FOOTBALL | Page 2 RUGBY | Page 3 Third Brighton Less is more player tests for Mitchell positive for when game coronavirus resumes

Monday, May 11, 2020 CRICKET Ramadan 18, 1441 AH Cummins wants GULF TIMES to carry on shining, swinging SPORT Page 5

CRICKET Players must play, crowd or no crowd — Pietersen

Reuters play a charity event on May 17 and English Always a big favourite with fans, Pi- Mumbai soccer’s Premier League plotting a return etersen hit 23 centuries and scored more for mid-June, Pietersen finds in unfathom- than 8,000 runs in 104 tests for England able that any top athlete would not want to before finally hanging up his bat in 2018 af- he resumption of sport will lift mo- be plying their trade as soon as possible. ter a few years playing for club teams across rale for people around the world “Some sportsmen are in the prime of the world. during the Covid-19 crisis and their life. Why would they not want to be South Africa, where he was born and cricketers owe it to fans to play be- playing?” he added. raised, remains close to Pietersen’s heart hindT closed doors if that hastens the process, “So what if the crowds are not there? The and along with his work as a cricket pun- former England captain Kevin Pietersen crowds may not be there in person but the dit and business interests, he has become has told Reuters. broadcasting numbers will be massive.” closely associated with the conservation of The spread of novel coronavirus has Looking more broadly at a possible silver endangered animals in the country. brought sport across the world to a stand- lining to the crisis, Pietersen said it was an He is particularly identified with the bat- still over the last two months and Pietersen opportunity for his sport to have a serious tle to preserve the rhinoceros and the char- thinks every effort should be made to resume look at solutions to problems shared by the ity he founded, SORAI or Save our Rhino professional cricket as soon as it is safe to do entire cricketing world. Africa/India, rescues abandoned, injured so. “The nice thing, if you can have a look at or orphaned rhinos. “Fans, the public, need a morale boost. something that’s nice about this coronavi- “When we come out of this global crisis, Their morale at the moment is so negative, rus, is it’s affecting absolutely everybody,” as humans we have to play a bigger and more so down in the dumps,” the 39-year-old said Pietersen said. significant role in making sure we protect in an interview. “Virat Kohli is in the same position as the planet and protect all the species,” said “Sport is so uplifting and so positive for Kane Williamson as Joe Root to Steve Smith Pietersen, who will relaunch the brand at the so many people. New sport will have to be as Quinton de Kock... we’re all in this to- end of June. played behind closed doors until we find gether. “So we’ve all got to come together, “There’s no way we can afford to let ani- a vaccination for coronavirus. Sportsmen understand what’s important to us, work mals like the rhino go extinct, the pangolin have got to deal with it.” together, get through this together and go extinct. It’s just incomprehensible to even With golfer Rory McIlroy preparing to make good decisions together.” think that something like that can happen.”

FOOTBALL SPOTLIGHT Roland Garros could be behind La Liga players test closed doors, says French tennis boss

AFP positive for virus Paris

They have been quarantined and will be allowed back only after 2 negative tests rench tennis chief Bernard Guidicelli admitted yesterday that Roland Garros, already controversially pushed back AFP four months due to the coronavirus, could be staged be- Madrid hind closed doors. FGuidicelli, who said that the French federation (FFT) had “no regrets” over its unilateral decision to move the clay court ive players from Spain’s top two leagues have Grand Slam from May 24-June 7 to September 20-October 4, tested positive for coronavirus, La Liga con- insisted all options remain on the table. firmed yesterday. “We haven’t ruled out any option. F Players in Spain’s top-flight and Segunda divi- Roland Garros is first and foremost a story of matches and play- sion were allowed to carry out individual work at training ers,” he told the Journal du Dimanche. grounds last week. “There is the tournament taking place in the stadium, and the The move was the beginning of a staggered training tournament on TV screens. programme, with the aim to restart competitive games in “Millions of viewers around the world are waiting. the middle of June. Organising it behind closed doors would allow part of the La Liga insist identifying infected players through business model — television rights (which account for more positive tests are part of that plan. than a third of the tournament’s revenues) — to go ahead. They will be allowed to rejoin their club’s training pro- This cannot be overlooked.” gramme only after obtaining two consecutive negative The spread of the coronavirus has halted all tennis since mid- test results. March and will not resume until July 13 at the earliest. A La Liga statement read: “Among La Liga Santander Wimbledon has already been cancelled for the first time since and La Liga SmartBank (Segunda) clubs, five positive the Second World War. cases were detected in players, all of them asymptomatic The US Open, due to take place in New York from Aug 31- and in the final phase of the disease.” Sept 13, is also in question with a decision expected in mid- “One of the objectives of these medical tests, accord- June. ing to the La Liga’s protocol for returning to training, Close to 500,000 fans regularly attend Roland Garros every according to recommendations of the CSD (Supreme year. Sports Council) and the Ministry of Health, was pre- However, an indication as to the thinking around the 2020 edi- cisely to detect the denominated or asymptomatic, that tion came on Thursday when the FFT decided to reimburse all is, those people who tickets bought for the original date of the tournament rather than Portuguese side are infected and that, transfer them. Guimaraes report without presenting Guidicelli admitted that the start of the rescheduled French three positive cases symptoms, they can Open could even be pushed back a further week to begin on Sep- for coronavirus infect other people,” tember 27. the statement added. That would allow a two-week break between the US Open and Three players from Portu- “In this way, we Roland Garros. guese top-flight side Vitoria guarantee everyone’s “I have regular discussions with Andrea Gaudenzi (president of Guimaraes have tested posi- safety when returning the ATP), Steve Simon (president of the WTA) and David Haggerty tive for Covid-19, the club said to work according to (head of the ITF) and another call is planned next week to see how in a statement yesterday the occupational risk we have progressed. The statement added that regulations.” “We are working well together, but it is still a bit early to pre- the three players were La Liga’s training cisely determine the schedule.” asymptomatic and had plan includes players A handout picture released by the Real Betis football club shows Real Betis’ Spanish midfielder Carles Alena taking part in Guidicelli is adamant that the FFT was right to shift the tourna- been advised by the club to initially carrying out a training session at the Luis del Sol training ground in Sevilla yesterday. ment back by four months with the death toll from the coronavi- self-isolate, while the rest of work individually be- rus in France standing at 26,310 by Saturday night. the squad would continue to fore then expanding players arriving already changed and at specific times to being allowed to go ahead in their fourth and final phase, “Roland Garros is the driving force of tennis in France, it is what carry out individual training into small groups and avoid contact with others. They wear masks and gloves, as long as they are attended by fewer than 400 people. feeds the players in our ecosystem (260 mn euros in revenue, or after returning to work last finally taking part in and have their temperatures taken before entering the Football matches are expected to be staged behind 80% of the turnover of the FFT),” added Guidicelli, describing week. larger team sessions. premises. closed doors for several months. himself as the “good father”. Vitoria’s decision contrasts Barcelona’s play- At the end of training, they take away a bag of fresh kit La Liga president Javier Tebas has said “it is not an “We think of them first, protecting them. with German second-tier club ers were back for their for the next day and shower at home. option” to cancel the top flight given he estimates the We made a courageous choice and today, no one regrets it.” Dynamo Dresden, who decid- first session on Friday The league have not officially announced the timing economic fallout would cost clubs around a billion eu- “A tournament without a date is a boat without a rudder — we ed to place their entire squad while Real Madrid’s for the resumption of competitive matches although ros ($1.08bn). But the third and fourth tiers in Spain will don’t know where we’re going. in a two-week quarantine on will return today. Leganes coach Javier Aguirre said last week the proposed not complete their seasons, as confirmed by the Spanish “We positioned ourselves as far in the calendar as possible, Saturday following two posi- The medical pro- date is June 20. football federation (RFEF) on Wednesday. Instead, pro- anxious not to harm major events, so that no Masters 1000 or any tive coronavirus tests. tocol for training is That could correspond with the Spanish government’s motions will be decided through play-offs and there will Grand Slam would be affected. strict and includes de-escalation programme, which includes outside events be no relegations. The turn of events seems to have proved us right.” Gulf Times 2 Monday, May 11, 2020 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Third Brighton player tests positive for coronavirus ‘THERE ARE CONCERNS AND I THINK IT IS NORMAL FOR ALL CLUBS TO HAVE THOSE CONCERNS’

