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Wednesday, May 13, 2020 Ramadan 20, 1441 AH Frustrated Zampa GULF TIMES calls for more turning in SPORT Page 5

SPOTLIGHT Masked jockeys, no hugging but French racing is up and running

AFP Paris Listed victories for Sheikh Mohamed’s Saiga and Usak in here were no celebratory hugs and trainers and jockeys wore masks as French racing re- Tsumed under the shadow of coronavirus at the fabled Longchamp racecourse on Monday. While France’s Ligue 1 football and Top 14 rugby leagues have been cancelled until Sep- tember, racing benefited from being quixotically labelled an agricultural pursuit. It restarted only after reported last minute lobbying persuaded Presi- dent Emmanuel Macron to give it the go-ahead. However, strict rules were laid down including being held behind closed doors, a far cry from the near 50,000 crowd that greeted Waldgeist, the winner of Europe’s most prestig- His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani’s Saiga emerged victorious ious race the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, in a Listed race at Toulouse on Monday as horse racing returned to France after last October. a gap of nearly two months. Saddled by Philippe Sogorb, the three-year-old filly, Longchamp put on a 10-race card which was also bred by Al Shahania Stud, was guided to a fantastic victory by with several Group races whilst there Anthony Crastus in the Prix Caravelle – Haras des Granges. Saiga led a treble were also meetings at Toulouse, Comp- for the famous blue and white stars silks on the day, with another Sogorb ward, iegne and a trotting fixture as well. Usak (left), providing a second Listed success in the Prix F.B.A. – Amyeri de Their example will have been watched Mauleon. The three-year-old colt was ridden by Jean-Bernard Eyquem in the closely by British racing authorities miler. Olivier Peslier made it three in a row for His Highness Sheikh Mohamed who on Monday inked in a possible re- with a maiden victory, while His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani’s turn on June 1. Abbes ensured a fourth straight victory for Qatari colours with a maiden win. Another racing powerhouse, Ireland, PICTURES: Robert Polin has tentatively mooted June 29. Lead- ing French trainer Nicolas Clement said sacrifices had been made but his initial 1990, said the scene in the paddock checking the list to make a note of how which sell tobacco so hopefully the on a regular basis”. “It is less than 10% of our normal reaction was positive. “It was encour- would take some getting used to. “It is long they have been on the complex. government will relax those rules too He is more concerned by owners not racing but probably 30% of interna- aging, the French Jockey club (France very drastic with masks on the jockeys, Clement is supportive of the agreed and they will open. being able to attend. “July 5 is when we tional racing,” he said. “However, yes- Galop) have pushed the boat out by the grooms and trainers,” he said. drop in prize money across the board “Online betting generally accounts run both the Derby and the Oaks on the terday it was 95% — which included getting it up and running,” he said by “It is an odd scene like walking into — beginning with a 40% decrease at for 10-15% of overall bets and one same day and I am worried for the own- /USA/Australia racing. It helped phone from his stables in Chantilly. a hospital but it is just the way it is. No Group One level — saying hopefully it would hope more people will begin to ers as going racing is part of the joy,” he having a horse that ran in the Arc and “It is for less prize money but you celebration when you win no hugging will be back to normal next year. bet online. The problem is the older said. to see some recognised trainers’ names. take what they give you considering the the jockey, the owner is not even there “There is huge solidarity in very generation barely know how to use a Clement’s hopes for more online But we even had £5,000 ($6,200) bets circumstances with people dying and it is just one horse and one person aside special circumstances,” he said. “It is computer.” betting will have been boosted by Brit- on the jumps in Compiegne. I wish other sports suspended or cancelled we from the trainer. We will make it work.” a troubled year we will be running rac- Crowds could return towards the ish operator Fitzdares. The firm’s CEO bars were open, so a Frenchman could are very fortunate.” Even the people allowed in are en- ing at a loss because of a fall in the bet- end of August but as Clement dryly re- William Woodhams told AFP it had see French racing on the TV and maybe Clement, who burst onto the scene couraged not to dally too long with ting revenue. Not all PMU (state oper- marked about the decline in popularity been a much-needed breath of fresh air a Cockney toasting the racing with a with Saumarez winning the Arc in a government official Clement says ated betting) shops are open only those of the sport “we barely get 5,000 for them. pastis!”

F1 ATHLETICS Diamond League releases Vettel to leave Ferrari new calendar AFP end of 2020 season Paris at he Diamond League season has been pushed into an August start by the coro- ‘This decision is taken jointly by us and Sebastian, one which both parties feel is for the best’ navirus pandemic under a new calendar Tfor track and field’s showpiece meetings Reuters 2010-13, was their first choice to released yesterday. London partner Charles Leclerc in 2021. Bi- With the exception of a June 11 meeting in notto said there was no one reason Oslo that will feature modified events in line for the split “apart from the com- with social distancing rules, the season proper our-times Formula One mon and amicable belief that the is now scheduled to start in on August world champion Sebastian time had come to go our separate 14. Twelve meetings will feature, culminating in Vettel will leave Ferrari at the ways in order to reach our respective on October 17 at a venue yet to be arranged. Fend of the 2020 season, with objectives”. The London Diamond League meeting scheduled the German facing an uncertain fu- Leclerc, who won two races last for July 4-5 has been cancelled. Announcing that ture in racing. The sport’s oldest, year and is only 22, has a contract decision, UK Athletics chief Joanna Coates said: most glamorous and successful team until 2024 and is seen as the future “We must place the safety of the entire athletics announced the move in a statement of a team that last won a driver’s title family at the forefront of every decision we make yesterday after talks on a new con- with Kimi Raikkonen in 2007. The during these unprecedented times and ensure we tract ended without a deal. Monegasque outperformed Vettel are following government advice.” “This is a decision taken jointly last year in his first season at Ferrari, The Zurich Weltklasse meeting, which had by us and Sebastian, one which both Sebastian Vettel won finishing ahead of him overall and been due to form the three-day finals of the Dia- parties feel is for the best,” said Fer- 14 races with Ferrari taking more points, poles, podiums mond League on September 9-11, has also been rari principal Mattia Binotto. “It was and is their third-most and wins. scrapped. “Despite the fact that the Swiss Federal not an easy decision to reach, given successful driver. (AFP) “It’s been a huge honor for me to Council has banned large events only until the Sebastian’s worth as a driver and as be your team mate,” Leclerc said on end of August, staging the finals in their intended a person.” Twitter. “We’ve had some tense mo- form is unrealistic,” the Zurich organisers said. Vettel joined in 2015 with the ments on tracks, some very good The meeting in Rabat is the third to have been dream of emulating boyhood hero ones and some others that didn’t removed. The Diamond League season had origi- and seven times champion Michael end as we both wanted, but there nally been due to start in Doha on April 17. Ath- Schumacher in winning titles in the was always respect, even though it letes have been forced to recalibrate their entire famous red cars. Where the 32-year- wasn’t perceived this way from the season after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics were post- old will go, whether he will remain in outside. I’ve never learnt so much poned by a year. The European Athletics Cham- a sport whose delayed season has yet as I did with you as my teammate. pionships, due to have taken place in Paris in the to start, and who might replace him Thank you for everything Seb.” second half of August, have been cancelled. are the big questions now. Australian Daniel Ricciardo, at “In order to get the best possible joint decision. That’s not the way I that has sent countries around the being offered. They suggested - Vet Renault, and McLaren’s Spaniard REVISED DIAMOND LEAGUE CALENDAR results in this sport, it’s vital for all think when it comes to making cer- world into lockdown. Vettel said he tel, who won 14 races with the team Carlos Sainz have been installed as June 11: Oslo; August 14: Monaco; August 16: Gates- the leading candidates to take one of parties to work in perfect harmony,” tain choices and it never will be.” would now take time “to reflect on and is their third-most successful head; August 23: Stockholm; September 2: Lausanne; said Vettel. “The team and I have re- “What’s been happening in these what really matters when it comes to driver, had been offered only a one- the most coveted seats on the grid. September 4: Brussels; September 6: Paris (to be alised that there is no longer a com- past few months has led many of us my future”. year extension with a salary reduc- Six-times world champion Lewis mon desire to stay together beyond to reflect on what are our real priori- German media, who flagged up tion. Hamilton has also been linked with confirmed); September 17: Rome/Naples; September the end of this season. Financial ties in life,” added the father of three, the departure on Monday night, re- Ferrari had said the German, who Ferrari but has repeatedly indicated 19: Shanghai; October 4: Eugene; October 9: Doha; matters have played no part in this referring to the Covid-19 pandemic ported that he had rejected the terms won his titles with Red Bull from he intends to stay with Mercedes. October 17: Chinese venue to be arranged Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, May 13, 2020 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Premier League braced for TV losses as player protests mount ‘Whatever happens, there’s going to be significant loss of revenue for clubs. That is inevitable’

