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Wednesday, July 22, 2020 FOOTBALL Dhul-Hijjah 1, 1441 AH Ronaldo puts Juve GULF TIMES on brink of ninth straight Serie A title SPORT Page 7

FOOTBALL QNB Stars League returns Friday aft er 4-month break With five rounds remaining, there is plenty to play for teams, with matches scheduled at Al Janoub and Al Sadd Stadiums

By Sports Reporter among the top four and thereby play in Al Wakrah, seventh in the standings Doha the elite Qatar Cup and AFC Champi- with 19 points, take on Al Sailiya and ons League. That will make the contest will look to improve their position in more interesting. the top fl ight, where they are playing he wait is almost over! The Leaders Duhail will be in action on after a gap of two seasons. Wakrah had QNB Stars League, which was Saturday, as they face Umm Salal at Al bowed out of both Amir Cup and Oore- Tforced to take an unscheduled Janoub Stadium. Duhail have 42 points doo Cup in the quarter-fi nal stage, and four-month long break due to four more than second-placed Al Rayy- have only league competition to focus the Coronavirus pandemic, will resume an and 10 points more than holders Al on. this Friday. Sadd. Al Sailiya, sixth with 23 points, still The teams have been preparing for They have only lost once this season nurture hopes of fi nishing among the more than a month now after the Qatar and it will be interesting to see how top four and thereby playing in the Qa- Stars League (QSL) tested players and they come back from a long break. In tar Cup and AFC Champions League, technical staff of clubs for coronavirus. Umm Salal they have an easy opponent, just like they did last season when they Since then – after being quarantine in as they are battling for survival in 11th secured a third-place fi nish, their best- hotels – the clubs have resumed train- position with 14 points, the same as Al ever performance in the league. ing under strict precautionary meas- Khor but behind on goal diff erence. Al Shahania, the basement side with ures developed by QSL in co-operation Meanwhile, Rayyan, on the other 10 points, are staring at relegation and with Ministry of Public Health. hand will be hoping for a slip-up from cannot aff ord to drop points in the re- With fi ve rounds remaining in the Duhail and be in contention for the maining fi ve games if they are to stay season, there is plenty to play for teams, title. They resume their campaign in the top fl ight. They face Al Ahli on with matches scheduled at Al Janoub against Qatar SC, which is struggling Sunday and Al Sadd Stadiums, both possess- in ninth spot with 17 points. A string of Al Ahli are eighth in the QNB Stars ing cooling technology for the player to positive results had enabled Qatar SC to League standings with 19 points, the cope the heat. move away from the danger zone, but same as Al Wakrah but behind on goal The opening fi xture will be held they are not completely safe. diff erence. They will be keen to bag as between Al Gharafa and Al Arabi at Reigning champions Al Sadd are still many points as possible and earn a bet- 4:45pm at Al Janoub Stadium, with in with a chance to retain the title, but ter spot in the league. battle for top four spot making it a in- they face a daunting task in that mis- teresting contest. sion. Xavi Hernandez’s side face Al Fixtures Al Gharafa are fourth in the stand- Khor at home on Saturday. Spanish Friday: Al Gharafa vs Al Arabi (16:45, ings, behind leaders Al Duhail, Al Rayy- midfi eld great Xavi, who signed a one- Al Janoub Stadium), Qatar SC vs Al an and Al Sadd in that order, with 28 year contract extension recently, will be Rayyan (19:00, Al Sadd Stadium) points. They are only four points adrift hoping his players can go on a winning Saturday: Al Duhail vs Umm Salal of reigning champions Al Sadd. They run, but it would still would need a mir- (16:45, Al Janoub Stadium), Al Sadd vs also have four points more than their acle for them to lay their hands on the Al Khor (19:00, Al Sadd Stadium) closest challengers and fi fth-placed trophy. Al Khor are 10th with 14 points, Sunday: Al Wakrah vs Al Sailiya (16:45, side Al Arabi (24 points). the same as Umm Salal but ahead on Al Janoub Stadium) and Al Shahania vs Both teams will be eager to fi nish goal diff erence. Al Ahli (19:00, Al Sadd Stadium) Spectators will be barred from the matches but there will be still a lot for fans to look forward to when the league resumes.

CRICKET SPOTLIGHT Indian cricket board Stokes shift s Holder wants IPL in UAE aft er from top of world World Cup postponed all-rounder rankings

AFP doors. A fi nal decision would rest with tional elections. South Africa hosted New Delhi the UAE and Indian authorities. the 2009 event and part of it was held in The IPL is the BCCI’s main revenue the UAE in 2014. earner. The Indian board has said it The 13th IPL should have started he Indian Premier League yes- would lose more than $500mn if this on March 29 but it has been repeat- terday seized upon the post- year’s tournament does not go ahead. edly postponed because of a nationwide ponement of the Twenty20 The seven-week tournament, which coronavirus lockdown. With the pan- TWorld Cup to propose hold- normally plays to packed stadiums demic not expected to peak in India for ing its cash bonanza tournament in the across the country of 1.3bn people, is several weeks, a tournament in India is United Arab Emirates from September. estimated to generate more than $11bn considered too risky. IPL chairman Brijesh Patel told AFP for the Indian economy. A host of international stars includ- that the Board of Control for Cricket in The BCCI had to wait until the Inter- ing England’s Ben Stokes and Austral- India was seeking government permis- national Cricket Council formally post- ia’s Steve Smith and David Warner are sion to fi nally stage the event after mul- poned the World Cup on Monday before signed up for the eight teams. tiple hold-ups because of the coronavi- announcing its new plan. Australia’s Pat Cummins will be rus pandemic. The World Cup was to be held in the most expensive overseas star this The board is confi dent it can assem- Australia from October, ahead of a sec- year. Kolkata Knight Riders agreeing a AFP rounder charts since Andrew Flintoff in May 2006. ble stars from around the world to line ond tournament in India in 2021 to get $2.17mn fee for him in a December auc- Manchester The rankings, unlike traditional averages, also take up for the eight IPL teams from late the World Cup onto a new calendar cy- tion. the quality of opposition into account and Stokes’ tally September to early November. The UAE cle. Under the new arrangements, ei- The IPL may clash with Australia’s of 497 ratings points is the highest for any all-rounder would be hosting the IPL for the second ther Australia or India will host the next Sheffi eld Shield and paceman Josh en Stokes’ man-of-the-match performance since South Africa’s Jacques Kallis was on 517 in April time in six years. T20 World Cup in October-November Hazlewood said it wouldn’t be easy to against the West Indies has catapulted him to 2008. Stokes’ contrasting innings — a composed hun- “It will be held in the UAE but fi rst 2021, then the other nation will hold it abandon the domestic tournament. Bthe top of the International Cricket Council’s dred followed by a rapid unbeaten fi fty as England went the board will seek permission from the in 2022. “IPL is such a huge part of the year Test all-rounder rankings as well as a career- in search of quick second-innings runs — propelled the Indian government to stage it there,” Cricket Australia’s acting chief exec- for a lot of players and probably the best third in the batting standings. left-handed batsman to joint third in the batting rank- Patel said. utive Nick Hockley said yesterday that strongest T20 competition in the world, Stokes was at the heart of England’s series-levelling ings, level with Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne on 827 He added that the exact dates would the postponement of the T20 World up there with the Big Bash,” Hazlewood, win against the West Indies at Old Traff ord that ended points. be decided by the IPL’s governing coun- Cup was “absolutely inevitable”. who plays for Chennai Super Kings, was on Monday, scoring 176 and 78 not out as well as taking Only Australia star Steve Smith and India captain Vi- cil next week. Media reports have pre- India has long been pressing for a quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. three wickets. rat Kohli are currently above the 29-year-old Durham dicted the IPL would run from Septem- decision, however, so that it can get the “So if that takes a few games off us Those performances were enough to see him leap- star in that list. ber 26 to November 7. IPL back on track. playing for New South Wales in the frog West Indies captain Jason Holder, who had been at Stuart Broad’s six wickets on his England recall at Old Patel would not say whether the The IPL has been held outside India build-up to the international summer number one for 18 months. Traff ord saw him return to the top 10 of the Test bowling games would be played behind closed twice before when it clashed with na- that’s a tough call.” Stokes is the fi rst England cricketer to top the all- rankings. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, July 22, 2020 CRICKET