German league sticks to resumption plan despite Dresden quarantine The American Express Community Stadium, in Brighton, Britain. DPA, Berlin: German professional of the season in before the traditional football is still planning on restarting end to the campaign on June 30 — the season next weekend but the when player and broadcast contracts league’s chief has acknowledged that may be up. more positive coronavirus tests like Now bottom side Dresden will almost those at second division Dynamo certainly have to play at least two Dresden could cause havoc. games beyond that point. “We are not changing the goal at the “We are in contact with the responsi- moment,” German Football League ble health authority and the German (DFL) chief executive Christian football league to coordinate all Seifert told ZDF television late on further steps,” Dresden sporting Saturday. director Ralf Minge said. But if other whole squads are or- Germany is the first major Euro- dered into quarantine “then at some pean football league to be allowed point this will no longer be feasible,” to resume amid the coronavirus he added. pandemic and the restart was being The DFL has a policy that only closely watched by other countries infected players have to go into quar- such as England, which hopes to antine, but the local health authority start up again next month. is in ultimate charge. The Dresden issue will have spooked It has decided all of Dresden’s squad some itching for a return in other must be isolated for 14 days despite nations but Seifert is standing firm, only two players testing positive in a stating that the procedures put in third wave of tests. place are designed to stop infected One team-mate was positive in a first players taking to the pitch. test. “It was absolutely clear that this The ruling means their first two could happen,” he said. games following the restart must be The DFL had announced that there postponed. They were due to face had been 10 positive tests from a first Hanover next Sunday and Greuther tranche of checks, including three at Fuerth a week later.The DFL got the Bundesliga side Cologne. go ahead from the German govern- However, Cologne did not go into ment on Wednesday for the Bundes- full quarantine, with even one of liga and second division to resume their own players questioning the the season without fans in stadiums decision. following a two-month suspension Second division Aue did decide to go due to the coronavirus crisis. into full quarantine but will be out of A restart next weekend was perfect it for next weekend’s resumption — timing for the DFL as it meant it could assuming there are no more positive AFP were not named, contracted the virus Dynamo Dresden have put their entire tral venue idea, insisting that the cam- squeeze the remaining nine rounds tests.. London several weeks ago and have reportedly squad and coaching staff into two- paign should still be played on a home- recovered. “Unfortunately we have had week isolation after two players tested and-away basis as Brighton battle to a third player test positive just yester- positive for coronavirus. avoid relegation. as much self-interest in the middle as tually come to a consensus. righton chief executive Paul day,” Barber told Sky Sports News. The Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 are Norwich, Watford and Aston Villa there is at the bottom. “There are no easy answers, we have Barber on Sunday revealed “Despite all the measures we have due to restart on May 16. were in the relegation zone when the “Everyone has different objectives to work through it as a collective and I a third player at the Premier all been taking over the last few weeks, Brighton’s latest positive test comes Premier League was suspended be- for the season and we are all looking to think we will and come out with a con- League club has tested posi- when the players haven’t been involved ahead of Monday’s Premier League cause of the health crisis on March 13. play out the season, if it is safe to do so. sensus in the end,” he told the BBC. tiveB for the coronavirus, raising fresh in taking any significant training at all, meeting, where clubs are expected to Brighton have received criticism for “We really do want to play and we “(The meeting) is another part of the concerns about the attempt to finish we have still suffered another player debate the plan to complete the season their vocal stance, but Barber insists want to make sure the competition journey in trying to get football back. the English top-flight season. testing positive for the virus. behind closed doors at neutral venues all clubs will act with a degree of self- stays as fair as it can be despite these We would be derelict in our duty if we An unnamed player was tested on “There are concerns and I think it is and vote on whether player contracts interest. exceptional circumstances that we are did not find a way for the game to come Saturday and will self-isolate for 14 normal for all clubs to have those con- will be extended until the end of the re- “People will accuse us of self-inter- facing.” back. days while he recovers from the virus. cerns. scheduled campaign. est, I totally understand that, but at this Aston Villa and Watford have joined “It may prove beyond us, we have The rest of Brighton’s squad will “We want to make sure we do all that The Premier League would like to stage of the season there is self-interest Brighton in speaking out against the huge challenges in order to get it back continue to train at home and in solo we can so the protocols that are put into restart the season in June and play the at every level of the table,” he added. neutral stadium plan. to complete the season but we are plan- sessions at the team’s training ground. place are safe and secure and mitigate remaining 92 fixtures by August. “There is as much self-interest at the But Crystal Palace chairman Steve ning on doing so.” Two other Brighton players, who the risk.” In Germany, Bundesliga 2 side Barber has been critical of the neu- top as there is at the bottom, there is Parish has backed the 20 clubs to even-

ON THIS DAY... FOCUS Born May 11, 1984: Andres Iniesta, Spanish footballer Players need to be disciplined in virus plan, says Bundesliga chief

