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Friday, July 10, 2020 CYCLING Dhul-Qa’da 19, 1441 AH Froome to leave GULF TIMES Team Ineos at the end of the season SPORT Page 6

CRICKET / ENG VS WI, 1ST TEST HORSE RACING Perfect debut for Qatar Racing’s Holder, Gabriel put Darain at Newbury

Agencies to pull clear with apparent ease. Newbury, United Kingdom Brillant Life fi nished second with Winter Reprise a further half-a- length behind in third. t was a perfect debut for the “I’m really pleased with Darain Windies in control regally-bred Darain in the tonight. We didn’t go very fast Oakley Coachbuilders Su- early as they are inexperienced Holder takes six as England are bowled out for 204; WI 57 for 1 at stumps per Sport Novice Stakes (Div horses and so we didn’t really III) at Newbury on Wednesday start racing until in the straight. Reuters evening. Darain went through the gears Southampton, United Kingdom Scorecard The colt, owned by Qatar Rac- well and really galloped through ing Limited in partnership with the line. I’m really pleased with ENGLAND 1st inn (o/n: 35/1) the breeders Watership Down him. I think he has an exciting est Indies R. Burns lbw b Gabriel 30 Stud, has one of the best pedi- future,” Murphy commented af- Jason Holder post- D. Sibley b Gabriel 0grees imaginable — by world- ter the race. ed career-best Test class sire Dubawi out of the ex- Darain was purchased Qatar b Gabriel bowling fi gures J. Denly 18 traordinary mare Dar Re Mi. Racing manager David Redvers Wwith six wickets as his side dom- Z. Crawley lbw b Holder 10 Starting joint-favourite, the at the Tattersalls October Year- inated the second day of the fi rst B. Stokes c Dowrich b Holder 43 John Gosden-trained three- ling Sale – Book 1 in 2018. Test against England yesterday. c Dowrich b Holder year-old won the race by four His dam, Dar Re Mi, was her- Making full use of the murky O. Pope 12 lengths and three quarters. self a champion race mare for conditions, all-rounder Holder J. Buttler c Dowrich b Holder 35 Running over 2,000m, on a Watership Down Stud, winning took six for 42 and paceman D. Bess 31 ground that was declared good three Group 1 races (the Pretty Shannon Gabriel claimed four to soft, the bay colt was smartly Polly Stakes, the Yorkshire Oaks, J. Archer lbw b Holder 0 wickets as England were dis- away on the outside under jockey the Sheema Classic). She has al- missed for 204. M. Wood c Hope b Holder 5 Oisin Murphy. The duo sat up on ready produced four top-class , captaining Eng- J. Anderson b Gabriel 10 the lead to the outside of Win- horses from six foals including land for the fi rst time in the ab- ter Reprise and maintained an the extraordinary Too Darn Hot, Extras (lb6, nb2, w2) 10 sence of , top-scored easy pace until the long home Lah Ti Dar and So Mi Dar; all are with 43 but might be regretting Total (all out, 67.3 ov) 204 straight. Murphy sat quietly also by Dubawi. Darain has set his decision to bat fi rst having FoW: 1-0 (Sibley), 2-48 until inside the fi nal 600m, just off on the right path to follow the won the toss. (Denly), 3-51 (Burns), 4-71 keeping pace with his rivals. footsteps of his elder siblings and West Indies showed great (Crawley), 5-87 (Pope), 6-154 Once he asked Darain to go on, he looks to have an extremely ex- discipline and rode their luck at (Stokes), 7-157 (Buttler), 8-157 the colt lengthened impressively citing future. times in reply as they reached (Archer), 9-174 (Wood), 10-204 57-1 to put themselves in a de- (Anderson) cent position going into the third Bowling: Roach 19-6-41-0; day at the Ageas Bowl when an Gabriel 15.3-3-62-4 (1nb, 1w); improving weather forecast Joseph 13-4-53-0 (1w); Holder should make easier. West Indies’ Jason Holder (third from left) appeals successfully for the of England’s Jofra Archer 20-6-42-6 (1nb) James Anderson removed (second from right) on the second day of the first Test in Southampton, United Kingdom, yesterday. (AFP) opener John Campbell for 28 but Kraigg Brathwaite and Shai hour having removed Dom Sib- Holder’s decision to review as Buttler got a thick edge to a WEST INDIES 1st inn Hope survived some express ley on day one. proved correct. peach of a and Dowrich K. Brathwaite not out 20 pace from before In the sixth over he got a Ollie Pope looked good in took a diving catch to leave Eng- lbw b Anderson bad light ended the day’s play. 90mph delivery to nip back and reaching 12 before edging Holder land on 157-7. Holder trapped J. Campbell 28 England are hosting the fi rst splatter Joe Denly’s off stump to wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich. Jofra Archer lbw for a duck and S. Hope not out 3 international cricket-match af- and in his next over the 32-year- Stokes got lucky before lunch grabbed his sixth wicket when Extras (lb6) 6 ter a 117-day absence because of old trapped (30) in when he was dropped at long leg Wood was caught at gully by Total (1 wkt, 19.3 ov) 57 the Covid-19 pandemic. front of his stumps with a full by Kemar Roach, hooking Al- Hope. The three-match series is delivery that was given lbw on zarri Joseph, as he and Jos But- Dom Bess’s 31-run cameo FoW: 1-43 (Campbell) Oisin Murphy rides Darain to Oakley Coachbuilders Super Sport Novice being played without fans in a review. tler launched a 67-run counter- helped England past 200 before Bowling: Anderson 8-4-17-1; Stakes (Div II) win at Newbury on Wednesday. (Francesca Altoft) “bio-secure environment” with Stokes started confi dently, attack. Gabriel bowled Anderson. Archer 6-0-20-0; Wood 3.3-1- daily health checks, home um- pulling Gabriel to the boundary, The series has been touted as West Indies opener Campbell 8-0; Stokes 2-1-6-0 pires and a ban on shining the but struggled to 10 a battle of the world’s best two was twice reprieved off a frus- SPOTLIGHT ball with saliva. before Holder claimed his fi rst all-rounders and Holder drew trated Anderson — making it fi ve England began the day on wicket, angling one back in to fi rst blood when he induced a successful reviews out of fi ve for ther inroads, though, and West 35 for one after 17 overs were strike the pad. nick behind from Stokes to dis- the visitors, before his luck fi - Indies were much the happier completed on Wednesday, but Again the on-fi eld umpire miss him on 43. nally ran out. side when bad light stopped China rules out hosting Gabriel struck twice in the fi rst turned down the appeal, but There was more joy for Holder England could make no fur- play. most international FORMULA 1 sport in 2020 AFP endar has been badly disrupted Beijing, China by the pandemic, with the Tokyo Mercedes and Red Bull duel for supremacy 2020 Olympics and Euro 2020 football pushed back to next AFP our highest priority,” admitted Lewis, but it is what it is. We hina will not hold most summer. Spielberg, Austria Wolff . can’t change it so now I’m look- international sporting China was earmarked to host But stung by the daily protests ing forward hopefully to a more events for the rest of a number of tennis tourna- from Red Bull, he warned rival positive weekend.” 2020 as part of measures ments later this year in a revised ercedes team chief team chief Christian Horner Horner felt aggrieved by Cto stop the spread of coronavirus, schedule. That includes the Toto Wolff may and his team: “It’s serious now. Verstappen’s misfortune and the government said yesterday, WTA Wuhan Open in October — have seen his world Gloves off . No more nice stuff — by Albon’s late clash with six- dealing a potential blow to the the central city was the original champion team we are in a real fi ght to win. time world champion Hamil- likes of Formula One and tennis. epicentre of the pandemic and Mclaim victory in the season- “So, in a short and intense ton, which cost the Mercedes Shanghai’s sports authority staging the annual tournament opening Austrian Grand Prix, season like this, with a yet to be driver a podium fi nish, as he was recently said that it had been of- would be hugely symbolic. but he still insists the “gloves are determined number of races, given a fi ve-second penalty, but fered two Formula One races this The fate of the Wuhan Open off ” when the duel for suprem- every point is going to count.” knocked the Thai driver out of year, while several tournaments and season-ending WTA Finals acy with rivals Red Bull resumes The second race of the season contention. in China are on the revised tennis has now been thrown into grave on Sunday. takes place at the same bio-se- This weekend, he is prom- calendar. doubt, along with the prestigious Valtteri Bottas gave Mer- cure Spielberg circuit nestled in ising an even more aggressive But China — where coronavi- ATP Shanghai Masters which cedes a pole-to-fl ag win at the the foothills of the Styrian Alps. approach than last — when Red rus emerged late last year before would usually take place in the Red Bull Ring last weekend as Not surprisingly, this week- Bull protested against Mercedes spreading globally — appears autumn. the 2020 championship fi nally end’s race has been named on every day of the Grand Prix to have ruled out many of those The Chinese Super League roared into life. in honour of the spectacular — and said he is bidding for vic- now happening, despite local in- (CSL) football season was due to However, teammate and mountain range. tory. fections dwindling markedly. kick off on February 22 but be- world champion Lewis Hamil- Having watched from the pit- “Last week, I think a win The General Administration came one of the earliest sporting ton was fourth after facing two lane as Bottas claimed his third could have been on the cards,” of Sport (GAS) said in a state- victims of the pandemic when protests from Red Bull on the victory for Mercedes on one of Mercedes drivers Valtteri Bottas (left) and Lewis Hamilton address said Horner. ment that, except for Beijing 2022 it was indefi nitely postponed in eve of the race over his qualify- his favourite tracks, Red Bull’s a press conference ahead of the Styrian Grand Prix in Spielberg, “We were strategically sharp, Winter Olympic test events “and January. ing tactics. Max Verstappen wants better Austria, yesterday. (AFP) very strong and it was a shame other important events, in princi- The CSL will now begin on Hamilton was relegated from luck this weekend. we won no points for it. ple, no other international sports July 25 under a diff erent format second to fi fth on the grid before The Dutchman, forced to “We were a bit down on pace dium, which I thought was eas- “Mercedes have done a good events will be held this year”. in which the 16 teams will be a late collision with Red Bull’s retire early from the Austri- compared to Mercedes in quali- ily possible because it was ba- job over the winter, as we saw in China’s highest sporting au- split into two groups located in Alex Albon torpedoed his hopes an Grand Prix with electrical fying last time,” said Verstap- sically between Mercedes and testing. Engine-wise, they look thority did not specify which two cities to stop any infections of a podium, despite fi nishing problems, hopes to live up to pen. myself on raw pace, but then strong, but I think the RB16 is a competitions will be hit, but the spreading. It follows the return second on the track. Horner’s pledge that Red Bull “So we defi nitely need to close you should also look at how the very, very good car. We hope to offi cial Xinhua news agency said of the Chinese Basketball Asso- “We were lucky to fi nish will treat every race “like a cup the gap to fi ght them in that whole race panned out. come back stronger. that “lots of international sport ciation competition last month. the race and reliability is a real fi nal” by taking the fi ght to rivals area, rather than on strategy. “We could have scored a “You need to go for every race events will be aff ected”. Like in the CBA, CSL games will concern. We are working it as Mercedes. “I was looking good for a po- good amount of points against — and treat it like a cup fi nal.” This year’s global sporting cal- take place behind closed doors. Gulf Times 2 Friday, July 10, 2020 SPORT