PRAISE ASSURANCE India to have England in presence ‘best’ training of Stokes’ ‘greatness’, facilities: Australia Reuters Melbourne says skipper Root ndia will have to abide by Australia’s 14-day quar- antine requirement ahead Stokes’ batting alone would have justified the man-of-the-match award Iof the Test series starting in December but arrangements he duly received, but he then proved his worth with the ball as well will be made to ensure their players can prepare as well as AFP possible, Cricket Australia (CA) Manchester said yesterday. The Indian board’s (BCCI) chief Sourav Ganguly told lo- ngland captain Joe Root said cal media earlier this month he his side was in “the pres- hoped Virat Kohli’s side could Eence of greatness” following have their quarantine “reduced all-rounder Ben Stokes’ latest a bit” before the fi rst Test in commanding display in Monday’s sec- Brisbane from Dec 3. ond Test against the West Indies at Old Australia requires inter- Traff ord. national arrivals to isolate in Stokes laid the platform for a 113- quarantine hotels due to the run victory that saw England level the Covid-19 pandemic, though three-match series at 1-1 with 176 in a some have been allowed to pass fi rst innings of 469-9 declared. the period at home due to health Stokes was required to bat carefully reasons. in diffi cult conditions, a point under- CA interim Chief Executive lined by the fact it took him 255 balls to Nick Hockley suggested there reach his century. was little prospect of India’s But Stokes’ ability to adapt his game players having a shorter quar- to diff erent situations was brilliantly antine. demonstrated during England’s second “It’s widely known and un- innings when, promoted to open in a likely international travel re- search for quick runs, he struck 78 not striction will have lifted by the out off just 57 balls as West Indies were time India are due to come into an imposing target of 312 to win. the country,” he told reporters Stokes’ batting alone would have jus- on a video call. tifi ed the man-of-the-match award he “I think the two-week quar- duly received, but he then proved his antine is pretty well defi ned. worth with the ball as well. What we’re working on is The West Indies, having slumped to making sure that within that 37-4, kept the hosts at bay during a fi fth quarantine environment, the wicket stand of exactly 100 between players have got the absolutely Shamarh Brooks and Jermaine Black- the best training facilities so wood. that their preparation for the But it was paceman Stokes who broke matches is as optimal as it the stand when, during a typically com- can possibly be.” Hockley said mitted stint, he produced a short ball on Australia was closely watching the stroke of tea that Blackwood could England’s Ben Stokes plays a shot the West Indies tour of Eng- only glove to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler. on the final day of the second Test land, which has gone off largely “He’s Mr Incredible. I suppose,” Root match between England and the without a hitch apart from fast told reporters as he compared Stokes West Indies at Old Traff ord in bowler Joff ra Archer breach of to the cartoon superhero of the same Manchester on Monday. the team’s biosecurity proto- name.I certainly think he can keep per- cols. The Adelaide Oval, which forming at this level. I think the sky’s has an attached hotel, has been the limit for him really.” seen as a potential venue for It’s one thing to identify the time to India to train safely while in up the tempo but another to do that as quarantine. smoothly as Stokes did in this match, “Whether it’s a hotel on-site with the 29-year-old Durham star’s or hotels in close proximity to natural talent now coupled to a height- gering 135 not out secured a remarkable “If he continues to read situations his powers, at the peak of world cricket, coronavirus lockdown starting at Old venues, it’s about certainly cre- ened tactical awareness. one-wicket victory over Australia in the the way he is, and keeps the confi dence delivering time and time again. Traff ord on Friday, Stokes gave England ating that environment where “To have such a complete game, and third Ashes Test at Headingley. that he’s playing with at the moment, “We have to savour that, we have to a scare when he couldn’t complete the we’re minimising the risk of so many diff erent gears at your dispos- And Root, back skippering England there’s no reason why we can’t continue appreciate that and understand that we 15th over of his bowling spell. infections,” said Hockley. al, allows you the ability to keep getting after missing West Indies’ four-wicket to see such brilliant performances as we are, without trying to pump his tyres “It was just my body starting to get “Creating a biosecure envi- better,” said Root. The past year has win in the fi rst Test — where Stokes have done this week, and over the last 12 too much, in the presence of greatness.” really stiff . I’m fi ne,” Stokes insisted. ronment is the absolute prior- seen Stokes play a key role in England’s deputised as captain — to attend the months really. With the fi nale in a behind closed “I’ll give everything to the team, ity because there’s just a huge World Cup fi nal win over his native birth of his second child, forecast more “I think everyone understands that doors campaign that marks interna- whatever is asked of me. It’s a case of amount at stake if we’re not New Zealand at Lord’s before his stag- of the same from the team’s talisman. we are watching a player at the peak of tional cricket’s return following the doing what’s needed at the time.” able to do that.”

SPOTLIGHT Archer cleared to rejoin England squad

Manchester: Jofra Archer after the West Indies’ four- Coach Simmons puts West Indies batsmen on notice has rejoined the rest of wicket win in the first Test the England squad at Old in Southampton along the AFP “They haven’t fi red, so we’ve got to tour was on the talented Hope, whose one has converted to a hundred,” said Traff ord after a second test south coast of England. Manchester take that into consideration over the next two career Test hundreds both came Simmons. “It’s something that we’ve for coronavirus produced a It emerged that during couple of days,” said Simmons, with the during the West Indies’ shock win over been talking about a lot, and no one has negative result, the England his trip he had come into third Test set to start at Old Traff ord on England at Headingley, Root’s Yorkshire taken up that opportunity in this game and Wales Cricket Board said contact with an unnamed est Indies coach Phil Sim- Friday. home ground, three years ago. yet again, so it is disappointing. yesterday. individual. mons bemoaned his bats- West Indies batsmen Darren Bravo and The 26-year-old averages an impres- “I think it’s critical that our batsmen Archer was omitted from the Archer had to self-isolate for Wmen’s failure to convert Shimron Hetmyer both declined invita- sive 52.20 in one-day internationals but carry on and make big hundreds. Our team that eventually won the five days in his room at the promising starts into major tions to tour England for a series taking that fi gure plummets to 26.35 in Tests. batsmen need to make hundreds because second Test against the West England squad’s on-site hotel scores during the 113-run defeat by Eng- place against the backdrop of the global “Yes, I am concerned,” said former our bowlers have been doing their jobs,” Indies by 113 runs at the Man- at Old Traff ord. land in the second Test at Old Traff ord on coronavirus pandemic. West Indies batsman Simmons when he added. chester venue on Monday to But following a disciplinary Monday, as he warned of possible top- But reserve wicketkeeper Joshua da asked about Hope’s recent form. West Indies, however, were looking level the three-match series hearing last week, the ECB order changes for the series fi nale. Silva, who made an unbeaten century in “He’s gone four innings without a like they might yet escape with a draw at 1-1. said Archer would be avail- Whereas England built a fi rst-innings the second intra-squad warm-up match, score (in this series) — in contrast to how until they were rocked in their fi rst in- The fast bowler was left able for selection for the total of 469-9 declared on the back of could now come into consideration, with we played over the last fi ve or six months nings by Stuart Broad’s three-wicket out after the ECB revealed third Test provided both his hundreds from Ben Stokes and Dom Sib- back-up opener Shayne Moseley another in the other formats, I am concerned now burst with the new ball. on the first morning of the virus checks produced nega- ley, no West Indies batsman has yet made option for the tourists. about his form.” “For me, we lost control of the game in game that he had breached tive results. a century in a three-match campaign Although they hold the Wisden Tro- Another frustration for Simmons fi ve or six overs with the new ball yester- the bio-secure regulations That being the case, the now all square at 1-1. phy following a 2-1 success over Joe during the second Test was that while day (Sunday) evening in a place where we governing international Barbados-born quick could Only opener Kraigg Brathwaite among Root’s men in the Caribbean last year, Brathwaite (75), Roston Chase (51), Jer- were in a good position to bat through the cricket’s first series since the come back into the England the tourists’ top three has so far passed you have to go back to 1988 for the last maine Blackwood (55) and Shamarh day and then some of today and close out coronavirus lockdown. side when the series finale 28 in either of the fi rst two Tests, with time the West Indies won a Test series in Brooks (68 and 62) all passed fi fty, none the game,” said Simmons. He had made an unauthor- starts at Old Traff ord on both John Campbell and Shai Hope England. of them got to three fi gures. “But the spell from Broad is where I ised trip to his home in Hove Friday. struggling. Much of the focus heading into this “We’ve had fi ve or six fi fties and no think we lost the game.”

BOTTOMLINE T20 W Cup postponement was ‘inevitable’ AFP buster Test series against India. Hockley said there was no way Australia could pushed back to October-November of that year, tween the various things, plus it helps us also Sydney Delaying the T20 World Cup also frees up a host a 16-nation event with the pandemic still with the fi nal on November 26. make sure that we can plan the events... ensur- October-November slot in this year’s cricket- raging. Hockley said CA did not have a preference ing the health and safety for all the people con- ing calendar which could be used to stage the “I think the decision to postpone was abso- for hosting the T20 tournament in 2021 or 2022. cerned,” he said. ustralian organisers said postpon- Indian Premier League, possibly in the United lutely inevitable,” he told reporters. “We just want to see two great events go Hockley downplayed the impact of the ing the men’s T20 World Cup cricket Arab Emirates. “It allows us to focus with real clarity on the ahead, whether it’s ‘21 or ‘22 in Australia I’m changes on CA’s fi nances, saying this year’s T20 was “absolutely inevitable” after However, it is not clear whether the T20 summer ahead.” sure we’ll put on a fantastic event,” he said. World Cup had merely been postponed, not Athe coronavirus pandemic forced the World Cup will now be held in Australia or In- Under the new arrangements announced on ICC chief executive Manu Sawhney said cancelled. tournament to be delayed by a year. dia, who were originally slated to hold the fol- Monday, either Australia or India will host the moving back the 2023 World Cup avoided a fi x- “It’s been a challenging time for everyone... After months of uncertainty, Cricket Austral- lowing edition in 2021 — which has been shifted next T20 World Cup in October-November ture pile-up, which would have seen two major thankfully, we’re not talking about losing any ia welcomed the International Cricket Council’s to 2022. 2021, then the other nation will hold it in 2022. tournaments played within a few months of events at all,” he said. decision, saying it provided clarity ahead of an Covid-19 has played havoc with interna- The 50-over World Cup in India, originally each other. “It’s really a case of them being held off until upcoming home season which includes a block- tional sport and CA acting chief executive Nick due to be played in March-April 2023, will be “It now just gives you a very clear gap be- we can stage them successfully.” Gulf Times Wednesday, July 22, 2020 3 SPORT

NBA ICE HOCKEY Two NHL players test positive for virus in fi rst Bryant looming large days of training camp

