FFORMULAORMULA 1 | Page 2 FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 5 Eight titles ‘easy’ Olympic chiefs for Hamilton, talk Tokyo amid says former coronavirus champ Prost surge

Friday, July 17, 2020 MOTORCYCLING Dhul-Qa’da 26, 1441 AH Marquez chases 7th GULF TIMES title as Rossi hopes to prolong career SPORT Page 6

SPOTLIGHT Qatar to host 2020 AFC Champions League in West region

AFC Starting at Al Bayt Stadium a great Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

he Qatar Football Asso- motivation for us: Qatar coach Sanchez ciation (QFA) has been Tconfirmed as the host By Sports Reporter front of an 80,000 crowd. cilities in the country, will be a Member Association for the Doha The Supreme Committee milestone for Qatari football. 2020 AFC Champions League for Delivery & Legacy (SC) on He said with Qatar set to play matches in the West region Wednesday announced that Al the traditional opening game as from the Group Stage to the elix Sanchez, Qatar’s Bayt Stadium will host the fi rst the hosts of the 2022 FIFA World semi-finals, which will take Asian Cup winning match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the opening match at the place from September 14 to coach, said yesterday Al Cup. new venue will give an added October 3, 2020. Annabi playing the fi rst “Of course to see the date of value to the atmosphere. The AFC had earlier reiter- matchF of the 2022 FIFA World the match and schedule is a re- The World Cup, the fi rst edi- ated its commitment to Cup would be “a great motiva- minder of how near the competi- tion to be held in the Arab world, complete the 2020 AFC Club tion” for the national squad. tion. It is another motivation for will make the occasion a historic Competitions in a centralised Al Bayt Stadium, a us to be ready and to give a mem- one for the entire region, al- venue with all matches in the 60,000-capacity arena that orable performance,” Sanchez Kaabi said in his remarks. Group Stage for both the AFC takes its name and shape from said in reaction to the match He added that the fi rst match Champions League and AFC the traditional tents used by schedule being announced. for the Qatari squad in 2022 Cup to be played in full and nomadic peoples in the Gulf re- “It’s nice to see when we start would be a culmination of a long the knock-out stages consist- gion, will be the stage for hosts and where,” Sanchez added. journey that will also take a step ing of single match ties. Qatar to kick off the tournament Talal al-Kaabi, Executive Di- into another chapter of memo- The deadline for bids to host the centralised AFC Champions on November 21, 2022, at 1pm. rector of the National Football rable matches. League West region matches was on July 13, 2020. The local kick-off times for the last round of group games will be the setting for the play- Teams, yesterday said the open- He said watching Qatar play Member Associations have until July 24 to submit their interest group matches have been set for and knockout-stage timings be- off for third place on December ing of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in front of home matches would to host the AFC Champions League matches in the East Zone and 1pm, 4pm, 7pm and 10pm, with ing 6pm and 10pm. 17. The fi nal will kick off one day at Al Bayt Stadium, one of the certainly inspire a future gen- July 17 to stage the AFC Cup matches. the simultaneous kick-off s for Khalifa International Stadium later at 6pm at Lusail Stadium in most important football fa- eration of players.

CRICKET / ENG VS WI Sibley leads England recovery against Windies ‘I think we’re in a good position, obviously we need to bat well tomorrow and capitalise on it’ Scorecard

AFP ENGLAND 1st innings Manchester, United Kingdom R. Burns lbw b Chase 15 D. Sibley not out 86 om Sibley’s painstak- Z. Crawley c Holder b Chase 0 ing unbeaten 86 helped J. Root c Holder b Joseph 23 England recover from an B. Stokes not out 59 early collapse to be 207- 3D at stumps on the fi rst day of the Extras (b4, lb6, nb5, w9) 24 second Test against the West In- Total (3 wkts, 82 overs) 207 dies at Old Traff ord yesterday. Fall of wickets: 1-29 (Burns), Warwickshire opener Sibley 2-29 (Crawley), 3-81 (Root) batted out the day’s 82 overs during more than six hours at the crease Bowling: Roach 20-4-37-0 (1w, on the way to posting his second 3nb); Gabriel 10-1-32-0 (4w, 2nb); successive fi fty of the series. Joseph 15-3-41-1; Holder 20-8-33- England, in a match they have 0; Chase 16-1-53-2; Brathwaite to win to level the three-match 1-0-1-0 contest, were in trouble at 29-2 after off -spinner Roston Chase last week’s fi rst Test at Southamp- took two wickets in two balls ei- ton to attend the birth of his second ther side of lunch. child, survived the hat-trick. But the twice dropped Sib- He helped Sibley add 52, with ley and Ben Stokes (59 not out) much of that stand compiled shared an unbroken stand of 126 while West Indies fast bowler after they lost the toss in over- Shannon Gabriel — man-of-the- cast, bowler-friendly conditions. match at Southampton — was off “I think we’re in a good posi- the fi eld injured. tion, obviously we need to bat But young paceman Alzarri well tomorrow and capitalise on Joseph, using the width of the it,” England coach Chris Silver- crease, lured Root, then on 23, wood told Sky Sports. into chasing a ball outside off “We’ve seen two very good stump, with second slip Holder partnerships there. Dominic catching a thick edge. concentrates very well, he’s will- Sibley had a let-off shortly ing to bat for long periods of time before tea when, on 44, a tough and that’s what we needed at the chance went down at short leg top so the middle order can come off Chase. in when the bowlers are a bit And he was reprieved again more tired.” on 68 when the usually reliable England suff ered a setback be- Holder dropped a routine slip fore play started when they were chance off Gabriel. forced to leave out Jofra Archer Sibley then survived an lbw after the fast bowler admitted to appeal on 82 from Kemar Roach breaking coronavirus protocols. due to umpire’s call. Archer left the bio-secure Meanwhile normally fl uent all- bubble where his teammates were rounder Stokes, back among the staying to go home to Brighton on ranks after standing in as skip- Monday following the end of the England’s Ben Stokes (left) celebrates his half-century with Dom Sibley on the first day of the second Test against West Indies at Old Traff ord in Manchester yesterday. (Reuters) per at Southampton, needed 119 fi rst Test, before the team trav- balls to reach fi fty on a day where elled up to Manchester. as James Anderson. up here. I spoke to (West Indies has made a mistake. He is a young win would see the Caribbean side England’s 29-1 become 29-2 a sluggish outfi eld deprived Eng- The Barbados-born quick’s coach) Phil Simmons this morn- man and he’s made a bad judge- secure a fi rst Test series victory in when Zak Crawley fell for a land of several boundaries. absence deprived England of ‘BAD JUDGEMENT’ ing and am grateful for the way ment call. He knows he’s done England for 32 years. golden duck after tamely turn- As in the fi rst Test, players genuine speed on a pitch that “He went home,” said Silverwood they have reacted.” that and we will support him as But on the stroke of lunch, ing Chase straight to West Indies from both teams and the umpires traditionally assists fast bowlers of Archer. Asked if he felt let down by best we can.” Chase struck with just his second captain Jason Holder at leg-slip. took a knee in support of the after the hosts had already de- “Obviously that breaches the Archer, former England bowler West Indies’ quicks made a ball to have Rory Burns lbw for 15. England captain Joe Root, who Black Lives Matter campaign be- cided to rest Mark Wood, as well protocol of what we have set Silverwood added: “We feel he wayward start in a match where a And the fi rst ball back saw missed his side’s four-wicket loss in fore play started at Old Traff ord. Gulf Times 2 Friday, July 17, 2020 SPORT

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Archer apologises for breaching virus bubble Uncapped trio in

AFP A spokesman said the His absence deprives England Australia squad for Manchester, United Kingdom breach had come to light late of genuine speed on an Old Traf- on Wednesday. He could not ford pitch with a reputation for confi rm if Archer would face aiding fast bowlers. potential England tour ngland paceman Jofra disciplinary action in addition The 25-year-old hit the 90 Archer apologised yes- to missing the second Test on miles-per-hour mark during AFP Nathan Coulter-Nile, who both terday after he was ruled health grounds. a return of 3-45 in the second Sydney, Australia featured in last year’s World Cup. out of the second West The spokesman added that innings at Southampton — al- Middle-order batsman Peter IndiesE Test for breaking corona- England do not track player or though the West Indies still won Handscomb was also overlooked virus rules, dealing a blow to his management movement be- the fi rst Test by four wickets. ustralia named three while paceman Jhye Richardson side’s chances of levelling the tween Tests. “No (not ideal),” said return- uncapped players yes- is still recovering from shoulder series. Archer’s contravention of the ing England captain Joe Root, terday in a preliminary surgery. Both teams have been living in rules is likely to provoke an an- back leading the side after miss- 26-man squad for a But superstar Maxwell returns “bio-secure bubble” sites at the gry response from offi cials after ing the fi rst Test to attend the potentialA limited-overs tour of after taking a break in October to Ageas Bowl, the venue for last they made strenuous eff orts to birth of his second child. England, while recalling Glenn deal with mental health issues. week’s fi rst Test, and Emirates persuade both the West Indies Stuart Broad, second only to Maxwell and Usman Khawaja. Test discard Khawaja, who has Old Traff ord, where the nalfi two and Pakistan to tour England Anderson in England’s all-time Australia originally sched- not played for his country since matches of the series will take Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo (right) shoots on goal during the match despite tens of thousands of list of Test wicket-takers, re- uled three one-day and three being axed during last year’s place. against Roma on Sunday. (AFP) coronavirus deaths in Britain. turned after being left out at Twenty20 internationals in Eng- Ashes series in England, also Sussex fast bowler Archer Ireland and Australia are also Southampton, with fellow pace- land this month, but the trip was gets a recall, as does all-rounder broke the rules by going home to played in last week’s fi rst Test, or impacted in any way”. scheduled to visit this season. men Chris Woakes and Sam postponed because of the coro- Marcus Stoinis. Brighton on Monday following said in an England and Wales Earlier in the campaign, there Curran also recalled. navirus pandemic. “This preliminary list cov- the end of the fi rst Test, before the Cricket Board (ECB) statement. ANGRY RESPONSE was real concern that Covid-19 England’s batsmen lost two September is seen as the po- ers the contingencies of playing team travelled up to Manchester. “I have put, not only myself, Archer, who had been retained could wipe out the entire 2020 wickets in two balls to off -spin- tential alternative after inter- one-day internationals and T20 His removal from the squad but the whole team and man- in the squad while fellow quicks home English cricket pro- ner Roston Chase either side national cricket in England re- international in bio-secure hubs was announced just three hours agement in danger. I fully accept James Anderson and Mark Wood gramme, with the ECB predict- of lunch after West Indies won sumed behind closed doors last with the likely prospect of not before play was due to have be- the consequences of my actions, were rested, will need two nega- ing losses running into hundreds the toss, with Rory Burns and week, although Cricket Australia being able to bring in replace- gun in Manchester. and I want to sincerely apologise tive tests for Covid-19 before his of millions of pounds. Zak Crawley the men out as the (CA) said “several hurdles” have ments should the tour proceed,” He apologised for putting his to everyone in the bio-secure isolation period is lifted. Barbados-born quick Archer hosts slumped to 29-2. to be overcome before dates can said selector Trevor Hohns. teammates in “danger” and will bubble.” “The West Indies team have burst onto the international If West Indies win one of the be locked in. “The preliminary list includes now undergo fi ve days of self- A Lancashire spokesman been made aware and are satis- scene last year when he bowled two remaining matches of this But selectors have decided several exciting young players isolation. stressed the bio-secure proto- fi ed with the measures that have the decisive Super Over in Eng- campaign, they will secure their to name a preliminary group to who have recently excelled at “I am extremely sorry for cols at their Old Traff ord head- been imposed,” the ECB state- land’s World Cup fi nal win over fi rst Test series victory in Eng- give them adequate time to pre- state level and in the Big Bash what I have done,” Archer, who quarters had “not been breached ment said. New Zealand at Lord’s. land for 32 years. pare, with a fi nal squad to be an- League. These emerging players nounced if the tour goes ahead. are among those we would like “The England Cricket Board to develop further as we believe FORMULA 1 are a long-standing and valued they have a bright future in Aus- international cricket partner and tralian cricket.” we are doing all we can to give the tour the best possible chance Squad: Sean Abbott, Ashton of taking place,” said CA’s head of Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, national teams Ben Oliver. Aaron Finch,Josh Hazlewood, “In the meantime, the identi- Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, fi cation of a preliminary list will Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan enable us to work with players Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Eight titles ‘easy’ and states more directly on the Maxwell, Ben McDermott, Riley preparation for the tour in the Meredith, Michael Neser, Josh hope it can proceed.” Philippe, Daniel Sams, D’Arcy Uncapped limited-overs spe- Short, Kane Richardson, Steve cialists Daniel Sams, Riley Me- Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus redith and Josh Philippe were Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Matthew included, but there was no room Wade, David Warner, Adam for Hamilton: Prost for veterans Shaun Marsh and Zampa. ‘To beat Lewis for a world championship... is going to be very diff icult’