CRICKET IPL an integral part of calendar, also important fi nancially: Rhodes

IANS taking on the West Indies in the not. “It is very diffi cult to think of and we can watch the IPL. We IPL will be from India. New Delhi, India fi rst Test of the three-match se- “Yes, you will need some passing the year without IPL. know that it will be played in “Whereas with the World Cup, ries at the Ageas Bowl in South- players in the team who keep It has been an integral part of empty stadiums. This time it will it is the fans of other teams who ampton. New ICC regulations on speaking continuously, but I the cricket calendar since 2008. be for TV. It will be interesting will also come to watch the match. ormer South Africa bats- have also come in place, includ- don’t think will get From the very beginning, BCCI to see how TV producers create It would be very diffi cult to stage man feels ing saliva ban and playing behind that much aff ected because of the tries to stage IPL every year,” said an atmosphere without an audi- the tournament in such a situa- playing in front of empty closed doors. absence of fans in the stadium as the 50-year-old. ence,” he added. tion. The Olympics has also been stands will not have that “I think in T20 cricket, fans players have a habit of playing “IPL is also very important Rhodes also expressed his postponed due to this pandemic. muchF of an impact on players and the atmosphere have an im- Test matches in front of less au- fi nancially and regarding the fu- opinion on the T20 World Cup, Looking at the current situation, I in Test matches as compared to pact on the player. Many a times, dience,” he added. ture of the players as well. The slated to be played in October- think there are dark clouds on the ODI or T20Is as they are used to it changes the attitude of the Speaking about the 13th edi- best players in the world play in November in Australia, but has T20 World Cup,” he added. less crowd while playing red-ball player as they get inspired by the tion of the Indian it. So it is hard to imagine a year come under cloud because of the The South Africa veteran, who cricket. support of the fans,” Rhodes told which currently stands post- passing without it. To me it is global health crisis. played 52 Tests and 245 ODIs, re- In the wake of Covid-19 pan- IANS in an exclusive interview. are no fans. But when it comes to poned, the former Proteas crick- meaningless to expect the cricket “In IPL, it will be that the play- cently tied up with Gonuts app demic, international cricket “First-class cricket takes place Test cricket, I think that the play- eter hoped that the tournament calendar without an IPL. ers will come from outside, they that helps fans get closer to their made a return on Wednesday af- in an empty stadium. If you look ers will play with full competitive could take place by the end of the “Hopefully by the end of the will be quarantined, the teams favourite stars and get to know ter a 117-day hiatus with England at Ranji Trophy in India, there spirit whether fans are there or year once the situation improves. year, the situation will improve will get tested, but the fans in the them directly.

FORMULA 1 SPOTLIGHT Proteas’ Ngidi in Black Lives Matter Vettel should take controversy

AFP Johannesburg, South Africa

remark about Black ‘a year off ’: Red Lives Matter in a Zoom press conference has made South Africa’s ‘Maybe he likes the life with one-dayA and interna- tional cricketer of the year Lungi the family so much that he Ngidi the centre of controversy echoing the country’s uncom- leaves completely’ fortable recent past. Bull adviser Bowler Ngidi, 24, said he be- lieved his teammates should AFP No sooner had he spoken, it make a stand ahead of the next Spielberg, Austria seemed, than Alonso’s actions time the squad meets. porting,” tweeted Symcox. contradicted that theory — the “It’s defi nitely something that Dippenaar said he believed Spaniard, who ‘retired’ after we will discuss once we are to- Black Lives Matter had become a ebastian Vettel should leaving McLaren in 2018, will be gether in person,” said Ngidi over “leftist political movement”. abandon hopes of racing 40 next year. the weekend. He added: “All lives matter. If in Formula One next year His return prompted Renault “We have spoken about it and you want me to stand shoulder and take a break from the team chief Cyril Abiteboul yes- everyone is well aware of what’s to shoulder with you Lungi then sport,S infl uential Red Bull advis- terday to defend the team’s going on. It’s a diffi cult one be- stand shoulder to shoulder with er Helmet Marko said yesterday. junior driver programme from cause we are not together, so it’s me with regards to farm attacks.” The 77-year-old Austrian criticism for not producing a hard to discuss. But once we get But Symcox praised Holding knows Vettel well and believes contender for the seat. back to playing that is defi nitely for his forthright comments on there are no serious vacancies on “I can expect after our deci- something we have to address as racism. the 2021 grid when he is dumped sion to rejoin with Fernando that a team.” “I so like the fact that Michael by Ferrari at the end of the season. this could be seen as a lack of Ngidi pointed to South Af- Holding is prepared to and more Marko confi rmed that Red interest, or loyalty, towards our rica’s history of racial discrimi- importantly allowed to speak Bull would not be able to off er own project of the Renault Sport nation which included decades (about) what he believes in and their former champion driver a Academy,” said Abiteboul. of segregation across all levels of what his opinion is.” seat next season — making clear “But I want to be extremely society. Both Symcox and Dippenaar that the 33-year-old German clear that it is not. The plan of “It’s something that we need were castigated on social media, could be without a team after the academy was to be able to to take very seriously and, like mainly by black South Africans. Renault on Wednesday con- have a driver joining Formula 1 the rest of the world is doing, Vince van der Bijl, a former fi rmed the return of Fernando in 2021 — and who knows, this make a stand.” fast bowler and ex-International Alonso for 2021. may be the case.” Ngidi followed up his remarks Cricket Council umpiring chief, “I would take a year off and Alonso’s return is likely to by retweeting an extract of supported Ngidi. look at it from an outside per- mean there will be no place at Re- former West Indian fast bowler “I stand alongside spective,” Marko told specialist nault next year for outstanding Michael Holding’s impassioned in BLM,” he wrote on Facebook. German magazine Auto Motor Chinese racer Guanya Zhou, 20, comments about racism in Sky “I really believe we as cricket- und Sport. Ferrari’s German driver Sebastian Vettel addresses the drivers’ press conference ahead of the Styrian who this year was promoted to be television’s build-up to the fi rst ers have it in us to help heal these “But then maybe he likes the Grand Prix in Spielberg, Austria, yesterday. (AFP) the team’s test driver and has been Test between England and the great divides in privilege, race, life with the family so much that impressive in Formula Two. West Indies on Wednesday. religion and attitudes.” he leaves completely.” is no place for old men’ until Re- Sainz, the man who will replace Prix, even though both are out of The Spaniard said he has no Former Proteas Test players South Africa one-day spin Marko closed the door on a nault’s move to recruit veteran Vettel at Maranello. contract at the end of this year. fears that his advancing years Pat Symcox and Boeta Dippenaar bowler Tabraiz Shamsi also Vettel return to the team where Alonso as Vettel appeared to be Vettel has said he will take will be a problem. were among several users of so- tweeted his support for Ngidi. he made his name by claiming squeezed out by younger men in ‘STOPWATCH, NOT AGE, MAT- time to refl ect on his future and “I saw Formula One for many cial media who criticised Ngidi. “I am right behind you,” he the drivers’ title every year from all directions. TERS’ has no immediate wish to re- years,” he said. “And the stop- Both Symcox and Dippenaar said. 2010 to 2013. Vettel’s possible options have Defending six-times champi- tire. “If you make the decision to watch is the only thing that raised the emotive issue of a re- Cricket South Africa direc- “We have no place for Vettel,” been reduced not only by Alon- ons Mercedes have said they close the door, you shouldn’t do matters, not the age. cent spate of murders in which tor of cricket Graeme Smith said he said. “We have (Alex) Albon so’s return to Renault, where he are very happy with their cur- it so that you can hope to open “I never had the classifi cation several farmers, mainly white, the organisation was discuss- and we are happy with him. Al- won his two titles in 2005 and rent driver pairing of champion it again sometime,” he said in in a race based on the passport or have been killed, sometimes in ing “various ways of handling” bon is half Thai and Red Bull is 51 2006, but by McLaren’s move Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Spielberg last weekend. date of birth, but always by the brutal circumstances. the race issue but said no Black per cent Thai....” to sign Daniel Ricciardo as suc- Bottas, who won last Sunday’s “You have to be prepared to stopwatch. So, hopefully, I am “When Ngidi has his next meal Lives Matter logo would be on Marko might have added ‘F1 cessor to Ferrari-bound Carlos season-opening Austrian Grand leave the door closed.” still fast, or faster than them!” perhaps he would rather consider the shirts for a lockdown-ending supporting the farmers of South three-team match on July 18 be- Africa who are under pressure cause the kits had already been COMMENT FOCUS right now. A cause worth sup- printed. Australia must tour England for Moeen, Bairstow Was an important move to show in England training solidarity with the WI: Thorpe ‘health’ of cricket: Langer IANS England batting coach Graham squad for Ireland ODIs Southampton, United Kingdom Thorpe said that there had AFP been discussions within the Sydney, Australia AFP the team that beat New Zea- team on how to show solidar- Southampton, United Kingdom land in last year’s World Cup ngland’s first Test against ity with the West Indies. fi nal including Joe Root and the West Indies at the “It was an important move to ustralia must tour Eng- Ben Stokes. EAgeas Bowl in South- show solidarity with the West land in September “for oeen Ali and Jon- England assistant coach ampton has gone into its Indies team. We had a few team the health of world ny Bairstow were Paul Collingwood, the captain second day and both days, the chats for a couple of days,” cricket”, and players included in a of the England side that won proceedings started with both Thorpe told reporters after shouldA then be released to join 24-man England the 2010 World Twenty20, teams taking a knee and pay- Day 1. “We chatted a bit about the Indian Premier League, coach Mtraining squad named yes- will be the head coach for the ing tribute to the Black Lives how we could have an impact Justin Langer said yesterday. terday for the three-match series, with former England Matter movement. on society. There’s no room for Despite the challenges of Cov- one-day international series opener in On the first day, support staff racism in our sport. We thought id-19, Langer said Australia had at home to Ireland. his backroom staff . of both sides also kneeled it should start from the England to play its part in getting cricket Wicketkeeper-batsman The England one-day side outside the boundary line. team. We are very proud of it.” moving again, even if it meant Bairstow and off -spinning will go into an on-site training enduring quarantine, biosecurity all-rounder Mooen were left camp at the Ageas Bowl on July restrictions and time away from out of the squad for the fi rst 16, playing two intra-squad Asia Cup postponed, Sri Lanka family. Test against the West Indies, warm-up matches before the swap hosting rights with Pakistan “My personal view is we have taking place in Southampton selectors pick a fi nal team. to go. For so many reasons,” this week. The series, being played Reuters 2022 edition. Langer told News Corp Australia. But with England still plan- behind closed doors, starts Bengaluru, India The ACC said in a statement it “I think we have to go to Eng- ning to complete a full pro- on July 30, with subsequent is hoping to stage the Twen- land. There’s lots of challenges of course but we have to fi nd solu- Test tour. gramme in a season truncated matches on August 1 and 4. ty20 competition, which will course but we have to fi nd solu- tions to make sure that can hap- “I think we have to. Talking by the coronavirus shutdown, his year’s Asia Cup feature six countries including tions to make sure that can hap- pen if possible. That’s my view,” frankly,” Langer said. it has long been accepted they TRAINING SQUAD FOR tournament, originally India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, pen if possible.” Langer said. “I hear a diff erent story about will have to fi eld separate Test IRELAND ODIS: Eoin Morgan Tscheduled for Septem- in June next year. Australia’s limited-overs series “I think for the health of world the IPL’s plans every few days. and one-day squads. (capt), , Jonny ber, has been postponed due The PCB had been granted scheduled for this month in Eng- cricket. It varies. So until there’s some The third ODI at South- Bairstow (wkt), Tom Banton, to the Covid-19 pandemic, the the rights to host this year’s land was postponed because of the “As much as we’d like India to clarity and we can work out how ampton, the venue for all (wkt), Henry Asian Cricket Council (ACC) tournament but India were coronavirus, and September has come over here, I think we need it aff ects the domestic season, three Ireland matches, is set Brookes, Brydon Carse, Tom said yesterday. unwilling to travel to Pakistan been raised as an alternative. to reciprocate that with England how it aff ects our players, how it to take place on August 4 — Curran, , Ben Pakistan, who were set to host amid political tension between Cricket Australia, which has if we can.” works with quarantine... there’s the day before England start Duckett, Laurie Evans, Richard the tournament this year in the two countries, prompting laid off 15 percent of its staff during Langer believed releasing Aus- a lot of considerations here.” the fi rst of a three-Test series Gleeson, , Sam the United Arab Emirates, have the PCB to swap hosting rights the pandemic, is also desperate to tralia’s big names to join the IPL After months of coronavirus- against Pakistan at Man- Hain, Tom Helm, Liam Living- exchanged hosting rights with with Sri Lanka. host a money-spinning Test series — whose revised dates are yet to enforced lockdown, internation- chester’s Old Traff ord. stone, Saqib Mahmood, Matt Sri Lanka, who will stage next Domestic cricket in Sri Lanka against India later this year. be announced — was also essen- al cricket resumed on Wednes- That means England’s Parkinson, , Jason year’s event, while the Pakistan will resume on Tuesday with- “I think we have to go to Eng- tial as a goodwill gesture, to make day with England’s home Test white-ball team are set to be Roy, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, Cricket Board will host the out spectators. land. There’s lots of challenges of sure India go ahead with their against the West Indies. without several members of James Vince, Gulf Times Friday, July 10, 2020 3 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Mills donates $1mn to Kuzma looks to build social justice causes his own legacy with a ‘It means a lot and that’s why I’m taking Lakers’ title run this so serious’

