BASEBALL | Page 3 CRICKET | Page 5 Taiwan bucks Don’t write off cancellations Dhoni, he still has with baseball plenty to offer, season says Hussain

Monday, April 13, 2020 FOOTBALL Sha’ban 20, 1441 AH When all this is over, GULF TIMES sport can play a vital role in repairing hearts SPORT Page 2

MOTORSPORT British great Stirling Moss dies at 90 after long illness Moss raced against the likes of five-time champ Fangio; often considered the best racer to have never won a F1 driver’s title

Reuters London, United Kingdom Moss files Born: Sept. 17, 1929 in London tirling Moss, the British Died: April 12, 2020 racing driver who ranked Racing career: 1948 to 1962 as one of the all-time Races entered: 529 (67 in Formula One greats de- Formula One) S 212 spite never winning the world Races won: championship, died yesterday at Formula One Grands Prix won: the age of 90 after a long illness. 16 (24 podiums) “He died as he lived, looking F1 Teams: Mercedez-Benz, wonderful,” his wife Susie told Maserati, Vanwall, Rob Walker the Daily Mail newspaper. Cooper, Lotus, HWM “He simply tired in the end and he just closed his beautiful eyes NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS and that was that.” n Second place in F1 drivers A teammate at Mercedes to Ar- championship four times, third gentine five-times world cham- overall on three other occasions. pion Juan Manuel Fangio, the n First British driver to win Briton survived one of the dead- a home Grand Prix in 1955 at liest eras of motorsport with 16 Aintree. grand prix wins in the 1950s and n Won the 1955 Mille Miglia early 1960s. — Italy’s 1,000-mile endur- In this May 1, 1955, picture, Four times a championship ance race — in a record time British racing driver Stirling runner-up, and also third over- of little over 10 hours, beating Moss is pictured after winning all on three occasions, no other then-Mercedes teammate Juan the Mille Miglia endurance race driver has won as many races Manuel Fangio by nearly 33 in Brescia, Italy. (AFP) without taking the title. minutes. Moss was also the first Briton n Nearly became the first Brit- n Inducted into the Interna- to win his home grand prix, beat- ish driver to win the F1 world tional Motorsports Hall of Fame ing Fangio at Liverpool’s Aintree championship in 1958 but lost in 1990. circuit for Mercedes in 1955, with by one point after sportingly n Knighted for his services to his name becoming a byword for asking Portuguese Grand Prix motor racing in 2000. speed for a generation of fans. stewards to reinstate compa- n Received the FIA gold News of his passing was triot Mike Hawthorn who had medal in 2006 for his outstand- mourned across the world of mo- been disqualified. ing contribution to motorsport, torsport, with Formula One hail- n Awarded the BBC Sports where he joked: “This is the first ing a ‘legend’ and ‘one of the true In this April 2, 2006, picture, former Formula One driver Stirling Moss of Britain sits in a Maserati replica car during the Australian Grand Prix at Personality of the Year in 1961. FIA award I’ve ever won.” greats’. the Albert Park race track in Melbourne. (Reuters) “A prodigious competitor, su- premely talented racer, and con- hailed “a mighty racer and gen- ards to reinstate his disqualified Hawthorn’s one, told Reuters in furd Moss in 2000 for services Miglia, a sportscar race on Italian in late 2016 and spent 134 days in summate gentleman, he leaves tleman”. compatriot at the Portuguese an interview at his home in 2009. to motor racing, the London- public roads, was as memorable. hospital battling a chest infec- an indelible mark of greatness on But for his sense of sportsman- Grand Prix. Moss ended his professional born dentist’s son retired from He covered the last stage, tion. the history of international mo- ship, Moss could have been Brit- “I felt that it was quite wrong career after an accident at Good- all forms of motor racing only in some 83 miles from Cremona He also survived a three-sto- torsport,” said McLaren offering ain’s first ever world champion in and I went and gave evidence on wood in 1962 left him uncon- 2011 when he was 81. to Brescia, at an average speed rey plunge down a lift shaft at their condolences. 1958 instead of Mike Hawthorn. Mike’s behalf and said no way scious for a month and paralysed He regarded the 1961 Monaco of 165.1 miles per hour from a his London home in March 2010, Former racer and television He lost the title by a single should he be disqualified,” Moss, for six months. Grand Prix as his greatest For- standing start. breaking both ankles and four commentator Martin Brundle point that year after asking stew- who won four races that year to Knighted Sir Stirling Crau- mula One race but the 1955 Mille Moss was taken ill in Singapore bones in his feet.

