Historic Ronaldo puts Juventus on brink of 9th straight title page 14

WEDNESday, JULY 22, 2020 Exciting contests in store as QNB Stars League teams gear up for the restart Week 18 fixtures begin Friday

Tribune News Network Doha

The 2019-20 season QNB Stars League will be back in action on Friday, July 24 with Week 18 fixtures continuing into the weekend on Saturday and Sunday with two matches on each day. Fans are in for a treat, with the tournament, which was stopped on March 7 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pan- demic that disrupted sports across the world, resuming af- ter a long break. The QNB Stars League’s resumption is in accord- ance with the precautionary measures as per the general plan and protocol developed Both teams are well-pre- but ahead on goal difference. by the Qatar Stars League in The opening match on the resumption of QNB Stars League on July 24 will be between Al Gharafa and Al Arabi at the Al Janoub Stadium. The pared but for the absence of a co-operation with Ministry of tie will kick off at 4.45pm. key player on either side. Al Wakrah vs Al Sailiya Public Health. Al Gharafa will be without Al Wakrah, seventh in the All remaining matches in Algerian midfielder Adlene standings with 19 points, will the five rounds will be played QSL holds meeting with clubs to discuss third stage of protocol Guedioura through an injury, look to improve their position at the Al Janoub and Al Sadd As part of arrangements for the resumption of 2019-20 season QNB Stars League and as per the general plan while Al Arabi’s Tunisian for- in the top flight, where they Stadiums. and protocol developed by the Qatar Stars League (QSL) and approved by Ministry of Public Health, the QSL held ward Hamdi Harbaoui will sit are playing after a gap of two The fixtures are Al Gharafa a meeting with club officials and representatives, through visual communication technology on Tuesday in the out suspended. seasons. vs Al Arabi (16:45, Al Janoub presence of Ahmed Salman Al Adsani, Director of Competitions Department at the QSL. The third stage, regarding Al Gharafa had beaten They had bowed out of both Stadium), Qatar SC vs Al the resumption of competitions, was discussed according to the precautionary measures stipulated for match-day Al Arabi 1-0 in the first leg of Amir Cup and Ooredoo Cup Rayyan (19:00, Al Sadd Sta- operations, after reviewing the recommendations, general guidelines and instructions related to the coronavirus 2019-20 QNB Stars League. in the quarterfinal stage, and dium) on Friday, Al Duhail vs (COVID-19) protocol. All clarifications pertaining to the general plan for third stage erew given to clubs, with have only league competition Umm Salal (16:45, Al Janoub assurance that these procedures would be subject to continuous evaluation according to the latest developments Al Duhail vs Umm Salal to focus on. Stadium), Al Sadd vs Al Khor in the country’s efforts to tackle the menace. (QSL) Al Duhail will not want any Al Sailiya, sixth with 23 (19:00, Al Sadd Stadium) on slip-up in their bid to regain points, still nurture hopes of Saturday, Al Wakrah vs Al the coveted league shield. finishing among the top four Sailiya (16:45, Al Janoub Sta- It is sure to be a keenly- Qatar SC vs Al Rayyan midfielder Wesam Rizik, are strong contention for the ti- They have 42 points, 10 more and thereby playing in the Qa- dium) and Al Shahania vs Al fought contest, given that It is an encounter between a ninth in the QNB Stars League tle, will be without influen- than holders Al Sadd and will tar Cup and AFC Champions Ahli (19:00, Al Sadd Stadium) both teams are vying for a top-rung team and bottom- standings with 17 points. They tial player Rodrigo Tabata, certainly strive to maintain League, just like they did last on Sunday. fourth-place finish that will rung side. have four victories, five draws whose contract with the club their lead position. season when they secured a Here’s how the teams are give them a chance to play Qatar SC are ninth in the and eight defeats against their has ended. They will depend Umm Salal, meanwhile, third-place finish, their best- placed and whom they face in the Qatar Cup and AFC standings with 17 points. name with a goal difference of much on Algerian attacking are battling for survival as ever performance in the league. first up. Champions League. A string of positive re- -6, having scored 16 goals and midfielder Yacine Brahimi, they are in 11th position with Al Gharafa, coached by sults had enabled Qatar SC to conceded 22. Ivorian forward Yohan Boli, 14 points, the same as Al Khor Al Shahania vs Al Ahli Al Gharafa vs Al Arabi Serb Slavisa Jokanovic, are move away from the danger Qatar SC had put up bet- Sebastian Soria and Abdul- but behind on goal difference. Al Shahania, the basement Al Gharafa are fourth in the fourth in the QNB Stars zone, but they are not com- ter displays ever since Wesam rahman Al Harazi. side with 10 points, are star- QNB Stars League standings, League standings, behind Al pletely safe. took charge, replacing