AFP rale”. However, a YouGov poll revealed London that 73 % of 2,000 people surveyed said the return of the Premier League and English Football League would not lift remier League clubs face hav- their spirits. ing to pay a huge refund to Britain has been one of the worst-hit broadcasters even if they man- countries in the global pandemic, with Page to complete the corona- the government officially recording virus-disrupted season behind closed more than 32,000 deaths from Cov- doors. Broadcasters would be reim- id-19. “People’s lives are at risk,” Rose, bursed for matches not being played as who is on loan at Newcastle from Tot- scheduled and the lack of atmosphere tenham, told an Instagram live. “Foot- in empty stadiums is also a factor. ball shouldn’t even be spoken about The BBC reported the bill facing the coming back until the numbers have English top-flight, which continued dropped massively.” talks on “Project Restart” on Monday, The Premier League are due to meet could be as high as £340mn ($420mn). unions for players and managers later “We were able to update our clubs to- this week to discuss protocols for a re- day on our situation with broadcasters, turn to group training. A further com- which is obviously confidential,” said plication for Project Restart is where Premier League CEO Richard Masters. any matches would be played with the “Whatever happens, there’s going to clubs opposed to a proposal for a limit- be significant loss of revenue for clubs. ed number of neutral venues to be used. That is inevitable. We were able to paint The UK’s national football policing a picture today about what would hap- lead, Deputy Chief Constable Mark pen in various scenarios, playing out the Roberts, had previously stated resum- season and not playing out the season, ing matches on a home-and-away ba- to allow them to have a picture of that as sis would “present challenges” to the we stand in the early part of May.” emergency services. But he said yester- The rebate to broadcasters would day that police, government and foot- surge to an estimated £760mn if the ball authorities were working together season cannot be completed. Masters on a plan “which minimises any risks to has previously warned of a £1bn loss public safety and unnecessary pressure once the absence of gate receipts is on public services, but facilitates a sen- taken into account. For the first time on sible restart to the season.” Monday, the 20 Premier League clubs London Mayor Sadiq Khan has come discussed models that may have to be out against the idea of playing matches used to decide final standings if it is not in the capital at this stage, with the city deemed safe to resume. New govern- having been particularly badly hit by ment guidelines have paved the way the pandemic. Five of the 20 Premier for elite sport to return behind closed League sides are based in London. doors in from June 1. “With the country still in the grips of However, England internationals Ra- The rebate to broadcasters would surge to an estimated £760mn if the Premier League season cannot be completed. (AFP) this crisis, and hundreds of people dy- heem Sterling and Danny Rose are the ing every day, he believes that it is too two latest high-profile players to raise guidelines. “The moment we do go back medical staff, referees,” Sterling said. passed away, I’ve had family members British Prime Minister Boris Johnson early to be discussing the resumption their concerns over a return to contact it just needs to be a moment where it’s “(I am) not scared, but reserved and as well that have passed away. You’ve said in parliament on Monday that the of the Premier League and top-flight sport when the rest of society is be- not just for footballing reasons, it’s safe thinking what the worst outcome could got to be wise and take care of yourself return of sport on TV would “provide sport in the capital,” Khan’s spokesper- ing advised to follow social-distancing for not just us footballers but the whole be. I’ve had friends whose grandma has and those around you.” a much-needed boost to national mo- son said.

