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Saturday, May 9, 2020 FOOTBALL Ramadan 16, 1441 AH Barcelona begin GULF TIMES training as La Liga eyes restart SPORT Page 2

FOOTBALL EPL does not yet have ‘green light’, minister warns ‘If we can get a plan that works then I’d like us to be able to go ahead because I think it would be good for the nation’

AFP London, United Kingdom Football to allow fi ve substitutes during post-virus fi xture backlog ritain’s Culture Sec- retary Oliver Dowden AFP each team will only have three Bwarned yesterday that Lausanne, Switzerland opportunities to make substitu- the Premier League does tions” as well as at half time or not yet have the “green light” to before extra time. resume but restated the govern- ootball teams will be In competitions that allow an ment’s hope that the season can Fallowed to use five substi- another replacement in extra be completed. tutes when play resumes time, teams will have an addi- Premier League clubs are due after the coronavirus pandem- tional substitution opportunity. to meet on Monday to discuss the ic, the sport’s law-making body The previous limit on out- latest plans for ‘Project Restart’ announced yesterday. field substitutes for top-level — a day after an expected minor The International Football As- competitions has been three in easing of coronavirus lockdown sociation Board (IFAB) said in regulation time. measures. as statement that it had agreed Clubs are understood to have to a proposal by world govern- EURO POSSIBILITY been told that the use of a lim- ing body FIFA for a temporary The IFAB said the change had ited number of neutral venues change to the rules “to protect been made “as matches may is the only way to complete the player welfare”. be played in a condensed pe- campaign, to limit the strain on Teams face likely fixture conges- riod in diff erent weather condi- essential services and discour- tion in a packed calendar as they tions, both of which could have age gatherings of supporters near attempt to make up for lost time impacts on player welfare.” stadiums. when play can resume. It added that “the decision on But those at risk of relegation The lay off is expected to have whether to apply this tempo- argue that the integrity of the an impact on player fitness rary amendment will remain competition would be compro- levels too. at the discretion of each indi- mised by the neutral-venue plan. It also said that competitions vidual competition organiser.” Brighton chief executive Paul which were using video assistant It said that, together with FIFA, Barber is opposed to the idea, referee (VAR) would be allowed it “will determine at a later with the Seagulls hovering two to drop it for the time being. stage whether this temporary points above the drop zone. The change will apply to amendment would need to be Brighton were scheduled to competitions scheduled to be extended further. play fi ve of their remaining nine completed by 31 December of That means the measure could games at home. this year, although FIFA and be maintained for the whole of Despite extensive contingency IFAB left open the possibil- the 2020-21 season and right planning, Secretary of State for In this March 11, 2020, picture, Liverpool’s Takumi Minamino comes on as a substitute to replace Roberto Firmino during the Champions League ity that the period could be through to the next European Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Round of 16 Second Leg match against Atletico Madrid at Anfield in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Reuters) extended. Championship, which was Oliver Dowden warned the Pre- While teams will be able to postponed by a year until June mier League was yet to get the safety must come fi rst so it’s only null and void and abandon rel- whose side are 10th in the table, whether you like it or not, and make five substitutions, “to and July 2021 because of the go-ahead, with testing and play- if we’re confi dent of that, we’ll be egation. said he believed footballers could people rely on it,” he said. “And if avoid disruption to the game, pandemic. er welfare major hurdles. able to proceed.” “get over” playing at neutral we can give that positive boost to “They’ve not been given the In Germany, the Bundes- RELEGATION SCRAPPED? venues if it meant the game could the country, then that would be green light,” Dowden told BBC liga announced this week that it At least one club reportedly be re-started. fantastic.” wholehearted 100 percent win on “The Premier League, the Radio yesterday. would resume matches on May wants relegation to be scrapped if “It’s not ideal but these times, Former Manchester United this no matter what decision they FA and the government, if all “If we can get a plan that works 16, behind closed doors and sub- neutral grounds are used. they call for diff erent measures,” and England defender Rio Fer- make, which is unfortunate,” he of those three bodies give it the then I’d like us to be able to go ject to extensive coronavirus But The Times said it was Mee told the BBC. “We can cer- dinand said there was no viable told the Press Association. green light then I’m sure the ahead with it because I think it testing. understood that the FA board tainly get over that fact.” resolution that would satisfy all Manchester City striker Ser- players’ protection, health and would be good for the nation, it Dowden’s comments came as supported the Premier League And he said players would be 20 clubs. gio Aguero and Brighton’s Glenn well-being will be at the top of would be good for football as a The Times newspaper reported board’s position that the league prepared to spend time in quar- “People are going to feel at Murray have raised objections their agenda to make sure they whole. that Football Association chiefs table should be decided on sport- antine if necessary. a disadvantage if certain deci- from a safety point of view but remain healthy and not at risk,” “I’m really hopeful we can get would block any attempt to de- ing merit even if it were cut short. “I think football is such an sions are made but I don’t think Ferdinand said they should put he said. this up and running but public clare the Premier League season Burnley captain Ben Mee, important part of our country, the Premier League can have a their faith in the authorities.

SPOTLIGHT ‘Largely unknown’ South Korea league kicks off football’s post-virus era AFP matches of the 2002 World Cup, tisers were located throughout is true that the K-League was or delay their seasons, a pattern Jeonju, South Korea was occupied. the venue. largely unknown globally despite that was repeated worldwide. Paper sheets taped to stadium Players have been told to avoid its competitiveness,” said league But the country appears to seats spelled out “#C_U_SOON” excessive goal celebrations, spokesman Lee Jong-kwoun. have fl attened the curve thanks he towering stands of the and “STAY STRONG”, while one handshakes, close talking and “2020 will be the fi rst year the to an extensive “trace, test and 42,477-capacity Jeonju end was draped in a giant green blowing their noses. league will be recognised and as- treat” programme, and football’s TWorld Cup Stadium banner for the Mad Green Boys, With fans around the world sessed on a global level.” return comes after baseball start- stood empty yesterday the Jeonbuk fan club. long deprived of live sport, the K- The K-League’s progress will be ed this week, also without fans. as South Korea opened football’s Once the match began, fi lling League, whose start was delayed watched closely by other leagues Life in South Korea has re- post-coronavirus era without the site were the sounds of play- two months by the pandemic, including the giants of Europe, turned largely to normal, with fans, but with an unprecedented ers shouting calls and ball kicks has signed season-long rights where Germany’s Bundesliga is workers going back to offi ces this international TV audience. that would have been buried un- deals with broadcasters who will the only competition so far to set a week under eased social distanc- With most leagues worldwide der fans’ thundering chanting show games live in 36 countries date to return, on May 16. ing rules, while a stay-on-base sidelined by the pandemic, the during normal times. and territories including Britain, Players and coaching staff will order on its 600,000 strong K-League is the fi rst competition The match was punctu- Germany and Australia. have their temperatures checked military was lifted, allowing con- of any standing to come back to ated with intermittent playing And the BBC secured a one- before each game and anyone at scripts to go on leave. life and a host of safety precau- of Jeonbuk fan club’s recorded off deal for the opening match, 37.5 C (99.5 F) or more will be iso- Schools will start re-opening tions have been imposed, with chants via speakers. which was livestreamed on its lated and tested. next week. wild goal celebrations and even The season’s opening goal was Jeonbuk Motors’ Lee Dong-gook (centre) dribbles the ball against website. If anyone gets infected during Authorities reported 12 fresh talking discouraged. a header by veteran striker Lee Suwon Samsung Bluewings during the opening game of South Korea’s “Football is back!” the British the season, their team and those coronavirus cases Friday, taking The long-delayed season- Dong-gook of Jeonbuk in the K-League football match in Jeonju yesterday. (AFP) broadcaster proclaimed, noting who played against them will the total to 10,822. opener between defending cham- eighty-third minute. it had been 59 days since the last have to take a two-week break. The K-League said spectators pions Jeonbuk Motors and Cup- Lee celebrated the scoring by patients. fi rst glimpse of post-virus foot- Premier League match. And instead of the traditional will be allowed back into stadiums holders Suwon Bluewings was posing with teammates as exces- Jeonbuk maintained the 1-0 ball and similar scenes are likely pre-game handshakes, play- progressively as the government watched by sport-starved fans in sive celebration involving close lead till the end. elsewhere as other leagues get BOWS, NOT HANDSHAKES ers have been asked to bow their eases its distancing measures. a swathe of foreign countries, even physical contact is banned by K- Before and after the match the under way. Last year the K-League sold heads from a distance. The new football season comes though spectators are not yet al- League’s safety guidelines. players bumped fi sts instead of All personnel entering the rights to only six countries, all of South Korea endured one of just three days after the return lowed at K-League games. Using sign language they ex- handshakes as advised. stadium had their temperatures them in Asia. the worst early outbreaks of Cov- of professional baseball in South Only the media section of the pressed their “respect” for medi- The match, played under checked and were required to “Because we had limited ex- id-19 outside China, prompting Korea, which has struck a televi- stadium, which hosted three cal workers treating coronavirus stringent safety guidelines, is the wear face masks, and hand sani- posure to international fans, it professional sports to suspend sion deal with ESPN for US fans. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, May 9, 2020 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Blast from the past PHOTO OF THE DAY With sporting events around the world grinding to a halt, Gulf Times Sport dived down the vault for some Spurs sharpshooter fantastic, sometimes off beat stories that can be told through pictures. Son completes Dakar Rally Dream Team Nasser al-Attiyah and co-driver Mathieu Baumel return to winning ways with four of five military training stage victories at the Qatar Cross Country Rally 2020 on February 28, 2020. The Qatari home favourite al-Attiyah Reuters and his French co-driver Baumel led from start to finish Bengaluru, India for a winning margin of over one-and-a-half hours at the season opener of the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies in Qatar. “This was not an easy race with lots ottenham Hotspur for- of navigation,” said the Qatari driver afterwards. “This ward Son Heung-min rally is very diff icult if you don’t take care with speed. Tcompleted a three-week You will get a lot of problems. From the beginning, it basic military training was very tricky.” The only stage they could not win course in South Korea yesterday was the fourth, which had to be cut short because of and picked up an award as the top adverse weather conditions. The result earned al-Attiyah performer among 157 trainees, suff icient points to lead the FIA World Cup for Cross- Yonhap news agency reported. Country Rallies that was set to continue with the Abu All able-bodied South Korean Dhabi Desert Challenge, which was put on hold due to men must serve around two years safety measures against the Covid-19 global pandemic. in the military but athletes who (Red Bull Content Pool) win gold at the Asian Games or a medal of any colour at the Olym- pics receive exemptions. After completing the training FOOTBALL course, Son, who led his country to gold in the 2018 Asian Games football tournament, still has Trainees are exposed to tear to undertake 544 hours of com- gas, go on hikes and receive munity service over the next 34 weapons training during their months. stint with the marines. “He received the ‘Pilsung’ Son, who was quarantined prize which is one of fi ve types for two weeks after arriving in Barca begin training of awards for best performers,” Seoul from London at the end of Yonhap quoted a Marine Corps March, completed the training offi cer at the unit on the south- while the Premier League season ern island of Jeju as saying. is suspended due to the Covid-19 “All the courses were judged pandemic. in a fair and strict manner, and The forward has not played his military training offi cers have since fracturing his arm in a as La Liga eyes restart said he went through the training league match against Aston Villa faithfully.” on Feb. 16. ‘We hope to carry on and that soon we can get back to enjoying what we like to do’

AFP Individual training sessions Rangers director under fi re as Madrid, Spain are the fi rst step to what La Liga hopes will be a return to action Scottish football row deepens in June that will complete the arcelona returned to 2019-20 season behind closed Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson has been accused training yesterday after doors. of making “baseless, damaging and self-serving attacks” by his Bthe La Liga champions The fi rst aspect of a four- fellow Scottish Professional Football League board members. allowed their stars to phase de-escalation programme The other eight SPFL directors have issued a lengthy rebuttal of enter their facility to prepare for allows a maximum of six players a number of allegations made in a dossier Rangers sent to clubs a potential restart to football in on the pitch at any one time. on Thursday. They said they had “complete confidence” in chief Spain. La Liga’s programme will then executive Neil Doncaster and legal adviser Rod McKenzie, both of Lionel Messi and company permit training in small groups whom the Ibrox club want suspended. The board members again took the fi elds at Joan Gamper before a return to larger team urged clubs to reject Rangers’ resolution proposing an independ- training centre for individual sessions. ent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the vote sessions, for which the play- In the fourth and fi nal phase, that ended the lower-league season and handed the SPFL board ers arrived alone in kit and took in early June, the government the authority to do the same for the Premiership. Robertson to the three pitches without has said outside events can go claimed clubs were shown a “complete disregard” and had been passing through the changing ahead when attended by fewer “railroaded”. rooms. than 400 people. As well as doing their rou- League president Javier Te- tines, they were also subjected bas has said “it is not an option” Man Utd ‘ramping up’ training in to tests to see what eff ect two to cancel the season given the anticipation of potential restart months of coronavirus quaran- economic fallout, estimating tine has had on their bodies. it would cost clubs around a bn Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says his side “Finally we are getting back euros ($1.08bn). are “ramping up” training in anticipation of the restart of the Pre- to normal. We hope to carry on On Thursday, Leganes coach mier League. Premier League clubs are due to meet Monday to and that soon we can get back Barcelona’s Antoine Griezmann takes part in a training session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper in Javier Aguirre said La Liga will discuss potential plans for the resumption of the season, though to enjoying what we like to do Sant Joan Despi, Spain, yesterday. (AFP) resume on June 20 and end on they will be guided by government regulations amid the coro- most,” Arturo Vidal told sports July 26, although league bosses navirus outbreak. Talking to BBC Football Focus, Solskjaer said daily Marca. likely start again on Monday club’s basketball team. he had fracture his right heel. refused to confi rm his claim they United have been changing things up in training, even putting the Sevilla, Villarreal, Osasuna should their players pass virus According to Spanish media, Footballers in Spain have re- had told him the dates. players on GPS tracker systems to chart their fitness work. “It’s and Leganes also returned to tests carried out on Wednesday. none of Real’s players have suf- started training following the “La Liga has just informed me been so long now, this phase, and at diff erent stages we’ve added training, while Real Madrid — That would mark almost two fered from virus symptoms, but announcement last week of offi cially and I am very happy things,” he said. “I think the GPS has inspired and motivated a who were two points behind months since Real had been Zinedine Zidane will have to do government plan that aims to about that because we have now few of them, just to go that little bit extra, because as we hope, league leaders Barca when play placed in quarantine following a without Serb attacker Luka Jovic end quarantine for professional scheduled the training sessions,” we hope, we’re getting closer and closer... it’s time to ramp it up a stopped in mid-March — will positive test for a member of the after Real announced yesterday players. Aguirre told Marca Claro. little bit.” Dutch clubs go to court over football UPDATE Player performance season abandonment may suff er behind Two Dutch second division clubs are going to court in a bid to se- closed doors, says Inter, AC Milan back training aft er cure promotion to the top-flight Eredivisie after the professional football season was scrapped in the country due to the coro- Berbatov navirus outbreak. The Netherlands football federation (KNVB) Reuters lockdown in coronavirus epicentre decided to declare the season null and void without a champion, Sofia, Bulgaria relegation or promotion leading to Cambuur and De Graafschap AFP both recovered from coronavirus. measures to safeguard the health of announcing legal action yesterday. A decision from the court in Milan, Italy “You have to be careful, but not to the players and all members of the Utrecht on whether the Dutch league will be ordered to promote ormer Manchester United striker resume would be a disaster from all club, in accordance with all the gov- the sides, who ended the aborted season first and second in the FDimitar Berbatov fears the perform- points of view,” 51-year-old Maldini ernmental and public health protec- lower tier, is expected within two weeks. The Dutch government ance of some players could suff er in talian football giants Inter Mi- said during a live Instagram chat yes- tion guidelines.” banned sporting events until September amid the global pan- the absence of spectators and a normal lan and AC Milan were both back terday with former Milan teammate demic and as a result the league became the first in Europe to be atmosphere at stadiums. Itraining yesterday two months af- Filippo Inzaghi. ‘NEGATIVE SIGNALS’ scrapped this term on April 24. A number of soccer leagues around the ter a strict lockdown which has hit “France were wrong to decree the One by one stars have returned to Italy globe will resume after the Covid-19 the northern Italian city hard. end immediately, but we will accept with Juventus forward Cristiano Ron- stoppage in the coming weeks but the Inter said all their players and