Spanish Al Rayyan had beaten Qa- Al Sadd vs Al Khor ing at relegation and cannot behind Al Duhail, Al Rayyan Duhail, Al Rayyan and Al Sadd Al Rayyan, on the other coach Carlos Alos Ferrer, un- tar SC 5-0 in the first leg of Reigning champions Al Sadd afford to drop points in the and Al Sadd in that order, with in that order, with 28 points. hand, are second in the table der whom they dropped many 2019-20 QNB Stars League. are still in with a chance to remaining five games if they 28 points. They are only four The Cheetahs have eight with 38 points, four less than points. They will rely more The Dream Team, un- retain the title, but they face a are to stay in the top flight, points adrift of reigning cham- wins, four draws and five de- leaders Al Duhail. So they are on Brazilian Kayke Rodriguez der Icelander Heimir Hall- daunting task in that mission. as nearest teams in the table, pions Al Sadd. feats against their name. Their also in strong contention for and Uzbek Sardor Rashidov. grimsson, are fifth in the They are third with 32 points, Al Khor and Umm Salal both They also have four points goal difference is +5 (29 goals the title. Al Rayyan are second in table, behind Al Duhail, 10 adrift of table toppers Al have 14 points. more than closest challengers for and 24 against). Qatar SC are not complete- the table with 38 points, four Al Rayyan, Al Sadd and Al Duhail, and six points behind Al Ahli are eighth in the and fifth-placed side Al Arabi Al Arabi are on a high as ly safe from the relegation less than leaders Al Duhail. Gharafa in that order, with Al Rayyan. QNB Stars League standings (24 points). they are unbeaten in their threat, so they will be keen The Lions have 11 wins, five 24 points. Al Khor will be targeting with 19 points, the same as Al Both teams will be eager last four league matches, to amass as many points as draws and one defeat against They have six wins, as maximum number of points Wakrah but behind on goal to finish among the top four drawing against Umm Salal possible from the remaining their name. Their goal differ- many draws and five defeats at this stage, so they can stay difference. They will be keen and thereby play in the elite (1-1), Al Shahania (0-0) and games. ence is +20 (34 goals for and against their name. Their goal away from the relegation zone. to bag as many points as pos- Qatar Cup and AFC Champi- Al Sadd (1-1), and beating Al The Kings, under the tute- 14 against). difference is +3 (27 goals for They are 10th now with 14 sible and earn a better spot in ons League. Khor 1-0. lage of ex-Qatar international Al Rayyan, who are in and 24 against). points, the same as Umm Salal the league. Former England footballer Lianne Sanderson to appear on @GA4good Sc.qa Doha

Former England women’s footballer Lianne Sanderson will appear on this week’s Generation Amazing Insta- gram Live. Sanderson, who turned out for Arsenal, Chelsea and Juventus, will discuss key learnings from her career at both club and international level on @GA4good at 4 PM on Wednesday. She will also talk about gender equality – one of the core values of Gen- eration Amazing, which is a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ legacy programme. Sanderson won an array of titles with Arsenal, includ- ing the FA Women’s Pre- Former England women’s footballer Lianne Sanderson, who turned out for Arsenal, Chelsea and Juventus, will discuss key learnings from her career at both club and international level on @GA4good at 4pm on Wednesday. mier League and the UEFA Women’s Cup. With Juven- eration Amazing’s Marketing gender equality, which Lianne mer Netherlands striker Pierre Generation Amazing Master Campus of Football Business ma’s Paul Rogers and Eglan- tus, Sanderson won Serie A & Communications Director, is a strong advocate for.” van Hooijdonk. Coach, Hamad Mohamed, got (UCFB) at 3 PM on Thursday, tina Zingg, from Goleadoras. and the Coppa Italia title. The said: “We are very excited to More than 130,000 people Mascherano spoke exten- young audiences moving last 23 July. The session will dis- The event will be moderated forward also won 50 caps for host women’s football star have tuned in to the Genera- sively about youth develop- week during a paper plate ten- cuss inclusion and supporting by Professor Simon Chadwick. England and represented her Lianne Sanderson. Her im- tion Amazing Instagram Live ment and the importance of nis challenge with the help of youth through football during Members of the public are in- country at the FIFA Women’s pressive number of accolades sessions over the past four teamwork, while van Hooij- Qatar Children’s Museum. the pandemic. Speakers will vited to watch the webinar. World Cup in 2007 and 2015, is inspiring and we can’t wait months. Last week’s guests donk encouraged youngsters Later this week, Generation include Dr Fadi Makki, from For the latest news from along with the UEFA Women’s to hear more about these included former Argentina, to stay active during the on- Amazing will host a webinar Qatar 2022 legacy programme Generation Amazing follow @ Championships in 2009. achievements, as well as dis- Barcelona and Liverpool star going coronavirus pandemic. in collaboration with Josoor B4Development, Sharona GA4good on Instagram, Face- Moza Al Mohannadi, Gen- cuss an important issue for us, , and for- In addition to the star chats, Institute and the University Friedman, from UCFB, AS Ro- book and . 14 Wednesday, July 22, 2020 Sports