Reuters Manchester

ach individual player’s behaviour will be “crucial until the end of the season”, the medical head of the Bundesliga and UEFA’s efforts to restart the game across the continent warned yes- terday. ETim Meyer, the head of the Bundesliga’s new coronavirus task force and chairman of the UEFA medical committee, said that while the German league had produced the safest possible system for resum- ing competition, it was vital that players showed discipline and kept to the new rules. The Bundesliga will become the first major league in Europe to resume action, on May 16, with games held without spectators and with strict restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “Football has to give something back to the people now,” he told Reuters in an interview. “That also means to be disciplined as a player. Keeping themselves away from the virus and the virus from them is the target. They need Reuters City Stadium forever endeared Iniesta to Spaniards no given life to. to be responsible. Barcelona matter their allegiances, earning him standing ovations “Iniesta is the boyfriend every mother would want for “They are very public and need to show how to behave — on the even when playing away to Barca’s sworn enemies Real her daughter,” said his former Spain teammate Sergio pitch, play football as always but as soon as you leave the pitch, you Madrid and Espanyol. Ramos, summing up the player’s universal appeal. are a citizen again and need to behave as a citizen in times of Corona,” shy village boy who could not bear to leave Most touching, though, was how he celebrated that Iniesta called time on his magnificent spells with he added. his parents’ bed, Andres Iniesta may have career-defining goal — ripping off his shirt to pay tribute Spain and Barcelona in 2018 to see out his career in Japan Meyer said his task was to create the highest possible level of safety, seemed an unlikely candidate to become one of to his late friend and fellow footballer Dani Jarque who with Vissel Kobe, where he is a role model for the club’s based on what was “medically justifiable”. the best footballers of all time, but anyone who died the previous year. future generations. “We do not think that any job, any profession in the country is Asaw him play rarely had serious doubts. Jarque’s sudden death and a series of injuries had led “I want to share my experience with the young play- 100% safe at this moment, as long as you deal with other human be- Iniesta, who turns 36 today, weaved his magic for Bar- Iniesta into a severe bout of depression, things getting so ers. ings. celona for 16 years and was one of the architects of the bad that he asked to sleep in his parents’ bed, just as he I think it is my responsibility too and it forms part of “Sometimes there are people who say, ‘there is still a little risk’. Yes club’s greatest era, playing a defining role as they won 32 had done as a 10-year-old when home from Barcelona’s the big project I came here for,” Iniesta told Reuters. there is. We will not be able to eliminate any small risk — we did a lot, trophies including nine Spanish titles and four Champi- academy. “I like to talk with them, share things with them and I we put a lot of measures in place, to make sure that infections from ons League crowns. He conquered his demons with the help of a psycholo- also like the feeling that they can ask me questions and football are highly unlikely,” he said. “This kid is going to retire us all,” said Pep Guardiola gist and a supportive coach in Guardiola, who had never they are learning stuff.” The Bundesliga has produced a detailed set of strict guidelines for when he first watched a teenage Iniesta in action while forgotten how Iniesta backed him when he got off to a The only major thing missing from Iniesta’s honours the restart which include three separate zones at stadiums to limit hu- Spain coach Luis Enrique describes the diminutive mid- rocky start in his first season at Barca. list is the prestigious Ballon d’Or, and when he an- man contact and reduce the chances of viral transmission along with a fielder as “Harry Potter, waving his wand”. That campaign ended with Barcelona winning the nounced he was leaving Barca, organisers France Foot- large scale testing procedure. Iniesta conducted an equally mesmerising orches- Champions League, helped by Iniesta’s stoppage-time ball felt a pang of guilt for not giving him the award for There will also be an impact for those living with players. tra for Spain and clinched his country’s finest sporting goal against Chelsea to reach the final, sparking a 50% best player in the world. The co-habitants, wives or partners of all Bundesliga players will be achievement when his extra-time goal against the Neth- surge in the birth rate in Barcelona. “Forgive us, Andres,” said their editorial. required to choose from three options — either to undergo two tests, erlands sealed victory in the 2010 World Cup final. Last week, he honoured the anniversary of the “Ini- “Of all the absences on the list of Ballon d’Or winners, agree to document each contact outside the house or they have to live That cold-blooded strike in Johannesburg’s Soccer estazo” by calling up some of the children his goal had his is particularly painful.” separately. Gulf Times Monday, May 11, 2020 3 SPORT