REACTION Hamilton salutes ‘racing legend and comrade’ Moss

AFP London, United Kingdom

orld champion Lewis Hamilton yesterday described WStirling Moss, who has died at the age of 90, as a “racing legend” and a “comrade from a massively different time”. Although Moss never won the Formula One world title, he was regarded as one of motor sport’s greatest drivers, with his 1950s heyday seeing racers compete in a variety of disciplines. The 35-year-old Hamilton, a six-time world champion, be- In this July 17, 1954, picture, Argentinian driver Juan Manuel Fangio came a friend of Moss despite (right) races against Britain’s Stirling Moss at Silverstone. (AFP) the pair’s age difference and con- In this March 21, 2000, picture, Sir Stirling Moss (right) is warned by trasting backgrounds. policeman Alun Evans against speeding out of Buckingham Palace “I’m going to miss our chats, pion Damon Hill saying that was “Today we say goodbye to Sir after the former received his knighthood. (Reuters) your knowledge, your jokes, your a staggering achievement. Stirling Moss, the racing legend,” help, your direction, your infec- “He never won a world cham- reigning champion Hamilton am truly grateful to have had these 1960s, told the BBC: “I think he’s tious smile and seeing you push pionship but he won a lot of rac- In this May 15, 1961, picture, Stirling Moss is pictured after winning the wrote on Instagram. “I certainly special moments with him.” probably the best example of a whatever you drove to the max es, something like a third of all Monaco Grand Prix. (AFP) will miss our conversations. To racing driver there’s ever been. even in your 80s,” tweeted Button. the races he entered. It’s a ridicu- be honest, it was such a unusual ‘EXAMPLE OF A RACING “He walked like a racing driv- “Rest well Stirling. The racing lous statistic, he was legendary.” ian roads at an average speed of of a “true icon, a legend and a pairing, our friendship. DRIVER’ er, he talked like a racing driver, world will not be the same. My Hill, whose late father and 97.96mph (57.85kph) in 10 hours, gentleman”, while Ferrari called “Two people from massively Meanwhile, three-time world he behaved like a racing driver heart goes out to his wonderful two-time F1 world champion seven minutes and 48 seconds, to him a “formidable opponent”. different times and backgrounds champion Jackie Stewart, who should behave.” wife Susie.” Graham competed against Moss, be “one of the all-time great per- Jean Todt, president of motor but we clicked and ultimately came into Grand Prix racing Jenson Button, the 2009 world Moss won 212 of the 529 races reckoned Moss’s victory in the formances of our sport”. sport’s governing FIA, said Moss found that the love for racing we shortly after Moss’s injury-en- champion, hailed Moss who al- he entered across all events, with 1955 Mille Miglia, in which he Mercedes, one of Moss’s was “a true legend in motor sport both shared made us comrades. “I forced retirement in the early ways “drove to the max”. 1996 Formula One world cham- covered 1,000 miles of open Ital- former teams, mourned the loss and he will remain so forever”. Gulf Times 2 Monday, April 13, 2020 SPORT

LOSS SPOTLIGHT Former Chelsea goalkeeper Bonetti dies aged 78 QFA chief reaches out to football community Reuters all-time appearances list Bonetti kept over 200 side after Banks pulled out records at Chelsea, mourned London, United Kingdom behind former defender Ron clean sheets for the club due to food poisoning. his death on Twitter. across the world Harris. over two decades and he also Following his retirement, “Really sad news for eve- “Chelsea Football Club made seven England appear- he was a goalkeeping coach ryone from @ChelseaFC By Sports Reporter ormer Chelsea and is hugely saddened to an- ances. with England, Chelsea, family,” he said. “R.I.P. “The Doha England goalkeeper nounce the passing today He was a back-up - Newcastle United, Fulham Cat”... Legend.” Peter Bonetti has of one of our indisputably keeper to Gordon Banks in and Manchester City. Former England Fdied at the age of 78 all-time great players, Peter the squad that won the 1966 “Our thoughts go out to and television presenter heikh Hamad after a long battle with ill- Bonetti,” the club said in a World Cup but he never the friends and family of Gary Lineker described bin Khalifa bin ness, the Premier League statement. played a match in the tour- former City goalkeeping Bonetti as a “terrific goal- Ahmed al-Tha- club announced yesterday. “Our former goalkeeper nament. coach Peter Bonetti along keeper” for the club. Sni, President of Nicknamed ‘The Cat’ for had been suffering from However, he was blamed with everyone at @Chel- “So sorry to hear that Pe- the Qatar Football Asso- his quick reflexes in goal, long-term illness. All at for the 3-2 quarter-final loss seaFC following sad news ter Bonetti has passed away,” ciation (QFA), has con- Bonetti made 729 appear- Chelsea wish to send our to West Germany at the 1970 of his passing,” Manchester he said. “Got to know him tinued to reach out to the ances for the London club in heartfelt and deepest con- World Cup despite England City said in a tweet. when he was England’s goal- football community at two stints between 1960 and dolences to Peter’s family leading 2-0 in the second Petr Cech, who would go keeping coach and he was a large, sending messages 1979 — second on the club’s and friends.” half. He had come into the on to break some of Bonetti’s delightful bloke.” of solidarity and hope to federations across Asia, Europe and the Americas. COMMENT QFA’s aim to extend crisis with careful man- messages of goodwill agement at individual and comes in light of the ex- collective levels. ceptional circumstances In his messages, the QFA that global football is go- president affirmed the co- ing through in the face of operation, solidarity and the pandemic of the new joint work between QFA coronavirus (Covid-19). and all continental fed- The QFA president said erations in the present sce- When all this is over, Qatar football wishes to nario, especially that “all see football action resume football members are in the across the world as soon same boat in the face of the as possible. He said it was coronavirus”. essential for football com- He expressed confi- munity to reach out to resi- dence in the safety meas- dents around the world. ures taken by the football sport can play a vital He underlined the im- family to face this pan- portance of seeing out the demic.