ROUND-UP LIGUE 1 Witsel, Can to miss Amiens launch legal battle against ‘unjust’ relegation Bundesliga restart after AFP have been forced into fighting, into going louse, were condemned to relegation to The appeal has been filed at the Paris Amiens, France to court to try to overturn this unfair de- Ligue 2. Lorient and Lens have been pro- Administrative Court. Amiens, who were cision.” moted in their place. playing in just their third top-flight sea- quitting quarantine The LFP, which runs the top two divi- Amiens, from the north of the country, son having won promotion in 2017, be- rench club Amiens have launched sions in French football, decided late last were four points away from what would lieve a proposal to temporarily increase ormer Liverpool star legal proceedings in a bid to over- month to call an end to the season with have been safety when action was sus- the number of clubs in Ligue 1 from 20 to Emre Can and Belgian turn what they consider to be 10 of the 38 scheduled rounds of games pended, but were still due to play several 22 should have been considered, thereby international Axel Witsel Ftheir “unjust” relegation from unplayed because of the coronavirus- of their rivals in the relegation battle. saving them and Toulouse from the drop. Fwill miss Borussia Dort- Ligue 1 after the season was ended early induced suspension. “We are not contesting the decision Lyon have also threatened legal action mund’s derby with Schalke 04 due to the coronavirus pandemic. That was after the French government to stop the season. That is not really the with their president Jean-Michel Aulas on Saturday as German football “We find that this decision goes against ruled out any prospect of matches re- object of these proceedings. It would be a vehemently opposed to the league’s deci- makes a tentative return. As sporting fairness. The decision is a pun- turning before August. bit inappropriate,” said the club’s lawyer, sion, which left his club seventh and set with all other fixtures in the rest ishment from the league. It is unjust,” the The decision confirmed Paris Saint- Christophe Bertrand. “However, what we to miss out on a place in Europe next sea- of the Bundesliga season, it will club’s president, Bernard Joannin, said Germain as champions and also meant are contesting are the consequences of son for the first time in almost quarter of be played behind closed doors during a press conference yesterday. “We that the bottom two, Amiens and Tou- the decisions that were taken.” a century. with the players quarantined for a week before kick-off. Because Can and Witsel FOCUS both need treatment to muscle strains, they have had to leave the team’s quarantine ‘bub- ble’ so cannot play on Saturday. Fans warned to stay away from Bundesliga games Known as the Ruhr derby, Dort- mund v Schalke is a key fixture AFP — for example Bayern Munich’s enor- as German football blazes a trail Berlin mous Allianz Arena holds 75,000 — will for Europe’s top leagues by re- remain empty for the forseeable future. suming two months after it was There are fears in the German football halted, but without spectators. international standing as a host he Bundesliga returns on Sat- scene that the ‘Ultras’ — hardcore fans of top sporting events after urday in empty stadiums, but who often lead the chanting at matches LA LIGA CHIEF PREDICTS holding the men’s Under-17 German fans are being warned — will lose their hard-earned influence at LOWER SALARIES AND World Cup in 2017. FIFA also Tto stay away and authorities their clubs. Some groups of these hard- FEWER TRANSFERS unveiled new dates for this have warned matches could be halted if core supporters are opposed to games Spanish clubs have no option but year’s U-20 Women’s World Cup too many supporters gather outside the being played in empty stadiums, because to face up to reducing players’ in Costa Rica and Panama. It will grounds. German football will be blazing they feel the initiative is driven by finan- salaries next season due to the now be played from January 20 a trail among Europe’s top leagues by re- cial reasons. financial impact of the coronavi- to February 6, 2021. suming two months after it was halted by The clubs are eager to finish the league rus pandemic, La Liga president The 2020 FIFA Futsal World the spread of coronavirus, but its strategy season before June 30 in order to collect Javier Tebas has said. Cup in has been is fraught with risks. around 300mn euros ($324mn) due from The Spanish season has pushed back to September 12 In a football-mad country which TV contracts. Helen Breit from the na- been on hold since March and next year. Meanwhile, the 70th boasts the highest average attendances in tionwide football supporters group “Un- although matches are due to re- FIFA Congress, which was due the world, will supporters banished from sere Kurve” (Our Curve) said she refused start in June without spectators, to be held in Addis Ababa, will stadiums be able to stay away? In Saxony, to watch a single match without fans on the league still estimates clubs be run as an online event on where third-placed RB Leipzig will host television. will lose a combined 300mn eu- September 18. mid-table Freiburg on Saturday after- “For me, football is in the stadiums,” ros ($326.07mn) in lost revenue noon, the state’s Interior Minister Roland she said. “I’ve been going to almost every due to the disruption. CHINESE SUPER LEAGUE Woeller has issued a clear threat. “Fans Freiburg match for more than ten years To cope with steep income CLUB TIANJIN TIANHAI FOLD must not use matches behind closed and watching football on TV is not an op- losses, many clubs including Chinese Super League (CSL) doors as an excuse to gather in front of tion for me.” Barcelona and Atletico Madrid team Tianjin Tianhai, which the stadiums or elsewhere,” he said. “This A couple sits in front of a video screen showing a Bundesliga match in a reopened Another group feels the resumption of introduced temporary pay cuts once employed World Cup win- could lead to matches being stopped.” restaurant at the Alter Markt place in Dortmund, western . (AFP) football during a pandemic, which has to players and staff during the ner Fabio Cannavaro as coach His concerns are justified. Several claimed 7,500 lives in Germany, shows national state of emergency, and signed Brazilian forward hundred fans gathered in Moenchengla- of players and backroom staff, it would dication” that supporters will gather. how “sick” professional football has although Tebas believes further Alexandre Pato, have declared dbach when the hosts beat 2-1 Cologne be a nightmare for the Bundesliga if the Broadcaster has agreed to show become. “A continuation of the season cuts will have to be made. bankruptcy and folded, the club on March 11 — the only previous German fans were to derail the fragile recovery some of Saturday’s matches on a free- would be sheer mockery of the rest of so- announced. league game played behind locked doors, attempt. Christian Seifert, CEO of the to-air channel, allaying fears that fans ciety,” Ultras groups across Germany said FIFA POSTPONES WOMEN’S Tianjin, founded in Inner just days before the shutdown. Bundesliga, does not expect fans to play will gather in bars or public places which in a joint statement last month. “Profes- U-17 WORLD CUP TO 2021 as Hohhot Binhai in Eintracht Frankfurt have appealed into the hands of critics who fear they will have a subscription for the pay-per-view sional football is sick enough and should The women’s Under-17 World 2006, have struggled to pay the to their supporters before they resume mass outside grounds despite large public service. However, Seifert says while they remain in quarantine.” Cup, due to be held in in bills since the arrest and subse- their season against ‘Gladbach on Sat- events being banned in Germany. Seifert are taking every reasonable step to dis- But for the vast majority of fans, the November, has been postponed quent imprisonment of former urday. “We’ve talked a lot with our fans accused the critics predicting that foot- courage fans from meeting up, “the DFL’s decision to play the nine remaining round for three months, FIFA said owner Shu Yuhui, finishing and said: ‘listen guys, don’t show up at ball fans would fail to respect the pleas responsibility ends at a certain point”. of matches behind closed doors makes yesterday, adding to a growing second bottom of the CSL last the stadium’,” Frankfurt’s sports director for restraint of making “sweeping state- The centrepiece of Saturday’s return to the best of a bad situation. Even if the list of sporting events hit by the year. Shenzhen FC, who were Fredi Bobic said. ments”. action is Borussia Dortmund at home to fans cannot be in the stands in person, pandemic. relegated after finishing bottom, Under German league rules put in “I don’t believe that the fan scene and Schalke in the Ruhr derby, a match which Moenchengladbach have found a novel The tournament, to be played have been reprieved and will place to resume the season, the home side the fan organisations will do their crit- would usually draw a crowd of 82,000 to way of allowing them to be seen by the in five cities across the country, replace the Tianhai in the CSL is responsible for ensuring fans do not ics... the favour of behaving in exactly the Signal Iduna Park. players — for 19 euros ($21), Gladbach will now start February 17, foot- for the 2020 season, which has try to approach the stadium to support way” that those doomsayers fear, he said. Instead, it will be the first time this fix- fans can buy a cardboard cut-out of ball’s governing body said. been delayed by the Covid-19 their team from a distance. After weeks The Bundesliga boss said all the talks he ture is played behind closed doors since it themselves which will be placed on the India is looking to boost its pandemic. of meticulous planning and mass testing had held on the issue “do not give any in- began in 1925. Germany’s huge stadiums terraces of Borussia Stadium. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 13, 2020 3 SPORT

MLB REPORT Panthers’ Okung to appeal dismissal of Owners reportedly unfair labour claim approve 2020 season proposal for players The plan becomes the first formal proposal for a major US sports league to exit a virus hiatus

