes that spectators can attend match- es again in summer, after meeting the nation’s Cup 2022 venue — Education City Stadium President, Emmanuelle Macron. Le Graet told sports paper L’Equipe that Macron said at the QNA player Mubarak Mustafa ‘Al-Sin- The former Al Annabi star said appropriately. Things are totally and contact with many stars and meeting Wednesday he was very aware of the Doha yari’ and Qatari journalist Moham- that Qatar is on the right path to different from the Asian Cup, ambassadors. situation and would “make sure that football ed Saadon al-Kuwari. host one of the most important but at the same time, competi- Al-Kuwari said that the timing of gets back on the right path quickly and with The former player, also one of international events of all time, tion should not be exaggerated, the inauguration of the third World spectators”. The French league was abandoned he Supreme Committee the ambassadors of the FIFA World especially since everyone in the especially in the presence of large Cup venue in Education City is in April after the authorities outlawed sports for Delivery & Legacy (SC) Cup Qatar 2022, stressed that country are doing their best for the teams. However, what is required natural because Qatar has, on many until the end of August because of the corona- Torganised a meeting in the the current generation of football success of this event, especially in is to defend and honour Qatari occasions, shown its complete virus pandemic. The cup and league cup finals presence of stars and am- players are very lucky, given the the fi eld of stadium construction. football.” readiness to host the event. The fact could then mark the start of football again in bassadors of the committee to talk great opportunities available at The readiness of the third World For his part, al-Kuwari expressed that the offi cially inauguration of summer, and Le Graet said that “if the coronavi- about the unveiling of the third the moment. This helps them to Cup stadium refl ects Qatar’s com- his happiness at being chosen as an the fi rst tournament venue — Kha- rus pandemic is being pushed back further that 2022 FIFA World Cup venue — Edu- give their best, especially as Qa- mitment to completing projects honorary ambassador for the tour- lifa International Stadium — was there will be spectators in the stadiums from cation City Stadium. tar has all elements of success, ahead of time. nament, adding that he learned almost fi ve years before the kickoff the first games onwards”. Present on the occasion were including infrastructure and ad- He added: “Al-Annabi players many new things by participating in in 2022, is a proof of the country’s former Qatar national football team vanced stadiums. should begin their tournament various training courses, fi eld work readiness. Empty stadium might help us at Man City, says ITALIAN CUP SPOTLIGHT Arsenal boss Arteta Arsenal face four successive away games when English football resumes next week but with Spurs’ Alli given stadiums closed to fans manager Mikel Arteta believes that run is not as daunting as it could be. The Spaniard takes his side to Manchester one-game ban City in the Premier League on Wednesday Juve host Milan before trips to Brighton and Hove Albion and Southampton, a run that will be crucial if over Covid joke Arsenal are to mount a challenge for a top-four AFP finish. “I hope it is (an advantage),” Arteta, London, United Kingdom whose team were on a three-match winning streak but still down in ninth spot when the Premier League shut down in March, told Sky as Italian season ottenham mid- Sports. “It’s going to help. Football is passion fi elder Dele Alli and energy and when you lose that, things bal- Thas been given a ance much more in my opinion. But I know how one-match ban strong they are and what they are able to do if by the Football Associa- they are all switched on on the day.” tion after joking about the coronavirus in a so- Players allowed to play fi nally resumes cial media video and will miss his side’s fi rst Pre- for three clubs in a season, ‘This is a unique situation, which does not give us any certainty’ mier League match after says FIFA the restart. Reuters “Each player has experienced In the weeks before the virus took hold Players will be allowed to play for up to three Milan, Italy this period in a diff erent way. across the world, Alli posted a Snapchat clip in clubs, instead of two, during the course of a sea- Now the point will be to under- which he made fun of an Asian man in an air- son in a temporary rule change to alleviate the stand what motivations everyone port departure lounge in February. eff ects of the novel coronavirus pandemic on he Italian season has within themselves,” he said. The England international was shown wear- the sport, FIFA said yesterday. The global soccer resumes after a three- For AC Milan, the past three ing a face mask and the video had the title: body added that the move was “to avoid any Tmonth suspension due months have been a turbulent “Corona whattt, please listen with volume”. concerns regarding unemployed players”. FIFA to the Covid-19 pan- time with incessant speculation The video cut to an unsuspecting man of also said it would allow national associations to demic today when Juventus, still that the club wants to dismiss Asian appearance before panning to a bottle of open their transfer window for the 2020-21 sea- chasing a possible league, cup coach Stefano Pioli at the end of antiseptic hand wash, underneath which ap- son before the current campaign has finished. It and Champions League treble, the season and replace him with peared the caption: “This virus gunna have to said the change was intended to allow clubs to host AC Milan in the return leg German Ralf Rangnick. be quicker than that to catch me”. complete the 2019-20 season with their original of their Coppa Italia semi-fi nal. The team will also be missing Alli later deleted the post and posted an squad, even where the campaign had been The match, to be played be- 38-year-old forward Zlatan Ib- apology to the Chinese social media network extended from May into June and July as is the hind closed doors at the Alli- rahimovic with a calf injury he Weibo. He was charged with misconduct by case in a number of European countries. anz stadium, should have been suff ered in training last month. the FA on February 26 and his case has now played on March 4 but was The Swede has revitalised been heard. The one-game suspension means postponed by the Turin city the team since signing for six Alli will miss Tottenham’s game at home to UEFA set to decide on government at 24 hours’ notice A woman wearing a protective face mask poses with AC Milan months in January. Manchester United on June 19, their fi rst of the Champions League as the virus began to spread. The and Juventus teddy bears in a shop on the eve of the Coppa Italia Gazzetta dello Sport and other resumed season. conclusion next week season was suspended altogeth- semi-final in Turin, Italy. (Reuters) media said there was a tense Alli has also received a £50,000 ($63,000) er one week later. meeting between chief executive fi ne and will have to attend an educational UEFA is set to decide next week on how to Juventus are favourites to tion is because we come off an I am satisfi ed with what I have Ivan Gazidis and the players on course. conclude this season’s Champions League reach next Wednesday’s fi nal abnormal interruption,” he said, seen during these days in train- Wednesday to discuss a wage re- After the FA issued the ban, Alli again ex- and Europa League competitions which have after a 1-1 draw in the fi rst leg on adding that the stoppage was ing, but the response during a duction related to the stoppage. pressed regret for his action. “It was an ex- been put on hold since March because of the February 13 but coach Maurizio completely diff erent to the usual game will be diff erent.” Ibrahimovic was among those tremely poorly judged joke about a virus that coronavirus pandemic, the European soccer Sarri said that his side were ven- close season. Sarri feared that the risk of in- who complained that meeting has now aff ected us more than we could ever body said yesterday. UEFA said in a statement turing into the unknown after “This is a unique situation, jury would be “very high” as the should have been held much ear- have imagined,” he said. that its executive committee would meet in a such a long layoff . which does not give us any cer- players would have lost muscu- lier and reportedly told Gazidis: Alli’s suspension continues a troubling pe- video conference on June 17 where the agenda “None of the staff at this mo- tainty, also because we have lar strength while their motiva- “It’s not the Milan it used to be, riod for the 24-year-old after knife-carrying would include “round of 16 onwards and