FOOTBALL | Page 2 GOLF | Page 5 Ronaldo Varner has no awaited as fears about Serie A gets getting back back training to PGA Tour

Tuesday, May 5, 2020 NBA Ramadan 12, 1441 AH Playoffs without GULF TIMES fans would be kind of epic: Johnson SPORT Page 3

FOOTBALL F1 ‘Draconian’ rules German league hopes to keep teams apart in Austria, says Red Bull boss for restart despite ten has indicated it would not stop DPA Berlin an Austrian Grand Prix at this stage if the sport comes up with a viable concept for preventing ormula One’s plan to fi- coronavirus infections. nally start the season in F1 is even considering a double Austria on July 5 includes header of races without fans in cases of coronavirus Fvery strict guidelines Spielberg. The rules say a world which will limit the risk of coro- championship needs a minimum navirus infection, Red Bull boss of eight races, with the sport’s German Football League reports that out of 1,724 tests, 10 had returned a positive Christian Horner said yesterday. bosses seeing if they can squeeze Red Bull owns the Spielberg track in 18 somehow this year — only result, three of which are already known to involve Bundesliga side Cologne where F1 hopes to get going be- four races less than the original hind closed doors after 10 races schedule which was due to start were postponed or cancelled due in Australia in March. to the pandemic. A new calendar is expected “Of course the screening and soon. However, some paddock testing and the restrictions that insiders are still not convinced are going to be in place are going that racing will start in July, with to be pretty draconian, but if it travel restrictions seen as one allows the sport to start up again, major issue. The Spielberg track I think it will be a blueprint for though has a private airport very other circuits to follow,” Horner close by. Even if developments in told Autosport.com. “I think the Covid-19 outbreak mean July when we do get going again, it’s 5 is too early to start the season, going to be like creating a tight Horner is convinced there will be group of people, probably less races at some point. than 80 people within a team, and they’re all going to have to stay in the same hotel, they’re all going to have to travel together, and they are not going to be able to interface with other teams.” Horner said there would also be rules against interacting with the local community as well, meaning the only time people will come close to each other at a race will be helmeted drivers in their cars on the track. “I think that there are going to be procedures in place that are designed to protect most of the competitors, and also take the necessary precautions for the hosts of these races as well, so it’s not going to be a standard grand prix format by any shape or form,” he added. The Austrian government has begun lifting a lockdown and Red Bull boss Christian Horner. Bundesliga side’s FC Cologne players attend a training session in Cologne, Germany, yesterday. (Reuters)

AFP competition to restart since the season whole population and there is no reason Marcel Halstenberg told broadcaster Berlin was halted in mid-March hinge on the why it should be any different for profes- MDR. regular testing of players. The DFL did sional footballers.” Not all players are following the strict F1 agrees $145mn cap for not specify which clubs the positive tests The league’s plans to resume state that hygiene measures. In a video he posted ermany’s football league insist- came from, but the individuals concerned clubs are able to continue training even if to Facebook yesterday, former Chelsea teams in 2021, says Brawn ed yesterday the mass testing of have immediately been quarantined and a squad member or coach tests positive striker Salomon Kalou greeted Hertha London: Formula One has does for the small teams.” players and backroom staff was the local health authorities informed. for the coronavirus and is quarantined. Berlin teammates and staff with hand- agreed a $145mn budget cap Formula One’s season has yet “providing protection” after 10 The news of the positive tests comes Germany’s top clubs are desperate for the shakes, breaking guidelines to avoid con- for teams next year and will to start, with the first 10 races G continue to try and tighten that postponed or cancelled by the cases of coronavirus across the top two as the league is hoping to get the green season to be completed by June 30 in or- tact and earning the league’s wrath. divisions raised questions about its plans light to resume from Chancellor Angela der to claim a 300mn euros ($325mn) in- “The pictures of Salomon Kalou from for future seasons, manag- Covid-19 pandemic. A major to resume matches this month. Merkel’s federal government tomorrow. stalment of money due from the league’s the Hertha dressing room are absolutely ing director Ross Brawn said rewrite of the technical regula- Yesterday, the German Football League According to the regulations in force in television contract. unacceptable,” the DFL said. Hertha said yesterday. tions has been delayed to 2022, (DFL) reported that out of 1,724 tests, 10 Germany, anyone who has been in con- Thirteen of the 36 clubs in the top two they have suspended Kalou, who apolo- The Briton also told Sky with teams carrying over this had returned a positive result, three of tact with a positive case of coronavirus leagues are reportedly under severe fi- gised for the incident, from training and Sports television after a year’s cars to 2021. which are already known to involve Bun- must observe a 14-day isolation period. nancial pressure due to the pandemic. playing “with immediate effect”. teleconference with teams The budget cap had been desliga side Cologne. Horst Seehofer, Germany’s interior Some politicians also want league games The German league is aware that its and the governing FIA that a set initially at $175mn but some “The tests carried out over the past minister who has responsibility for sport, switched from pay-per-view broadcaster plans are under scrutiny. Anja Stahmann, much fairer prize fund would teams had wanted a more few days have fulfilled their purpose of has said he supports the plans for Bun- Sky to state channels to encourage fans chairwoman of German’s state ministers feature in a new commercial drastic limit closer to $100mn providing additional safety and thus pro- desliga teams to finish its interrupted to stay at home and not gather to watch for sport, called for “the greatest possi- agreement due by the end of to ensure the sport survives the tecting players as best as possible from season. However, yesterday Seehofer’s matches in public places which have a ble transparency” from the DFL. She also this year. crisis. Ferrari, the oldest and infection during team training or match- ministry football would not be allowed subscription. added fuel to the debate about whether “The budget cap initial objec- most successful constructor, es,” the DFL said in a statement. to deviate from the rules for the wider RB Leipzig, who were third in the table the league should resume. tives were a more competitive had opposed any reduction The positive results, around 0.5% of population. behind leaders Bayern Munich when the “In public, people are rightly saying field and I think with the situa- below $145mn. the total, all came from the first batch “Horst Seehofer stands by what he said league halted, are planning to keep their — ‘why should football resume behind tion we have now the sustaina- The cap does not include of tests as the German league prepares — anyone who has been in direct contact squad in semi-quarantine on their train- locked doors yet religious services are bility, the economic sustainabil- drivers’ salaries, with Britain’s to restart matches from the weekend of with a person who has tested positive ing grounds should games resume. still banned?’,” the Bremen-based politi- ity, of Formula One is a priority,” six times world champion Lewis May 16 in empty stadiums and with strict must be quarantined for 14 days,” inte- They will “possibly spend the night cian told Deutschlandfunk radio. “Why said Brawn. “That counts as Hamilton on an estimated hygiene measures. The league’s plans to rior ministry spokesman Steve Alter said. here as well. This is still being discussed,” are the playgrounds closed, but million- much for the big teams as it $35mn a year at Mercedes. become the first major European football “This is a principle that applies to the Leipzig’s German international defender aires are allowed to play football?”