Patty Mills of the San Antonio Spurs. (AFP)

AFP called ‘We Got You’ dedicated Miami to ending racism in sport in Australia.” Mills has been active in so- an Antonio Spurs cial justice movements during guard Patty Mills said his 11 NBA seasons and said the Wednesday he will chance to help the causes in- donate his salary from fl uenced his decision to play in eightS upcoming NBA games Orlando, where 22 teams will — more than $1mn — to so- gather at Walt Disney World in cial justice organisations in his an environment safeguarded homeland. from Covid-19. The 31-year-old Austral- “I’m playing in Orlando be- ian standout, who helped the cause I don’t want to leave any Spurs capture the 2014 NBA money on the table that could crown, said in a social media be going directly to black com- video his salary for the club’s munities,” Mills said. eight scheduled games in the At 27-36, the Spurs have Covid-19 protected Orlando only an outside chance of bubble will go to Black Lives grabbing one of the last West- Matter groups. ern Conference playoff berths “I’ve made the decision to available. go to Orlando,” Mills said. All 22 teams in the bubble “And I’m proud to say that will play eight fi nal regular- I’m taking every cent earned season games to decide the from these eight games qualifi ers for the NBA playoff s. that we’re playing — which The season was shut down in Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma (right) in action against the Orlando Magic during a regular NBA game at Staples Center on January 15, 2020. (TNS) for me will turn out to be March with nearly a month re- $1,017,818.54 — and donat- maining. By Tania Ganguli quarantine I’ve kind of just been due to another ankle injury. on balancing how to contribute zo Ball and Josh Hart, who had ing that directly back to the Mills is averaging an NBA Los Angeles Times preparing my mind and my body Although he didn’t miss any to a championship team while only a few years in the NBA be- Black Lives Matter Australia, career-high 11.7 points this and just getting ready for this more games because of inju- still developing his own game. fore being traded for Davis. Un- Black Deaths in Custody and season as well as 1.6 rebounds opportunity. Not many players ries, the regular wear of the “We want him to reach his til this season, Kuzma, having to a recent campaign that’s and 1.8 assists a game. yle Kuzma was the have opportunities to win rings. season meant Kuzma was play- potential,” Dudley said. “During spent four years in college, was Lakers’ only young I have a chance to do that in my ing through pain at times. This that we can’t have wasted pos- older than most of his team- player to escape being third year. Kind of really make break has helped. sessions of what we’re trying mates. part of the cost to ac- moves in my career going for- “I feel unbelievable health- to accomplish here, especially In this new scenario, Kuzma Nets reach deal with veteran guard Crawford quireK Anthony Davis last sum- ward. That’s important. wise,” Kuzma said. “I feel great. when you have LeBron and AD keeps himself grounded by mer, but the adjustment to his “Guys can go across this Throughout the season had on the fl oor. We can’t waste too looking around the league. new reality was signifi cant. league average 20, 25 (points) some injuries, playing through many possessions. “I just look at Kawhi Leon- During the course of this and just never win. I don’t want injuries. The break allowed me “So for me it’s letting him ard for an example,” Kuzma said season, Kuzma’s minutes, that. I want a legacy. And to do to physically get 100 percent. know … your time’s coming, of the All-Star forward, citing points, fi eld-goal percentage something that as a kid I’ve al- Mentally, I’ve been reading, this is what you can improve his early days in San Antonio and 3-point percentage were ways wanted to do.” meditating and painting a lot. on while you’re on the fl oor, with veteran stars Tim Duncan, all lower than in each of his two Although he is younger than Just preparing my mind for the when you’re not on the fl oor Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. previous seasons. most of his teammates, Kuzma playoff s. So, I feel great.” with them, and then don’t look “He was a Spur for three, four, This next portion of the sea- hasn’t been immune to injuries. He’s had the help of veteran at numbers, don’t look at stats. fi ve years, whatever it was, son, he thinks, will be important He suff ered a stress reaction in forward Jared Dudley during the That’s the fi rst thing fi rst.” waited his time behind Duncan, for his own legacy. his left ankle last summer while break, too. Dudley who believes The transition has taken pa- Ginobili and Parker, and did his “It means a lot and that’s practicing with Team USA that in the future of the 24-year-old tience for Kuzma, who had a thing. So I just take away pro- why I’m taking this so serious,” caused him to miss four games with whom he says he’s had a bigger role when he was part of gression mindset to get better Kuzma said of the NBA’s restart to start the season. He missed relationship for years. Dudley a group of young players that every day, focus on what I can on July 30. “Over this whole fi ve more games in December said he has worked with Kuzma included Brandon Ingram, Lon- control, and my time’s coming.” he Brooklyn Nets eighth all-time with 2,220 agreed to a deal with made 3-pointers. He began REPORT 40-year-old guard his career with the Chicago Jamal Crawford, Bulls (2000-04) and also TheT Athletic’s Shams Chara- has played for the New York nia reported Wednesday. Knicks (2004-08), Golden It would be the ninth team State Warriors (2008-09), At- and the 20th NBA season for lanta Hawks (2009-11), Port- NHLPA executive board approves Crawford, a three-time NBA land Trail Blazers (2011-12), Sixth Man of the Year who Los Angeles Clippers (2012- last played with the Phoenix 17), Minnesota Timberwolves Suns during the 2018-19 cam- (2017-18) and Suns. The Nets paign. The Nets are currently were also getting close to a proposed new labour deal preparing for the league’s deal with veteran forward DPA sons as hockey-related revenues 22-team restart at the ESPN Michael Beasley, according Los Angeles resume fl owing. Wide World of Sports Com- to Charania. The 31-year-old The new collective bargaining plex near Orlando. Crawford free agent most recently agreement also would cap escrow has averaged 14.6 points in played with the Guangdong he executive board of the at 20 per cent next season. The 1,326 career games. He ranks Southern Tigers in China. NHL Players’ Association escrow system, a mechanism by on Wednesday approved which money is withheld from Pelicans’ Gentry cleared for NBA restart a proposed new collective players’ paychecks in order to bargainingT agreement with the ensure a 50-50 split of hockey- ew Orleans Antonio Spurs’ Gregg Popo- NHL and referred the tentative related revenues between play- Pelicans coach vich, 71, and the 69-year old agreement to its full membership ers and clubs, has been a point of Alvin Gentry has Mike D’Antoni of the Houston for a vote, with approval expected contention for players. The maxi- been cleared Rockets. to be announced today. mum escrow percentage for the Nto travel with his team to While Gentry appears ready The deal, which would extend 2021-22 season could be as high Florida for the NBA’s restart to travel, New Orleans will labour peace through the 2025-26 as 18 per cent, depending on the to the season, ESPN’s Adrian be without associate head season and allow players to repre- level of hockey-related revenues. Wojnarowski reported coach Jeff Bzdelik and assist- sent their homelands at the 2022 The minimum NHL salary will Wednesday. ant Jamelle McMillan. Beijing Winter Olympics and be set at 700,000 dollars and will Gentry, 65, had been one of Bzdelik, 67, won’t travel the 2026 Milan/Cortina Winter rise to 775,000 dollars in the last the league staff members after consulting with team Games, also is expected to gain three years of the new labour deal. undergoing further scrutiny physicians, and McMillan will approval from the NHL’s board of This season’s playoff s will be before play resumes at the stay back to help care for his governors. In addition, the NHL’s Subject to minor changes, training camp for the 2020-21 season is scheduled to start on November 17 and contested in two hub sites — re- ESPN Wide World of Sports newborn son, a team source Return to Play plan will have the season would begin on December 1. (AFP) portedly Edmonton and Toronto Complex near Orlando. told ESPN. teams opening training camp — and will take place without Health off icials have stated The Pelicans are slated to in their respective home cit- interview period that was built in would begin on December 1. ary cap of 81.5mn dollars for the fans. Players, coaches and staff - that people 65 and older resume the season on July ies next Monday, the season will to recent seasons. The draft will Commissioner Gary Bettman has 2020-21 season because of the ers will be required to remain in are particularly susceptible 30 against the Utah Jazz. resume on August 1 with qualify- take place on October 6, accord- said teams will each play a full revenue losses the NHL has been as tight a bubble as possible and to severe symptoms if they New Orleans (28-36) is 3 1/2 ing games in two hub cities, and ing to Elliotte Friedman of Sport- 82-game schedule next season, facing since it paused operations will undergo regular Covid-19 contract the coronavirus. games behind the eighth- it could run as late as October 2, snet. which could be accomplished by on March 12 due to the Covid-19 testing. They will be kept away Two other NBA head coaches place Memphis Grizzlies, according to reports by Canadian Subject to minor changes, eliminating bye weeks and the All pandemic. Players will defer 10 from non-essential personnel fall in the Centers for Disease who currently hold the final media. Free agency would begin training camp for the 2020-21 Star break. per cent of their salary next sea- and away from their families until Control and Prevention’s Western Conference playoff a week after the Stanley Cup is season is scheduled to start on The new collective bargaining son but will be repaid over the the conference fi nals and Stanley high-risk category: the San spot. awarded, without the free-agent November 17 and the season agreement will include a fl at sal- course of the next three sea- Cup Final. Gulf Times 4 Friday, July 10, 2020 SPORT