relat- ment knows where the prepara- obviously not played friendlies. tion was also an unknown. there’s too much uncertainty.” burglars broke into his house recently. ed determinations” for both competitions. The Champions League final was originally sched- uled to be played in Istanbul and the Europa FOCUS League showpiece in Gdansk, Poland, however EPL clubs agree matchday protocols last month UEFA said “a variety of options” were being looked at for completing the two All 20 Premier League clubs have further five “essential staff ”. competitions. The meeting will also discuss approved matchday protocols for Other measures include deep Lewandowski fi res Bayern into the planned schedule and venues for the Euro next week’s resumption of action cleaning of corner flags, goal- 2020 tournament, which has been postponed after a three-month stoppage posts, substitution boards and until 2021, and the dates for the playoff ties due to by the Covid-19 pandemic. match balls while medical staff German Cup fi nal in double bid which were due to be played in March. The Premier League’s Project will wear protective equipment Restart kicks off next Wednes- when treating players. AFP who had only been on for three min- up an eighth consecutive Bundesliga Premier League clubs post day with the first two of the 92 Players will be tested for coro- Munich, Germany utes at the Allianz Arena. title this weekend by beating Borus- outstanding fixtures. navirus at their club’s training However, Bayern’s star striker sia Moenchengladbach and second- record revenue but face All the remaining games will ground ahead of the journeys to Robert Lewandowski settled the placed Borussia Dortmund lose at Covid-19 impact: report be played without fans and a stadiums for matches. ayern Munich remain on matter with the winner 16 minutes strugglers Fortuna Duesseldorf. limit of 300 people — including Teams will take to the field course for the double af- from time to claim his 45th goal this However, Bayern will be without Premier League clubs enjoyed a record 5.2bn broadcast staff , written media, separately, rather than side-by- Bter the Bundesliga leaders season in all competitions. both Lewandowski and their other pounds ($6.65bn) of revenue in the 2018-19 commentators, doping off icials side, and games will feature squeezed past Eintracht Bayern face Bayer Leverkusen, key forward Thomas Mueller, who season, according to data released by Deloitte and scouts — will be allowed in drinks breaks midway through Frankfurt 2-1 in Wednesday’s Ger- who beat fourth-tier side Saar- are both suspended for the game yesterday, but income is expected to decline in stadiums on matchdays. each half. man Cup semi-fi nal behind closed bruecken 3-0 in Tuesday’s semi, in against Gladbach. the short-term due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Stadiums will be split into red, The technical area for managers doors, with both teams supporting the fi nal at Berlin’s Olympic Sta- Eintracht wore match jerseys The English top flight reinforced its reputation amber and green zones with the will be reconfigured to allow for the Black Lives Matter movement. dium on July 4. supporting the Black Lives Matter as the richest soccer league in the world by red zone to include 20 players, 12 greater social distancing, as will Bayern’s early goal by Ivan Perisic Hansi Flick-coached Bayern, who movement, while Bayern warmed posting a 7 percent year-on-year increase in coaching and medical staff and a team dugouts. was cancelled out by an equaliser have a seven point lead with four up in T-shirts bearing the same an- revenue, primarily driven by UEFA distributions from Frankfurt’s Danny da Costa, games left in the league, can wrap ti-racism message. to the clubs. Four English clubs featured in the finals of Europe’s two club competitions last season. Liverpool defeated Tottenham Hotspur BOTTOMLINE to lift the Champions League trophy, while Chelsea thrashed Arsenal to claim the Europa League title. The report anticipates the Premier League to lose around 1bn pounds in revenue Barcelona star De Jong relishes return of La Liga title race this season, despite plans to restart the compe- tition on June 17. The European football market AFP he was already the best player when lorca tomorrow. as a whole generated a record 28.9bn euros Madrid, Spain he was very young so I think it’s “I have played some games that ($32.99bn) in the 2018-19 campaign, with the more because of that,” De Jong, who were good and others that were big five leagues in England, Spain, Germany, at 23 is almost 10 years younger than average or below average even,” De France and Italy contributing 17bn euros, a 9% What you have to understand Messi, tells AFP. Jong says. increase from the previous year. is I really, really like football,” “I dont have it anymore, it got too “I had a bad period, I never played “says Barcelona midfi elder small for me.” really badly I don’t think, but I know Joint Down Under bid Frenkie de Jong. “It’s not pre- It brings into focus the speed of I can do a lot better.” tend. I enjoy every minute of it.” his rise. Ajax sporting director Marc The interrupted season also has ramps up World Cup push De Jong’s fi rst touch at the Camp Overmars fi rst spotted De Jong 11 games remaining. Barcelona are with legacy project Nou came between a thumbs up and playing for the under-16s and what top, two points ahead of Real Ma- a smile. As he juggled the ball in his stood out was not only his ability to drid, but still adapting under new New Zealand and Australia ramped up their final new kit, the crowd cheered and as distribute, but dribble. coach Quique Setien, who was ap- push to host soccer’s Women’s World Cup in they cheered, he smiled again. “When I was young I used to play pointed in January. 2023 with the only professional men’s team in It was July 5 last year and De a lot with my friends and it felt nat- “The last round before we New Zealand stating yesterday they were keen Jong was being unveiled after a 75 ural to beat players so I kept doing it stopped we took back fi rst place but to seek a licence to field a women’s side as well. million-euro ($85mn) move from at Willem II and then Ajax,” De Jong we weren’t in our best shape,” De The joint bid for the global showpiece received Ajax. On his fi rst day, the Dutch- says. Jong says. a major boost on Wednesday when world gov- man arrived at his new fl at to fi nd “We don’t see it as much in the Barcelona players take part in a training session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan “The league was changing a lot, erning body FIFA rated it as the best to host the a restaurant booked for him and his game now, I think because the Gamper in Sant Joan Despi, Spain, on Monday. (AFP) we weren’t consistent but Madrid tournament, ahead of fellow contenders from girlfriend by Sergio Busquets, the spaces are so much smaller. Wing- weren’t either. Japan and Colombia. New Zealand side the Wel- player many assumed De Jong was ers used to get one against one but close the spaces. It makes it harder 27 in the league before it was sus- “I think we have already pro- lington Phoenix play in Australia’s A-League and bought to replace. now there are always two people in but it’s a challenge I enjoy.” pended in March due to the corona- gressed since the new coach came said fielding a women’s team in the equivalent Later, he met Lionel Messi, whose front of them. virus pandemic. in. You saw the team was already W-League would be a “positive legacy” from name he had printed on the back of “The tactical aspect is more im- MUCH MORE TO COME But by his own admission, there is growing and I think we will be a potentially hosting the first Women’s World Cup a Barca shirt he owned as a boy. portant and the physical ability is De Jong’s fi rst season in Spain has so much more to come as Barcelona better team than the one you saw in the southern hemisphere. “Maybe it makes him feel old but better, so opponents run harder to been assured, with 23 starts out of prepare to return to action in Mal- before the suspension.” Gulf Times Friday, June 12, 2020 3 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT ‘We’re going to play baseball in 2020, 100 per cent’: Commissioner Tigers draft Torkelson as MLB promises return to play little more than will be “a significant move in an hour before the the players’ direction.” Reuters the NBA and NFL drafts, players taken A2020 Major League Main concessions the league Los Angeles in the MLB draft do not typically play Baseball Draft be- wants from the players re- for their teams right away as they work gan on Wednesday night, main the same: A season that their way through the organisation’s MLB commissioner Rob has the World Series ending he Detroit Tigers drafted Ari- lower tiers. Manfred made appearance before November 1 and the zona State slugger Spencer Earlier in the day, MLB Commis- on MLB Network and ESPN players moving away from TTorkelson with the fi rst pick sioner Rob Manfred told ESPN that and said what baseball fans full pro-rated salaries. of the 2020 MLB draft on while negotiations between the MLB wanted to hear. “We’re go- “The best thing for our sport Wednesday, the same day the league’s Players Association and the 30 team ing to play baseball in 2020,” is to reach a negotiated commissioner said baseball would re- owners are ongoing, he said he was Manfred said. “100 per agreement with the MLBPA,” turn this year despite the coronavirus confi dent baseball would return in cent.” Exactly what that will Manfred said. pandemic. 