Xavi to share fitness tips during Generation amazing live stream paGe 12

WedneSday, april 15, 2020

QOC prolongs aFC extends virus shutdown indefinitely suspension of AFP to undertake precaution- local sports hoNG KoNG ary measures in light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the lat- activities till THE Asian Football Con- est decision reinforces the federation announced on AFC’s commitment to ensure April 30th Tuesday the indefinite post- the safety and wellbeing of ponement because of the players, participating teams, ThE Qatar coronavirus of all matches officials, fans and all stake- olympic scheduled for May and June, holders.” Committee plunging the AFC Champions Less than two of the announced League into further disarray. six rounds of group-stage that it has The region’s premier matches have been com- extended the club competition was put on pleted so far, meaning the suspension of hold in March as the pan- competition will face severe all local sport demic spread, and the lat- congestion even if it returns activities est reshuffle means the 32- in July. and events until 30th april team group stage will have to The extended shutdown to ensure more safety for be completed in July be- also affects the two-legged all employees of the sport fore the already-postponed women’s Olympic qualifying organizations and community knock-out rounds start a play-off between China and members against coronavi- month later. South Korea, which had al- rus (CoVID-19). “Following the contin- ready been moved to June 1 The QoC’s decision ued preventive measures and 9. is in line with the preven- and travel restrictions put June qualifiers for the tine measures taken by in place by several govern- men’s 2022 World Cup and Qatar to limit the spread ments, the Asian Football 2023 Asian Cup had already of coronavirus by banning Confederation has decided been postponed. public gatherings also in today to postpone all match- Football was one of the accordance with the recom- es and competitions sched- first sports affected by trav- mendations of Ministry of uled to take place in May and el restrictions prompted by Public health and National June until further notice,” an the coronavirus, which has Pandemic Preparedness AFC statement said. now forced the blanket stop- Committee. “As one of the first con- page of professional sporting The draw for the Asian Football Confederation playoff and group stages was made at AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in December, federations in world football events worldwide. but so far less than two of the first six rounds have been played. (aFP) Fellaini out of Chinese German venues should stay hospital after coronavirus scare

shut for 18 months: Expert AFP ShaNGhaI

FORMER Manchester United star Marouane Fellaini was discharged on Tuesday after spending more than three weeks in a Chinese hospital being treated for coronavirus. The 32-year-old midfield- er, the only player known to have contracted the disease in the Chinese Super League (CSL), will now spend 14 days Belgium international Marouane in quarantine for further ob- Fellaini is the CsL’s only player servation, his club Shandong known to have contracted the Luneng said. novel coronavirus. (aFP) The Belgium international said on March 22 that he had portant.” An outside view of the Allianz Arena, stadium of Germany’s record football club Bayern Munich and a venue for the uEFA EuRo 2020 football championship, in Munich. (aFP) tested positive for the virus, China, where the outbreak having just returned to China, emerged in December, says it AFP combat the virus. ums with fans locked out. but assured fans that he was has curbed the illness at home BErLIN In an interview aired by The DFL would need the feeling fine. but is now worried about a broadcaster ARD on Mon- go-ahead from the health au- Fellaini posted videos of second wave of infections FOOTBALL fans and con- day, Haug added that “as to thorities for leagues to resume. himself on Instagram exercis- from overseas. cert-goers could be barred whether it will last a year and Having been closed since ing in his room while in hospi- Fellaini’s positive test from seeing their favourite a half, we have to wait and mid-March, concert halls tal in the eastern city of Jinan. dealt a blow to the CSL’s hopes teams and bands play live in see - there are also more op- and sports venues across In an Instagram update on of beginning the season any Germany for 18 months due timistic assessments of the Germany remain shut until Tuesday, he wrote: “The time time soon, after its February to the coronavirus, according situation. further notice. has come for me to thank from 22 start date was indefinitely to a science expert. “But it will certainly last On Monday, the Leopol- the bottom of my heart the postponed. Keeping Germany’s stadi- several months more, it could dina Academy advocated a medical staff of the