MLB Red Sox confi rm Rodriguez among Covid-19 positive players AFP shape. ing at home in preparation for a Cardinals canceled workouts on Los Angeles “It just depends on how long delayed July 23 start to the sea- Monday after tardy test result. this thing goes, when we can get son after the coronavirus pan- MLB blamed the issue on the the negative test from him and demic scuppered the scheduled July 4 US Independence Day oston Red Sox pitcher when he can come up and join March start. holiday, and said Monday that Eduardo Rodriguez is us.” Although MLB has promised such delays “should not happen among the team’s latest Rodriguez is coming off a ca- strict protocols, not all has gone again.” players to test positive reer-year with the Red Sox. smoothly. The World Series champion forB coronavirus, manager Ron The 27-year-old left-hander The San Francisco Giants be- Nationals reportedly resumed Roenicke confi rmed on Tuesday. went 19-6 with a 3.81 earned- came the latest team to tempo- training on Tuesday after re- Roenicke told reporters on a run average last season. rarily call off training on Tues- sults from coronavirus tests Zoom conference that Rodrigu- “Eddie’s still on me about be- day pending coronavirus test performed on Friday came back ez and infi eld prospect Bobby ing ready for opening day, so results. with no new negatives. Dalbec had both tested positive, we’ll see what happens there,” Manager Gabe Kapler told the But the Chicago Cubs delayed the third and fourth Red Sox Roenicke said. San Jose Mercury News that Gi- the start of training Tuesday so players to do so after Josh Taylor The Kansas City Royals an- ants players, coaches and staff - they could complete all of their and Darwinzon Hernandez. nounced that right-handed ers who were tested for Covid-19 scheduled testing, the Chicago Roenicke said both Rodriguez hurler Brad Keller and fi rst base- on Saturday had not yet received Tribune reported. and Dalbec had been kept away man Ryan O’Hearn have tested results before Tuesday’s practice The delay came a day after from the Major League Baseball positive for Covid-19, and gave was set to begin. slugger Kris Bryant and other workouts at Fenway Park as they the team permission to an- He said he expected the re- players expressed concerns awaited their test results. nounce the results. sults to arrive later in the day, about a lack of frequency in Rodriguez had suff ered some Keller said in a statement he but the team decided at noon to testing. symptoms but is improving was “devastated” when a second cancel team activities. Despite the hiccups, Cubs Roenicke said, but it’s not clear coronavirus test confi rmed his “I just maintain a level of manager David Ross said he if he’ll be able to pitch Boston’s positive result. empathy for everybody that’s didn’t yet know of any Cubs July 24 opener at Fenway Park “I got the word today that working really hard to get our players who were likely to opt against the Baltimore Orioles. the second test also came back camp up and running, but also out of the shortened season. “He wants to be ready for that positive and I have to go into across the league and for all the “Do I have any concerns of opening day, but we’ll have to isolation,” he said. “I am expe- clubs that are working really them opting out? No, but that see how it goes,” Roenicke said. riencing minor symptoms that hard to put their clubs in a po- could change within a day,” Ross “The medical team will fol- remind me more of an allergy sition to have success,” Kapler said. “That’s where we’re at in low him, will give him instruc- attack.” said. The Washington Nation- the world, and in the world of tions basically on how to stay in Major league teams are train- als, Houston Astros and St Louis baseball.” Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez. (TNS)

NFL SPOTLIGHT Patriots confi rm Burrow aims to make signing of Newton impact in Cincinnati — on and off the fi eld ‘I JUST WANT TO HELP AS MANY PEOPLE AS I CAN WITH MY PLATFORM’

Reuters ton today,” the Patriots said Los Angeles on their website https://www. patriots.com/news/patriots- sign-qb-cam-newton. he New England Pa- Newton, the fi rst overall triots have completed pick in the 2011 draft, under- the signing of veteran went foot surgery in Decem- quarterback Cam ber after injury limited him NewtonT , the NFL team said to two games in 2019. The on Wednesday. league’s offi cial website ht- ESPN reported last month tps://www.nfl.com/news/ that the former NFL Most cam-newton-officially-be- Valuable Player had agreed a comes-a-new-england-pa- one-year deal with the Pa- triot said the deal could earn triots following six-time Su- Newton up to $7.5mn. per Bowl winner Tom Brady’s The 31-year-old holds the move to Tampa Bay. NFL record for most rushing Newton spent nine seasons touchdowns by a quarterback with the Carolina Panthers, in a single season with 14 in taking the team to Super Bowl 2011. 50, where they lost to the He is also the only NFL Denver Broncos. The Panthers player to have at least six released him in March. seasons with 3,000 or more “The New England Patriots passing yards and 500 or more offi cially announced the sign- rushing yards at any point in ing of veteran QB Cam New- his career.

Ravens, Chiefs announce plans to limit attendance he Baltimore Ravens City Chiefs announced they informed their fans will move forward with a Wednesday that they “reduced-capacity plan” for at are limiting attend- least the “first few games” of Tance to fewer than 14,000 the upcoming season. people to enable social dis- The Chiefs did not divulge tancing amid the coronavirus how many fans they expect pandemic. to be in attendance at M&T Bank Stadium has a 76,000-seat Arrowhead Sta- capacity of just over 71,000 dium, however noted that the fans. team will issue refunds for all “To off er a proper level of single-game ticket purchases Joe Burrow (left) of the LSU Tigers in action against the Alabama Crimson Tide during a regular NFL game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 9, 2019. (TNS) safety for fans who want to and refunds or credits for attend games, a reduction season-ticket holders for the Reuters ity, I’m going to have to keep faster we get this off the ground, en route to Cham- pandemic has scuttled sched- in capacity is necessary,” upcoming season. Los Angeles studying the playbook through- the more people it can help. “I’m pionship. ules for other professional Ravens president Dick Cass “People around the country out July when everyone else has in a position to give back. And so But the lockdown has dimin- sports, the NFL training camp said in a statement. “We are and around the world are off ... but I think I’m going to be I just want to help as many peo- ished opportunities for practice is expected to open July 28 with disappointed that this will getting accustomed to a eisman Trophy win- ready for it.” Burrow yesterday ple as I can with my platform.” snaps, known in football as “live plans to kick off the season as be a disruption for many constantly changing environ- ning quarterback Joe announced creation of The Joe reps.” This makes it harder for a scheduled Sept. 10. ticket buyers, but we have ment and the same goes for Burrow told Reuters he Burrow Hunger Relief Fund at SPEEDING EVERYTHING UP rookie quarterback like Burrow, an obligation to our fans all of us in Chiefs Kingdom,” came out of a lengthy the Foundation for Appalachi- The star of this year’s quarter- who must quickly gel with a new ON TO CINCINNATI and our community to keep team president Mark Do- Hlockdown during the corona- an (FAO). The Louisiana back-rich draft, Burrow and set of receivers and lead an of- Burrow, who drove to Cincinnati M&T Bank Stadium as safe as novan said in a statement. virus pandemic working extra State University All American’s other rookies in 2020 share a fense against sophisticated NFL this week, will be part of a grow- possible.” The Ravens also “While our goal all off season hard to become the leader of Heisman acceptance speech unique dilemma: making the defensive schemes. ing wave of younger quarter- informed season ticket hold- was to have a full stadium as the Cincinnati Bengals off ense was memorable for its focus jump from living in quarantine “I just have to be quicker in backs: Last season saw a record ers that their seats will not be we begin our Super Bowl title while also feeling more urgency on issues of hunger and pov- to playing in big games. my decision-making, my re- 80% of games with one starting available this year. defense, it is out of consid- to fi ght poverty and hunger in erty, problems he said have only The Bengals, who fi nished lease, my footwork. So it’s just quarterback under the age of 27. The team said season ticket eration of the health and the region where he grew up. worsened during the coronavi- 2019 with a 2-14 record, the all about speeding everything “Pat has obviously set the bar holders will be off ered the safety of our fans, employees, “It’s going to be a challenge rus pandemic. worst in the league, expect a lot up,” said Burrow. “That’s part of and we’re all chasing him right same seats in 2021, and coaches and players that going into camp,” said Burrow, “There’s a lot of people who from Burrow, who in his fi nal the live reps that you’re missing now,” said Burrow, who shrugs money already paid for we move forward with a a southern Ohio native that his are struggling right now without year at LSU, led the country in because you know what you’re off comparisons to any of the this season can be used for reduced-capacity plan that hometown Bengals snapped up jobs, the economy is starting to passing yards (5,671) and com- working on that you struggled league’s stars. next year or refunded upon adheres to local guidelines with the fi rst pick in the NFL open back up but people are still pletion percentage (76.3). He with in your last season but “Right now I’m just focused request. and expert recommenda- draft. “Going to have to spend struggling now from the time it also set an NCAA record with 60 you don’t have the live reps in on becoming the best player I Also Wednesday, the Kansas tions.” Reuters a lot of extra time in the facil- was closed,” said Burrow. “The touchdown passes in 15 starts, an NFL camp.” Even though the can be.” Gulf Times Friday, July 10, 2020 5 SPORT

GOLF RUGBY Jordan benched, no Dan Carter for Woods ready to Crusaders-Blues clash