2020. look like — how many games, But if that doesn’t happen, The 20-year-old Torkelson, who The two sides have been locked in how much players will be Manfred has the power under played fi rst base in college but was acrimonious negotiations for weeks paid, how the playoff s will the March 26 agreement be- announced as a third baseman, estab- over the length of the season and look — will be determined in tween MLB and the MLBPA to lished himself as one of the best hitters player pay. The players latest proposal the not-so-distant future, institute a season that could in NCAA history, batting.337 with 54 included 89 games with full prorated whether by an agreement be in the 50-game range. home runs and 130 runs batted in (RBI) salaries but ESPN reported that own- between the league and the Manfred didn’t give an exact in 127 career games with the Sun Dev- ers considered the length of the season MLB Players Association or deadline for the sides to ils. Arkansas Razorbacks outfi elder a “nonstarter.” Manfred mandating things agree to a deal before taking Heston Kjerstad was selected second Manfred on Wednesday said the on his own. matters into his own hands by the Baltimore Orioles and the Uni- owners would soon off er a counter The league is going to reject but said “Each and every versity of Minnesota’s hard-throwing proposal but guaranteed a return to the players’ latest deal from day that goes by, we lose the right handed pitcher Max Meyer was play. Tuesday night — one that capacity to play at least one taken third by the Miami Marlins. “I’ll tell you unequivocally — we called for an 89 game season game. That’s really the time Towering Texas A&M pitcher Asa will play Major League Baseball this with an expanded playoff pressure. It’s significant at this Lacy was taken fourth by the Kansas year,” Manfred said. MLB was in spring format and players receiving point in time.” City Royals and Vanderbilt shortstop training when the virus upended the full pro-rated salaries among “One way or the other,” Austin Martin rounded out the top global sports calendar earlier this year other things. The league’s Manfred said, “we’re playing fi ve of the draft, which was being held and the sport missed its Opening Day next proposal, Manfred said, baseball.” DPA remotely due to the pandemic. Unlike scheduled for March 26. Arizona State slugger Spencer Torkelson. (TNS)

NBA REPORT NHL teams set July 10 for opening Aft er death of mentor, training camps Heat’s Silva braces for ‘He was like a father figure, but also like a return to court basketball mentor’

AFP cilities, began on Monday. New York The NHL said last week players would be allowed to conduct individual training ational Hockey activities at team facilities on League training a voluntary basis, with ses- Ncamps for the 24 sions limited to no more than teams remaining in six players at a time plus a the Stanley Cup chase will be- limited number of team staff gin July 10, provided a deal is members. struck with players on resum- Play was halted with just ing the season. over three weeks remaining in The NHL and its players’ the regular season. The NHL union announced the time- plan to resume announced on table yesterday, conditional May 26 included 24 of its 30 upon medical and safety con- clubs. ditions allowing and an agree- The bottom 16 teams in the ment on returning from the standings when the shutdown coronavirus pandemic shut- came will meet in eight best- down that began March 12. of-5 qualifying series while Exactly how long the work- a round robin among the top out sessions will last and when four clubs in each confer- games will resume will be de- ence determines seeds for the termined later, a statement Stanley Cup playoff s. from the league and the NHL Matches will be staged at Players Association said. two hub cities that have yet The NHL’s return two play to be identifi ed, one for the plan, allowing teams to con- 12 Eastern Conference teams duct limited workouts with and another for the 12 Western small groups at their club fa- conference clubs.

DEMISE (TNS) Heat forward Chris Silva. Blazers’ founder

By Anthony Chiang ketball team at Roselle Catholic ed States, Sacks began looking we couldn’t communicate. At in the morning and work. Stuff Miami Herald High in New Jersey, where Silva after Silva. “I basically grew up times I was getting frustrated, I like that, things you just think Glickman dies at 96 attended high school. by myself,” said Silva, who had couldn’t tell him. At times I was are going to keep going forever.” “He meant a lot,” an emo- seen his parents and siblings happy, I couldn’t tell him either. Silva’s uncle and legal guard- Reuters he past three months tional Silva said of Sacks, who only once since arriving to the With the years and time spent ian, Miguel, lives in Boston. But Los Angeles have been a whirlwind was married with four children. United States before a surprise together, we started to get close there was just an understand- Tthat has tested Chris “He was like a father fi gure to December reunion with his to each other.” ing that most of Silva’s off time Silva’s faith, resilience me.” mother in Miami. “So he used Silva’s home base quickly be- would be spent with his New ortland Trail Blazers and strength. When one of Sacks’ sons, to invite me to his house during came Sacks’ house in New Jer- Jersey family. founder and longtime It has been a whirlwind that Tommy II, called to deliver the the holidays to come and spend sey. During Silva’s four years at “He was like a father fi gure, general manager Har- Pry Glickman has kept the 23-year-old Heat bad news shortly after Sacks’ time with him and his family. I the University of South Caro- but also like a basketball men- died rookie isolated in a Miami con- passing, Silva remembers the remember I used to say no all lina, summers and breaks were tor,” Silva said of Sacks. “My Wednesday at age 96. do. A whirlwind that has kept pain. He also remembers try- the time. But he insisted. When spent with the Sacks family. uncle knows as much as he can, The cause of death was not him from playing the sport he ing to gather himself for a vir- I started going there, the fi rst Despite turning into one of but he’s not really involved in included in the team’s an- created a successful sports loves. A whirlwind that has left tual Heat team meeting an hour time it was alright. The second the top players in the South- basketball. He doesn’t really nouncement. franchise in a small western him without the mentor he has later. It wasn’t easy. time, I started to like doing it eastern Conference, 5am work- know how that works. He’s al- Glickman, with backing market, but has united hun- leaned on almost daily for the “It was kind of hard to keep because it was kind of fun. It outs still awaited Silva when he ways there to provide support from Herman Sarkowsky, dreds of thousands of people past eight years. a straight face and just pay at- became like a ritual throughout returned to New Jersey every and stuff , but coach Tommy Larry Weinberg and Rob- around the world through a The NBA season was sus- tention to the meeting after I high school.” summer. After summer work- was the one who knew basket- ert Schmertz, paid the NBA a shared love of basketball. Rip pended amid the Covid-19 received the bad news literally Another ritual throughout outs with Sacks, Silva remem- ball and everything about my $3.7mn expansion fee to get City will forever be thankful to pandemic on March 11 and team an hour before the meeting,” high school? Sacks was the bers spending the rest of the skill set and what I can do and the Blazers into the league Harry and his forgotten rain- facilities across the league were Silva said. “It was just hard. … I one who picked Silva up in the day at the pool or in front of the dealing with all my issues and ahead of the 1970-71 season. coat.” closed to players and staff start- did everything I could to gather morning to take him to school television watching old basket- problems. Everything.” Glickman was still part of the Trail Blazers president of ing on March 20. Basketball has myself