FOCUS GOLF Memorial to use high-tech badges Less is more for to track spectators

Reuters venues and make sure that New York we’re monitoring effectively and producing a tournament that everyone can be comfort- he Memorial Tourna- able with.” Mitchell when rugby ment in Dublin, Ohio, The RFID technology has will use high-tech ra- been used the last four years at Tdio frequency identifi- the Memorial to monitor en- cation (RFID) chips in tourna- trances and exits and identify ment badges to ensure social choke points at Muirfield Vil- distancing is maintained at the lage Golf Club but will play a July 16-19 PGA Tour event, Golf much more important role at Digest reported on Saturday. this year’s event. The PGA Tour resumes post virus The tracking system was released a revised schedule in just one of several measures April. It outlined that the first ‘I’d like to probably see less markets...The example I give you is Super Rugby’ that will be put in place to deal four events will be played with- with the coronavirus outbreak out spectators, starting with AFP that has wreaked havoc with the June 11-14 Charles Schwab London world sport and forced a re- Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas. working of the of the PGA Tour In addition to the Charles calendar. Speaking on a “Vir- Schwab, the other tourna- ormer New Zealand head tual Sports Report” conduct- ments slated to be held with- coach and current Eng- ed via Zoom on Thursday by out fans are the RBC Heritage land defence chief John the Greater Columbus Sports (June 18-21) in Hilton Head, FMitchell believes some Commission, Memorial Tour- S.C.; the Travelers Champion- good may come for rugby union nament director Dan Sullivan ship (June 25-28) in Cromwell, from the coronavirus if it cre- indicated a limited number Conn.; and the Rocket Mort- ates “greater professionalism” of fans will be allowed on the gage Classic (July 2-5) in De- thanks to a concentration of tal- course but movements would troit. The first tournament ent at fewer clubs worldwide, in- be restricted and monitored. tentatively preparing for spec- cluding Super Rugby. Other protocols, according tators is the July 9-12 John Even before Covid-19 saw this the Golf Digest report, include Deere Classic in Silvis, Ill. fol- year’s edition of Super Rugby limiting ticket sales, curtailing lowed by the Memorial. suspended after seven rounds in capacity in the clubhouse and “It’s a common miscon- March, there was a widespread public gathering structures, ception based on the initial view the southern hemisphere’s elimination of all grandstands, news release that the first four now 15-string premier club tour- supplying face coverings for events are not having fans … nament had become increasingly staff and volunteers and taking but it never really said our unattractive for fans and broad- the temperature of everyone event is going to have fans,” casters alike, with talent spread who enters the grounds. John Deere tournament direc- too thinly. The sale of draft beer and tor Clair Peterson told Golf The pandemic has already fountain drinks will be prohib- Digest. “We’re trying to work had a huge financial impact on ited while all transactions will through all of the obvious con- rugby and there are concerns be restricted to credit cards. siderations, which includes all current club structures won’t “At any time we can know of the Illinois restrictions. survive the outbreak fully intact. around the golf course how “Who knows? Memorial England’s Rugby Football Union many people are collecting in a could be the first event with has lost £15 million ($19 mil- certain area,” said Sullivan. fans if we do not have them, lion) so far due to the crisis, with “We’re going to use that but they’re in the exact same Twickenham chiefs forecasting technology to make sure that position of not knowing what a total loss of £107 million if the we’re protecting everyone will be permissible. But they autumn internationals are can- around us, protecting the folks have to make every prepara- celled. that are inside those various tion possible, as we are.” Meanwhile Rugby Australia, already reeling after reaching a multi-million dollar settlement with star player Israel Folau over his sacking for homopho- bic comments, have reported a $6 million operating deficit for last year. They have also laid off 75 percent of staff, with chief ex- ecutive Raelene Castle resigning amid accusations of misman- agement and sexism. England defence chief John Mitchell. Japan’s Sunwolves are set to be axed from the 2021 Super Rugby “When it first started it was 12 it’s in some ways spread play- Mitchell, who as United States tion.” And Mitchell, who helped season, which is planned to be a teams, I think I even played in the ers all round the world, creating coach helped the Eagles qualify Eddie Jones plan England’s PGA of Australia extends tour season into new year 14-team tournament featuring first Super 10 but it was probably greater costs. “It’s probably lost for last year’s World Cup, was stunning 19-7 World Cup semi- sides from South Africa, New at its best when it was 12 teams its value in some ways because sympathetic to the aspirations of final win over the All Blacks in The PGA of Australia tour will with a full season this year Zealand, Australia and Argenti- and the best players were play- people want to watch the best emerging nations, he said there Japan last year, said talented be extended from this season but put in place a schedule na. But Mitchell, once the coach ing,” added the 56-year-old, players playing in their competi- were still too many clubs where players had nothing to fear from with tournaments staged well that we believe is in the best of Australia’s now former Super who coached the Chiefs in the tion.” players could earn a salary. a reduction in team numbers. into the new year, the govern- interests of golf in Australia,” Rugby side Western Force, in- Super 12 before guiding New The pandemic provided a “Japan has expanded, the sec- “Clearly, the players will ing body of professional golf tournaments director Nick dicated greater contraction was Zealand to a third-place finish at backdrop to the recent re-elec- ond division in France has also. probably still be the critical in the country announced Dastey said in a news release. still required if the tournament the 2003 World Cup. “They ob- tion of Bill Beaumont as chair- There’s a number of markets (thing), the biggest value but I’m yesterday. “If the current restrictions was to return to its mid 1990s viously wanted to create a style man of World Rugby, with the where players can derive an in- sure it’s going to contract a lot The move was triggered by do not ease in time, we now and early 2000s heyday. of rugby that suited the south- former England captain nar- come and the thing is that ulti- more which in the end is going the social distancing restric- have the opportunity to push “I’d like to probably see less ern hemisphere from an athletic rowly seeing off a challenge mately there are so many players to create greater professional- tions put in place to contain events into the early months markets...The example I give you point of view.” from Argentina great Agustin that can call themselves ‘profes- ism and more competition for the Covid-19 pandemic, which of 2021.” is Super Rugby,” Mitchell told “Ultimately, because they’ve Pichot, who positioned himself sional’ I guess in position and places, which is healthy for the threaten to heavily disrupt The tour’s flagship event, the reporters in a conference call. spread that all round the world, as a reform candidate. But while title, but not necessarily in ac- game as well.” the early part of a season that Australian PGA Champion- would usually be wrapped up ship, will not be impacted and by the end of the year. will take place at the Royal SPOTLIGHT The PGA has decided, how- Queensland Golf Club from ever, to make the extended Dec. 3-6, the statement said. season “the new norm” and The tournament, now co- allow the possibility of adding sanctioned by the European new tournaments in January Tour, dates back to 1905 and and February in years to was won last year by world Webb was ‘disloyal’ to Toulon come. number six Adam Scott at the “We saw an opportunity to Royal Pines Resort, where it says coach not only provide our players had been played since 2013. NHL AFP “As soon as I was selected Paris for Wales they defriended me,” Webb told the BBC’s Scrum V podcast on April 30. “It just went Fowler sweeps Kane oulon coach Patrice a bit sour. That’s how it is.” Collazo said Rhys Webb Collazo, who had a playing ca- had been disloyal after reer in France and England, said in Gaming Challenge Tthe Wales scrum-half Webb had denied he wanted to was sacked by the French club in leave the Mediterranean coast a Reuters No standings are being January. year before the end of his con- New York compiled, as the games are Webb, 31, who left the Top 14 tract despite rumours linking designed strictly for enter- outfit after announcing he was him with an English Premiership tainment with the NHL season to return to home region the side. he Battle for California shut down due to the corona- Ospreys at the end of the sea- Webb, who joined Bath on a wasn’t much of a bat- virus pandemic. son and would be eligible for the short-term deal, said former tle at all. In connection with the national side for the Six Nations, president Mourad Boudjellal and T A late add to the event, the National Hock- claimed last month he had been now majority owner Bernard Le- schedule, San Jose winger ey League Foundation and frozen out by the three-time Eu- maitre went behind his back in Evander Kane faced off against Electronic Arts are donating ropean champions. the local media. Anaheim defenseman Cam $100,000 to the CDC Founda- “I feel loyalty goes both ways. Former La Rochelle coach Fowler on Saturday to con- tion’s Covid-19 relief efforts. It’s something I can’t go back on. Collazo said his behaviour with clude Week 2 of the NHL Play- The Kane-Fowler contest No player is bigger than the club. Webb was honest, as it was with er Gaming Challenge. But the began much closer than the We did a lot for him,” Collazo other squad members such as best-of-three contest never final results would indicate, as told newspaper Var Matin on Rugby World Cup winners Eben saw a Game 3, as Fowler swept Kane scored the day’s first goal Saturday. Etzebeth, Julian Savea and Liam the battle of 28-year-olds, 10 minutes into Game 1 and “We had to negotiate his im- Messam. winning 5-3 and 8-3. maintained the lead until less mediate and definitive departure “When I have something to The online event is in the than three minutes remained. to protect the team,” he added. say to a player, I tell it to him,” middle of a four-week run, But Fowler tied with game with The British and Irish Lions Collazo said. with games streamed on virtual Adam Henrique with half-back was unable play in- “To finish, I remind you that Thursdays and Saturdays. 2:46 to play, then scored the ternationally when he originally a lot of great players have played All 31 NHL teams will have winner with Ryan Getzlaf with signed for the Stade Mayol side for Toulon who have been happy representation, and Seat- 12.6 seconds left. in 2018 as he had 60 or fewer to leave their mark on the field, tle Seahawks tight end Luke He added another goal caps for Wales. After leaving which is the mark of a great Willson will represent the (though not an empty-netter) Toulon he was recalled to the na- player. Not in the newspapers or pending NHL Seattle expan- with 6.9 seconds to go for good tional team. on the treatment table.” Toulon’s scrum-half Rhys Webb. sion team. measure. Gulf Times 4 Monday, May 11, 2020 SPORT

BASEBALL MLB to present players with proposal to begin in July

TCA/DPA camp in June and start an ab- players who have kids who from soccer leagues around the that the players would be paid Los Angeles breviated season in early July. may have conditions, or other world. Boras, who represents on a prorated basis depending Teams would play regionally to family members that live with about 100 major league players, on the number of games played. minimise travel.Rosters would them. I’m confident that before said none of his clients has ex- The owners say that provision ajor league owners be expanded to account for the anything happens, we’ll sort pressed concerns about playing. assumed fans would be in at- are expected to ask probable cancellation of the through all those issues.” However, he said, any player with tendance, and if not the parties players tomorrow minor league season, and the On the ESPN broadcast of the a medical issue that might put should negotiate lower salaries Mto agree to a regular postseason would be expanded UFC fight Saturday, President him at risk should be allowed to to account for the lack of rev- season that would cover about too. Fans would not be admitted, Donald Trump said: “Get the choose whether he wants to play. enue from tickets, food, drinks 80 games. The Los Angeles at least at the start. sports leagues back. Let’s play. “These contracts aren’t servi- and merchandise. The players Dodgers have not won a World Owners could tweak some of You do the social distancing and tude,” Boras said. say the provision covers all sce- Series championship in 32 years, those concepts, first reported by whatever else you have to do. In March, owners and play- narios. and their manager believes vic- The Athletic, in a conference call But we need sports. We want our ers agreed to extend the regular Boras is wary that own- tory would taste just as sweet Monday. The commissioner’s tions the league might propose fortable with it,” St. Louis Cardi- sports back.” season through October if nec- ers would try to cut salaries for after what would normally be office would then begin what in the event local authorities do nals pitcher Andrew Miller told However, fighter Ronaldo essary and conduct the posts- regular-season games and then considered half a season. could be a contentious negotia- not let teams play in their home ESPN. “We want to put a good Souza tested positive for the eason in November. Boras would expand the postseason, where “This is something unprec- tion with the players’ union. ballparks, or a coronavirus out- product on the field, but that’s coronavirus, as did two of his like MLB to do just that, with a owners keep almost all of the edented,” Dave Roberts said. “To “I’m still hopeful,” Roberts break occurs or recurs. It also is totally secondary to the health cornermen. He was removed longer schedule. money. He would, however, like keep guys focused and together said. “I don’t see how we can’t uncertain how the owners might of the players. We are generally from the card Friday but seen on “There’s no reason I can see to see a deal, and with it a season. in mind and body, and then to come to some consensus on both propose to protect the health younger and healthier, but that video Saturday mingling with that, if you start in July and you “For those people that we win a championship, I see no sides. Everyone will benefit. It’s and safety of players and other doesn’t mean our staff is, that others at the event. have four months, we shouldn’t need to keep at home, we need reason why anyone should even time for the fans to have baseball personnel. doesn’t mean the umpires are Agent Scott Boras said MLB be playing 110 to 120 games, baseball,” Boras said, “so they entertain an asterisk.” in their homes. I think it can be a “I don’t think anything can going to be in the clear. can learn from the experiences minimum,” he said. “That’s why have some incentive to stay at Under the owners’ plan, play- therapeutic and nice diversion.” be done until that (safety) can “It’s not hard to get one de- of baseball leagues underway in we negotiated that extra month.” home, so we don’t have social ers would report to training It is uncertain what altera- be guaranteed and we feel com- gree of separation away from Taiwan and South Korea, and That agreement also provided unrest.”