Reuters London, United Kingdom Hamilton will always our times Formula remember his One world champion black power Alain Prost says he can see Lewis Hamilton salute stretchingF his own title tally to AFP an easy eight, judging from the Budapest, Hungary fi rst two races of the season. Hamilton already has six, one short of Ferrari great Michael ewis Hamilton said Schumacher’s record, but Mer- yesterday he would Pakistan player returns to squad in cedes won the opening Austrian Lremember raising his England aft er positive virus test rounds of a season delayed by fist to make a black power Covid-19 and the rules are un- salute after winning last An unnamed Pakistani cricketer has rejoined the squad in Eng- changed next year. Sunday’s Styrian Grand Prix land after self-isolating following a positive test for coronavirus, it Prost said Hamilton, whose for the rest of his life. was announced yesterday. Pakistan are in England preparing for victory in last Sunday’s Styrian Speaking during a video con- a three-Test series starting in Manchester on August 5, with those Grand Prix was the 85th of his ca- ference ahead of this week- matches set to be followed by three Twenty20 internationals. “A reer, was only getting stronger. end’s Hungarian Grand Prix, Pakistan player has been cleared to return to the squad after un- “The more stable he is in a the six-time world champion dergoing a precautionary period of self-isolation,” said an England team, the more stable he is in his said he was inspired by the and Wales Cricket Board spokesman. “The player had returned a life, you can see that he is bet- image of Tommie Smith positive test result for the remnants of a previous Covid-19 infec- ter,” the 65-year-old Renault F1 and John Carlos giving their tion and in consultation with Public Health England and a virolo- adviser told Reuters on Wednes- famous black-gloved salute gist, a safety-first approach was taken to isolate the player. day ahead of the Hungarian at the Mexico 1968 Olympic Grand Prix. Games. Russell says he is staying with “To beat Lewis for a world have a mechanical problem, you Mercedes, it’s diffi cult for him to McLaren following disappoint- “I just took a page out of their championship, especially with never know. He’s in the same car. leave the Mercedes team at the ment in fi ve years at Ferrari. book,” he said. “Realising that Williams next year that car and the team he has “But... I cannot see another moment,” said Prost. “What happened with Fern- I have this platform, I have this now, is going to be very diffi - car winning (a championship) “We did not know exactly ando and diff erent teams was opportunity to continue to British Formula One driver George Russell said yesterday he was cult. Almost impossible in nor- against a Mercedes this year and what was the motivation of Se- my biggest problem and ques- raise awareness and try and staying with Williams next season, ending speculation about a mal circumstances,” added the next year. After, I don’t know. bastian... but Fernando has al- tion mark. I talked to Fernando unite people, to try and edu- possible move to champions Mercedes, alongside Canadian Ni- Frenchman. Maybe Renault.” ways shown his motivation to many times about that,” he said. cate myself, but also educate cholas Latifi. “I will be staying with Williams for 2021. You’ve heard Asked how many titles the come back to the team. Even last “I really trust him that he’s other people and that was it here first,” the 22-year-old, now in his second season in Formula 35-year-old might ultimately ALONSO RETURN year, in Abu Dhabi we had a long going to have another philoso- really where it came from. One, told a video news conference ahead of the Hungarian Grand claim, Prost — whose fourth in Renault’s 2005 and 2006 world discussion with him.” phy. Two years outside Formula “It felt like the right moment. Prix. Russell is backed by Mercedes and had been seen as a pos- 1993 was something extraordi- champion Fernando Alonso is Alonso will replace Australian One in my opinion was maybe It felt an important moment sible replacement for Valtteri Bottas, who is out of contract at the nary at the time — considered the returning next year after two Daniel Ricciardo, who is mov- not bad for him to have a diff er- for me. I’ll never forget that end of the year but now looking sure to stay with the champi- evidence. “He has six. I would say seasons out and Prost expected ing to McLaren next year. Four ent feeling, diff erent view. moment.” He said he had ons. Media reports have suggested Bottas has agreed a deal in eight, easy,” he declared. the Spaniard, who turns 39 later times champion Vettel faces an “He knows what he’s going to learned of their action and principle. The Finn won this month’s season-opener in Austria “I cannot see anybody (else) this month, to be still as fi ercely uncertain future, with Ferrari get in terms of performance of could remember “seeing and and is leading his teammate and six-times world champion Lewis winning this year. Maybe (team competitive and motivated. announcing his departure at the the car, he knows that 2021 is also reading about their experi- Hamilton by six points in the standings after two races. mate and championship leader) “Fernando was one of the end of this year. going to be a little bit diffi cult. ence and seeing the iconic Valtteri (Bottas). It depends how three top drivers we were talking Prost said he could see Alonso He’s prepared for that... I really image of their salute — and Formula One, Zoom announce many races you have and if you to — Sebastian (Vettel) and Valt- was fi red up for a new chal- think he’s going to be very diff er- that was inspiring for me”. miss one or two because you teri also. But Valtteri is driving a lenge after diffi cult years with ent than people understand.” partnership for virtual Paddock Club

Formula One fans will be able to get a better flavour of the race- BOTTOMLINE day experience with a virtual alternative to the ‘Paddock Club’ during the Covid-19 pandemic as part of a digital partnership with US based Zoom Video Communications. The real-world Pad- dock Club off ers guests a vantage point over the team garages with a view of the start and finish line and into the pit lane. Also included is access to the backstage area with exclusive driver Vettel denies Racing Point approach interviews and tours of the pit lane. Yet with Formula One an- nouncing a calendar of eight races in Europe without spectators AFP rumours seriously. teams in other categories, which Stroll, whose Canadian bil- due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, there was a virtual hospi- Budapest, Hungary “It’s part of the circus,” said was quite a surprise, because lionaire father Lawrence is the tality off ering during the Styrian Grand Prix last weekend. Stroll. we have a contract for next year team owner, could also be un- Vettel has been told he is not here,” the Mexican said. der threat from a possible Vettel ebastian Vettel yester- wanted by Ferrari next year He said he had no intention of move. Norris went home to see specialists day rejected claims that leading to frenzied speculation, leaving the in-form team, which “It’s all part of the silly sea- aft er second Austrian race he had received a con- particularly in his native Ger- is to be re-branded as Aston son rumours and so on, so kind tract off er for 2021 from many. “Rumours are called ru- Martin in 2021. of as expected,” Stroll said. “It’s McLaren’s Lando Norris said he was ready for Hungary after RacingS Point, describing German mours for a reason,” Vettel said. Perez signed a three-year deal all part of the fun. We’re looking returning to England to see a specialist for the muscle pain he news reports as “just loose talk”. “I have no news and I have al- last season and brings signifi - really competitive at the mo- suff ered during last weekend’s Styrian Grand Prix in Austria. The The four-time world champi- ready said that it will take some cant sponsorship from his Mexi- ment so I’m sure there’ll be a lot 20-year-old Briton is third in the Formula One championship on told a video conference ahead time before I make a good deci- can backer Telmex. to talk about.” after the first two races, behind the Mercedes pairing of Valtteri of this weekend’s Hungarian sion. Everything is open... Driv- Vettel and teammate Charles Bottas and six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton. Norris told Grand Prix that he had no news ing next year, not driving next ‘SILLY SEASON’ Leclerc said they had moved on a video news conference ahead of Sunday’s Hungarian Grand on his future. year and not driving any more.” “It’s good to have big names from last Sunday’s embarrass- Prix that he was feeling better. “I went back to the UK in the last Earlier, one of the current Rac- “I’ve been around for a long created interest from other linked to the team,” he said. ing opening collision 25 seconds few days, remaining in my bubble, to go and see some specialists ing Point drivers, Sergio Perez, time in F1 and you never know,” teams. “That means we are doing a good into the Styrian Grand Prix. and get scans and so on,” he said. “It’s not something that’s go- said that the rumours had en- the 33-year-old said. “During the week, obviously job and we are making progress. “I think we’ve put it behind ing to heal completely overnight but I’m much better than what couraged another team to make “The truth is that there is the rumours came out, and we “The team should be proud of us,” said Leclerc, who added that I was last weekend.” Asked what the problem had been, Norris him an off er. Perez, Vettel and the nothing to announce... Nothing actually got contacted by a team it. I’ve been in Formula One for he had been to blame. “I directly jokingly replied “it’s a broken heart. I got dumped”. He added, second Racing Point driver Lance agreed. Just loose talk.” in the paddock — I won’t say 10 years and so I am used to this went to talk to Seb after the race hastily, “I didn’t.” Stroll all said they did not take the Perez said that the talk had names obviously — and also by stuff .” to excuse myself.” Gulf Times Friday, July 17, 2020 3 SPORT

FOCUS ICE HOCKEY German star Draisaitl enters NHL fi nale as Ennis joins team in MVP candidate NBA bubble aft er Covid-19 recovery ‘TRYING TO GET MY LEGS UNDER ME AND TRYING TO GET BACK IN RHYTHM’

DPA recognised in the league and Los Angeles among the other players [who voted for the nominations]. That’s great for all three of us.” HL top scorer Leon Draisaitl is a strong con- Draisaitl will return tender for the award after end- to action having been ing up with 110 scoring points, confi rmed as one of and failing to score or assist Nthe best in ice hockey’s leading in only 15 of 71 regular season league — and could even be- games. come the fi rst German named “We have worked very hard as Most Valuable Player. to be the players we are today,” Draisaitl, 24, of the Edmon- Draisaitl said. “That started at ton Oilers, lifted the Art Ross a young age. I came here at 16 trophy for leading the regular and it took a while until I set- season goal chart and has been tled. named on a three-man short- “I had fantastic players and list for the Ted Lindsay award. coaches around who guided “There are strange times at me. They have seen something the minute,” Draisaitl said on in me, I’m very happy for that.” a conference call late Tuesday The NHL will end its coro- with fellow nominees Nathan navirus interrupted season MacKinnon of the Colorado with expanded play-off s from Avalanche and Artemin Pan- August 1, held without fans in arin of the New York Rangers. Canada’s Edmonton and To- “But it is always nice to be ronto.