to hide my emotions and the one to give him a ride ball games. Silva credits Sacks with help- ownership group that sold the basketball operations Neil slowly returned to Silva’s life, as that day.” home after basketball practice. “When you go to college, ing him become “one of the team to Paul Allen for $70mn Olshey said in a statement, the Heat began allowing play- The emotions were too real If there was no basketball prac- some people go away and just fastest players from my high in 1988. “Harry Glickman laid the ers to participate in voluntary to hide. When a 15-year-old tice, Silva was usually going leave. But he was always there,” school to become eligible to In just their seventh season foundation and established individual workouts at Ameri- Silva left Gabon, Africa in 2012 through a workout led by Sacks. Silva said. “Every time people play in college,” which is a big of existence — all with Glick- the benchmark for small mar- canAirlines Arena on May 13 to come to the United States On senior night in high school used to ask me where I’m from, reason Silva believes he might man serving as the general ket success in the NBA. He was and the NBA recently approved with a dream of making it to the with Silva’s relatives unable to instead of Africa, I used to say not have reached the NBA with- manager — Blazers won their the driving force that set the a 22-team restart plan that has NBA, Sacks was the one who attend, Sacks was the one who I’m from Jersey fi rst. Because out Sacks’ guidance. lone NBA championship in stage for the 1977 NBA Cham- the season tentatively set to picked him up from New York’s walked alongside Silva. of him, I think Jersey is home. Even with Silva’s busy NBA 1977. The team featured Bill pionship, a seminal moment resume on July 31. John F. Kennedy International “When I fi rst came, I wasn’t That was the main reason I schedule during the past year, Walton, Maurice Lucas and that elevated Portland and But Silva is still trying to ac- Airport. Silva, who knew little speaking English so me and him called Jersey home because I Sacks remained as a constant Lionel Hollins. allowed it to join the elite of cept the fact that he will need to English at that time, greeted were in the gym just trying to knew every time when I wanted and reliable voice in his life. Blazers president and CEO professional sports franchises. move forward without Tommy Sacks with four words: ‘Coach, fi gure out how to communicate to go back to Jersey, I went to his Through it all — the predraft Chris McGowan said in a His contributions to the city Sacks, who suff ered a heart at- I go NBA.” with each other to get the work- house and it was like my house. process, summer work, the NBA statement, “Harry was the of Portland and the Trail Blaz- tack and died on May 11 at age With Silva’s parents and sib- out done,” Silva recalls. “We “It used to be a routine that I season — the two still found defi nition of a true Trail Blaz- ers are immense and for that 60. Sacks was the associate lings remaining in Africa and used to spend hours in the gym knew every summer I was going time to share special moments er. Through his dedication and we all owe him a great debt of head coach for the boys’ bas- only a few relatives in the Unit- to get a workout done because to go back to Jersey and wake up Silva will remember forever. persistence, Harry not only gratitude.” Gulf Times 4 Friday, June 12, 2020 SPORT

COMMENT ‘Olympic athletes must explore ‘dignifi ed’ protest’ AFP movement. test police brutality against blacks by participating in the Olympic Lausanne The German said it was now and other minorities. Kaepernick Games. the turn of the Olympic Athletes’ was ostracised by the NFL over his “That is something diff erent Commission to draw up a suitable kneeling protest, which earned him from a divisive issue, it is support lympic chief Thomas way for athletes to act. and likeminded athletes condem- for principles enshrined in the Ol- Bach on Wednesday re- “We have fully supported the nation and insults from conserva- ympic charter.” Ofused to be drawn on initiative of the Olympic Athletes’ tives including US President Don- Bach said he refused to interfere athletes taking a knee Commission to have dialogue with ald Trump. in the workings of the Athletes’ in protest against racism, insist- their counterparts, athletes from The NFL last week, however, Commission. “I will not pre-empt ing the body representing them around the world, to explore diff er- sanctioned “peaceful protests” in any way these consultations the must explore ways they can express ent ways on how Olympic athletes while world football’s governing Athletes’ Commission now will themselves “in a dignifi ed way”. can express their support for the body FIFA has called on leagues to have with many athletes, repre- Many sportspeople across the principles enshrined in the Olym- use “common sense” when decid- sentatives, around the world. globe have made a kneeling protest pic charter in a dignifi ed way,” Bach ing whether to discipline players “It would not be fair if I now to pay homage to George Floyd, a said. for displaying political messages make a statement giving direc- black American killed by a white “We also agree at the same time calling for justice for Floyd. tions, or even instructions, in this US policeman in May, in an act de- with the Athletes’ Commission respect. scribed as anti-racist solidarity. that we must always respect the NON-DISCRIMINATION “The framework has been set International Olympic Commit- Olympic spirit, and this means we “IS OLYMPIC DNA” and now let the Athletes’ Com- tee rules bar any “demonstration or must make a diff erence between Bach called the Olympics them- mission and let the athletes discuss political, religious or racial propa- such support for the principles en- selves a “demonstration in support among themselves and then come ganda” at the Olympic Games, but shrined in the Olympic charter and of the Olympic principles of non- up with the relevant proposals.” the kneeling protest is sure to be a potentially divisive demonstra- discrimination. This is our DNA, Bach insisted that the Athletes’ hot issue at the Tokyo Olympics, tions.” one of our raison d’etre of the Ol- Commission was an eff ective tool, postponed by 12 months to 2021. The placing of one knee on the ympic Games”. saying it was “taking the pulse of Bach, speaking after a vide- ground was the pose made famous “Everyone who’s participat- the opinions of the athletes and is oconference meeting of the IOC’s by former NFL quarterback Colin ing in the Olympic movement and refl ecting very well the opinion of executive board, argued that non- Kaepernick, who began kneeling the Olympic Games in particular, the majority of athletes”. discrimination was one of the during pre-game renditions of the is standing for these values and is “Diverting opinions are a normal International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach addresses a news conference after a founding pillars of the Olympic national anthem in 2016 to pro- demonstrating these values already democratic procedure,” he added. meeting of IOC’s executive board in Lausanne on Wednesday. (Reuters)

FOCUS RESUMPTION Full crowds, rule tweaks and Carter Diack hid Russian as Kiwi Super Rugby returns

AFP club competition, which has Wellington been in limbo since mid- doping cases to help March. Featuring New Zea- land’s fi ve Super Rugby teams, uper Rugby makes a the 10-round competition will comeback in New Zea- have two matches each week- Sland this weekend with end. full crowds allowed in The opening fi xture tomor- a major landmark for profes- row sees Otago Highlanders sional sport’s emergence from meet Waikato Chiefs at Dun- sport’s fi nances the coronavirus shutdown. edin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium, High-profi le Auckland where student fans in “The Blues recruit Dan Carter will Zoo” section of the ground are ‘IT WAS MAINLY FOR THE FINANCIAL HEALTH OF THE IAAF’ be among those looking on as sure to off ering full-throated Rugby reaps the reward of New support and generating an AFP Zealand’s success in achieving electric atmosphere. Paris zero cases of Covid-19. The Highlanders’ backline Organisers say the compe- has been boosted by the re- tition will be the fi rst profes- cruitment of livewire former he former head of global sional sport played without international Nehe Milner- track and fi eld, Lamine crowd restrictions anywhere Skudder, while the Chiefs are TDiack, told his corrup- in the world since the pan- missing newly anointed All tion trial yesterday he demic took hold, although Blacks captain Sam Cane with had agreed to delay and stagger football leagues in Vietnam a back strain. investigations into suspected and Turkmenistan might dis- The second match tomor- Russian doping cases