DPA Los Angeles

wo players tested for LeBron, Lakers at positive for Covid-19 Tduring the fi rst fi ve days of NHL training ‘A day doesn’t go by camp out of 2,618 tests ad- ministered to more than 800 where our organisation players, the league said on Monday in a statement. does not remember him’ Training camps opened last Training camps opened last season restart Monday for the 24 postsea- Monday for the 24 postseason- son-bound teams, represent- bound teams, representing ing Phase 3 of the league’s Phase 3 of the league’s four-part four-part Return to Play plan. Return to Play plan. (TNS) Phase 4 is scheduled to begin on Aug. 1 and will consist of leaving teams to use the catch- the top four teams in the East all explanation “unfi t to play” and the West playing round- in relation to players who have robin, nonelimination games missed workouts or scrimmag- to determine playoff seeding, es. Team personnel have been while the teams seeded fi fth instructed not to comment, through 12th face each other in a route taken by Pittsburgh best-of-fi ve series. All rounds Penguins coach Mike Sulli- after that will be best of seven. van after team captain Sidney Teams currently are train- Crosby left a scrimmage on ing at their respective facilities Saturday and missed sessions now but they’re scheduled to on Sunday and Monday. The report to their hub sites — To- Chicago Blackhawks have re- ronto for Eastern teams and peatedly said goaltender Corey Edmonton for Western teams Crawford is unfi t to play, with- — on Sunday. Games will be out further explanation, and played without fans and all in- the Boston Bruins categorised volved are expected to follow nine players as unfi t to partici- strict health guidelines and pate last Saturday. observe mandated safety pre- Also on Monday, the NHL cautions. announced the fi nalists for The NHL has issued spo- two major individual trophies, radic reports on cumulative both of which are voted upon test results but it has not iden- by members of the Profes- tifi ed the players who have sional Hockey Writers’ As- tested positive or their teams. sociation. The winners will be In its statement on Monday, announced during the confer- the league said the two play- ence fi nals. ers who tested positive during Washington’s John Carlson, the most recent period have Tampa Bay’s Victor Hedman self-isolated “and are follow- and Nashville’s Roman Josi ing CDC and Health Canada are the fi nalists for the Norris protocols.” Trophy, awarded annually to It added, “During Phase 3, the best defenseman. Hedman the NHL will continue to pro- won the Norris in 2017-18. vide regular updates on the The fi nalists for the Selke number of tests administered Trophy, presented to the best to Players and the results of defensive forward, are Bos- those tests. The League will ton centre Patrice Bergeron, not be providing information Philadelphia Flyers centre on the identity of the Players Sean Couturier and St. Louis or Clubs.” The NHL, which Blues centre Ryan O’Reilly. traditionally has allowed teams Bergeron is a fi nalist for an un- to be vague about the extent of precedented ninth consecu- players’ injuries, has become tive season and has won four even more secretive during its times. O’Reilly won the Selke restart. The league has decreed last season before leading The Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James (left) in action against the Brooklyn Nets during a regular NBA game at Barclays Center in New York on January 23, 2020. (TNS) that no injury or illness infor- the Blues to the Stanley Cup mation will be made public, championship. AFP only Kobe, but Gigi, (wife) Va- even prior to this happening, tive spirit standpoint. tion to claim MVP honours. Miami nessa, and the other girls. we wanted to embody what he “I think will help us in our “I’m not disappointed be- “They’re part of this fam- stood for and even more so now mission this year.” cause things happen,” James INJURY SCARE ily. Just as big as anybody in with what happened. We want The Lakers enter the NBA said on Monday. “Control what eBron James said on this organization’s history, so to honour his memory.” restart having already assured you can control, and I can’t Monday memories of we still wear 24 and 8 and No 2 Vogel said the sense of themselves of a playoff berth. control that.” LKobe Bryant are still with pride and remembrance of shared purpose amongst the When the season was halted James instead took satisfac- Kings’ forward Bagley looming large for the Los how great they were.” Lakers squad could serve the due to the coronavirus pan- tion from the fact he had prov- Angeles Lakers as the team steps Lakers coach Frank Vogel team well once they enter the demic on March 11, the Lakers en himself in the ultra-com- up preparations for the NBA’s re- said he believed Bryant’s death, playoff s determined to honour led the Western Conference petitive Western Conference. awaits MRI result launched season in Florida. which sent shockwaves around Bryant’s legacy. standings with 49 wins against “There was a lot of conver- Six months after Bryant, his the world of sport, had bound 14 losses, 5.5 games ahead of sation about, ‘LeBron can do daughter Gianna and seven his team closer together. HONOURING TOUGHNESS the second-placed Los Angeles those things in the East, but if other people died in a helicop- “Any time a group like ours “I think there’s going to be a Clippers. he ever came to the West, what ter crash in Los Angeles, James goes through something so daily mindset of honoring the James meanwhile said he can he do?’,” James said. said he still thinks of the late emotionally deep, I just think work and having that tough- was unfazed by news that this “I heard all of that. To be Lakers legend every day. it forms bonds, strengthened ness about us,” Vogel said. year’s NBA Most Valuable able to have our team at the top “A day doesn’t go by where I our group,” Vogel told report- “When we get into the play- Players award would be decid- of the Western Conference and don’t think about him,” James ers in Orlando. off s, there will be opportuni- ed before the league restarts on playing the way that we were said when asked about Bryant. “You never want something ties and situations where we’ll July 30. playing at that time and the “A day doesn’t go by where our like that to happen, but I do refresh our mindset of things That decision by the league way I was playing, that’s defi - organisation does not remem- think that’s the eff ect of some- that he stood for and what his leaves Milwaukee’s Giannis nitely a good feeling.” ber him and think about not thing like that. We always, approach was from a competi- Antetokounmpo in pole posi-

SPOTLIGHT No positives in latest NBA, MLS test results Reuters Los Angeles

he National Basketball Association (NBA) and Ma- jor League Soccer (MLS) said on Monday no new Reuters In addition to the injuries, Tpositive Covid-19 cases were uncovered in the lat- Los Angeles the Kings had Buddy Hield, est rounds of testing at their respective bubble-like Harrison Barnes, Jabari Park- campuses at Disney World in Florida. er and Alex Len all test posi- When the NBA, which will resume its season on July 30 acramento Kings for- tive for the coronavirus before at Disney World without spectators, released its previous ward Marvin Bagley the club headed to the ESPN Covid-19 update a week ago, it said two of the 322 players SIII is awaiting the re- Wide World of Sports Com- who had arrived at the campus since July 7 had tested posi- sults of an MRI exam plex near Orlando, where the tive. But none of the 346 players tested since July 13 were after injuring his right foot in NBA will play the rest of the positive. practice on Sunday. regular season and the posts- In the event that a player on the campus returns a con- The team announced on eason. fi rmed positive test in the future, the NBA said he will be Monday that he underwent a On July 13, Sacramento isolated until he clears rules established by the league and scan the previous night. starting centre Richaun Hol- the players’ union. Bagley, 26, is averaging mes was sent back into the MLS kicked off its season this month but two clubs — 14.2 points and 7.5 rebounds quarantine protocol after Nashville SC and FC Dallas — were removed after players through 13 games this season, leaving the protection of the and a staff member tested positive for Covid-19. None of missing much of the year due league’s “bubble” at the Walt the 1,106 individuals tested between July 18-19 were “newly to a right thumb injury and a Disney World Resort to re- confi rmed positive” for the coronavirus, it said. sprained left foot. ceive a food delivery. Holmes’ The NBA, which halted its season in March, will have 22 The Kings have another key 10-day isolation period will of its 30 teams play eight seeding games to determine a full player out due to an injury, as end later this week. 16-team playoff fi eld that will follow the traditional post- leading scorer De’Aaron Fox When the NBA halted play season format with four best-of-seven series. sprained his left ankle last March 11 due to the Covid-19 All games, practices and housing are at the ESPN Wide week. Fox is expected to have pandemic, the Kings (28-36) World of Sports Complex inside the Orlando resort, which his status updated later this sat 3 1/2 games behind the has multiple hotels and arenas, and allows the league to week, and he might be back in Memphis Grizzlies (32-33) for limit outside exposure. action by the time Sacramento the eighth and fi nal playoff The MLS semifi nals and fi nal are scheduled for next The NBA will have 22 of its 30 teams play eight seeding games to determine a full 16-team playoff field that will follow the resumes action July 31 against spot in the Western Confer- month. traditional post-season format with four best-of-seven series. (Reuters) the San Antonio Spurs. ence. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, July 22, 2020 SPORT

MLB Estrada still in consideration for spot on Yankees’ roster By Kristie Ackert And I just love the makeup of many catchers, how many Opening Day, or a very short- New York Daily News the person. infi elders to carry? When do ly thereafter, what will the “So there’s a lot of things we think we’re gonna poten- Yankees do with their utility that Thairo brings to the table tially have DJ (LeMahieu) and man on the bench? hairo Estrada spent and his performance has been (Masahiro) Tanaka and (Luis) Tyler Wade and Estrada the nearly four- outstanding,” Boone added. Cessa and these other guys can both back up Gleyber Tmonth baseball shut “So, you know, add all those in the mix? And how does Torres at shortstop and have down working on things up and he’s very much that aff ect things? So those shown they can play the out- some changes to his approach in play.” are all things we’re just kind fi eld in a fi x. Wade off ers the at the plate. The 24-year-old The Yankees have four of wrestling with internally Yankees speed, something infi elder had a taste of play- days before they open the while still trying to make that is valuable with the new ing in the big leagues last pandemic-shortened MLB some really good evaluations extra-inning rule that begins season, but struggled when season in Washington DC here in these fi nal days.” the 10th with a runner on baseball originally held spring against the defending World Honestly, though, there second base. Estrada off ers training. So, when the coro- Series champion Nationals, are only a few questions the more of a bat. navirus pandemic shut down when they will have to cut Yankees have heading down He hit .250 with three the sport, Estrada worked on their camp down to a 30-man the stretch. They are decid- homers, three doubles and 12 trying to get back to the big roster. They will then have to ing between carrying 15 to 18 RBI in 35 games last season, leagues. cut it to 28 after two weeks pitchers and how to fi ll their before changing his approach Before Sunday night’s ex- and have it trimmed down to bench. at the plate. In this rebooted hibition game against the the normal 26-man roster a Will the Yankees carry camp, he hit three home runs Mets at Yankee Stadium, he month into the season. Mike Tauchman, an excel- in the intrasquad games. was “very much in play” for Putting together a 30-man lent defensive outfi elder who “Some of the things that a spot on the 30-man roster. roster is new — a product of Boone showed a lot of faith in I can point out was a mat- “Versatility is certainly the shortened reconvened last year, over Clint Frazier, ter of being more selective one of the things that’s very training camp as a way to whose bat can be electric at at the plate,” Estrada said appealing about Thairo, ob- help teams continue to build times? Will the Yankees use a through Yankees interpreter viously he can play the mid- up their pitchers as the sea- spot starter like Mike King or Marlon Abreu. “At the same dle of the diamond,” Yankees son begins. Clarke Schmidt the fi rst time time making better contact. manager Aaron Boone said. “What’s the makeup with through the rotation as they Being aggressive with those “We saw him, on the fl y, be 30 people,” Boone said was wait for Tanaka, rehabbing a pitches and making better able to go and play in the out- one of the questions they are concussion, to get ready? Or contact. And I’m extremely fi eld. He runs well. We con- debating internally. “How will they head to the bullpen excited about the results that tinue to see the bat. I feel like many pitchers are you going and learn to pitch in the big I’ve had so far. And I fi nd my- he continues to make big time with? Deciding on who are leagues the old fashioned self in a good place right now strides. He did a good job those last couple of pitchers? way? and just keep on working and File photo of Thairo Estrada. (TNS) with the bat last year. I feel What gives you fl exibility? And with it looking like getting myself ready for the like he’s even better this year. How many outfi elders? How LeMahieu will be available by upcoming season.”