SWIMMING FINA postpones 2021 Fukuoka world championships to May 2022 Reuters swimming event in the Japanese city are will allow for some clarity in planning moves by athletics and football for the “However, we will continue to exert May 31-June 9, 2022. Tokyo May 13-29, 2022. “After liaising with for all concerned.” world championships in Oregon and our utmost efforts to eliminate Cov- Swimming’s new date also avoids any the relevant stakeholders and receiving Lausanne-based FINA had to move women’s European soccer champion- id-19 as early as possible to meet the overlap with the 2022 Commonwealth feedback from them, we have no doubt the championships because the 2021 ship respectively. expectations of the many athletes and Games, due to be held in the British city wimming’s world governing that the decision taken will provide the slot of July 16 to Aug. 1 clashed with the Soichiro Takashima, the mayor of sports fans longing for the opening of of Birmingham from July 27-Aug. 7. body FINA rescheduled the 2021 best possible conditions for all partici- new date for the Tokyo Games, which Fukuoka, said there would be no reduc- our championships, and to make the There had been fears that a clash Fukuoka aquatics world cham- pants at the championships,” said FINA were postponed due to the Covid-19 tion in the competition schedule. “Of event a great success.” would deny British fans the chance to Spionships to May 2022 yester- president Julio Maglione. “At a time pandemic. The switch after consulta- course, due to lingering Covid-19 fears The swimming body said its World see current Olympic and world breast- day to avoid a clash with the postponed of unprecedented uncertainty, FINA tion with broadcasters, athletes and here in Fukuoka City, we still cannot let Masters Championships will also take stroke champion Adam Peaty going for Tokyo Olympics. The new dates for the hopes the announcement of these dates national federations follows similar our guard down,” added the mayor. place across the island of Kyushu from gold at home. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, May 5, 2020 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Spain’s La Liga eyes Ronaldo awaited June restart date AFP Madrid

a Liga announced yester- day it planned to restart as Serie A gets back the Spanish league cam- Lpaign in June after more than two months without games due to the coronavirus pan- demic. Individual training will begin for players this week after the country’s government lifted training amid doubts sport-related measures. “Peo- ple’s health is paramount, so we have a comprehensive protocol to From today, professional safeguard the health of everyone footballers in Spain will undergo ‘The resumption of the championship, for now, is not really discussed’ involved as we work to restart La tests for Covid-19 and will only Liga,” league president Javier Te- be allowed to return to training AFP bas said in the statement. once a negative result is Milan “Circumstances are unprec- produced. (Reuters) edented, but we hope to start playing again in June and finish the desire” of the two clubs to ristiano Ronaldo has been re- our 19/20 season this summer,” play the final “when health and called from Portugal as Serie he added. sporting circumstances allow... A clubs get back to individual From today, professional foot- open to the public and in the Ctraining yesterday after a two- ballers in Spain will undergo tests presence of fans and all those month coronavirus lockdown, but doubts for Covid-19 and will only be al- who wish to attend”. remain over whether the championship lowed to return to training once This would be the first all- can return. a negative result is produced. Basque final in the history of The interior ministry’s go-ahead for A source said Real Madrid were the competition. The match was players to return to club training facili- meeting yesterday to decide on originally scheduled for April 18 ties two weeks ahead of schedule has of- their schedule and are planning in Seville at the Olympic Sta- fered fans hope that the 2019-20 season to return to training this week. dium, known as La Cartuja. No might yet be saved. The government was Capital city rivals Atletico Ma- new date has been fixed. responding after regions that had avoided drid expect to start tests tomor- Even so, the two Basque clubs the worst of the pandemic took matters row with the campaign having said they wanted guarantees into their own hands and gave permission been on hold since March 12 with that “the final will be played as to clubs to open their facilities for players 11 rounds to play. In April, Tebas an official competition and will, to train on their own. said the Spanish top-flight and therefore, be considered an of- But sports minister Vincenzo Spada- second division could start on ficial title.” The RFEF also sup- fora has warned that although individual May 28-29, June 6-7 or June 28- ported that request, saying it will training can resume, training in groups 29 and could be played behind take steps ensure the final was must wait until May 18. And with Italy closed doors. “an official competition at the still in the grip of the pandemic which has Spain’s government continued appropriate time during 2020 or killed nearly 29,000, it is uncertain when to ease lockdown measures relat- 2021 and before the Final of the matches will be able to restart. ed to the illness yesterday which 2020/2021 season.” “Nothing has changed compared to has claimed more than 25,400 The governing body of Euro- what I have always said about football,” lives according to official figures. pean football (UEFA) has said said Spadafora. “Team training will not According to La Liga figures pro- that places in next season’s con- resume before May 18 and the resump- fessional football accounts for tinental club competitions will tion of the championship, for now, is not 1.37% of the country’s GDP and be awarded “on sporting merit”, really discussed.” creates 185,000 jobs. if domestic competitions cannot Spadafora added, as if to confirm his be completed. difficult relationship with professional A mural of Juventus’ star Cristiano Ronaldo is seen outside club’s Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy, yesterday. (Reuters) SPANISH CUP RIVALS WANT Real Sociedad, fourth in La football: “Now excuse me, but I’m re- FANS AT THE FINAL Liga when play was suspended, turning to take care of all the other sports economic impact for a sector which ac- and staff undergo coronavirus tests. Inter Ramsey, all wearing face masks. City ri- Meanwhile, the Spanish football would qualify for the Champions and sports centres (gymnasiums, dance cording to the federation posts a turnover Milan said “first-team players will, on a vals Torino are also cautiously preparing federation (RFEF) expressed its League. But, without a cup final, centres, swimming pools) which must of 4.7bn euros ($5.1bn) and employs more voluntary basis, be able to make use of the to return to training. support for a call yesterday by the last Spanish Europa League reopen as soon as possible.” than 120,000 people. pitches at the Suning Training Centre in “The contagion is still important and the Spanish Cup finalists Real place would probably go to the The Corriere dello Sport daily yes- Clubs from the less affected areas of Appiano Gentile over the coming days for we are not yet out of the problem,” Cairo Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao for team seventh in the table. terday created a front-page photo of the the country have been talking about go- individual activities.” said on the 71th anniversary of the Super- the final to be played with fans in Athletic, 10th in the standings, minister with a dagger about to burst a ing back to training for weeks. Following Champions Juventus have recalled ga tragedy, a plane crash which killed all the ground. have said they are in “deep disa- ball, with the headline “Attack on Calcio”. decisions from local governments, teams their overseas players, including Ron- the members of the legendary ‘Il Grande The clubs said in a joint press greement” with this solution. Officially, all 20 Serie A teams have unan- such as Napoli and Parma have followed aldo, who once back from the Portuguese Torino’ team. “We must be on high alert. release that they had met with Bilbao won the inaugural Span- imously backed a return to competition, the lead of Lazio — who trailed leaders island of Madeira will have to spend two The restart on a day like this is something Luis Rubiales, the president of ish cup in 1903 and have lifted despite reservations from clubs such as Juventus by just a point when play was weeks in quarantine. Juventus began car- symbolic.” The Italian Football Federa- the RFEF, who had agreed to ask the trophy 23 times, second only Brescia and Torino, in the north of Italy, suspended — and set dates this week for rying out medical tests on their players at tion (FIGC) will hold a meeting on May 8 the general assembly on May 8, to Barcelona, but their last tri- which was particularly hard hit. players to train. the club’s J-Medicial centre in Turin yes- which could be decisive, although presi- if the final could be played with umph was in 1984. Real Sociedad Torino president Urbano Cairo con- Sassuolo became the first team to terday, local media reported. dent Gabriele Gravina warned he would open doors. have won the Copa del Rey twice. ceded there were “divergent opinions”. resume individual training yesterday, The first to arrive were Federico- Ber “never sign for the end of the champion- The RFEF immediately re- Bilbao eliminated Barcelona in With the league suspended since March with Bologna set to follow on Tuesday, nardeschi, Juan Cuadrado, Carlo Pin- ships”, which he said would be “the death sponded with a statement of its the quarter-finals while Real So- 9, football authorities point to the severe then Lazio and Roma after their players soglio, Leonardo Bonucci and Aaron of Italian football”. own, saying that it “fully shares ciedad put out Real Madrid.