Reuters NFL players is the modern Los Angeles equivalent of walking through the valley of the shadow of death; creating fear is the goal. arolina Panthers of- The ‘dismissal’ of my claim fensive tackle Russell changes nothing about the Okung said he will facts it contains and the reality Cfight the dismissal of of my experience.” an unfair labour claim he filed He added he will use his against the NFL Players Asso- appeal of the NLRB decision ciation. to continue to “chip away at In March, he filed a claim al- systemic corruption” in the leging the union’s leadership union. violated the gaoup’s consti- The 32-year-old Okung, tution during the negotiating who is entering his 11th season of a new collective bargain- in the NFL, contended De- ing agreement with the NFL. Maurice Smith, the NFLPA’s Players eventually narrowly executive director, and lead- approved the new CBA, which ership ignored recommenda- File photo of Pete Alonso of the New York Mets in lasts through the 2030 season. tions of the players’ executive action against the Atlanta Braves. (TNS) The National Labor Rela- committee that the proposed tions Board dismissed the CBA be modified before send- claim last week. ing it to players for a vote. “The contents of my NLRB “Asked to consider the claim and the reality of my proposed CBA, the Execu- experience threatens the tive Committee recognized AFP deadly outbreak. The proposal by state and local governments. ing to share losses with the team the pandemic. very fabric and culture of the the proposal’s failings and the New York would have players report to Teams whose home stadiums owners this time. Teams would “Baseball requires a massive NFLPA,” Okung wrote Mon- need for amplification of cer- training camps starting in mid- are unavailable would play out expand rosters from 26 to 30 workforce besides the players: day on Twitter. “Telling the tain provisions, and voted not June for about three weeks, ei- of their spring training facilities. players with a support squad of coaches, clubhouse staff, secu- truth continues to be the only to send the proposal to the ajor League Baseball ther at home ballparks or train- Due to border crossing issues 20 players available as replace- rity, grounds crews, umpires, weapon in the face of plainly rank and file. The NFLPA staff team owners have ing sites in Florida and Arizona, with , the Toronto Blue ments in case of injury or illness, gameday stadium staff, TV & corrupt systems and struc- leadership, in violation of its approved a proposal where stay-at-home rules have Jays might have to play out of including presumably positive media... we need to protect eve- tures. As feeble and costly as duties, ignored the Executive Mfor starting the coro- been eased. their Florida training headquar- coronavirus tests. ryone,” he tweeted. this act can feel, my personal Committee, and sent the pro- navirus-delayed 2020 season in The season would launch ters. “And that’s before we get to integrity is worth preserving. posal to the membership for a early July in ballparks without between July 1-4 and playoffs Playing without ticketbuyers HEALTH RISK ISSUES HUGE hotel workers and transporta- “Ongoing gaslighting of vote.” spectators, according to multiple would expand from 10 to 14 would be expected to trim 40% Health issues would also have tion workers... They are essen- reports on Monday. teams, with two extra wild-card off MLB revenues and the own- to be solved to the players’ sat- tial workers. We wouldn’t be The campaign was shut down clubs in both the National and ers reportedly would seek a 50- isfaction, as tweets from Wash- able to play a season without SPOTLIGHT two months ago while pre-sea- American Leagues. The playoffs 50 revenue-sharing deal similar ington Nationals pitcher Sean them, and they deserve the same son games were underway and would end in early November, to what the NFL and NBA have Doolittle noted health issues protections.” the proposal for an 82-game only slightly later than normal. used. that got little mention in early He also asked how much risk season, about half the normal Teams would mostly play That might cause an issue details on the MLB proposal. players are willing to assume Prescott makes jump length, must still be approved by against clubs from their own with players, who are look- “Bear with me, but it feels to even play a season know- the players union. division, minimizing travel and ing at losing half a season of like we’ve zoomed past the most ing that anyone involved with a Negotiations were expected expenses. They would also face their regular salary already in a important aspect of any MLB game could be among the 20% in latest MVP odds to begin yesterday, according to clubs from the same division in shrunken campaign and could restart plan: health protections of cases with severe symptoms ESPN, USA Today, The Athletic the opposite league. worry about owners pushing for for players, families, staff, sta- — and if added healthcare ben- and NBC Sports. Designated hitters would a salary cap in the next collective dium workers and the workforce efits would be available for peo- The MLB plan becomes the come to bat instead of pitch- bargaining agreement when the it would require to resume a sea- ple with long-term health issues first formal proposal for a major ers for National League teams current one expires in December son,” Doolittle tweeted. after catching the virus. US sports league to exit a coro- for the first time in history. AL 2021. Doolittle, who helped the “We don’t have a vaccine yet, navirus hiatus, with the NBA, clubs have had the rule in place MLB team owners have never Nationals beat Houston in last and we don’t really have any ef- Major League Soccer and the for decades. offered to share extra prof- year’s World Series, wondered fective anti-viral treatments,” National Hockey League sea- Teams would play at their own its with players so the union how many Covid-19 tests would Doolittle asked. “What happens sons having been halted by the home ballparks where allowed might very well object to hav- be needed for the league during if there is a second wave?”

FOCUS Dolphins sign second-round

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (left) in action against the Washington Redskins at FedExField in Landover on September pick Davis to his rookie contract 15, 2019. (TNS) By Safid Deen with six starts. The attention to Reuters and 2019 MVP Lamar Jackson Sun Sentinel his play led to his statistical pro- Los Angeles is second at +600 at all three duction to decrease in his junior books, and Seattle Seahawks year (55 tackles, 5.5 tackles for quarterback Russell Wilson is iami Dolphins sec- loss, 1.5 sacks with 14 starts) and ith the NFL draft third, with odds from +600 to ond-round pick senior season (47 tackles, three complete and the +800. Raekwon Davis for loss, 0.5 sack in 12 starts). 2020 regular- The biggest reason for Pres- Msigned his four-year But the Dolphins are confident Wschedule released cott’s shift in odds is likely the rookie contract on Monday, on Davis can make an impact at sev- to the public, it looks as if the Cowboys’ draft. Oklahoma the same day his Alabama team- eral positions on Miami’s defen- oddsmakers have declared wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, mate Tua Tagovailoa also agreed sive line. the Dallas Cowboys one of the regarded by some as the best to a deal with the team. Davis is the sixth member of big winners of the offseason. receiver in a receiver-rich Davis, a defensive tackle the the Dolphins’ 11-player draft Particularly quarterback Dak draft, fell to Dallas at No 17. Dolphins selected with the 56th class to sign or agree to his rookie Prescott. The good fortune immediately pick during last month’s NFL deal, joining Tagovailoa, of- Prescott, heading into the drew smiles from Cowboys draft, will earn $5,655,510 and re- fensive guard Solomon Kindley, season on the franchise tag owner Jerry Jones aboard his ceive a signing bonus just shy of defensive linemen Jason Strow- as he and the team work on yacht during the virtual draft, $1.7 million. ESPN first reported bridge and Curtis Wearer and a long-term extension, cur- and plenty of praise from pun- the signing. long snapper Blake Ferguson. rently sits fifth among all dits around the sports world. Davis, standing at 6 foot 7 and First-round offensive tackle players in William Hill Sports The Cowboys also signed weighing 311 pounds at the NFL Austin Jackson, the USC - Book’s MVP odds at +1500. By No 1 receiver Amari Cooper combine in February, gives Dol- dout who was drafted with the comparison, William Hill had to a five-year, $100mn con- phins coach Brian Flores a bull- 18th pick, will likely receive a Prescott at +2000 before the tract in March, allowing them dozing presence in the heart of four-year deal that pays him draft. And both FanDuel and club to use the franchise tag Miami’s revamped defence. $13,640,353 million with a sign- Defensive lineman Raekwon Davis of Alabama runs a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Draft Kings have Prescott at on Prescott. Also including Davis gained national atten- ing bonus worth $7.5 million Indianapolis on February 29, 2020. (TNS) +1200, fourth on the board. Michael Gallup, the Cowboys tion for his play as a sophomore when he signs his contract with Kansas City quarterback sport one of the league’s most during Alabama’s title run in Miami. signing bonus worth roughly $5.7 bonus worth $3.4 million. neighbourhood of $1.1 million. Patrick Mahomes — the 2018 talented receiving corps. Add 2017, with 10 tackles, two sacks, First-round cornerback Noah million. Robert Hunt, the Louisi- Brandon Jones, the Texas safe- And former Navy standout league MVP and reigning Su- to that three-time Pro Bowl and an interception in the team’s Igbinoghene, the Auburn stan- ana-Lafayette right guard/tackle ty the Dolphins selected in the Malcolm Perry, the Dolphins’ per Bowl MVP — remains the running back Ezekiel Elliott, two playoff wins. He earned first- dout the Dolphins used the 30th taken with the 39th pick in the third round, is slotted to earn a seventh-round pick, will likely odds-on favourite for 2020 and plenty is expecting from team All-SEC honours by post- pick to select, will likely receive second round, is slated to earn base salary of $4,079,572 during receive a $97,000 signing bonus with odds ranging from +350 an offence that led the NFL in ing 69 tackles, 10 for loss, and a a four-year deal that pays him $8,065,742 over the first four his four-year rookie deal, and on the four-year, $3,392,324 deal to +400 across the books. total yards and was second in team-high 8.5 sacks in 14 games $11,254,202, and gives him a years of his deal with a signing will receive a signing bonus in the when he signs. Baltimore Ravens quarterback passing offence last year. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, May 13, 2020 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Eto’o to appear on Generation Amazing Instagram Live today ormer Cameroon and Barcelona our goals of improving integration, inclu- striker Samuel Eto’o will be the sion and equality through football – in line star guest during this week’s Gen- with the United Nations Sustainable De- Former Cameroon and Barcelona Feration Amazing Instagram Live velopment Goals. We are excited to hear striker Samuel Eto’o session. The Supreme Committee for De- more about how the football star is able livery & Legacy (SC) ambassador will talk to influence this crucial mission today, as about using sporting values in times of we face a global health crisis, and how he adversity today at 8pm Doha time on Gen- plans to continue to tackle this in the fu- eration Amazing’s @GA4Good channel. ture.” Eto’o, a three-times UEFA Champions Eto’o is the latest football star to take League winner, will share details about part in the Generation Amazing Instagram how he is keeping fit and healthy during Live series and follows Xavi Hernández, the Covid-19 pandemic. He will also dis- Cafu and Tim Cahill. The sessions have cuss his illustrious football career, which been watched by more than 80,000 people included stints in La Liga, Serie A and the across the world as Generation Amazing Premier League, along with success on the continues to provide content for its audi- international stage with Cameroon. ences during the Covid-19 pandemic. A Eto’o became an SC ambassador while number of Generation Amazing partners playing for Sports Club in the Qa- have taken part in the sessions, including tar Stars League. In 2019, he led Genera- AS Roma, KAS Eupen and the Interna- tion Amazing’s ‘What Has Football Taught tional Federation of the Red Cross and Red You?’ social media campaign, which Crescent. showcased the key life skills which can be This week’s schedule has so far featured learned through football. a workout with Generation Amazing’s In recent years, Eto’o has become re- master coach, Michael Richardson, as well nowned for his work off the pitch. He as an exclusive chat with former former served as a United Nations Internation- , AC Milan and Chelsea striker, al Children’s Education Fund Goodwill Hernan Crespo. Ambassador for Cameroon in 2017 and Generation Amazing has reached half launched the Samuel Eto’o Foundation, a million beneficiaries around the world which builds football schools across Af- since being launched in 2010. The pro- rica to provide sporting facilities and help gramme aims to positively impact the lives young people further their education. of 1 million beneficiaries by 2022. Moza al-Mohannadi, Marketing & Follow @GA4Good on Twitter, Insta- Communications Director at Genera- gram and Facebook for the latest updates tion Amazing, said: “It’s a great honour to on the Generation Amazing Live sessions. welcome Samuel Eto’o to our Instagram Snap photos of you and your family enjoy- Live chats. We share a common mission ing the streams on Instagram Live and tag to positively impact communities, provide @GA4Good and use the #GALive hashtag sustainable sporting facilities and achieve for a chance to be reposted. SC.qa