FOCUS ANNOUNCEMENT Bennett retires aft er NFL and union reach 11 NFL seasons agreement on daily virus testing regime ‘If the NFL doesn’t do their part to keep players healthy there is no football in 2020’

Reuters them the same way they have Los Angeles me these past 11 years. I have never been more at peace in my life. hree-time Pro Bowl “As the great Toni Morrison defensive lineman said: ‘Freeing yourself was one TMichael Bennett thing, claiming ownership of said yesterday that he that freed self was another.’” is retiring after 11 seasons in Bennett fi nished last season the NFL. with the Dallas Cowboys fol- Bennett, 34, rose to promi- lowing a midseason trade from nence as a valued and versatile the New England Patriots. He lineman for the Seattle Sea- played for the Philadelphia Ea- hawks from 2013-2017 and has gles in 2018. In his fi nal three 69.5 career sacks. seasons with Seattle, Bennett “Retiring feels a little like was a Pro Bowl selection. The death of self, but I’m looking Seahawks won Super Bowl forward to the rebirth — the XLVIII in 2014 with Bennett as opportunity to reimagine my an anchor of the front four. purpose,” Bennett posted to Prior to joining the Sea- Instagram yesterday. “I would hawks, Bennett was with the like to thank my wife and chil- Tampa Bay Buccaneers. dren, who have sacrifi ced so He signed as an undrafted much for me to succeed. I’m free agent from Texas A&M in looking forward to supporting 2009.

Draisaitl, MacKinnon, Panarin named Hart Trophy fi nalists Reuters Association. Los Angeles Draisaitl, 24, won the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s leading scorer with 110 points (43 dmonton Oilers goals, 67 assists) in 71 games. center Leon Draisaitl, The Oilers forward led the EColorado Avalanche NHL in points per game (1.55), center Nathan assists (67), power-play points In this file photo taken on January 11, 2020, Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks plays against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (AFP) MacKinnon and New York (44) and average ice time Rangers left winger Artemi among forwards (22:37). He AFP one of the thorniest issues that Seahawks quarterback Russell in, they’re going to be coming in discussions with multiple par- Panarin were named as the tied Boston Bruins star for- Los Angeles has dogged talks between the Wilson. from all over the country and in ties around that issue.” three finalists for the 2019-20 ward David Pastrnak for first NFL and the NFL Players Asso- NFL physician Sills mean- some cases the world,” Sills said. The deals is indicative of a Hart Memorial Trophy, the in game-winning goals (10). ciation over safety protocols to while said Monday he expected “So we want to take a slow ap- compromise between the own- NHL announced yesterday. MacKinnon, who is also a FL players will re- be used during pre-season. the rules to be adapted as train- proach here.” ers and the players. The award is presented annu- Lady Byng finalist, led the ceive daily testing for Players had argued for daily ing and the season progressed. “Our union has been pushing ally “to the player adjudged Avalanche in goals (35) and NCovid-19 during the testing, a request team owners “There’s no fi nish line with 24 HOURS for the strongest testing, trac- to be the most valuable to points (93) in 69 games. The fi rst two weeks of pre- had balked at. health and safety, and I think Sills said the league expected ing and treatment protocols to his team” as voted by the 24-year-old center finished season training camps after an In a co-ordinated series of these protocol are living, to receive test results within 24 keep our players safe. The test- Professional Hockey Writers’ fifth in the NHL points race, agreement between the league Tweets released on Sunday, sev- breathing documents, which hours, noting that teams were ing protocols we agreed to are Association. third in even-strength points and the players union, offi cials eral NFL players voiced concern means they will change as we anxious to ensure they did not one critical factor that will help The winner will be announced (62) and fourth in power-play said Monday. over safety issues, warning the get new information,” Sills told strain testing resources for the us return to work safely, and during the conference finals points (31). No other Ava- Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief season could be jeopardised if ESPN. general public in their respective gives us the best chance to play or before the Stanley Cup lanche player had more than medical offi cer, said players no action was taken. “They will undoubtedly be markets. and fi nish the season,’’ the union Final, per the NHL. 50 points (Cale Makar). would be tested daily for two “If the NFL doesn’t do their changing over time, which is “Any decision that we make, said in a statement Monday. All three players were named Panarin, 28, led all NHL play- weeks until the positive test part to keep players healthy what we usually see in medi- whether it’s around testing The call for daily testing by as finalists for the Ted Lindsay ers in even-strength points rate fell below fi ve %. Once that there is no football in 2020. It’s cine.” or screening or treatment or NFL players comes amid cries Award last week. That award, (71), tied for second in assists threshold was reached, testing that simple,” said Cleveland Players reporting for duty at games, we want to make sure of outrage by some offi cials which was formerly known as (63) and tied for third in would switch to every other day. Browns star Myles Garrett. team facilities for the fi rst time that we are in no way having a who complain that pro sports the Lester B. Pearson Award, scoring with 95 points in 69 If the positive test rate re- “I am concerned. My wife meanwhile will be required to negative impact on the public leagues are clogging testing labs is presented annually to the games. Panarin’s point total mained higher than fi ve %, play- is pregnant. Training camp is test negative twice before being health situation,” Sills said. and getting results back imme- most outstanding player in was 20 more than the Rang- ers would continue to receive about to start... and there’s still allowed on the premises. “That is acutely true when diately while others have to wait the league as voted by the ers’ next leading scorer (Mika daily testing. no clear plan on player health “We recognise that, as play- you speak about testing. We weeks to fi nd out of they have members of the NHL Players’ Zibanejad, 75). Monday’s agreement settles and family safety,” added Seattle ers and coaches and staff come have had ongoing and extensive Covid-19. Gulf Times Wednesday, July 22, 2020 5 SPORT

FOCUS Warriors keen on Sonny Bill aft er Wolfpack withdrawal Reuters the title in 2013, are likely to be fi rst when Sonny could even get to Aus- Sydney in the queue having lost a couple tralia. But we’d be mad not to ask of key players to injury since the the question.” league resumed at the end of May. The Warriors, the only NRL ew Zealand Warriors have Warriors chief executive Cam- team based outside Australia, were expressed an interest in eron George, though, said his side forced to leave New Zealand in early Nsigning Sonny Bill Wil- would also be interested in bringing May to undergo two weeks of isola- liams on a short-term the 34-year-old former Kiwis for- tion before the league resumed. deal if the dual code international ward to the Auckland-based club. Four of their players will return heads Down Under after being re- “We’re in a position where obvi- home at the end of July to reunite leased by the Toronto Wolfpack. ously we’re going to require players with their families, leaving the The Toronto team withdraw on and if Sonny Bill Williams becomes squad with a manpower shortage Monday from the August restart of available, of course, we’re going to compounded by a slew of injuries. Super League Europe due to fi nan- look at how it could happen,” he Williams, who won the rugby cial challenges from the Covid-19 told NRL.com. union World Cup twice with the All outbreak, leaving marquee recruit “We’ll reach out for sure to try Blacks, would have to undergo two Williams free to fi nd a club in Aus- and understand the situation, we’re weeks of quarantine with his family tralia’s National Rugby League already looking for loan players so if he returns to New Zealand, and (NRL). imagine if it came off ? again if he subsequently crosses The reigning champion Sydney “The stars would have to be the Tasman Sea to play for an NRL Roosters, who Williams helped to aligned, and I don’t know if and team.

RUGBY ATHLETICS Berlin’s ISTAF meet to take place with World champs South 3,500 fans in Sept

DPA “3,500 instead of 45,000 Berlin - the ISTAF will certainly be diff erent this time around. But it is a fi rst small step towards erlin’s ISTAF athletics normality,” Seeger said. Africa will not play meet can take place in “We want to send a signal Bfront of up to 3,500 for the whole of sport with the fans in September, ISTAF and want to be a shin- making it one of the fi rst big ing light for athletics,” Seeger event in the country to have an added, saying they also want attendance amid the coronavi- to show “that we are there for rus pandemic. fans and athletes in diffi cult “We are very happy that times.” at home this year we can at least allow sev- Other sports are also aim- eral thousand fans to attend ing to have fans back in au- thanks to our comprehensive tumn, with football authori- ‘There is a legal and binding agreement with the SANZAAR alliance, and anyone in safety and hygiene concept,” ties hoping that a September 5 meet director Martin See- Nations League match against breach of that would put themselves in a position to be held liable’ ber said in a statement on the Spain in Stuttgart, the fi rst ISTAF homepage yesterday. round of the German cup a “Our planning is based on week later, and the September the safety and health of eve- 18 Bundesliga start will also ryone.” no longer have to take place The ISTAF is set for Sep- behind closed doors. tember 13 in the vast Olympic German Interior Minister Stadium, with Swedish pole Horst Seehofer told yester- vault world record holder Ar- day’s Muenchner Merkur pa- mand Duplantis and popular per he is upbeat that fans can German steeplechaser Gesa return to football in autumn Krause among the registered after detailed concepts for top athletes. such a return have been pre- The 3,500 fans will be joined sented. by an additional 1,500 people, “I have long been of the ranging from athletes and of- opinion that spectators can fi cials to security and technical be let into stadiums again if a personnel, and media. strong hygiene concept is in This is conform with local place,” Seehofer said. coronavirus-related health “It could start in autumn. regulations which allow out- Of course not with a sold out door events with up to 5,000 arena but the numbers can rise people as long as hygiene and step by step. social distancing rules are ob- “The virus hits where the served. rules are not observed.”