ROUND-UP LAWSUIT Dutch coach Koeman expected to US women stars to appeal equal pay defeat

AFP been dismissed. However Rapinoe challenged that part of leave hospital after heart problem Los Angeles Speaking on ABC television’s Good the judge’s decision. “The men’s contract Morning America programme yesterday, was never offered to us and certainly not etherlands coach Rapinoe and Morgan voiced dismay at the the same amount of money,” Rapinoe said. Ronald Koeman was egan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan outcome but pledged to fight on. “We were “I think so many women can understand expected to be dis- said the US women’s national just shocked,” Morgan said. “This decision what this feeling is of going into a negotia- Ncharged from hospital team will appeal against defeat was out of left field for us. I think for both tion, knowing equal pay is not on the table, yesterday after being admitted Min their equal pay lawsuit yes- sides it was very unexpected. We will defi- knowing anywhere close to your male coun- with a heart problem, his agent terday, describing the judge’s ruling in the nitely be appealing and moving forward. If terparts is not even on the table.” said. The 57-year-old had two case as “shocking”. In a widely unexpected anyone knows anything about the heart of Rapinoe also said the fact that the women stents insert into blocked arter- decision on Friday, Judge Gary Klausner this team, we are fighters and we will con- had earned more than the US men during ies and is in a stable condition, rejected the US women’s claim of pay dis- tinue to fight together for this.” the period where pay discrimination was agent Rob Jansen said. crimination, finding in favour of the United In dismissing the equal pay claim, Judge alleged was also misleading. In the period He was taken from his home States Soccer Federation. Klausner said the case was unwarranted in question, the women’s team played 111 to hospital in Amsterdam by Although the judge said claims of gender because there was evidence the women had games and earned $24.5mn. ambulance on Sunday after feel- discrimination in areas such as travel, hous- previously turned down an offer in the Col- The men played 87 games and made ing poorly following a morning ing and medical support could proceed to lective Bargaining Agreement negotiations $18.5mn. The men’s figure however would cycle ride. Koeman has been trial, the equal pay part of the lawsuit — the to be paid along the lines of the US men’s likely have been substantially higher had Dutch coach for just over two central plank of the women’s case — had team. they qualified for the 2018 World Cup. years and oversaw the country’s qualification for the European Championship. Koeman, whose playing career biggest European league yet to final were the “only exceptions” included European Cup suc- end its season, just as its neigh- to a ruling that has kept all other Blast from the past PHOTO OF THE DAY cess with both PSV Eindhoven bours in England, Germany, professional sport suspended. and Barcelona, was manager at Italy and Spain consider ways of Porto led reigning champions With sporting events around Everton in England before he was resuming matches. Benfica by one point when the the world grinding to a halt, named coach of his home nation. Paris Saint-Germain were season was suspended with 10 Gulf Times Sport dived down declared champions, with the matches remaining. the vault for some fantastic, FRENCH LEAGUE TO TAKE decision being made after the sometimes offbeat stories OUT 225MN EURO LOAN TO French Prime Minister, Edouard ON-LOAN KEEPER KARIUS that can be told through HELP STRUGGLING CLUBS Philippe, said that the season ENDS BESIKTAS CONTRACT pictures. The French league is to take out a “cannot restart” as a result of Goalkeeper Loris Karius has state-guaranteed loan, believed the pandemic which has killed terminated his contract with Paragliding world record to be worth as much as 225mn almost 25,000 people in the Turkish side Besiktas following holders Horacio Llorens and euros ($246mn), to compensate country. The LFP still hopes to a dispute over unpaid wages, the Veselin Ovcharov combined for lost television income after start next season in late August, on-loan Liverpool goalkeeper for a thrilling journey through the decision to bring a premature when a record new television said. Liverpool loaned German the skies above El Hierro in end to the football season. deal is due to kick in with Span- Karius to Besiktas on a two- the Canary Islands on March The 40 clubs in Ligue 1 and ish group Mediapro. year deal in August 2018 after 2, 2020. The volcanic and Ligue 2 agreed to ask for the paying a world-record fee for mountainous El Hierro, also loan at a general assembly PORTUGUESE CLUBS a goalkeeper when they signed known as Isla del Meridiano, on Monday, the Professional RETURN TO TRAINING Brazilian Alisson. is the second smallest of the Football League (LFP) said in a Players at Portuguese clubs, Karius, who was widely criti- Canary Islands covering 268.71 statement. Sources said the loan including Benfica and Porto, cised for being at fault for two sq km. The island is powered corresponds to the amount of returned to individual training goals when Liverpool lost the by solar and wind power with money lost by clubs in the top yesterday as the Primeira Liga 2018 Champions League final Llorens and Ovcharov using two divisions after broadcast- prepares for a possible restart of to Real Madrid, complained to the thermals to produce a ers Canal Plus and beIN Sports the season during the corona- world soccer’s governing body breathtaking acrobatic display. said they would not release final virus pandemic. Portugal’s top FIFA last year that Besiktas had The duo took off from the payments due for the season, flight has been shut down since not paid him for several months. isolated village of Sabinosa which was ended with 10 rounds mid-March, but the country’s The 26-year-old Karius will on El Hierro and performed of matches unplayed because of Prime Minister, Antonio Costa, now return to Liverpool follow- graceful moves over the the coronavirus pandemic. said last week that the Primeira ing the termination of his deal in majestic volcano craters. France last week became the Liga and the Portuguese Cup Turkey. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 5, 2020 3 SPORT

FOCUS NHL Ex-Canadiens player Laraque hospitalised NBA playoffs without with Covid-19 fans would be kind of epic, says Johnson

‘THE ONLY THING THEY WON’T GET IS THAT JUICE WHEN THEY MAKE A GOOD PLAY’ Reuters in Longueuil, near Montreal, as Los Angeles well as doctors and nurses help- ing people battle the disease around the world. Covid-19 is ormer NHL enforcer caused by the novel coronavirus. Georges Laraque, “You’re putting your health at who is in a Quebec risk just to help me,” he said in a Fhospital after con- self-shot video punctuated with tracting Covid-19, said his coughing fits that showed him condition was steadily im- hooked up to an oxygen tank. proving but that people need- “It’s so crazy because I was ed to take the respiratory dis- running six days a week, 10 kilo- ease seriously. metres a day, to get ready for a In a series of videos posted marathon. I was doing that for over the weekend, the 43-year- months. old Montreal native said he was “Now, after the Covidat- training for a marathon and de- tacked my lungs, I can’t even get livering food to the elderly when up to go brush my teeth without he fell ill. struggling,” said the former Ed- After a few trips to the hospi- monton Oiler, Phoenix Coyote, tal, the asthmatic Laraque said Pittsburgh Penguin and Mon- he was finally able to get tested treal Canadien, who retired from for the disease despite being told the National Hockey League in there was a shortage of tests. 2010. “It’s the worst thing ever. The test came back positive and It takes all my energy just to get he was admitted to the hospital up,” he said. on Thursday, where he devel- He also pushed back against oped pneumonia in both lungs suggestions by some online that and was hit by nightly fevers. he was not really sick. But in the most recent video, “Are you kidding me?” he he said he slept through the said. “They have no idea. This is night without having a fever and serious stuff.” was beginning to feel better. There have been 60,503 Cov- Laraque praised the health- id-19 cases in Canada and almost care workers attending to him 3,800 deaths, according to a tally at Charles-LeMoyne hospital by Johns Hopkins University.

SPOTLIGHT Los Angeles Lakers’ Magic Johnson (right) tries to drive past Chicago Bulls’ Michael Jordan during the 1991 NBA finals. (TNS)

