Sport

THURSDAY 8 JULY 2021 Kerber banking on good Wimbledon vibes in semi-final against Ash Barty It's more about this tournament for me because when I was a kid I really looked forward to playing my best here. Now I'm back... after a tough time. I wasn't playing good the last few months. Now I'm winning... playing well, that means a lot.

Angelique Kerber Sport |19 TOUR DE FRANCE - Stage 11 Winner: Wout Van Aert, Belgium, 5h 17m 43s. Overall Leader: Tadej Pogacar, Slovenia, 43h 44m 38s. England down Denmark in extra time to set up title clash against Italy

REUTERS — LONDON superiority count and lost the battle from the spot 4-2. Harry Kane struck an extra- It was a fitting ending to a time winner as England beat tournament where Spain were Denmark 2-1 at Wembley often unable to convert their yesterday to reach the final of chances. However, above all Wout van Aert celebrates Euro 2020 where they will there was a sense of pride after after winning 11th stage. face Italy. winning over their doubters, The Danes had taken a having been booed by their 30th-minute lead when Mikkel own supporters in Seville and Damsgaard stunned the home heavily criticised by pundits at Van Aert claims crowd with a brilliant free kick home and abroad. from 25 metres out which flew “I’ve seen many positive Ventoux stage, things, young players who contributed so much. The Pogacar keeps objective was to form a team and make the fans proud of yellow jersey their players and we did that,” said Luis Enrique. AP — MALAUCENE England’s Harry Kane celebrates Defender Eric Garcia said: after scoring their second goal. “We have to think this can be Belgian champion Wout van Aert the start of something great." twice conquered the daunting and Garcia is set to lead the grueling Mont Ventoux to win the into the net. England drew brought down in the box by was ultimately a story of defence for many years to prestigious Stage 11 of the Tour de level nine minutes later when Joakim Maehle and although redemption and renewal that come alongside Aymeric France yesterday. Kane's clever pass allowed Denmark keeper Kasper Sch- gives them plenty of hope for Laporte, who switched nation- Van Aert was part of a Bukayo Saka to get behind the meichel pushed out Kane's the future. alities from France a month breakaway that formed in the early Danish defence and his low penalty, the England captain Luis Enrique’s young side before the tournament began. stages of the nearly 200-kilometers ball across was turned into his pounced to drive home the were not the favourites for “We got this far, we’ve seen trek in southern France featuring Second sem-final own net by Simon Kjaer. winner. the tournament or against other sides who are stronger an unprecedented double climb of England bt Denmark 2-1 After a goalless second half, Meanwhile, Spain’s Euro Italy but they produced a than us on paper and fell the iconic mountain known as the England secured a place in 2020 campaign began in dis- bold and thrilling display in before us. There were many “Giant of Provence.” Sunday's final their first tournament final array and ended with the pain the 1-1 draw at Wembley and changes, many new faces but Race leader Tadej Pogacar was 10pm: England vs Italy since 1966 when Raheem of a penalty shootout defeat by dominated extra-time but what we’ve done is spec- one minute and 37 seconds behind, Sterling was ruled to have been Italy in the semi-finals but this could not make their tacular,” said Laporte. according to provisional results, and kept the yellow jersey. At 26, Van Aert is a jack of all trades. He can sprint, climb and time trial, but did not fight for the Qatar reach Houston to take part in Gold Cup general classification this year, working in support of Jumbo-Visma leader Primoz Roglic. The former cyclo-cross world champion was given more leeway by his team after Roglic retired from the Tour last week, setting his sights on a stage win. Van Aert went solo during the second ascent of the Ventoux, about 11 kilometers from the summit, to open a big gap with his breakaway companions. He kept his lead intact in the long downhill to the finish line. He smiled to TV cameras and Qatar squad arrived in Houston, United States yesterday to make their debut at the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup. clinched his fist as he approached The Asian champions underwent a training camp in Croatia to prepare for the tournament. In Croatia, Felix Sanchez- the town of Malaucene, then raised coached side also played two friendly matches against Croatia’s reserve side and El Salvador, which they both won. on his pedals and yelled in triumph Qatar will play their first Gold Cup Group D match against Panama on July 13, before taking on Grenada on July 17 with his arms stretched. It was van and Honduras on July 20. Aert’s fourth career stage win at the Tour.