England rugby Grand Slam winner Mike Slemen dies The English Rugby Football 1980 Grand Slam in the then Union yesterday paid tribute Five Nations championship. to Grand Slam winner Mike Beaumont, who is now the South Africa players celebrate with the Webb Ellis trophy after winning the Rugby Union World Cup Final at International Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama, Japan, on November 2, Slemen, who has died at the chairman of World Rugby, 2019. (Reuters) age of 69. described Slemen as “a great Slemen, who played on the rugby player and a great all- AFP for August and September. By all six home internationals is a Africa and Argentina. “There is countries with no rugby possible wing, won 31 England caps round sportsman”. Johannesburg late Monday, South Africa had huge fi nancial blow to the na- a legal and binding agreement since mid March. between 1976 and 1984 and “He gave so much to the 373,628 confi rmed cases of the tional union, which made small with the SANZAAR alliance, and Roux said all options were be- played one Test for the British game in his playing days, as Coviod-19 disease and 5,173 profi ts in the last two years. anyone in breach of that would ing considered for the four South and Irish Lions. a club and England coach orld champions deaths, with the pandemic yet to South Africa won the World put themselves in a position to African Super Rugby sides (the He was a pivotal part of the and as director of sport at South Africa will peak in the most aff ected African Cup a record-equalling third be held liable,” said Roux. Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Storm- England side, captained by Merchant Taylors’ School, Wnot host any Tests country. Roux did not, however, time last November by defeat- “We have not been kicked ers) including moving to the pre- Bill Beaumont, that won the Crosby,” he said. this year due to the rule out the possibility of the ing England 32-12 in the fi nal in out of Super Rugby. If anything, dominantly European Pro14. coronavirus pandemic, national Springboks playing abroad later Japanese city Yokohama. New Zealand kicked themselves There has been speculation rugby union chief executive Jurie this year. Turning to Super Rugby, Roux out of it.” that a competition that includes Roux said yesterday during a vir- He said there could be a re- said New Zealand alone cannot The 2020 edition was sus- four Irish and Welsh sides and RUGBY LEAGUE tual media briefi ng. vamped Rugby Championship in decide the composition of the pended in March due to the two each from Italy, Scotland July internationals against New Zealand, and talks were on- annual competition. pandemic and New Zealand and and South Africa, could be ex- Scotland and Georgia were can- going regarding a tour of Europe. New Zealand announced last Australia have since started do- panded to a ‘Pro16’. celled several months ago and Triple world champions South week that they would create a mestic versions. Were that to happen, current Australia to launch Rugby Championship fi xtures Africa are due to play Italy, Ire- new competition next year, in- South Africa and Argentina South African participants the with Argentina, Australia and land, France and Wales during cluding Australia and the Pacifi c have been much harder hit by Cheetahs and Kings might have New Zealand were scheduled November. The cancellation of Islands, but excluding South Covid-19 than the Australasian to drop out. World Cup defence

SPOTLIGHT against Fiji

AFP A total of 16 nations are London competing in four groups at Norman sets world leading 9.86s for 100m in Texas the men’s event, which ends with the fi nal at Old Traff ord AFP time in 2020, which has seen the ustralia will begin on November 27. Dallas season decimated by the corona- the defence of their Jon Dutton, the tourna- virus, was a 9.91sec clocked by ARugby League World ment’s chief executive, said: South Africa’s Akani Simbine in Cup title against “This is a huge moment for S 400m sprinter Pretoria in March. Fiji at next year’s tournament the tournament and for fans Michael Norman Monday’s time makes Norman in England, organisers an- across the world as we reveal Uclocked a world-leading only the second man in history nounced yesterday. the full fi xture schedule. 9.86 seconds for the 100 to run under 10sec for the 100m, The 2017 champions’ fi rst “The tournament has been metres at a meeting in Texas on under 20sec for the 200m, and match will take place on Oc- gaining momentum over re- Monday, World Athletics said. under 44sec for the 400m. tober 23 in Hull after hosts cent months and fans can The 22-year-old from Cali- The only other sprinter to England open the tournament really look forward to be- fornia blasted to victory in Fort duck under all three benchmarks in Newcastle against Samoa ing part of this unique, glo- Worth in what was his fi rst 100m is South Africa’s Olympic 400m earlier that day. bal event. With match dates race since 2016. “After four champion Wayde van Niekerk. Australia also face Scotland and locations confi rmed, the long years I fi nally got to run the Norman’s 100m time on and Italy in Group B. excitement will only inten- 100m,” Norman said in a post on Monday follows a disappointing England, the defeated fi - sify.” Twitter after the race. end to his 2019 season, when an nalists in 2017, face Samoa, For the fi rst time the wom- Track and fi eld’s governing unspecifi ed injury saw him fail France and Greece in Group en’s and wheelchair competi- body World Athletics later de- to reach the fi nal of the 400m A while 2008 winners New tions are being staged along- scribed Norman’s wind-legal at the World Championships Zealand are in Group C with side the men’s tournament, time as a world-leading mark. in Doha, an event he had been In this file photo taken on June 29, 2019, Michael Norman of the United States crosses the finish line to win Lebanon, Jamaica and Ire- with all three fi nals taking The previous fastest 100m tipped to in. the men’s 400m during the Prefontaine Classic at Cobb Track & Angell Field in Stanford, California. (AFP) land. place on the same weekend. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, July 22, 2020 SPORT

TENNIS US Open ‘not impacted’ by cancellation of Citi Open

AFP surge towards four million, with more Washington than 140,000 deaths. No spectators will Palermo Open will bear losses to get Tour going again be allowed at either tournament in New York, part of the safety measures in place The Palermo Ladies Open will lose email. The WTA International tourna- been staged during the shutdown, S Open organisers said yester- to try and prevent Covid-19 infections at money when it gets the WTA Tour ment off ers 280 rankings points to including Novak Djokovic’s Adria day the cancellation of next a facility which was used as a temporary going again next month but tourna- the champion, compared to 1,000 Tour charity event, which was Umonth’s tournament in Wash- coronavirus hospital area when the re- ment director Oliviero Palma says for the winner of a Premier level played in front of big crowds in ington DC “in no way impacts” gion was the epicentre of the pandemic. they will carry that burden to prove event, and would usually attract only Serbia and Croatia. Palma said he the behind-closed-doors Grand Slam World number one Novak Djokovic ear- professional tennis can resume a modest field. Not this year, how- was “disappointed” with images of scheduled for the end of August. lier this month said he was undecided safely. ever. “The draw is insane, almost like players embracing at the net and The Citi Open tournament was due to ciation (USTA) said in a statement. “The over whether to travel to compete in the When action on the clay courts of a Premier,” said Palma, with a host of partying during that event, which mark the resumption of the men’s tennis USTA will create a safe and controlled US Open. the Sicilian capital gets underway on players in the top 20, including two- was heavily criticized after a lack of season after the coronavirus lockdown but environment for players and everyone Last week world number three Domin- August 3, it will mark the first time times Grand Slam champion Simona health precautions saw Djokovic and has been called off because of “continued else involved in both tournaments that ic Thiem said that the tournament was a tennis ball has been hit in anger Halep, set to participate. “I believe several other players tested positive uncertainties” amid the pandemic. The mitigates health risks.” “on shaky legs”. across the WTA or ATP Tours since players and the WTA have faith in us, for Covid-19. In Palermo there would event in the US capital was set to start on It added: “We constantly base our de- The tennis season has been at a stand- they were suspended in early March but also in Sicily, a place that, touch be strict health protocols for players August 13, but the ATP Tour has pushed its cisions regarding hosting these tourna- still since mid-March due to the virus out- because of the Covid-19 pandemic. wood, we can aff irm is Covid-19 free.” and the number of spectators at the return back to later in the month. ments on our three guiding principles break worldwide. “It’s disappointing that Palma, the chief executive and Italy was the first European country 1,500-seat centre court would be The Cincinnati Open and US Open are that include safety and health of all in- due to these unprecedented times, the Citi director of the event, told Reuters to be hit hard by the novel corona- restricted to 350, he added. still scheduled to take place back-to- volved, whether hosting these events are Open will not be able to go ahead this year,” he was proud to be in charge of the virus but the number of daily new “All players and coaches will back in New York from August 20, despite in the best interest in the sport of tennis said ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi. tournament that will end the five- infections being reported is a frac- undergo... tests before they come, several leading fi gures in men’s tennis and whether this decision is fi nancially “Unfortunately for the moment there month shutdown. “I honestly feel tion of those seen in late March. Over as they arrive and every four days,” casting doubts over the hardcourt Grand viable. We are confi dent we remain in- are still large factors at play which are the responsibility to show the world 3,000 people contracted the virus said Palma, adding there would be a Slam. “This decision in no way impacts line with all three guiding principles.” outside of our control. We look forward that you can play tennis, but using in Sicily but most have recovered. smaller team of ball boys and girls, the US Open or the Western & Southern US authorities are struggling to han- to the Citi Open returning as one of our all kinds of precautions,” he said by Several exhibition events have and linesmen. (Reuters) Open,” the United States Tennis Asso- dle the coronavirus crisis as infections signature American events in 2021.”