staff what will be the verdict of the govern- aldo is in two weeks’ coronavirus quar- China FA draws up plans to complete matches will be played without fans. have tested negative for coronavirus ment. There is so much uncertainty.” antine as his team got back training on 2020 CSL season The German Bundesliga season will yesterday, clearing the way for them The city in the northern Lombardy Tuesday. AC Milan were yesterday await- restart on May 16 after a suspension of to return to individual training in the region is the epicentre of Italy’s out- ing the belated return of Zlatan Ibrahi- The Chinese Super League (CSL) season could kick off in late more than two months and champion- afternoon. break, one of the worst in Europe in movic from a protracted exile in Sweden. June with the country’s football association preparing vari- ships in South Korea and Faroe Islands “All the medical tests that the fi rst terms of deaths and infections. But opinions are divided on whether ous plans to complete the campaign delayed by the Covid-19 are resuming this weekend. team underwent have come back neg- Lombardy has suff ered some 15,000 to follow France and the Netherlands pandemic. The league was scheduled to start on Feb. 22 but was “Playing behind closed doors isn’t going ative,” the team said in a statement. deaths, around half of Italy’s 30,000 and end the season or the Bundesliga pushed back because of the novel coronavirus outbreak, which to be the same and everybody knows “Optional individual training ses- coronavirus fatalities, since the out- and return behind closed doors. has infected more than 82,000 people in China, killing 4,633. that,” Berbatov told Betfair. sions will begin this afternoon.” break fi rst erupted in early March. The Italian Football Federation “Plan A is to finish the season with 30 rounds,” Chinese Football The 39-year-old Bulgarian, his country’s City rivals AC Milan resumed earlier Both Milan clubs insisted they were (FIGC) met on Thursday with the gov- Association (CFA) President Chen Xuyuan was quoted as saying all-time leading scorer with 48 goals, in the week with club technical direc- taking the maximum precautions. ernment’s technical scientifi c com- by Xinhua news agency. “We have a Plan B if the league were to also played for Tottenham Hotspur and tor Paolo Maldini warning yesterday “We have closed the common areas mittee to discuss details of the medical kick off in late June and finish in December, and we have also de- Fulham in the English top flight as well as “not going back on the pitch would be of Milanello,” said Maldini. “The play- protocol for a return to group training. signed Plan C for a later restart. If we carry out Plan B, we’ll only German club Bayer Leverkusen and AS a disaster.” ers are divided into four for each pitch Italian Sports Minister Vincenzo have four months because of the calendar of the national team Monaco in France. Former Italy captain Maldini, to- and in 12 you can work well anyway.” Spadafora said afterwards he was and AFC Champions League... given that, we may divide the 16 “It will be quiet and you will be able to gether with his 18-year-old son Dan- Inter added: “The club maintains “hopeful” team training could resume teams into two groups and decide the champion and relegations hear all the players talking on the pitch iel, a Milan youth team player, have the utmost attention to preventive on May 18. through two phases.” and communicating with their coaches,” Berbatov said. Four Sampdoria players test positive “The atmosphere won’t be there and DESIRE it’s going to be diff erent for every team. for new coronavirus Some are going to take it okay and others may suff er from it. Four players from Italian side Sampdoria have tested positive for “Sometimes it can aff ect you perform- Ighalo keen to see out season at Man Utd the novel coronavirus, including one for the second time, the Se- ance when you go out there and there rie club said. “Currently asymptomatic, they have been placed in are no fans, you know it’s a serious game AFP Shenhua in January and has a contract best and hopefully we’ll come back to quarantine and will be constantly monitored as per protocol,” the but in a way you body and mind can tell London, United Kingdom until May 31. play. club said in a statement. Five Sampdoria players — Manolo Gab- you it’s like a practice game, which can Premier League bosses hope to “The team had a good momentum biadini, Morten Thorsby, Albin Ekdal, Omar Colley and Antonino lead to bad games and performances, resume the season in June but China’s before the pandemic started. At the La Gumina — as well as team doctor Amedeo Baldari had tested which isn’t a good thing.” igeria striker Odion Ighalo Super League is also edging towards moment I’m on loan, and this will cut positive in March. On Thursday, the government said it was still Berbatov, Bulgaria’s Footballer of the Year said yesterday that he hopes the start of their season after it was short my time at the club.” examining medical guidelines of the Italian football federation, on seven occasions, joined United from Nhis loan deal at Manchester delayed by Covid-19. United are reportedly keen to extend which are seen as the stumbling block to a resumption of the Spurs in 2008 for a then club-record fee United is extended until the “I would like to fi nish the season if Ighalo’s contract even though their at- season. Teams have been allowed to start practising this week of 30mn pounds ($37.1mn). Premier League season is completed it’s possible,” Ighalo told BBC Sport. tacking worries have eased during the with players training individually and adhering to social distanc- “We all know that sometimes fans can following the coronavirus lockdown. “I was in good form, good shape, lockdown. The former Watford player ing protocols. Full team practices are due to begin on May 18, but win a game,” Berbatov said. The 30-year-old moved to Old scoring goals and now we’ve stopped has scored four times in eight games in only if the medical protocol is approved. Traff ord from Chinese side Shanghai now for over a month. I’ve given it my all competitions for United. Gulf Times Saturday, May 9, 2020 3 SPORT

FOCUS REPORT Rockets ready to move NBPA chief : NBA on from D’Antoni bubble plan ‘sounds like incarceration’ ‘We have to figure out a way to work, play and live in a world with the virus’

Reuters Los Angeles

solating players to resume the NBA Reuters Pro sports is a crazy thing. season sounds like a closed book if Na- Los Angeles You know what I mean? But Itional Basketball Players Association the information that we’ve executive director Michele Roberts is constantly heard is that that telling the story. ouston Rockets bridge, for the most part, has In an interview with ESPN, Roberts said head coach Mike been burned, and now they’re the conversations around bringing players HD’Antoni is in just kind of mutually agreeing back from a two-month hiatus due to the championship-or- to make the best of the time coronavirus pandemic are evolving into else territory when the 2019- they have together.” risk mitigation discussions. A call with 20 season resumes. Former Chicago Bulls and players is scheduled for Friday, the date According to Sam Amick Minnesota Timberwolves the NBA approved certain markets for reo- of The Athletic, the Rockets coach Tom Thibodeau was pening practice facilities on a limited basis have all but decided to move also mentioned as a possi- with only a tepid response. on from D’Antoni before next ble successor. D’Antoni, who One plan fl oated in recent weeks was season and plan to consider turned 69 on Friday, is 213-97 isolating players at a hotel or resort loca- Jeff Van Gundy as a replace- as head coach of the Rockets. tion — the Bahamas and Disney World were ment. He is 668-523 in 16 seasons discussed, as was Las Vegas — as commis- “They’ve had a major divide as an NBA head coach with sioner Adam Silver invited thoughts and in the contract negotiations,” the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix ideas on the best way to get the 2019-20 Amick said on the “Brodie and Suns, New York Knicks, Los season back on track. The Beard” podcast. “I’m al- Angeles Lakers and Rockets. “Are we going to arm guards around the ways cautious when it comes Houston is currently in sixth hotel?” Roberts asked ESPN. “That sounds to reporting. So, I’m going to place in the Western Confer- like incarceration to me.” throw in the never say never. ence with a 40-24 record. Silver has since decided that plan will not work based on response from players, Roberts said. Some owners aren’t even ready to open Antetokounmpo’s accounts hacked their practice facilities for individual work- he Milwaukee Bucks leted, a few national media outs, including the Dallas Mavericks’ Mark are investigating outlets began covering the Cuban. He said the inability to test all play- Thow hackers gained story using screenshots of ers and staff would prohibit the franchise National Basketball Players Association executive director Michele Roberts. access to NBA MVP the deleted posts. from opening the facility anytime soon. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Antetokounmpo’s girlfriend, “This is a world with the virus,” Roberts social media and bank ac- Mariah Riddlesprigger, and said. “And we have to fi gure out a way to counts after a series of Kostas Antetokounmpo work, play and live in a world with the vi- Raptors to open training facility Monday for solo workout expletive-laced and racist of the Los Angeles Lakers, rus. The questions have now evolved from, The reigning NBA champion Toronto messages from his account Giannis’ younger brother, ‘Are we going to play again?’ to, ‘If we play, Raptors said yesterday they will reopen were posted on Thursday. posted Twitter messages on what are the risks going to look like?’” their practice facility on Monday The messages included his behalf. Among challenges Silver and Roberts for individual workouts under strict disrespectful language “Giannis’ twitter, phone, face inching toward a return is managing guidelines from league, local government toward late basketball star e-mail and bank accounts individual and team concerns. The best and public health authorities. Kobe Bryant and a claim that were hacked!” both Kostas risk-aversion weapon for the NBA is mass NBA commissioner Adam Silver shut Antetokounmpo had tested and Riddlesprigger tweeted. testing. down the NBA season in March after positive for the coronavirus. “He genuinely apologises for But testing is a social issue, with politi- Utah’s Rudy Gobert tested positive for Antetokounmpo’s agent, Alex everything that was tweeted cal strings attached, that the NBA doesn’t the coronavirus. Saratsis, said Thursday after- and he will be back as soon want to wade into at the moment. The NBA The NBA permitted solo workouts under noon that Antetokounmpo as possible! The things that could purchase tests in high volume but controled conditions starting Friday at was not responsible for the were said by this hacker were that would bring about criticism from the team facilities, the first small step toward messages. extremely inappropriate and general public, especially in areas where resuming the season, although many After the tweets were de- disgusting!” tests still aren’t readily available. teams did not take advantage of the Roberts is sensitive to the idea that the opportunity. league and players association will make In some cases, it was because state and The Toronto Raptors celebrate winning the 2019 NBA Championship. broad decisions but individual comfort local governments have not allowed it, SPOTLIGHT with the resulting plan is not guaranteed. but the Raptors have approval from local facilities, off ices and other areas of the Staff members, such as those who would “It’s an issue employers everywhere are government off icials. building still closed. rebound the ball for players, will wear going to have to confront,” Roberts said. “Strict protocols have been designed to While the NBA allows as many as four gloves and masks at all times and players “Because I guarantee there’s going to be ensure this initial level of access will take players at one time in practice facilities, will wear masks except while on the Warriors ruin Gen.G’s at least one player, if not many more than place in a safe, controlled and healthy the Raptors said they will allow only one court. Temperature and symptom checks that, that are going to have genuine con- way,” the team said in a statement. player at a time into their building. will be done by the Raptors medical staff cerns about their safety. We have to fi gure The access will focus upon on-court All areas and equipment, including before anyone enters the facility and NBA 2K League debut out what the response is to that. It’s a tough activities such as shooting drills, with basketballs, will be cleaned before and security outside the building will ensure one, and I don’t pretend that I have an an- locker rooms, weight rooms, medical after each player uses the facility. social distancing. Reuters CB13’s layup with 23.3 sec- swer to that one yet.” Los Angeles onds remaining put the War- riors ahead, and Gen.G’s Bri- an “Killeyy” Diaz missed an TRIBUTE harles “CB13” Bost- inside shot in the last second. wick scored the last CB13 fi nished the game with Csix points for the 34 points, while the Tigers Warriors Gaming got 39 points from Dhwan Squad in fi nal 1:21 on Thurs- “ShiftyKaii” White. Former ABA commissioner Storen dies at 84 day, and the Warriors spoiled The Warriors won the se- the NBA 2K League debut of ries opener with CB13 putting Reuters cess the Pacers maintain to this day. the Gen.G Tigers of Shang- up 31 points and 15 rebounds Los Angeles We off er our most sincere condo- hai. while teammate Alex “Bs- lences to his family.” The Warriors pulled out a moove” Reese matched him Storen became co-owner and gen- 2-1 series win over the Tigers, with 31 points. ShiftyKaii had ike Storen, a sports ex- eral manager of the ABA’s Kentucky capturing the fi nale 70-68. 34 points. ecutive who served as Colonels in 1969 before taking over The fi rst game went to the The Tigers took the second Mcommissioner of the as the ABA’s commissioner in 1973. Warriors 89-79 before Gen.G game behind 32 points and 12 American Basketball As- He later was part owner of the posted a 73-68 victory. assists from ShiftyKaii. CB13 sociation in the 1970s, died Thursday ABA’s Memphis Sounds. The other three Thursday put up 49 points in a losing at age 84. The Atlanta Hawks hired Storen series were all 2-0 sweeps, eff ort. His daughter, ESPN broadcaster as president and GM in 1977. He also as Mavs Gaming topped Heat The Mavs got 24 points Hannah Storm, said her father died had stints in the front offi ces of the Check Gaming, Kings Guard from Justin “Sherm” Sher- in Atlanta due to complications from World Football League’s Memphis Gaming defeated Lakers man in a 73-48 rout of the cancer. Grizzlies and Major League Base- Gaming, and Hawks Talon GC Heat. Sherm was again the Among Storen’s early sports jobs ball’s Houston Astros. downed the league’s reigning team’s top scorer with 25 was running the ABA’s Indiana Pac- Storm tweeted a statement Thurs- champions, T-Wolves Gam- points in a series-clinching ers as their fi rst general manager be- day night that read, in part, “I’m ing. 61-58 win. Glenn “GlennRat- ginning in 1967. so proud of my dad’s legacy — as Originally scheduled to ty” Wilkerson had a com- The Pacers wrote in a statement a distinguished member of the US begin its season March 24, bined 43 points for the Heat Thursday, “It is impossible to over- Marines he helped launch the now- the NBA 2K League post- in the two losses. state the impact Storen had on our famous Toys for Tots program — and poned play due to the coro- Waseem “Seemo” Talbert’s franchise and the American Basket- then forged a decades long sports ca- navirus pandemic. On April 23 points paced the Kings to ball Association, for which he would reer, as an executive for teams such 27, the league announced an a 64-60 decision against the later serve as commissioner. He as the Baltimore Bullets, Cincinnati initial six-week, online-only Lakers in the fi rst game. Mat- paved the way for the Pacers’ even- Royals, Indiana Pacers, Kentucky schedule, with all 23 teams thew “Bash” Robles poured tual entry into the NBA by putting Colonels, Memphis Sounds, Atlanta playing eight total matches in 32 points to guide the together a talented front offi ce and Hawks and baseball’s Houston As- from their home markets. Kings to a 66-58 decision in assembling a roster led by eventual tros as well as football’s Memphis Action began Tuesday. the second game. The Lakers’ Hall of Famers Roger Brown and Mel Grizzlies and the IPFL. His proudest Each match is a best-of- Sten “SAV” Valge-Saar aver- Daniels. accomplishments are from his days three, with the outcome aged 34 points in the series. “He hired Hall of Famer Bobby as Commissioner of the American of each three-game series Michael “BP” Diaz-Cruz ‘Slick’ Leonard as head coach in the Basketball Association. counting as one win or one produced a combined 62 Pacers’ second season, was instru- “His creativity was evident eve- loss in the standings. points and 20 assists as mental in choosing the name ‘Pac- rywhere and he was instrumental in In the Warriors-Tigers fi - the Hawks pounded the T- ers,’ designed the team’s fi rst logo the success and legacy of that league; nale, CB13 tied the game by Wolves 82-52 and 78-62. and chose its blue and gold colours. the name, Mike Storen, is still there sinking two free throws with Michael “BearDaBeast” Storen was the fi rst captain of the on any old ABA basketball you might 1:21 to go, and he levelled the Key led the T-Wolves with a ABA’s fl agship franchise and the come across and I take comfort in score again by hitting a layup combined 39 points and 13 foundation for the tradition of suc- that.” with 48.8 seconds to go. assists. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, May 9, 2020 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Marie-Jose Perec: An athlete par excellence Reuters Her Olympic record time of 48.25 is Paris still the fourth fastest in history. The achievement makes Perec one of three athletes to win both the 200 he greatest French athlete of and the 400 metres at the same Games all time, Marie-Jose Perec will after American Valerie Brisco-Hooks Tbe remembered for gracing the (1984) and the only male athlete to track with her elegant stride, claim both, American Michael John- but also for mysteriously walking away son. from her last Olympics. She is also with Johnson the only Nicknamed ‘the Gazelle’ for her wiry athlete to win two 400 metres Olympic fi gure and speed, she won the 400 me- titles. tres gold medal at the Barcelona Olym- It went pear-shaped after Atlanta, pics in 1992 before claiming a rare 200- where her remarkable achievement 400 metres double four years later in had somehow been overshadowed by Atlanta. that of Johnson. Perec, born in the French overseas Perec sustained several injuries and department of Guadeloupe, came to suff ered from the energy-sapping athletics by chance. Epstein-Barr virus and she eventually “While growing up, I never wanted had to skip the 1999 world champion- to become an athlete, never dreamt of ships. it,” said Perec, who turns 52 on Satur- She still managed to qualify for the day. 2000 Games and her 400m showdown “As a kid I was fi shing or playing on with Australian Cathy Freeman was the sea. Back in Guadeloupe, I didn’t topping the bill of the Sydney Olym- play any sport. It just happened by pics. chance. One of my sports teacher dis- Secluded in a hotel outside of the Ol- covered that I was very fast and that is ympic village, Perec fl ed Australia amid how it started.” a media frenzy shortly before the race, After she won 400m gold at the To- claiming a man had forced her way into kyo world championships in 1991, her her hotel room and threatened her. career peaked in 1996, when she was “In Sydney I thought that I was pre- training under the guidance of Jim paring myself for a 400 metres, and in- Smith in a group also featuring sprint- stead I turned up to fi nd I was taking on ers Ato Boldon and Maurice Greene. a whole country,” she said. She beat Jamaica’s Merlene Ottey to “There was so much aggressive- win the 200 metres before crushing the ness towards me, it was too much and fi eld to prevail in the 400 metres. That I cracked. Perec retired in 2004 af- Marie-Jose Perec of France. (Reuters) second race was, she said, a ‘mere for- ter failing to make a comeback for the mality’. 2003 world championships in Paris.