NBA FOCUS Steelers’ Tomlin wants ‘fairness’ in reopening How Lakers rebuilt of team facilities

Reuters closed, and it is unknown what New York offseason workouts – or even training camp – could be de- layed or even cancelled due to s the NBA begins to Covid-19. a champion more allow practice fa- In a memo sent to all teams cilities to reopen on recently, the NFL told its Aa team-by-team ba- teams to have coronavirus- sis, with state and local rules related protocols for when fa- regarding reopening dictate cilities reopen in place by this which teams can welcome coming Friday. According to players back, one NFL coach the memo, Phase 1, for when- wants his league to take a dif- ever teams reopen facilities, than a decade ago ferent approach when pro teams may bring in no more football gets back to work. than half of their non-playing Speaking with reporters on employees, up to 75 on any day, ‘THAT WAS JUST A SPECIAL, SPECIAL GROUP. WE ALL HAD SPECIAL BONDS’ a conference call Saturday, fewer if required by local regu- Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike lations. Also, employees will Tomlin said “the day is com- be required to wear facemasks, ing” when team facilities will and the workers as well as visi- reopen, but added that all teams tors to team facilities will have should open their doors at the their temperature taken daily same time, regardless of the dif- while answering health-relat- ference in local restrictions. ed questions. “I prescribe to the approach But the memo reportedly of competitive fairness within made no mention with respect our game, and that is everybody to whether teams could reo- gets an opportunity,” Tomlin pen facilities according to local said, according to ESPN. “Our rules, or whether all 32 teams game is extremely competitive. had to reopen at the same time. It’s one of the things that make “There’s a couple of things football at this level so attrac- that we’re committed to ad- tive to our fans. I’m committed hering to, and that’s the glo- to preserving and protecting bal approach of the National that, and so all teams getting Football League in regards to an opportunity to start on the football ops and how impor- same footing is a core element tant competitive fairness is in of that.” our game,” Tomlin said. With sports league around “We all got to get started on the world on hiatus during the same footing in that re- the coronavirus pandemic, gard. Then, also, respecting the NBA began allowing some our local government and the teams to reopen facilities on a guidelines they prescribe indi- limited basis on Friday. Thus vidually in terms of workplace far, only the Cleveland Cava- safety. liers and Portland Trail Blaz- “Those are the two key ers have taken advantage of the components for us. We’re in opportunity. a wait-and-see mindset, and While the NFL cancelled we’ll be ready to go when both all in-person pre-draft work- boxes are checked.” outs and held its draft online The Steelers began their rather than hosting its planned virtual rookie minicamp this extravaganza on the Las Ve- weekend, with draft picks and gas Strip, the league released undrafted free agents going its regular-season schedule through online instruction be- Thursday and plans to hold a ginning Friday. full season with no delays. The NFL ordered all team But team facilities remain facilities shut down March 25.

A file photo shows Lakers Luke Walton (left), Kobe Bryant (centre) Pau Gasol (second right) and Lamar Odom (right) celebrate with Shannon Brown during game six of the 2009- 2010 season against Danver Nuggets.

Los Angeles Times began the second championship too, but what followed were a Gasol met the team in Wash- sorry that we’re not going to be Los Angeles era of Bryant’s Lakers career. The pair of first-round exits and a ington, and received a visit from able to pay you what you’re re- 7-footer’s arrival marked the first frustrated Bryant, who began re- Bryant at 1 a.m. The next day, ally worth,” World Peace said time since playing with Shaquille vealing his irritation. He wanted Kupchak watched from Los An- recently. “I said, Dr. Buss, what- or much of his career Pau O’Neal that Bryant felt his team a trade. He wanted Bynum trad- geles and noted a spark that had ever, don’t even worry about it.” Gasol went back to his had the pieces needed to win a ed. He ultimately stood down. been missing for the last two There were those who thought native Spain during the championship. The 2010 cham- Owner Jerry Buss had told weeks. “But you don’t know. Artest would disrupt the Lakers’ FNBA offseason. In the pionship team started there, Bryant to trust him and that he’d How long is it going to last?” chemistry. summer of 2007, he was in the grew together and eventually got build him a winner. The clock Kupchak said. “Is it real? And it “Our locker room was too gym of a Barcelona hotel when one final and critical piece that was ticking. Fisher returned, the turns out it was.” strong,” Kupchak said. “I can’t Kobe Bryant wandered in. bolstered them for June. Lakers traded for Trevor Ariza in The Lakers went to the 2008 imagine a player that we could “What are you doing here?” “That was just a special, spe- November and Bynum was get- Finals and lost to the Boston have added to that team that Bryant asked. cial group,” Bryant said during ting better. Celtics in six games. They went would have screwed up the lock- “I work out here,” Gasol said. a podcast in 2018. “We all had Then on January 14, 2008, By- to the 2009 Finals and beat the er room. It was just too strong Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. They didn’t know each other special bonds. I’d never been on num injured his knee and general Orlando Magic for the fran- from Kobe to Fish to Lamar, to well, but both were in awkward a team where literally everyone manager Mitch Kupchak began chise’s 15th championship. Pau.” phases with their teams. Gasol liked each other and respected working to trade for Gasol. The That summer, Lamar Odom Artest told reporters they had talked with the Memphis each other to the point where deal took two weeks to final- and Ariza entered free agency. could blame him if the Lak- Durant won’t play if NBA resumes season Grizzlies about a possible trade, we could be brutally honest with ize and on Februay 1, the Lak- “We wanted (Ariza) back and ers didn’t win a championship Brooklyn Nets star Kevin general manager Sean Marks and word of that became public. each other, argue with each oth- ers acquired Gasol for Kwame we tried to do a deal quickly,” in 2010. “I personally believed Durant will not play if the said he wouldn’t rule out Bryant had gone on a radio inter- er about it, and not feel personal Brown, Javaris Crittenton, the Kupchak said. “It didn’t look like that; that’s why I said it,” he said. NBA restarts the season, Durant returning to the court view and said he’d rather play on about it. All those guys on that draft rights to Pau’s brother Marc it was gonna be quick. Ron Art- “And nobody said anything. No- ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski if the league resumes the Pluto than for the Lakers at that team, from one all the way down Gasol, two first-round draft picks est was right there wanting to body said, ‘Ron don’t say stuff reported yesterday. The Nets 2019-20 campaign. Play has point. to 14-15, it was beautiful.” and other considerations. Mem- come to Los Angeles. We just did like that.’ I said it and that’s what are determined to let the been suspended since March They chatted about their situ- The Shaq and Kobe era ended phis was widely mocked for do- a 180 ... and secured a player that I believed.” four-time scoring champion 11 due to the coronavirus ations and mused about how after three straight champion- ing the deal. Spurs coach Gregg played the same position and Odom, beloved by his team- rest until next season rather crisis. “He knows his body wonderful it would be if some- ships, with a Finals loss to the Popovich told reporters there gave us something that we felt mates, was the bigger problem, than risk reinjuring his right better than anybody,” Marks how they could play together. Detroit Pistons in 2004. The should be a committee to scratch we needed more of. Which was Kupchak said. It was imperative Achilles tendon. told Newshub of New Zea- “Obviously in my mind, I’m Lakers traded O’Neal to the Mi- trades that “make no sense.” some toughness.” that the Lakers bring him back. “Kevin Durant’s not coming land. “Our performance team thinking there’s no way I can ami Heat, Derek Fisher left in It made the Lakers instant Artest, who changed his name Not until the end of July did they back to the Nets this year,” and training staff have done get traded and go to L.A.,” Gasol free agency, Phil Jackson retired, contenders. to Metta World Peace in 2011, reach an agreement. Wojnarowski said during a tremendous job getting said. “Because in my mind I’m and they missed the playoffs “The day we traded for Pau, took a call from Kupchak as free “Getting Ron Artest, and get- “The Woj Pod” podcast. him to this point, but I just thinking best player for best after going 34-48 the follow- Kobe called (Jerry Buss) and said, agency opened. Magic Johnson ting Lamar Odom back,” Kup- “That’s not happening.... don’t know how coming out player.” ing season. The Lakers drafted ‘I can win a championship with also called him. Artest met with chak said, “without those two They’re not playing him.” of this pandemic will affect The Lakers traded for Gasol Andrew Bynum 10th overall in this dude,’” recalled Jesse Buss, Jerry Buss in Westwood. guys we don’t beat Boston the Earlier this month, Brooklyn anybody, let alone Kevin.” eight months later in a deal that 2005. Jackson returned that year Jerry’s youngest son. “Dr. Buss was like, Ron, I’m next year.” Gulf Times Monday, May 11, 2020 5 CRICKET