for the sake pute the claim. row pits Auckland Blues of the sport’s “fi nancial health”. It is certainly highest profi le against Wellington Hurricanes Diack, who in 16 years at the sport to throw open its doors at Eden Park, where the crowd head of the International Asso- and its visibility was given an is expected to exceed 35,000. ciation of Athletics Federations added boost with All Black The Blues are on a high after (IAAF), was one of the most legend Carter’s shock decision signing Carter, although the powerful leaders in Olympic to sign for the Blues at the age two-time World Cup winner sport, told a court in Paris he had of 38, fi ve years after his inter- and three-time world player taken the decision to delay bans national retirement. of the year admits he is several after 23 Russian athletes failed Super Rugby Aotearoa – the weeks away from being match tests. Maori name for New Zealand fi t. Even if Carter does not take “It was mainly for the fi nan- – is a temporary domestic re- the fi eld, Beauden Barrett said cial health of the IAAF,” Diack placement for the suspended his presence at training had said. 15-team southern hemisphere been “immense”. “The fi nancial health of the IAAF had to be safeguarded and I was prepared to make that com- SPOTLIGHT promise.” Diack, an 87-year-old Sen- egalese, has admitted that bans were delayed in order to allow Boxing makes its the Russian athletes concerned to compete in the 2012 London Olympics and the World Athlet- return in Germany ics Championships in Moscow the following year. The aim was to prevent the aft er Covid-19 break cases derailing talks with pro- spective Russian sponsors in- DPA ternational championship cluding state-owned bank VTB Hamburg against Frenchman Howard and the RTR broadcaster. Cospolite. “It is high time that Prosecutors say Diack, who the boxers can fi ght again. We was IAAF president from 1999 rofessional boxing is owe it to them,” Strickroth to 2015, directly or indirectly the latest sport to re- said. Some of the fi ghts are demanded 3.45 million euros Former head of International Association of Athletics Federations Lamine Diack (centre) leaves the courthouse in Paris on Wednesday. (AFP) turn in Germany from streamed for free on YouTube P Bild ($3.9 million) from Russian ath- a coronavirus-related before the paper takes letes in order to have their names “full protection”, allowed some fused to be drawn on allega- the 2012 Senegal presidential athletes. break. With football, basket- over with its pay-portal. The cleared. of the Russians to win medals at tions that he obtained $1.5 mil- election – which he won – in Diack is being tried for cor- ball and tennis already played fi ghts can also be seen in Po- The delay in imposing bans, the London Olympics. lion of Russian funds to help exchange for covering up or de- ruption, money laundering and again, a fi ght night in Berlin land, Ukraine, China and Latin under an operation described as In court yesterday, Diack re- back Macky Sall’s campaign for laying off ences by the Russian breach of trust. is scheduled on Friday with America, according to Agon. seven bouts – under a strict Strickrodt said they will hygiene concept and organised run up a defi cit because unlike by the Agon promotion. football “we lack TV partners” Athletics meetings to feature chlorinated water jumps, sanitised sand pits “We are proud to be the but the boxing community in fi rst. But we are not selfi sh. It Germany is happy that Agon Athletics meeting organisers elite Diamond League meetings. each race, chlorine added to the is about boxing in Germany are getting things going again. have been advised to put chlo- The recommendations for or- water jump for the steeplechase which has fallen behind over “That is exactly the right rine in the water jump, clean ganisers include the use of face and relay batons cleaned “be- the past years,” Agon man- signal,” Uli Steinforth from the relay batons between each use masks by all off icials, media and tween each use”. aging director Horst-Peter SES team said. SES plan their and add a solution containing athletes in the stadium, except For the high jump and pole Strickrodt said. fi rst event in mid-July in an a virucide agent to sand pits as when they are warming up or vaults, the use of hand sanitis- The Berlin event is together amphitheatre in Magdeburg, part of hygiene guidelines for competing. ers is recommended between with fi ghts in Polish hotel the possibly even with spectators, events during the coronavirus It also suggested the organisers each attempt. pioneer in boxing’s return in depending on the further eas- pandemic. provide participants with a wel- Off icials should clean the land- Europe. Berlin’s governing ing of restrictions in Germany. The sport’s governing body, come bag that includes at least ing mat between each jump senate has given the green light Other promoters are also on World Athletics, has issued 22 three single-use masks, bottles using a mop and virucidal for the fi ghts behind closed their way back. Ismail Ozen- pages of guidelines yesterday of hand sanitiser and disinfect- solution, or use a thin layer of doors. No fans are allowed, all Otto plans July 11 bouts in a were “based on scientific and ant wipes. During competition, recyclable plastic that can be fi ghters have tested negative drive-in cinema in Dusseldorf medical knowledge of the virus off icials who come into close placed on the mat. for the Sars-CoV-2 virus in a with more than 500 cars al- responsible for Covid-19.” contact with athletes should The sand in the long and triple fi rst round of tests, with the lowed in; Erol Ceylan is look- After a wave of postponements, wear protective glasses or a jump pits should be “mixed second round later Thursday ing at the Rothenbaum ten- World Athletics is hoping that plastic face shield, in addition to with a solution that contains 24 hours before the start. nis stadium in Hamburg as a a shortened season can take a mask, the guidelines say. biodegradable and non-skin- Former world champion venue; and Alexander Petkovic place between August and For track events, starting blocks aggressive virucide agent”, it Jack Culcay of Germany con- could organise fi ghts in the October including a number of should be cleaned between added. tests the main fi ght for the stadium of a northern German WBO light middelweight in- amateur football club. Gulf Times Friday, June 12, 2020 5 SPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT F1 likely to add European races as more US Open protocols won’t cancellations loom

Reuters London work for Halep: Cahill ormula One looks set to add more European Fraces to the calendar ‘The restrictions are tough. They’re incredibly diff icult, and every player will have their own opinion’ with grands prix in Asia and the Americas likely to be Reuters for sure.” Married players, particularly cancelled due to the Covid-19 Mumbai those with young children, would also pandemic. The current schedule have problems, Cahill, 54, added. features eight races, all in Eu- A highly respected coach who guided rope, but with the sport hoping he Covid-19 protocols pro- Lleyton Hewitt to the top of the game for a season of between 15 and 18 posed by the US Open organ- and also worked with Andre Agassi, rounds. Tisers are “incredibly diffi cult” Cahill has his “fi ngers crossed” that the Australia, Monaco, the Neth- and would probably not work Covid-19 situation will improve suffi - erlands and France have been for world number two Simona Halep, ciently to make such protocols unnec- cancelled and sources indicated her coach Darren Cahill said. essary. Azerbaijan, Singapore and Japan The hardcourt major is scheduled “We all want to get back to work so would be next on the list. The to begin on Aug. 31 and men’s world hoping the tennis tour starts out really races in Brazil, Mexico and Texas number one Novak Djokovic has already soon,” he said. “I know the US are also uncertain. said that it would be “impossible” to Open offi cials are trying their hard- “We have lots of diff erent op- play under the protocols, which would est to make it happen. A lot changes in tions and we’re very confi dent restrict players to their hotels with only two or three days, let alone six or seven we’re going to have a great sec- one support staff . weeks. So as time goes on, I think a lot ond half of the season,” motor- “The restrictions are tough. They’re of the restrictions will start to come sport managing director Ross incredibly diffi cult, and every player will down.” Brawn said. have their own opinion as to whether The tennis shutdown could be a “There is a contingency to that will work for them. I’m pretty sure blessing in disguise for Halep, who also have an extended European sea- that won’t work for Simona,” Cahill told won the 2019 Wimbledon, Cahill said, son