hospital, Fellaini, also formerly of ums and music venues closed go up to a year and a half.” “step-by-step” return to nor- their nursing staff as well as Everton, joined Shandong until well into 2021 “would The German Football mal conditions if the figures for my club and its medical staff from Manchester United in certainly be very wise” ac- League (DFL) suspended new contaminations “stabilise for taking such good care of February last year for a report- cording to Gerald Haug, all Bundesliga matches on at a low level” and if “hygiene me with so much kindness ed 7.2 million euros. president of the Leopoldina March 13 but will meet Fri- measures are maintained”. and for ensuring my comfort He enjoyed a productive Academy of Sciences, which day to discuss whether foot- Just under 3,000 people whilst there. first season in China, scoring This file photo taken on March 10, 2020 shows the empty Borussia-Park advises Angela Merkel’s ball can resume in early May, have so far died due to the “The hardest part is behind 12 goals in 34 matches and football stadium in Mnchengladbach, Germany. (aFP) government on measures to most likely in empty stadi- coronavirus in Germany. me! Let’s keep fighting, it’s im- providing five assists. Tsitsipas ‘trying to learn’ French during virus lockdown

AFP learn a little bit of French, it’s kis and his government for aThENS something I’ve always wanted the positive results in the but I didn’t have time to deal fight against the virus. GREEK tennis star Stefanos with and it’s an opportunity It’s an opportunity to stay a “We all understand that Tsitsipas said on Tuesday the now,” Tsitsipas said. little longer with my family it is not easy, it is some- coronavirus pandemic lock- Mitsotakis had a telecon- and do things I didn’t have thing very difficult, we are all down has given him a chance ference with outstanding time to do before. grateful. I think I am speak- to brush up on his French. Greek athletes such as Tsit- ing on behalf of everyone, it The 21-year-old ranked sipas to thank them for their Stefanos Tsitsipas is something admirable that sixth in the world has re- contributions in encouraging you have achieved,” 24-year- turned home with the global people to exercise at home old Sakkari said. season on hold due to the while observing the measures. Mitsotakis said. Olympic pole vault cham- COVID-19 outbreak. “We do have the oppor- The premier said if April pion Katerina Stefanidi, 30, “It’s an opportunity to tunity to change habits and goes smoothly with meas- said things are very difficult stay a little longer with my come out of this trial strong- ures against the illness, the and “the more we sit, the more family and do things I didn’t er. People will understand gradual return to normalcy it will take us to return to the have time to do before,” he the importance of a healthy may begin in May, “which normality of things for us.” said during an online chat lifestyle and might even dis- will include an increase in “We are in a difficult time with Greek Prime Minister cover exercise again, even if sports activities.” from now on, but I think eve- Kyriakos Mitsotakis. at home, and even light jog- Greece’s world number ryone is doing what they can at “Specifically, right now ging, things that are allowed 20 Maria Sakkari thanked home, on the street, a little on on a daily basis I’m trying to under the circumstances,” and congratulated Mitsota- the beach,” Stefanidi added. 12 Wednesday, April 15, 2020 Sports FIFA World Cup winner Xavi Hernandez to share health and fitness tips during Generation Amazing live stream

Generation SC.QA about the Generation Amaz- to be hosting Xavi for this Doha ing programme, which is upcoming live session. Audi- Amazing started currently active in nine coun- ences will be in for a treat as FIFA World Cup™ winner tries and has positively im- we hear how our shared foot- daily live Xavi Hernandez will feature pacted the lives of more than balling values and the power streams last in Generation Amazing’s 500,000 people. Generation of sport can help inspire gen- Instagram Live session on Amazing – a Qatar 2022 erations through both good week as it aims Wednesday (April 15) at 5pm legacy programme – har- and challenging times.” Doha time (GMT +3) to dis- nesses the power of football Nasser al Khori, Pro- to continue cuss health and fitness during to deliver sustainable positive grammes Director at Gen- engaging with the COVID-19 pandemic. change in underprivileged eration Amazing, said: “Xavi The Supreme Committee communities. has long been a part of our its stakeholders for & Legacy (SC) Generation Amazing mission to reach children ambassador will also talk started daily live streams last and youth, encouraging and audience week as it aims to continue them to partake in an active engaging with its stakehold- and healthy lifestyle, and during the ers and audience during the practice the positive uniting