Federer’s dream of 9th title in tatters after Qatar SC unveil Spain’s Martinez Hurkacz mauling; Djokovic reaches semis

LONDON REUTERS — waves after losing his quarter-final 50th quarter-final, against ’s Hubert Hurkacz (left). recorded a Roger Federer’s dream of century of tour-level wins on winning a record-equalling grass as he suffocated the chal- ninth Wimbledon title ended lenge of Marton Fucsovics with with a heart-breaking 6-3, a 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 win to reach the 7-6(4), 6-0 quarter-final defeat Wimbledon semi-finals by Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz yesterday. yesterday. While such numbers might Before this fortnight, 14th sound impressive, for Djokovic seed Hurkacz had won only four the only statistic that matters New Spanish signing, midfielder Javi Martinez poses with a matches on turf but no one is that his dream of joining Qatar Sports Club official during his unveiling for the QNB Stars would have guessed his lack of Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal grasscourt pedigree after wit- on a record 20 Grand Slam League club yesterday. Martinez represented Spain since 2010 nessing the stupendous display titles was still very much alive and was a member of the squads that won the 2010 FIFA World he put in against his own as was the chance of becoming Cup and UEFA Euro 2012. He also played at the 2014 FIFA World childhood idol. the first man since Rod Laver Cup. In addition, the 32-year-old has featured in 251 official All the cheers and standing biggest win of his career while Never before had Federer in 1969 to complete the cal- games over the course of six La Liga seasons, scoring 26 goals. ovations in the world could not fans were left wondering that been wiped out in a set at endar slam. save Federer from the Centre should this turn out to be the Wimbledon. Fucsovics produced some Court mauling as it seemed his Swiss’s final Wimbledon After celebrating his triumph gutsy shots to stay alive in the 39-year-old body finally said appearance, there could not with a flying leap, Hurkacz first set when Djokovic stood at Qatar’s Cherif, Tijan gear up enough is enough. have been a more cruel way to joined the near 15,000 fans who 5-0 up with two set points and A Federer forehand into the bow out than losing 6-0 in the had packed into Centre Court to hung in with the top seed till 4-4 for Olympics in Gstad event tramlines handed Hurkacz the final set of his 22nd appearance. give Wimbledon’s favourite son in the second. a standing ovation as he made But once Djokovic broke for THE PENINSULA — DOHA Haussener. In their second WIMBLEDON a swift exit from the arena. a 5-4 lead in the second set, it group match yesterday, they Men’s Quarter-finals Results “I don’t know if we will ever was clear that this would not be Qatar’s Cherif Younousse and fell to Dutch pair of Stefan Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Marton Fucsovics (HUN) 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 see the great man again here,” his day. Tijan Ahmed are taking part Boermans and Yorick De (CAN x10) bt (RUS x25) 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 6-1, former champion In his 10th Wimbledon semi- in the FIVB Beach Volleyball Groot, who won the match 6-4 said, voicing the fears of thou- final, and 41st across all four Tournament, which started in with a 22-20, 12-21, 11-15 Hubert Hurkacz (POL x14) bt Roger Federer (SUI x6) 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-0 sands of fans who had flocked majors, the Serbian will meet Gstad yesterday. score-line. (ITLx7) bt Felix Auger-Aliassime (CANx16) 6-3, 5-7, 7-5, 6-3. Women’s Semi-final Line-up to the All England Club to see Canadian 10th seed Denis The Olympic-bound duo The Qatar side is placed in

Ashleigh Barty (AUS x1) v Angelique kerber (GER x25) him and millions more watching Shapovalov, who defeated Rus- kicked off the event with a Group C of the Tokyo Karolina Pliskova (CZE x8) v Aryna Sabalenka (BLR x2) on TV. sia’s Karen Khachanov 6-4, 3-6, 21-11, 21-14 victory over Swiss Olympics beach volleyball Meanwhile, playing in his 5-7, 6-1, 6-4. duo Quentin Metral and Yves event. THURSDAY 8 JULY 2021 SPORT 19 Argentina edge out Colombia, to clash with Brazil in final