with another one or two rac- Reuters in a telephone interview from adding that the 28-year-old has thor- es if needed. I think Bahrain and Australia. oughly enjoyed the break. Cahill is cur- Abu Dhabi will be the backstop “If you’re in a baseball team or a foot- rently coaching Halep on the telephone of the season from what we can ball team... at least you have your team- or via video link and has asked her to see at the moment. That gives us mates to travel with, to socialise with adopt the mindset of an Olympic ath- 10. We’ll fi nd at least fi ve or six and to eat with and to train with. Tennis lete during an enforced layoff that could good races in the middle.” is a little bit diff erent because it’s an in- extend to the end of the year. The season, halted since the dividual sport.” “It’s diffi cult for our mentality and March 15 Australian opener was Cahill said organisers were consid- Romania’s Simona Halep with her coach Darren Cahill. (Reuters) our sport and that’s why there’s so cancelled, is due to start with- ering fl ying players to New York from much admiration for a lot of the sports out spectators in Austria on July around the world on charter fl ights to fl y over from Romania, you need to “Normally you have a physio, a hit- three or four weeks, and you have to be that are at the Olympics,” he said. 5 and 12. There will also be two and keeping them in an isolation bub- spend four weeks in this one hotel in ting partner, trainer and maybe a coach professional and compete at the highest “They train and train and train for one races at Britain’s Silverstone ble with regular testing for Covid-19. New York, and you can only bring one or two. You’ve got to basically stay in level. So now there are going to be a lot big event every four years and that’s the circuit in August, with other “From Simona’s point of view, you got person,” said the Australian. this bubble with only one person for of players that have an issue with that most important event in the world.” rounds in Hungary, Spain, Bel- gium and Italy. A second race in Italy has been FOCUS mooted for the Ferrari-owned Mugello circuit or Imola, once home of the San Marino Grand Prix, while Germany’s Hocken- Collins slams Djokovic’s US Open concerns over Covid-19 protocols heim and Portugal’s Algarve cir- cuit in Portimao are other pos- Reuters sanctioned events or make money since the death of George Floyd, an unarmed sibilities. Mumbai February. This is a massive opportunity black man who died in police custody. Sochi in Russia is also open to for players to start making money again, Australian Nick Kyrgios presented a hosting two races. Singapore and and here we have the top player in the contrasting view to Collins and said the Baku are street circuits with a merican player Danielle world saying only being able to bring US Open plans should be shelved. long lead time, meaning a deci- Collins has hit out at men’s one person with (him) will be too dif- “The ATP is trying to make the US sion has to be imminent, while Aworld number one Novak fi cult.” Open go ahead,” Kyrgios said on Twit- Japan looks unlikely given that Djokovic for his opposition Collins urged Djokovic, who heads ter, after an initial post asking Djoko- its MotoGP round, after the F1 to the Covid-19 protocols proposed by the men’s ATP Tour players council, to vic, Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer if the grand prix at Suzuka, has already the US Open organisers, saying players support the US Open organisers. “It’s Grand Slam should be held. been cancelled. need to start earning money again. easy when someone’s made $150mn “Selfi sh with everything going on The season is due to end in The hardcourt major is scheduled to throughout their career to try and tell at the moment. Obviously Covid, but Abu Dhabi in December after begin on Aug. 31 and Djokovic has said people what to do with their money, also with the riots, together we need to Bahrain, which could host two that it would be “impossible” to play un- and then turn down playing in the US overcome these challenges before ten- races. “One of the nice attrac- der the protocols, which would restrict tribute to a fund to help lower-ranked “This is a serious contradiction,” Open,” she said. nis returns in my opinion.” The pro- tions of Bahrain is it has many players to their hotels with only one professionals aff ected by the shutdown Collins, who made the semi-fi nals of The United States is still in the grip tests across the United States have been confi gurations, so we could go to support staff . The 17-times Grand Slam which began in early March and will the 2019 Australian Open, wrote on In- of the coronavirus pandemic and has largely peaceful, with occasional arson Bahrain and race on two diff erent winner earlier urged players to con- continue at least until end of July. stagram. “No one has been able to play seen daily anti-racism protests over and looting. tracks there,” Brawn said.

MOTOR SPORT beIN Sports secures broadcast rights for Djokovic’s Adria Tour Fresh route, new safety measures unveiled for Dakar Rally Doha: beIN Media Group has including Grigor Dimitrov (Bul- AFP ital versions will be available in certain secured the exclusive rights for garia), Borna Coric (Croatia), Paris categories. Castera said the coronavirus Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour, and Marin Cilic (Croatia) – to pandemic had forced organisers to revise which will be broadcast across clay courts every weekend, their plans for next year’s rally. “We had 24 countries in Middle East with beIN Sports following the he second edition of the Dakar mapped out a Dakar with other countries. & North Africa (Mena) and 11 action from Serbia and Croatia, Rally in Saudi Arabia, scheduled Unfortunately, the week of confi nement countries in Asia-Pacific (Aus- to Montenegro, and finally Tto run from January 3-15 next we should have left for a tour. We weren’t tralia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Bosnia and Herzegovina, where year, will start and fi nish in Jed- able to do it, so we were obliged to aban- Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Indo- the tournament is scheduled to dah after venturing through the desert don our project for this year,” he said. nesia, East Timor, Philippines, conclude in July. and along the Red Sea, organisers re- “We’ll do it another time. We have Malaysia, and Singapore), with The Adria Tour, a first tour- vealed yesterday. The 2021 version of three surrounding countries who want it profits from the tournament nament for tennis since the the gruelling 12-day marathon will take and fi t in with our DNA: Oman, the Unit- donated to National Federa- Covid-19 sports shutdown, is participants into uncharted territory, Dakar Rally trophies are displayed in Paris yesterday. (AFP) ed Arab Emirates and Jordan.” tions and Covid-19 relief funds. supported by the Novak Djoko- with all timed sections of the loop course Castera also conceded the fi nancial The tournament, organ- vic Foundation, and profits brand new to the race. Competitors will During each stage we fi nd a bit of all the to wear airbag vests, while aural warnings impact of the global health crisis would ised by 17-time Grand Slam from the tour will be donated set off from Jeddah towards the east and ingredients. We tried to keep a bit of the will notify competitors in the approach to likely result in fewer participants over the champion Novak Djokovic, will to the National Federations of then head north, with a rest day in Ha’il dunes, the technical sections and the potential dangers with designated “slow next two years. The event, launched in be held in Belgrade, Serbia, the participating countries. In on January 9, before tracing the Red Sea quick parts each day.” zones” limiting the speed to 90km/h in 1979 with its original route between Paris Djokovic’s hometown, tomor- addition, parts of the profits coastline back to the fi nish. Following the deaths of two motorcy- especially tricky sectors. and the Senegalese capital Dakar, moved row and Sunday. The tour will also be donated to Covid-19 “We’ve made the most of all of Saudi clists, Portugal’s Paulo Goncalves and Following a test run in 2020, road to Saudi Arabia this year after a decade in will bring both top rank and relief charities chosen by the Arabia,” rally director David Castera said. Dutchman Edwin Straver, on this year’s books will be distributed to participants South America, a decision which sparked up-and-coming tennis players – players in the tournament. “The country is so big that we managed to rally, enhanced safety measures will be just before the start of each stage, as an angry reaction from human rights or- only use 50-100km of this year’s course. introduced in 2021. Riders will be forced opposed to the previous evening. Dig- ganisations.