ongoing ongoing pandemic. The ses- values we teach in football sions occur every weekday on and the Generation Amazing pandemic its Facebook and Instagram programme, to better their channels: @GA4Good. lives and the lives of those in Xavi, who is currently the their community.” Last year, Xavi visited Mumbai to inaugurate a Generation Amazing pitch and meet with youth who had head coach of Qatar Stars Former Barcelona been provided a safe space to play football and take part in key life skills coaching. League team Al Sadd, said: “I Xavi has taken part in a num- am very excited to be joining ber of Generation Amazing Generation Amazing’s Ins- activities during his time as Xavi Hernandez will feature tagram Live sessions to talk an SC ambassador. In 2016, in Generation Amazing’s about how football and sport- he travelled to Amman, Jor- Instagram Live session on ing values can help us in these dan, to run a training ses- Wednesday (April 15) at challenging times. I look sion for youngsters at the Al 5pm Doha time. forward to interacting with Baqa’a refugee camp pitch the audience and hopefully – which was constructed by lifting spirits through the Generation Amazing. fantastic live programme Last year, Xavi visited Generation Amazing has Mumbai to inaugurate a Gen- been offering.” eration Amazing pitch and Continuing to show- meet with youth who had case the Generation been provided a safe space to Amazing programme play football and take part in during the pandemic key life skills coaching. is a core objective of Also, in December 2019, the online programme, Xavi attended the FIFA Leg- which aims to reach ends Day during the inau- children and youth gural Generation Amazing around the world. Festival, which involved 140 legacy programme which Watched by hundreds in fit and healthy at home. Generation Amaz- youth ambassadors from harnesses the power of foot- Qatar and across the globe, its Stay tuned to @GA4Good ing’s Communications more than 20 countries. ball to positively impact online social media live ses- for more details on the Ins- & Marketing Director, Generation Amazing is lives and create sustainable sions will continue to convey tagram Live event with Xavi, Moza al Mohannadi, the FIFA World Cup Qatar social development in com- the values of the programme along with information about said: “We’re thrilled 2022™ human and social munities. and include tips on keeping upcoming programmes. Ex-Pak cricketer Zafar Sarfraz Bolt goes viral with succumbs to COVID-19 ‘social distancing’ AGENCIES from six one-day games before PEShaWar retiring in 1994 and moving on to coaching both the senior and Olympic photo THE COVID-19 pandemic has the Under-19 Peshawar teams claimed the life of former Paki- in the mid-2000s. AFP Clarey posted another picture stan first-class cricketer Zafar A prominent figure in the WaShINGToN of Bolt out in front on his own, Sarfraz. The 50-year old is the region’s cricket, Zafar was the captioned “self isolation”. first professional cricket player brother of Pakistan internation- RETIRED track star Usain Bolt’s chest-thumping from Pakistan to succumb to al Akhtar Sarfraz, who went on Bolt showed he’s still a few celebration in Beijing added the coronavirus, after testing to play four ODIs between De- steps ahead when he posted to a legend that grew further positive last Tuesday (April 7). cember 1997 and October 1998, an AFP picture of him out- when he won the 200m in Sarfraz had been on ventilator scoring 66 runs in four innings. stripping his rivals at the Bei- another world-record time. support in the ICU (Intensive He died 10 months ago in same jing Olympics with the cheeky He retired in 2017 with eight Care Unit) of the Lady Reading city after a battle with colon can- caption: “social distancing”. Olympic gold medals and Hospital in Peshawar for three cer. The Pakistan Cricket Board Bolt’s post, featuring a the current 100m mark of days before passing away in the (PCB) expressed grief over the picture by AFP photographer 9.58sec, set in 2009. late hours of Monday. passing of former first-class Nicolas Asfouri of the 2008 Bolt, 33, has been en- Sarfraz, a left-hand middle- cricketer Zafar Sarfaraz from Olympics 100m final, blew couraging Jamaicans to order batsman, made 616 runs Peshawar due to coronavirus up on social media, draw- self-isolate during the coro- from 15 first-class games for on Monday. It has also offered ing more than half a million navirus pandemic, posting Peshawar. He also had 96 runs its sympathies to Zafar’s family likes and 90,000 retweets. videos of himself exercising and friends. It showed the Jamaican at home and juggling foot- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the crossing the finish line at balls with a friend. He also province whose capital city is the Bird’s Nest stadium in helped promote a major fun- Peshawar, has been one of the a then-world record time draiser, Telethon Jamaica. most