By Arash Markazi rights, and that’s all it took. Johnson played in nine NBA Johnson says he can sympa- Johnson made that irked Jordan. Marks doesn’t rule Los Angeles Times Johnson can only imagine the in- Finals and won five champion- thise. “LeBron and the Lakers “I said, ‘Michael, you bet- tensity if an NBA championship ships, but some of the games he are going for something spe- ter turn into Air Jordan or we’re were on the line. remembers most took place in cial,” he said. “The (Los Angeles) going to blow y’all out,’” John- out Durant’s return here is a good chance “When you’re going for some- empty gyms. Clippers are going for something son said. “Listen man, for the that if the NBA season thing and you get past those first “Players play pick-up games special. Milwaukee is going for next five minutes this man put comes back the games few minutes, you don’t know the with no fans,” Johnson said. something special. You know on a show and all of us had our will be played without difference because your - com “They scrimmage at their facili- those guys are going to come to mouths open. It was just the T most unbelievable thing you’ve fans, and there’s plenty of spec- petitive juices kick in,” Johnson ties without fans. They play in play. Their egos are on the line. ulation about how that may feel said during a recent interview. the summertime without fans. The championship is on the line. ever seen. I’ve never seen any- for the players. “They’re going to play the game We’re already used to playing “The guys sitting on the bench body play like that.” Magic Johnson thinks he that they love and they’re going with no fans. We’ve been doing have to be jumping up, hollering If the NBA finishes the season knows, because he experienced to play it 150% like they do with it our whole lives.” and screaming and giving them within some kind of bubble, with it. the fans in the stands. When the NBA season was some juice, and they’ll do that. teams staying at the same hotel In 1992, the United States’ “The only thing they won’t suspended March 11 because Those guys sitting on that bench property and playing and prac- basketball “Dream Team” held a get is that juice when they make of the Covid-19 pandemic, the are going to be more important tising at connected facilities, it scrimmage in Monte Carlo that a good play or they go on a 12-0 Lakers had a 5 1/2-game lead than they have ever been before could set the stage for some in- came to be known as “The Great- run. There’s nobody there to take atop the Western Conference if there are no fans.” teresting byplay — which no one est Game Nobody Ever Saw.” them to another level. The crowd and were three games behind the Another interesting dynamic: will ever see. It earned a segment in Sun- takes you to another level. If Milwaukee Bucks for the best Without crowd noise, television After the Monte Carlo scrim- day’s Episode 5 of the ESPN doc- you’re down, the Lakers fans are record in the league. viewers likely would hear eve- mage, Johnson recalled that he, umentary The Last Dance, prob- some of the best fans in the NBA LeBron James recently tweet- rything — players talking trash, Jordan and Larry Bird were at a File photo of Kevin Durant (right) of the Golden State Warriors in action ably because Michael Jordan has when they start screaming and ed, “As soon as it’s safe we would coaches yelling instructions and hotel restaurant. “Michael gets during a regular NBA game at Staples Center in Los Angeles. (TNS) called it “The best game I ever hollering. They’ll miss that, but like to finish our season. I’m referees trying to maintain order. up to leave and he pats both of played in” — 10 first-ballot Hall if you think they’re not going to ready and our team is ready. No- For example, the turning point us on the shoulders and says, ‘I of Famers going head to head. perform just because fans aren’t body should be canceling any- in the Monte Carlo scrimmage just want you two to understand Reuters looked like Kevin Durant and On the line were bragging there, no.” thing.” wasn’t a play but a comment there’s a new sheriff in town.’ Los Angeles that’s a good thing.” Durant signed a four-year, $164mn contract to help bol- TRIBUTE rooklyn Nets general ster the Nets, who are aiming manager Sean Marks to be a top-flight Eastern Con- isn’t ruling out Kevin ference contender. BDurant’s return if the Prior to the season, Durant NBA season should resume. expressed to the club’s fans NFL mourns coaching legend Shula Play has been suspended not to expect to see him on the since March 11 due to the coro- court this season. Reuters wife Mary Anne along to his navirus pandemic and that has The 31-year-old Durant is Los Angeles children Dave, Donna, Sharon given Durant nearly two extra a 10-time All-Star and four- and Mike, the Shula family, and months of recuperating time time scoring champ in his 12 the Dolphins organization.” in his recovery from last June’s on-court seasons. The small on Shula, the winnin- Shula’s Dolphins won two ruptured right Achilles ten- forward was NBA MVP in gest coach in NFL his- Super Bowls and appeared in don. 2013-14 as a member of the tory, died yesterday. three others, including the Durant suffered the serious Oklahoma City Thunder. DHe was 90. iconic 1972 team that went un- injury during Game 5 of the Durant has averaged 27.0 “Don Shula was the patriarch defeated. 2019 NBA Finals as a mem- points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.1 of the Miami Dolphins for 50 “Today is a sad day,” Dolphins ber of the Golden State War- assists in 849 career games. He years,” the team said in a state- president Tom Garfinkel said in riors. He signed with the Nets was the No. 2 overall pick by ment. “He brought the winning a statement. “Coach Shula was as a free agent in July. So with the Seattle SuperSonics in the edge to our franchise and put the the rare man who exemplified Durant’s recuperation period 2007 NBA Draft and that fran- Dolphins and the city of Miami true greatness in every aspect of closing in on 11 months and a chise moved to Oklahoma City in the national sports scene. Our his life. He will be so missed by possible resumption date still after a debut season in which deepest thoughts and prayers go so many but his legacy of char- weeks away, the question of Durant won NBA Rookie of the out to Mary Anne along with his acter and excellence will en- a return this season is at least Year honours. The Nets also children Dave, Donna, Sharon, dure. All my best to Mary Anne becoming a plausible scenario. signed guard Kyrie Irving to Anne and Mike.” and the Shula family.” “That’s a $110mn question,” a four-year, $136mn deal last Shula was inducted into the At age 33, Shula was named Marks told Newshub of New summer and he played in just Pro Football Hall of Fame in head coach of the Baltimore Zealand. “In all seriousness, 20 games before undergoing 1997 after more than four dec- Colts in 1963. It was the first of we’ve tried not to talk about season-ending shoulder sur- ades in the NFL, first as a player 33 seasons he spent as an NFL his timeline a lot. gery. The 28-year-old Irving and then a coach. head coach. Shula was hired by “He knows his body better averaged 27.4 points, 6.4 as- “Don Shula will always be re- the Dolphins in 1970 and re- than anybody. Our perform- sists and 5.2 rebounds. membered as one of the great- tired after the 1995 season with ance team and training staff Brooklyn was 30-34 when est coaches and contributors in 328 career wins and 490 games have done a tremendous job the season was postponed and the history of our game,” NFL coached. getting him to this point, but Marks said the organization is commissioner Roger Goodell Only Shula and George Halas I just don’t know how coming preparing for numerous sce- said in a a statement yesterday. have at least 300 career victo- out of this pandemic will af- narios in case of a restart. “He made an extraordinar- ries. fect anybody, let alone Kevin. “Nobody quite knows what ily positive impact on so many Drafted in the ninth round by “When you’ve got enough the new normal will be,” lives. The winningest coach in Cleveland in 1951, Shula played invested in a player like Kevin, Marks, a New Zealander, told NFL history and the only one to In this file photo taken on November 14, 1993, Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula is carried off the field by seven seasons as a defensive we’re never going to push him Newshub. “The new normal lead a team to a perfect season, players after they defeated Philadelphia 19-14. (Reuters) back with the Browns (1951-52), to come back. When the tim- we were predicting a week ago Coach Shula lived an unparal- Colts (1953-56) and Washington ing is right, he’ll be 100% is vastly different to the one leled football life. As a player, the NFL Competition Commit- spired excellence and exempli- and continue to inspire genera- Redskins (1957). He played in 73 when he gets on the court. we’re predicting right now... Hall of Fame coach, and long- tee, he was a remarkable teacher fied integrity. His iconic legacy tions to come. We extend our games and collected 21 inter- “I can tell you this though things are changing so quick- time member and co-chair of and mentor who for decades in- will endure through his family heartfelt sympathy to Don’s ceptions. — before the pandemic, he ly.” Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, May 5, 2020 SPORT