GOLF MOTORCYCLING Marquez aiming for August return Pepperell voices aft er successful arm surgery

Reuters internally to his right humer- Madrid us, would remain in hospital concern over for up to 48 hours. “His aim is to return to the otoGP champion 2020 World Championship as Marc Marquez soon as possible with an ex- Mcould be back in pected date becoming clearer action next month soon,” the team added. after his Repsol Honda team That could be the third reported successful surgery to round of the season in the European Tour his right arm yesterday. Czech Republic on Aug. 9. Marquez suff ered the in- “Our goal, in principle, jury when he crashed four laps would be to see if he can be fi t ‘I don’t pay my caddie as much, I don’t pay my coach as much, I don’t pay my physio as from the end of the season- to be in Brno,” surgeon Xavier opening Spanish Grand Prix in Mir told Catalunya Radio be- much so they’re not as wealthy and that’s what concerns me with not just golf obviously’ Jerez on Sunday. fore the operation. The six times MotoGP Repsol Honda boss Alberto AFP champion had surgery in Bar- Puig indicated the team would London celona, with the radial nerve not replace Marquez for race not aff ected - a boost for the two at Jerez, with the focus on rider’s hopes of an early return, the Spaniard’s younger broth- ritish golfer Eddie Pep- although he is sure to miss er and team mate Alex. perell said yesterday the second round at the same “Marc will take some time Bhe is concerned for the southern circuit this weekend. to recover but we are happy future of the European Honda said the Spaniard, with how it all went,” Puig told Tour given the “frankly terrify- who had a titanium plate fi xed marca.com. ing” state of the global economy due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Tour starts its newly formed British swing today at the British Masters after return- ing to action with two events in Austria earlier this month. Pepperell, ranked 82nd in the world, won the British Masters in 2018 and was runner-up last year. The tournament, at Close House golf Course in northeast England, has a prize fund of 1.25 million euros ($1.5 million) and is the fi rst of six consecutive events in Britain. The remaining fi ve tourna- ments have purses of one million euros each and are funded by the European Tour itself. In stark contrast, the US- based PGA Tour has been pro- viding full prize funds since it returned last month and $10.5 Six times MotoGP champion Marc Marquez. million is up for grabs at next week’s WGC-FedEx St Jude In- vitational. SPOTLIGHT Pepperell, 29, personally feels under no fi nancial pressure to play, but is concerned about the broader picture for the Euro- Zanardi leaves pean game. “I worry more about the cascading eff ects because if we’re playing for 30 percent less hospital for specialist then that has a knock-on eff ect,” he said. “I don’t pay my caddie as British golfer Eddie Pepperell. neuro-rehab centre much, I don’t pay my coach as much, I don’t pay my physio as ultimately there’s probably a sues. All players, caddies and each other as much as they can,” style almost. AFP ago, suff ered serious head in- much so they’re not as wealthy dozen companies on the planet offi cials were tested for the virus Westwood said. “They seem to have thought Milan juries when he lost control and that’s what concerns me that could have survived this before travelling to the venue “I was amazed at the system of everything, including getting of his handbike during a road with not just golf obviously. crisis without massive interven- and again when arriving on site, the European Tour have set up. checked every day when you get race in Tuscany and crashed “It’s the whole situation we tion and they are the Apples and with anyone testing positive We all got tested before we trav- up to see if you have symptoms. aralympic cham- into an oncoming truck on see around the world, the de- Amazons of the world.” being forced out of the event elled and then once at the event “There’s not a moment in pion and former For- June 19. fl ationary aspect of it which is Meanwhile, British Masters to self-isolate. “It’s up to us to the testing procedure has been the day when it doesn’t feel like Pmula One driver Alex Zanardi has become one frankly, a little terrifying.” host Lee Westwood is confi dent be very careful and so far, from very thorough. your health is being checked or Zanardi has been of the best-known fi gures in Asked if he feared for the fu- the strict approach taken by what I’ve witnessed, people are “Everyone that has been somebody’s got an eye on you transferred to a specialised paralympic sports following ture of the European Tour, Pep- the European Tour will ensure a sticking to it by the letter, wear- through it can only have found and that’s probably a good thing neurological rehabilitation the 2001 motor racing acci- perell added: “I suppose so, but tournament free from virus is- ing masks and staying away from it impressive and it’s military- right now.” centre, doctors at the hospital dent on the Lausitzring track where he was being treated in Germany. after a serious handbike ac- He raced for Jordan, Minar- cident last month said yester- di and Lotus in F1 in the early Hamilton disappointed with past champions’ comments on racism day. 1990s before switching to the “Following the suspension CART championship in the Lewis Hamilton has hit back at The American great also spoke, One had as big a problem as it “Again, this is plain ignorance has taken a knee before all three of sedation, the normality of United States where he was past Formula One champions in comments translated into might seem. but that will not stop me from of the season’s races so far, his cardio-respiratory and series champion in 1997 and Mario Andretti and Jackie Stew- Spanish, of “creating a problem Hamilton is the only Black driver continuing to push for change,” wearing a Black Lives Matter metabolic conditions, and the 1998. art for their comments on his that doesn’t exist” and added in a sport that is heavily white he said of Andretti’s comments. T-shirt and using his platform to stability of both his general He returned to F1 with Wil- anti-racism stance and push for that “in motor racing colour and male. “It is never too late to learn and speak out against racial injustice. clinical condition and neu- liams in 1999 before heading greater diversity in the sport. doesn’t matter; you have to win “This is disappointing but I hope that this man who I’ve In Hungary last weekend, where rological picture enabled the back to CART. Andretti, who won his title in your place with results, and unfortunately a reality that some always had respect for can take the drivers’ pre-race anti-racism champion to be transferred to Zanardi won two gold med- 1978 and is now 80, was quoted that’s the same for everyone.”. of the older generation who still the time to educate himself,” gesture appeared hurried and a specialised recovery reha- als at the 2012 London Para- by the Chilean newspaper El Triple champion Stewart, 81 and have a voice today cannot get added the Mercedes driver. Of disorganised, the 35-year- bilitation centre,” a statement lympic Games and four years Mercurio as saying he had a lot Britain’s most successful driver out of their own way and ac- Stewart’s comments, the Briton old called on Formula One in from Siena’s Santa Maria delle later won two more in Rio de of respect for the six times world until Hamilton came along, had knowledge there is a problem,” wrote: “Again, another one. Just general to do more in the fight Scotte hospital said. Janeiro. champion but asked why he had told ITV’s Good Morning Britain Hamilton said in an Instagram disappointing.” against racism. Zanardi, who had both his He also won the Rome mar- ‘become a militant’. that he did not think Formula story. Championship leader Hamilton (Reuters) legs amputated after a motor athon in 2010 and the New racing accident two decades York race the following year. Gulf Times Wednesday, July 22, 2020 7 FOOTBALL

SERIE A Relegated Deportivo fume over ‘botched’ decision to delay fi nal game

Madrid: Former Spanish cham- complaints” from other clubs Ronaldo puts Juve pions Deportivo La Coruna who felt similarly hard done were set yesterday to contest by this “botched decision”. the “botched” decision to post- However yesterday president pone their final match of the of the Spanish football league second division season after Javier Tebas insisted that the players on the opposing team final round of matches “will not tested positive for coronavirus. be replayed”. on brink of ninth Deportivo were relegated “Fuenlabrada made the trip to the third tier on Monday (to Deportivo) because after as the rest of the division the tests, all of those who had finished their campaigns while not tested positive travelled Deportivo were forced to sit out and were in perfect shape to the final round of fixtures. “The play,” Tebas said. Monday’s last day’s matches must all be game against Fuenlabrada has straight title replayed,” claimed Deportivo been rescheduled for July 30 president Fernando Vidal, who after at least eight positive Cov- announced the club would be id-19 tests, including six players lodging appeals to the Spanish at the Madrid-based club. Ronaldo is the first player to hit 50 goals in Serie A, La Liga and Premier League league and the Court of Arbitra- Failing a successful appeal tion for Sport. the delayed match is academic Vidal had initially praised La for Deportivo, but the encoun- Liga for “acting correctly with ter has wider significance. Not all the protocols assiduously least for Fuenlabrada, who applied” in calling off Monday’s could still reach the promo- game against Fuenlabrada. But tion play-off s for La Liga with later he had an altogether dif- at least a draw, at the expense ferent response after the 2000 of Elche, who are now left in La Liga champions dropped limbo ahead of the rescheduled down another division follow- fixture. “What do we do? Do we ing wins for relegation rivals continue to train, or give the Albacete and Lugo over Cadiz players two days off ?” asked and Mirandes respectively. Elche manager ‘Pacheta’. “We’re “We were very surprised going to explode. We’ve been when they told us all the other playing for the past two and a games were going ahead,” half months without a break,” Vidal told reporters. “A major added the former Spanish mistake has been made. The international. final two rounds of matches Spanish media reports that must kick off at the same time. after Monday’s postponement, The last day must be replayed, the promotion play-off semi- there’s no other solution.” finals will be moved to August He added: “Not respecting 2 and 5, with the final to be held the principle of equality for all over two matches on August 8 is the last straw. How can this and 11. Huesca won the second happen in Spanish football, division title on Monday, and which claims to be the best will be joined by Cadiz in La league in the world, but in real- Liga, where they will face ity is a fool’s game.” the likes of Real Madrid and Vidal predicted “a flood of Barcelona.