Sheffield United furlough staff role in repairing hearts on full pay Premier League side Sheffield United on Saturday By Tim Cahill handshakes after games and hugs said they were furloughing some permanent and SC Global Ambassador with mum and dad once it’s over. casual staff but will continue to pay them in full I’ve been involved at a grassroots during their enforced leave. Employees affected level running football academies are those who are unable to perform their regular he world is in a very un- in Australia for eight years and also duties due to the coronavirus shutdown. However, certain place right now. with the Generation Amazing pro- the club insisted it will not resort to using public We don’t know how much gramme in Qatar. It’s been great to money under the British government’s job reten- longer the current situa- see – as we have in so many fields tion scheme to finance the measures. “Sheffield T United Football Club has informed its staff of the tion is going to last, whether it will of sport, industry and media across get worse before it gets better, or the world – the ingenuity in the decision to furlough some employees who are what things will look like when it’s face of such testing times, as so unable to perform their regular day-to-day duties over. I want to start by acknowl- many health, fitness and social re- at this time,” said a club statement. “The club con- edging that people are all hurting in sponsibility programmes go online firms that permanent and casual staff will continue different ways, and some more than to play their part in keeping peo- to be paid in full, despite the challenges of dealing others. There are physical, mental ple connected, active and healthy. with the impact of Covid-19.” and economic impacts being felt all Generation Amazing has been no over the world. different – with its online sessions Man Utd’s Pogba determined to Sport has been front and centre via Instagram. Something I look in my life since I was old enough forward to taking part in soon. return ‘more hungry’ from injury to kick a ball with my brothers and Before this crisis began, I saw the sister in the backyard, but some- confidence that kids get from be- Paul Pogba’s stint on the sidelines has made him thing like this really puts things ing a part of these programmes and more determined to succeed on his return from a into perspective. It’s just not that how much fun they have learning layoff for a foot injury, the Manchester United mid- important right now. People are new skills and making new friends. fielder has said. Pogba’s injury restricted him to eight unwell, scared and stressed, and I think in a post-coronavirus appearances so far this season, but he was primed many have lost loved ones. Kicking world, grassroots sport – whether to return before professional football in England was a ball doesn’t really register next to Former Australian football captain is an SC Global Ambassador. it’s five-a-side at your local oval, in suspended because of the Covid-19 outbreak. “You the life-changing circumstances the playground at recess, or organ- think bad, but I’ve never had something like this in that so many are experiencing. that we don’t hold on to this men- tious. Although different groups at a grassroots level. In the current ised sport on the weekend – will my career, so I always take it in a good way. It makes But although now is the time for tality once we are unrestricted are there to support particular situation we have been made to be- help bring us closer again. me more hungry to come back and do well,” the sport to take a back seat, I want to again and I think that sport has a countries and athletes, when you come physically distant from one I think that for those of us who 27-year-old said in an official club podcast. The France try and think forward to when this role to play here. get to witness history being made, another for our own safety. When end up being fortunate enough international suffered a foot injury in August that he is over. Whether that’s six weeks, One of the greatest powers of like Usain Bolt at the Rio Olym- I take my kids for a run around the to get through this current stage, aggravated by continuing to play. six months, or longer, I think that sport is that it unites us. In par- pics, it feels like the whole world block we have to give a wide berth there are a lot of things we defi- sport is going to be one of the most ticular, big international events comes together as one. I know that to the people we would usually skip nitely won’t be taking for granted Munich looks at host status for important tools we have to help like the Olympics and FIFA World the FIFA World Cup in Qatar is go- around with a smile and a wave. It’s anymore. Like many others, I’m people feel normal again. I don’t Cup bring the world together in a ing to be just like this, and it will be the same at the supermarket and in separated from my parents and postponed Euro 2020 think that it will just be profession- pretty incredible way. I have been coming at a time when we need it. any other public spaces. I have to siblings, who live on the other side al sport, although it will definitely fortunate enough to take part in I’ve been lucky enough to see some say that this feels particularly alien of the world. Thankfully, I’ve been The city of Munich is still waiting to give final ap- have a role. I believe grassroots the 2004 Athens Olympics, four of the stadiums coming together to me. The world just feels a bit less able to keep in close contact with proval as a venue for football’s European Cham- sport is going to be equally im- FIFA World Cups and I am now an and they are preparing to put on a friendly. It’s going to take a con- them and having my wife and kids pionship, which has been postponed by a year to portant in reuniting communities ambassador for the Supreme Com- show that we will remember for a scious effort on our part to close with me every day has been a real 2021. A spokesperson for the city’s sports depart- once the threat of coronavirus has mittee for Delivery & Legacy in long time to come. Whether it’s at- this space between us again once comfort for all of us. I know that ment said that “the further course of action of the passed. Qatar, the organisation responsible tending in person or watching on it’s safe to do so. This is where I’m first game of football back on TV state capital Munich is currently being examined One of the toughest things about for delivering the next World Cup, TV, as the ‘next’ truly global foot- hoping grassroots sport will have a and first kick in the park with my within the city”. The German city was one of the the situation we’re in now is that in 2022. ball event that will likely follow this role to play. kids is going to be priceless. As it 12 venues for Euro 2020, which fell victim to the it has divided us. First, we were As an athlete, you feel such a testing time, the 2022 World Cup As a parent, there’s nothing will for millions of others around coronavirus pandemic and postponed by European divided into countries as borders strong atmosphere at these events is going to be a powerful symbol better than cheering on your kids the world. Although for now we’ve governing body UEFA by 12 months. It was sched- across the world were closed, then of shared celebration. In Russia and an invaluable tool for unity, to- when they play – whether they’re been forced by the circumstances uled to hold group matches featuring Germany cities as movement became re- during the 2018 tournament, the getherness and recovery across the following their dreams to one day to separate and be apart, I really be- against France, Portugal and a play-off winner, as stricted and then in many cases we streets of Moscow were full of fans world. play professionally, or just having lieve that sport is one of the things well as a quarter-final match. According to a Rus- have had to divide into individual from all countries, celebrating to- The second way that I can see fun with their mates. Sport brings that will bring us back together sian official at UEFA, a decision on host cities next households. It’s really important gether. The atmosphere was infec- sport playing an important role is us closer – high fives after goals, again. (SC.qa) year is expected for April 30. The tournament is now scheduled from June 11-July 11, 2021. FIFA indicate third transfer Blast from the past PHOTO OF THE DAY period possible Football governing body FIFA could allow a third With sporting events around transfer window to enable the sport to seek flexible the world grinding to a halt, solutions to the coronavirus pandemic which has Gulf Times Sport dived down put league seasons on hold. James Kitching, direc- the vault for some fantastic, tor of Football Regulatory at FIFA, told Germany’s sometimes offbeat stories broadcaster ARD a third transfer period could be a that can be told through possibility for federations. This would be dealt with pictures. flexibly as long as the current total period for trans- fers of 16 weeks is not extended, he said. At present Argentine sailor Santiago the two transfer periods are a maximum of 12 Lange understands the feeling weeks between seasons and four weeks in the mid- of isolation, having stayed out dle of the season. FIFA last week approved guide- at sea for long periods. Here, lines on players’ contracts and transfer deadlines Lange, who won gold in the to enable league seasons to be extended beyond mixed Nacra 17 category at the June as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. 2016 Rio Olympics after cancer forced him to have 80 percent of one of his lungs removed, Portugal’s Sporting to cut player trains in Lake Garda in Italy. wages by 40 percent “In a boat, you don’t know what’s going to happen before Players at Sporting will have their salaries cut by it’s all over. Nothing is written 40 percent for three months as the club attempts in stone. You don’t know the to mitigate financial losses from the suspension of challenges life will bring you,” games during the coronavirus outbreak, Portuguese he wrote recently in a column. news agency Lusa reported. Lusa also reported (Red Bull Content Pool) Sporting’s board of directors will take a 50 percent pay cut. With the pandemic shutting down global sport on an unprecedented scale, Sporting is the first of Portugal’s three major football clubs to announce the cuts. FIFA has urged clubs worldwide to consider wage reductions in order to protect their finances. FC Porto and Benfica were considering a similar reduc- tion in players’ wages this week, local press reported, but have not yet announced an agreement. Gulf Times Monday, April 13, 2020 3 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Taiwan bucks sports cancellations with new baseball season AFP empty stadiums with fans being Taichung, Taiwan told to stay away. But players are still travelling Goodrum, Duplantier excel at MLB The across the island for fixtures that Show Players League aiwan swung into a new are broadcast live. baseball season yester- On Saturday, Rakuten Mon- The Detroit Tigers’ Niko Saturday’s biggest highlight, as day — with one team keys unveiled robotic manne- Goodrum and the Arizona his Tigers handed Duplantier’s planning to place robot quins and cardboard cut-outs of Diamondbacks’ Jon Duplantier D-backs their only loss on a T took the early edges in their 3-run, walk-off homer, which mannequins in their crowdless fans dressed in home colours and stands — as the island bucked caps at their stadium in northern divisions Saturday by each came off the bat of a virtual the global trend for scrapping Taoyuan county. going 3-1, on the second day Jordy Mercer in the bottom of sports events during the coro- Some of the robots even of the MLB The Show Players the third inning. navirus. banged on drums from the League. Goodrum also beat the Los Despite its proximity and empty stands. The mechanical The online tournament Angeles Angels’ Ty Buttrey trade links with China, Taiwan stand-ins were ready to cheer utilizing the “MLB The Show and the Seattle Mariners’ Carl has so far managed to keep a lid Rakuten against Chinatrust 20” game features one player Edwards Jr. He took his only on the pandemic now sweeping Brothers for what would have from each of the 30 major loss on another walk-off, as the globe. been the first game of the season league teams. The charity the Philadelphia Phillies’ Rhys It enacted travel bans soon on Saturday, but heavy rain led event is helping fill some Hoskins used a sacrifice fly after the virus emerged pub- to its cancellation. Baseball is the time for players and fans to win. Duplantier took down licly and rolled out comprehen- most popular sport in Taiwan with the baseball season shut Hokins, Buttrey and Jesus sive testing, contact tracing and with some 240 games scheduled down indefinitely due to the Luzardo of the Oakland A’s for quarantining. for the coming season. coronavirus pandemic. his three victories. Hoskins Some 100 hundred days into “We are the first pro-baseball All players will square off once and Edwards each went 2-2 the crisis it has fewer than 400 league to start playing in the in a 29-game round robin over on the day, while Luzardo confirmed Covid-19 cases and world” during the pandemic, the the next three weeks. Each and Buttrey finished 1-3. Sony just six deaths with schools, of- league said in a statement. regular-season game lasts Interactive Entertainment fices, restaurants and bars large- “We welcome everyone to fol- three innings. and Major League Baseball, in ly open. low the new 2020 season and to Mannequins and fake masked audience placards are placed at the Taoyuan Baseball stadium before the The top eight players will cooperation with the players Large gatherings like religious relax from their tense lives be- opening match for the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) in Taoyuan on Saturday. (AFP) reach the postseason, which association, will donate festivals have been scrapped. cause of the outbreak.” culminates in a May 2 World $5,000 on behalf of each But yesterday the island’s 31st Unlike so many other places, concerns about the safety of read one post on the baseball been postponed,” read another. Series. The playoffs will utilize player to a Boys and Girls Club baseball season got underway Taiwan’s national basketball those on the field. league’s Facebook page. Others were happy the games a best-of-three format until in his community. A total of with Chinatrust Brothers taking and football leagues have also “How can the players keep “Why are they still holding can go on even in closed stadi- the World Series, which will be $175,000 will be donated, on the Uni-President 7-Eleven continued to play, albeit behind social distancing? What can we the games without audiences? ums. “It’s great we have baseball best-of-five. including the World Series Lions in Taichung. closed doors. do in the event of cluster infec- The US Major League Baseball games to watch,” read one social Goodrum had perhaps prize of $25,000. Reuters The games are being played to Some fans have expressed tions? Please stop this farce,” and even the Olympics have media comment.