REPORT Virus forces cancellation of Duplantis, Lavillenie settle for tie Japan sumo tournament in garden pole vault challenge AFP Paris

hree of the best pole vaulters of all time went head-to-head in a competition on Sunday from their back gardens, as sport con- T spring sumo tournament was tinued to find new ways of taking place AFP despite the coronavirus pandemic. Tokyo scrapped over a bout-fixing World record holder Armand Duplantis scandal. That was the first and former Olympic champion Renaud cancellation in more than half Lavillenie cleared five metres 36 times in apan’s sumo associa- a century. half an hour, while world champion Sam tion said yesterday it There are usually six tourna- Kendricks managed 26 successful at- would cancel its up- ments across Japan each year, tempts. coming tournament and the association said it J “aims” to hold the July basho The event, livestreamed by World Ath- and aim to hold the following letics on social media and watched by one behind closed doors, as without spectators and would around 150,000 people, saw Lavillenie the country extended a state move the tournament from competing from his home in Clermont- of emergency over the coro- Nagoya in central Japan to Ferrand, France, with Swedish star Du- navirus. Tokyo where sumo wrestlers plantis in Lafayette, Louisiana and Ken- The next sumo “basho” or tour- are based. The outbreak in dricks in Oxford, Mississippi. nament had been scheduled Japan has been smaller than in The 20-year-old Duplantis wanted an to begin on May 24, after or- many countries, with around extra three minutes to decide a winner, ganisers of the nation’s ancient 15,000 cases and 510 deaths but Lavillenie, 33, said he was “done”. sport delayed the event by two confirmed so far, but the “I was really missing the feeling I get weeks over the pandemic. government declared a state competing,” said Frenchman Lavillenie. But chairman Hakkaku said in of emergency in seven regions “It’s crazy but even doing this in my a statement that the associa- about a month ago and later garden, I get the same feeling I’d get at a General view of “The ultimate garden clash”. (Reuters) tion had decided to cancel the expanded it nationwide. major championships. It was very excit- May tournament “in order to A handful of low-ranking ing and I’m very happy to be a part of it. “Ultimate Garden Clashes” in the coming again remotely in Oslo on June 11, with the take place as planned on August 20. secure the health and safety of wrestlers and trainees as well “I’m not going to do it every week, but weeks, with much of the world still under Swede competing at the Bislett Stadium. Duplantis, who set a new world record fans and people involved.” as a stable master have tested I’m happy to do it once a year.” lockdown due to the coronavirus pan- The event replaces the traditional Dia- of 6.18 metres in February, was the fa- The announcement came positive for the virus. Duplantis, who replaced Lavillenie as demic. “This is a brilliant initiative, great mond League competition, and will also vourite to claim the Olympic title this shortly after Prime Minister The spring basho, held in world record holder, let a halfway lead fun and really innovative,” said World feature a world-record attempt by Nor- year before the Tokyo Games were post- Shinzo Abe extended a state of March in Osaka, took place slip with a rare missed effort. Athletics president Sebastian Coe. wegian hurdles star Karsten Warholm. poned until 2021. emergency over the virus until without spectators, with “It was really fun being out there com- “My thanks go to them, their families Earlier this week, the Lausanne Dia- Brazil’s Thiago Braz da Silva is the the end of May. wrestlers surrounded by just a peting against those guys,” he said. “I had and the World Athletics team for bringing mond League meeting organisers said reigning men’s Olympic pole vault cham- It is the first cancellation of handful of judges in the empty really missed competing.” World Athlet- live athletics back during lockdown.” they were looking at “other options” pion after triumphing in front of his home a basho since 2011 when a arena. ics said it would look into holding more Lavillenie and Duplantis will face off after announcing it would not be able to fans in Rio de Janeiro four years ago.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Warriors coach urges players ‘to be Roots of rugby: how smart’ on virus rules

AFP generally supported the restart Tamworth, Australia but their patience has been tested after several Australian players were fined for breach- ew Zealand Warriors ing social distancing rules. 1905 ‘Originals’ forged coach Stephen Kear- Kearney, whose team is bas- ney warned play- ing itself at rural Tamworth, Ners yesterday not to about five hours drive north of squander the chance for Aus- Sydney, said his players were tralia’s National Rugby League ready to resume training after to become one of the first a challenging period. sports in the world to restart “If you look around the from coronavirus shutdown. world at the moment, I don’t All Blacks legend Kearney’s Auckland-based think there’s a sporting com- Warriors arrived in Australia petition that will get up and on Sunday after being granted running — we would be the ‘THE 1905 TOUR STANDS AS ONE OF THE NATION’S DEFINING MOMENTS’ a special exemption to enter first,” he said. the country and train en masse “So in that sense, we do feel AFP ahead of a planned resumption that comes with a huge re- Wellington of the sport. sponsibility on our part and Kearney thanked officials in the boys were made pretty Canberra for the opportunity clear about that responsibility n unheralded group and — after a string of quaran- this morning.” of New Zealand rugby tine breaches by high-profile Under plans thrashed out players set sail for Eu- NRL players — urged everyone by the NRL and its broadcast Arope 115 years ago on involved in the competition to partners, the season will be a tour that would revolutionise follow the rules. cut from 25 rounds to 20 — in- the way the game was played and “There’s a lot at stake here, cluding the two already played forge the All Blacks’ formidable we’re not just talking about — with a four-week playoff legacy. one footy club, we’re talking series ending in a Grand Fi- Known in their homeland sim- about the competition,” he nal on October 25. The three- ply as “The Originals”, the team told a video news conference. match State of Origin series was the first to use the All Blacks “You’ve just got to do the between New South Wales and name and set the standards for right thing, it’s not that hard. Queensland, normally played those who followed in the famous We’ve got to be smart, do the mid-season, will shift to No- black jersey. right thing and get our game vember for the first time. In a gruelling tour that kept back up and running.” The NRL has pushed hard to them away from home for eight The NRL hopes to resume restart the league as Australia months, the team won 34 of their on May 28 after the competi- achieved success in curb- 35 matches in Britain, Ireland, tion was suspended on March ing the spread of coronavirus, France and the United States. 24, just two matches into the with the number of new daily Along the way, they amassed season. cases slowing significantly in 243 tries, scoring 976 points and Australian authorities have recent weeks. conceding just 59, attracting huge crowds with the novelty of their pre-match haka and free-flowing play. The team’s success was a No plans to change Lions tour source of immense pride for Kiwis and has been credited with helping dates: SA Rugby develop a distinct national iden- South African Rugby has no revenue hit hard by the global tity, at a time when New Zealand immediate plans to change pandemic.It was reported was still a far-flung British colony. the dates of the British & that while each home union “The 1905 tour stands as one of Irish Lions tour in 2021 but will receive in the region of the nation’s defining moments, as New Zealand captain Dave Gallaher wore this shirt during the original All Blacks tour in 1905. (AFP) says it is conducting scenario 2mn pounds ($2.48mn) for the country isolated in the South planning around a possible the use of their players on the Pacific asserted itself on the world running style in which forwards match, known as the Gil Evans switch due to the coronavirus Lions tour, they can make at stage, proving they were about handled as skilfully as backs, they whistle after the Welsh official, pandemic. least double that by hosting a more than simply frozen lamb,” captured the imaginations of has since been used in the opening “While we continue to look single test at a sold out home British sports historian Tom Weir those who saw them play,” the late game of all nine Rugby World Cup forward to an incredible test stadium. wrote. There was little hype when New Zealand historian Adrienne tournaments. The Test against series and tour against the The Lions tour has a planned the steamship Rimutaka departed Simpson wrote. Wales played in front of 47,000 British & Irish Lions in 2021, July 3 start, with the three Wellington in July 1905 carrying a Legend has it that the moniker All spectators in Cardiff is still consid- and there are no planned tests on consecutive week- cargo of frozen mutton and about Blacks was coined when an admir- ered one of rugby’s great matches. changes, it would be remiss ends from July 24 onwards. 100 passengers, including 27 rug- ing journalist wrote the ball-han- The 3-0 defeat was the All of us not to explore various The dates also clash with by players. The New Zealanders dling team played like they were Blacks’ only loss on tour, although scenarios for a possible date the revised schedule for the were tipped to struggle against “all backs” and a typographical er- New Zealanders still argue Bob change caused by the Cov- Tokyo Olympics, although their more fancied opponents but ror saw an extra “L” added into his Deans scored a legitimate try that id-19 pandemic,” SA Rugby both the Lions and SA Rugby vice-captain Billy Stead detailed copy. But the New Zealand Rugby was incorrectly disallowed. said in a statement yesterday. have previously said they will in his diary how they spent the six- Museum rejects the explanation The match is so revered by rug- A weekend report in The Mir- not move the tour because of week voyage undergoing rigorous pointing to a contemporary news- by aficionados that the jersey worn ror suggested that the tour this. World Rugby will report- training and discussing tactics. paper report that said All Blacks by All Blacks captain Dave Gal- to meet the world champion edly review the use of the The preparation paid dividends was a reference to “their sable and laher sold for a then-world record The All Blacks perform a haka war dance before each game. (AFP) Springboks could be post- July international window in immediately when they thrashed unrelieved costume”. 180,000 pounds (US$225,000) in poned or cancelled to free future years and could move Devon 55-4 in their opening fix- After the tourists accounted for 2015. in Auckland in March 1906. Simpson said the appeal of the up space on the international Lions tours, which happen ture, generating ever-increasing Scotland and Ireland, a crowd of After a Test win over France, the The All Blacks remain paceset- 1905 “Originals” was that they calendar for England, Ireland, every four years in either New interest as the lopsided scorelines up to 70,000 watched them defeat tour wrapped up with two match- ters in the modern era, winning were “a group of ordinary blokes Scotland and Wales to host Zealand, Australia or South continued. “With their new for- England 15-0 at Crystal Palace. es in the United States before the three World Cups and enjoying a — miners, farriers, farmers, boot- fixtures next July and boost Africa, to later in the season. mations and a refreshingly open, The referee’s whistle from that team was given a hero’s welcome Test win rate approaching 80%. makers and bank clerks”. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 5, 2020 5 SPORT