Caps’ Eller to leave bubble for birth of child

Reuters also committed to that and Los Angeles want to win another Cup. We’re working on making the neces- sary arrangements so I can be The Philadelphia 76ers’ James Ennis III (centre) in action against the Mavericks during a regular NBA game at American Airlines Center on January 11, 2020. (TNS) ashington Capi- there for the birth and come tals forward back to (Toronto) after that.” DPA happy to be back on the court. Trying up on him during his quarantine. Lars Eller says Players are allowed to leave Orlando to get my legs under me and trying to “I was hurt for him. It was a tough Kings’ Fox to miss at least a he will leave the the bubble under Phase 4 get back in rhythm. I did have symp- situation,” Carter-Williams said. “I WToronto bubble after the sea- protocols in the NHL Return toms. I had a headache for like four just tried to check up on him to make week with ankle sprain son restarts to be with his wife Play Plan for extenuating rlando Magic forward to fi ve days. The fi rst 24 hours I was sure his spirits were good.” acramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox for the birth of their second circumstances, like the birth of James Ennis III said down and like throwing up, but now The NBA suspended its season on sprained his left ankle in practice Wednesday child. a child. Re-entering the bubble Wednesday he tested posi- my health is better. “When I got it, it March 11 after Utah Jazz player Rudy and will miss at least a week of training as the Eller’s wife, Julie, is due Aug. 8, is also covered in the protocol, tive for Covid-19, but he was like man, it’s always something Gobert tested positive for Covid-19. NBA gears up for a July 30 return. the date of the Capitals’ third which calls for quarantining for Ohas recovered and joined the team for for me … always have a speed bump. The league closed its practice fa- TheS Kings said in a statement that an MRI exam had round-robin game against the a four-day period in a player’s practice in the NBA bubble at Disney I just talked to my mom and she said cilities due to the rampant spread of confirmed the injury, and that Fox would be re-evaluat- Boston Bruins at Scotiabank hotel room and getting four World. everything happens for a reason. God coronavirus, which causes Covid-19, ed in seven to 10 days. Arena in Toronto, Eller plans consecutive negative tests for Ennis said during a videoconfer- has stayed with us … one day at a and spent months crafting its plan to Fox led the Kings in points (20.4 per game), assists (6.8) to travel with his team to the Covid-19. ence he had a headache for four to time, itching to get back and now I’m resume play in Orlando this month. and steals (1.4) when the NBA suspended play in March hub on July 26 to begin prep Exposure to someone with fi ve days and experienced some nau- on the court, so it’s all good now. The Magic checked into the Grand in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. for their first game, August 3 Covid-19 while outside the sea, but he’s feeling better and prac- “I’m rusty, honestly … gotta shake Floridian last week and quaran- The 22-year-old said in a video conference call with against the Tampa Bay Light- bubble requires a quarantine tised with the Magic Wednesday for the dust off , stay in the gym.” tined until players registered multi- reporters on Sunday that he believed his on-court ning. Then he’ll travel back to period of up to 14 days. the fi rst time since entering the NBA Ennis, 29, joined the Magic in ple negative tests, then began team quickness could help the Kings battle into a playoff Washington, D.C. for the birth “You’re going to have to take bubble. February after getting traded by the practices. The team announced two berth when NBA play resumes in a locked-down “bub- of his son. “We’re going to have a lot of precautions for when He described his situation as “all 76ers. In 12 games for the Magic this Magic players did not enter the bub- ble” at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. a new addition to our family you leave,” Eller said. good now” and is focused on getting season, including 10 starts, Ennis was ble — an unnamed player later iden- “Some guys feed off energy from the crowd or things here in a couple weeks,” Eller Eller had 16 goals and 23 as- back into game shape, but he went playing a pivotal reserve role. He av- tifi ed as Ennis who tested positive for like that. Right now, you have to bring it all yourself,” said. “I don’t know when it’s go- sists (39 points) in 69 games through a diffi cult stretch. eraged 6.4 points and 3.2 rebounds Covid-19 and Markelle Fultz, who the Fox said of the diff erence in playing at a neutral site ing to happen, but it’s going to before the NHL paused the “It was tough. I was just quaran- per game. team stated was healthy but resolv- without fans in the stands. “There’s no crowd. You just happen. But at the same time, season due to the coronavirus tined … in a separate room for about Ennis said teammate Michael ing a personal issue. Both have now got to be able to play basketball now.” AFP I want to be with my team and pandemic. two weeks,” Ennis said. “I’m just Carter-Williams had been checking joined the team in the bubble.

SPOTLIGHT REPORT A that I could play: Pacers’ Oladipo NBA adds antibody Reuters January 2019. Head coach Nate Mc- Los Angeles Millan told reporters the team was testing to protocols “approaching it as if he’s not playing.” But The Athletic reported Monday Reuters playoff s. fter previously saying he that there was “growing belief” Olad- Los Angeles The resumption of play would sit out the NBA’s re- ipo would attempt to play after “mul- begins July 30 at the ESPN sumed season, Indiana Pac- tiple strong team practices.” Wide World of Sports Com- ers guard Victor Oladipo has On Tuesday, reports emerged that ecause of a concern plex when the Utah Jazz take reversedA course somewhat, opening the NBA and the players union disa- for false positives on the New Orleans Pelicans, the door to the possibility of playing. gree whether Oladipo would still earn with coronavirus followed by the Los Angeles “My body is feeling good,” Oladipo $3mn in remaining salary if he opted testing, the NBA on Lakers against the Los Angeles told reporters Wednesday after prac- out of the resumed season. Players WednesdayB authored a memo Clippers. tice. “It was hard for me to assess with approved medical exemptions that added antibody testing According to the memo, where I was at from the long layo- receive full pay, but healthy players to its return-to-play protocol, there are four steps in order to ver [due to coronavirus pandemic] who opt out forfeit their remaining ESPN reported. complete before returning to a and obviously, couldn’t really con- salary. Since dead coronavirus team. trol that. But now you know, coming Oladipo returned from his injury on cells can be detected in Cov- First, a total of 14 days needs down here and getting some practices January 29. He averaged 13.8 points, id-19 testing, it could lead to to pass from a fi rst positive in, getting my feet under me, going 3.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 0.8 steals a positive result that would test or the end of virus symp- out there and playing with the guys, in 13 games (10 starts), averaging 25.9 force a player to sit out for an toms. Second, a player needs there’s a possibility that I could play. minutes per game. extended period. A previous- two negative tests in a 24-hour I am just reassessing myself and my During back-to-back All-Star ly-conducted antibody test period. The third stipulation body every day.” campaigns in 2017-18 and 2018-19, he would help reveal if a player is is that a player needs to have Oladipo added that if he continues averaged 21.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.6 not necessarily asymptomatic a positive antibody test within to hold up well in workouts, the pos- assists and 2.1 steals in 33.3 minutes. but has already recovered from the last 30 days, and the fi nal sibility he would play is “strong.” In seven NBA seasons, Oladipo has the virus. requirement is for a negative Oladipo, 28, initially said he career averages of 17.4 points, 4.6 re- According to the report, the rapid coronavirus test before wouldn’t play in the NBA’s restart at bounds, 3.9 assists and 1.7 steals. He NBA is worried about false having close, physical contact the ESPN Wide World of Sports com- also has played for the Orlando Magic positive tests for players, es- with others. plex near Orlando, citing fear of injury (2013-16) and Oklahoma City Thun- pecially among star players, as The steps were reportedly after a long layoff . He played in just der (2016-17). The Pacers (39-26) are the season reaches the play- reviewed by an infectious dis- 13 games before the season was in- tied with Philadelphia for fi fth place off s. The league has convened ease expert and epidemiolo- terrupted by the pandemic in March, in the Eastern Conference. They are 22 teams in central Florida to gist working with the NBA and missing the fi rst 47 games due to a slated to resume the season against In seven NBA seasons, Victor Oladipo has career averages of 17.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.9 each play eight regular-season the league’s players’ associa- torn right quad tendon sustained in the 76ers on August 1. assists and 1.7 steals. (TNS) games, leading into a 16-team tion. Gulf Times 4 Friday, July 17, 2020 SPORT

NFL Philadelphia clarifi es: Eagles might have fans in stands Reuters stant review,” the mayor’s offi ce said. Los Angeles The city’s managing director, Brian Aber- nathy, told the Philadelphia Inquirer on Tues- day that the Eagles and MLB’s Philadelphia day after suggesting that no fans Phillies would not be allowed to have fans at would be permitted at Eagles home games this season. The Phillies already an- games this season, the city of Phila- nounced they will play in an empty stadium. delphia clarifi ed the message on Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos announced AWednesday. Wednesday that their stadium capacity will be The mayor’s offi ce provided a statement that limited this season. No specifi cs regarding ca- said the moratorium on large events through pacity were provided. the end of February, announced Tuesday, The team is off ering full credits or refunds “does not apply to stadiums or other private to season-ticket holders who opt out of at- property,” but that doesn’t give the Eagles the tending, with no penalty to future standing for green light to open the gates at Lincoln Finan- season tickets. cial Field yet. The Green Bay Packers also announced they “Specifi cally, with regards to the 2020 NFL will have no fans at training camp practices, season, the Eagles and City of Philadelphia re- Packers Family Night or any home preseason main in close communication,” the statement games. added. “Both entities are committed to the Packers Family Night, an annual team health and safety of the players, employees, scrimmage that normally hosts fans at Lam- fans, and community. The City and the Eagles beau Field, will be televised to a statewide au- have been working together during this time dience, the team said. and will continue to do so. The Eagles have The NFL already has said teams will play been planning for a variety of scenarios in ac- no more than two preseason games, while the cordance with League protocols, as well as lo- NFL Players Association has recommended cal and state guidelines.” that none are played. Current restrictions in the city prohibit out- The Baltimore Ravens also announced they door events on public property involving more would not allow any fans at training camp, than 50 people. Although the stadium is pri- even if state and local regulations were to al- vately owned, events at the venue must meet low it. The team said last week it would cap guidelines of the city health department. It is fan attendance at home games this season to “a fl uid situation, and this policy is under con- 14,000. Current restrictions in the city prohibit outdoor events on public property involving more than 50 people. (TNS)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Pelicans’ Williamson leaves NBA bubble for Barrett offi cially signs urgent family issue one-year franchise ‘I’M STILL HAPPY TO BE DOWN HERE FOR tender with Bucs ANOTHER YEAR’

Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans. (AFP)

AFP turn to quarantine in his hotel Miami room once he returns before he can rejoin the Pelicans. The 20-year-old power for- ew Orleans Pelicans ward has become the young rookie star Zion Wil- superstar face of the NBA de- liamson departed the spite a knee injury last October NBA bubble in Or- that delayed his NBA debut Nlando yesterday to deal with an until January and the corona- urgent family medical matter, virus shutdown that halted his the club announced. rookie campaign early. Williamson intends to re- The slam-dunking standout turn to the Pelicans for the was the fi rst teen in NBA his- restart of the NBA’s 2019-20 tory to score 20 or more points season at a later time, the team in 10 consecutive games. said in a statement. Williamson has averaged “We fully support Zion’s 23.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and decision to leave the NBA 2.2 assists this season. He campus to be with his family,” scored a season-high 35 points Pelicans executive vice presi- in a 122-114 loss in March to dent of basketball operations the Los Angeles Lakers, the David Griffi n said. team the Pelicans might face No details were released in the fi rst round of the NBA about the nature of the medi- playoff s. cal issue, what family mem- The NBA season was halted bers were involved or what on March 11 after Utah’s Rudy might be his potential return Gobert tested positive for timetable. Covid-19. Players are training “Out of respect for the Wil- in a quarantine atmosphere liamson family, we will have no in Disney World in Orlando, further comment at this time,” Florida, and will play games Griffi n said. there without fans to fi nish the Williamson will need to season and playoff s starting have Covid-19 exams and re- July 30.

Mariners prospect Rodriguez out Shaquil Barrett is among 11 franchise players who failed to get longer deals. (TNS) with broken wrist

By Rick Stroud ticket capacity or no fans at all, linebacker in Todd Bowles’ 3-4 optimistic about Shaq’s future committed two and sometimes eattle Mariners pros- for summer camp. He was not Tampa Bay Times likely will reduce the salary cap scheme. The franchise player in Tampa long term,” Rosen- three blockers to his side, and pect Julio Rodriguez expected to make the 30-man signifi cantly for 2021. And that value for a defensive end is haus said. The Bucs may ulti- shut Barrett out for the fi rst sustained a hairline roster for Opening Day, how- played a big factor in Barrett’s $17.788 million for 2020. Bar- mately benefi t from the inabil- time all season in Week 5. He fracture in his left ever. “I feel horrible for Julio,” iming is everything in talks to lock up his future in rett told the NFL Network on ity to lock up Barrett this year. had only one sack over a three- wristS while diving for a ball. Servais said. “A young player life and football. Shaquil Tampa Bay. Tuesday that he expected to They get to determine whether game stretch, but when Pierre- The injury happened Wednes- in a drill, he’s going all out and Barrett had good timing Unable to reach agreement play under the franchise player he can come close to matching Paul returned, Barrett got hot day at Seattle’s T-Mobile that’s what we expect of our last season. After sign- on an extension by the 4pm tag. the kind of production he had again. Park, where the 19-year-old guys. It’s unfortunate that hap- Ting a one-year, $4 million con- deadline Wednesday, Barrett “I would love to get a deal last season before committing His three sacks in the season outfielder was participating in pened. I feel really, really bad tract as a free agent from Denver, signed the franchise player tag. done,” Barrett said. “I know to him beyond 2020. fi nale, an overtime loss to the a postgame drill. for him. He had a great day he led the NFL with 19.5 sacks, Barrett is among 11 franchise they would love to get a deal In fi ve previous seasons with Falcons, gave Barrett the sack “It’s a drill we’ve done many, leading into that. He banged a forced six fumbles and earned players who failed to get longer done. But just the situation of the Broncos, playing as a back- title, 19.5-19.0, over the Cardi- many times,” manager Scott ball off the wall against (Kend- his fi rst appearance in the Pro deals. The list includes Bengals the world right now is mak- up, Barrett had a total of 14 ca- nals’ Chandler Jones. Servais said. “A soft liner was all) Graveman. You hate to see Bowl. receiver A.J. Green, Chargers ing it hard to get a deal done. reer sacks and never more than The Bucs can use the fran- hit into right field and Julio that happen to anybody, but That prompted the Bucs to tight end Hunter Henry, Wash- So if we get one done, I’m go- 5.5 in a season. But he learned chise player tag again on Bar- came in and instead of just certainly with a young player designate Barrett as their fran- ington guard Brandon Scherff , ing to be happy; it’s a blessing. his craft from pass rushers such rett for 2021 while attempt- pulling up and playing it on a it’s really important for him to chise player, guaranteeing the Patriots guard Joe Thuney, But if not, I’m still happy to be as Von Miller, Demarcus Ware ing to negotiate a longer-term hop, he decided to dive for the get some at-bats and experi- outside linebacker a one-year Ravens linebacker Matt Judon, down here for another year and and Bradley Chubb. deal prior to next July. They ball and jammed his wrist into ence. But he’ll be on hold for contract worth $15.88 million. Jaguars defensive end Yan- potentially to get a deal done Last season, with Jason also have expressed interest in the ground.” a while.” But Barrett had lousy tim- nick Ngakoue, Jets defensive in the future once we do fi gure Pierre-Paul sidelined the fi rst extending the contracts for re- Servais said X-rays confirmed Rodriguez missed two months ing when it came his attempts end Leonard Williams, Steelers out how the season’s going to six Bucs games with a cervical ceiver Chris Godwin and line- the fracture and Rodriguez last season at Class A West Vir- to negotiate a long-term deal, linebacker Bud Dupree, Bron- go and how next year possibly fracture, Barrett burst onto the backer Lavonte David. will have more tests later. ginia with a hairline fracture one that would give him and cos safety Justin Simmons and will be.” scene. He racked up nine sacks Barrett still is one of the big- Rodriguez, ranked as the No. in his left hand after being hit his family fi nancial security for Vikings safety Anthony Harris. Agent Drew Rosenhaus told in his fi rst four games, includ- gest long-shot stories in the 18 prospect in baseball and by a pitch. He batted.326 with life. Barrett has fi led a griev- ESPN he’s hopeful Barrett will ing three in a win at Carolina NFL. Undrafted out of Colo- No. 2 in the Seattle organisa- 12 homers and 69 RBIs in 84 The Covid-19 pandemic, ance, arguing that he should remain with the Bucs for a long and four in a loss to the New rado State, he now is among tion by MLB Pipeline, is part of games at West Virginia and which will force NFL teams to have been considered a defen- time. “There will not be a long- York Giants. the highest-paid players at his the Mariners’ 60-player pool Class A Modesto. begin the season with reduced sive end rather than an outside term deal at this time, but I’m The New Orleans Saints position. Gulf Times Friday, July 17, 2020 5 SPORT

RUGBY ‘My pay cut is no sacrifi ce in current climate’ Reuters gentina and Tonga – will travel, London with alternative games against New Zealand to host 2020 Rugby Championship European opposition still in the under SANZAAR plan mix. ngland coach Eddie He also has the postponed Southern hemisphere governing body SANZAAR dling 16 time zones. New Zealand and Australia Jones says he did not game against Italy in Rome to announced plans Thursday to hold this year’s have set up domestic competitions but South hesitate to agree to hav- factor in, where victory could Rugby Championship in New Zealand, as the African clubs and Argentina’s Jaguares remain ing his temporary 25% well secure the title in this year’s game’s Kiwi powerbrokers gathered to discuss a sidelined. Japan’s Sunwolves, who were set to be payE cut made permanent as the interrupted Six Nations Cham- radical revamp of Super Rugby. axed at the end of the season even before the Rugby Football Union (RFU) pionship. SANZAAR said it wanted to play the Rugby Cham- pandemic, have been disbanded. battles to deal with a fi nancial “The thing about this situ- pionship in one location because of the Covid-19 The New Zealand Rugby board on Thursday met crisis brought about by the im- ation now is that every team is pandemic and New Zealand was the preferred op- to discuss a review of Super Rugby, which has pact of the Covid-19 pandemic. going to start at zero, whether tion because of its success in containing the virus. long been criticised as unwieldy, expensive to run, Australian Jones is the high- that’s a club team or an interna- “SANZAAR is well advanced in option planning exhausting for elite players and diff icult for fans to est-paid international coach in tional team,” he said. with New Zealand Rugby, which in turn, is now follow. The review, called Aratipu, the indigenous the sport and in March agreed to “Whoever prepares the best is seeking New Zealand government approval,” it Maori word for “growth”, has not been released but a temporary cut in his reported sacrifi ces. The sacrifi ce I am that could impact his usual going to prosper.” said in a statement. The four-way international reportedly focuses on a trans-Tasman competition 750,000 pounds ($939,525) sal- making personally as compared money-no-object preparations, Jones said that he gave Manu tournament involves South Africa, New Zealand, without South African clubs and the Jaguares. ary, as did CEO Bill Sweeney and to some other people are making just had to be dealt with. Tuilagi “a small piece of advice” Australia and Argentina and is administered by New Zealand media say the review proposes an other senior staff . in sport and society is negligi- “I think you’ve got to keep as the centre contemplated a SANZAAR. eight-team competition, comprising five Kiwi This week that became per- ble.” everything in perspective with move overseas from Leicester It was originally scheduled to begin on August 8 Super Rugby clubs and two or three from Australia, manent as the RFU revealed a The former teacher said he what’s happening in society,” that would have ruled him out of with a clash between the Wallabies and All Blacks depending on whether a Pacific islands team is potential revenue shortfall of once worked unpaid for three he said. “It’s a diffi cult time for England selection. in Melbourne, but the fixture has little chance of included. over 100 million pounds over months at a struggling school sport and we’ll just have to adapt Tuilagi eventually opted to proceeding as the city battles a resurgence of The prospect has caused consternation in Austral- the next year and a plan for 139 which recovered from closure to and that’s part of the challenge stay in the Premiership with coronavirus infections. While SANZAAR hopes to ia, which would like to see five teams participate, redundancies. become one of the most prestig- for everyone at the moment.” Sale. “He knew what he wanted rescue its international schedule by staging the including the Perth-based Western Force, who “I don’t think it is any grand ious in Sydney. Jones is also likely to have to to do,” Jones said. Championship in New Zealand, the future of its were cut from Super Rugby in 2017. gesture by me. I was asked to do England’s players are also adapt on the hoof as he begins to “His performance in the Super Rugby club competition remains uncertain. Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan last it, I understand the situation,” likely to face cuts in their prepare for England’s November World Cup and the Six Nations The tournament was suspended in March as virus- week said the relationship between the two unions Jones told a teleconference yes- 25,000-pounds-per-game internationals. It is still unclear indicates that there is still more related border restrictions halted travel for its 15 was “a bit master-servant”, with New Zealand hold- terday. match fees but Jones said that, whether the original opponents in him so I’m delighted by his teams, which are located in five countries strad- ing the whip hand. “Sometimes you have to make and other fi nancial pressures – New Zealand, Australia, Ar- decision.”