HOPE COMMENT Choose rest over Cummins pleads to County cricket, Akram’s advice be able to carry on to Bumrah IANS “As far as I am concerned, I New Delhi, India used to play six months for Pa- kistan and six months for Lanca- shire. But due to time constraints ormer Pakistan fast it becomes difficult in today’s shining and swinging bowler Wasim Akram era,” he explained. might have learnt a lot by Akram, who holds the record ‘I think if you can’t shine the ball, that takes away swing bowling’ Fplaying County cricket, for most Test wickets for Paki- but he feels that someone like stan, also stated he doesn’t rate Reuters Jasprit Bumrah should give his bowlers on their T20 perform- Sydney, Australia body ample rest, whenever he ances but judges them on the ba- can, rather than playing County sis of their performances in the cricket if such an opportunity longer formats. ustralia fast bowler Pat does arise in the future. He also urged youngsters to Cummins believes Test Speaking with former India focus more on first-class cricket cricket will be much opener Aakash Chopra on Aa- in order to make significant im- Athe poorer if using spit kashVani, Akram spoke about his provements to their game. and sweat to help shine the ball journey in the County circuit and “In order to hone their skills is banned without some form of also said that times have changed further, young bowlers should replacement in the wake of the and the Indian team plays round play more first-class cricket,” Covid-19 pandemic. the year and it is important that Akram said. Cricketers have long used sa- someone like Bumrah rests his “T20 is amazing, good enter- liva and sweat to shine one side body so that he can return to ac- tainment, fun and there is money of the ball, altering the aerody- tion fresh and strong. and I’m all for the importance namics in an attempt to generate “Indian players play cricket of money in a sport and for the movement in the air as it flies round the year. Bumrah is cur- players. towards the batsman. rently India’s top bowler and one “But I don’t judge bowlers on The Australian Institute of of the best in the world. I would the basis of their T20 perform- Sport (AIS)’s protocols for the also have advised him to take rest ance. I do that on the basis of return of sport in the country, (when there is no international seeing how they fare in longer however, specifically rules out cricket). formats,” he added. the practice because of the dan- ger of transmitting Covid-19. Cummins, the world’s top- ranked Test bowler, thinks that such a radical change to the longest form of game would be unacceptable. “As a fast bowler, I think you’ve got to be able to shine the ball,” he said in an interview on the website of his Indian Pre- mier League team, the Kolkata Knight Riders (kkr.in). “Why everyone loves Test cricket is because it has so much art to it. You have swing bowl- ers, spinners, you have all these after social exclusion restric- we are in a position where we Cummins believes some sort expensive overseas buy ever in different aspects that make Test tions are eased to get revenue are worried about passing on of alternative is essential if the the IPL when the Knight Riders cricket what it is. flowing once more. the coronavirus... I don’t think tried and tested methods of gen- paid a staggering 155mn rupees “I think if you can’t shine Cummins, though, believes we would be playing in the first erating swing are outlawed. ($2.18mn) for him in last year’s the ball, that takes away swing that the game at the top level will place,” he added. “I want them to come up with auction. bowling, that takes away reverse probably not resume while there Australian ball manufacturer another option. Whether it’s sa- The money-spinning Twen- SPOTLIGHT swing bowling and I just don’t are still major concerns about the Kookaburra this week said it had liva or any another substance, ty20 competition was originally want to give batsmen another transmission of the virus. developed a wax applicator that we need to able to shine the ball scheduled to start on March 29 reason to score runs.” “Obviously, health is the ab- would enable cricketers to shine and make sure it keeps swing- but has been postponed indefi- Cricket boards are desperate solute, the number one priority balls without using sweat or sa- ing,” he said. nitely because of the coronavi- Stewart prepared for to get players back on the field but I’m kind of thinking that if liva. Cummins became the most rus outbreak. first county wipeout FOCUS Afghanistan’s Shafaq handed six-year ban for corruption since WWII Yet to figure out the best Reuters AFP year but will be important for the Bengaluru, India London, United Kingdom next five years as well. “In financial terms county clubs are generally on the same way to bowl at Smith: Broad fghanistan wick- urrey director of cricket level as division one or two foot- etkeeper-batsman Alec Stewart has reluc- ball clubs and everyone will find IANS AShafiqullah Shafaq tantly accepted there it hard if for example it costs London, United Kingdom has been hit with a six-year could yet be a long-term £30,000 a week for testing twice ban after he accepted four S good for the county game should a week. charges of breaching their the coronavirus mean there is no “Times that by 18 counties and ngland fast bowler Stuart Anti-Corruption Code, the domestic action this season for then that is a massive figure.” Broad said that all-round- country’s cricket board the first time since the Second The likes of Rory Burns, the er Ben Stokes is the best (ACB) said yesterday. World War. Curran brothers and Ollie Pope player he has ever played The charges relate to Afghanistan’s Samiullah The global outbreak of Cov- have all stepped off the -Sur E offences during the first Shinwari and Shafiqullah with and Steve Smith is the best he id-19 has seen the start of the rey production belt and into the has played against. Broad said that edition of the Afghanistan Shafaq (right). (Reuters) 2020 English campaign delayed England side in recent season. the impact that Stokes tends to Premier League (APL) until July 1 at the earliest. But Stewart worries what a have on a match in every depart- T20 in 2018, where Shafaq Shah Quraishi said in a And with the England and season without first-class cricket ment gives him the nod over the played for the Nangarhar statement. Wales Cricket Board (ECB) fac- might mean for player develop- others he has played with. Leopards, and the 2019 “The player had also at- ing a potential loss of £380mn ment, especially if English rising “I feel very lucky to have the Bangladesh Premier tempted but failed to get ($471mn) if there’s no cricket at stars are unable to gain overseas option to name a few here but, League (BPL), where one of his team mates to all, officials have made it clear experience later in the year. if I thought about three or four, he represented Sylhet engage in corruption in that salvaging lucrative men’s “It could be another year by I might get to between 10-15,” Thunder. another high-profile game internationals, albeit behind the time they play again. By then Broad is quoted as saying by Dai- The 30-year-old Shafaq, during the BPL 2019. closed doors, is their priority. they may have gone 18 months ly Mail in a question-answer col- who made his Afghanistan “It’s an alert for all those While far from happy at the without any competitive crick- umn in the English news outlet. debut in 2009 and has players who think their il- prospect of a first season without et,” he said. “So, being brutally strict, I played 24 one-day interna- legal activities concerning county cricket since the Second “A lot of younger players when would have to say Ben Stokes is tionals and 46 Twenty20 the game of cricket will not World War, former England cap- they first leave school will go the best I have played with, for internationals, will be be disclosed to the ACB’s tain Stewart told the Telegraph: to Australia for the winter and the positive impact he can have banned from all forms of anti-corruption unit.” “If county cricket is not a cost play grade cricket,” added the on games with bat, ball and in the England cricketer Stuart Broad (left) said that Ben Stokes (right) is the cricket. Quraishi said Shafaq’s effective exercise then I can un- 57-year-old Stewart. field,” said Broad. best player he has ever played with. (Reuters) “This is a very serious admission of guilt and derstand why there would be op- “Will Australia be letting “As for against? I have yet to offence where a senior cooperation had helped position and the view ‘why not people in? We (Britain) have the figure out the best way to bowl at being banned from all cricket famously scored an unbeaten 135 national player is involved him avoid a longer ban. save money and play next year?’. second-highest death rate in the Steve Smith. He makes life tough after the 2018 ball-tampering in Headingley Test which includ- in the corruption of a high- Shafaq will also help with “Tough decisions have to be world (from the coronavirus). for bowlers and has a huge hun- fiasco and smashed a whopping ed a whirlwind 76-run stand for profile domestic game the ACB’s integrity educa- made for the health of individu- “If you flipped it and asked ger for big scores.” 774 runs in the series as Australia the last wicket with Jack Leach. in APL T20 2018,” ACB’s tion programs to help als but (also) the health of the would we be sending our lads Both Smith and Stokes starred retained the Ashes. The latter only contributed one senior anti-corruption younger players learn from game. to somewhere with the second- in the 2019 Ashes. Smith was Stokes was the highest run- run in the partnership and Eng- manager Sayed Anwar his mistakes. “Those tough financial deci- highest death rate I think there playing his first Test series since scorer for England with 441 and land won the Test by one wicket. sions will not just be about this would be doubts.”