Quick Read Superstar & The Serie A Show Mbappe to stay at PSG next season ‘whatever happens’ Paris: Kylian Mbappe said on Tuesday he would remain with French champions Paris Saint- Germain next season “whatever happens” despite repeated speculation over his future. “I’m here. I’m part of the project for a fourth year,” Mbappe, 21, told BeIN Sport during half-time of PSG’s friendly against Celtic at the Parc des Princes. “The club’s 50-year anniversary is an important one in the eyes of the club, the supporters, of everyone, so I will be here whatever happens. I’m going to try and bring back trophies with the team and give the best of myself,” added Mbappe, who arrived at PSG from Monaco in 2017 in a deal worth €180 million ($208 million). (AFP)

New boss Kovac wants Monaco on top again Monaco: Newly-appointed Monaco coach Niko Kovac said on Tues- day he wants to guide the club back to the top table of European football. Former Bayern Munich and Croatia boss Kovac replaced the sacked Robert Moreno at the weekend. The principality side finished in ninth place after the Ligue 1 was campaign was declared over due to the coronavirus pandemic and will miss out on next term’s Champions League. “Monaco must play at the international level and get back to topping the bill. You know what that means,” the 48-year-old said as he was presented to the media. Kovac will work under vice-president Oleg Petrov and sporting director Paul Mitchell who arrived last month. The club have sold the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Benjamin Mendy and Bernardo Silva for substantial fees since they last won the Ligue 1 title in 2017, and finished two points above the relegation zone last season. (AFP)

Relegated Deportivo fume over decision to delay final game Madrid: Former Spanish champions Deportivo La Coruna were set Tuesday to contest the “botched” decision to postpone their final Juventus’ Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring one of his two goals against Lazio during their Serie A match at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on Monday. (AFP) match of the second division season after players on the opposing team tested positive for coronavirus. Deportivo were relegated to the third tier on Monday as the rest of the division finished their campaigns while Deportivo were forced to sit out the final round of fixtures. “The last day’s matches must all be replayed,” claimed Historic Ronaldo puts Juve Deportivo president Fernando Vidal, who announced the club would be lodging appeals to the Spanish league and the Court of Arbitra- tion for Sport. Vidal had initially praised La Liga for “acting correctly with all the protocols assiduously applied” in calling off Monday’s game against Fuenlabrada. (AFP) on brink of 9th straight title AFP an impressive player because Lazio regrets chaos in front of goal. But the Serie A Standings Turin (Italy) he has the extraordinary abil- Lazio’s hopes of a first SerieA hosts got their chance when ity to complete a quick recov- title since 2000 are effective- a Bastos handball was con- Club MP W D L GF GA Pts Cristiano Ronaldo put Ju- ery between games. ly over as the defeat leaves firmed after a AV R review. 1 Juventus 34 25 5 4 72 36 80 Huge send-off for ventus on the brink of a ninth “Not only physically, but, them fourth, 11 points adrift Ronaldo stepped up to slot 2 Inter Milan 34 21 9 4 74 36 72 consecutive Italian league ti- above all, mentally: he is a of the leaders. in on 51 minutes and added 3 Atalanta 34 21 8 5 94 44 71 tle on Monday after he scored champion with his feet, but Just one point had separated a second after a Luiz Felipe English and Irish twice in a 2-1 win over Lazio also with his head.” Juventus from Lazio when Serie blunder allowed Dybala to 4 Lazio 34 21 6 7 69 37 69 to become the first player to Ronaldo grabbed the first A returned last month following gain possession with the Ar- 5 Roma 34 17 7 10 63 46 58 hit 50 goals in Serie A, La Liga goal from the penalty spot just the three-month coronavirus gentine powering up the pitch, 6 Napoli 34 16 8 10 55 45 56 hero Jack Charlton and the . after the break and was hand- lockdown. But Simone Inzaghi’s before teeing up the Portu- 7 AC Milan 34 16 8 10 53 43 56 Juventus ended a three- ed a tap-in three minutes later side have been hit by injuries guese to finish off. 8 Sassuolo 34 13 9 12 63 58 48 AFP partly masked crowd, with some match winless run thanks to by teammate Paulo Dybala. and poor form since the return, The five-time Ballon d’Or 9 Hellas Verona 34 11 12 11 42 42 45 Ashington mourners wiping away tears. Ronaldo’s second-half brace The Portuguese has scored losing five of eight games, with winner missed the chance of a “The word legend can be that moves them eight points 30 goals this season, equal with four of those defeats coming in hat-trick when his header hit 10 Bologna 34 11 10 13 48 57 43 Thousands lined the streets overused but certainly not in clear of second-placed Inter Lazio’s Ciro Immobile, who the last five matches. the crossbar after 66 minutes. 