HORSE RACING F1 Royal Ascot show must go on, says race chief Bottas doesn’t fear being AFP ning or fi nishing in the fi rst three increas- being able to race for most of the spring replaced by Vettel London es the value of the horse).” Two of Smith’s to be honest,” he said. “We never took DPA six-time world champion Lewis colleagues went to Newmarket last week anything for granted, we never expected Berlin Hamilton, have a contracts until for the 1000 Guineas to learn from that racing to be treated any diff erently from the end of the year. The specu- oyal Ascot will take a big fi - experience, with that event also held be- other sports.” lation started when Ferrari an- nancial hit when it goes ahead hind closed doors. However, Smith said Ascot has had to make major adjust- ercedes driver Valt- nounced that they would not re- behind closed doors next week Royal Ascot was on another level. ments. Jockeys will have their own indi- teri Bottas doesn’t new the deal of four-time world R Nick Smith but racing director “We have bigger races with larger vidual socially distanced changing-room Mfear being replaced champion Vettel beyond 2020, says it is important to put on a show. The fi elds,” he said. “The attention of the pens in two separate areas, with one set by Sebastian Vettel and Mercedes motorsport chief meeting, intimately linked with the Brit- world is looking in on the biggest sport up in what is usually a restaurant in the next year, he told Sky Sports. Bot- Toto Wolff has not fully ruled out ish royal family, will also be missing its event globally to take place since sports grandstand. The presentations are usu- tas said that there is speculation signing the German. pageantry, with Queen Elizabeth II absent resumed. That is a heavy responsibility for ally a feature of the post-race ceremo- about his future at the team every However, Wolff has also said for the fi rst time in her 68-year reign. us but it is a statement that racing is back. nies, with the Queen handing over the year since his arrival in 2017 but the team is loyal to its current Although owners are not allowed to We must put on the best show we can.” Gold Cup. This year, though, she will be that there have been signals from drivers and that talks would attend due to coronavirus restrictions, with the fi gure of more than £8mn an- Smith said Royal Ascot going ahead watching on from nearby Windsor Cas- the team that he doesn’t have to start once the delayed season there will be runners from as far afi eld nounced in December. “We will take a fi - when other staples of the British sport- tle. “I think yes, absolutely, we will feel be concerned. “We’ve been very has started, with the fi rst race as the United States in an expanded pro- nancial hit, yes, but we wanted to run the ing summer such as Wimbledon and the her presence even if she is not here but at honest about what the situation set for July 5 in Austria. “It’s the gramme of races. Ascot has been forced race meeting,” Smith said. “We are here to British Open had been cancelled was Windsor Castle,” said Smith. is all the time about contracts, same as every year for me. I fi nd to make cuts due to lack of revenue from run race meetings and if you are not going “symbolic”. He admitted, though, that “She has, as is her custom, written the and I got a pretty straight mes- it quite funny that with not even paying spectators and hospitality, halving to run Royal Ascot then you should not be the mood prior to the British govern- forewords for the racecards for every day sage that no, they’re not consid- a single race done, there’s been the prize money on off er. hosting racing.” ment’s decision to allow racing to start of the meeting. It is still very much the ering Seb. So I said fi ne, no wor- people getting my seat. It made The 36 races will have total prize mon- He added: “The priority was black- again this month was downbeat. royal meeting and she will be as always ries then,” Bottas said. me laugh! So there’s no pressure ey of £3,680,000 ($4.7mn) compared type racing (top-level races where win- “We were working on the basis of not watching with great interest.” Bottas and his teammate, from that side,” Bottas said. Friday, June 12, 2020 GULF TIMES CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS India postpone Anderson grateful for Sri Lanka tour over Covid-19 fears Reuters “So we’ll see whenever there New Delhi is an opportunity, we’ll try and make up for this series.” West Indies’ decision A select group of 13 Sri Lankan ndia have postponed their cricketers are currently under- limited-overs tour of Sri going a 12-day residential train- Lanka scheduled later this ing camp at the Colombo Cricket I Espncricinfo month over Covid-19 fears, Club. reported that cricket boards of both the coun- SLC was working on getting of- tries said yesterday. Virat Kohli fi cial governmental approval for to tour England and his men were scheduled to the series to take place in a cou- play three one-day matches and ple of months. If the tour is to go an equal number of Twenty20 ahead in August, Sri Lanka’s gov- The West Indies arrived in internationals but the Indian ernment would have to make as- board (BCCI) has informed Sri surances directly to India’s gov- Manchester on Tuesday ahead Lanka Cricket that the tour “will ernment, as well as put a medical not be feasible”. plan in place to ensure the safety of a three-match series behind The Indian cricketers, who of visiting players. But those have not even started training, plans are far from coming to fru- closed doors that will begin at will follow advice from the In- ition. What’s certain for now is dian government health regula- that the series will not take place Southampton on July 8 tory authorities before resuming this month. cricket, the SLC has been told. Sri Lanka, which has reported AFP all of them, to make the journey BCCI treasurer Arun Singh Dhu- 11 virus deaths and some 1,873 London over.” mal said India remained com- infections, has eased some of The second and third matches mitted to the Future Tours Pro- the lockdown measures, but a will take place later in July at Old gramme (FTP) and would tour Sri nationwide night curfew con- ames Anderson has Traff ord, Anderson’s Lancashire Lanka at a more opportune time. tinues. India last had a full tour thanked the West Indies home ground and the West In- “We’re committed to FTP, of Sri Lanka in 2017 playing three Jfor taking the “scary de- dies’ current bio-secure base. but given the current situation, Tests, fi ve ODIs and one T20 and cision” to tour England, A trio of back-to-back games it’s not possible for the team to made a clean sweep of all the with Britain suff ering the worst will make life tough for pacemen travel, it’s not safe,” Dhumal said. matches. coronavirus death toll in Eu- such as Anderson, England’s rope. More than 40,000 people most successful Test bowler. are confi rmed to have died from At the age of 37, he is nearer CASH-RICH Covid-19 in Britain’s outbreak the end than the start of his il- so far. The West Indies arrived lustrious career and the past in Manchester on Tuesday ahead year has seen him miss games of a three-match series behind through injury, notably a broken Ganguly still hopes closed doors that will begin at rib. Anderson, however, said he Southampton on July 8 and sig- had maintained a decent level nal the return of international of fi tness during lockdown and to salvage IPL season cricket after the virus lockdown. was enjoying bowling in the nets “I think it’s great for the game, again. brilliant that we’re closing in on But he accepted a series span- getting some Test cricket played ning just 21 days might mean after a decent lay-off ,” Ander- England having to make the most son said during a conference call of their pool of fast bowlers. yesterday. International cricket “There are concerns — we’re not is central to funding all levels of going to have had any competi- the game, with the England and tive cricket before that fi rst Test Wales Cricket Board estimating match and we’ve got three Tests it could lose £252mn ($320mn) in quick succession, so there if no matches of any kind were are obviously things we need to staged this season. Three West look at in terms of workloads Indies players decided against and whether we play all three as touring but a 25-strong squad led bowlers or whether we rotate,” by captain Jason Holder has trav- said Anderson. elled to England. “I’m sure the medical staff “From our point of view we’re and coaches are doing their due very grateful the West Indies are diligence on that. It’s something coming over here,” said Ander- we’ll have to look at in a few son. “With what’s going on in the weeks’ time but at the moment world I can imagine it’s a scary I’m enjoying being back and feel- England’s fast bowler James Anderson says he has maintained a decent level of fitness during (AFP) decision for a lot of them, for ing really good.” lockdown and was enjoying bowling in the nets again. AFP being hosted this year.” New Delhi Players from India and abroad have “have also shown their ANTI-RACISM keenness on being a part of this