RUGBY GOLF PGA Tour to provide charter planes for Australia eyes July players: Streelman restart with returning ‘We’re working closely with government on the opportunity for them to do that’

AFP Kevin Streelman in action during the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Sydney Hill Club & Lodge on March 5, 2020. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

Reuters Fort Worth, Texas. competition between Paris In addition to the Charles Australia’s four Super Schwab Challenge at Colo- Rugby teams could be nial Country Club, the tour- Alaunched in early July he PGA Tour plans to naments currently slated to be as coronavirus restrictions ease, use chartered planes held without fans are the RBC with the axed Western Force and to shuttle golfers Heritage (June 18-21) in Hilton Japan’s as possible par- Tand caddies between Head, S.C., the Travelers ticipants, officials revealed. tournaments when the circuit Championship (June 25-28) Governing body SANZAAR returns from its coronavirus in Cromwell, Conn., and the suspended in mid- hiatus at the Charles Schwab Rocket Mortgage Classic (July March as the pandemic closed in- Challenge in June, said Kevin 2-5) in Detroit. ternational borders, but two plans Streelman. The first tournament ten- have been drawn up to restart Streelman, a two-time tatively preparing for specta- rugby in Australia, said the official winner on the PGA Tour, told tors is the July 6-12 John Deere rugby.com.au website. Golfweek that the plan is part Classic in Silvis, Ill. followed The first option is a five-team of safety measures being put by the Memorial. championship featuring Aus- place to protect players and “It’s going to be different for tralia’s four Super Rugby teams, caddies during the COVID-19 sure (playing without fans),” , NSW Waratahs, pandemic that forced a shut- said Streelman on Monday ACT and Melbourne down of the PGA Tour at the following the pro-am at the Rebels, plus Western Force. The Players Championship in mid- Scottsdale (Arizona) Open second is a six-team version in- March. mini-tour event. “It’s neces- cluding the Sunwolves. “There will probably be sary and the priority is getting Rugby Australia’s high per- four, five, six of us who will good competition, have a nice formance manager Ben Whitaker split a plane to get to Colonial,” TV product for our fans, that’s said the Brumbies and the Wara- Streelman told Golfweek. definitely the priority. tahs were due to begin limited “The tour has chartered “But, the leaders are going workouts this week. planes, like big ones, for all the to miss that excitement. All teams should be back to full players and caddies in between “My favorite memories are training by June 8 with the compe- events, trying to keep our bub- being in the heat, seeing what tition planned to begin four weeks ble nice and tight.” you got, hearing that electric- after that. The PGA Tour released ity roll around a PGA Tour “The draw we are looking at is In this file photo taken on March 2017, Liaki Moli (left) of the Sunwolves celebrate a try against the during their Super Rugby match. (Reuters) a revised schedule in April event on Sunday afternoons, a 12-week competition (with) 10 with the first four events to as we know here (at the Waste weeks of regular round matches “The Sunwolves’ situation is be played without spectators, Management Phoenix Open), and depending on the number of a bit more complicated than the Champions Cup final in Marseille set for October 17 starting with the June 11-14 the craziness... To me, that’s teams,” he said. others with their team, not just Charles Schwab Challenge in part of what we do it for.” The move comes after New Zea- coming from Japan but a variety he coronavirus-post- a window traditionally kept for but another moment, then so land Rugby on Monday unveiled of countries having to assemble in poned Champions clubs and European Cups and we be it,” he added. — ‘Counter- plans for a domestic competition, Australia to take part,” he said. Cup final could now be envisage making the most of it,” productive’ boycott — Earlier on Super Rugby Aotearoa, kicking off “We’re working closely with held on October 17 in he added. Reports have claimed Monday, French newspaper Midi ’ James retires from rugby T World Rugby want to play Test Olympique claimed Top 14 sides Former Wales international has decided to call it a day. on June 13. government on the opportunity Marseille with the second-tier The Perth-based Western Force for them to do that. Challenge Cup fixture a day matches during October, and could refuse to feature in next Tom James announced his “With a lot of time to think, were axed from Super Rugby at the Whitaker suggested the Japa- earlier, the organisers said yes- the English and French leagues season’s top-tier competition if retirement from I’ve made a decision to retire end of the 2017 season and now nese team could be based in terday. wrote to the global governing an increase to eight clubs from yesterday. from professional rugby,” compete in the National Rugby Queensland or New South Wales Both tournaments were body on Monday asking for the league cannot feature in the The 33-year-old wing won said James in a statement on Championship and Global Rapid for the duration of the competi- suspended at the quarter-finals further discussions about the use continental tournament. 12 caps and remains Cardiff the Scarlets’ website. Rugby, the Asia-Pacific competi- tion. stage due to the coronavirus of the month. “The threats of a boycott were ’ record try-scorer with Thanking all those who had tion founded by Australian mining Authorities in Canberra have al- pandemic. Gaillard said EPCR wants further blown out of proportion. As far 60 to his credit. helped him in his career, magnate Andrew Forrest. ready set a precedent for allowing The last-eight and semi-finals talks between the parties and as I know, this threat had not James, who also had a spell James — who scored two The Sunwolves are in their fi- overseas sporting teams into the of the competitions could take remains open about the dates. been discussed formally by the with English club Exeter, tries in 12 international ap- nal season of Super Rugby after country, with the National Rugby place from mid-September “Everyone knows compromises French league or by the clubs,” finished his career at Welsh pearances spread from 2007- southern hemisphere governing League’s Warriors onwards. will have to be made. It’s very Gaillard said. regional side Scarlets. 16 — added he had enjoyed body SANZAAR decided to drop basing themselves in Tamworth The director general of European clear. Our opinion is not to say “If this boycott threat is proven, His time with the Llanelli club some “wonderful memories” them due to skyrocketing costs before a competition restart Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) ‘we will play in October as if it but I don’t think it will be, it would came after he took a break during his 14 years as a pro- and poor on-field performances. scheduled for May 28. Vincent Gaillard told AFP: “This was business as usual’. We have be totally counter-productive,” from rugby in January 2018 fessional including playing Including the Force in a domes- Whitaker also hoped that Aus- schedule has been co-ordinated to consider all parties, not just he added. during a second stint with alongside “my idol” Gareth tic competition would be relatively tralia’s home Tests in July against with the three professional the unions, and find a solution Gaillard said the body could Cardiff in order to deal with Thomas. Meanwhile Scarlets straightforward, but Whitaker Ireland and could be resched- leagues in Europe but remains together,” he said. change the makeup of the Cham- the effects of depression. head coach Brad Mooar said conceded that virus-induced uled to later in the year, along with subject to external factors, be “If this solution leads us to pions Cup due to the impact the Now, with the current cam- he was pleased James’ “out- border shutdowns made the Sun- Rugby Championship fixtures that health, medical or logistical.” finding an alternative which virus outbreak has had on the paign brought to a standstill standing career” was coming wolves a more difficult proposi- against New Zealand, “The month of October remains would be not playing in October end of domestic campaigns. by the coronavirus, James to an end “on his own terms”. tion. and Argentina. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 13, 2020 5 SPORT