GOLF FOCUS Racing could resume within a week of Varner has no fears green light: BHA chief

AFP Racing has continued be- London hind closed doors in Australia and Hong Kong. “The conditions are differ- ritish racing can re- ent in different places,” said about getting back turn within a week Rust. once the green light is “People cite Hong Kong, Bgiven by the govern- that’s government-owned and ment to ease restrictions im- all the horses are stabled right posed due to the coronavirus next to the racecourses. pandemic, the chief executive “They’re able to make the of the British Horseracing Au- case of continuing the eco- thority said. nomic activity. We have to try on the PGA Tour bus British racing has been sus- harder to make the case.” pended since March 17 with Rust, who is due to stand ‘The economy and everything, if we stop for six months it’s going to be hard to get going’ major events such as the Ep- down at the end of the year, som Derby, originally due to said a resumption would also Reuters take place on June 6, post- ease the burden on the state New York poned. with thousands relying on rac- The suspension came a ing to make a living. few days after the showpiece “Our industry employs arold Varner III is jumps meeting, the four-day 20,000 people in rural econo- getting impatient Cheltenham Festival, attracted mies, most of them just earn- to play professional over 250,000 spectators which ing a basic living - of course Hgolf again, and has no has been heavily criticised. we want some revenue to start qualms about jumping straight Nick Rust said that horses flowing to make sure they’re back into the water when the have remained in training dur- looked after and they’re not a PGA Tour resumes next month ing the lockdown and unlike burden on the national purse,” amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Premier League footballers do he said. While some players have ex- not require several weeks of Rust acknowledges a return pressed reticence to commit to preparation before competing would take place behind closed competing again until they know once restrictions are eased. doors but defended the deci- details of the tour’s plan to test Late May has been floated as sion to allow massive crowds for the novel coronavirus, Varner a possibility for the resump- to attend Cheltenham. is not among them. tion. “That week Crufts (the fa- The PGA Tour is scheduled to “We can be one of the first to mous dog show) took place in- restart without spectators with go,” Rust told the BBC. doors, millions of people still the Charles Schwab Challenge “We don’t want to make the went on the Tube each day in in Fort Worth, Texas from June case ahead of public opinion. London, Liverpool’s European 11-14. We’re saying we’re ready when football match (with Atletico It will be among the first pro- you’re ready, when the public Madrid) took place,” he said. fessional sporting bodies in the health advice is ready. “Goodness knows how dif- United States to resume after “We don’t have Premier ficult it is to manage the curve shutting down on March 12. League footballers training for whilst trying to balance the “Someone’s got to start some- six weeks in our sport - our public and economic situa- where or we’re going to put our- equine and human athletes are tion. selves in a hole we can’t get out ready to go within a week to “I’m sure the government’s of,” Varner said in a telephone help bring live sport back.” advisors will look back and interview with Reuters, referring Rust rejected criticism from there are some areas they to the general economy rather some trainers that he and the would have done differently than golf specifically. BHA have not been proactive but all we could do genuinely “The economy and every- enough in pushing for an ear- was to keep in touch with gov- thing, if we stop for six months lier return. ernment all the way.” it’s going to be hard to get going. “Pros will be fine but there’s going to be a trickle-down ef- fect. You’re seeing businesses that aren’t making it for two months that we’ve been gone. If we did this for six months it’s going to get everybody.” The tour has said it wants to test all players for coronavirus when it resumes, but has not been specific about its exact plans. In a recent Golf Digest survey British Horseracing Authority chief executive Nick Rust. of 35 players, slightly more than lotte late last year and he has also He’s also found time for tur- players, which it has been spec- at the Genesis Open in Los An- half said they would be prepared bought a 16-acre (six-hectare) key hunting and exchanging ulated it will do to reduce the geles, where he was one stroke to compete only if a comprehen- property nearby for his parents, the occasional text with North chances of anyone contracting from the lead starting the final Women’s Tour of Britain cancelled sive testing plan is in place at with a driving range to boot. Carolina’s most famous son, coronavirus. “I don’t really care. round before finishing 13th. every tournament. “I’ve been hanging out there basketball great Michael Jordan. It wouldn’t be the first time,” “I’ll do whatever it takes to get This year’s edition of cycling’s towards June 2021 for the a lot over this break,” he said. Varner is contracted to wear said the 29-year-old, who won back to playing,” Varner said. Women’s Tour of Britain has next edition of the Women’s HOME DRIVING RANGE “Have got a bundle of toys like Jordan Brand shoes and apparel. the 2016 Australian PGA Cham- “I’ll play everything until the been cancelled due to the Tour, and will not seek to Varner has been keeping busy tractors, plenty of things to do, Now he is ready to get back pionship. new year. That’s what I do. What coronavirus, organisers an- re-arrange the race later in since the tour suspended its sea- an indoor place to hit, every- onto the road, even if has to pull Still seeking his first PGA Tour am I going to do, sit at home? nounced yesterday. 2020,” SweetSpot Group son. The North Carolina native thing you can think of. I’ve been his own clubs if the tour bans victory, he has knocked on the I’ve been sitting home the last The stage race, first run in chairman Hugh Roberts told moved into a new house in Char- practising a decent amount.” caddies from handing them to door a few times, most recently six weeks.” 2014, had been due to take the BBC. place from June 8-13 and was “We recognise the unprec- initially postponed in March edented nature of the current following the outbreak of the global situation and the chal- McIlroy and Johnson to take part in Covid-19 charity event pandemic. But organisers lenges for the UCI calendar SweetSpot have now decided and so wanted to take an Rory McIlroy will team up with Dustin entertainment for those tuning in across sible return of live golf and the opportu- that will kick off on May 9 to aid coronavi- it cannot be run this year and early decision not to look for Johnson to take on American duo Rickie the globe. Dustin and I will have a lot of nity to raise significant funds for those on rus relief efforts. Players including Martin have instead asked the Inter- an alternative 2020 date.” Fowler and Matthew Wolff in a $3 million fun together and our games will fit well as the front lines of the Covid-19 pandemic Kaymer, Joost Luiten, Mike Lorenzo Vera, national Cycling Union (UCI), The UCI is set to release a charity skins match on May 17 as televised we push to raise funds and awareness,” through the TaylorMade Driving Relief Lee Westwood and Bernd Wiesberger world cycling’s governing revised race calendar for this golf returns amid the Covid-19 pandemic, world number one McIlroy said. event,” PGA Tour Commissioner Jay will take part from their own homes in body, for permission to stage season today ahead of an- the PGA Tour said yesterday. All proceeds will go towards Covid-19 Monahan said. tournaments played virtually on some of next year’s edition from June nouncing dates for next year The competition will follow strict social relief efforts, with McIlroy and Johnson The event will be broadcast by the PGA Europe’s most iconic courses. 7-12, 2021. in the months ahead. distancing guidelines and use appropri- playing for the American Nurses Founda- Tour, NBC Sports and Sky Sports PGA The golf calendar has been severely “Following discussions with Britain’s Lizzie Deignan ate testing measures to help protect the tion and Fowler and Wolff playing for the TOUR, NBC Sports and Sky Sports. impacted by the outbreak, with three of stakeholders and sponsors, as became the first cyclist to win health of those involved. CDC Foundation. The European Tour also announced a the sport’s four majors re-scheduled and well as British Cycling and the the Women’s Tour twice when “I hope we can provide some respite and “We’re excited about the safe and respon- series of virtual tournaments on Monday the British Open cancelled. UCI, we have decided to work she won the 2019 edition.