REUTERS — BRASILIA home a low shot and give Argentina’s Emiliano Argentina the lead. Martinez. Emiliano Martinez was the Colombia found their feet hero for Argentina as he saved soon after and hit the three times in a shootout to woodwork twice in a minute take his team into a Copa towards the end of the first Ebraz storms to win. America final match-up with half when Wilmar Barrio’s Brazil after Tuesday’s semi- deflected shot struck the post final against Colombia finished and then Mina watched his 1-1 after 90 minutes. header hit the bar from the Ebraz proves his class once Martinez, who tried to dis- resulting corner. tract Colombia’s players in the Their equaliser came on again with impressive victory shootout with a barrage of the hour mark when Luis Diaz trash talk, saved from Dav- finished from a tight angle to THE PENINSULA — DOHA inson Sanchez, Yerry Mina and complete a surprise counter outside of the field. Still with Edwin Cardona. attack. Eight-year-old Ebraz (GB) (Amer over three lengths to find 200m Lionel Messi, Leandro Argentina are now x Massamarie) carried the from home, Ebraz produced a Paredes and Lautaro Martinez unbeaten in 19 games, with colours of his owner H E phenomenal effort to get the scored for Argentina as they their last loss coming to Brazil Sheikha Reem bint Mohammed better of Al Shaqab Racing’s booked a spot against the host in the semi-final of the 2019 bin Khalifa Al Thani to victory Mounjared Al Cham (FR) (Azadi nation in Saturday’s final at Copa America. for the 18th time when taking x Al Moutawakila) and went on to Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana They were also the last the Group 3 Coupe de Sud- score by ¾ of a length, claiming stadium. team to beat Brazil, in Ouest des Pur-Sang Arabes in his second win in the race. “I’m speechless,” said match punctuated by 46 fouls the star man, notching up his November 2019 when Messi La Teste De Buch, only 30 Mounjared Al Cham took the Argentine keeper Martinez. and 10 yellow cards. fifth assist of the tournament got the only goal of the game minutes following Mon’nia’s Gr second place for trainer Thomas “They took us to penalties Argentina are seeking to to add to his four goals. in a friendly in Saudi Arabia. 2 victory at the same course. Fourcy and jockey Olivier and that’s a question of luck, win their first major interna- Taking a superb pass from Since then Brazil, who beat The seven-time Group 1 Peslier while the other Thomas today it was my turn for glory.” tional title since lifting the Giovani Lo Celso after six Peru 1-0 on Monday to reach winner Ebraz is trained by Julian Fourcy’s trainee Khataab was Both sides had chances to Copa America in 1993 and minutes, Messi rolled the ball the final, have won 12 and Smart and was ridden to victory, further ¾ of a length behind to win in an intense, end-to-end once again Lionel Messi was to Lautaro Martinez to fire drawn one. in the 1900m contest for four- finish third under Jerome Cabre. year-old and older Purebred Bred by H H Sheikh Arabians, by Maxime Guyon. Mohammed Bin Khalifa Thani, Having broken on terms Ebraz is by the most successful with the field, Ebraz was quickly Arabian sire AMER (Wafi) and Mancini, Vialli mastermind Italy’s success positioned towards the rear of along with Ebraz, dam Massa- the peloton by Guyon. marie (Tidjani) has produced AP — LONDON The pair have also gone With a strong pace being set multiple Group 1 winners, through some high points and up front, Ebraz was about eight including Raahah (Asraa Min Dubbed the “goal twins” low points on the very same lengths off the leader as the field Albarq) winner of the Group 1 during their playing days, field in London. left the back straight, but was Qatar Arabian Trophy des Roberto Mancini and Gianluca They were team-mates at still travelling with a lot of Juments in 2020, Mared Al Vialli are still teaming up to Sampdoria when they lost to purpose. Shara (Amer) winner of the win matches. Barcelona in the 1992 Turning for home, Guyon Group 1 H H The Amir Sword This time as coaches of European Cup final at the old slipstreamed Al Shaqab Racing’s and Mu’azzaz (Amer) winner of Italy’s national team. Wembley. It was last match Khataab (FR) (Amer x Djelana) the Group 1 Dubai International When the Italians beat the duo played together after as the pair made ground on the Stakes at Newbury. Spain in the European Cham- eight years at the Italian club, pionship semi-finals, there which they led to its only was Mancini sharing joyous league title, four