FOCUS NHL NHL calls off 2020 season games in NFL schedule: Brady Helsinki and Prague

AFP The Nashville Predators and New York Boston Bruins were scheduled to open their 2020-21 campaign against each other in October at ational Hockey League O2 Arena in Prague, Czech Re- visits New Orleans regular-season games public. Each team was also plan- Nthat were scheduled ning to complete pre-season for early in the 2020-21 training camp in Europe and ‘OUR APPROACH IS TO MAKE campaign in Helsinki and Prague play an exhibition game against have been called off in the wake a local club, the Bruins in Man- SURE WE ARE RESPONSIBLE of the coronavirus pandemic. nheim, Germany, and the Pred- With concern about when or ators in Bern, Switzerland. WITH A PROPER PLAN’ if the halted 2019-20 campaign The Columbus Blue Jackets in week one might resume due to the deadly and Colorado Avalanche were AFP virus outbreak, the NHL and the set to play two regular-season Los Angeles NHL Players Association an- games at Hartwall Arena in Hel- nounced the decision to scrap sinki, Finland. the matchups with an eye to a “We’re disappointed by the om Brady’s fi rst game 2021 return. postponement of our trip to Fin- with the Tampa Bay “The NHLPA and the NHL land, but look forward to having TBuccaneers will be Sep- remain committed to main- the opportunity to play in front tember 13 in New Or- taining and growing our in- of Finland’s passionate hockey leans as the NFL released its ternational presence,” a joint fans in the future,” Blue Jackets much-anticipated schedule, statement said. “We hope that general manager Jarmo Keka- indicating it plans to start the our fans overseas understand lainen said. Kekalainen, a na- season on time despite the coro- the need to postpone the 2020 tive of Finland and former NHL navirus pandemic. games, but we look forward to player, was the NHL’s fi rst Euro- Brady will face Drew Brees being back with them in 2021.” pean-born general manager. and the Saints on the road three days after the Kansas City Chiefs open defence of their Super Bowl REPORT title against the Houston Texans in two can’t-miss encounters re- vealed Thursday during the an- nouncement of the league’s full Bruins duo down schedule. NFL vice-president Troy Vin- cent said they are hoping to open Coyotes pair in Player on time despite the global out- break, which has shut down the NHL, NBA and postponed MLB’s Gaming Challenge opening day. The 17-week regular season is due to conclude January 3, and the playoff s will culminate with the Super Bowl on February 7 in Tampa. “The plan is to move forward as normal, play a full schedule until the medical community tells us otherwise,” Vincent told the NFL Network. “Our approach is to make sure we are responsible with a proper Tom Brady joined Tampa Bay in March, signing a two-year, $50mn contract after an All-Star career with the New England Patriots. (TNS) plan. We want to make sure we are following any guidelines as 20 concussion in his career, but The inaugural home game for it pertains to governors’ stay-at- came out of retirement to follow the Las Vegas Raiders will be on NFL committee chief confi rms end of PI reviews home orders and policies. Let’s Brady to Tampa. Monday, September 21 against After just one year, the NFL is putting a totally subjective play make sure we are following those New England, who will be the Saints. eliminating replay reviews of into replay. guidelines. We are preparing to quarterbacked this season by The 49ers lost 31-20 to the pass-interference calls. “The majority of replays is Reuters pending NHL Seattle expan- play a full season.” Brady’s 2019 understudy Jar- Chiefs in the Super Bowl last Atlanta Falcons president and objective, and what I mean by Los Angeles sion team. No standings are The Los Angeles Rams will rett Stidham, will open at home season. Kansas City’ fi rst game CEO Rich McKay, the chair- that is that it’s a line. ‘Did the being compiled, as the games play their inaugural game in the against the Miami Dolphins on will be the rematch of a divi- man of the NFL’s competition ball cross the plane or not? Did are designed strictly for enter- new SoFi Stadium against the September 13. sional playoff contest from Janu- committee, confirmed the news the ball touch the ground or oston Bruins left tainment with the NHL season Dallas Cowboys on September “Stid worked hard last year. ary, when the Chiefs overcame a Thursday. not? Were two feet in or not?’ winger Jake De- shut down due to the corona- 13. The stadium, located in the He was our backup quarterback, 24-0 defi cit to stun the Texans Last month, the competition There’s a lot of objective lines BBrusk and defence- virus pandemic. In connection south-central Los Angeles sub- and he made a lot of progress in 51-31. committee recommended involved and it’s an objective man Charlie McAvoy with the event, the National urb of Inglewood, is also home off season,” said New England The NFL will play one game ending the one-year trial run review. posted two blowout wins on Hockey League Foundation and to the Los Angeles Chargers, coach Bill Belichick on Thurs- on Christmas Day, which falls allowing reassessment of “When we go into subjective, Thursday and emerged with a Electronic Arts are donating who kick off their home schedule day. “He will get out there and be on a Friday, with the Minnesota potential rulings regarding of- (it) is, ‘Was this enough for a 2-1 series victory over Arizo- $100,000 to the CDC Founda- against the Chiefs on September ready to go. We will see where it Vikings visiting the Saints. The fensive pass interference (OPI) foul? Did he grab him enough? na Coyotes forwards Clayton tion’s Covid-19 relief eff orts. 20. takes us.” last time the league scheduled and defensive pass interference Was the restriction enough?’ Keller and Conor Garland in DeBrusk was jokingly asked Brady joined Tampa Bay in The Patriots also have a a game on a Friday was 11 years (DPI). We knew there would be prob- the NHL Player Gaming Chal- where the series victory ranks March, signing a two-year, matchup against another of ago. “Nobody is putting forward the lems, because your subjectiv- lenge. among his career accomplish- $50-million contract after an Brady’s former backups, Jimmy The three-game Thanksgiving OPI/DPI review again, so that ity and my subjectivity on a The Bruins duo earned 6-2 ments that include an appear- All-Star career with the New Garoppolo, when they host the Day schedule features the Texans dies a natural death,” McKay particular reviewable play can and 6-1 wins before the Coyotes ance in the 2019 Stanley Cup England Patriots. San Francisco 49ers on October at the Detroit Lions, the Wash- said in an interview on Sirius easily be diff erent.” claimed the fi nale 3-2. fi nals. In the fi nal game, Arizona The six-time Super Bowl- 25. ington Redskins at the Cowboys XM NFL Radio. “In my opinion, The move to review pass-inter- The online event is in the got a goal and two assists from winning quarterback will be reu- Garoppolo will face Belichick, and the Baltimore Ravens bat- we were trying to apply some- ference calls was prompted by middle of a four-week run, the virtual Taylor Hall to grab a nited in Florida with one of his who sent him to San Francisco tling the Pittsburgh Steelers. thing that we’ve always been an non-call that likely cost the with games streamed on Thurs- 3-1 lead. Boston made it a one- favourite targets, tight end Rob for a second-round pick in 2017. Veteran quarterback Philip fearful of. We didn’t know what New Orleans Saints a berth in days and Saturdays. All 31 NHL goal game when David Kre- Gronkowski. Stidham will be under the mi- Rivers will make his Indianapolis the total outcome would be, the Super Bowl at the end of teams will have representation, jci converted a two-on-none Gronkowski retired in March croscope as he tries to fi ll Brady’s Colts’ debut on September 13 at but we were always fearful of the 2018-19 season. and Seattle Seahawks tight end breakaway with 1:07 left, but 2019 after he had suff ered about massive shoes. Jacksonville. Luke Willson will represent the the Coyotes duo held on for the Gulf Times Saturday, May 9, 2020 5 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT RUGBY NRL players F1 considering ‘stood down’ for new venues as fi rst refusing fl u jab Reuters they apply to the NRL,” he told a Sydney news conference. “If they were to be insisting on that, then I would think that’s entirely reasonable.” hree players from Aus- Young’s insistence on jabs tralia’s National Rugby would appear to make the posi- quarter revenues fall TLeague were stood down tion of the authorities in other yesterday for refusing states academic given the play- to have fl u vaccinations after ers would at some stage of the Chief executive and chairman Chase Carey told analysts on a conference call that the intervention of Queensland season have to cross the border state’s top medical offi cer. to play matches against Queens- he was increasingly confident there would be a 2020 season The NRL, which suspended its land’s three teams. 