11 Cagliari 34 10 12 12 49 50 42 on Tuesday to pay their re- this case,” said an Ashington Milan with four games re- ended his three-match drought Both sides had early chanc- Lazio pulled a goal back 12 Fiorentina 34 10 12 12 43 45 42 spects to the late Jack Charl- Football Club spokesman. maining. with a late penalty. His second es with Felipe Caicedo coming with seven minutes to go after 13 Sampdoria 34 12 5 17 45 56 41 ton, who won the World Cup “Always happy to help in Maurizio Sarri’s side was his 50th goal in Serie A, af- close early for the visitors be- a Bonucci foul on Immobile, 14 Parma 34 11 7 16 47 50 40 with England in 1966 before the town, visit schools and could win the title on Thurs- ter also passing the landmark in hind closed doors at the Allianz who converted the resulting 15 Torino 34 11 4 19 41 62 37 becoming a national hero as a community events when day against lowly Udinese, or England and Spain. Stadium, and an Alex Sandro spot-kick. manager across the Irish Sea. asked. A giant who will be on Sunday at home against The 35-year-old is now header clipping the woodwork. “There is a bit of regret be- 16 Udinese 34 9 9 16 32 48 36 Crowds thronged the for- sorely missed.” Sampdoria, depending on looking to become the first Lazio goalkeeper Thomas cause after the lockdown we had 17 Genoa 34 8 9 17 42 64 33 mer mining town of Ashing- His coffin was draped with their rivals’ results this week. player to finish top scorer in Strakosha got his hand to push a lot of problems,” said Inzaghi, 18 Lecce 34 7 8 19 42 76 29 ton, in northeast England, three scarves – those of Eng- “We are missing four three of the top five European an angled Adrien Rabiot ef- whose side had beaten Juventus 19 Brescia C’io 34 6 6 22 32 71 24 where Charlton grew up and land, Ireland and Leeds United points, only after we have leagues after doing so England fort over the bar with Ronaldo twice this season, in the reverse 20 SPAL Ferrara 34 5 4 25 24 64 19 maintained strong ties until – the only club he played for. achieved them will we then and Spain. heading wide. league fixture in Rome and the Note: Top four qualify for Champions League; his death earlier this month at Peter Mather, a 68-year- be able to think about the goal “Records are always im- An Immobile rocket from Italian Super Cup final. the age of 85. old semi-retired bricklayer, achieved,” said Sarri. portant, but the team vic- the edge of the box hit the bot- “At the end of the game fifth and sixth qualify for Europa League; Well-wishers also gathered stood on the funeral route “All the games are diffi- tory is more important,” said tom of the post with goalkeep- I congratulated the lads be- bottom three relegated. in Ballina, in the west of Ire- with a sign saying “Howay cult now, and in the space of Ronaldo. er Wojciech Szczesny beaten. cause despite the problems we land, to bid farewell to the man Wor Jack”. six days, we play three games. “I’m helping the team to Lazio could thank defender showed character. The impor- pions League berth 11 points who transformed the national “I never normally wear a So, we must stay focused and win. It’s important to win the Manuel Lazzari for a goal-line tant thing is we want to cele- ahead of city rivals Roma. side’s fortunes, taking them to but I’ve got one on today think about securing the miss- title. There are four games left clearance just after the break brate a return to the Champi- Scoreline: Juventus 2 (Cris- their first two World Cup finals. out of respect to Jack,” he said, ing points.” and we know that Serie A is a as Dybala threatened and ons League after 13 years.” tiano Ronaldo 51-pen, 54) Lazio People in the town painted referring to Charlton’s habit of Sarri added: “Cristiano is difficult championship.” Ronaldo tried to finish amid Lazio are in the final Cham- 1 (Immobile 83-pen). a mural of Charlton, who used wearing a flat cap. to fish nearby, holding a pint of “I lived over the road from Guinness and there is a proposal here and I vividly remember to name a footbridge after him. watching the World Cup final. The funeral cortege of a “At the final whistle, he Feels like X’mas says Klopp hearse – which was preceded went to his knees, a big hard Man City leave Watford still by a pall-bearer and a North- man like that showing such umberland piper – and three emotion. I’ll never forget it.” as Liverpool prepare to lift cars holding mourners drove Irishman Patrick Wilson on relegation tightrope through the streets of Ashing- made the 25-minute journey Premier League trophy ton before leaving for a private with his family from