TENNIS Fritz, Rae win glitchy Mario Tennis charity tourney Reuters by over 35,000 people on Facebook feited after her partner Hailey Bieber Thiem, Vonn charity run raises 2.8mn euros Tokyo Gaming but did run into technical struggled to maintain a strong inter- difficulties as the match froze- mid net connection. Tennis player Dominic Thiem covered 54.23 km to win the way through the set. Despite the technical issues - and skiers Lindsey Vonn and women’s race for the second merican tennis player Tay- After a delay, which was filled by brushed off by McEnroe as being Marcel Hirscher were among successive year, while Britain’s lor Fritz and his doubles awkward banter between co-com- “like a rain delay” - tennis fans will 77,000 people to take part in a Michael Taylor captured his partner, Tik Tok person- mentators seven-time Grand Slam have be content with virtual tourna- charity race to raise funds for first title after running 69.92 km ality Addison Rae, won winner John McEnroe and YouTube ments for now. spinal cord research. in the men’s race. “It was a very A The original race was cancelled good endurance session, so it’s the virtual Stay At Home Slam on personality iJustine, the match re- Last week, Rafael Nadal and Andy Sunday as real-life tennis remains started. Murray headlined the Virtual Madrid due to the coronavirus pandem- a very good day for me,” two- on hold because of the coronavirus Mirroring his real-life playing Open, which was also plagued by ic, but runners and wheelchair times French Open runner-up crisis. style, Fritz’s dominant serve was the some technical snafus. users from 104 countries com- Thiem said. The event raised The likes of the Williams sisters, deciding factor as he and Rae ran out “It has been a crazy time but we all peted individually on Sunday, 2.8 million euros ($3.06 million). Japanese stars Naomi Osaka and Kei 6-4 winners to claim the champion- need to have some fun and it is for a using an app to follow their own Nishikori and the recently retired ship and a $1 million donation to the great cause,” said McEnroe. course and local social distanc- KYRGIOS TELLS NADAL: Maria Sharapova competed as their No Kids Hungry charity. The coronavirus pandemic, which ing guidelines. Participants in ‘LET’S DO INSTA’ favourite characters from the world All the players received a $25,000 has infected over 3.4 million globally, the Wings for Life World Run Australian Nick Kyrgios invited of Nintendo to raise money for char- donation to their charity of choice. killing at least 240,000 people, has ran or rolled as far as they could Rafael Nadal to take part in ity. “I was more nervous there than also played havoc with the world’s until being caught by a virtual a cosy video chat on Sunday The professional tennis tours are any of my real tennis matches,” Fritz sporting calendar. “Catcher Car”. despite their stormy on-court closed down until mid-July at the said. The Wimbledon championships “There being a virtual finish relationship. On Sunday, after earliest because of the coronavirus The Williams sisters couldn’t were cancelled for the first time since line instead of a physical one, the BBC had asked for sugges- pandemic, meaning fans and players translate their real-life prowess into World War Two whilst the French I think it just makes it really in- tions as to the most sought-after alike were eager to turn their atten- the virtual world as both lost their Open, originally scheduled to begin clusive for everyone, and easy facetimes, Kyrgios was quick to tion to the tournament played within opening round matches. in May, has been pushed back until for everyone to participate e respond. “Rafa lets do Instagram the Mario Tennis Aces game. Sharapova and partner, model September. ven during this time,” two-time live together. I am down with it. The final, which pitched Fritz and Karlie Kloss, also went out in the first All ATP and WTA tour tourna- Alpine skiing world champion Rafael Nadal let’s do it,” wrote Rae against Nishikori and his part- round whilst Osaka’s match against ments have been cancelled until at Vonn said. Russia’s Nina Zarina the Australian on Instagram. ner, DJ Steve Aoki, was watched live Nishikori and Aoki had to be for- least mid-July. Taylor Fritz

Tuesday, May 5, 2020 GULF TIMES CRICKET

FOCUS SOLUTION COMMENT World Test Issue is not so much C’ship can the teams as the Du Plessis follow crowds: Australia Olympics Sports Minister