2020 season in March at the start No vaccine has been devel- of the coronavirus outbreak, is oped for Covid-19, though drug- planning to resume matches be- makers are rushing to develop hind closed doors on May 28 and treatments and vaccines for the had asked players to have the fl u disease which has killed over shots as part of biosecurity pro- 260,000 people worldwide, in- tocols. fected more than 3.8mn and rav- Three players at the Gold aged economies globally. Coast Titans club in the south of Queensland were among those NEW ZEALAND RUGBY who refused and the state’s Chief TO LAY OFF 50% OF Health Offi cer, Jeannette Young, STAFF: REPORT said yesterday they had been New Zealand Rugby (NZR) will stood down. lay off half of the organisation’s “I’ve had a discussion with full-time staff and have the other (the NRL) this morning and half reapply for their jobs as part they’ve stood down those three of cost-cutting to cope with the players at the moment until we impact of the coronavirus out- work out what it means,” she told break, state media reported yes- reporters. “They’ll be coming terday. back to me about those three in- “We’re working through con- dividual players. But remember sultation with our people at the that’s three players out of three moment on that and it’s obvi- teams so we’ll work that one ously a challenging time for through.” rugby so we are taking all steps to One of the players, hooker make sure we communicate di- Nathan Peats, said on Twit- rectly with our staff ,” NZR chief ter that a bad experience with executive Mark Robinson told a fl u jab earlier in his career was Radio New Zealand. behind his refusal and that he The report comes despite op- would now comply. “I’ve spo- timism in the governing body ken to the club and will get the that elite rugby competition, jab this afternoon,” he wrote. “I suspended since March, will be had the option to say yes or no given the green light to restart as and I chose no for that reason. If early as Monday when the gov- I knew it would blow up, I would ernment decides whether to ease have said yes straight away.” social restrictions. The Australian Rugby League Robinson said NZR was deal- Commission (ARLC) announced ing with “an incredibly chal- on Thursday that players would lenging time”, and like other be permitted to train and play businesses in challenging posi- The F1 season has cancelled or postponed 10 races since March but is now looking into several European circuits hosting two races each without spectators. (Reuters) despite not having a vaccina- tions because of Covid-19 it was tion by signing a waiver. Titans seeing a signifi cant reduction of Reuters said the sport had the resources to get series is planning to hold two races in July back burner due to the crisis. A number forward Bryce Cartwright had revenue through the course of London through that eventuality. The season has in southern Spain at the Jerez circuit that of other unspecifi ed initiatives have also signed the waiver after earlier the year. cancelled or postponed 10 races since has previously been used for Formula One been deferred. in the week indicating he would In late March Robinson es- March but is now looking into several racing and testing. Carey suggested 2021 refuse to be vaccinated. timated that NZR would lose ormula One could race at circuits European circuits hosting two races each would see the sport return to its previ- RED BULL CHIEF HORNER “I stand for the freedom to de- NZ$100mn ($61mn) in revenue not on the current calendar as without spectators, with the sport’s Au- ous growth curve. Formula One gets most WARNS OF ‘INCIDENTS’ WHEN cide what goes into our bodies,” this year if no elite rugby was Fit seeks to rev up a 2020 season gust holiday cancelled. of its revenues from race hosting fees, RACING RETURNS he posted on Twitter. “I won’t played due to Covid-19. An NZR stalled by the Covid-19 pandemic The latest planning is for a 15-18 race broadcast deals and sponsorship. Red Bull team chief Christian Horner has be bullied into making decisions spokeswoman said the governing and against a backdrop of plunging rev- season — compared to an original sched- “I think the fans will come back, I think warned drivers will be out of practice that could impact my health and body was involved in consulta- enues. The Liberty Media-owned sport ule of 22 — to end in Abu Dhabi in mid- events like ours will continue to rise in and the fi rst few races could see a higher the health of my family.” tions and declined to comment reported fi rst quarter revenues of $39mn December but Carey said that could be strength,” he said. He suggested there number of clashes than usual when For- Australia’s Prime Minister on the report. NZR staff had al- on Thursday, compared to $246mn in extended into January. “We’re in discus- could even be some new races scheduled, mula One begins its season delayed by the Scott Morrison reiterated his ready had their pay cut 20% last the same period last year, with no races sion with all of our promoters, along with with Miami already in the frame. “Our coronavirus outbreak. “This is probably stance that players should have month. scheduled for Q2 either. some tracks that are not currently on our goal is to have 2021 look like the 2021 we the longest time all the drivers have been to have vaccinations to play, but All rugby has been suspended The sport recently received a net cash 2020 calendar to ensure we explore all planned back in January,” he said. out of a seat,” Horner said. “That could be said it was a decision that would across the country since March, payment of $1.4bn, however, in an asset options,” he added. “Ultimately we have renewals to put in healthy in a way. If we begin again in July, not be taken at national level. leading to pay cuts for players switch with Liberty’s Sirius XM to boost Hockenheim could be one such cir- place, and we have some ongoing discus- they will all be rusty as hell and there will “Ultimately the states and ter- and staff cuts at the country’s liquidity. Chief executive and chairman cuit, with Germany easing coronavirus sions with a couple of new races that we be some incidents.” ritories have to determine what fi ve professional Super Rugby Chase Carey told analysts on a confer- restrictions and giving the green light for think would be a positive enhancement to F1 hopes to begin with the Austrian the health requirements are as clubs and at community level. ence call that he was increasingly confi - Bundesliga soccer clubs to resume play- the business for fans and shareholders.” Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring on July 5 dent there would be a 2020 season, with ing in empty stadiums on May 16. Imola Carey said negotiations over a new and could stay at the venue for another plans to get going in Austria at the begin- in Italy and Portugal’s Algarve circuit in ‘Concorde Agreement’ between the com- race a week later. The fi rst 10 season races ning of July. Portimao have also been mentioned in mercial rights holder, governing FIA and have been postponed or cancelled be- The American recognised, however, the media, as has the possibility of a re- teams, with the current one expiring at cause of the global pandemic. Initially the “remote possibility” of no races but turn to Malaysia. Motorcycling’s MotoGP the end of the year, had been put on the races will be behind closed doors.