FOCUS TENNIS Wawrinka is ‘underestimated’, Olympic chiefs says coach Norman

Reuters ies in 2017. London Wawrinka made the quar- ter-fi nals of the French Open and US Open in 2019 and also tan Wawrinka is one reached the last eight at this talk Tokyo amid of the best to have ever year’s Australian Open. After played tennis but the sliding down the rankings to three-times Grand Slam No. 263 in 2018, he is currently championS is a “little bit under- 17th in the world. estimated”, his long-time coach “It’s been a little bit up and Magnus Norman has said. down. He doesn’t have the Wawrinka, 35, was the last same stability as Andy Murray man to win a Grand Slam sin- or Novak or Roger or Rafa, but coronavirus surge gles title outside the trio of in his best moments, I think he Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and can beat all of those names on Novak Djokovic when he won a very good day,” Norman said. ‘The spirit of the Olympic Games is about the athletes and sports excellence’ the 2016 US Open. “That’s what makes him a He is one only one of three little bit special. players to have defeated Fed- “Stan is a gambler. He plays erer, Nadal, Djokovic and Andy with small margins. He’s the Murray at Grand Slams. kind of guy that will put every- “Stan is one of the best play- thing in red, do or die.” ers to ever play the game, if you look at his record, if you look at winning three Grand Slams, winning three diff erent Grand Slams in the era where he had the Big Four playing,” Norman told ATP Tennis Radio. “He’s a little bit underesti- mated for sure... He’s had an unbelievable career.” Swede Norman, a former world number two and Roland Garros fi nalist in 2000, worked with Wawrinka from 2013- 2017 and has again been part of his coaching team since 2018 as the Swiss makes his way back following two left knee surger-

GOLF LPGA braced for positive tests

Reuters schedule we have remaining London for 2020; and at the same time, 120 days into coronavirus, I re- alise we are really not in charge he LPGA Tour, the of that schedule. elite women’s profes- “I fully believe we’ll lose sional golf circuit, will another event or two or three restart its Covid-19- along the way.” Tinterrupted season this month While the Drive On Cham- expecting positive tests and pionship will be held without as many as three events to be spectators, Whan confi rmed President of the International Olympic Committee addresses a news conference after a meeting of IOC’s executive board in Switzerland on Wednesday. (Reuters) cancelled, commissioner Mike that the Tour is still consid- Whan said on Wednesday. ering allowing fans into the AFP is launching a domestic tourism year postponement due to the ation for the rescheduled Games. 1,500 metres champion for Brit- Whan was positive but re- Marathon LPGA Classic even Lausanne drive that has come under fi re coronavirus. Just over half of To- Bach said safety was the top ain who became head of athlet- alistic discussing the LPGA’s as the number of positive Cov- over fears it could spread the vi- kyo’s residents do not think the concern for organisers, but he ics’ world governing body in plans for a relaunch with two id-19 tests surges across parts rus around the country. Games should be held next year, clearly signalled his reluctance 2015, was blocked from mem- events in Ohio starting with of the United States. lympic chiefs meet The International Olympic backing either a further delay to hold the Games at empty bership as recently as December the Drive On Championship New cases are averaging today to discuss ways Committee (IOC), holding a vir- or an outright cancellation, ac- stadiums, now a common sight over a confl ict of interest. three-day event from July 31 around 60,000 a day and more of pushing ahead with tual Executive Board meeting and cording to a poll published late in sport as other competitions But Coe changed his role at the to August 2 in Toledo followed than 136,000 Americans have plans for a “frugal” 136th IOC Session, will call on last month. make a tentative return from CSM company he is currently the next week by the Marathon died from the highly conta- TokyoO Games next year, just as their Tokyo Olympics taskforce virus-enforced shutdowns. running as managing director LPGA Classic in Sylvania. gious respiratory illness. the Japanese capital is rocked by to provide some answers as plan- ‘IT’S ABOUT UNITY’ “We are working for a solution to a passive position, thus pav- The LPGA will benefi t from The PGA had hoped to have a record number of daily corona- ning forges ahead for the hosting IOC president Thomas Bach will of the Olympic Games which, ing the way to IOC membership. using many of the same health fans this week at the Memorial virus infections. of the multi-billion-dollar event. be desperate not to lose support on one hand, is safeguarding the Coe’s belated entry into the IOC and safety protocols employed Tournament at Muirfi eld Vil- Tokyo is on its highest Cov- The meeting falls just two days from the Japanese public, stress- health of all the participants and, club is signifi cant because he has by the PGA Tour which has lage in Columbus, Ohio but a id-19 alert level after a spike before elections for Tokyo gover- ing Wednesday that he wanted on the other hand, is also refl ect- been mentioned as a potential staged fi ve tournaments since spike in cases prompted Tour in new cases, Governor Yuriko nor, with incumbent Koike wide- the Games to be “frugal, con- ing the Olympic spirit,” the IOC future president of the Olympic it returned to action. offi cials to announce there will Koike warned Wednesday, as ly expected to win a second term. centrating on the essentials and chief said. Bach and Japanese movement. But even with rigid test- be no spectators at any events experts said the rising infections In a recent interview with the spirit and the message of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have Four others have also been ing and comprehensive safety the rest of the season. were a clear “red fl ag”. AFP, Koike said she was contin- these Olympic Games”. both warned that it would be put forward for individual IOC measures Whan is braced for “We’ll make a decision on Japan has had just over 22,500 uing to “make all-out eff orts in “The spirit of the Olympic hard to postpone the Games be- membership: Princess Reema positive tests just as the PGA fans at the end of the week,” cases and close to 1,000 deaths the battle against the virus to put Games is about the athletes and yond 2021, raising the nightmare Bandar al-Saud, Saudi Arabia’s has had to deal with. said Whan. “They are waiting since the disease was fi rst de- on a Games that is full of hope”. sports excellence,” Bach said. scenario of the fi rst Olympics to ambassador to the United States, “It is strange to get started in for some local health input. tected in the country. No one But one rival to Koike, Taro “It’s about unity. It’s about bring- be cancelled in peace time.Also former Croatian president Kolin- a time in which we know we’re “If we have fans, it will be has died of coronavirus in Tokyo Yamamoto, says he would scrap ing the entire world together.” on the agenda for the IOC Session da Grabar-Kitarovic, Cuban Ol- going to have positive results 2,000 or less a day and we have for three weeks. Japanese bor- the Tokyo Olympics altogether, Bach added that banning fans will be the approval of Sebastian ympic Committee (COC) board no matter what we build,” said a roping factor for that. ders remain closed to nation- seemingly tapping into a grow- from the Tokyo Olympics was Coe, the head of World Athlet- member Maria de la Caridad Co- Whan during a conference call. “If the fi nal decision is to als of more than 100 countries ing weariness with the Summer “clearly something we don’t ics, as an IOC member after being lon Ruenes and acting Mongolian “It won’t be anybody’s fault per go without fans, we have said and even foreign permanent Games, now due to begin on July want”, adding that “multiple turned down several times. National Olympic Committee se but positive results happen. from the beginning we are to- residents, but the government 23, 2021 after the historic one- scenarios” were under consider- Coe, the two-time Olympic president Battushig Batbold. “I’m excited about the tally fi ne with that.” Gulf Times 6 Friday, July 17, 2020 SPORT

MOTOGP SPOTLIGHT Triple jump champion Taylor Marquez chases 7th supports Games protest option

Reuters reach out to athletes and mag- New York nify their voice.” title as Rossi hopes Taylor has set up a global group of professional track and wice Olympic tri- fi eld athletes – The Athletics ple jump champion Association – to fi ght for their Christian Taylor has rights. It was set to be offi cially joined calls to allow launched on Thursday. Tathletes to protest peacefully It conducted a survey in during the Games as anti-rac- March that revealed over three- to prolong career ism stances are increasingly quarters of track and fi eld ath- seen at sports events in the letes who responded wanted wake of George Floyd’s death the Tokyo Games postponed ‘I want to continue racing and it is almost certain that I’ll be with Yamaha-Petronas in 2021’ in US police custody. from this year because their Several major sports bodies training schedules were aff ect- including world soccer body ed by the Covid-19 pandemic. FIFA have moved to allow pro- “We want to have a seat at tests. But Rule 50 of the Inter- the table so we keep athletes national Olympic Committee informed,” Taylor said. (IOC) Olympic Charter still “The survey about whether bans any form of political, re- the Olympics should go ahead ligious or racial protest during was extremely encouraging the Games. because it took the assump- “These are our human rights tions away from the decision- and we feel we should have the making. We said, ‘stop specu- right to peacefully protest. lating and speak to us because (Track) athletes are now seeing we’re the greatest stakeholders what athletes are doing in oth- in the sport’.” er sports and thinking, ‘we are The IOC is consulting ath- not doing the same’,” Taylor, an letes over the ban on protests, American, told The Times. which includes the Black Lives “But we see (Formula One’s) Matter gesture of “taking a Lewis Hamilton on TV every knee”. That protest has be- weekend making a stand and come more familiar around the it’s a snowball eff ect. Athletes world after the May 25 death of are empowering other ath- Floyd, a Black man who died in letes. Other organisations are Minneapolis after a white po- standing up too, but we can lice offi cer knelt on his neck.