Reuters before Covid-19 and he got Wellington sick...” The Blues have enjoyed a resurgence under coach Leon he Cru- MacDonald this year and head return, commits to saders underlined the into the contest on the back of depth of their squad three straight wins looking to yesterday by benching snap an 11-match losing streak Tone of the form players of Su- against the Crusaders. per Rugby Aotearoa for Satur- “The Crusaders are the day’s crunch clash against the benchmark in New Zealand Auckland Blues. rugby, so we are under no il- Outside back Will Jordan lusion about the task ahead of play in Memorial scored two tries in each of the us,” MacDonald said. Crusaders’ last two matches to “(But) if we can implement help the 10-times Super Rug- our game plan and execute, by champions to a two-point then there is no reason why ‘I’ve missed going out and competing with the guys and can’t wait to get back out there’ lead over the Blues at the top we can’t provide a stern test. of the standings ahead of the And if the weather plays ball, AFP match in Christchurch. it should be a cracking game.” Miami However, coach Scott Rob- MacDonald resisted the ertson included the 22-year- temptation to fi eld Crusaders old in his replacements when and All Blacks great Dan Cart- eigning Masters cham- he named his side yesterday, er against his former side and pion Tiger Woods, a recalling vice captain David retained Otere Black at fl yhalf 15-time major winner, Havili at fullback alongside with Beauden Barrett at full- said yesterday he will wingers George Bridge and back. The 38-year-old fl yhalf, playR his fi rst US PGA Tour event Sevu Reece. who made a surprise return to since February at next week’s “It’s obviously a hard de- New Zealand rugby after a gap Jack Nicklaus-hosted Memorial cision,” Robertson told local of fi ve years last month, made Tournament. media. “But when you’ve got a successful return to the club Woods will attempt to capture two All Black wings and your game last weekend but will a record 83rd career US PGA ti- vice captain, who was prob- have to wait at least another tle after having matched Sam ably player of Super Rugby week for his Blues debut. Snead’s all-time mark by win- ning last October’s Zozo Cham- pionship in Japan. “I’m looking forward to play- ing in the @MemorialGolf next week,” Woods tweeted. “I’ve missed going out and competing with the guys and can’t wait to get back out there.” Spectators will not be allowed at the tournament because of tightened Covid-19 restrictions in Ohio. The Memorial was to have been the fi rst PGA event to allow limited numbers of Auckland Blues’ Dan Carter. fans back since the coronavirus pandemic shutdown began in March. European rugby fi nals moved from Marseille Woods has won a record fi ve Memorial titles, lifting the tro- European club rugby’s an alternative venue or phy in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2009 showpiece Champions Cup venues for the two finals and 2012. But he also fi red a final has been moved from its which will be played on the humbling career-worst 85 in the intended venue of Marseille weekend of 16/17/18 October, third round in 2015. due to fears over the spread and details will be announced The 44-year-old US legend of coronavirus, organisers as soon as practicable.” played and captained the trium- Tiger Woods on the 18th hole during the second round of the 148th Open Championship in Portrush, Northern Ireland, on July 19, 2019. (Reuters) announced yesterday. The EPCR confirmed that phant US team in last Decem- The French port city was Marseille will now hold the ber’s Presidents Cup in Australia due to have staged the re- 2021 finals at Stade Velo- but has made only two prior Three Covid-positive players tee off together at PGA event arranged final on October 17, drome on May 21-22, with the starts this year, sharing ninth at a day after the second-tier Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Torrey Pines in January and Three players who continue to disease experts and PGA medi- that has being detected... is no even after infectious aspect of Challenge Cup final. in London staging the 2022 placing 68th at Riviera in Febru- test positive for Covid-19 teed cal advisor Dr. Tom Hospel. longer active or contagious. it is gone and a person is no Alternative venues have yet finals. ary in his fi rst chances to surpass off together in yesterday’s s Those allow condition returns “What we’ve learned along the longer contagious. to be found, European Profes- This season’s truncated Snead on the all-time win list. opening round of the US PGA to competition for players and way is that in some instances, The PGA decided players and sional Club Rugby (EPRC) competition will resume as Woods, ranked 14th, dropped Workday Charity Open under caddies who continue to test individuals can continue to caddies who meet that criteria said. “With tens of thousands planned with the quarter-fi- out of the WGC Mexico and “clarified” rules for sympto- positive for coronavirus if at test positive for weeks if not will be grouped together or of fans scheduled to travel nals on September 18-20 with Players Championship cit- matic participation. least 10 days have passed since months beyond when their play alone and have no access to the south of France, the the semi-finals the following ing back issues before the virus South Africa’s Dylan Frittelli the symptoms first appeared illness started, and the thought to indoor facilities “out of an Board of EPCR and the local weekend. shutdown but looked fi t in May and Americans Denny McCa- and 72 hours have passed since is that those individuals are no abundance of caution.” organising committee have Venues for those matches in a high-profi le return victory rthy and Nick Watney began fever has disappeared and longer contagious.” “They have complied with the agreed that insuff icient “will be announced as soon as at the Champions for Charity with pars at the 10th hole at issues such as cough and short- A 10-day isolation was required guidance from the CDC, they safeguards are currently in possible”. exhibition match also featuring in their morn- ness of breath have improved. for those testing positive but have met the medical require- place during the public health “As is now customary during Phil Mickelson and NFL stars ing start after having limited “In the beginning stages of the under July 1 revisions, an in- ments for isolation, and with crisis to stage two high-profile the pandemic, the matches Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. access to facilities at the Ohio, illness, that virus is assumed to fected player or caddie can re- respect to the opinions of our matches at the 67,000-capac- will be subject to government With Woods having played a layout. The PGA Tour protocol be active virus that can cause turn if there are no symptoms medical advisors, including ity Stade Vélodrome,” the guidelines with the health limited schedule in recent sea- guidelines involve players and infection, can be contagious,” displayed once two negative infectious disease experts and EPCR statement explained. and welfare of players, club sons, the Memorial start could caddies who meet the US Cent- Hospel said. tests are taken at least 24 hours the CDC, they’re clear to play,” It continued: “As a conse- staff , match off icials, sup- be his key tuneup for the PGA ers for Disease Control (CDC) “As time passes and as symp- apart. The CDC and experts say PGA Tour vice president for quence, EPCR is currently porters and the wider rugby Championship, set for Harding “Return to Work” guidelines af- toms resolve (the) theory is tests used by the tour show the administration Andy Levinson working with its shareholder community to the fore,” the Park in San Francisco from Au- ter consultation with infectious that this virus, this particle possibility of detecting virus said. (AFP) leagues and unions to secure EPCR noted. gust 6-9.

SPOTLIGHT Fighting coronavirus, dreaming of Olympics: meet Japan’s boxing nurse

AFP ympics until 2021. “It was a plus admitted. her three siblings single-hand- Tokorozawa for me, giving me more time for Japanese boxing authorities edly after separating from his training, although I wasn’t sure decided she was not experienced Tahitian wife and encouraged his if I should be so happy because enough to send her to the fi nal daughter into nursing to learn lympic boxing hopeful the reason for the postponement qualifying tournament in Paris, life-long skills. Arisa Tsubata is used was the spread of the infectious which would have shattered her He never expected his daugh- to taking blows in the disease,” she said. Tokyo 2020 dreams – if corona- ter to be fi ghting for a place in ring but it is during her Tsubata took up boxing only virus had not given her an extra the Olympics but proudly keeps workO as a nurse that she faces her two years ago as a way to lose year. all her clippings from media cov- toughest opponent: coronavirus. weight but quickly rose through Now she is determined to gain erage. The 27-year-old juggles a the ranks. the experience needed to qual- “She tried not to see us fam- brutal training regime in boxing “In a few years after becoming ify for the rescheduled Games, ily directly after the coronavirus gloves with long, irregular hours a nurse, I gained more than 10 which will open on July 23, 2021. broke out,” the 58-year-old told in surgical gloves at a hospital kilos (22 pounds),” she laughed. “I want to train much more AFP. “She was worried.” near Tokyo. “I planned to go to Hawaii and convince the federation that Tsubata now want to com- Tsubata mainly treats can- with my friends one summer, I could fi ght in the fi nal qualifi - pete in the Games for all her cer patients but she said the vi- and I thought I wouldn’t have ers,” she said. colleagues who have supported rus was a constant threat, with much fun in a body like that. Her coach Masataka Kuroki her and the patients that have medical experts warning at the That is how I started boxing.” told AFP she is a subtle boxer cheered her on in her Olympic peak of the pandemic that Ja- She quickly discovered a and a quick learner, as he put her ambitions. pan’s health system was close to knack for the ring, winning through her paces at a training “I want to be the sort of boxer collapse. the Japan national champion- session. who keeps coming back no mat- “We always face the risk of in- ship and a place on the national She now needs to add more ter how many punches I take,” fection at medical facilities,” she team. defensive technique and bet- she said. told AFP. But juggling her medical and ter core strength to her fi ghting “I want to show the people “My colleagues and I have all sporting career has not always spirit and attacking fl air, said who cheer for me that I can work worked under the stress of pos- been easy and the fi rst time she Kuroki. hard and compete in the Olym- sibly getting infected.” fought a foreign boxer came only “Defence! She needs more pics, because of them.” Like most elite athletes, the in January, at an intensive train- technique for defence. She needs virus played havoc with Tsuba- ing camp in Kazakhstan. to have a more agile, stronger ta’s training schedules, meaning “That made me realise how lower body to fend off punches Japanese boxer Arisa Tsubata she welcomed the postpone- inexperienced I am in my short from below,” he said. exercising at her apartment in ment of this year’s Tokyo Ol- boxing career. I was scared,” she Her father Joji raised Arisa and Saitama on June 18, 2020. (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Friday, July 10, 2020 SPORT

TENNIS Clijsters ready to keep comeback rolling at WTT

Reuters in West Virginia. Clijsters’ 2020 New Jersey and part in her native exposure, with all players and Federer hopes to play in front of crowds on return New York comeback after nearly eight years Belgium. staff having self-quarantined for away from the sport was put on “There are some challenges two weeks in the United States. Roger Federer, who turns 39 to come back healthy. We’ll see abrupt hold in March due to the and combining parenting at Players must undergo testing and next month, says he hopes to how long that lasts,” he told our-time Grand Slam Covid-19 outbreak, but she told home and teaching the kids at have daily temperature checks. play again in front of crowds as German weekly newspaper Die winner Kim Clijsters reporters on Wednesday that the home and still going to practice No more than 500 fans are al- he targets his comeback from Zeit. The Swiss ace says he has said she remains de- hiatus has not diminished her and things like that, so it was lowed at the Greenbrier’s 2,500- a knee injury in 2021. Having missed tennis more than ever termined to revive her desire to be on the court. challenging but at the same time seat stadium, Center Court at beaten long-time rival Rafael since the coronavirus pandemic careerF after years away from “The most important lesson you get through that together.” Creekside, and all are required Nadal in an exhibition match in first hit and forced a shutdown tennis, even as the coronavirus for me, is to just kind of trust The competition comes weeks to wear masks and undergo tem- Cape Town in February, in front of the sport in March. outbreak seeds uncertainty in the process,” said Clijsters, who after a handful of top players, perature checks. of a record crowd of 52,000, “In the beginning it wasn’t like the professional schedule. lost to Briton Johanna Konta in including world number one “I feel like I can protect my- Federer has not played since that,” he said. “There was noth- Former world number one the fi rst round of the Monterrey Novak Djokovic, tested positive self the best I can,” 27-year-old knee surgery at the end of ing we could do anyway, we Clijsters and 2017 US Open Open four months ago. for Covid-19 after the second Stephens told reporters. “I can that month. He had another were just especially glad that champion Sloane Stephens are “It doesn’t mean because leg of the Adria Tour in Croatia, protect others by following what procedure on his right knee we weren’t ill and that all our among the headliners as World Covid happened that I’m not in- prompting widespread criti- the protocols are and the guide- in June but hopes to return in friends and family were doing TeamTennis (WTT) kicks off its terested in playing more tennis,” cism of the event. WTT said it lines and just make sure that I’m 2021 even though he will turn well. But now I miss it, I’d love to three-week regular season on said the 37-year-old, who spent has several precautions in place following all the rules so I don’t 40 in August next year. “I want be in a full stadium again.” Sunday, at the Greenbrier resort part of the coronavirus hiatus in to minimise the risk of Covid-19 harm anyone else or myself.”