ndian cricket chiefs are year’s IPL”, he added. “We are sticking with plans to sal- optimistic and the BCCI will Ivage the cash-rich IPL shortly decide on the future West Indies to debate taking the knee, says Holder tournament this year even course of action on this.” if it means playing in empty According to local media re- AFP cussed amongst us and we’ll decide how unity, I just want equality to excel, so we stadiums, the country’s board ports, the BCCI’s planning has London we’ll go forward as a team with it. I just can have less fi ghting, less killing, less president Sourav Ganguly said been hit by the International want to make sure whatever we do, if we adversity in society.” yesterday. The world’s richest Cricket Council on Wednesday do anything, that it is done the right way.” Meanwhile, former England bats- Twenty20 tournament is head- deferring a decision on the fate est Indies captain Jason While wary of directly saying the ges- man Michael Carberry said racism had ing for the fi rst wipeout of its 12- of the T20 World Cup, originally Holder has said his side will ture would inspire his side, Holder added: cost him a place at one of his four county year history after being repeat- scheduled for Australia in Octo- Wconsider whether to take the “Who knows? This could be something clubs. Carberry, who represented Sur- edly postponed because of the ber. If the T20 showpiece does go knee during next month’s serious we could build on and we could rey, Kent, Hampshire and Leicestershire, coronavirus. ahead, there would be little room Test series against England in support get some real positive energy through the as well as playing six Tests for England, Despite the worsening epi- for even a shortened IPL. BCCI of the Black Lives Matter campaign. group.” told the Cricket Badger podcast: “I’ve demic caseload in India, Ganguly treasurer Arun Dhumal said the Holder’s squad arrived in Manchester Former West Indies captain Daren almost come close to making a coach spit — president of the Board of Con- board would suff er losses of more on Tuesday as anti-racism demonstra- Sammy said this week he had been ad- 32 (teeth) out on the ground for stuff that trol for Cricket in India (BCCI) — than half a billion dollars if the tions, sparked by the police killing of dressed using a potentially off ensive he said to me. ‘I couldn’t see you in the said in an email to state associa- IPL season is scrapped. George Floyd in the United States, con- nickname while playing in the Indian dark’ and ‘What are the brothers having tions that every eff ort was being The league is a huge revenue tinued world wide. Kneeling has become Premier League. tonight? Bit of fried chicken and rice and made to hold the Indian Premier earner for BCCI and estimated to a symbolic way for sportsmen to show Holder, although reluctant to discuss peas tonight?’” League in some form. generate more than $11bn for the support for the broader Black Lives Mat- his predecessor’s case in detail, did not Carberry, 39, who didn’t name either “The BCCI is working on all Indian economy. ter campaign. Whether the West Indies shy away from the wider issue. the coach or the club concerned, added: possible options to ensure that Foreign stars including Aus- follow suit in next month’s three-match “I haven’t had any personal experience “I had to drag him out on the balcony and we are able to stage the IPL this tralia’s Steve Smith, Pat Cum- series remains to be seen. But Holder was of racial abuse in cricket...But I would say: ‘Listen, let me ask you something year, even if it means playing the mins and England all-rounder conscious of the “positive energy” such a must acknowledge it and protesting or be foolish to sit here and say that racism mate. How much time have you spent in tournament in empty stadiums,” Ben Stokes have been pushing for move might generate. standing up for what you believe is seen is not prevalent,” he said. “It is a crime Black company? And he literally wet his Ganguly wrote in a letter. “The an IPL start at some stage. Cum- “What has happened recently has im- as noble and courageous and something I throughout the entire world and some- pants. He literally hung his head like a little fans, franchisees, players, broad- mins was to be the most expen- pacted the world and the response from myself would never sit and disapprove of.” thing that will probably be an ongoing child. Bear in mind, I’m putting my career casters, sponsors and all other sive overseas star this year with people around the world has been tre- The fast bowler added: “It (taking a discussion way past our lifetimes. For me (on the line), and it probably ended up be- stakeholders are keenly looking Kolkata Knight Riders agreeing a mendous,” he said on Wednesday. “You knee) will defi nitely – probably – be dis- the greatest thing at the end of the day is ing the fi nal nail in my coffi n in that club.” forward to the possibility of IPL $2.17mn fee for him.

ROUND-UP Amir and Haris withdraw from Pakistan’s tour of England ast bowler Mohamed Amir Pakistan will send 28 players and 14 ing Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief return, with new regulations needing and batsman Haris Sohail have support personnel on the tour. . executive Jacques Faul told The Citizen to be gazetted. withdrawn from Pakistan’s newspaper that government approval F ICC TO USE ‘COMMON SENSE’ SMALLER BALL, SHORTER England tour, citing personal had been sought for an event to be reasons, the Pakistan Cricket Board IF PLAYERS PROTEST played without spectators at Super- PITCH RECOMMENDED TO said yesterday. Pakistan are due to AT FLOYD DEATH Sport Park in Centurion. TRANSFORM WOMEN’S GAME play three Tests and three Twenty20 Cricket’s world body has said it will Faul said an experimental format New Zealand captain Sophie Devine internationals starting in August, with take a “common sense approach” to would be used. It will be an opportu- has recommended using a smaller ball hosts England providing “bio-secure” on-fi eld protests over the killing of nity for players to get together after to make women’s cricket more attrac- arrangements in closed stadiums and George Floyd when the sport resumes being in lockdown since March and to tive, while India’s Jemimah Rodrigues hotels. “Amir has withdrawn so that he next month. Cricketers have joined provide match practice ahead of pos- believes a shorter pitch is another can be at the birth of his second child other top sports stars in speaking out sible series against the West Indies and innovation worth exploring. in August, while Sohail will miss the against racism and backing the Black India in late July and August. The ball used in women’s cricket is tour because of family reasons,” the Lives Matter campaign after the death The players would assemble three slightly smaller and lighter than the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a of the 46-year-old African-American days earlier in what CSA’s medical one used in the men’s game but Devine statement. Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis. offi cer, Dr Shuaib Manjra, described favoured “a little trial and error” and Pakistan media reported Sohail does The International Cricket Council Pakistan’s Mohamed Amir (left) and Haris Sohail. (Reuters) as a “sanitised eco-system”, with all see if that worked. “I think if we are not travel without his family, and they has usually acted against players taking players being tested for Covid-19 when stuck with traditional formats, we’d are not allowed on this tour. political stands. But it said in a state- regulations in relation to this issue and SOUTH AFRICAN CRICKET they arrived and again fi ve days after be missing out on a lot of new players, The England and Wales Cricket ment: “The ICC stands against racism they will be assessed on a case-by-case PLANNING TO RESTART WITH the event. new kids, new athletes to the game,” Board have provided special ar- and is proud of the diversity of our basis by the match offi cials.” MADE-FOR-TV EVENT Sports minister Nathi Mthethwa an- she said. rangements to reduce the risk of the sport. We support players using their England fast bowler Jofra Archer, Cricket in South Africa is set to resume nounced on May 30 that professional Rodrigues saw merit in a shorter coronavirus for their series against the platform to appropriately express their who was racially abused by a fan following the coronavirus lockdown sports could resume training, subject pitch to speed up the game and win West Indies — preceding Pakistan’s support for a more equitable society. during a Test against New Zealand in on June 27 with a made-for-television to government approval but a court more fans. “We can also be open to matches — with hotels inside venues We will exercise a common sense November, called on cricketers to make event featuring three teams made up ruling that lockdown regulations are (a shorter pitch), try it out,” said the at both Manchester and Southampton. approach to the implementation of a stand in a recent newspaper column. of the country’s leading players. Act- unconstitutional complicated sport’s 19-year-old.