affected COVID-19 re- of 9.69sec, glancing round After retiring from athlet- gions in the country, with 744 from lane four as his de- ics, Bolt, a Manchester United active cases out of a total of spairing competitors trail fan, attempted to launch a 5500 nation-wide. The current two paces behind. career in football, and had a death toll due to the virus in Pa- “Savage”, commented one trial with Australia’s Central kistan stands at approximately A file photo taken on August 16, 2008 shows Jamaica’s usain Bolt (right) crossing the finish line to win the Twitter user, while New York Coast Mariners before con- Zafar sarfraz of Pakistan. one hundred. men’s 100m final at the National stadium as part of the 2008 Beijing olympic Games. (aFP) Times journalist Christopher tract talks failed. Curran ‘can’t wait’ to play under Dhoni amid virus threat AFP This year’s IPL was ic one-run loss to Mumbai doned before the start of the Tom, asked if he was missing LoNDoN meant to start on March 29 Indians in last year’s final. Test series. seeing Sam, replied: “Nah, before being delayed until Tom insisted, however, nice break. Only joking, of ENGLAND all-rounder Sam Wednesday to coincide with ‘Chennai legends’ the lack of cricket was “noth- course I’m missing the man.” Curran said on Tuesday he the end of an initial Indian “I was very excited to ing in the grand scheme of When cricket resumes still hoped to play under In- government lockdown. move franchises,” said Sam. things” even though it was a the brothers, the sons of the dia great MS Dhoni in the In- But with Prime Minister “Chennai is a great franchise “shock to the system”. late Zimbabwe all-rounder dian Premier League — and Narendra Modi announcing with all the big names and I Sam added: “But you , hope to fulfil get one over older brother Tuesday an extension of the can’t wait to play under MS have to appreciate the time a “dream” by following their Tom — despite the coronavi- lockdown — the world’s big- Dhoni. off is quite refreshing. Surrey predecessors Adam rus pandemic. gest covering over 1.3 billion “Hopefully I will play “Hopefully I’m not one of and Ben Hollioake as sib- Curran, 21, was the most people — until May 3, there against Tom, hit him eve- the players who has let them- lings playing in expensive England player in is no certainty about when, rywhere and then hit his selves go and comes back for the the same England side. November’s initial IPL auc- or indeed if, the 2020 IPL stumps. county season 10 kg too big.” Sam has played 17 Tests tion, being sold to the Chen- will take place. “Dhoni exudes calm,” to Tom’s two. nai Super Kings, captained “No-one knows,” Sam added Sam, who said only ‘dream ambition’ Right-arm seamer Tom by Dhoni, for £590,000 Curran told reporters in a Virat Kohli, Dhoni’s succes- The lockdown has seen said: “It would be amazing to ($742,000) after a succesful conference call with Tom on sor as India captain, could ri- several England players in- play Tests with Sam, that’s 2019 stint with the Kings XI Tuesday. val him in terms of superstar volved in charity initiatives, definitely a huge ambition Punjab. “It (the IPL) might hap- status in cricket crazy India. with Sam having raised of ours.” Meanwhile the 25-year- pen this year, it might be “Chennai is quite an old- nearly £10,000 for Britain’s Sam added: “As Tom old Tom, also of Surrey and cancelled, but we have to fol- er squad so there are quite a England cricketers and brothers Tom Curran (left) and during National Health Service, al- said, it’s a dream. England, was signed by the low the government guide- few legends who have made a practice session at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket stadium though he downplayed his “Any game you play for . lines.” it in the game,” said Sam. in Dambulla, sri Lanka, in october 2018. (aFP) efforts by saying “the small- England is obviously a great But the spread of COV- Chennai are one of the “Hopefully they will be est thing we can do is raise privilege but I think playing ID-19 has led to the sus- IPL’s most successful teams, looking to give tips to the forward to.” stint in Asia after being se- some money for the NHS”. with your brother or a mem- pension of all major cricket having won the tournament younger players, so that’s Sam had been preparing lected for England’s tour of The Currans live sepa- ber of your family gives it worldwide. three times before a dramat- something I’m really looking for a “massive” three-month Sri Lanka, which was aban- rately from one another and that extra special feeling.” Sports Wednesday, April 15, 2020 13 Khalid al Kuwari records fifth victory in a row The only unbeaten driver leads the QORC qualifiers with 200 points; Khalid al Abdulla tastes first win; Hamad al Sulaiti posts fourth successive triumph

