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Friday, June 26, 2020 ATHLETICS Dhul Qa’da 5, 1441 AH Pandemic has underlined GULF TIMES the importance of caring for one another: Dahlan SPORT Page 6

HORSE RACING Minister of Culture and Sports meets WADA President Khalid Rashid al-Mohannadi’s Honey Cake wins at ParisLongchamp

Agencies Paris, France

n the colours of Khalid Rashid al- Mohannadi, Honey Cake netted the Isecond win of her young career at ParisLongchamp in the Prix de la Tour Saint-Jacques, a Class 2 race over seven feet for three-year-olds. In the hands of Olivier Peslier, bay fi lly was smartly away and was keen in the early stages. Initially, Peslier looked to try to settle her in second, but she proved too free and so he let her go on into the lead. Olivier Peslier (left) rides Honey Cake to Prix de la Tour Saint-Jacques victory at The Henri Alex Pantall-trained fi lly ParisLongchamp yesterday. (Scoopdyga) set a smart pace and once on the fi nal straight, she came under pressure from Sang’s Racing Glory was a further half- Stakes races over a mile where she was Peslier, pulling clear of her rivals before a-length behind the two fi llies. The F. unable to fi nd a place. The drop back to HE the Minister of Culture and Sports Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali met with President of the World Anti- they had begun the chase. Chappet-trained bay colt was ridden by 1,400m yesterday seemed to suit her. Doping Agency (WADA) Witold Banka via video conferencing yesterday. During the meeting, which was attended She stayed on bravely and just held Stephane Pasquier. She is from the family of Dohaa Dream, by a number of advisers and directors at the Ministry of Culture and Sports, they discussed ways of co-operation off a very strong fi nish from Maxime Honey Cake was a winner at Deau- the Prix Chaudenay (Group 2) winner for between the two sides, in addition to a number of common issues, future plans and current challenges. Guyon-ridden Femina, trained by C. ville as a two-year-old. She had two Al Shaqab Racing. She was bought at the Laff on-Parias. Ecurie Normandie Pur starts earlier this year and both were in Arqana Breeze-up as a two-year-old.

FOCUS FOOTBALL Qatar youth Liverpool win Premier team to organise camp for AFC U-19 Cup Finals League to end 30-year QNA Doha Chelsea beat Man City 2-1 at atar youth football team will organise a camp Stamford Bridge as Klopp’s men to prepare for the AFC U-19 Cup fi nals start- Qing today until July 27. seal the club’s 19th league title The team players will be subject to medi- title drought cal tests and precautionary measures according to the medical protocol approved between the Qatar Football AFP has earned his place alongside Liv- Association and the Ministry of Public Health. Liverpool, United Kingdom erpool’s iconic former managers The squad included players: Mustafa Tariq Mashaal, Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley and Kenny Karim Haider, Youssef Abdullah Blida, Abdullah Badr Dalglish. al-Yazidi, Talal Ibrahim Faraj, Faisal Mohamed, Abdul- iverpool were crowned Pre- When Dalglish led Liverpool to the rahman Masoud al-Nuaimi (Al Sadd), Abdulrahman mier League champions title in 1990, the prize Shankly once al-Hassan al-Abdulrahman, Mustafa Essam Shawqi, Lwithout kicking a ball yes- described as the club’s “bread and Mohamed Mansour Musa, Saif al-Din Hassan, Shal- terday as Chelsea’s 2-1 win butter” was almost taken for granted ban Abdel Nasser, Abdullah Sir al-Khatem (Al Ghara- over Manchester City ended the after two decades of dominance. fa), Mohamed Imad Ayyash, Diab Haroun Taha, Jassim Reds’ 30-year wait to win the Eng- Following years of undera- Mohamed al-Muhairi, Lutfi Majer, Ali Mohamed (Al lish title. chievement, Klopp has brought his Duhail), Jassim Jaber Abdul Salam, Abdullah Issa al- Jurgen Klopp’s men sealed a unique style and major trophies Sulaiti, Abdulrahman Bilal al-Sadiq, Faisal Yusef al- 19th league title for the club with a back to Liverpool. Obaidli (Al Arabi), Mustafa Essam Abu Ali, Al-Makki record seven games left to play af- They won the Champions Mohsen, Naif Abdul Rahim al-Hadrami (Al Rayyan), ter second-placed