a nearby AFP once Sterling controlled Kyle service at a crematorium. town to Ashington. Walker’s cross and fired pow- AFP A floraltribute from Jack’s “We look at him as a hum- erfully into the top corner on London younger brother Bobby, 82, who ble person, a man for the peo- Raheem Sterling scored 31 minutes. was in the 1966 World Cup-win- ple,” said the 68-year-old civil twice as Manchester City Nine minutes later Ster- Jurgen Klopp said he felt ning team alongside Jack, was engineer. thrashed Watford 4-0 on ling was taken down inside the like it was Christmas Eve on placed next to the coffin. “Jack set football off in Tuesday to leave the Hornets area by Will Hughes and was Tuesday as Liverpool count The family said Bobby was Ireland. We used to call it soc- still precariously poised just given the chance to further down the hours until they lift not well enough to attend the cer. He was a simple sort of three points above the relega- his chances of chasing down the Premier League trophy af- service. person with no airs or graces. tion zone. Jamie Vardy for the golden ter a 30-year wait. The cortege was greeted Everyone was the same in Watford became the first boot as Kevin De Bruyne The Reds will lift the tro- with a round of applause by a Jack’s eyes.” Premier League team to sack handed over responsibilities phy on the Kop stand at An- three managers in a season from the penalty spot. field after Wednesday’s clash when departed Foster nearly made the against Chelsea. Liverpool’s German manager on Sunday, but the change of Belgian regret that decision “It’s like Christmas,” said Jurgen Klopp (right). (AFP) management made little dif- with a brilliant save from Ster- the German manager. “If you ference as City bounced back ling’s penalty but the England know beforehand you have a will get the chance to celebrate from their weekend disap- international followed up to certain present, there is still inside the stadium because they pointment of losing an FA Cup Manchester City players cel- tap home his 19th Premier excitement. We are very excit- did not seal the title on the pitch semi-final to Arsenal. ebrate with English midfielder League goal of the season. ed about that. I never touched – Manchester City’s defeat at City had thrashed Watford Raheem Sterling (right) after he Goal difference could yet a Premier League trophy ever Chelsea ended the race. 8-0 earlier in the season and scored a penalty against Watford decide who stays in the top- before, that will be special.” “From a professional basis 6-0 in last season’s FA Cup in London on Tuesday. (AFP) flight between Watford,A ston The celebrations will take (it will be) 100 percent one of final and there appeared little Villa and Bournemouth come place without fans in the sta- the great days in my life to get belief from the hosts of caus- City’s soft spot at the heart of the weekend and Mullins’s dium due to the coronavirus our hands on this trophy that ing an upset from the off. their defence. men did themselves little fa- pandemic and Klopp again everyone was waiting so long Hayden Mullins took Ben Foster delayed the vours after the break as they urged supporters to stay at for and two or three years ago charge on a temporary basis floodgates opening with a stun- moved level with Villa and home after crowds gathered nobody thought it would be for the second time this sea- ning save after Rodrigo’s shot Bournemouth on -27. around and in Liver- possible for us,” he said. Well wishers line the streets to pay their respects as the funeral son and set up to frustrate deflected off Gabriel Jesus. Scoreline: Watford 0 Man- pool city centre following their “It’s a milestone, it’s a very cortege of British football legend Jack Charlton makes its way through the visitors by defending deep However, there was lit- chester City 4 (Sterling 31, 40, title win last month. important day but not the last the streets of his hometown, Ashington, England, on Tuesday. (AFP) with little threat of ever testing tle doubt over the outcome Foden 63, Laporte 66). Klopp is relieved his players one for us.” Sports Wednesday, July 22, 2020 15 Zanardi leaves hospital England in the presence of to be transferred to rehabilitation clinic DPA/AFP Stokes’ ‘greatness’: Root Rome

AFP Italy’s former Formula One Manchester Stokes is now the driver and Paralympic cham- pion Alex Zanardi left hospi- England Joe Root said his No.1 all-rounder tal on Tuesday to start “a new side was in “the presence of greatness” MANCHESTER: ’ man-of-the- path” towards recovery in a following all-rounder Ben Stokes’ lat- match performance against the West rehabilitation clinic, doctors est commanding display in Monday’s Indies has catapulted him to the top of treating him said. second Test against the West Indies at the International Council’s Test Zanardi, 53, suffered ma- Old Trafford. all-rounder rankings as well as a career- jor brain and skull injuries in Stokes laid the platform for a 113- best third in the standings. a June 19 accident during a A file photo of Italy’s