LIGUE 1 Kovac’s Monaco arrival highlights ‘ambition’ for club AFP Monaco

onaco vice-presi- dent Oleg Petrov said Myesterday appoint- Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo (right) celebrates with teammates Leonardo Bonucci (left) and Adrien Rabiot after scoring against Lazio on Monday night. (AFP) ing former Bayern Munich and Croatia boss Niko Kovac AFP Sarri added: “Cristiano is an impres- since 2000 are eff ectively over as the de- a Bastos handball was confi rmed after a as the Ligue 1 club’s coach Turin, Italy sive player because he has the extraordi- feat leaves them fourth, 11 points adrift VAR review. underlines their ambition. Ko- nary ability to complete a quick recovery of the leaders. Just one point had sepa- Ronaldo stepped up to slot in on 51 vac was sacked by the German between games. Not only physically, but, rated Juventus from Lazio when Serie A minutes and added a second after a Luiz side last November after leading ristiano Ronaldo put Juventus above all, mentally: he is a champion with returned last month following the three- Felipe blunder allowed Dybala to gain them to a domestic double in his on the brink of a ninth consecu- his feet, but also with his head.” month coronavirus lockdown. possession with the Argentine powering fi rst season in charge. Ctive Italian league title on Mon- Ronaldo grabbed the fi rst goal from But Simone Inzaghi’s side have been up the pitch, before teeing up the Portu- Petrov dismissed former Spain day night after he scored twice the penalty spot just after the break and hit by injuries and poor form since the re- guese to fi nish off . The fi ve-time Ballon coach Robert Moreno on Sat- a small team but we know each in a 2-1 win over Lazio to become the fi rst was handed a tap-in three minutes later turn, losing fi ve of eight games, with four d’Or winner missed the chance of a hat- urday after barely six months in other well,” Kovac said as he was player to hit 50 goals in Serie A, La Liga by teammate Paulo Dybala. The Portu- of those defeats coming in the last fi ve trick when his header hit the crossbar af- charge before replacing him with presented to the media at a press and the Premier League. guese has scored 30 goals this season, matches. Both sides had early chances ter 66 minutes. Kovac. “It’s a strong choice that conference. Juventus ended a three-match win- equal with Lazio’s Ciro Immobile, who with Felipe Caicedo coming close early for Lazio pulled a goal back with seven shows our desire and ambition to Last month Petrov appoint- less run thanks to Ronaldo’s second-half ended his three-match drought with a the visitors behind closed doors at the Al- minutes to go after a Bonucci foul on do as much as possible to reach ed former RB Leipzig head of brace that moves them eight points clear late penalty. His second was his 50th goal lianz Stadium, and an Alex Sandro header Immobile, who converted the resulting our goal: to make Monaco a suc- recruitment Paul Mitchell as of second-placed Inter Milan with four in Serie A, after also passing the landmark clipping the woodwork. spot-kick. “There is a bit of regret be- cessful club,” Petrov said. sporting director. Mitchell was games remaining. Maurizio Sarri’s side in England and Spain. The 35-year-old Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha cause after the lockdown we had a lot of “It’s a signifi cant, assumed also technical director for the could win the title tomorrow against low- is now looking to become the fi rst player got his hand to push an angled Adrien problems,” said Inzaghi, whose side had change aligned with the strategy energy drink company’s stable of ly Udinese, or on Sunday at home against to fi nish top scorer in three of the top fi ve Rabiot eff ort over the bar with Ronaldo beaten Juventus twice this season, in the of the squad. To reinforce our clubs including Kovac’s former Sampdoria, depending on their rivals’ European leagues after doing so England heading wide. An Immobile rocket from reverse league fi xture in Rome and the ability, to sustainably build to side Red Bull Salzburg. results this week. “We are missing four and Spain. the edge of the box hit the bottom of the Italian Super Cup fi nal. reach our long-term objectives,” Monaco fi nished ninth in the points, only after we have achieved them “Records are always important, but the post with goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny “At the end of the game I congratulated the Russian added. league after the campaign was will we then be able to think about the team victory is more important,” said Ro- beaten. the lads because despite the problems we Kovac, 48, arrives at the Sta- declared over due to the coro- goal achieved,” said Sarri. “All the games naldo. “I’m helping the team to win. It’s Lazio could thank defender Manuel showed character. The important thing de Louis II on a three-year deal navirus pandemic but won the are diffi cult now, and in the space of six important to win the title. There are four Lazzari for a goal-line clearance just after is we want to celebrate a return to the with an optional extra season title in 2017. Kovac’s fi rst game days, we play three games. So, we must games left and we know that Serie A is a the break as Dybala threatened and Ron- Champions League after 13 years.” Lazio alongside his brother Robert, in charge is today’s pre-season stay focused and think about securing the diffi cult championship.” aldo tried to fi nish amid chaos in front of are in the fi nal Champions League berth Goran Lackovic, and condition- friendly at Standard Liege before missing points.” Lazio’s hopes of a fi rst Serie A title goal. But the hosts got their chance when 11 points ahead of city rivals Roma. ing coach Walter Gfrerer. “It’s a week-long camp in Poland.

ROUND-UP FOCUS Marseille sign Balerdi on Huge send-off for English and Irish hero Jack Charlton loan from Dortmund AFP arseille have signed please coach Andre Villas-Boas, Ashington, United Kingdom Argentina defender whose team fi nished second MLeonardo Balerdi in Ligue 1 last season to reach from Borussia Dort- the Champions League but housands lined the streets yes- mund, both clubs announced needed strengthening in central terday to pay their respects to yesterday. In a statement, the defence. Tthe late Jack Charlton, who won clubs said Marseille had signed the World Cup with England in the 21-year-old on a one-season BECKHAM’S INTER MIAMI 1966 before becoming a national hero as loan deal with an option to buy. ELIMINATED FROM a manager across the Irish Sea. French media report Marseille MLS TOURNAMENT Crowds thronged the former mining will have to spend 15mn euros David Beckham’s Inter Mi- town of Ashington, in northeast England, ($17.2mn) if they do wish to buy ami became the fi rst side to be where Charlton grew up and maintained the centre-back before the end eliminated from Major League strong ties until his death earlier this of next season. Dortmund’s Soccer’s restart competition on month at the age of 85. sporting director Michael Zorc Monday after stumbling to a 1-0 Well-wishers also gathered in Ballina, said in a statement Balerdi had defeat to New York City FC. in the west of Ireland, to bid farewell to approached the club with a A second-half strike from the man who transformed the national transfer request in the hope of Libya international Ismael side’s fortunes, taking them to their fi rst getting more playing time. Tajouri-Shradi kept New York’s two World Cup fi nals. Jack Charlton’s wife Pat (centre) arrives with the funeral cortege of her husband in Newcastle yesterday. (AFP) Balerdi, who played eight hopes of reaching the knockout People in the town painted a mural of times for Dortmund since sign- rounds alive while condemning Charlton, who used to fi sh nearby, hold- was placed next to the coffi n. The family scarves — those of England, Ireland and tle, he went to his knees, a big hard man ing for Boca Juniors in 2019, is Miami to a fi rst round exit from ing a pint of Guinness and there is a pro- said Bobby was not well enough to attend Leeds United — the only club he played like that showing such emotion. I’ll never expected to join his new club in Group A in Orlando. posal to name a footbridge after him. the service. The cortege was greeted with for. Peter Mather, a 68-year-old semi- forget it.” Bavaria, before their friendly In the night match, Mauri- The funeral cortege of a hearse — a round of applause by a partly masked retired bricklayer, stood on the funeral Irishman Patrick Wilson made the with German fourth division cio Pereyra’s 70th-minute goal which was preceded by a pall-bearer and crowd, with some mourners wiping away route with a sign saying “Howay Wor 25-minute journey with his family from side SV Heimstetten. helped Orlando City SC earn a a Northumberland piper — and three tears. “The word legend can be over- Jack”. a nearby town to Ashington. “We look at He is Marseille’s second 1-1 draw with Philadelphia Un- cars holding mourners drove through the used but certainly not in this case,” said “I never normally wear a cap but I’ve him as a humble person, a man for the recruit of the summer follow- ion and capture Group A. streets of Ashington before leaving for a an Ashington Football Club spokesman. got one on today out of respect to Jack,” people,” said the 68-year-old civil engi- ing the arrival of midfi elder The teams are level on points private service at a crematorium. “Always happy to help in the town, visit he said, referring to Charlton’s habit of neer. “Jack set football off in Ireland. We Pape Gueye, another promising at the top of the group, however, A fl oral tribute from Jack’s younger schools and community events when wearing a fl at cap. “I lived over the road used to call it soccer. He was a simple sort 21-year-old, from Le Havre. Orlando took fi rst place because brother Bobby, 82, who was in the 1966 asked. A giant who will be sorely missed.” from here and I vividly remember watch- of person with no airs or graces. Everyone The signing of Balerdi will of a superior goal diff erence. World Cup-winning team alongside Jack, His coffi n was draped with three ing the World Cup fi nal. At the fi nal whis- was the same in Jack’s eyes.” Wednesday, July 22, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT ‘Christmas’ for Klopp as Liverpool prepare to lift Premier League trophy AFP urged supporters to stay at home after side police has already warned fans not Timo Werner will join Chelsea next London crowds gathered around Anfi eld and in to repeat the widespread gatherings season despite interest from Liverpool Liverpool city centre following their ti- that took place on the city’s waterfront in the German international before the tle win last month. after the club’s title win last month, outbreak of the illness, which forced urgen Klopp said he felt like it Klopp is relieved his players will get amid fears of a fresh spike in Covid-19 Klopp to reevaluate his transfer plans. was Christmas Eve yesterday as the chance to celebrate inside the sta- infections. “We don’t want to say it is “I’m completely happy with my squad,” JLiverpool count down the hours dium because they did not seal the title completely wrong but it is not right. We Klopp said. until they lift the Premier League on the pitch — Manchester City’s de- cannot excuse one wrong thing with “It’s not that we don’t want (to sign trophy after a 30-year wait. The Reds feat at Chelsea ended the race. “Every- another,” Klopp said. “The fi rst chance players), but we try to make right deci- will lift the trophy on the Kop stand body in the club worked so hard for it, we get, will have this party, but only sions. Covid came and changed the sit- at Anfi eld after today’s clash against so it should be in the stadium,” he said. when it is appropriate. It’s a challenge, uation again. Not to the better for any Chelsea. “From a professional basis (it will be) but we’ve faced bigger ones at this club. business in the world but for football as “It’s like Christmas,” said the Ger- 100% one of the great days in my life to Stay at home with family.” well. It’s not that we can’t improve, we man manager. “If you know beforehand get our hands on this trophy that eve- Chelsea travel to Anfi eld in far greater just do what is possible for us and what you have a certain present, there is still ryone was waiting so long for and two need of the points as one win from their we are able to do, that’s all. excitement. We are very excited about or three years ago nobody thought it fi nal two matches will secure Champi- “We had to build this and that need- that. I never touched a Premier League would be possible for us. It’s a mile- ons League football next season. The ed time. It’s not about spending, it’s trophy ever before, that will be special.” stone, it’s a very important day but not Blues have also been the fi rst of the Pre- about having the right team. We can The celebrations will take place the last one for us,” the German added. mier League’s big clubs to spend in the buy if we have the money for it or the without fans in the stadium due to the Klopp has urged the club’s support- transfer market to try and bridge the need for it. If one of these things is not coronavirus pandemic and Klopp again ers to celebrate at home. The Mersey- gap to Liverpool at the top of the table. there, we will not.”