City’s defeat left League last season, when they beat Osama Abdul Karim al-Tairi, Ali Nasser al-Marri, Mo- them 23 points adrift. Tottenham in the fi nal, 12 months hamed Abdel Fattah Siraj (Muaither), Hadi Ali and Ab- Liverpool had moved within two after losing to Real Madrid at the dullah Mahmoud Awad (Al Sailiya), Mohamed Abdel points of the title with a 4-0 dem- same stage of the competition. Wahab (Al Khor), and Jassim Mohamed al-Sharshni olition of Crystal Palace at Anfi eld Liverpool were pipped to the ti- (Al Ahly). on Wednesday. tle by Manchester City on the fi nal The preparation camp comes within the framework Their 28th win in 31 league games day of last season, fi nishing with of the Qatari youth team’s preparations for the AFC this season prompted Liverpool star a record 97 points for top-fl ight U-19 Cup, which will be held in Uzbekistan from Oc- Mohamed Salah to declare “now is runners-up. tober 14 to 31, 2020, and as the team will play in Group our time to win the league” and 24 But with Salah, Sadio Mane and D alongside the teams of Tajikistan, Malaysia and hours later his wish was granted. Roberto Firmino forming a formi- Yemen. Liverpool got the favour they dable front three, Jordan Hender- wanted from Chelsea at Stamford son a tireless presence in midfi eld Bridge. and Virgil van Dijk imperious at the Willian’s 78th minute penalty, A Liverpool fan (centre) poses with the banners and cut-outs of manager Jurgen Klopp and the players she put back, Liverpool have left City trail- Qatar Stars League awarded for a handball by Fern- outside her home in anticipation of the club’s Premier League title victory on Thursday. (AFP) ing in their wake this season. andinho, ended City’s two-year It was fi tting that Liverpool continues to meet coaches reign as champions after Kevin De lish record haul of 20, are on course saved one of their most eye-catch- Bruyne had cancelled out Christian to beat Manchester City’s record ing performances for the week the QNA Pulisic’s opener. points total of 100 set in 2017/18. title was won. Doha Liverpool have clinched the ti- Klopp’s men could smash the After destroying Palace, Klopp tle earlier than any other Premier record for the biggest winning said: “Imagine if the stadium could League champions, breaking the margin, set by City when they fi n- have been full and people could s part of arrangements being made ahead of previous record of fi ve games left ished 19 points clear at the top in have experienced that live. It would Athe resumption of 2019-20 season QNB Stars shared by City and Manchester that same season. have been amazing. League, the Qatar Stars League (QSL) kept United. They are also within touching “This game will last a while in my meeting the clubs coaches. It has been an agonising wait for distance of the most victories in mind, this is what we want to be. Executive Director of Competitions and Football Liverpool fans across the world, a Premier League season — 32 by We cannot play like other teams, Development at the QSL Ahmed Khellil Abbassi with the coronavirus hiatus forcing City in 2017/18 and 2018/19. but we can play pretty good stuff .” held a meeting with coaches of Al Sadd, Al Gharafa, them to put the champagne on ice Klopp’s frustration that match- Qatar SC and Al Wakrah clubs at their team hotel after the Premier League was sus- WE CAN PLAY PRETTY GOOD es are being played behind closed yesterday. He also met coaches of Al Khor, Al pended in March with Klopp’s team Manchester City players (in yellow and orange) appear dejected after Klopp, the fi rst German manager to doors at present will fade in time. Rayyan, Al Duhail and Al Arabi clubs. two wins from the title. Chelsea scored their second goal during the match yesterday. (Reuters) win the Premier League, has been It will be the memories left by During the meetings, all steps related to the second The three-month delay was a the architect of Liverpool’s ren- his transcendent team that linger phase of general protocol were explained in terms fi nal obstacle on Liverpool’s long massive spending of Manchester season defeat against Chelsea. aissance since the former Borussia longest. of training and precautionary