former F1 run victory that saw England level the He went past West Indies captain handbike race in Tuscany. After driver and Paralympic champion three-match series at 1-1 with 176 in a , who had been at number the crash he was operated on Alex Zanardi. first innings of 469-9 declared. one for 18 months. three times and was kept in an Stokes was required to bat care- Stokes is the first England crick- induced coma until last week. would be crucial “in the new fully in difficult conditions, a point eter to top the all-rounder charts since After his sedation was path that begins today.” Ac- underlined by the fact it took him 255 in May 2006. stopped, he was judged fit to be cording to the ANSA news balls to reach his century. But Stokes’ The rankings, unlike traditional aver- moved out of hospital because agency, Zanardi was taken to ability to adapt his game to different ages, also take the quality of opposition his general health parameters the Villa Beretta clinic in Cos- situations was brilliantly demonstrat- into account and Stokes’ tally of 497 remained stable, the Santa ta Masnaga, a small town in ed during England’s second innings ratings points is the highest for any Maria alle Scotte hospital in Lombardy some 40 kilometres when, promoted to open in a search all-rounder since South Africa’s Jacques Siena said in a statement. north of Milan. for quick runs, he struck 78 Kallis was on 517 in April 2008. “Following the suspension ANSA said the Valduce off just 57 balls as West Indies were an Stokes is joint third in the batting of sedation, the normality of his hospital in Como, which man- imposing target of 312 to win. Stokes’ rankings, level with Australia’s Marnus cardio-respiratory and meta- ages Villa Beretta, confirmed batting alone would have justified the Labuschagne on 827 points. bolic conditions, and the stabil- the information. man-of-the-match award he duly re- Only Australia star Steve Smith and ity of both his general clinical Zanardi is known for his ceived, but he then proved his worth India captain Virat Kohli are currently condition and neurological pic- never-give-up attitude. with the ball as well. above the 29-year-old Durham star in ture enabled the champion to He switched from car rac- The West Indies, having slumped that list. be transferred to a specialised ing to paracycling after losing to 37-4, kept the hosts at bay during Stuart Broad’s six on his recovery rehabilitation centre,” both legs in a CART Champi- a fifth stand of exactly 100 be- England recall at Old Trafford saw him the statement read. onship crash at the German tween Shamarh Brooks and Jermaine return to the top 10 of the Test He was taken to “a facility EuroSpeedway Lausitz race Blackwood. rankings. (AFP) for the necessary neuro rehabil- track in 2001. itation,” hospital general man- He won four gold and two ‘Mr Incredible’ ager Valtere Giovannini said. silver medals at the 2012 and But it was paceman Stokes who smoothly as Stokes did in this match, es Test at Headingley. “We have to savour that, we have Giovannini sent a “big hug” 2016 Paralympics and was to broke the stand when, during a typi- with the 29-year-old Durham star’s And Root forecast more of the to appreciate that and understand to Zanardi’s family, praising race at the Tokyo 2020 Para- cally committed stint, he produced natural talent now coupled to a height- same from the team’s talisman. that we are, without trying to pump their “extraordinary strength” lympics, which has been delayed a short ball on the stroke of tea that ened tactical awareness. “If he continues to read situations his tyres too much, in the presence of and saying this “precious gift” by a year due to the pandemic. Blackwood could only glove to wicket- “To have such a complete game, the way he is, and keeps the confidence greatness.” keeper Jos Buttler. and so many different gears at your that he’s playing with at the moment, At Old Trafford on Friday, “He’s Mr Incredible. I suppose,” disposal, allows you the ability to keep there’s no reason why we can’t contin- Stokes gave England a scare when Root told reporters as he compared getting better,” said Root. ue to see such brilliant performances he couldn’t complete the 15th over Stokes to the cartoon superhero of the The past year has seen Stokes play as we have done this week, and over of his bowling spell. Men’s tennis restart same name. I certainly think he can a key role in England’s World Cup fi- the last 12 months really. “It was just my body starting to get keep performing at this level. I think nal win over his native New Zealand “I think everyone understands that really stiff. I’m fine,” Stokes insisted. the sky’s the limit for him really.” at Lord’s before his staggering 135 not we are watching a player at the peak of “I’ll give everything to the team, event cancelled but It’s one thing to identify the time to out secured a remarkable one-wicket his powers, at the peak of world crick- whatever is asked of me. It’s a case of up the tempo but another to do that as victory over Australia in the third Ash- et, delivering time and time again. doing what’s needed at the time.” US Open on course