BOTTOMLINE Sri Lanka captain Karunaratne praises new coach Arthur, eyes top-four rank

Reuters Former first class cricketer Since Arthur’s appointment, Sri “That would indirectly mean The top-order batsman found Mumbai, India Arthur has previously been head Lanka lost a two-Test series in Pa- semi-finalists to say the least and success with the willow but was coach with the national teams of kistan before defeating Zimbabwe you are perhaps two games away unable to lead his side into the last South Africa, Australia and Paki- at home. The are currently ranked from the plum. There onwards, it’s four of the competition. ri Lanka cricket captain Di- stan. fifth in the format. anybody’s guess and if you do well Karunaratne is, however, positive muth Karunaratne lauded “Mickey is a no nonsense cool The team languish at eighth in on your day you could end up being about the future. the impact of new coach bloke with loads of experience to one-day internationals but man- World Champs.” “The boys and the respective SMickey Arthur yesterday back him and his brand,” Karu- aged to defeat a dangerous West Test captain Karunaratne was squads are enjoying their cricket and said his side must target a top- naratne told Sri Lanka Cricket. Indies side 3-0 in their last series himself handed an olive branch to and that makes my job that much four spot in the world rankings for “At the international level, plan- before the Covid-19 shutdown. resurrect his limited-overs career easier,” he said. both the Test and 50-over formats. ning and role clarity is a norm. “Rankings is the key word. I’d say and lead the side in ODI cricket “If you like what you are doing South African Mickey Arthur What is very important is the belief Sri Lanka needs to be in the top four when he was brought back last year and the environment to do so is was appointed as Sri Lanka’s head he has instilled among us in his own of not just ODI cricket, but Test ahead of the 50-over World Cup conducive, the balance at this level coach on a two-year contract in and subtle way. It sure helped and cricket as well,” Karunaratne, 32, in England for the first time since of sport becomes that much more December. the results always speak for itself.” said. 2015. beneficial.”

Monday, May 11, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS BOXING Khan won’t box behind closed doors The green legacy amid virus risk

AFP Brook — and those fights need a London, United Kingdom crowd. “I just feel that for a boxer to walk into an arena and walk into ormer world champion a fight having no fans in an empty of Ras Abu Aboud Amir Khan has said he stadium it’s going to be like walk- won’t fight behind closed ing into a sparring session so I More than 80 percent of the materials from Fdoors should boxing can’t really see that working,” he resume during the coronavirus added. outbreak. “It’s hard to lift yourself really the demolished buildings were reused or British officials are looking at and get yourself ready for a fight. July as a possible return date for I can’t see the big names doing recycled, including metals, electronics, etc. bouts, albeit these would take that unless there’s ridiculous Stadium place in the first instance with- money from the TV company on as Abu Aboud Stadium out spectators at venues. the table. You need the audience will be the first of its Ras Abu Aboud Stadium. “Even though there is big there to lift your spirits.” kind; a pioneering so- money I wouldn’t be able to do Meanwhile Khan questioned Rlution in stadium de- it as I need the fan base there,” whether the health measures sign and a blueprint for future British boxer Khan told the BBC proposed by the British Box- sports events — but its sustain- on Saturday. ing Board of Control for stag- able legacy began long before “I’ve got three kids. I do so ing bouts amid the pandemic, construction even started. much in the sport already and I including the testing of boxers, The stadium is being made feel I’d rather be 100% sure be- who would isolate at designat- primarily from shipping con- fore I jump back in,” explained ed hotels, and officials wearing tainers and is set to host match- the 33-year-old. masks during bouts, would be es up to the quarter-finals stage Twice a light-welterweight enough to stop the spread of the during the FIFA World Cup Qa- world champion after earning an virus. tar 2022. After the tournament, Olympic silver medal as a teen- “What if someone gets badly the 40,000-capacity stadium ager, Khan won his last bout with injured or catches something will be completely dismantled, a fourth-round victory over Billy from his opponent?,” he said. with its parts transformed into Dib in Saudi Arabia in July to take “At times when you hit some- sporting facilities in Qatar and his professional record to 34 wins one with a shot, the spit will overseas. from 39 fights. come onto you; the sweat will fall And while the stadium’s sus- Khan has previously made it on you. When you hit someone tainable legacy is guaranteed, clear he wants to end his career there is going to be blood flying what most people don’t know with a lucrative bout against off you and coming onto you. is what measures were taken ring great Manny Pacquiao or in “I just feel like it’s going to be to ensure its location – close to an all-British contest with Kell very dangerous.” Doha Port and overlooking the spectacular West Bay skyline – became suitable to house the construction. The land where Ras Abu Aboud is being built had to be decontaminated after years of industrial use, mean- ing a legacy for the site has been delivered before the project has “Due to the nature of construc- specific waste treatment process The land was also home to percent complete. even been completed. tion at the time the buildings before it was used for dust sup- trees and vegetation, some of Eng. Mohamed al-Mulla, Significant work has been were constructed, many had pression on-site or discharged which were more than 30 years Acting Precinct Director, Ras carried out by the Supreme asbestos within their struc- into the sea, to adhere to Qatar’s old. More than 875 trees were Abu Aboud Stadium, said: “It’s Committee for Delivery & Leg- tures. Asbestos removal spe- strict environmental require- inspected and tagged, and where an honour to work on such a acy (SC) to remove the existing cialists were employed, taking ments.” possible, excavated and removed sustainable project. Sustain- buildings, laboratories, work- exceptional care during the More than 80 percent of the to the SC Tree & Turf Nursery, ability is at the core of every- shops and fuel tanks. Some of demolition and site prepara- materials from the demolished which provides the tree and turf thing we do for Qatar 2022 and the old buildings were kept – tion phases. Over 65 tonnes of buildings were reused or recy- for all Qatar 2022 venues. Ras Abu Aboud exemplifies that partly for their cultural and ar- asbestos containing material cled, including metals, electron- So far, 923 containers have commitment. The fact we’ve chitectural value but also to en- was removed from the site and ics, wood and office/packaging been delivered to the stadium been able to decontaminate this sure new facilities didn’t need to safely disposed.” waste. Almost 70,000 tonnes site out of the 949 required for former industrial site and turn be created from scratch. Al-Meer continued: “Soil and of concrete and asphalt were its construction. The fabrication it into a prime seafront location The SC’s Sustainability & groundwater contamination crushed, tested and stockpiled of steel for the structure is 94% for future generations to enjoy is Environment Senior Manager, were also present in some loca- to use during the construction complete and the development a great legacy for us.” Engineer Bodour al-Meer, said: tions. Water was run through a of the stadium. of the steel structure is now 33 (SC.qa)