CYCLING FOCUS IOC sanctions Binay aft er London Froome to leave Games re-test

Reuters ples from the London Games London would continue until August. IOC AND ATOS RENEW urkish weightlifter PARTNERSHIP UNTIL 2024 Team Ineos at the Mete Binay was dis- Olympic qualifi ed from the 2012 Committee (IOC) said yes- London Olympics after terday that it has renewed Ta doping sample he provided the partnership with infor- at the Games was found to be mation technology partners positive during re-testing, the until 2024. Atos has been International Olympic Com- an IOC sponsor since 1989 mittee (IOC) said yesterday. and joined the elite Top Pro- end of the season The IOC said in a statement gramme in 2001. that Binay’s in-competition The latest deal covers the 2022 ‘Chris is the best rider of his generation and will lead our Tour de France and Grand Tour squad’ test in July 2012 did not result Winter Olympics in Beijing in an adverse analytical fi nd- and the 2024 Games in Paris, AFP ing but reanalysis of his sam- and also includes the Paralym- London ple returned a positive test pics and Youth Olympics. for Stanozolol, a substance “In these unprecedented banned by the World Anti- times, the support and con- hris Froome is to leave Doping Agency (WADA). fi dence of our Worldwide Team Ineos at the end Binay, 35, had fi nished sixth Partners is now more impor- of the season to join Is- in the men’s 69kg weightlift- tant than ever,” IOC president rael Start-Up Nation, ing event. More than 60 ath- Thomas Bach said in reference endingC a decade-long partner- letes have had positive results to the coronavirus pandemic ship that produced four Tour de in re-tests of samples taken which has thrown sport into France wins. during the London Olympics disarray and led to the post- Froome, Britain’s most suc- conducted by the IOC. ponement of the Tokyo 2020 cessful rider, won the Tour de The re-testing programme Games to next year. France four times in fi ve years is part of the IOC’s eff orts to “We are pleased to continue from 2013 in the colours of Team catch cheats by using newer working with Atos, our trusted Sky, which last year became testing methods or by looking guide in a period of great dig- Team Ineos. for substances that were not ital transformation, to provide Team Ineos boss Dave Brails- known at the time of past Ol- the digital backbone and key ford hailed seven-time Grand ympics. The IOC said the re- digital platforms we rely on to Tour winner Froome as a “great testing programme for sam- run the Games.” champion” but said it was the right time to part ways. He said Froome, 35, was keen OLYMPICS to have sole team leadership but Team Ineos, with fellow Tour de France winners Geraint Thomas and Egan Bernal in their ranks, Tokyo 2020 expects were unable to give that guarantee. “Chris’s current contract comes to an end in December and to secure all venues we have taken the decision now not to renew it,” Brailsford said. Reuters Kenya-born Froome said: “It Tokyo has been a phenomenal decade with the team. We have achieved so much together and I will al- okyo Olympics organ- ways treasure the memories. isers expect to be able “I look forward to exciting to use all the venues as new challenges as I move into originally planned at the next phase of my career but Tnext year’s rearranged Games, in the meantime my focus is on several Japanese media outlets winning a fi fth Tour de France reported yesterday. with Team Ineos.” Securing venues was a top Israel Start-Up Nation will priority for organisers after this year become the fi rst Israeli the Games were pushed back team to compete in the Tour de to 2021 due to the Covid-19 very unfortunate to see such France. pandemic, and Kyodo and reports based on this optimis- The team, funded by Israeli- NHK, citing unnamed sourc- tic view.” Canadian billionaire Sylvan Ad- es, said they were now confi - Last month, Tokyo 2020 ams, took over the World Tour dent they would be tied down CEO Toshiro Muto said 80% licence of Swiss operation Katu- for Olympics use again. of all venues needed had been sha-Alpecin this year. rium de Dauphine in June 2019 He needs one more to equal ance, diet and sleep quality can 2015 Tour de France a cup of However, at his regular secured, with the Athlete’s “Chris is the best rider of his and spent months in rehabilita- Eddy Merckx, Jacques Anquetil, add up to a signifi cant improve- urine was thrown at him follow- weekly news conference, To- Village and Tokyo Big Sight, generation and will lead our tion, missing that year’s Tour Bernard Hinault and Miguel In- ment in performance. ing accusations he was doping. kyo 2020 spokesman Masa the planned media centre, Tour de France and Grand Tour de France. Froome’s teammate durain, who have all won it fi ve However, their image was He has always maintained he is a Takaya said the reports were among those yet to be fully squad,” said Adams. Thomas emerged as the 2018 times. clouded in controversy over so- clean rider. “optimistic” and that noth- secured. “We hope to make history to- winner of the Tour while Colom- This year’s Tour, postponed called therapeutic use exemp- Team Sky became Team In- ing had been announced. “We Yesterday’s reports also gether as Chris pursues further bian protege Bernal claimed the because of the coronavirus pan- tions. A damning British par- eos last year to refl ect their new have seen a series of media said the competition sched- Tour de France and Grand Tour 2019 title when he was just 22. demic, is set to be raced from liamentary report said the team sponsor, the chemicals giant reports concerning the sta- ule would remain largely victories, achievements that He only returned fully to the August 29 to September 20. crossed an “ethical line” by us- owned by British billionaire Jim tus of securing venues for the unchanged and that all tick- would make a serious case for saddle in February this year at Brailsford has overseen seven ing the loophole to administer Ratcliff e. They have had plenty Games in 2021,” said Takaya. ets holders would be eligible Chris to be considered the great- the UAE Tour, which was cut Tour de France wins with Team drugs to enhance performance. of detractors within cycling for “Tokyo 2020 is aware of for refunds, and that organ- est cyclist of all time.” short due to the coronavirus Sky and Team Ineos, with Bra- Sky were caught in a long- tactics that many believe stifl e these reports but I need to be isers would seek approval pandemic. dley Wiggins claiming the fi rst running doping controversy racing. very clear... this is not some- of these decisions from the SERIOUS INJURY Earlier this year, Froome said one in 2012. that began when Froome re- Their superior budget allowed thing on which Tokyo Met- IOC’s General Assembly on After winning the Vuelta a Es- his hunger for a fi fth or even Team Sky, backed by Rupert turned an adverse doping test, them to employ riders who ropolitan Government or the July 17. pana – for the second time – in sixth Tour de France victory re- Murdoch’s media empire, were for elevated levels of the asthma would be leaders elsewhere in a Tokyo organising committee Asked to confi rm those 2017 and the Giro d’Italia in 2018 mained undiminished. known for Brailsford’s meticu- medication salbutamol, on his support capacity and eff ectively has made a formal announce- details, Takaya said nothing Froome held all three Grand “My dream is to retire having lous and innovative application way to victory in the Vuelta a shut down attacks in the biggest ment. “The organising com- had been decided and Tokyo Tour titles but his star has since won more Tour de Frances than of “marginal gains”, the theory Espana in 2017. He was cleared races, something that has proved mittee has not made such an 2020 did not expect to seek waned. He was seriously injured any other rider,” he told French that many small advantages in 10 months later. unpopular with many, particu- announcement at this stage approval from the IOC next when he crashed at the Crite- daily L’Equipe. areas as diverse as wind resist- Froome said that during the larly in the Tour de France. and during this process, it is week.