FOCUS REPORT NFL likely to scrap PI replay reviews Oilers’ forward Cave Reuters Increasing “defenseless Los Angeles player” protection for kickoff returners or punt returners in possession of the ball before fter further review, they can avoid pending con- video reassessment tact. of pass-interference Banning clock manipulation calls is likely to be by committing multiple dead- dies after emergency Aeliminated by the NFL after a ball fouls. one-year test run. The later recommendation The league’s competition is a response to a tactic em- Cave had played 11 games committee made the recom- ployed by the Tennessee Ti- mendation on Friday. A final tans in their Jan. 4 playoff win with the Oilers this season decision will be made at the over the Patriots. New England owners meeting scheduled for also used the tactic against the and 44 for the Condors May 19-20 in Marina del Rey, New York Jets on Oct 21. brain surgery California. Several other proposed rule The option to have a second changes were made by teams. look at potential pass-inter- The Los Angeles Chargers ference calls was sparked by and Baltimore Ravens want a blown ruling that likely cost to see a “booth umpire” and a the New Orleans Saints a trip “Senior Technology Advisor to to the Super Bowl at the end of the Referee” (STAR) added to the 2018-19 season. officiating crews. Rams cornerback Nickell The Miami Dolphins are re- Robey-Coleman clearly in- questing that the defence be terfered with New Orleans granted the option to have the receiver Tommylee Lewis on a game clock start on the refe- play that would have given the ree’s signal following declined Saints a first down with an op- penalties on the offence in portunity to run out the clock late-half and late-game situ- for a victory. However, no call ations. was made, and Los Angeles The Philadelphia Eagles put went on to win 26-23 in over- forth three recommendations: time. modifying the rules banning The competition committee blindside blocks, making per- also decided not to put forward manent the review of scoring the proposal of a “sky judge,” plays, turnovers negated by a an eighth official who sits in and extra-point at- the press box and can correct tempts, and pushing overtime any obvious missed calls. back to the previous 15-minute Two rule-change proposals length from the current were endorsed by the commit- 10-minute length. tee:

NBA Booker sweeps Ayton in all-Suns 2K final

In this file photo taken on February 26, 2019, Colby Reuters coronavirus-relief charity of Cave of the in action against Los Angeles his choice. the Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Ayton, the 10th seed, trailed Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.(AFP) by only four at halftime of the evin Booker swept first game after hitting a buzz- fellow Phoenix Suns er beater with JaVale McGee. teammate Deandre But Booker was red-hot from Reuters dolences to the family and friends of our his wife Emily, their families and Colby’s DAyton on Saturday 3-point range throughout Los Angeles teammate Colby Cave after his passing countless friends throughout the hockey Blackhawks, Mitchell agree night to claim the title at the the game, hitting 13 of 23 at- earlier this morning,” the Oilers said in world.” Andrews added the following on entry-level deal first-ever NBA 2K Players tempts, and also got 30 points a statement. “Colby was a terrific team- statement: “Colby Cave was beloved as Tournament. from his bench to close it out. dmonton Oilers forward Colby mate with great character, admired and a teammate and friend, as a husband and Defenseman Ian Mitchell has agreed to Booker won the first two In the second game, Booker Cave died Saturday morning, liked everywhere he played. Our thoughts son. The entire an entry-level contract with the Chicago games of a best-of-three final pulled away after halftime, four days after having surgery to and prayers go out to his wife Emily, his extends our deepest condolences to Col- Blackhawks, according to multiple reports series, beating Ayton with- putting the exclamation point remove a colloid cyst that was family and friends at this very difficult by’s wife, Emily, and his entire family, as Saturday. out playing as the Los Angeles on the victory with a three- E According to The Athletic, Mitchell has yet to causing pressure on his brain. He was 25. time.” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman well as to those whose lives he touched in Lakers, who are generally re- point play on a dunk by Paul Cave’s wife, Emily, released a state- and American Hockey League president the Oilers and Bruins organizations and sign the deal but has agreed to a three-year garded as the best team in the Millsap with less than 90 sec- ment confirming the news. and CEO David Andrews also expressed throughout hockey.” contract. The contract will begin in 2019-20 game. Playing as the Houston onds to go. Both finalists swept “It is with great sadness to share the their sympathies. Cave’s agent, Jason Davidson, told if the season resumes after its pause due to Rockets, Booker took the first a member of the Los Angeles news that our Colby Cave passed away “The fam- on Tuesday that there was no the coronavirus pandemic, or in 2020-21 if the game 72-62 from Ayton, who Clippers earlier Saturday in this morning,” the statement said. “I ily mourns the heartbreaking passing of link to the coronavirus and that his client remainder of this season is cancelled. used the Lakers. He won the the semifinals, with Booker (Emily) and both our families are in shock Colby Cave, whose life and hockey career, was not involved in any kind of accident. Mitchell, 21, was a second-round pick by second 74-62 while playing beating Montrezl Harrell and but know our Colby was loved dearly though too short, were inspiringly em- “The most confusing part for every- Chicago in 2017. He spent the last three as the Denver Nuggets against Ayton dispatching Patrick by us, his family and friends, the entire blematic of the best of our game,” Bett- one is that you’re talking about a young, seasons playing at the University of Denver, Ayton’s Milwaukee Bucks. Beverley. hockey community and many more. We man said in a statement Saturday. healthy athlete,” Davidson said. “This totalling 18 goals and 71 assists in 116 games, “Feels good, bro,” Booker Booker played as the Clip- thank everyone for their prayers during “Undrafted but undaunted, Colby was isn’t supposed to happen to people to like including 10 goals and 22 assists in 36 games said afterward. “It was a tal- pers in the first game and this difficult time.” relentless in the pursuit of his hockey Colby.” Cave played 11 games with the this season. He had returned to play his junior ented field. I said from the be- cruised past Harrell, who Emily Cave also wrote “We need a dream with both the Edmonton Oil- Oilers this season and 44 for the Condors. season for the Pioneers with hopes of winning ginning, it was going to be me played as the Rockets, capping miracle” on Instagram Wednesday, one ers and organizations. An The Boston Bruins signed Cave as an a national title, but the NCAA tournament was and Deandre in the champion- the win with a dunk by Har- day after her husband was placed in a earnest and hardworking player, he was undrafted free agent to a three-year entry cancelled due to the pandemic. ship. rell’s virtual character. In the medically induced coma at Sunnybrook admired by his teammates and coaches. level contract in 2015. The Oilers claimed Mitchell, a 5-foot-11, 173-pounder from “... We’ve played in the past, second game, Booker (play- Hospital in Toronto to stop a brain bleed. More important, he was a warm and gen- him on in January 2019. St. Albert, Alberta, is the nephew of Roy and he’s definitely a gamer.” ing as the Toronto Raptors) “On behalf of the Edmonton Oilers erous person who was well-liked by all Cave recorded nine points (four goals, Mitchell, who played three NHL games for the Booker, the fifth seed in the came up with a steal off Harrell hockey club and the , those fortunate enough to know him. five assists) in 67 career games between Minnesota North Stars in 1992-93. 16-player tournament, won (Milwaukee Bucks) with a two- we wanted to express our deepest con- “We send our heartfelt condolences to the Oilers and Bruins. $100,000 to donate to the point lead in the final minute. Gulf Times 4 Monday, April 13, 2020 SPORT

FOCUS CYCLING Froome says horror injury recovery Pichot announces ‘almost complete’ surprise bid for top job at World Rugby ‘THE CURRENT CRISIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE GLOBAL REALIGNMENT OF OUR GAME’