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK RESULTS Doha GROUP A 1.Khalid al abdulla 25:07.357 KHALID al Kuwari put togeth- 2.rashid al Lebdah +8.119 er another dominant show and 3.ahmad Kholy +11.833 took his victory streak to five 4.Sheikh Soud al Thani +22.341 out of five rounds in the Qatar 5.rashid al Maraghi +27.892 Online Racing Championship on Tuesday. On the Fuji Inter- GROUP B national Speedway in Japan, 1.Khalid al Kuwari 25:01.816 he briefly fell into the third spot 2.abdulla al Khelaifi +9.134 despite being the pole driver in 3.Mohammed Emadadhi +18.903 the Group B but bounced back 4.Mohammed Sajad +32.124 to win the 15-lap race with over 5.Ibrahim ali al abdulghani nine seconds against Abdulla +33.879 al Khelaifi. The fifth race in the Qatar online Racing Championship is in progress In other two groups, Khalid on the Fuji International speedway in Japan on Tuesday. GROUP C al Abdulla displayed superbly 1.hamad al Sulaiiti 24:38.782 calmed nerves to script his first 2.Salman al Khater +0.080 victory in the Pool A and Ham- 3.Khalid Saadon +26.751 ad al Sulaiti fended off a highly- Khalid al Kuwari after winning the fifth consecutive race in the QoRC on Tuesday. 4.Faesal al yafei +27.160 charged Salman al Khater by 5.Khalid abdeen +35.094 0.080 of a second to secure his gap bigger and progressed to with 151 points and is followed Shaikhan by 34 points. Khalid fourth win on trot in an excit- extend his unbeaten run, fin- by Ibrahim al Muntafeky, who Saadon, who was third in the Standings (after five races) ing finish in the Pool C. Rashid ishing the race in 25:01.816, took the sixth spot. race, is occupying the third spot GROUP A al Lebdah and Ahmad Kholy 9.134 seconds ahead of Khelaifi. Hamad al Sulaiti was given in the group standings as well 1.ahmad Kholy 189 also deserved a lavish praise for This victory swelled his tally to a hot chase by Salman al Khater with 156 points, only two more 2.rashid al Lebdah 176 their gritty comeback and claim 200 points and ensured a spot in the Group C race but the pool than Faesal al Yafei, who got the 3.Khalid al abdulla 164 the second and third spots to in the three-race finals with a leader handled the pressure fourth place in the race, more 4.Soud al Thani 159 maintain their ascendancy in round to go. Khelaifi collected well and crossed the finish line than eight seconds ahead of 5.Mansour Dbeissy 152 the Group A. 144 points, is fifth inthe pool for his fourth victory in a row. Khalid Abdeen. Khalid al Abdulla celebrates his first win in the Group A. Kuwari was a tad slow at the and will need to do well again The margin of 0.080 underlines Group A pole driver Rashid GROUP B start and he was overtaken by to finish among the top 15 driv- the pulsating finale the race had. al Lebdah and pool leader Ah- Abdulla later took advan- second and third places, re- 1.Khalid al Kuwari 200 charging Khelaifi and Moham- ers who will advance to the Khater, the winner of the open- mad Kholy, who clinched the tage of the tight scrap that in- spectively. Sheikh Thani se- 2.Mohammed Emadadhi 158 med Emadadhi even before the championship rounds. ing race, is holding the overall first three races in a row, had a volved Hade Ahmad, Maraghi, cured the fourth spot, coming 3.Basil Sholy 151 opening corner. But stronger Emadadhi, who was third, fifth spot in the pool rankings tough time. At the start, Lebdah Sheikh Soud al Thani, Darren home about five seconds ahead 4.Ibrahim al Muntafeky 149 acceleration on the finishing finished over 18 seconds be- with 148 points and he would be was hit from behind and went de Jager and Mansour Dbeis- of Maraghi. 5.abdulla al Khelaifi 144 straight and brilliant control hind the winner. He holding looking for a strong finish in the off the track and by the time he sy. He kept consolidating his Kholy heads the Group A enabled Kuwari to move past the second spot in the group sixth and final qualifying race returned to the race, rest of the lead and tasted the first suc- with 189 points and Lebdah GROUP C Emadadhi before the second standings with 158 points. Mo- on Thursday. field had overtaken him. In the cess, completing the race in is in the second spot with 176. 1.hamad al Sulaiti 196 lap. In the next one, he pushed hammed Sajad came fourth, Sulaiti leads the pool with opening lap, Rashid al Maraghi 25:07.357. Lebdah and Kholy Race winner Abdulla moved 2.abdulla Shaikhan 162 Khelaifi into the second place beating narrowly Ibrahim Ali al 196 points and he has also and Abdulla fought hard and it produced master class and to third with 164, while Sheikh 3.Khalid Saadon 156 with a thrilling burst. Abdughani. Bashil Sholy, sev- qualified for the finals. He was the latter, who hit the front overtook challengers one by Thani has a tally of 159, seven 4.Faesal al yafei 154 He continued to open the enth today, is in the third spot leads second-placed Abdulla on the home stretch. one and managed to grab the more than fifth-placed Dbeissy. 5.Salman al Khater 148