Paris 2024 budget to be ‘studied’ by end of year

Organisers of the 2024 Paris Ol- Thomas Bach and the head of ering 3.8 billion euros of the cost. collectively how they can best changes including the amount be a debate that the IOC is ready village.” ympics will review the risk of ex- the organising committee for According to the Elysee source, reduce all risks of overspend- of competitors present which is to listen about the number of This year’s Tokyo Olympics tra expenditure for the event due the Games Tony Estanguet met the trio “considered together ing.” They added the move is currently set to be 10,500. athletes sent to the Games and were moved to 2021 due to the to the coronavirus pandemic by earlier in the day in the capital. that it was relevant in the part of the “options that they are The number of beds at the the way some disciplines are Covid-19 outbreak but a poll car- the end of the year, sources said The city’s first Olympics since months to come, before the end susceptible to activate if they athletes village in the northern organised,” the source said. “The ried out by two Japanese news on Wednesday. French President 1924 are set to have a budget of the year, that the organising see that the economic situation Parisian suburb of Saint-Denis numbers qualified in a discipline” organisations showed half of the Emmanuel Macron, International of 6.8 billion euros ($7.71 billion) committee with the regional worsens. In addition, Bach’s IOC has already been reduced from have consequences on the city’s residents don’t think the Olympic Committee (IOC) chief with Estanguet’s local body cov- groups” of the state “could study might consider some further 18,000 to 15,000. “There could costs or the “size of the Olympic Games should be held at all. Gulf Times Friday, July 10, 2020 7 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA FOCUS MLS restarts with sombre ceremony, Barca stay in touch new virus fears AFP Orlando players then dropped to Miami one knee just after the opening whistle, the gesture of solidar- ity with the Black Lives Matter with Real and send ajor League Soccer cause that has rippled across returned from its the globe in the tide of revulsion four-month shut- which followed Floyd’s death. down on Wednes- “This tournament, is a unique Mday with a sombre anti-racism opportunity for us to be all be demonstration and fresh fears together in the same place and another coronavirus-stricken show the support and solidarity down Espanyol team may be forced to with- for each other and all our broth- draw. An injury-time winner ers and sisters standing up for from Portugal international and civil rights,” said Justin Morrow, Luis Suarez’s goal in the second half proved the winner in a pivotal Catalan derby former Manchester United star a fullback for Toronto FC. The Nani gave Orlando a 2-1 victory sombre spectacle overshadowed AFP over David Beckham’s Inter Mi- a largely lackluster opening to Madrid ami played out in a makeshift, the World Cup-style tourna- fan-less arena at ESPN’s World ment, which is taking place with Wide of Sports complex at Dis- 25 teams from across the league arcelona kept their faint title ney World in Florida. based inside a protective “bub- hopes alive and doomed Espan- Nani’s 97th minute strike ble” at Disney World in an eff ort yol to relegation on Wednes- completed a come-from-behind to keep players shielded from day night as Luis Suarez’s goal win for Orlando, who had equal- Covid-19. provedB the winner in a pivotal Catalan ised through Chris Mueller on 70 Yet as the tournament kicked derby at the top and bottom of . minutes after Juan Agudelo fi red off fresh fears emerged that a A cagey contest at Camp Nou exploded Inter Miami into the lead just second team may be forced to into life for six frantic minutes at the start after halftime. However the in- withdraw after suff ering a fur- of the second half as Ansu Fati and Pol jury-time drama in Orlando was ther cluster of coronavirus cases. Lozano were sent off , leaving each side largely overshadowed by events Nashville SC, who on Tuesday with 10 men before Suarez struck. Suarez off the pitch as the restart tour- confi rmed that fi ve players had profi tted after another superb contribu- nament billed as “MLS is Back” been diagnosed with Covid-19, tion from a reinvigorated Antoine Griez- got under way. had reportedly been hit with four mann, his backheel setting up Lionel Just before kick off , dozens of more infections in their squad. Messi to shoot, with Suarez turning in the players from clubs across MLS On Monday, FC Dallas were rebound. had lined up around the fi eld for a forced to withdraw from the This 1-0 victory was a far cry from the silent protest against racism and tournament after confi rmation sparkling 4-1 win over Villarreal on Sun- police brutality. “The perform- 10 players and a member of sup- day but it moves Barca to within a point of ance of everyone was beautiful. It port staff had tested positive for Real Madrid, who play their game in hand was emotional for the ones who the virus. Major League Com- at home to Alaves today. Espanyol, rooted were there,” said Orlando’s Nani. missioner Don Garber did not to the bottom of the table, will be relegat- Players clad in black t-shirts directly confi rm the new Nash- ed. They sit 11 points adrift of safety with and wearing black gloves raised ville cases, but warned the league only three games left to play. their fi sts to the night sky in an would not hesitate to remove “Life or death” read the front page of eight-minute 46-second salute the team from the tournament if Mundo Deportivo on Thursday morning — a reference to the May 25 death necessary. Garber said the rash — for Barcelona, who had to win to stay of unarmed black George Floyd of positive cases showed that the in touch with Madrid, and for Espanyol, in police custody in Minneapolis. league’s aggressive testing poli- given they needed a victory to prolong Floyd died after being pinned cies had been eff ective. “We don’t their survival eff ort. to the fl oor by a police offi cer who want anyone to be sick, whether Griezmann’s combination with Sua- knelt on his neck for eight min- they have symptoms or whether rez and Messi, coming after his sumptu- utes and 46 seconds. Miami and they have Covid-19,” Garber said. ous chip against Villarreal, sustains the Frenchman’s momentum but this was more of a gritty win against an Espan- yol team that hit the post at 0-0 and had chances. With the superior head-to-head Barcelona’s Luis Suarez (left) vies for the ball with Espanyol’s Leandro Cabrera during the La Liga match. (AFP) and a kind last four fi xtures, Real Madrid remain fi rm favourites. the top fl ight than Espanyol, who after 26 fore half-time and this time Didac Vila greater freedom and they took the lead “We have to win our next three games,” consecutive campaigns there must now raced clear down the left, his shot re- three minutes later. said Suarez. “What Madrid do is up to rebuild. “We ask forgiveness from our bounding off the goalkeeper and Clement A delightful Griezmann backheel teed them. If they drop points, fantastic. We fans,” said captain Javi Lopez. “We know Lenglet before falling back to Vila, who up Messi to shoot and the ball spilled out just have to be there if they do.” these are tough moments for us but for hit the far post. for Suarez to tap in. Messi almost added Espanyol needed to win but have not our fans as well. This season nothing has Quique Setien acted at the break, a second with a thumping volley at the beaten Barcelona in the league since 2009 gone right. It’s our fault and we are com- bringing Fati on and shifting Sergi Rober- back post while Espanyol wanted a pen- when Mauricio Pochettino was in charge mitted to coming back stronger.” to to right-back but the 17-year-old last- alty in injury-time when a shot hit the and Rufete, the team’s fourth coach this Barcelona had a lot of the ball in the ed only fi ve minutes, a high challenge on shoulder of Arturo Vidal. The appeals season, accepted Messi’s commiserations fi rst half but did little with it and in fact earning in him a straight were rightly waved away. at the fi nal whistle with a look of resigna- Espanyol had the better chances on the red card on review. Villarreal had earlier beaten Getafe 3-1 tion. The club’s supporters this week ex- counter-attack. Adri Embarba sped But any advantage Espanyol had was to reduce the gap behind Sevilla in fourth pressed anger after a “shameful season” away down the right after honing on goal short-lived because Lozano then fl ew in to three points. Santi Cazorla scored two under the Chinese Rastar Group, which his fi nish had to be blocked by the out- high on Gerard Pique, with his studs up, penalties for Villarreal to all-but end took majority control in 2016. stretched right leg of Marc-Andre ter and was also sent off to make it 10 against Getafe’s own hopes of Champions League Only Barcelona, Real Madrid and Ath- Stegen. 10. With the numbers equal but the spac- qualifi cation. Sevilla were playing away MLS players participate in a Black Lives Matter pre-game ceremony letic Bilbao have spent more seasons in Ter Stegen was called upon again be- es bigger, Barcelona could attack with at Athletic Bilbao last night. before match between Orlando City and Inter Miami. (AFP)

ROUND-UP SPOTLIGHT Pellegrini named Betis coach Champions League fi nal eight set ormer Manchester City and Real Madrid coach has returned to Spanish football as coach of , to be played behind closed doors his new club announced yesterday. The 66-year-oldF Chilean, who has also worked in The other outstanding tie will AFP China, has signed a three-year deal with the Paris see German champions Bayern Seville-based outfi t, running until June 2023. Munich entertain Chelsea at the The arrival of Pellegrini at the Benito Vil- Allianz Arena in pole position lamarin had been an open secret for several days, he fi nal eight of this sea- having won 3-0 in the fi rst leg. although Betis decided to wait until their La Liga son’s Champions League The winners of those four ties survival had been confi rmed before announcing in Lisbon is set to go will join the already-qualifi ed the appointment. Wednesday’s 3-0 home win ahead behind closed quartet of Atalanta, RB Leipzig, over Osasuna left Betis in mid-table and ended Tdoors after UEFA confi rmed yes- Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint- any fears of relegation with three games of the afternoon we will do another test. If everything terday that all matches in Eu- Germain in the last eight. season still to play. goes well he will return with the group to train ropean competitions would be The latter stages will be played Former player Alexis Trujillo has been in and play.” played without spectators “until out in a unique fi nal eight straight temporary charge of the club since previous Real will be without Luka Jovic after Spanish further notice” because of the knockout format in Lisbon in Au- boss Joan Francesc Ferrer, better known simply media reported the Serbian striker was forced to coronavirus pandemic. gust, starting on August 12 with as ‘’, was sacked on June 21. The job marks self-isolate at home as a precaution after coming The decision also aff ects the the fi rst quarter-fi nal and con- Pellegrini’s return to management after he was in contact with a friend who tested positive. Zi- four outstanding last 16, second- cluding with the fi nal at Benfi ca’s sacked by West Ham United last December fol- dane confi rmed the 22-year-old, who has had an leg matches, as well as the re- Estadio da Luz on August 23. All lowing 18 months in charge of the London side. underwhelming debut season in Madrid and was mainder of this season’s Europa quarter-fi nal and semi-fi nal ties He previously won the Premier League title recovering from a foot injury, was not available League and the women’s Cham- will be one-off matches. and two League Cups in charge of City between for the game. pions League fi nal eight, to be The Portuguese capital was 2013 and 2016. Having enjoyed considerable played in Spain in August. announced as the venue in June success in South America, Pellegrini fi rst came ATALANTA SEE OFF SAMPDORIA “Several elements were taken but has since registered worrying to Spain as coach of Villarreal, where a fi ve-year TO GO THIRD IN into account by UEFA when mak- The draw for the Champions League quarters will be held today with numbers of coronavirus cases, stint featured a run to the Champions League Atalanta beat Sampdoria 2-0 on Wednesday as ing a decision, such as the pro- the competition’s latter stages set to go ahead in Lisbon in August. with lockdown restrictions re- semi-fi nals in 2006. second-half goals from Rafael Toloi and Luis tection of the health of all those imposed last week on 19 neigh- He left for Madrid in 2009 but lasted just a Muriel secured their ninth straight league victory involved in the matches as well thorities of the fi nal eight tour- tuguese cities of Porto and Gui- bourhoods across the northern season in which his side fi nished second to Bar- and moved the Bergamo outfi t to within nine as the public at large; a responsi- naments’ hosts Germany, Portu- maraes depending on the health periphery of Lisbon. The restric- celona. Pellegrini’s last Spanish club was Malaga points of leaders Juventus. bility to provide the safest envi- gal and Spain”. It also confi rmed situation around the continent. tions concern some 700,000 where he spent three seasons before leaving in Gian Piero Gasperini’s men appeared set to ronment for matches in order to that “irrespective of any future However, following a review, people and will remain in place 2013 having taken the team to the quarter-fi nals battle it out with Roma for the fourth and fi nal guarantee the progress of compe- decision, for reasons of sporting UEFA has decided to allow those for at least a fortnight. The Eu- of the Champions League. Champions League spot when the division re- titions; as well as ensuring sport- fairness”, all matches in the quali- sides who were supposed to be at ropa League will also be com- started following the coronavirus lockdown, but ing fairness within a very incon- fying rounds of next season’s Eu- home to play the matches in their pleted with an identical format, REAL’S VINICIUS TO RETAKE COVID-19 their excellent form has seen them climb above sistent landscape (with some ropean competitions which are own stadiums on August 7 and 8. a fi nal eight in Germany, with the TEST AFTER ERROR, SAYS ZIDANE Inter Milan into third. countries allowing and some for- due to be held as a single-leg ties It means that Italian champions fi nal in Cologne on August 21. Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. will retake a They may even be dreaming of an unlikely title bidding stadium attendances),” — so not including the play-off s Juventus will host Lyon in Turin However, none of the last-16 Covid-19 test after an error in the fi rst one but challenge after Juve and second-placed Lazio European football’s governing for the Champions League — will looking to overturn a 1-0 defi cit ties have been completed, with the teenage winger has not tested positive for the both lost on Tuesday, with Atalanta now just two body said in a statement. be played behind closed doors. from the fi rst leg played in France only six of the eight fi rst legs novel coronavirus, his manager Zinedine Zidane points behind the capital club. Inter could retake It added that “in light of the Meanwhile, the remaining in late February. having been played. The other said. Brazilian forward Vinicius, 19, did not train third when they visit Hellas Verona last night. current situation, the UEFA Ex- last-16 games, which were post- Manchester City will defend two ties — Inter Milan v Getafe with the squad yesterday as a precaution ahead It promises to be a thrilling fi nish to the cam- ecutive Committee felt it prudent poned in March because of the a 2-1 lead when they entertain and Sevilla v Roma — will be of today’s La Liga home game against Alaves. paign for Atalanta, with the Champions League to conclude that UEFA matches coronavirus pandemic, will not record 13-time champions Real played as one-off ties in Ger- “He has not tested positive, but it went ‘Final 8’ tournament in Lisbon still to come in should take place behind closed be played on neutral grounds Madrid at the Etihad Stadium, many. The women’s Champions wrong,” Zidane said. “There was an error. There August. Roma stayed fi fth, albeit 13 points adrift doors until further notice.” when they fi nally go ahead in while Barcelona will host Napoli League will be completed with a were errors on other occasions as well and that of fourth-placed Inter, as French midfi elder UEFA said the decision had August. UEFA had indicated last at the Camp Nou with that tie fi nal eight in San Sebastian and is why we followed the protocol and he did not Jordan Veretout capped a 2-1 comeback victory been made “in agreement with month that the matches could poised following a 1-1 draw in the Bilbao in Spain’s Basque Country train, for safety. But it has not been positive. This over Parma. the national associations and au- be played in the northern Por- fi rst leg. between August 21 and 30. Friday, July 10, 2020 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

AL DUHAIL TAKE ON QATAR SC, AL SADD CLASH WITH UMM SALAL IN FRIENDLIES TODAY

Ahead of the July 24 restart, QNB Stars League teams will play friendly matches today. League leaders Al Duhail will take on Qatar SC, while Al Sadd clash with Umm Salal. Sadd are also set to face Al Shamal in a second friendly on July 18th, while Duhail are set to take on Al Kharaitiyat on the same day. With five matches remaining, Duhail are on top of the standings with 42 points while Al Rayyan (38) are second. Sadd were third with 32 points when the season was halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic in March.