Italian Cups hugs with Vialli on the field at and a Cup Winners’ Cup. Italy coach Roberto Wembley Stadium. Wembley successes fol- Mancini celebrates “Gianluca and I have lowed, for both. Vialli won the after win over Spain known each other for a very FA Cup at the iconic venue as in the semi-final. long time so it’s only natural Chelsea manager in 2000, and that our relationship is dif- Mancini did the same with ferent,” said Mancini, now the Manchester City in 2011. sometimes volcanic nature four times and always expects head coach of the national The pair was reunited in and his role allows him to to a contender. But only three team. 2019 when Mancini appointed work with the players, coaches years later, the Mancini-Vialli “I’m not saying that we Vialli as delegation chief of the and support staff, sharing his combination led Italy past grew up together but it’s Italy team - shortly before knowledge and experience. Spain in a penalty shootout almost like that. Vialli publicly announced that Whatever they are doing, and into the Euro 2020 final. Mon’nia takes the lead during the Group “We spent a number of he had recovered from a it’s working. When Mancini and Vialli 2 PA Criterium des Pouliches. years together and we have a second battle against pan- Italy missed out on quali- ran ecstatically onto the field relationship that goes way creatic cancer. fying for the 2018 World Cup, on Tuesday, there seemed to beyond friendship. He’s like a Vialli’s unruffled sense of a shocking failure for a team be more in their celebration true brother to me.” calm contrasts with Mancini’s that has won the tournament than just winning a game. Mon’nia overcomes tough

Pep challenge to secure title Guardiola Man City can’t meet asking price THE PENINSULA — DOHA Mon’nia was soon asked for an effort and began to pull clear of for strikers, says Guardiola Carrying the silks of H E Sheikha her rivals 400m out. Yasmeen Bint Mohammed bin H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, five-year-old Khalifa Al Thani’s Artemis (FR) REUTERSREUTERS — MANCHESTER join Barcelona as a free agent. aren’t going to buy a striker for pure-bred Arabian mare (Azadi x Ocyrrhoe) looked Kane is valued at over next season.” Mon’nia (FR) (Amer x Margouia) threatening for the majority of ManchesterMaM City are being £100m ($137.99m), while City begin their title claimed a third group success the run-in and tried to raise an pricedp out of the market Haaland has been rated at defence on Aug. 15 when they when winning the Group 2 PA effort against Mon’nia but it was for a new striker to £150m. travel to Tottenham. Criterium des Pouliches in La Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari’s replace Sergio Aguero “At the prices (quoted) we Meanwhile, Guardiola Teste de Buch, France. Lady Princess (FR) (General x and may just stick are not going to buy any revealed his club prevented Mon’nia, winner of the Nacree Al Maury) who got with what they have strikers. It is impossible, we Rodri and Ferran Torres from Group 1 H H The Amir Sword in closest at the finish. for the new season, cannot afford it,” coach representing Spain at the February, is trained by Julian One of the first off the bridle, manager Pep Guar- Guardiola told Catalan Olympics and said other clubs Smart and was ridden to success Lady Princess came with a diola said. network TV3. should do the same to prevent in the Criterium des Pouliches, strong run down the outside, but British media “All clubs are struggling players over-exerting a race for four-year-old and Mon’nia proved resolute and reported City were financially, we are not an themselves. older Purebred Arabian fillies held on to score by a ½ length interested in signing exception. We have Gabriel Six players in Spain's Euro and mares over 1900m, by at the line. Lady Princess fin- Tottenham Hotspur’s (Jesus) and Ferran (Torres) 2020 squad including Barcelona Maxime Guyon. ished runner up for trainer Harry Kane or who have been incredible in midfielder Pedri and defender Quickly out of the stall, she Thomas Fourcy and jockey Borussia Dortmund’s this position. Eric Garcia have been called up found herself cutting out the Julien Auge while the Mrs JF ErlingE Haaland after “We have young players in for the Olympics and are due to running and did so at a steady Bernard-trained and Olivier AgueroAg left the Premier the academy and we play report for training on July 12, the tempo. Turning for home the Peslier-ridden Artemis was two LeagueLea champions at the many times with a false nine. day after the European Cham- field were tightly grouped, but lengths further in third. enden of last season to There is more of a chance we pionship final. Kerber banking on good Wimbledon vibes in Barty semi-final