CRICKET FOCUS IPL cancellation could cost BCCI Frustrated Zampa half a billion dollars

AFP New Delhi

crapping the money- calls for more turning spinning Indian Pre- mier League this year Sbecause of the coro- navirus pandemic would cost more than half a billion dol- lars, but cutting players’ pay was not yet being considered, BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal. a top official has told AFP. wickets in Australia Cricket Australia has laid off The world’s richest Twen- ty20 tournament is staring at a most of its staff while the Eng- ‘We’ve had to play a different role in first class cricket, that’s for sure’ first wipeout in its 12-year his- land and Wales Cricket Board tory after the original March has announced pay cuts. Reuters 29 start date was postponed Other top sports, such as Melbourne In the last three repeatedly. Cancellation of football’s English Premier years I’ll have had the IPL for 2020 would mean a League and ’s La Liga, huge financial hit. have also seen players accept pin bowler Adam Zampa almost two years “The BCCI is looking at a big wage cuts. has joined calls for a re- off: Warner revenue loss. In case the IPL But Dhumal, who joined view of Australia’s wick- does not take place, the loss the BCCI leadership last year ets, saying the country’s Australia cricketer David would be close to 40 billion alongside president Sourav S Warner has already set his drop-in pitches are driving slow rupees ($530 million), or even Ganguly and secretary Jay bowlers out of first class cricket. sights on the ICC World Cup more,” said Board of Control Shah, said that it was hoped to Short format specialist Zampa 2023 currently scheduled for Cricket in India treasurer avoid pay cuts for players. said he had rarely come across a to be played in India. The Arun Dhumal. “That would be the last genuine turning in do- 33-year-old revealed this is India, like other cricket na- thing that we would want to do mestic Sheffield Shield matches, the fittest he has felt in a long tions, is anxious to see a return at our end,” said Dhumal. apart from the odd occasion at time and the enforced breaks to competitive international “That is why we are work- the Sydney Cricket Ground and have helped his cause. sport, but has to follow gov- ing (on) how much is the loss when the Adelaide Oval’s drop- Warner was banned from ernment orders and advice. finally we have to pay. in pitch was “green and patchy”. the game for one year for his “We are not sure whether we “So once we are able to as- Drop-in pitches are now used part in the infamous Cape will be able to have it this year,” sess that then we might con- at most major cricket venues in Town ball-tampering scandal he admitted. sider it, but it will be the last Australia barring the SCG and in 2018. After serving his A one-day international thing on our agenda.” the Gabba in Brisbane, and Zam- suspension, he returned to series against South Africa in Dhumal said India’s tour of pa said they had changed the international cricket before March has already been can- , scheduled to begin game “massively.” sporting activities ceased celled but it is the IPL, which in June, would only go ahead if “It’s really hard to get a wicket worldwide due to coronavirus began in 2008, that generates the pandemic eases. now that’s a day four turner with pandemic. the bulk of BCCI revenue and “The safety and health of any rough,” the 28-year-old leg- “In the last three years I’ll is thought to be worth more our cricketers is paramount spinner told reporters in a video have had almost two years off, than $11 billion a year to the and any shred of doubt, we call on Tuesday. depending on when we play Indian economy. will not shy away from calling “(Spin has) basically been tak- cricket again,” Warner was “We will only be able to fig- it off.” en out of the game now except quoted as saying by cricket. ure out the exact revenue loss He said The BCCI leadership for maybe the SCG for example - com.au. once we are sure of how many was in constant discussions sometimes - if the weather suits “The longevity in your body games we have lost,” said Dhu- with the International Cricket as well. helps. The get ups of training mal. The IPL brand value was Council about restarting com- “We’ve had to play a different and playing gets harder as estimated at $6.7 billion last petitive cricket. role in first class cricket, that’s you get older but I haven’t felt year by the Duff and Phelps -fi Doubts remain over the for sure.” any fitter in my career than I nancial consultancy. Twenty20 World Cup begin- Zampa’s comments come after do now. Indian broadcaster Star ning in October in Australia Australia batsman and Queens- “As the legs get older time will Sports paid more than $220 and India’s four-Test, three- land captain Usman Khawaja tell. At the moment I’m feeling million for five years of TV ODI tour afterwards. voiced similar concerns over the as fit as a fiddle and if I can rights up to 2022. But it was Dhumal has been quoted weekend, saying he was often keep running between wick- reportedly targeting $400 mil- as saying that Indian play- reluctant to employ legspinner ets as well as I have done, who lion of revenue in 2020 alone. ers would be ready to go into Mitchell Swepson given the lack knows. That (2023 ODI) World Gripped by an internation- a two-week quarantine before of assistance from local pitches. Cup is the ultimate goal,” he al lockdown, many national the tour. But he told AFP this Test spinner Steve O’Keefe added. boards have been forced into would only apply if the World retired from first-class cricket Warner also hinted that he cost-cutting. Cup were cancelled. last month after failing to win might step away from the another contract for New South shortest format after ICC Wales, despite being the most T20 World Cup 2021 in India. ’I’m back’ declares Tyson in training video prolific wicket-taker among He suggested that a lot of slow bowlers in Shield cricket. talented young cricketers are Former-world heavyweight one of the sport’s most feared Zampa said administrators waiting in the wings for their champion Mike Tyson con- punchers. Since Tyson hinted had helped batsmen improve chance of playing at the high- tinued to tease boxing fans at a return, challengers have their technique against swing est level. about a possible return to the been lining up for a shot at the bowling with the introduction of “If you’re playing as good as ring by posting another train- boxer known as “Iron Mike”. Dukes balls into the Shield, and you can and doing the best ing video on Instagram on New Zealand rugby great now spinners needed help. you can for the team and Monday that ended with the Sonny Bill Williams, who dab- “I don’t know if it has to be you’re helping and benefiting message, “I’m back”. bled in boxing posting a 7-0-0 every wicket but I think there them, I think you do want to The 53-year-old caught the record, and Australian Paul has to be some sort of emphasis keep playing as long as you attention of the boxing world Gallen, another rugby player in bringing spin bowlers back can,” Warner said. last week when he posted a with a 9-0-1 record in the ring, into the game, particularly on “There’s back-to-back Twen- short video of a workout that have been touted as potential day four as well,” he said. ty20 World Cups, and I started showed he possesses plenty opponents. A more likely bet, Zampa has been a key play- my career with Twenty20 of the punching power and however, would be Evander er in Australia’s one-day and cricket, and I think it’s impor- speed that allowed him to Holyfield with whom Tyson Twenty20 teams but is keen for tant we’ve got younger kids become the first heavyweight engaged in several epic bouts more red ball cricket to boost his coming through and they get to hold the WBA, WBC and IBF during their professional hopes of winning a test cap. a sniff and a chance of playing titles. Tyson said then that he careers. He has been linked with a at this level as well.” was considering a return to If Tyson, who retired after a move to NSW from South Aus- Australia’s Adam Zampa during nets practice at the ICC Cricket World Cup at the Merchant Taylors School (IANS) the ring for some exhibition loss to Kevin McBride in 2005, tralia where he has been frus- in Northwood, Britain, on June 23, 2019. (Reuters) bouts to raise money for char- does return to the ring, he will trated with his limited chances. “Over the last few years it’s ity. The newest video showed be following in the footsteps With the finalisation of state He was more forthcom- selectors are more inclined to first class matches had probably probably really easy for people Tyson growling through a of Floyd Mayweather Jr and contracts delayed due to the ing about his test ambitions, pick a second spinner along with done him few favours at the se- to pinpoint me as a while-ball workout hitting the pads in Manny Pacquiao in coming coronavirus, Zampa declined to though, saying he hoped to win incumbent Nathan Lyon. lectors table but felt his short bowler,” he said. yet another display of the fe- out of retirement for an exhi- comment on his domestic move- a place for tours of the subcon- He conceded his modest form performances showed his “I really want to change peo- rocious power that made him bition fight. ments. tinent in coming years, where of 48.26 in 38 improvement in recent years. ple’s perceptions.”