SPOTLIGHT Fighters could lose pay for criticising MIXED MARTIAL ARTS UFC’s Covid-19 safety measures Rosberg queries if Hamilton Reuters other precautions, whether relat- Gaethje prevails at Miami, Florida ing to Covid-19 or otherwise.” The agreement goes on to say ‘understands’ effect of that if a fighter does breach UFC 249 in what FC fighters taking part at this clause, “the Company may the UFC 249 event in Flor- revoke all or any part of any stoppage on brain Uida could lose their purses prize monies or awards won... could be start of and bonuses if they publicly including, but not limited to, DPA criticise the fight promotion’s purses, win bonuses, other fight- Berlin, Germany health and safety precautions for related bonuses and event-based sports’ return Covid-19, according to an event merchandise royalties.” participation agreement seen by Though signed exclusively to ico Rosberg has questioned wheth- Reuters. the promotion, UFC fighters are er his ex-Formula One rival Lewis With sporting events cancelled independent contractors rather Hamilton understands how much around the globe due to the nov- than employees, and purses and the lack of racing this year will have el coronavirus outbreak, the UFC bonuses form a major part of the N is staging three cards in eight income of almost all of the fight- affected his mental abilities as a driver. The first 10 races of the season have been days in Jacksonville, Florida. ers on the roster. postponed or cancelled with F1 hoping to re- ton needs to also “keep up cognitive training. Before competing, fighters tak- A UFC spokesperson declined start without spectators in Austria on July 5. And I am curious about that. I don’t think ing part in the UFC 249 event to comment on the clause and World champion Hamilton has been in Lewis understands that,” he added. on May 9 were asked to sign an the possibility of penalties being intensive fitness training since pre-season The pair had a series of run-ins even as eight-page event participation imposed on fighters, instead testing but Rosberg, who retired after beating teammates at Mercedes. agreement. referring to comments Dana his Mercedes team-mate to the title in 2016, Rosberg thinks an eventual return to racing A non-disparagement clause in White gave to Yahoo. “If a fighter thinks the mind is also key. will be tough for all the drivers. the undated agreement states says something that isn’t true — “He is putting everything into it. I’m just “With the drivers I see two challenges. that “the Participant will not if he says we didn’t test anyone not sure if he understands how the body de- Firstly, the muscles and especially the neck suggest or communicate to any for this — that would (violate the teriorates in five months in terms of the feel- muscles. It’s impossible to train these in person or entity” that the events agreement). But if he said some- ing of precision and driving skills,” Rosberg your gym,” Rosberg said. “What is even more “have been or will be held with- thing that was true, his opinion, Justin Gaethje of the United States speaks to the media after his told Germany’s RTL TV yesterday. complicated — I think — is that they are for- out appropriate health, safety or then that is different,” White said. Interim lightweight title fight against Tony Ferguson of the United Rosberg said six-times champion Hamil- getting the perfection needed for driving.” States during UFC 249 in Jacksonville, Florida, on Saturday. (AFP)

TCA/DPA which featured 11 fights and two Los Angeles, United States championships bouts. The card PHOTO OF THE DAY was briefly in doubt Friday when Blast from the past Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza, who was FC 249, the first ma- scheduled to face Uriah Hill in With sporting events around jor professional sports one of the preliminary fights, the world grinding to a halt, event in the United and two of his cornermen tested Gulf Times Sport dived down UStates in nearly two positive for Covid-19. The event, the vault for some fantastic, months, began with a prere- however, continued as the results sometimes offbeat stories that corded message from President for the 23 other fighters on the can be told through pictures. Donald Trump standing outside card came back negative. the White House. In the main event, Justin Ga- In this May 11, 2008, picture, “I want to congratulate Dana ethje pummelled interim light- Force India’s Giancarlo Fisichella White and the UFC,” Trump said. weight champion Tony Ferguson (top) of Italy slams his car into “We love it. We think it’s impor- and the fight was stopped in the the Williams of Japan’s Kazuki tant. Get the sports leagues back. fifth round. Afterward, Gaethje Nakajima at the first corner Let’s play. You do the social dis- took off the title put on him by after the start of the Turkish tancing and whatever else you White, the UFC president, and Grand Prix in Istanbul. While have to do, but we need sports. said, “I’ll wait for the real one.” both drivers did not finish the We want our sports back.” Khabib Nurmagomedov, the race, Ferrari’s Felipe Massa won It was the first step of what undefeated lightweight cham- the race from pole position for could be the slow return of pro- pion, tweeted, “No comment” the third year in a row, finishing fessional sports in North Ameri- after the convincing victory. 3.7 seconds ahead of McLaren ca with NASCAR holding its first In the co-main event for the driver Lewis Hamilton. It was the race next weekend and the PGA UFC bantamweight title, cham- Brazilian’s seventh Formula 1 win Tour coming back shortly after pion Henry Cejudo defeated Do- and his second success in five that. minick Cruz in the second round races that season. (Reuters) There were no fans at VyS- via TKO and shockingly retired tar Veterans Memorial Arena in shortly after at 33 years old. Jacksonville, Florida, and there “I’m happy with my career,” was certainly no social distanc- Cejudo said. “I’ve done enough ing in the octagon during the in the sport. I want to walk away. six-hour pay-per-view card, I want to enjoy myself.”