REUTERS — LONDON experience of her Wimbledon wearing a scallop-hemmed these courts, who knows how triumph to give her the edge FILA trailblazer outfit modelled to win this tournament.” Former Angelique Kerber’s Grand Slam against the top seed. on Goolagong’s and she has not world number one Karolina resurgence faces its sternest test “It’s a good feeling already dropped a set at the All England Pliskova continues her quest for in her first major semi-final to have the trophy at home and club this year. a maiden Grand Slam title when since her Wimbledon triumph to have won it here,” Kerber, “Angie obviously has an she meets big-hitting second three years ago, as the former who also won the Australian incredible record here. She’s seed Aryna Sabalenka in the world number one faces an Open and US Open in 2016, told made multiple finals,” said other semi-final. Australian woman on a mission reporters. “It’s more about this Barty, who is aiming to become Pliskova has flown under in Ash Barty today. tournament for me because only the fourth woman in the the radar at Wimbledon having The 33-year-old German, when I was a kid I really looked Open Era to win Wimbledon dropped out of the top 10 for Germany’s who has slid down the world forward to playing my best after having triumphed as a the first time in five years at the Angelique rankings to number 28, came tennis here. Now I’m back... junior. start of the championships, but into the grasscourt Grand Slam after a tough time. I wasn’t Kerber “She’s one of the best grass- has the momentum as she having won her first title since playing good the last few in action court players going around. I targets her first major final since 2018 at Bad Homburg and has months. Now I’m winning... during the think the challenge of playing 2016. extended her winning run to 10 playing well, that means a lot. quarter-final. her in a semi-final of Wim- The Czech has not dropped matches playing near-flawless “For me it’s more the expe- bledon is an incredible oppor- a set yet but could face a tricky tennis. rience that I had few years ago. tunity, one that I’m really test in the form of Belarusian Kerber holds a 3-2 head-to- I played the finals here twice. I excited for. Sabalenka, who will be eager to head advantage over Barty but will try to take the experience “It’s not scary or over- take the next step having all the meetings were on hard with me for the semis.” Former Wimbledon title, 50 years after heritage, first lifted the trophy. whelming, it’s just exciting to reached a Grand Slam semi- courts and the three-times champion Barty Evonne Goolagong, who also World number one Barty has have the challenge of playing final for the first time in her major winner will bank on the is looking to capture her first has indigenous Australian dominated her opponents someone who is comfortable on career. Sport THURSDAY 8 JULY 2021 18 Siwar Al Shaqab crowned Gold Champion in Menton

THE PENINSULA — DOHA handler Raphael Curti, the new Gold Team Siwar Al Shaqab celebrates with the trophies. Champion also won the following Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foun- honors in Menton: Class winner dation, enjoyed a prize-winning (with 93 percent); Best Head; Highest outing at the 2021 Mediterranean & Type Junior Filly; and Highest Score Arab Countries Arabian Horse Junior Filly. Championship, with Siwar Al Shaqab The victories highlighted once producing a stunning display of style again the premium standing of Al and elegance to be crowned Gold Shaqab’s distinguished breeding Champion Junior Female. program, which has produced The triumphant performance several Arabian stallions and mares by the majestic filly held extra sig- that have emerged victorious at local nificance, being delivered in the and international shows, including landmark 30th anniversary of the three generations of world prestigious event, which was held champions. on June 26 and 27 in Menton, Khalid Al Jehani, Manager, Al France. Shaqab Breeding & Show Siwar Al Shaqab, sired by SMA Department, said: “I am delighted Magic One, out of Abha Myra, and with Al Shaqab’s achievement in the half sister of Fadi Al Shaqab, one Menton. This was an important win, of Al Shaqab’s magnificent seven at an important show, at an important world champion stallions, lived up time. Siwar Al Shaqab captivated eve- to her impressive pedigree in daz- ryone with her beauty and per- zling the judges. formance, and she delivered a simply Superbly led by celebrated outstanding display.” Babar says no thought of Pakistan quitting tour of England