BOXING ‘Like death’ - how ‘Thrilla in Manila’ changed Ali and Frazier forever AFP be the same again, after pouring enraging Frazier, 31, by likening a training injury. His face soaked would defend his world title a Manila and spending practically all their him to a giant ape. in blood, Frazier argued with his further six times, and regain it power and durability in Manila,” “It’s gonna be a thrilla, and a trainer Eddie Futch to let him in a rematch after losing to Leon said Recah Trinidad, a Philippine chilla, and a killa, when I get the come out for the 15th round, but Spinks in 1978, the self-styled hen Muhammad boxing columnist. “The fight- gorilla in Manila,” Ali boasted, Futch stopped the fight. “Greatest of All Time” never Ali survived 14 ers went to destroy, not merely coining the nickname that still Later, it was revealed that Ali fully recovered from the “brutal brutal rounds with to outfight each other,” he add- resonates today. On fight day himself wanted to quit. beatdown” Frazier had inflicted. WJoe Frazier in the ed. Ali, who had beaten George the momentum swung back His biographer Thomas Haus- Ali would finally hang up his ‘Thrilla in Manila’ 45 years ago, Foreman in the ‘Rumble in the and forth between the men, er told the 2008 documentary gloves in 1981 aged 39, follow- it wrote a page in boxing folk- Jungle’ in Zaire a year earlier, who were in their third and final that at the end of the round an ing consecutive losses to Larry lore but left both men forever came into the fight at 33, his best match-up. The fight in the trop- Ali cornerman heard the cham- Holmes and Trevor Berbick. He diminished. Fought in the Phil- years well behind him. ics was staged in the daytime to pion telling trainer Angelo Dun- retired with a win-loss record of ippines’ stifling daytime heat, They battled inside the suit US television audiences, but dee to “cut ‘em (gloves) off”. 56-5. The “Louisville Lip” died with barely functioning air con- 25,000-seat Araneta Coliseum the crowd and TV lights over- “Round 14 was the clos- nearly four years ago after a long ditioning, Frazier was beaten with such ferocity that specta- whelmed the air-conditioning. est I’ve seen somebody come battle with Parkinson’s disease. nearly blind and Ali was on the tors including Imelda Marcos, “At 125 degrees - we were to killing somebody,” Ali’s fight “Smokin’ Joe” (32-4-1) fought verge of surrender. In the end, it wife of then-Philippine dictator fighting each other (as well as) doctor Ferdie Pacheco told the only twice more after the Manila was Frazier’s trainer who threw Ferdinand Marcos, were spat- against the heat,” Frazier said in documentary makers. But af- epic, being stopped by Foreman in the towel to hand Ali victory tered with blood. “It was like the 2008 documentary “Thrilla ter the Thrilla, “both men were for a second time in 1976 before on October 1, 1975, settling their death. Closest thing to dyin’ that in Manila”. never the same again”, said Nick coming out of retirement five This file picture taken on March 8, 1971, shows US heavyweight boxing head-to-head 2-1. But the fight I know of,” Ali later said of the Ali’s blows had swollen Frazi- Giongco, a sports analyst at the years later to draw with the unh- champion Joe Frazier (top) standing over compatriot Muhammad came at a cost to both men. bout. Ali set an acrimonious tone er’s right eye nearly shut, and he Manila Bulletin. eralded Floyd Cummings over 10 Ali as he wins the fight called the “fight of the century” at Madison “Ali and Frazier would never in the weeks leading to the fight, was nearly blind in his left due to He said that although Ali rounds. Frazier died in 2011. Square Garden in New York. (AFP)

Wednesday, May 13, 2020 GULF TIMES CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT in no rush to make call on England tour Reuters they would wait a few more weeks three to four weeks. “This isn’t turned to Pakistan after a decade everyone right now, and I don’t Mumbai before confirming a decision. The an easy situation, and it isn’t an with a two-match series against think it’s fair to take advantage of England and Wales Cricket Board easy decision to make, because Sri Lanka in December. The se- the situation,” Khan said, add- (ECB) has already said that the things are changing every day in ries marked Pakistan’s first tests ing he was hopeful England and he Pakistan Cricket sport will not resume until July, England. on home soil since a militant at- Australia would come to Paki- Board (PCB) will not though it is likely to be in stadi- “There are so many things to tack on Sri Lanka’s team bus in stan. “The most important thing rush into a decision ums without fans. be considered – flights, hotels Lahore in 2009. for us is to revive the game for all Tabout their upcoming “Health and safety is para- and they are talking about bio- The world’s top sides have countries. If we don’t, we will be tour of England amid the ongo- mount for our players and of- security stadiums... so if people been reluctant to return to Paki- facing a lot of problems going ing Covid-19 crisis, Chief Exec- ficials and we are not going to ask me, I will tell them to wait stan, though England are sched- forward. utive Wasim Khan has said. compromise on it,” Wasim told and be patient.” uled to tour next year while Aus- “The next 12 months will be England are scheduled to host reporters on Monday. PCB executives, along with tralia are due to visit in 2022. tough for cricket financially... the South Asian side for three “The situation in England is coach Misbah-ul-Haq, are Wasim said the PCB would not thankfully, the PCB is fine for the tests from July 30, followed by poor right now, and we will ask scheduled to discuss the ar- make England’s visit a pre-con- next 12 months but thereafter, three Twenty20 internation- them about their plans. We are rangements with their ECB dition of travelling to the United in 18 months’ time, we will also als, but with the UK struggling not making any decisions, but counterparts on Friday via video Kingdom for the upcoming se- have problems. Hopefully, by to contain Covid-19 Wasim said we will assess and decide in next conference. Test cricket re- ries. “It’s a tough situation for then, cricket will resum PCB chief Wasim Khan.