Reuters Sydney

AFP ally well — I’d go as far as say- gustin Pichot will run London ing it’s pretty much complete,” against incumbent Froome told the Team Ineos Bill Beaumont for YouTube channel after taking Athe top job in World our-time Tour de part in a virtual race alongside Rugby this month, the outspo- France champion fellow Tour de France cham- ken former Argentina interna- Chris Froome said pions Geraint Thomas and tional announced in a surprise Fyesterday his recovery Egan Bernal. “I am still doing move yesterday. from the horror crash which some exercises off the bike Pichot, who won 71 caps almost ended his career is to strengthen the right side for the Pumas and has served “pretty much complete”. which was injured, but I’m as a World Rugby vice-chair- The 34-year-old suffered back in normal training again man under former England multiple fractures and spent and that’s going really well.” skipper Beaumont for the months in rehabilitation after Froome is currently in lock- last four years, promised rad- a gust of wind hurtled him into down in the south of France ical change if he was elected a wall at 50 kilometres an hour as he awaits the return of rac- chairman. during a recon at the Criterium ing even though an assault on “It is a critical time and du Dauphine in June last year. a fifth Tour title may have to a critical election,” the He only returned fully to the wait. 45-year-old said in a state- saddle in February at the UAE “I’m staying really busy and ment. Tour which was cut short due obviously I’m doing as much “The current crisis is an to the coronavirus pandemic. training as I can on the turbo opportunity for the global “The recovery is going re- trainer,” added Froome. realignment of our game. We cannot miss it. “It is time to align our glo- SPOTLIGHT bal calendar and our strategic intent to attract the sustain- able investment we need, or risk falling back to individual Leicester’s May to handouts or grants in the ab- sence of a long-term vision for a global game.” join Gloucester at Beaumont had already an- nounced his intention to seek another four-year term and end of season his re-election at the World Rugby board meeting in May AFP to take May back to Kingsholm had been expected to be a London was completed during virus formality. lockdown. If elected, Pichot would be “We’ve been talking to Jon- the first chairman from out- File photo of former Argentina captain Agustin Pichot. (Reuters) ngland wing Jonny ny for a little while, and were side Europe’s Six Nations and May will leave Leices- very close to an agreement be- his candidature is likely to been a critic of players from ter to rejoin Premier- fore the Premiership was post- appeal most to those unions one country, usually in the Springboks’ Steyn to leave Montpellier for Cheetahs Eship rivals Gloucester poned and our discussions had in the southern hemisphere southern hemisphere and at the end of the season. to be put on hold,” Humphreys or outside the traditional most particularly the Pacific South Africa’s two-time Rugby French newspaper Midi Libre The English Premiership said. heartlands of the game. islands, playing test rugby World Cup winner Francois reported Steyn had chosen to season is currently suspended “With the changing land- Many are struggling with for other nations after be- Steyn will join the Cheetahs from return to take up a contract in because of the coronavirus, scape in English rugby and the impact of the corona- ing lured abroad by lucrative Montpellier this summer, the his native South Africa to work but May is due to return to beyond, we very much appre- virus pandemic with USA contracts. South African side announced on his farm in Bloemfentein. Gloucester on July 1. ciated Jonny’s pragmatic ap- Rugby having filed for “It is time to think of a yesterday in a deal which will The French top-flight and the Pro May has scored 30 tries in proach to our discussions.” Chapter 11 bankruptcy and sport where professional also allow him to tend to his 14 seasons have been postponed 44 matches for Leicester since May, who is 30, is England’s Rugby Australia admitting and commercial income is farm. due to the coronavirus pandem- arriving from Gloucester in fifth highest try-scorer, with they face losses of A$120mn becoming a true benefit for Versatile Sprinbgoks back ic with Steyn in his fifth season 2017. 29 in his 56 international ap- ($74.48mn) this year if no all by empowering rugby’s Steyn, 32, who has made 67 with Montpellier. “I’m proud of my time at pearances, and was part of more rugby is played. growth around the world and Test appearances, became the During his time on the Mediter- Leicester Tigers. What an the team which lost the 2019 Pichot was the driving by moving on from the time youngest player to lift the Webb ranean coast Steyn has reached amazing experience to have World Cup final against South force behind the concept of where those benefits were Ellis trophy in 2007 before also a Top 14 final and won the played for such a great club,” Africa in Japan. the Nations Championship, just for a few,” the statement clinching it again last year. second-tier European Challenge May said on Saturday. He said Gloucester were a global league for the top added. “It is time to rede- “We are delighted to announce Cup. “It really has developed my the only team he wanted to 12 test nations which would fine the future of rugby, our that Frans Steyn has signed a He started his career with Dur- game and it’s brought the best join once he decided to leave have allowed other coun- game. It is time to align rug- two-year agreement with the ban-based Sharks before a first File photo of Francois Steyn (right) out in me as a player. I gave 100 Leicester. tries to share in the riches by globally, moving forward Cheetahs, starting on July 1,” spell in France with Racing 92 in action during the French Top per cent every time I put the “I’m grateful to David of European rugby. The plan as one, truly global game not said Cheetahs’ Managing Direc- and two seasons with Japanese 14 match in Montpellier, southern shirt on and I have no regrets.” Humphreys and everyone at was scuppered last year. The falling back as lone unions or tor Harold Verster. side Toshiba Brave Lupus. France. (AFP) Gloucester director of rugby Gloucester who have found a former scrumhalf has also federations.” David Humphreys said the deal way for me to rejoin,” May said.