PREMIER LEAGUE FOCUS Chelsea ‘a long way’ behind Watford relegation Liverpool, warns Lampard AFP London

helsea manager Frank Lampard warned fears mount aft er his side will have to make huge strides Cto challenge Liverpool for the Premier League title next year, despite already making big moves in the transfer market. Lam- pard’s men travel to the champions today hoping to get the win they need to guarantee Champions thrashing by City League football next season. Liverpool’s form has tailed off since clinch- ing a fi rst title in 30 years last month, but Jurgen Bournemouth would have been relegated had Watford managed a point Klopp’s men remain 30 points ahead of Chelsea. “A long way,” said Lampard when asked how far off his side from the consistent standards of Liv- erpool and Manchester City. “We have to be realistic about that as a club, as do many of the other clubs, because themselves and Manchester City, particularly Liverpool this liga club. Any further business this summer will year, have shown an incredible consistency that largely depend on Chelsea securing a return to the only comes through hard work and time with fan- Champions League. tastic players and fantastic coaching. Lampard’s men hold a one-point lead over “We are at a diff erent point in the curve. You are Leicester and Manchester United, who face each talking about probably the two best club teams in other on the fi nal day of the season. And the world football, up there with a couple of others in former England international admitted a top- European football. The points don’t lie over the four fi nish was his primary target for his fi rst sea- past few seasons. We are realistic but we have tar- son in charge at Stamford Bridge. gets and we want to close that gap.” “We have to say it was the number one goal at Chelsea have already beaten Liverpool to the the start of the season because it is the competi- signing of German international forward Timo tion that is in front of you,” added Lampard. “It’s Werner and recruited Hakim Ziyech from Ajax. a gauge of where you are as a club. We’ve done it a The Blues are also reportedly leading the chase lot over the past 10-15 years at Chelsea. This year for Bayer Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz, who is valued was probably the most testing time to be in there, at 90mn euros ($103mn, £82mn) by the Bundes- so if we are I’ll be happy.”

LA LIGA Bale’s agent says Real Madrid forward will not leave the club

Reuters Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling (second left) celebrates after scoring against Watford during the Premier League match in London. (AFP) London

Reuters been relegated had Watford managed a point Tottenham lose at Palace in their fi nal match. London but the relegation battle will now go to the “The idea of improvement and the building eal Madrid forward last day of the season on Sunday with two process makes sense and today we achieved Gareth Bale is not from three to join Norwich City. two more points than last season with one Rleaving the club even atford lurched closer to relega- game to go,” Nuno said. “Sunday’s game is very though he has not tion from the Premier League WOLVES BOLSTER EUROPA BID diffi cult but let’s prepare well and compete.” been featuring regularly for the Wafter a 4-0 hammering at home Wolves moved closer to a place in the Europa At Bramall Lane, Sheffi eld United were La Liga champions in recent by a merciless Manchester City League with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, handed a second successive defeat, ending weeks, according to his agent yesterday for whom an inspired Raheem while Sheffi eld United’s own European hopes their bid to cap a superb fi rst season back in Jonathan Barnett. Despite win- Sterling scored twice. Two days after sacking were dashed by a 1-0 defeat against Everton the top-fl ight by earning a European berth. ning four Champions League manager Nigel Pearson, Watford were torn on Monday. At the other end of the Premier Carlo Ancelotti’s team won it in the 46th titles with Real, Bale divides apart by Pep Guardiola’s side, who also beat League table, Brighton guaranteed their Pre- minute when Brazil forward Richarlison met opinion because of a perceived them 8-0 in the league in September and 6-0 mier League survival with a 0-0 draw against Gylfi Sigurdsson’s free-kick with a glancing lack of commitment and a poor in last year’s FA Cup fi nal. Newcastle. Wolves, now unbeaten in three header for his 15th goal of the season. Chris injury record. Starting the day three points above 19th- games, opened the scoring four minutes be- Wilder’s eighth placed side are fi ve points He seemed set for a move Real Madrid’s Welsh forward Gareth Bale. (AFP) placed Bournemouth and 18th-placed Aston fore half-time at Molineux. behind Wolves and four points adrift of Tot- to Chinese club Jiangsu Sun- Villa, Watford held fi rm for half an hour be- Andros Townsend lost possession and Joao tenham with one game left. ing last year before the deal fell the BBC. “He is still as good as tred. Zidane just does not want fore Sterling’s sensational strike gave City the Moutinho found Matt Doherty, who crossed “I’m disappointed for the players today. through. The Welshman, who anyone else in the team,” Bar- to play him. Gareth trains every lead. Sterling doubled the lead for second- for Portuguese midfi elder Daniel Podence to But what you try and do in a season is get your has scored more than 100 goals nett said, adding that Bale’s day and he trains well.” placed City before halftime, tucking home a head his fi rst goal for Wolves. club to overachieve and we have ridiculously for the club, infuriated Real fans place in the team was up to Barnett said that Bale was rebound after his penalty was saved by Ben Jonny condemned Palace to a seventh suc- overachieved,” Wilder said. as he joked about falling asleep manager Zinedine Zidane. Of keen to represent Wales at next Foster, and City went hunting for more after cessive defeat in the 68th minute, turning The teams who fi nish fi fth and sixth are with a protective face mask course, there’s been interest year’s European Championship, the break. Phil Foden made it 3-0 in the 63rd to fi re home from close-range after Adama certain to reach next season’s Europa League. over his eyes while watch- but there’s hardly a club in the but ruled out a loan switch to minute before Aymeric Laporte headed in Traore and Raul Jimenez carved open the Pal- If the FA Cup winners fi nish in the top six, ing the team’s recent 2-0 win world which can aff ord him. It’s another club for regular game City’s fourth four minutes later. ace defence. then seventh place would also qualify for the over Alaves in Madrid from the a great loss that he’s not in the time to remain match fi t. Watford escaped further punishment but Nuno Espirito Santo’s side climbed to sixth Europa League. stands. Real Madrid team at the mo- “He always wants to play well the heavy defeat has wiped out the goal dif- place, one point above Tottenham, and will Arsenal, who face third-placed Chelsea in “Gareth’s fi ne. He has two ment but he’ll not leave. for Wales,” Barnett said. “Ga- ference advantage they held over Villa, who be certain to qualify for the Europa League if the FA Cup fi nal, are currently 10th, mean- years left on his contract. He “Gareth is not looking to reth’s one of the best players in were in action against Arsenal later last night, they win at Chelsea in their last game of the ing Tottenham are in danger of a fi rst season likes living in Madrid and he’s outlast Zidane. Zidane has been the world. The best players in and Bournemouth. Bournemouth would have season on Sunday. They would also qualify if without Europe competition since 2009-10. going nowhere,” Barnett told very successful. There’s no ha- the world do not go out on loan.”

BOTTOMLINE Solskjaer reaping rewards of time, patience at Man United, says Moyes Reuters derful club and a brilliant place to be, hard because we want to get better, not Solskjaer, speaking at his pre-match to make about the position for their London and the biggest club in the world, for just for this season but for the future.” press conference, was determined to penultimate Premier League match of me. It’s always a special place to go and keep the focus on today’s game against the season, given victory would give I’m looking forward to going back.” SOLSKJAER DEFENDS ‘MENTALLY West Ham rather than the struggles of his fi fth-placed side a huge boost in the est Ham United manager Solskjaer’s United were on an un- STRONG’ DE GEA AFTER ERRORS his goalkeeper. “This is not going to be- Champions League race. David Moyes said yes- beaten run of 19 matches in all compe- David de Gea is mentally strong enough come a David de Gea press conference,” Leicester’s 3-0 loss at Tottenham Wterday that his Manchester titions before losing to Chelsea in the to deal with fi erce criticism following he said. “We’re just going to stick to- on Sunday means United are not only United counterpart Ole FA Cup semi-fi nals on Sunday. a series of costly goalkeeping blunders gether. We’ve got two games, so we’re level with the fourth-placed Foxes on Gunnar Solskjaer is building an excit- West Ham have won their last two for Manchester United, manager Ole just going to focus on that one. David’s 62 points but on goal diff erence as well, ing team having been given time on the league games, scoring seven goals to Gunnar Solskjaer said. mentally strong enough to know that with the clubs going toe-to-toe at the job — something the Scot felt he was climb to 16th on 37 points, with two The 29-year-old Spaniard’s place as his job is to perform in training the next King Power Stadium in fascinating sea- not aff orded at Old Traff ord. rounds remaining and Premier League United’s number one is under severe day and then be ready for the games.” son fi nale on Sunday. Moyes, who replaced long-term ference between Ole and me is that he’s survival in sight. pressure after he was at fault for two Dean Henderson is snapping at De Solskjaer was under intense pressure United manager Alex Ferguson in 2013, being given time. He’s bringing play- “The maths tell us the job isn’t done goals in United’s 3-1 FA Cup semi-fi nal Gea’s heels after impressing on loan at himself earlier in the season but a long was dismissed after only 10 months ers in from the academy, which United yet, so we’ve got to prepare and ensure defeat against Chelsea on Sunday. It Sheffi eld United while Sergio Romero, unbeaten run either side of the corona- in charge but the 57-year-old said he have always stood for,” Moyes told a we’re ready for the next game and take came after other glaring errors over the the back-up goalkeeper surprisingly virus shutdown has turned their cam- was looking forward to returning to his news conference. the three points if we can,” Moyes said. past 18 months from De Gea, previously omitted from the FA Cup semi-fi nal paign around. The Norwegian said it former side for today’s clash. “They have got really exciting young “We’ve not changed our approach. considered among the best goalkeepers starting line-up, is waiting in the wings. was clear that United were on the right “Ole had a diffi cult start, but the dif- players of their own now... It’s a won- We’ve trained every day and prepared in the world. Solskjaer has a signifi cant decision track.