INTERVIEW FOCUS We would’ve scored 4,000 more runs KP concerned about with two new balls: Sourav tells Sachin

IANS outside the ring and two new New Delhi balls?” tweeted Tendulkar. England pace attack Ganguly was quick to re- spond to Tendulkar and said: ndia’s legendary limited- “Another 4,000 or so...2 overs opening pair of Sachin new balls...wow...sounds Tendulkar and Sourav Gan- like a cover drive flying to the Iguly stitched together 176 boundary in the first over of ODI partnerships throughout the game...for the remaining post-Anderson, Broad the course of their careers in 50 overs.” which they scored 8,227 runs at In contemporary times, an an average of 47.55. ODI inning is played with two And BCCI President Gangu- new white-balls from each ‘He’s been absolutely sensational over the last few years’ ly feels they could have scored end. When it comes to field at least another 4,000 runs restrictions, an ODI inning is with the current ODI rules. divided into three powerplays. The International Cricket In the first powerplay from Council (ICC) on Tuesday re- overs 1-10, only two fielders are minded the fans about the great allowed outside the 30-yard Indian duo of Tendulkar and circle. In the next 30 overs, Ganguly with the above sta- i.e. from 11-40, four fielders tistics on their official Twit- are allowed and in the last 10 ter handle. “No other pair has overs, five fielders are allowed crossed even 6,000 runs to- outside the 30-yard circle. gether in ODIs,” the tweet read. Tendulkar, in fact, has been The ‘Master Blaster’ took a strong critic of usage of note of the stats and said they two new balls in an ODI in- would have probably scored ning. “Having 2 new balls in more runs had the current one-day cricket is a perfect rules applied during their recipe for disaster as each ball playing days. is not given the time to get old “This brings back wonder- enough to reverse. We haven’t ful memories Dadi. How many seen reverse swing, an integral more do you think we would’ve part of the death overs, for a been able to score with the long time,” Tendulkar had said restriction of four fielders way back in 2018.

Sachin Tendulkar (right) and Sourav Ganguly.

COMMENT I thought my career England’s Stuart Broad (left) and James Anderson during nets in Antigua on January 29, 2019. (Reuters) was over after 2014 2008696279sachinsourav1 Reuters to fill. Do they have the bowlers? SENSATIONAL STOKES it was too soon to compare the Mumbai “Mark Wood is very good, England held Australia to a 2-2 28-year-old with England great however he’s full of injuries. draw in last year’s home Ashes Ian Botham. “Comparing people, T20 WC final: Yuvraj And Joffra Archer, he’s also had series but even then needed Ben I think you can only do at the end evin Pietersen is con- that elbow injury during that Stokes’s brilliant unbeaten 135 of a career,” said Pietersen, who IANS page. “Yes there were some cerned about England’s South African series, so he hardly to win the third test in thrilling scored more than 8,000 runs for Mumbai stones in my house as well. I Test bowling resources played. fashion at Headingley. The New England in 104 tests. felt like a culprit, like some- Kwhen the long-serving “So it will be about how quick- Zealand-born all-rounder also “In terms of match winning body has shot somebody and pace duo of James Anderson and ly England can fill that gap be- played a spectacular leading role they’re right up there with each uvraj Singh thought his was going to jail. I bounced Stuart Broad call time on their cause... if you can’t take 20 wick- in England’s 50-overs World Cup other. They both win games, sin- career was over after the back from it. I still remember careers, the former captain has ets in the test match you really triumph in 2019 and was Player gle-handedly, so the compari- 2014 World T20 final how I felt in that moment. told Reuters. are behind the eight ball.” of the Series in South Africa. sons I think are quite unfair while Yagainst Sri Lanka where “I remember Sachin (Ten- The experienced new ball pair, Anderson, 37, is Test cricket’s “He’s been absolutely sensa- a guy is still playing. he was targeted for his slow dulkar) tweeting that day and both in their 30s, have recently most prolific fast bowler with 584 Kevin Pietersen. tional over the last few years,” “I hated being compared to knock as India lost the summit people actually understood. said they were aiming to be part victims but has not played since said Pietersen. people. I just wanted to play and clash, the former batsman re- I went home and I remember of England’s bid to reclaim the January when he suffered a rib tions about Joe Root’s captaincy “We all knew he had cricket- be me.” vealed on Tuesday. Yuvraj had I had the six sixes’ (2007 T20 Ashes in Australia next year and injury in South Africa. before the 3-1 Test series triumph ing talent, we all knew he had South African-born Pietersen managed a 21-ball 11 before get- World Cup against England) would subsequently consider re- Broad, who is second on Eng- in South Africa earlier this year. the ability to turn the game on its has continued to be himself after ting out as India crawled to 130/4 bat. I put my India cap on the tirement. land’s list with 485 wickets, is “I think that he came away head. But for him to consistently retiring from cricket in 2018, be- in 20 overs, going on to lose the six sixes bat and I thought my “I am worried about England’s four years younger but does not from that tour a much better do it, and for him to prepare the coming deeply involved in animal tie by six wickets against the career was over,” said the dash- Test team, when Broad and An- see his playing career continuing leader, a much better captain, way that he continues to prepare, conservation and highlighting Lankans in Dhaka. ing left-hander who retired derson go. They are on their last as long as Anderson’s. and with a lot more respect from and to play the way that he plays, the plight of the rhinoceros. The 2011 World Cup hero from international cricket last legs at the moment,” Pietersen Pietersen was more confi- a lot of people that had reserva- he is a huge asset to that England His charity, Save our Rhino was slammed by media and year after playing for India in 40 told Reuters in an interview. dent about the leadership of the tions about him leading into that team.” Africa/India (SORAI), will be fans after that, and the 38-year Tests, 304 ODIs and 58 T20Is. “If Broad and Anderson go, team, though admitted he was test tour in South Africa,” he Despite his appreciation for relaunched towards the end of old said he felt like a villain Yuvraj, who has played for there’s going to be a big, big gap among those who had reserva- said. Stokes’s abilities, Pietersen said June. who had killed someone. a number of franchises in the “I always take full respon- Indian Premier League (IPL) sibility (for that inning). I did also said he had a torrid time at not play well. Unfortunately, Kings XI Punjab and wanted to Women’s World Cup qualifiers postponed over virus that was a World Cup final. If it run away from the franchise. was any other game, scrutiny “I never got the opportu- Cricket qualifiers for next year’s women’s after consultation”. The women’s quali- period is to protect the well-being of play- for Tanzania and later this year, would not have been much. nity to play for one franchise World Cup and the 2022 Under-19 World fiers were due to take place in Sri Lanka ers, coaches, officials, fans and the whole are under review, the ICC added. When I got back home, I felt for like 3-4 years. So guys like Cup, both in July, have been postponed due between July 3-19, with three berths avail- cricket community,” said Chris Tetley, ICC The ICC had earlier shut down all qualifiers like I was a villain. I remember Virat (Kohli), (MS) Dhoni, Ro- to the coronavirus pandemic, the game’s able for the 2021 event in New Zealand. head of events. for next year’s Twenty20 World Cup and getting out from the airport hit (Sharma) they have played governing body said yesterday. Qualifying for the 2022 U-19 tournament He added that the ICC would try to find an the 2023 50-over World Cup until July. Last and luckily I had my head- for one franchise for so many The International Cricket Council said it was scheduled to begin with a European “appropriate window” to reschedule “as month, the governing body said it was still phones on...I got attacked by years. You have a base. I could took the decision as part of its “compre- regional tournament in from July soon as is safe and practical to do so”. planning to hold the men’s Twenty20 World the media and they were lit- not really settle. “One place I hensive contingency planning process and 24-30. “Our priority during this difficult Two remaining U-19 regional qualifiers, set Cup in Australia from October. erally shouting at me,” Yuvraj wanted to run away was Kings said on Sportscreen’s YouTube XI Punjab (KXIP).”