AP - CARDIFF cricket over the last couple of years. Mathews withdraws from Pakistan captain Babar Azam “They may be new players said yesterday there was no but they are playing for Babar Azam, Pakistan's thought of abandoning the England. national duty, SL players captain, during an indoor team’s white-ball tour of “I know a few of them England after learning of a net session. having played in the T20 Blast PIC:@THEREALPCB sign India tour contracts major coronavirus outbreak and those we don’t know we within the home squad. have researched their REUTERS - COLOMBO Two days before the performances.” one-day series was scheduled Ben Stokes will captain All-rounder Angelo Mathews has taken an indefinite break to begin, England announced England in its emergency, from national duties but his Sri Lanka team-mates have signed that seven of its personnel - having been left out of the tour contracts ahead of the limited-overs series against India, three players and four members original group to continue his the country’s cricket board said yesterday. of the backroom staff - had recovery from finger surgery. The players have rejected new annual contracts which tested positive for The all-rounder has called offer lower base salaries and more performance-based incen- coronavirus. on England’s makeshift squad tives but played in Bangladesh and England after signing tour With the rest of squad to make the most of an unex- contracts. instructed to isolate after being The PCB (Pakistan Cricket pected opportunity. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed the same arrangement identified as close contacts, the Board) and ECB have assured “One thing I told myself to would continue for the home series against India. tour - featuring three ODIs and us that they will take care of tell the team is that, although “Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce that 29 players, out three Twenty20 matches - the safety and health of all the this has been a very quick turn- of the 30 members nominated by the cricket selectors to be could have been in jeopardy but around of events in having to considered for the white-ball series against India, have signed the England and Wales Cricket squad members. Of course it pick a new squad, it does not the tour contract,” the SLC said in a statement. Board hastily assembled an was disappointing news. We matter what names are on the “Angelo Mathews... requested Sri Lanka Cricket to relieve entirely new 18-strong squad must understand that these are back of an England shirt. We are him from national duties, owing to personal reasons, until from across England’s county unprecedented times of walking out there as the No. 1 further notice.” game. COVID-19. We are focusing on team,” Stokes said. Former captain Mathews, 34, last played for Sri Lanka Asked whether there was “That is an exciting thing to during their West Indies tour earlier this year but was dropped any temptation to call off the cricket and the first game. say you are a part of,” he con- in May in a major overhaul with an eye on the ODI World Cup trip, Babar said: “No, we didn’t tinued, “whether you are an in India in 2023. think about it, it didn’t come Babar Azam experienced player, young The players are facing a backlash at home after returning into our minds at any time. player or someone coming into from England where they lost five of the six matches, while “The PCB (Pakistan Cricket the group for the first time,” he the final one-dayer was abandoned because of rain. Board) and ECB have assured said. “Situations like these are Fans are particularly upset after vice-captain Kushal Mendis, us that they will take care of the so rare and such a fluster. wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella and batsman Danushka safety and health of all the cricket and the first game.” That uncapped at the ODI level. “I would