Gold medallist Christian Taylor of the US on the World Athletics Respol Honda Team’s Marc Marquez (left), Petronas Yamaha SRT’s Fabio Quartararo and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Valentino Rossi (right) during a press conference ahead Championships men’s triple jump podium at the Khalifa International of the Spanish Grand Prix. (Reuters) Stadium in Doha on September 30, 2019. (Reuters)

AFP RECENT MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONS fi nishes last year, a pair of vic- Paris tories by Spaniard Alex Rins. ATHLETICS 2019: Marc Marquez (ESP/ Honda) Honda) The blue and white riders need Honda) 2012: Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/ 2005: Valentino Rossi (ITA/ to be more consistent if they are he MotoGP world cham- 2018: Marc Marquez (ESP/ Honda) Yamaha) to fulfi l the promise the bikes pionship fi nally gets un- Honda) 2011: Casey Stoner (AUS/ 2004: Valentino Rossi (ITA/ showed in February testing. American Stevens gets derway at Jerez on Sun- 2017: Marc Marquez (ESP/ Yamaha) Yamaha) Austrian team KTM had a day, behind closed doors Honda) 2010: Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/ 2003: Valentino Rossi (ITA/ tough time last year with a skit- Tand more than four months late, tish machine, and are lining up 2016: Marc Marquez (ESP/ Yamaha) Honda) 18-month ban over with Marc Marquez going for a Honda) 2009: Valentino Rossi (ITA/ 2002: Valentino Rossi (ITA/ for the last time with Spaniard seventh top-class title to match 2015: Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/ Yamaha) Honda) Pol Espargaro, who will replace Valentino Rossi who is “99 per- Yamaha) 2008: Valentino Rossi (ITA/ 2001: Valentino Rossi (ITA/ Alex Marquez at Honda next year. ‘whereabouts’ failure cent” certain this will not be his 2014: Marc Marquez (ESP/ Yamaha) Honda) Alongside him is South African farewell season. Honda) 2007: Casey Stoner (AUS/Ducati) 2000: Kenny Roberts Jr (USA/ rookie Brad Binder, second in the AFP ed to February 17, meaning the Marquez, the 27-year-old 2013: Marc Marquez (ESP/ 2006: Nicky Hayden (AUS/ Suzuki) Moto2 championship in 2019. Paris 25-year-old will likely miss the Spaniard who won MotoGP world The sixth and fi nal factory rescheduled July 23-August 8, titles in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, team, Aprilia, will start the sea- 2021 Tokyo Olympics. 2018 and 2019, is determined to down, Marc and Alex Marquez tigious bike, probably Yamaha’s he fi nished fi fth in the standings son without Italian rider Andrea merican sprinter Stevens can appeal. Elite continue demolishing the com- only resumed motocross train- satellite team or ending his illus- last season, his fi rst at the high- Iannone, who is appealing an Deajah Stevens, an athletes are required to tell petition on his Honda, with his ing in the past few weeks. trious career. est level, after a string of podium 18-month ban after testing posi- Olympic 200m fi nal- the AIU their whereabouts 90 younger brother Alex, who won For Rossi, at 41, the future is “I want to continue racing and fi nishes. tive for anabolic steroids at the ist, has been banned days in advance so they can be last year’s Moto2 title, as his uncertain. The Italian domi- it is almost certain that I’ll be Despite four second places, all Malaysian Grand Prix in Novem- forA 18 months after violating subjected to out-of-competi- teammate for just one season. nated MotoGP in the fi rst decade with Yamaha-Petronas in 2021,” behind Marquez, the rider from ber. He will be replaced, for now, anti-doping rules, the Athlet- tion doping tests. Jerez in Spain hosts the fi rst of the century, taking the world he assured Sky Italia on Wednes- Nice is still chasing his fi rst vic- by British rider Bradley Smith. ics Integrity Unit (AIU) an- Under World Athletics’ two races a week apart. title in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, day. The fi rst races will give an tory in MotoGP, which would With the delayed season- nounced yesterday. rules, any combination of The championship will then 2005, 2008 and 2009, but has idea of his ability to fi ght for the also be a fi rst for a French rider opener just days away Yamaha Stevens, who fi nished sev- three whereabouts failures (fi l- move to the Czech Republic for not won a race since 2017. top spots, or even one fi nal vic- at this level since Regis Laconi team director Massimo Meregal- enth in the 200m in Rio in ing failure and/or missed test) one race, and then to Austria for The Doctor already knows tory, which would be his 90th at gained his solitary win in 1999. li echoed the thoughts of all on 2016 and fi fth in the London within a period of 12 months the next two, probably still with- this is his last season for the fac- the highest level. Ducati, who have not won a the MotoGP grid when he said: world championships a year constitutes an anti-doping out spectators. Eight months tory Yamaha team which has an- He already holds the record, title since 2007, keep the Italian “Maverick (Vinales) and Vale are later, was found guilty of not rule violation, for which the have passed since the last Grand nounced that he will be replaced with 21 more wins than Giacomo duo of Andrea Dovizioso, a dis- both fi red up and ready to hop meeting ‘whereabouts’ crite- sanction is two years’ ineli- Prix, fi ve since the last practice next season by young French- Agostini. Marquez is third on 56. tant second to Marquez last sea- onto their bikes, and also the rest ria. gibility subject to a reduction and climbing back on a MotoGP man Fabio Quartararo. In the meantime, the 21-year- son, and Danilo Petrucci. of the team is impatient to get The AIU, World Athletics’ to a minimum of one year de- saddle may not be easy. Rossi will have to choose be- old Quartararo will continue to Suzuki again seem to be un- started and do what we love the anti-doping arm set up in 2017, pending on the athlete’s degree After a long period of lock- tween dropping to a less pres- develop at Yamaha-SRT where derdogs after just two podium most, so let’s go!” said Stevens’ ban was backdat- of fault.

FOCUS UN Global Programme gathers International Expert Group to explore ‘The Impact of Covid-19 on the Security of Major Sporting Events’ igh-level representa- ing featured interventions from ing Events, Promoting Sustain- managing sporting events while on Security of Major Sporting tives and leading experts senior representatives from able Security & Legacies that mitigating the threats posed by Events, and Promotion of Sport from the fi eld of sport, the World Health Organization will serve as a core reference for terrorism,” he added. and Its Values as a Tool to Pre- security and health (WHO), INTERPOL, the Coun- policy and decision-makers re- Massimiliano Montanari, vent Violent Extremism. Hgathered at a virtual ‘Internation- cil of Europe (CoE), Supreme lated to the security planning of CEO of the International Centre The programme is led by al Expert Group Meeting on the Committee for Delivery & Leg- major sporting events. for Sport Security, who present- the United Nations Offi ce of Impact of Covid-19 on the Secu- acy (SCDL), ‘Coordination Na- “It is hard to say when and ed the progress of the UN Guide Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), rity of Major Sporting Events’. tionale pour la Sécurité des Jeux where we will all return back to on the Security of Major Sport- in partnership with the United Participants exchanged views Olympiques et Paralympiques a form of normality. However, ing Events, said that “there was Nations Interregional Crime on the challenges caused by the 2024 (CNSJ)’, Portugal’s Home should this situation endure, we a way to protect major sporting and Justice Research Institute pandemic on major sporting Aff airs Ministry, Confederation know that sport and sporting events before 9/11 and a way af- (UNICRI), the United Nations events and agreed on the urgent of African Football (CAF) and events will be critical in helping ter it. Alliance of Civilizations (UN- need to develop comprehensive the implementing Agency for support and inspire our societies Similarly, there will be a new AOC), the International Cen- preventive measures encom- Crime and Security of the the in these challenging times,” said way to secure events in the post tre for Sport Security (ICSS), passing health, safety and secu- Caribbean Community (CARI- Mauro Medico, Director at UN- Covid-19 world. We need to in consultation with the UN rity aspects. COM IMPACS). OCT speaking on behalf of the identify new vulnerabilities and Counter-Terrorism Committee Over 300 high level repre- Discussions highlighted the United Nations partners at the at the same time follow new in- Executive Directorate (CTED) sentatives from UN Members urgency of understanding the opening of the event. tegrate approaches which might and with the participation of States, international and re- impact of the Covid-19 pan- International Centre for Sport Security CEO Massimiliano Montanari “This is the reason why we enhance both health, safety and INTERPOL. gional organisations, interna- demic on the security of sport- hope to use the discussions of security”. The programme is supported tional and continental sports ing events of international in- ties in this context, and paved use of available resources. this meeting to shape our up- The virtual event was the sec- by the State of Qatar, the United federations, local organising terest or dimension, including the way for the development More concretely, the fi ndings coming United Nations Global ond International Expert Group Nations Peace and Development committees, the business sector from a terrorism prevention and implementation of activi- of the virtual expert group will Guide, that once fi nalised will (IEG) meeting that was held un- Fund (UNPDF – funded by the and the scientifi c community perspective, helped identify new ties aimed at addressing current feed into the UN Global Guide act as a reference to help pre- der the framework of the United People’s Republic of China) and attended the event. The meet- vulnerabilities and opportuni- challenges while optimising the on the Security of Major Sport- paring, organising, hosting and Nations Global Programme the Republic of Korea. Gulf Times Friday, July 17, 2020 7 FOOTBALL

SERIE A SPOTLIGHT Spanish fans unlikely Juventus seven to return in September, says health minister