MOTORSPORT REPORT Renault furloughs ‘vast majority’ Athletes show concern over doping of their team until end of May controls standstill Reuters Three other British-based Reuters the survey also found that London teams — McLaren, Williams London 82% of athletes continue to and Racing Point — have al- train, and that 86% want ready announced they are fur- to return to competition at enault have fur- loughing staff with drivers also n overwhelming some stage this year if it is loughed most of their taking pay cuts. majority of elite safe to do so. British-based Formu- Renault are the first manu- track and field ath- But there was less consen- Rla One race team until facturer-owned team to do so, Aletes are concerned sus over how qualifying for the end of May due to the Cov- however. about the reduction of test- the Olympics should be de- id-19 pandemic, with manage- Team boss Cyril Abiteboul ing for banned substances termined. ment also taking a pay cut, the said it was hard to measure the during the coronavirus pan- While 60% want suc- French carmaker announced eventual impact of the crisis demic, according to results cessful Olympic qualifying on Friday. on the sport, with France and of a survey released on Fri- marks achieved before De- Renault said the engine England in lockdown along day. cember to count, 56% also factory at Viry-Chatillon in with most Grand Prix organis- The Athletics Associa- think this might be unfair France had moved to a part- ing countries. tion, which bills itself as the given that lockdown policies time schedule from April 6 for “We therefore must use all unified voice of professional vary from place to place. a provisional 12 weeks. the measures at our disposal to athletes, said on its Twit- “In terms of Olympic “Renault Sport Racing has get through this prolonged pe- ter feed that of 685 athletes qualification, 81% of ath- decided to retrospectively riod of uncertainty and inac- polled globally, 78% were letes surveyed think that the apply for the Job Retention tivity as best as we can, while concerned about the valid- world rankings system needs Scheme set up by the British protecting the whole team we ity of results due to reduced to be reconsidered,” it says. government,” it said in a state- have built over the past four testing. “These results together ment. “The vast majority of years,” he said. “Further clarity is needed demonstrate the myriad of Enstone staff will effectively The carmaker cancelled its on the confidence that ath- complex issues thrown up have a total shutdown (fur- dividend on Thursday and said letes, and the public, can by the new rankings sys- lough) until May 31st. This will its chairman and interim chief have in the results achieved tem in determining who be reviewed dependent on the executive officer had agreed to during this period,” it says. qualifies for the Olympics, development of the situation.” ciardo and Frenchman Esteban ernment to guarantee a mini- of active staff, including man- pay cuts, to help finance a soli- With the Tokyo 2020 magnified for everyone in- Renault, whose F1 driv- Ocon, said it would top up the mum of 80% of actual salary agement, will be reduced in the darity fund for staff affected by summer Olympic Games volved at this uncertain ers are Australian Daniel Ric- amount allocated by the gov- for all team members. “Salaries same proportions,” it added. the coronavirus crisis. postponed for 12 months, time.”

Monday, April 13, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

CRICKET SPOTLIGHT Kyrgios delivers on food pledge for Don’t write off Dhoni, people going hungry