say you have got a Gunathilaka were sent home from England for breaching bio- squad members. Of course it comes today in Cardiff and “We can’t take any player chance to represent your bubble protocols in Durham. was disappointing news. We Babar was keen to underline playing for England lightly,” country so let’s do it with a Beginning on July 13, they will play three ODIs and an equal must understand that these are that Pakistan will not be under- said Babar, the top-ranked ODI smile on our face and just enjoy number of T20 matches in Colombo against a second-string unprecedented times of estimating a revised England batsman who has represented it as much as we can as a India team led by opener Shikhar Dhawan. COVID-19. We are focusing on squad containing nine players Somerset in English county group.” Japan considers ban on Olympic spectators, prepares state of emergency for Tokyo

REUTERS - TOKYO Japan will hold a parlia- Koike said she expected mentary election later this year Suga’s government to tighten Japan is considering banning all and the government’s insistence coronavirus restrictions. spectators from the Olympics, that the Games - postponed last The Sankei daily, citing several sources said yesterday, year as the virus was spreading government sources, said the with authorities expected to around the world - should go government was preparing to declare a state of emergency for ahead this year could cost it at declare a state of emergency for Tokyo to contain coronavirus the ballot box. Tokyo to contain the virus. The infections 16 days before the The Tokyo 2020 organising Nikkei newspaper later said the Games begin. committee said restrictions on new emergency would last until Prime Minister Yoshihide spectators would be based on August 22. Suga said his government the content of Japan’s corona- That could mean a ban on would decide on new measures virus state of emergency or spectators at Olympic events as to stop the spread of the virus other relevant measures. restrictions already in place in today. Those measures are ‘SAFE OLYMPICS’ the city would be strengthened expected to determine whether Speaking after Suga made beyond an original end-date of spectators can attend Olympic his comments, Tokyo Governor July 11. events. Yuriko Koike said the host city Sankei said a “quasi emer- Medical experts have said would continue to prepare for gency” in place in three prefec- for weeks that having no spec- “a safe Olympics” even under tures neighbouring the capital tators at the Olympics would be a fresh state of emergency. Tokyo, which will host some the least risky option amid Japan has not experienced Olympic events, would be widespread public concern that the kind of explosive COVID-19 extended. the Games will fuel new surges outbreaks seen in many other The Games begin on July 23 of coronavirus infections. countries but has had more and end on August 8. Organisers have already than 800,000 cases and 14,800 The government will meet banned overseas spectators and deaths. International Olympic Com- set a cap on domestic spectators Authorities have struggled mittee (IOC) President Thomas at 50% of capacity, up to 10,000 to stamp out persistent clusters Bach and Tokyo organisers people, to contain the corona- of infections, particularly in and today or tomorrow to discuss virus outbreak. around Tokyo, which reported the question of spectators Officials have been wres- 920 new daily cases on attending events. tling with the question for Wednesday, the highest since Top government months but a ruling party May 13. spokesman Katsunobu Kato setback in a Tokyo assembly A slow vaccine rollout has said this week Suga had raised election on Sunday, which some meant only a quarter of Japan’s the possibility of holding the allies of Suga attributed to population has had at least one Games without spectators. public anger over the Games, COVID-19 vaccination shot. Earlier yesterday Toshiro had forced the change of tack, Suga told reporters a Muto, the chief executive of the sources said. decision on virus restrictions organising committee, said “Politically speaking, having would be made today after talks organisers were striving to no spectators is now una- with health experts. He vowed ensure safety for everyone with voidable,” a ruling party source to respond to Tokyo’s rising effective public health said. cases. measures against COVID-19.