Reuters ple’s health at risk. We are ad- Madrid vising people to celebrate sport- ing triumphs at home and in no points clear aft er circumstances to go out to the pain’s health minister has streets and concentrate in large expressed doubt about numbers.” the prospect of specta- tors returning to foot- ITALIAN GOVT AIMING ballS matches in September due FOR RETURN OF FANS TO to the threat of a resurgence in STADIUMS IN SEPTEMBER Covid-19 infections. The gov- Italian Sports Minister Vincenzo draw with Sassuolo ernment’s department for sport Spadafora yesterday ruled out a and organising body La Liga return of football fans to stadi- Lazio miss the chance to retake second spot after a goalless draw against Udinese had hoped to let fans back into ums in Italy before September, stadiums at a reduced capacity AFP reported. Serie A action AFP when the new season starts in kicked off after a three-month Milan September, increasing to 50% in coronavirus shutdown behind November before full capacity closed doors on June 20 and will returned in January. fi nish on August 2. erie A leaders Juventus contin- Yet a spike in infections since “For the reopening of stadi- ued to stutter towards a ninth Spain lifted a national state of ums, we believe we must adhere straight league title as they threw emergency in June has led some to the line of caution that has away a two-goal lead before set- regions to impose localised been followed so far,” Spada- tlingS for a thrilling 3-3 draw at Sassuolo lockdowns and limit activities, fora said during question time on Wednesday night. Juventus are seven threatening the return to nor- at the Italian parliament. “We points ahead of Atalanta, who thrashed mality. “To be honest, I don’t see are working hard with the Fed- Brescia 6-2 on Tuesday, with fi ve games it, given the reality we are in,” eration and the League so that left to play after their winless run was ex- health minister Santiago Illa told in September, at the start of the tended to three matches. radio station Cadena Ser . new championship, there will be Lazio missed the chance to retake sec- “We have seen some clusters of a way to reopen facilities and al- ond and cut the gap to Juve to six points infections and although we have low tens of thousands of fans to with a goalless draw against Udinese and fortunately been able to control participate.” are one point behind Atalanta in third. them, I still don’t see (fans re- The Italian league was sus- “A coach demands continuity and at turning). We’re going to take our pended on March 9 because of this moment we don’t have it physically time and provide information so the coronavirus pandemic which and mentally,” said Juventus coach Mau- the sports department can make has killed over 35,000 in the rizio Sarri. “We had very good moments the decision when necessary. We country. Italian football chiefs that alternated with diffi cult moments. have to step carefully with the had been working on plans to It should also be said that we are facing virus, and concentrating large partially reintroduce supporters teams that arrive in great shape, such as numbers of people at this time is while maintaining social dis- Atalanta and Sassuolo. We have to solve not advisable at all.” tancing. the problem of these ups and downs.” Illa also criticised large-scale “It’s true that there is a lot Juventus were two goals up within 12 celebrations in Vitoria to mark of space in the stadiums,” said minutes thanks to Brazilian Danilo and Baskonia winning the basketball Spadafora, “but it’s considered Gonzalo Higuain. But despite the return championship and after Cadiz very risky to manage the infl ux of captain Giorgio Chiellini, the Turin gi- won promotion, urging Real and outfl ow of a huge number of ants showed signs of weakness in defence Madrid fans to show restraint if people with the necessary con- again and have now conceded 11 goals in they win the La Liga title late last trols at the entrance.” fi ve games. night. He added: “With just over two Sassuolo took advantage, with Filip “I understand what it means to weeks to go until the end of the Djuricic pulling one back for the hosts win a title or win promotion but season, it would be diffi cult to just before the half-hour mark, before the situation we have in Spain is organise everything. My job is Domenico Berardi curled in a free-kick on of a controlled epidemic but with to ensure that the conditions are 50 minutes and Francesco Caputo blasted a virus that is still circulating,” met so that there will be access to in a third four minutes later. he added. “In the last few days stadiums when the next champi- Alex Sandro headed Juventus level with we’ve seen images that put peo- onship resumes, in September.” 26 minutes to play, but the defending champions had goalkeeper Wojciech Szc- zesny to thank for securing a point as the Pole pulled off a string of late saves. Ju- Sassuolo’s Jeremie Boga (left) and Juventus’ Aaron Ramsey vie for the ball during the Serie A match in Reggio Emilia, Italy. (Reuters) ventus lost 4-2 to AC Milan and needed a 90th-minute Cristiano Ronaldo penalty blow. City rivals Roma, in fi fth, contin- suolo, with seventh likely to be enough placed Cagliari. to snatch a 2-2 draw with Atalanta in their ued their good form with a 2-1 win over for a Europa League spot due to Napoli’s previous two games. The Turin giants ninth-placed Hellas Verona thanks to a Italian Cup triumph. ITALIAN SERIE A RESULTS next host Lazio on Monday after Atalanta Jordan Veretout penalty and an Edin Dze- Napoli coach Gennaro Gattuso said Bologna 1 (Barrow 80) Napoli 1 (Manolas visit Verona at the weekend looking to cut ko header. Roma are four points ahead of he was worried ahead of the Champions 7); AC Milan 3 (Kessie 55, Romagnoli the gap to four points. “Now we must not Napoli and AC Milan. League last-16 second leg against Barce- 59, Calhanoglu 77) Parma 1 (Kurtic 44); do calculations but only think game by AC Milan boosted their Europa League lona after his side let a lead slip against Sampdoria 3 (Gabbiadini 8, Bonazzoli game,” added Sarri. hopes with a 3-1 comeback win over Bologna. Kostas Manolas’ diving header Inter Milan still harbour hopes of a late Parma to move level on points with sixth- from a Matteo Politano corner put the 40, 53) Cagliari 0; Sassuolo 3 (Djuricic 29, title push and could jump from fourth to placed Napoli who were held 1-1 at Bolo- visitors ahead on just seven minutes. Berardi 51, Caputo 54) Juventus 3 (Danilo second, six points behind Juve, as they gna. Stefano Pioli’s Milan are unbeaten in But in-form Musa Barrow grabbed the 5, Higuain 12, Alex Sandro 64); AS Roma travelled to face SPAL late last night. seven league games since the resumption. equaliser 10 minutes from time for the 2 (Veretout 10-pen, Dzeko 45+4) Hellas Simone Inzaghi’s Lazio, who were only Goals from Franck Kessie, Alessio Ro- hosts. “We have to play to prepare for Verona 1 (Pessina 47); Udinese 0 Lazio 0; one point adrift when Serie A returned magnoli and Hakan Calhanoglu saw off Barcelona and with performances like Lecce 1 (Shakhov 88) Fiorentina 3 (Chiesa following the coronavirus lockdown, 12th-placed Parma who had taken the this we will not go anywhere,” said Gattu- 6, Ghezzal 38, Cutrone 40) were held by Udinese after three con- lead thanks to a Jasmin Kurtic goal just so. Sampdoria moved further away from Played Tuesday: Atalanta 6 (Pasalic 2, 55, La Liga had hoped to let fans back into stadiums at a reduced secutive defeats, as their hopes of a fi rst before the break at the San Siro. Milan the relegation zone with Federico Bonaz- 58, De Roon 25, Malinovskiy 28, Zapata capacity when the new season starts in September, increasing to Scudetto in two decades suff ered another sit six points clear of eighth-placed Sas- zoli scoring a brace in a 3-0 win over 11th- 30) Brescia 2 (Torregrossa 8, Spalek 83) 50% in November before full capacity returned in January. (Reuters)

Stuttgart join cash-strapped ROUND-UP Bundesliga clubs seeking state aid Porto secure 29th Portuguese league title orto clinched their 29th Por- was brought to a halt by the coronavirus Berlin: Newly-promoted VfB managed top stay in the tuguese Primeira Liga title on pandemic. Among the 26 state leagues Stuttgart are the latest cash- Bundesliga after winning the Wednesday with two games to in Brazil, the championship in Santa strapped Bundesliga club relegation/promotion play-off , spare after a 2-0 win over Sport- Catarina, in the south of the country, ingP Lisbon. Sergio Conceicao’s men went restarted last week before being inter- seeking financial aid because have confirmed that they of lost matchday revenue due want a loan from the state- into the match needing only a point to rupted three days later after the discovery to the coronavirus pandemic. owned KfW Bank. Schalke secure the league due to their superior of 14 Covid-19 cases among the staff and Stuttgart finished runners- 04, who had debts of 198mn head-to-head record over second-placed players at Chapecoense. up in Germany’s second euros before the pandemic, Benfi ca. On Monday, the championship in division at the end of June to recently applied to the state The victory ensured they won the Ceara, in the north-east, also resumed win promotion back to the of North Rhine-Westphalia for championship in style, moving eight and other states could soon follow. Bundesliga a year after being a guarantee to secure a loan, points clear of last season’s champions The Rio championship resumed amid relegated. reportedly worth around Benfi ca who have won a record 37 titles. controversy, with Flamengo insisting on However, the 2007 German 40mn euros. Gelsenkirchen- Porto only led Benfi ca by one point when playing while Fluminense and Botafogo, champs are among estab- based Schalke lost around the campaign resumed following the two of the city’s four big clubs, threatened lished names needing help 2mn euros of revenue for coronavirus lockdown last month, but a boycott, saying that at the height of balancing the books. “During each of the four home games their old rivals have faltered and coach the pandemic football was not a priority. the lockdown phase, we ex- behind closed doors. Even Bruno Lage was replaced as coach with Both were eventually forced to play and amined all the possibilities for runners-up Borussia Dort- their title defence in tatters. expressed their opposition on banners and economic stabilisation and... mund are looking into ways The home side got off to a nervy start jerseys. Fluminense refused to play fi rst applied for funding in order of securing financial help at the Estadio do Dragao, as Sporting for- two games at their normal home stadium, to secure our liquidity,” the from the state, according to ward Andraz Sporar saw a goal ruled out the Maracana, so that patients from a fi eld club’s finance off icer Stefan magazine Der Spiegel. by VAR for off side in the very first minute. hospital on the same site as the stadium Heim said. “This was one of However, Dortmund’s chief Midfi elder Danilo Pereira scored just his could continue to receive treatment. the measures we took to en- executive Hans-Joachim second league goal this term in the 64th sure VfB’s economic survival Watzke says the government minute though, allowing Porto to cruise ENGLAND TO HOST WALES at a time when nobody could must check whether clubs hit through the rest of the game. IN WEMBLEY FRIENDLY predict when and how things financial diff iculties through Mali striker Moussa Marega added England will face Wales in a friendly at would continue in football.” the Covid-19 or bad manage- a second in injury-time, his 11th of the Wembley on October 8, football chiefs an- Heim said Stuttgart, who ment. “The State must check triumphant campaign. Porto, Benfi ca and FC Porto players celebrate after winning the Portuguese Primeira Liga title. (AFP) nounced. The game will be played behind signed Arsenal defender Kon- whether these are real eff ects Sporting have won the Portuguese league closed doors before both sides return stantinos Mavropanos on a of corona or not,” said Watzke. title every year bar two between them and linesmen during a 2-1 loss at AS FLAMENGO WIN 36TH RIO TITLE to Nations League action the follow- season-long loan spell yester- Others agree and the situ- since the inaugural season in 1934-35. Roma, Serie A’s disciplinary tribunal said. AFTER CONTROVERSIAL RESTART ing weekend. It will be the fi rst meeting day, applied for aid through ation is the subject of debate But Benfi ca had been dominant in Juric was ordered from the touchline for Flamengo won a record 36th Rio state between the two sides since Daniel Stur- the state-owned KfW Bank, in Germany. “It should not be recent years, with this only Porto’s second dissent after the referee awarded a penalty championship with a 1-0 win in the sec- ridge’s last-minute winner gave England reportedly seeking a loan of the case that failed business championship since 2013 after also taking to Roma in the 10th minute of Wednes- ond leg of the fi nal against Fluminense, a 2-1 victory during the group stages of around 15mn euros ($17mn). models in football are artifi- the spoils in the 2017-18 season. Sporting, day’s game. Roma’s Jordan Veretout whom they had beaten 2-1 in the fi rst leg. Euro 2016. The fi xture will be the fi rst They are not alone. Ger- cially maintained by taxpay- who sit a distant third this term, have not converted the resulting spot kick. A 95th-minute Vitinho goal late en- international to be held at Wembley since many’s top clubs are counting ers’ money,” Jens Ammann lifted the trophy since 2002. The Italian top-fl ight’s disciplinary sured the triumph for the legendary Rio the coronavirus outbreak. the cost of lost revenue as the from the German Taxpayers tribunal said in a statement the coach de Janeiro club, reigning champions and England take on Nations League rivals last nine rounds of matches in Federation told website Busi- VERONA COACH JURIC received the ban and fi ne for having “ad- holders of the Copa Libertadores 2019, Iceland and Denmark in September but the top two tiers were played ness Insider. “It can’t be that BANNED FOR ONE MATCH dressed the referee with disrespectful the South American equivalent of the both games are away from home. Ryan behind closed doors due to professional salaries in the FOR INSULTING OFFICIALS remarks as well as exclaiming off ensive European Champions League. Giggs’ Wales will make the short journey the pandemic. millions might end up being Hellas Verona coach Ivan Juric has been phrases towards the linesmen”. Verona, The Campeonato Carioca state league to face Ireland three days after the Wem- Werder Bremen, who just paid for by tax money.” banned for one match and fi ned 15,000 ninth in the standings with 44 points, was the fi rst to resume in South America bley friendly, while England host Belgium euros ($17,110) for insulting the referee host second-placed Atalanta tomorrow. on 18 June after football on the continent on the same day. Friday, July 17, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