Quick read Bryant remembered on anniversary tour de France organisers of nBa farewell LoS aNGELES: The anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s 60-point NBa finale was recalled by his widow, Vanessa, on Monday in an Instagram post remembering the late Los angeles Lakers legend. “My hus- working on new start date band worked his ass off for 20 years,” Vanessa Bryant wrote of her superstar husband, who died in a January 26 helicopter crash with daughter Gianna and seven others. “Gave it his all. all he wanted AFP was to spend time with our girls and me to make up for lost time. he ParIS wanted to be there for every single milestone and special moment in our girls lives.” The post included a video featuring highlights from TOUR de France organisers the Lakers’ 101-96 victory over the Utah Jazz on april 13, 2016. Bry- are working to find a new ant scored 60 points in that, his final game in a 20-year NBa career start date for cycling’s big- that included five championships. The video includes a moment gest race after large public showing Bryant with his family at courtside, hugging Vanessa and gatherings were banned un- kissing daughters Natalia and Gianna. (AFP) til mid-July in the latest ex- tension of the French coro- navirus lockdown. decision on French Grand prix soon Originally slated to start from Nice on June 27 and fin- Tour de France Director Christian ParIS: a decision on whether to go ahead with June’s French Formula ish in Paris on July 19, there Prudhomme one Grand Prix behind closed doors or to postpone or scrap the event is no chance the event can go will be made in the coming days, organisers said Tuesday. The grand ahead as planned and organ- Interior Christophe Castaner prix scheduled for June 28 is the first race on the revised Formula isers face a mammoth logisti- said on Tuesday that ASO one world championship calendar with nine races already scrapped or cal task of rescheduling. had to reschedule or cancel suspended as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Following French A report in the Dauphine the Tour. President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement on Monday that the newspaper on Tuesday said “It is up to the organiser to lockdown in France will be extended until May 11 and public gatherings that the Tour will instead analyse their ability to organ- banned until mid-July, a spokesman for the race organisers told aFP begin on August 27, with the ise it and reschedule it,” Cas- In this file photo taken on July 28, 2019, Colombia’s Egan Bernal (centre) celebrates his overall leader’s yellow that they “have been studying all scenarios” including postponement or race to finish in the capital on taner told French radio. jersey as he poses with second-placed Great Britain’s Geraint Thomas (left) and third-placed Netherlands’ staging the event behind closed doors. F1 sports director ross Brawn September 20. The race’s route is over steven Kruijswijk on the podium of the 21st and last stage of the 106th edition of the Tour de France cycling said last week he could envisage the start of the F1 season in Europe Organisers ASO were una- 3,000km long, with roughly race between Rambouillet and Paris Champs-Elysees, in Paris. (aFP) in July with a race excluding the public. (AFP) vailable for comment to con- 500,000 fans lining the roads firm the new dates, but sever- each day. Macron’s announcement start would see the race clash “It’s as simple as this. If al mayors of the French towns “Social distancing on the may have caught the organis- with the Vuelta a Espana, the Tour does not take place, along the planned route say roadside wouldn’t be a prob- ers short. which is scheduled to run teams could disappear, rid- they have been consulted re- lem, but in the start towns, A late July start for the from August 14-September 6. ers and staff alike would find PGA of America donates $5 mn to garding the new dates. at the finish line and in the Tour could have been consid- There are only 176 rid- themselves unemployed,” launch coronavirus relief fund French President Em- VIP tents it certainly would,” ered too close to the ban on ers on a Tour, but the whole said Marc Madiot, the chief of manuel Macron said in a tel- Belgian virologist Marc Van large public gatherings, while event involves around 4,500 French team Groupama-FDJ. AFP safety net?’” The fund will be evised address Monday that Ranst told Flemish TV chan- the riders would also need to people, with team staff, po- The riders are also keen LoS aNGELES administered by E4E Relief, an a strict lockdown in France nel Sporza on Saturday. be in peak condition. lice and media all moving to race, with 2018 winner independent public charity. would continue until at least Suggestions the Tour ASO also organises the every day. Geraint Thomas saying he THE PGA of America donated The PGA, which represents May 11, as public gatherings could be held without sup- Criterium du Dauphine was desperate for the Tour $5 million