W SERIES LAUNCHES ALL-FEMALE ESPORTS LEAGUE London: The all-female W chairman David Coulthard in a All 18 drivers who qualified mated in 2018 that the number than motorsports in coming Series is launching an Esports statement on Thursday. for the regular W series season, of women working in any role in around to the idea of women League for women drivers only German Formula Three driver which was scheduled to start in esports or playing esports was being a part of it,” she said then. in the absence of any on-track Sophia Floersch, who is repre- St Petersburg, Russia, on May around 5% or 1 in 20. F1 has not had a woman race action due to the Covid-19 pan- senting Mercedes in Formula 29, are expected to race from Market research firm Inter- since 1976 and its esports series demic. With its second season E’s esports ‘Race at Home Chal- their homes on identical simula- pret said last year, however, has yet to have a female finalist on hold and no start date set, lenge’ this weekend and is not a tors. W Series did not set a date that 30% of esports viewership in three editions. W Series said organisers hope to maintain the part of W Series, was sceptical for the start of the League but and 35% of esport gamers were it would use 10 virtual layouts: series’ profile and encourage however. “Come on, that’s a said they will use the iRacing women and numbers were Monza, Austin’s Circuit of more women to compete in the joke?,” she said on Twitter in platform in partnership with growing. Britain’s Jamie Chad- the Americas, Brands Hatch, male-dominated virtual world response to a story about the W Logitech G and tournament wick, the W Series champion, Interlagos, Spa-Francorchamps, as well as the real one. Series plans, calling it “segrega- hosts Beyond Entertainment. is active with Veloce esports Watkins Glen, Suzuka, Bathurst, “We intend to stage on-track tion behind a computer”. Virtual racing has become a and has competed against the Nuerburgring Nordschleife W Series races once the global “Girls, eSports is 100 points crowded marketplace since the Formula One drivers like Lando and Silverstone. Drivers will Covid-19 crisis has subsided, gender neutral. So many es- pandemic swept the world, with Norris and Charles Leclerc. The race simulated 2.0 litre Tatuus whenever that will be, but in ports events where girls & boys most championships streaming 21-year-old said in Decem- Formula Renault cars with the meantime we’re delighted can participate. For FREE. What their own online races but with ber that attitudes needed to points awarded and up to three to have created the next best a marketing stuff . Bitter truth,” few women involved. British- change. “I think maybe the es- races per circuit. No decision thing,” said advisory board added the 19-year-old. based Women in Games esti- ports world is a bit slower even has been made on prize money. Three players at the Gold Coast Titans club in the south of Queensland were among those who refused flu shot. (Reuters)

BOXING Sugar Ray Leonard survives lockdown with remote AA meetings Reuters on Zoom, I get it on Zoom and I join AA afraid,” he said. “I was afraid to go on cam- 2mn followers on Facebook and Instagram Los Angeles meetings that (have) people from the UK, era and say, ‘Hi guys, I am Sugar Ray’ — I plus regular videos showing workouts and Puerto Rico, all over the world and we’re say Ray — ‘and I’m an alcoholic. That was promoting charity auctions. watching this, like I am doing with you, tough but I am getting better now talking He remains in shape and told fans a oxer Sugar Ray Leonard was because technology is so amazing,” the about these things that are so stigma- great way to beat the isolation blues is to used to spending months in iso- 63-year-old said from his home in Cali- tised. “It’s new people, but it’s the demons keep active, whether it’s punching a heavy Blation preparing for fi ghts but the fornia. messing with me,” said the man remem- bag or simply shadow boxing for a few sec- retired world champion has said “I can relate to that and I love this. You bered for his epic fi ghts with Roberto Du- onds in your kitchen. one of the ways he stays sane through the can go anywhere. It takes you to where ran, Thomas Hearns and Marvin Hagler — Leonard, who was famous for his grace coronavirus lockdown is by attending Al- everyone else is. It puts us together.” known as the Fabulous Four. and speed in the ring, was good humoured coholics Anonymous meetings online. Leonard, who has fought alcohol and “They’re saying, ‘Don’t reveal yourself, about being recognised in the online gath- Leonard, who regularly spent months drug addiction and struggled with what Don’t reveal yourself’. And this guy is say- erings, even if some of the younger par- away from the crowds as he trained to win he called “the demons” inside him, said he ing ‘Ray, it’s OK, it’s OK, you’re one and ticipants know him more for his smooth six world titles at fi ve weights between was wary of the online version of AA but the same, you guys are alcoholics’.” moves outside the ring than inside. 1979 and 1989, has been attending AA understood the assistance they off er. Leonard, whose Sugar Ray Leonard “(People say) ‘You’re that guy right’ and meetings for close to 15 years. “It was scary because, like you asked Foundation was set up to fi ght Type 1 and I say, ‘Yeah, but what guy?’ And he says, “I can’t go to meetings now but I am me, I was afraid, not afraid, well, yes I was 2 Diabetes, is a regular online with almost ‘The guy on Dancing with the Stars’.” Saturday, May 9, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

CRICKET India ready for quarantine in Australia to help tour proceed A cash-strapped Cricket Australia (CA) is banking heavily on the series, reportedly worth A$300mn ($195mn) Reuters Sydney The BCCI has had to indefi nitely postponed its own cash-cow Indian Premier League (IPL) and Dhumal said ndia captain Virat Kohli and his an alternative window for the tourna- teammates would be ready to ment was yet to be identifi ed. “Once Ispend two weeks in quarantine in things get clear, then only will we be Australia if that helped the tour go able to go back to the drawing board and ahead as planned later this year, a top think about re-starting cricket.” offi cial of the Indian board has said. Neither Dhumal nor BCCI president A cash-strapped Cricket Australia Sourav Ganguly, who is also a former (CA) is banking heavily on the series, captain, was immediately available to reportedly worth A$300mn ($195mn), elaborate when contacted them. to help it cope with an acute fi nancial Professional sport in Australia is set crisis triggered by the coronavirus pan- to resume at the end of May with the demic. Board of Control for Cricket in NRL and includes the Warriors team India (BCCI) treasurer Arun Dhumal from New Zealand which has been al- off ered encouraging words, saying In- lowed to travel across the Tasman. dia cricketers would be willing to iso- The fi rst indication of how interna- late themselves before playing four tional cricket will function under Cov- tests and three one-day internationals id-19 protocols could come with the in December and January. English season which the ECB hopes “There is no choice — everyone will can start in July with plans to host six have to do that. You would want to Tests against West Indies and Paki- resume the cricket,” Dhumal told the stan at a small number of bio-secure Sydney Morning Herald. grounds. The boards have been discussing the possibility of a fi fth Test but Dhumal SMITH AND WARNER STAND IN felt playing extra limited-overs match- BETWEEN INDIA AND VICTORY IN es would make more fi nancial sense. AUSTRALIA, FEELS CHAPPELL “If there is a window available it Former Australia captain Ian Chappell would be up to the boards to decide believes if India are to get the better of whether they wanted to go for a test Australia in the blockbuster Test series match or maybe two ODIs or maybe later this year, the visitors will have to two T20s. Given the revenue loss they fi nd a way to keep star duo Steve Smith will have on account of lockdown, and David Warner quiet. post-lockdown they will want to have The last time India toured Australia, revenue and revenue most likely will they won a Test series Down Under for come from ODIs or T20s much more the fi rst time in history. Chappell be- than a test match.” lieves India are well-equipped to han- Dhumal was less optimistic about dle the challenging conditions of Aus- the preceding Twenty20 World Cup tralia as they showed during the last and did not fancy a fl agship tournament tour. in Australia featuring players who are “I am certainly looking forward to it still rusty as they emerge from the lock- (the Australia-India series). It will be Virat Kohli’s India are due to play four Tests and three ODIs in Australia in December and January. down. “Would you want to be without a very interesting one. India will come training for that long and straight away with the confi dence of having won last regarding the presence of Smith and better of Australia 2-1 in the 2018-19 and once again reached the heights, can keep getting Warner and Smith out go and play (the) World Cup?” he said. time they toured Australia,” Chappell Warner. The duo were serving bans for series. which they had achieved before their cheaply, then India could win. If they “That is a call every board has to take. It said on the Sony Ten Pit Stop show. their part in the infamous ball-tamper- Since their return, Smith and Warner fall from grace. “The batting last time don’t get Warner and Smith cheaply, seems to be diffi cult.” Chappell, however, did caution India ing scandal when Kohli’s boys got the have slotted into the team seamlessly India were here wasn’t so good. If India Australia will win,” Chappell said.