PREMIER LEAGUE LIGUE 1 PSG set to face old Spurs fume over VAR foes Marseille early in French season

AFP capital and will fi nd out today Paris who their opponents will be in in Bournemouth draw the quarter-fi nals between Au- gust 12 and 15. hampions Paris Saint- Lyon are also still alive in the Southampton extend their unbeaten run to three games after draw with Everton Germain will play host Champions League, although to fi erce rivals Marseille they must still play the second AFP in their third game of leg of their last-16 tie against Ju- Cthe new Ligue 1 season in mid- ventus having won 1-0 at home London September as the French fi xture in the fi rst leg in February. The calendar was unveiled yester- seven-time champions, who ottenham suff ered fresh VAR day. The match at the Parc des were a disappointing seventh frustration as Harry Kane was Princes is due to be played on the when last season was suspended, denied a clear penalty in their weekend of September 13, but are due to begin their season at damaging 0-0 draw at Bourne- the 2020-21 campaign is set to Montpellier. Tmouth, while Danny Ings boosted his bid begin on the weekend of August Lyon will visit PSG in mid-De- for the Premier League’s golden boot in 22 and 23. cember and will host the capital Southampton’s 1-1 draw at Everton yes- That is two weeks later than side in late March. Back in the terday. had initially been planned before Champions League group stage Jose Mourinho’s side have won just the coronavirus pandemic forced for the fi rst time since 2013, An- once in their last three games and are in French football authorities into a dre Villas-Boas’s Marseille will danger of missing out on European com- rethink, despite the controversial begin their season at home to petition for the fi rst time since the 2009- decision to end the last season Saint-Etienne. 10 season. Tottenham were off -key for early in late April with 10 rounds Rennes, whose third-place long periods, but could feel hard done of matches unplayed. fi nish was their best ever, will by after Josh King’s push on Kane in the PSG were declared champions go to Lille on the opening week- penalty area went unpunished despite a for the third year running having end. The Brittany side are due to VAR review in the fi rst half. been 12 points clear of Marseille go into the Champions League On course for their lowest points total at the top, with a game in hand, third qualifying round in mid- since 2011, this has been a season to forget when the season was suspended September, although they could for Tottenham, who have yet to see any in mid-March. Thomas Tuchel’s still be parachuted into the group signifi cant improvement since Mourinho team are due to kick off their stage of Europe’s elite club com- replaced the sacked Mauricio Pochettino defence of the title with a home petition depending on who wins in November. Just a year after reaching the game against Metz before visit- the Europa League in August. Champions League fi nal, they sit in ninth ing newly-promoted Lens on the Despite the early end to the place in the Premier League, 10 points off weekend of August 29 and 30. last league season in France, the the top four and far from certain to make Bournemouth’s players argue with English referee Paul Tierney (left) after a goal by Joshua King was disallowed during the However, the Metz match will two domestic cup fi nals, post- next season’s Europa League. Sunday’s Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur in Bournemouth, southern England, yesterday. (AFP) have to be rearranged if Paris poned in April, will still go ahead. north London derby against Arsenal, who make it to the fi nal of the Cham- PSG will face Saint-Etienne in are one point and one place above Totten- United, they could claim to be harshly Bournemouth thought they had won it in put Southampton ahead. Stuart Arm- pions League, which is sched- the French Cup fi nal on July 24, ham, looms as a last chance to save their treated again and Mourinho was visibly stoppage-time. strong miscued his shot into Ings’ path uked to go ahead in Lisbon on and the capital club will then season. frustrated on the touchline. But Callum Wilson’s overhead kick and the striker rounded Jordan Pickford August 23. PSG have qualifi ed for take on Lyon in what will be the Bournemouth moved up one place after Tottenham were struggling to fi nd any clearly hit King’s hand on its way past to claim his 19th league goal of the sea- the fi nal eight of the competition last ever French League Cup fi nal ending a fi ve-match losing streak, but it rhythm and Erik Lamela’s woeful drive Hugo Lloris and their celebrations were son, three behind the top-fl ight’s current to be staged in the Portuguese on July 31. is 159 days and nine games since they last over the bar summed up their lethargic short-lived as VAR intervened. leading scorer Jamie Vardy. won. Eddie Howe’s men are three points fi rst half display. Mourinho responded by At Goodison Park, Southampton ex- Richarlison equalised for Everton in from safety with just four games to avoid sending on Son Heung-min and Tanguy tended their unbeaten run to three games the 43rd minute, the Brazilian taking Lu- relegation. Kane had scored seven times Ndombele at the interval. and dented Everton’s bid to reach the cas Digne’s superb long pass in his stride in his previous seven Premier League ap- Struggling Bournemouth’s problems Europa League. Southampton’s James before guiding a clinical fi nish over Alex ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE pearances against Bournemouth, but VAR mounted when Adam Smith was injured Ward-Prowse won a penalty in the 28th McCarthy for his 14th goal of the season. rejected his strong appeal for a penalty in in a clash of heads with Ben Davies. Smith minute when he was tripped by Andre Everton were furious when Jan Bednarek TO RESUME IN SEPTEMBER the opening moments. Just a week after was stretchered off after an eight-minute Gomes, but the midfi elder blazed his escaped with a yellow card after hauling Tottenham were the victims of a harsh delay while he was examined on the pitch. spot-kick against the crossbar. down Richarlison when the forward was AT CENTRALISED VENUES VAR decision in their loss at Sheffi eld With Tottenham running out of ideas, Three minutes after that miscue, Ings clean through. Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Champions League will resume in two regional hubs in Septem- SPOTLIGHT ber and October with a single match deciding the title in early December, the Asian Football Confederation said yesterday. Salah keeps Liverpool’s record chase on track The continent’s elite club competition, which was sus- AFP However, Henderson later limped off pended in early March because Brighton, United Kingdom with a knee injury that Klopp is con- of the novel coronavirus out- cerned could end his season. “We have to break, will resume first in West make scans but we know it is not nothing, Asia on Sept. 14 and in East Asia urgen Klopp hailed Liverpool’s so that is already enough,” said Klopp. on Oct. 16 at centralised venues desire not to ease up after clinch- Rather than letting the fl oodgates as yet to be confirmed. ing the Premier League title as two open, Brighton showed impressive re- While group matches will be goals from Mohamed Salah kept solve to then take the game to their il- played in full in a round robin play China’s Shanghai Shenhua theJ Reds on course for a record points tal- lustrious visitors. Neco Williams made a format as originally planned, in the opening match in the ly with a 3-1 win at Brighton on Wednes- brilliant block on his fi rst Premier League fixtures in the latter stages of East. day night. start to deny a quick re- the tournament from the round The AFC Cup, the competi- The champions move onto 92 points ply before Alisson Becker saved from Neal of 16 onwards will be single tion for more minor football with three wins from their fi nal four Maupay. knockout matches rather than playing nations in the continent, games enough to break Manchester City’s Brighton got their reward just be- the usual two-legged format. will also resume in centralised record of 100 points from two seasons fore half-time when Trossard connected Qatar’s Duhail are in second venues in East and West Asia ago. “We are champions and it could be sweetly with ’s cross to spot in Group C while Al Sadd starting in late October with softening but it is not - the boys go with halve the defi cit. “I asked them to play that occupy the top position in a one-off final scheduled for everything,” said Klopp. way. The decision making could be better Group D after two rounds. Dec. 12. “We now have 92 points and last sea- but they showed personality to claw back The teams will play among “Notwithstanding the chal- son we had 97! We got fi ve points more into the game,” said Potter. “We tried to themselves on East-West lines lenging times, I am delighted than this last season - that’s unbeliev- play, we went toe-to-toe and there were throughout the tournament that we are seeing more en- able, I have no idea how we did that.” lots of positive performances for us.” until the final between the best couraging progress on the re- Klopp’s men were quick off the mark Dan Burn wasted a huge opportunity team from each region in the turn of many domestic Leagues with two goals in the fi rst eight minutes to bring the hosts level after the break as western hub on Dec. 5. Chinese to the field and with them to end a run of fi ve games without a goal he failed to hit the target with the goal clubs Shanghai SIPG, Shang- comes an expectation that we away from home either side of the coro- gaping. Salah was more clinical when he hai Shenhua and Guangzhou can conclude both the AFC navirus shutdown. Brighton’s desire to headed home Andy Robertson’s corner at Evergrande are yet to play any Champions League and the AFC play out from the back has been one of the the near post for his 19th Premier League group stage match after travel Cup in the coming months,” hallmarks of ’s fi rst season Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (left) vies for the ball with Brighton’s Lamptey during the goal of the season to move within three restrictions were imposed on AFC General Secretary Windsor in charge and the Seagulls look certain to Premier League in Brighton, southern England, on Wednesday. (AFP) of Jamie Vardy in the race for the Golden teams from China, where the John said in a statement. meet their target of staying in the division Boot. virus was first reported. The postponed Asian un- with a nine-point cushion over the bot- football,” added Klopp. “They had a brave Keita’s cross to open the scoring. Two But the Egyptian then missed two big Four matches involving der-19 championship will now tom three. formation and set up but we had a super minutes later the Reds robbed possession chances in stoppage time for his third teams from the United Arab take place in Uzbekistan from But the hosts were twice caught out by solution for that. Our high press was out- again in the Brighton half and after Salah Liverpool hat-trick and to further cut Emirates, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 14-31, while the under-16 Liverpool’s press to leave themselves too standing.” was held up, Jordan Henderson curled Vardy’s lead at the top of the scoring Uzbekistan, Iraq will get the tournament has been resched- much to do despite another promising Salah remained in the hunt for a third home a brilliant shot into the far corner charts as Mat Ryan fl icked his fi rst eff ort western zone back underway, uled for Nov. 25-Dec. 12 in performance. “I saw two very good foot- Golden Boot in as many seasons as a Liv- for a rare goal in an inspirational season over the bar before Salah headed over while Australia’s Perth Glory will Bahrain. ball teams tonight, both trying to play erpool player as he slotted home Naby for the Liverpool captain. with the fi nal touch of the game.