AFP Sydney

ustralian tennis star he still has plenty to Nick Kyrgios has apparently followed Athrough on a promise to help people going hungry in the coronavirus shutdown, with social media images showing boxes of essential items prepped for delivery. offer, says Hussain The controversial Kyrgios, His mother, Norlaila Kyr- infamously outspoken and gios, posted on Instagram over known for his fiery on-court the weekend a photo of a table ‘What I have seen of Dhoni, I still think he has a huge amount to offer to Indian cricket’ antics, said on Monday he laden with food - including would personally drop food bread, fruit and canned goods on doorsteps after Covid-19 - with the caption “dining AFP restrictions closed down en- room or food distribution cen- New Delhi tire industries, forcing huge tre”. numbers of people out of work Images of Canberra-based across Australia. tennis star’s Instagram stories ormer England captain Nasser People queueing for welfare shared on News Corp web- Hussain has backed veteran Ma- payments across the country sites showed boxes of essen- hendra Singh Dhoni to make an have been likened to scenes tials captioned “deliveries in Finternational comeback despite from the Great Depression. progress”. growing uncertainty over the start of the “Please don’t go to sleep It comes just months after Indian Premier League. with an empty stomach,” Kyr- the 24-year-old led a bush- The 38-year-old Dhoni has not ap- gios, the world number 40, fire relief campaign that raised peared for club or country since playing posted on Instagram Monday. millions of dollars. Kyrgios for India in last year’s 50-over World Cup “Don’t be afraid or embar- gave Aus$200 (US$125) for and the nationwide coronavirus lockdown rassed to send me a private every ace he hit across his is limiting his chances of getting back in message. I will be more than home tennis summer, which the side with the IPL likely to be truncated happy to share whatever I have. ran until the end of the Aus- or cancelled. Even just for a box of noodles, tralian Open. Other players There has been speculation that Dhoni a loaf of bread or milk. I will and Australian Open organis- might retire from international Cricket. drop it off at your doorstep, ers jumped on board the fund- “What I have seen of Dhoni, I still think no questions asked!” he said raising drive, also contributing he has a huge amount to offer to Indian in a post that attracted almost large sums to people affected Cricket,” Hussain told Indian broadcaster 100,000 likes. by the deadly fires. Star Sports on Saturday. “Yes, there have been one or two oc- casions where he has got it wrong in run Bangladesh pacer Sharif retires chases, like that World Cup game against England. But in general, Dhoni is still a re- Bangladesh pacer Mohamed Sharif has retired from all forms of ally good talent.” cricket. Sharif played 10 Tests and nine ODIs for Bangladesh in a Hussain warned that Dhoni was a once- brief international career between 2001 and 2007. He has a total in-a-generation Cricketer that India of 24 international wickets (14 in Tests, 10 in ODIs). would struggle to replace. “Don’t push He, however, boasts of an illustrious career in domestic cricket Dhoni into retirement too early. In the end with 393 scalps in First Class cricket and 185 in List A. only Dhoni knows his mental state, in the “I have decided to quit from all forms of cricket though I feel I end selectors select and players turn up could have played for another two years,” Sharif told Cricbuzz on when asked to,” he added. Saturday. “I do believe that certain individuals “I am looking forward to working with BCB in the coming days if should not just retire into the sunset with- there is a possibility as I want to share the experience that I have out some kind of farewell.” gathered during this long journey,” he said. Dhoni, who gave up Test Cricket in Sharif made his international debut in a match against Zimbabwe 2014, has been busy gardening at home in Bulawayo in April 2001 and later made his Test debut in the during the lockdown, according to an In- same tour. stagram post by his wife. In both matches, he got a wicket each. He continued to be a The opening match of the Twenty20 steady presence in the Bangladesh lineup before injuries caught tournament between the Dhoni-led Chen- up with him in 2002 and 2003. nai Super Kings and holders Mumbai Indi- ans was pushed back to April 15 as sporting events around the world were delayed or postponed because of the COVID-19 pan- TENNIS demic. Former India captain Krishnama- chari Srikkanth said Dhoni’s comeback prospects looked “very, very bleak” if the IPL was cancelled. Montreal WTA event “Because straightaway, in my opinion, K L Rahul will be the wicket keeper-bats- man,” Srikkanth, former chairman of the put off until 2021 national selection committee, said. “He is absolutely fit, he is a legend, he is team first and then the individuals.” and his status as a national hero. He has “Rishabh Pant, I still think he might be brilliant. I am a great fan of Dhoni myself. Dhoni led India to win the inaugural amassed 10,773 runs from 350 ODIs, but AFP WTA reiterates that health and a bit of a doubt, but I believe that Rishabh But the question is for the (T20) World Twenty20 World Cup in 2007. He hit a six his form dipped noticeably at last year’s Montreal safety will always be the top Pant is highly talented. Cup team. So you’ll have to put the Indian to seal the 2011 World Cup final victory 50-over showpiece. priority. We understand this was a difficult decision and we he Montreal WTA look forward to being back in Stokes relives ‘great day’ of Headingley for first time tournament, one of the Montreal in 2021.” key build-up events Tournament director Eu- It has taken him seven months but on Saturday England closing stages. “It’s the first time I’ve watched it ball by ahead of the US Open, gene Lapierre said the decision all-rounder relived his ‘miracle of Heading- ball. It’s always going to be great memories, isn’t it? One T Ben Stokes was axed on Saturday and will was made for them. “At the be- ley’ for the first time, describing the Ashes nailbiter as a of the great days,” he said. not be played until 2021, offi- ginning of the Covid-19 crisis “great day”. “Not just on the field, but the memories we’ll always cials said. we were hoping that the situa- In August last year, Stokes smashed a breathtaking, have together as a group. The changing room is sacred The event, scheduled for tion would be resolved in time undefeated 135 as England beat Australia in the third as a Cricketer and that evening, after this day’s play, was August 7-16, had been in jeop- to be able to host our tourna- Test in Leeds by one wicket. He and bespectacled last just sensational. “We’ll always be able to look back on ardy after Quebec Province ment as initially planned on man Jack Leach put on 76 runs for the final wicket with what happened that day and the memories we created.” requested that all sporting and the calendar. “It is thus with Stokes hitting 74 in that partnership. With his eyes fixed on the video, Stokes shouted “go, go, cultural events be cancelled a heavy heart that we received With no Cricket to fill the live schedules as a result of the go” as his final six of the innings sailed over the head of through August 31 as a means this news, but we understand coronavirus lockdown, British broadcasters turned to Josh Hazlewood. He then shrugged off an lbw appeal of slowing the spread of the that this decision was neces- their archives to replay the dramatic finale of the Test. from off-spinner Nathan Lyon that would have handed coronavirus. sary,” Lapierre said. Sky TV offered fans the chance to see Stokes, captain the game to Australia had it been given. Earlier in the in- “As a result of the meas- “We will be working tire- Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow and Chris Woakes dial in nings, Australia skipper Tim Paine had wasted a review, ures imposed by the Quebec lessly in the coming months via videolink in what the broadcaster described as a a fact not lost on Root on Saturday. “It’s the greatest government prohibiting hold- in order to make next year’s ‘watchalong’. decision of all time if you ask me. You want the world ing events until August 31, the tournament a great celebration Staring at the screen with his fist clamped to his mouth, to swallow you up because you know you’ve made an Rogers Cup in Montreal will during which we will be able to Stokes told fans what was going through his mind in the absolute goober of a mistake. It’s a horrible feeling.” postpone their event to 2021,” celebrate the sport and enjoy said a WTA statement. “The each other’s company.”

FOCUS ‘Women athletes should stay focused on fight for equality’

Reuters King, the 12-time Grand Slam fessional landscape of women’s federation over allegations of New York champion who famously waged hockey is a disaster,” said Coyne gender discrimination and lower a decades-long battle for equal Schofield, an Olympic gold med- wages is already having a posi- pay in professional tennis. allist who played for NWHL’s tive ripple effect. ennis great Billie Jean King said her early goals for Minnesota Whitecaps. “Obviously we’ve been very King on Saturday said women’s tennis were to make “Until we can show young successful over the years on the that despite the myriad sure all girls would have a place girls the dream of growing up to field but more importantly what Tof setbacks facing fe- to compete, that women would be a professional athlete who can we’re doing off the field has been male athletes due to the corona- be valued more for their accom- make a living doing it, our goal so powerful,” she said. virus pandemic, they should not plishments than their looks, and has not been met,” she said. “We are empowering so many lose sight of the need to continue to ensure female athletes earned The formation last year of the other women across the globe to their push for equality. enough to make a living. “Many Professional Women’s Hockey fight to make things better. Speaking on an online panel of these athletes still do not have Players Association is a good “She said some international event titled #WeKeepPlay- the dreams and the opportuni- step that will help the players players are pushing to get better ing hosted by King’s Women’s ties that they deserve,” she said. speak with one voice as they collective bargaining agreements Sports Foundation and Yahoo While strides have been made fight for a sustainable profes- and are starting to see more in- Sports, the American said she toward pay equality in tennis, sional women’s league that pays vestment in the women’s game. hoped to provide comfort and women’s still has living wages, she said. “When you hear about that in- encouragement to the thousands a long way to go, said Kendall U.S. national team soccer vestment, you are seeing the who tuned in to view it. Coyne Schofield, a forward for midfielder Carli Lloyd said her product on the field,” she said. “But I also want them to think the United States women’s na- World Cup-winning squad’s “So we need to continue to do about the future as well,” said tional team. “Right now the pro- ongoing lawsuit against their that for women’s soccer.” Tennis legend Billie Jean King.