DPA Simmons puts West Indies Tough to give action hero Ben Washington a break: Coach Silverwood August’s Citi Open in Wash- batsmen on notice ington, planned to be the first AFP what, we’re going to consider it (resting tournament on the men’s ATP AFP virus pandemic. Manchester Stokes). Tour after a long suspension Manchester But reserve wicketkeeper Josh- “He’s been at the centre of the last owing to the coronavirus, has ua da Silva, who made an unbeaten Ben Stokes is making it difficult for couple of games now and we’ve got to been cancelled for this year. West Indies coach Phil Simmons century in the second intra-squad England selectors to give him a break make sure he’s OK. But if he is fit and Tuesday’s announce- Rafael Nadal during the men’s bemoaned his batsmen’s failure to warm-up match, could now come into by consistently turning in stellar per- healthy and good to go, he’ll play.” ment prompted doubts over singles finals of 2019 US Open at convert promising starts into major consideration, with back-up opener formances, coach Chris Silverwood ad- Paceman Stokes was unable to whether the US Open could the USTA Billie Jean King National scores during the 113-run defeat by Shayne Moseley another option for mitted on Tuesday. complete his 15th over in West Indies’ go ahead, but organisers of Tennis Center in New York. (AFP) England in the second Test at Old the tourists. All-rounder Stokes scored 176 and second innings but after the match gave the tennis Grand Slam quickly Trafford on Monday, as he warned of Although they hold the Wisden 78 not out as well as taking three wick- the reassuring message that there was released their own statement make it difficult for interna- possible top-order changes for the se- Trophy following a 2-1 success over ets during the home side’s 113-run win “absolutely nothing to worry about”. saying the tournament was tional players to make it to the ries finale. Joe Root’s men in the Caribbean last over the West Indies in the second Test Former England paceman Silver- still set to take place. US and Covid-19 cases have Only opener Kraigg Brathwaite year, you have to go back to 1988 for at Old Trafford on Monday. That per- wood said the key was to make sure the “This decision in no way also been on the rise again among the tourists’ top three has so the last time the West Indies won a formance took him to the top of the Test 29-year-old did not train too hard. impacts the US Open,” the in the country. Some players far passed 28 in either of the first two Test series in England. all-rounder rankings ahead of the third “He’ll keep pushing himself, which statement from the United have indicated they may not Tests, with both John Campbell and Much of the focus heading into this and final Test of the series, starting at is why he is as good as he is,” said Sil- States Tennis Association travel even if allowed to. Shai Hope struggling. tour was on the talented Hope, whose the Manchester ground on Friday. verwood. (USTA) read. “The USTA will Citi Open chairman “They haven’t fired, so we’ve got two career Test hundreds both came England, with the series tied at 1-1, “But from a training perspective create a safe and controlled Mark Ein said in a state- to take that into consideration during the West Indies’ shock win over could field three fresh fast bowlers in we try and rein him in where possible environment for players and ment that “there are too over the next couple of days,” England at Headingley, Root’s York- James Anderson, Mark Wood and Jo- and keep him as fit as a fiddle because I everyone else involved.” The many unresolved external said Simmons, with the third shire home ground, three years ago. fra Archer. know we’re a better team with him out US Open is planned from Au- issues, including various Test set to start at Old Traf- The 26-year-old averages an The home side are wary of bowling there... We’ve got to look after him the gust 31 behind closed doors in international travel restric- ford on Friday. impressive 52.20 in ODIs but that their quicks into the ground during a best we can.” New York, with the Cincinnati tions as well as troubling West Indies batsmen figure plummets to 26.35 in Tests. punishing schedule of six Tests in sev- Silverwood said Stokes had already Masters moved to the same health and safety trends,” to and Shimron “Yes, I am concerned,” said en weeks, with a Pakistan Test series to inspired up-and-coming England play- New York venue as a prelude stage the Washington event Hetmyer both declined former West Indies bats- come. ers. “One of the great things about hav- from August 22. as planned August 14-21. invitations to tour man Simmons when Despite a tight turnaround, it would ing a larger group is the fact that we got US Open tournament di- The ATP also said on England for a asked about Hope’s re- still be a surprise if England chose to to put so many young cricketers around rector Stacey Allaster also