PREMIER LEAGUE FOCUS Leeds close in on promotion Resolute Arsenal end to Premier League

AFP London

eeds are on the verge of Liverpool’s record bid promotion to the Pre- mier League after the Championship leaders Reds cannot now match Manchester City’s record 100 points from two seasons ago Lbeat struggling Barnsley 1-0 yesterday. Michael Sollbauer’s AFP own goal in the fi rst half at El- London land Road was enough for Leeds to move within one point of au- tomatic promotion. irgil van Dijk held his hands With two games left, Marcelo up to an uncharacteristic error Bielsa’s side will be guaranteed that cost Liverpool the chance to end their 16-year exile from to set a new Premier League the top fl ight if second-placed Vrecord points tally as Arsenal came from West Brom fail to win at Hud- behind to beat the champions 2-1 on dersfi eld today. If West Brom Wednesday night. win, the next promotion op- Just a third league defeat of the sea- portunity would come if third- son for Jurgen Klopp’s men means the placed Brentford, six points be- Reds cannot now match Manchester hind Leeds, are unable to beat City’s record 100 points from two sea- Stoke tomorrow. sons ago. Sadio Mane put Liverpool in Failing that, Leeds can seal front as the visitors dominated for the promotion themselves when fi rst 30 minutes at the empty Emirates. they play at Derby on Sunday. But Van Dijk’s slack pass allowed Al- Bottom-of-the-table Barnsley exandre Lacazette to equalise before remain four points from safety Alisson Becker also produced a rare with two games left and look set mistake to allow Lacazette to tee up for relegation to League One. Reiss Nelson for the winner just before Barnsley forward Jacob Brown half-time. “The goals we give them as a should have given his side an present,” said Van Dijk. “If you give the 11th-minute lead after being goals away like we did today, including played in by Cauley Woodrow’s myself, you get what you deserve.” excellent pass. But Brown Liverpool have now dropped points dragged his eff ort wide from a in four of their seven games since the tight angle with just keeper Illan Premier League’s restart compared to Meslier to beat. just two prior to the shutdown. But Van Leeds were given another Dijk said there was no shortage of moti- let-off in the 27th minute when vation after clinching a fi rst league title Mads Andersen’s fl ying header in 30 years. “It’s too easy to say that,” from Callum Styles’ corner fl ew he added. “If you watch the game, until inches wide. But Leeds broke the I made the mistake there was nothing deadlock moments later when wrong. I take the blame for it I take it as Barnsley defender Sollbauer a man and we move on.” diverted the ball into his own Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s mind net while under pressure from appeared to be already focused on Sat- Helder Costa following Patrick urday’s FA Cup semi-fi nal against his Bamford’s cutback. former side Manchester City as he left Leeds were given two more top scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scares in as many minutes when on the bench among fi ve changes from Arsenal’s Alexandre Lacazette (right) scores past Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson Becker during the Premier League match in London on Wednesday. (AFP) angled drives from Conor Chap- defeat in the north London derby to lin and Styles narrowly missed Spurs. But victory kept the Gunners’ ments in the game where you take your the lead in the 20th minute with a slick “We did a lot of things well but you can- sive record under Klopp, but the Bra- the target. chances of European football next sea- chances, you have to defend in many move as Andy Robertson provided his not win football games when you con- zilian then followed his centre-back’s Sollbauer’s header forced son alive by moving up to ninth and moments they way we did tonight, and 10th assist in the Premier League this cede goals like these.” example by gifting away possession to Meslier into another save and within two points of seventh-placed you need a bit of luck and today we had season with a low cross that was met on Lacazette pounced on just Van Dijk’s Lacazette and the Frenchman’s cross the Leeds keeper also repelled Tottenham. all of that.” the stretch by Mane. second error leading to a goal in 88 Pre- was dispatched by Nelson for his fi rst Woodrow’s shot on the turn. “To put a defeat away before a semi- Liverpool, by contrast, were at full However, Klopp blamed a lack of mier League games since his £75mn Premier League goal. Liverpool were The tension in the stands fi nal, it’s a good medicine,” said Arteta strength bar the absence of injured cap- concentration after going ahead for two move from Southampton in Janu- camped in Arsenal’s half for the second among the Leeds hierarchy of his side bouncing back. “To beat this tain Jordan Henderson and it showed rare slack moments that cost them the ary 2018 to score his third goal in four 45 minutes, but found no way through reached unbearable levels during team you know how many good things for the fi rst half an hour as the visitors’ match. “Twice (there was) massive lack games. The signings of Van Dijk and to see the chance of surpassing City’s the closing stages as the home you have to have. You have to have mo- dominated. Liverpool deservedly took of concentration,” said the German. Alisson transformed Liverpool’s defen- centurions slip away. side held on.

SPOTLIGHT Leicester boost top-four bid, Aston Villa in trouble AFP Chelsea and three ahead of fi fth-placed and Stuart Campbell. Thomas laid on an from Leicester’s Kasper Schmeichel, but London Manchester United, who were facing early chance for Perez when his cross was Gray’s deft fi nish sealed the points from Crystal Palace late last night. The Foxes headed over by the winger. Jamie Vardy Vardy’s pass in the 79th minute. face a tense run-in as they bid to return to forced Dean Henderson to save with his At Goodison Park, Villa were within eicester moved a step closer to the Champions League for the fi rst time legs and the Blades keeper had to be alert touching distance of a second successive Champions League qualifi cation since 2016-17. Their next match is at Tot- to deny Perez’s volley from another Tho- win after Ezri Konsa put them ahead in the after a 2-0 win against Sheffi eld tenham on Sunday before a potentially mas cross. It was third time lucky for Pe- second half. But Theo Walcott brought United while Aston Villa’s sur- decisive home clash with Manchester rez as the Spaniard put Leicester ahead in Everton level in the 87th minute when his Lvival hopes were seriously damaged as United on the last day of the season. the 29th minute with his fi rst goal since header was ruled to have crossed the line. Everton snatched a late draw yesterday. Sheffi eld United’s fi rst defeat in fi ve January. Perez started the attack with a It was an agonising blow for Villa, Brendan Rodgers’ side earned their fi rst games was a blow to their hopes of reach- pass wide to Thomas and took the return who remain second bottom and sit three win in three games thanks to goals from ing the Europa League at the climax of a ball before drilling low past Henderson points from safety with just two games Ayoze Perez and Demarai Gray. fi ne fi rst season back in the top-fl ight. from just inside the penalty area. left. With West Ham and Watford — the It was an essential result after Leices- Aged 19 years, 36 days, academy gradu- Vardy hit the post from Youri Tiele- two teams directly above the relegation ter’s 4-1 thrashing by lowly Bournemouth ate Luke Thomas was the third youngest mens’ defence-splitting pass soon after zone — meeting today, Villa aren’t down on Sunday. Leicester remain in fourth player to make his fi rst Premier League the interval as Leicester pushed for a sec- yet, but they are in grave danger of an im- Leicester City’s Ayoze Perez (right) celebrates with teammates after place, just one point behind third-placed start for Leicester after Emile Heskey ond. John Egan’s header forced a fi ne save mediate return to the Championship. scoring against Sheff ield United in Leicester yesterday. (Reuters)

QNB STARS LEAGUE INTERVIEW Qatar SC seek to improve We must focus on securing fourth under coach Wesam Rizik position: Al Gharafa defender Moreno atar SC are bracing for l Gharafa owe a lot to Hector What are the major changes being made the remainder of the Moreno for their fourth position by the coach? QNB Stars season with in the QNB Stars League, which is We are doing the necessary work to be high focus. They will to resume on July 24 following a ready for the next game. Maybe the only playQ Al Rayyan in Week 18 at the longA break forced by the Covid-19 pandem- thing is that we had to take online training Al Sadd Stadium on July 24. Qa- ic. The 32-year-old defender, who has rep- classes during the break and that was new to tar SC, coached by former Qatar resented Mexico at the 2010, 2014 and 2018 us, but we had to adapt to that situation. international midfi elder Wesam FIFA World Cups and has had stints with Rizik, are ninth in the standings Spanish (Real Sociedad and Espanyol), Ital- Al Gharafa have been doing well by occu- with 17 points. ian (AS Roma) as well as Dutch (AZ and PSV pying the fourth position in the table… The Kings have four victo- Eindhoven) clubs, spoke to qsl.qa. For me, I believe it has been a transition ries, fi ve draws and eight defeats season for the club, with a new coach and against their name with a goal Excerpts: new players. Of course, we can be better, but diff erence of -6, having scored How do you view Gharafa’s preparations so far it is acceptable for me to be in this po- 16 goals and conceded 22. Qatar for the restart of competitions amid the sition, but we’ll fi ght till the end to be higher. SC had drawn 2-2 with Al Ahli in coronavirus pandemic? Week 17 on 7th March before the Well, we’ve had enough time to prepare What’s your target in the league, having long break. for the remaining games. We know that it bowed out of both Amir Cup and Ooredoo The team’s performance im- won’t be easy, but our staff are doing their Cup in the quarter-fi nal stage? proved considerably ever since maximum to make us reach the best level of With fi ve games remaining, we must fo- Rizik took charge, replacing readiness. cus on securing our fourth position, which Spanish coach Carlos Alos Fer- will give us opportunities to play in the Qa- rer, under whom they dropped What’s your personal take on this un- tar Cup and AFC Champions League. That’s many points. A string of positive Qatar SC are ninth in the standings with 17 points. precedented situation? an important target for the club and fans. We results enabled Qatar SC to move Life became diff erent everywhere. Around wish to be in the top-three bracket as well. away from the danger zone as driguez, Jassim al-Hail, Ali Awad of action by playing friendlies. the world, many people are suff ering. Some It’s like pre-season work. It’s hard. We they are now three points clear of and Ahmed Moein. Wesam’s They lost 1-2 to Al Duhail in one have lost their dear ones. As footballers, we have to be ready for the remaining games. What are your expectations of the both Al Khor and Umm Salal, and wards will try to take all those such game. Qatar SC’s other re- try to be ready for a comeback because when The diff erence is that we will go directly into remaining fi ve games? seven ahead of bottom-placed Al factors to their advantage in their maining matches in the QNB people watch football, it can help them be- crucial games, so we’ve to reach the required We’ve very important and tough games. Shahania. bid to earn a creditable fi nish in Stars League are against Umm lieve they’re going back to normal life. I level quickly. That makes a big diff erence We’ll start against Al Arabi. They’re also Qatar SC are counting on play- the tournament. Salal (Week 19), Al Shahania think football has that power. because, during pre-season preparations, fi ghting to be in the top four, so we must be ers such as Abdelnasser al-Kha- Besides intense training, they (Week 20), Al Sadd (Week 21) and we’ve time to adapt. In this case, we don’t ready to take points from these games. I’m yati, Sardor Rashidov, Kayke Ro- are readying for the resumption Al Arabi (Week 22). (qsl.qa) How’s the training programme going on? have much time to adjust. confi dent we can do it.