SPOTLIGHT ROUND-UP The sportsmen who went to war Magic of playing in packed AFP et. Real pressure is when you are London fl ying a Mosquito with a Messer- stadiums will be missed: Kohli schmitt up your a**e!” A generation of cricket fans he magical atmosphere will be missing PAKISTAN PLAYERS PUSH BACK any sportsmen were revelled in Miller’s seemingly if the cricket season currently stalled BOUNDARIES WITH ZOOM CRICKET forced to put their carefree approach to the game, Tby the Covid-19 pandemic resumes in Bored during Pakistan’s coronavirus lockdown, Mcareers on hold to whether as a dynamic fast bowler empty stadiums, India captain Virat Test batsman Shan Masood put on his helmet, fi ght in World War or as a dashing batsman. Miller’s Kohli has said. The spread of the novel coronavi- picked up his bat — and Zoom cricket was born. II. The confl ict cut short the new-ball partnership with Ray rus has brought sport to a standstill and staging Masood, 30, was video-chatting with team- lives of some, including England Lindwall was a central feature games without spectators has been suggested as mates when they grabbed their cricket gear and Test cricketer Hedley Verity and of the 1948 Australian “Invinci- one way to resume professional cricket. pretended to play a match. German Olympic long jumper bles” who swept all before them “Things will still go on, but I doubt that one “A couple of us guys were talking on Zoom “Luz” Long, but others survived on an Ashes tour of England. will feel that magic happening inside because of and it was pretty late at night and somebody just to forge careers after the confl ict Tales of how he would turn the atmosphere that was created,” Kohli said on picked up a ball,” Masood said. “He had a ball (in) ended in 1945. Here is look at the up for a match straight from an Star Sports’ Cricket Connected Show. his hand and eventually all of us got kitted up and careers of sportsmen who made evening out socialising became “We will play sports how it is supposed to be we played... a made-up cricket match. So that an impact in the post-war world the stuff of legend, with Miller’s played, but those magical moments will be dif- was quite a funny moment where I kind of had as Europe marks the 75th anni- movie-star good looks and ru- fi cult to come by.” my helmet on. Hassan Ali was seaming into the versary of VE Day. mours of an aff air with Princess India are set to visit Australia for four Tests ball, Imam ul Haq was fi elding, Wahab Riaz was Margaret, the younger sister of and three one-day internationals later this year, the captain,” he added. “(We) just made it into a CRASH SURVIVOR Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, pro- games which are likely to be played in empty funny little incident.” Stan Mortensen — the only man viding copy for the gossip col- stadiums. England all-rounder Ben Stokes said Cricket, like most other sport, is on hold dur- to score a FA Cup fi nal hat-trick umnists. Miller’s statistics for playing without fans in attendance would not ing the pandemic, much to the frustration of and England’s fi rst-ever goals- Australia were impressive but his dampen the competitive side of matches and players and fans. Masood said Pakistan’s squad corer at a World Cup — became contribution to cricket cannot Kohli agrees. “It’s quite a possible situation, it had been training at home to prepare for cricket’s a giant of the post-war game but be measured in fi gures alone. He might happen, I honestly don’t know how every- return. only after a lucky escape. died in 2004, aged 84. one is going to take that because we all are used “Everyone’s been training, everyone’s been Serving as a wireless operator to playing in front of so many passionate fans. being good, and also that we have to take into in the Royal Air Force, he sur- ‘GREATEST LIVING I know matches will be played at a very good account that this is the month of Ramadan and vived when his plane crashed WELSHMAN’ intensity but that feeling of the crowd connect- it’s harder to train,” said Masood. “Hopefully that into a forest, killing two crew Tasker Watkins, who played ing with the players and the tension of the game whenever this thing ends... all this hard work members. Doctors believed for Glamorgan Wanderers, was where everyone goes through it in the stadium, that we’re putting in right now (will) be trans- Mortensen’s head injuries were never a famous rugby player and those emotions are diffi cult to recreate,” he said. lated into cricketing performances.” too severe for his football career many newcomers to the Princi- to continue, but he was allowed pality Stadium may wonder why to return for the RAF team and there is an imposing statue of FOCUS went on to build an impressive him outside the ground. legacy at Blackpool. His crown- Watkins achieved distinction ing achievement came in the 1953 in World War II when he was FA Cup fi nal, often referred to as awarded the Victoria Cross, Brit- Mushfi qur believes Bangladesh the “Matthews Final” due to the ain’s highest military honour, for performance of his Blackpool leading a bayonet charge against teammate Stanley Matthews. a machine-gun post, which he can enter top-six in Tests However, Matthews said in eventually silenced, in Nor- his autobiography that it was mandy in 1944. The citation said IANS Mortensen who was the star of In this file photo taken on October 20, 2004, Marie (left), the widow of his “superb leadership not only Dhaka the show as he scored a hat-trick Australian cricketer Keith Miller, looks at the statue of her late saved his men, but decisively in- in Blackpool’s 4-3 win against husband at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Miller was a fighter pilot fl uenced the course of the battle”. Bolton in front of 100,000 people who flew night missions over Nazi Germany in World War II. (AFP) After the war, Watkins started angladesh wicket-keeper Mushfi qur at Wembley. Mortensen was in- a legal career and rose to become Rahim feels his team is more than capa- ducted into the English football City snapped him up in 1949 de- glo-German relations through one of the most senior judges in Bble of entering the top-six in the longest hall of fame in 2003, 12 years after spite protests at the signing of a football. He died in 2013 at the England and Wales. An 11-year format. He also rued the fact that despite his death at the age of 69. former German soldier for a club age of 89. stint as president of the Welsh having talented players in the team they somehow with a large Jewish following. Rugby Union that started in under-achieved in the last two decades. PRISONER OF WAR He is remembered for a re- ALL-ROUND 1993 encompassed rugby un- Mushfi qur also raised concerns over Bangla- Bert Trautmann became one of markable performance in the AUSTRALIAN HERO ion’s transition to professional- desh’s form in foreign conditions. He expressed English football’s most unlikely 1956 FA Cup fi nal when he helped Glamorous Australian all- ism and the move from club to his satisfaction over the team’s show at home but heroes after time spent as a Ger- City lift the trophy after a 3-1 win rounder Keith Miller caught the regional rugby in Wales. Shortly urged the team to produce similar level of per- The Test Championship is also a big challenge for man prisoner of war. against Birmingham City despite eye when making 181 runs for before his death in 2007, at the formances overseas as well. us. We have the ability to come in the top-six in When the former paratrooper playing for the fi nal 17 minutes Victoria on his fi rst-class cricket age of 88, Watkins gave an inter- “I truly believe that there is much more to be Tests.” was released in 1948, he declined with a broken neck. That same debut in 1938. He was a fi ghter view. “Leadership and patriot- achieved as a team. Despite having talented play- Bangladesh are currently placed at the last spot repatriation, instead combining year, Trautmann became the fi rst pilot who fl ew night missions ism are two virtues that translate ers, we have not been able to achieve that in the in the World Test Championship table. They have working on a farm with playing in player who was not British or over Nazi Germany in the war. wonderfully well from the rugby last 20 years. But our performance have been go- played two series so far and lost all three matches goal for St Helen’s Town in Eng- Irish to win the Football Writers’ Asked later about the pressure pitch to battle...(so) that top rug- ing up on home soil” Mushfi qur was quoted as to be rock-bottom in the nine-team champion- land’s northwest. Association player of the year. In of playing in a Test match, Miller by players had an independence saying by bdcrictime.com. ship. Bangladesh, along with West Indies, are Word of his outstanding ability 2004, he was honoured by Brit- famously replied: “Pressure? of thought and deed that marked “Our main concern is to do well outside the the only two teams who are yet to open their Test quickly spread and Manchester ain for his eff orts to promote An- There’s no pressure in Test crick- them out as leaders.” country. There are many big challenges ahead. championship account.