Tuesday that it was continu- series taking cent form. rest Stokes this week. these guys. Ben, Jos (Buttler), all these told the New York Times that ing to work with local organ- place against “We want him out there as much as guys, their fitnessstandards have gone both events are scheduled to isers on the Masters event, the backdrop West Indies’ head we can -- everyone can see how good through the roof and everybody has im- take place. while regretting the Wash- of the corona- coach Phil Simmons. he is,” said Silverwood. “But you know proved over the lockdown period.” Travel restrictions could ington cancellation. Marquez MotoGP BCCI seeks IPL in UAE after World Cup postponed return date uncertain AFP of 1.3 billion people, is estimated to 2009 event and part of it was held in the New Delhi generate more than $11 billion for the UAE in 2014. Indian economy. The 13th IPL should have started after arm surgery The Indian Premier League on Tuesday on March 29 but it has been repeatedly seized upon the postponement of the ‘Tough call’ postponed because of a nationwide coro- AFP toGP world title, fell heavily Twenty20 World Cup to propose hold- The BCCI had to wait until the Inter- navirus lockdown. With the pandemic Paris after losing control of his bike ing its cash bonanza tournament in the national Cricket Council formally post- not expected to peak in India for several and sliding across the infield UAE from September. poned the World Cup on Monday before weeks, a tournament in India is consid- Reigning MotoGP world gravel during Sunday’s Span- IPL chairman Brijesh Patel told announcing its new plan. ered too risky. champion Marc Marquez un- ish Grand Prix in Jerez. AFP that the Board of Control for The World Cup was to be held in A host of international stars includ- derwent a successful opera- Marquez was taken away Cricket in India was seeking govern- Australia from October, ahead of a ing England’s Ben Stokes and Austral- tion on his arm Tuesday after from the track in an ambu- ment permission to finally stage the second tournament in India in 2021 ia’s Steve Smith and David Warner are crashing in the season-open- lance, and later diagnosed event after multiple hold-ups because to get the World Cup onto a new cal- signed up for the eight teams. ing race in Spain, but his re- with a broken right humerus. of the coronavirus pandemic. endar cycle. Australia’s Pat Cummins will be turn date is unknown. He is unlikely to take part The board is confident it can as- Under the new arrangements, either the most expensive overseas star this Honda said Marquez in this weekend’s Andalucia semble stars from around the world to September 26 to November 7. Australia or India will host the next T20 year. Kolkata Knight Riders agreeing would remain in a Barcelona Grand Prix, to be held on the line up for the eight IPL teams from late Patel would not say whether World Cup in October-November 2021, a $2.17 million fee for him in a De- hospital for up to 48 hours same Jerez track. September to early November. The UAE the games would be played behind then the other nation will hold it in 2022. cember auction. after a titanium plate was in- Compatriot Alex Rins would be hosting the IPL for the second closed doors. Cricket Australia’s acting chief ex- The IPL may clash with Australia’s serted into his right arm dur- and Britain’s Cal Crutchlow time in six years. A final decision would rest with the ecutive Nick Hockley said Tuesday that Sheffield Shield and paceman Josh Ha- ing surgery. could also miss the second “It will be held in the UAE but first UAE and Indian authorities. the postponement of the T20 World Cup zlewood said it wouldn’t be easy to aban- “His aim is to return to the race of a season delayed and the board will seek permission from The IPL is the BCCI’s main rev- was “absolutely inevitable”. don the domestic tournament. 2020 World Championship as truncated by the coronavirus the Indian government to stage it enue earner. The Indian board has India has long been pressing for a de- “IPL is such a huge part of the year soon as possible with an ex- pandemic. there,” Patel said. said it would lose more than $500 cision, however, so that it can get the IPL for a lot of players and probably the pected date becoming clearer The next event on the cal- He added that the exact dates million if this year’s tournament back on track. strongest T20 competition in the world, soon,” the team added. endar after the Jerez double- would be decided by the IPL’s govern- does not go ahead. The seven-week The IPL has been held outside India up there with the Big Bash,” Hazlewood, The 27-year-old Spaniard, header is the Czech Grand Prix ing council next week. Media reports tournament, which normally plays to twice before when it clashed with na- who plays for Chennai Super Kings, was a six-time winner of the Mo- in Brno on August 9. have predicted the IPL would run from packed stadiums across the country tional elections. South Africa hosted the quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.