to launch the Golf club professionals, has nearly were banned until mid-July. porters have been ruled out. eight-day race, and had CanCellation is the worst- to go ahead. Emergency Relief fund on Mon- 29,000 members. But PGA Tour general director “The Tour de France is been hoping to run that ride Case sCenario. “There are bigger and day, aiming to provide support President Suzy Whaley said it’s Christian Prudhomme has 3000km of smiles,” Prud- through the Alps in late June The “Grande Boucle”, as more important things to sort for the golf industry during the hoped the fund will help mem- said riders will need two homme said regarding road- or early July, but the tra- the Tour is known in France, out first, but as soon as it’s coronavirus pandemic. bers of other golf organisations, months after the lockdown side gatherings. “We won’t ditional Tour warm-up has is the central economic pillar safe and ready to go, we (In- The body, whose flagship club caddies and players on de- ends to prepare for the race. run a Tour de France without been postponed. which supports the sports’ 22 eos) would love it to happen,” event the US PGA Champion- velopmental tours. France’s Minister of the the fans.” The reported late-August professional teams. said the Welsh rider. ship has been postponed from “We have to ensure that May amid the shelter-in-place the heart and soul of our policies designed to slow spread game — our people — are of the virus, pledged to match able to get back on their feet up to an additional $2.5 million and continue to serve others NasCar driver larson sacked after racial slur given by other groups. down the road,” Whaley said. A statement said the PGA “Eventually, golf will return, AFP tion, Chip Ganassi Racing day to terminate their relation- tor’s Twitch stream picked up self offered an abject video of America contribution in- but we first need to reach out LoS aNGELES has determined that it will ships with the driver. the slur on the audio channel apology on his social media cluded all members of its ex- and help people in our indus- end its relationship with Larson was tak- that allows competitors to platforms on Monday. ecutive team voluntarily re- try during this national emer- NASCAR team Chip Ganassi driver Kyle Larson,” the team ing part in the Monza hear each other. “Last night I made a mis- ducing their compensation. gency.” The PGA said other Racing sacked Kyle Larson on said in a statement. Madness iRacing ex- In the video, Larson, take and said the word that The board of directors pledged organizations, including the Tuesday, a day after sponsors “As we said before, the hibition race late on appearing to think he should never, ever be said,” personal donations. US PGA Tour and the LPGA, fled the star driver over his use comments that Kyle made Sunday. is not connected to the the 27-year-old said. “There’s “There’s pain everywhere,” the US Golf Association are of a racial slur during a live were both offensive and unac- The virtual races stream, said: “You can’t hear no excuse for that.” PGA chief executive Seth supporting the fund, as are streamed virtual race. ceptable especially given the are a chance for me? Hey (racial slur).” Larson offered apologies Waugh said. “It’s how to get to groups representing course Larson was in his seventh values of our organization. As fans to con- Xfinity driver to his family, his coworkers the other side. The government superintendents, course own- Cup season with Ganassi and we continued to evaluate the nect with Anthony Alfredo and the African-American is doing extraordinary things. ers and merchandisers. was expected to become one situation with all the relevant drivers as then said: “Kyle, community. The Fed actions last week were “Our hope is the industry of the popular stock car series’ parties, it became obvious that sports are you’re talking to “I understand the damage stunning. The loan programs gets behind it,” Whaley said. most sought-after free agents this was the only appropriate shut down everyone, bud.” is probably irreparable,” he are very clever to keep people Applications are to be ac- when his contract expired after course of action to take.” amid the Larson him- said. “I own up to it.” employed. The bad news is it cepted starting from Thursday. the 2020 season. The team had already sus- coronavirus may not be enough depending The first phase will dis- Instead, he is in NASCAR pended Larson, as had NAS- pandemic. A A file photo of Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Credit one on how long this lasts. tribute $500 grants for basic wilderness. CAR. Sponsors McDonald’s and video from an- Bank Chevrolet, during practice for NAsCAR Cup series “What we’re saying is, ‘How needs and $1,500 grants for “After much considera- Credit One Bank moved Mon- other competi- Penzoil 400 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (aFP) can we create an additional critical needs.