IANS “We all know the difference commits to all path, feels Melbourne, Australia in atmosphere ... but in a team sense I’d like to think that we can build some protocols with Tendulkar ustralia Sports Min- the co-operation of the sport ister Richard Colbeck and the players, that’s going to IANS has said the main fac- be extremely important, with New Delhi, India Ator with regards to the appropriate quarantine and bio- three formats World T20 later in the year is security protocols to see if we can whether hosting the T20 World make the competition go ahead.” ‘This time away has made sure that the hunger is still there’ he real challenge for any interna- Cup in empty stadiums would be Besides the World Cup, India’s tional cricketer comes with play- worth it. tour of Australia is slated to begin Reuters ing Test cricket. But with coun- “I’d love to see an Australia- with a T20 tri-series in October Cape Town, South Africa Ttries forced to postpone tours due India Test series this summer and end with a four-match Test to the coronavirus pandemic, questions and I’d really like to be able to see series in December. have been raised on the fate of the inau- the World Cup go ahead. Australia is thinking about ormer South Africa captain gural edition of the World Test Champi- “... the issue is not so much the making travel exemptions for the Faf du Plessis has committed onship. It now looks almost impossible teams as the crowds and that’s Indian team’s tour Down Under to playing for his country in all that the final can be played at Lord’s in probably one of the hurdles we to save the cricket board for the Fthree formats of the game in the England in June 2021. However, the leg- really have to consider and prob- financial loss but Colbeck said 2020-21 season, a boost for a Test side endary Sachin Tendulkar has a solution. ably one that world cricket will they need to be careful in ex- that lacks experience and depth in the Speaking to IANS, Tendulkar, the only look at pretty closely as well,” panding exemptions to other na- batting lineup. cricketer to play 200 Tests — said that a Colbeck told SEN Radio yester- tions for the T20 World Cup. The 35-year-old relinquished the leaf can be taken from the books of the day. “Those conversations are be- captaincy in the limited overs formats to International Olympic Committee (IOC) All cricket has come to a halt ing had, discussions about what Quinton de Kock, and the team will also in how they dealt with shifting the Tokyo amid the Covid-19 pandemic the protocols might look like,” have a new Test skipper for their tour of Olympics to 2021 and still decided to call which has gripped the world. Colbeck said. West Indies, which is still scheduled to it Tokyo 2020. Tendulkar feels some per- The Indian Premier League (IPL) “They will be difficult because start in late July. mutation and combination will need to be has been postponed and there is one of the things that has been a Du Plessis says the lack of cricket due worked out to ensure the inaugural edi- also a question mark on the T20 key part of our success is that we to the Covid-19 pandemic, which has tion is completed without a hiccup. World Cup scheduled in Octo- limited access to Australia from seen the Indian Premier League post- “I think so (need permutations and ber-November. areas where there were signifi- poned, has reignited his desire to stay in In this March 11, 2020, picture, South Africa’s Faf du Plessis takes part in a nets combinations to be worked out). With Colbeck said logistics of host- cant outbreaks of Covid-19 and the international arena. session in Dharamsala, India. (Reuters) regards to the World Test Championship, ing the meet in the post Covid-19 that’s contributed to the low rate He will make himself available for fu- if you see, the Olympics also has been world can be dealt with. of spread we have now.” ture One-Day International series hav- Du Plessis says he will miss the cap- “I want to make sure I can create postponed but it will still be called 2020 ing not featured in the 50-over format taincy but is relishing a role as mentor some sort of value towards that, helping Olympics even though it will be now held since the 2019 World Cup in England. for the new generation of leaders. guys with someone who is there to guide in 2021. We need to figure out a window WARNING “I still love playing for the Proteas. I “I love captaincy, it is a part of who I them and, if they want to, to have some- where you know all these games which still see myself adding huge value,” he am. I have captained since the age of 13. one they can talk to within the team. would have ideally happened at this time, said in an interview released by Cricket I still look at myself as a leader before a “It is a great opportunity for five or how can we accommodate them in the South Africa yesterday. player, so I enjoy that more than any- six guys to come together and create a future and yet continue with this cham- Hundred delay will “I am extremely motivated and keen thing else. leadership group in the Proteas that will pionship. to play in all three formats. This time “I will always miss it, but I do think drive the culture for the next four or five “To start afresh would be a big thing. away from the game has made sure that that the time has come for me to move years.” And if you have started something, it rob women’s game of the hunger is still there for me and that on to a position of growing other lead- Du Plessis won 18 of his 36 Tests as needs to be completed in the best and is a big thing for players, to really still ers, something that I feel is lacking in captain since taking over the role from fairest manner where we are able to ac- love what you do.” our system. AB de Villiers in 2016. commodate all the remaining matches momentum: Edwards and give everyone a fair chance. We could Reuters “Obviously it’s the right decision extend the time limit a bit because these London, United Kingdom but it was such an important year tours also aren’t cancelled totally, they for women’s cricket on the back of Australia’s Labuschagne wants to flourish across formats have been postponed. So, along with the the hugely successful World Cup tours, the championship also gets post- omen’s cricket risks in Australia, where nearly 90,000 Reuters might be too many other poned,” he explained. losing momentum people watched the game. Melbourne, Australia opportunities but, for me, Another debate in recent times has after the launch of “We just really felt the mo- it’s about scoring runs in been on whether players should be picked The Hundred com- mentum was with the women’s one-day and Test cricket W on the basis of age or fitness. With the fit- petition was postponed until game and we were also going to ustralia’s Marnus and if I get opportunities ness level of players across the world get- next year due to the Covid-19 introduce contracts this summer Labuschagne down the road then make ting better, it is often questioned if sen- pandemic, former England cap- for 40 professional cricketers, Awants to enhance sure I take them.” iors are blocking the way for youngsters to tain Charlotte Edwards said. and it’s all been put on hold at the his power-hitting ability in Labuschagne knows break into the scene and establish them- The women’s Twenty20 World moment,” the 40-year-old said. one-day internationals as he opponents will be bet- selves on the international stage. Cup in Australia proved a mas- For several uncontracted fe- seeks to establish himself ter prepared against him In fact, even in the Indian team, there sive success this year with an male cricketers in England, the as an all-format player, the when international cricket have been questions on whether a young 86,000-plus crowd watching the new league was to be their only 25-year-old said yesterday. resumes after the Covid-19 Rishabh Pant should get a longer rope or hosts beat India in the March 8 source of income this year. Labuschagne has been a shutdown and the right- whether Wriddhiman Saha should don final in Melbourne. “A lot of players were hoping revelation in Test cricket hander is preparing for that the wicket-keeping gloves in Tests. While The global health crisis has to have contracts for the Hun- since stepping up as Steve challenge. Tendulkar doesn’t wish to get into selec- since halted professional crick- dred, which were quite lucrative Smith’s concussion substi- “Once you’ve played that tion policies, he says that fitness should et and the England and Wales for some of them, and everyone’s tute at Lord’s in last year’s of his birth in March. to continue to improve at.” initial season in any format, be the criteria, not age. Cricket Board (ECB) last week going to miss out which is so un- Ashes series in England. “There’s heaps to improve Australia’s chairman of people start knowing you “Whoever is good should be given a go. decided to postpone The Hun- fortunate and at such an impor- In the subsequent series on, that’s for sure,” the top selectors Trevor Hohns has and knowing how you play, It is not about a youngster or such things. dred, which was scheduled to tant time for women’s cricket,” against Pakistan and New order batsman said in a said they do not want to so they come back more If Saha is fit and fit enough to deliver, he begin in mid-July. Edwards said. Zealand, the right-hander video conference. “overburden” Labuschagne rehearsed, more researched should be given a go. Similarly, if Pant is The innovative franchise- The ECB still plans to award smashed four centuries “Personally, in one-day at this stage with another and they understand your fit, he should be....let the team manage- based league includes an Ameri- 40 new full-time contracts at in five Tests, including a cricket, an area I want to format but the batsman har- game a lot better,” he said. ment decide. I am not saying Saha should can sports-style draft and fea- some stage as part of a plan to maiden double hundred in continue to get better at is bours Twenty20 dreams. “For me it’s about making be ahead of Pant or Pant should be ahead tures eight city-based men’s and invest 20mn pound ($24.9mn) in Sydney earlier this year. that later stages in the in- “By no means do I want to sure I understand what of Saha. Let the team management decide women’s teams with names such the women’s game. The South Africa-born nings, the boundary options limit myself to those two they’re going to do, and that. as London Spirit, Manchester “We have been guaranteed batsman made his one-day at the back-end of a one-day formats, I definitely have the also understand where “If someone is fit, age criteria shouldn’t Originals and Trent Rockets. that the ECB will still go ahead debut in India earlier this game. ambition to play T20 cricket my weaknesses and my come into play. So, to cut my answer “There are so many mixed with their 20mn pound invest- year and smashed his “Batting at four in that one- for Australia,” Labuschagne strengths are and then short, if someone is fit, age criteria should emotions really,” Edwards, who ment into the women’s game, maiden century in this day lineup, that’s definitely said. continue to improve both not come into play and the team manage- led England to Twenty20 and which is something that is obvi- format against the country something I’m going to need “...it doesn’t look like there those areas.” ment should decide whoever needs to one-day World Cup titles in ously keeping us all going at the play,” he pointed. 2009, told BBC World Service. moment,” Edwards said.

SPOTLIGHT India bowler Shami considered suicide before comeback AFP New Delhi, India

ndia fast bowler Mohamed Shami has revealed how he thought of committing suicide while strug- Igling with personal problems be- fore making a spectacular comeback to the national side. Shami battled weight issues, injury and a legal quarrel with his estranged wife before a stellar performance at the World Cup last year re-established the 29-year-old as a key player. With cricket and sports halted in the coronavirus lockdown, Shami opened up about his own and his family’s fears Indian fast bowler Mohamed Shami (also right). to teammate Rohit Sharma during an exchange on Instagram. the sidelines, leading to weight gain. He at the 50-over World Cup. He took “I think if my family had not sup- said his family and friends helped him 14 wickets in four games including a ported me back then I would have lost bounce back. match-winning hat-trick. my cricket. I thought of committing “My two or three friends used to stay Shami has claimed 180 wickets in 49 suicide three times during that period with me for 24 hours (during my days Tests and 144 scalps in 77 one-day in- due to severe stress,” said Shami. of depression). My parents asked me ternationals since making his debut for “I was not thinking about cricket at to focus on cricket to recover from that India in 2013. all. We were living on the 24th floor. phase and not think about anything Last year Shami led the pace pack They were scared I might jump from else,” he said. in the absence of yorker king Jasprit the balcony.” “I started training then and sweated Bumrah and claimed 13 wickets during Shami’s contract with the Board of it out a lot at an academy in Dehradun. India’s 3-0 home Test sweep of South Control for Cricket in India was with- “Then my family explained that Africa. held in 2018 because of allegations of every problem has a solution no matter Skipper Virat Kohli heaped praise on domestic violence, only to be reinstated how big the problem. My brother sup- the fast bowler, saying, “he is some- later. ported me a lot.” one who can change the complexion of The bowler also struggled with inju- A lean and hungry Shami made a the match totally when you don’t see it ry that saw him spend nearly a year on strong comeback in the Indian team coming”.