measures. road back to the pinnacle of English City and Chelsea. But Klopp’s team are deserved Dortmund boss arrived at Anfi eld Historians on the Kop will sure- It may be noted that these were the continuation football. Then managed by Brendan Rodg- champions after an incredible in 2015. ly rank this Liverpool side, also of a series of meetings being held ahead of the Liverpool spent years in the ers, they infamously squandered a campaign that could end in record- Infusing his players with a be- crowned Club World champions in start of second phase. Meetings with coaches of shadow of arch-rivals Manchester golden opportunity to win the title breaking style. lief in his “heavy metal” football December, alongside the 1979 and Al Shahania, Al Sailiya, Umm Salal and Al Ahli were United during the Alex Ferguson in 2014 when Reds Steven Liverpool, who are now one title and high-tempo “gegen-pressing” 1988 vintages as one of the greatest held earlier. era before being left behind by the Gerrard made his costly slip in a late- behind Manchester United’s Eng- game-plan, the charismatic Klopp to wear the famous red shirt. Gulf Times 2 Friday, June 26, 2020 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT SERIE A Qatar Airways announces sponsorship Leaders Juve host troubled Lecce today of AS Roma women’s football team verse] opinions.” DPA Rome Sarri, who came un- By Sports Reporter porate Communications, Salam demic has caused unprecedented der fi re for the previous Doha al-Shawa, said: “We are thrilled challenges for the entire football dull showings, has is- to welcome the AS Roma Wom- community; however, we at AS aurizio sues in defence as full- en team to the Qatar Airways Roma continue working eff ort- Sarri’s Ju- backs Alex Sandro and atar Airways is de- football family and look forward lessly in support of our teams.” Mventus re- Mattia De Sciglio are lighted to announce to seeing the players proudly Qatar Airways has developed turned to injured and Danilo sus- Qthat it is the new Main sporting our logo on their shirts. a wide range of global sports action in dull fashion pended. Global Partner of AS Women’s sport has experienced sponsorships, supporting top- after the coronavirus He could, however, Roma Women’s Team for season unprecedented growth in view- level sporting events and some lockdown, but extend- welcome back Gonzalo 2020-21. ership, attendance and fan fol- of the world’s biggest football ed their lead thanks to Higuain in the attack This development sees the lowing in recent years and we are clubs. As offi cial FIFA partner, a slip up from chasers Lazio, now manned by Cristiano Ronaldo ‘World’s Best Airline’ extend its excited at the opportunities this Qatar Airways recently spon- sitting four points adrift. and Paulo Dybala, who were both partnership with AS Roma to partnership presents the airline.” sored the FIFA Club World Cup The Turin champions lead on on target in Bologna. also include the women’s team. Club in Qatar and the Belgian are proud of our diverse portfo- AS Roma CEO Guido Fienga Qatar 2019 and the FIFA Wom- 66 points when they host trou- Atalanta (54) are fourth, fi ll- Qatar Airways’ extensive football club K.A.S. Eupen. lio of global sport sponsorships added: “We are honoured to ex- en’s World Cup France 2019 bled Lecce today, a day before ing the last Champions League sponsorship portfolio currently Qatar Airways Group Chief and are totally committed to tend our partnership with Qa- and will sponsor the FIFA Club Lazio welcome Fiorentina in place while boasting the league’s includes the men’s and women’s Executive HE Akbar al-Baker, supporting the women’s game, tar Airways, and thank them for World Cup 2020 edition ahead matchday 28. deadliest attack on 77 goals. teams of both Boca Juniors in said: “Qatar Airways is de- refl ecting our belief in the power their dedication in supporting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar The title-holders won 2-0 at The Bergamo side will be at Argentina and Paris Saint-Ger- lighted to sponsor the AS Roma that sport has in bringing people women’s football. We are proud to 2022. Qatar Airways is also part- Bologna, while the Romans lost lowly Udinese on Sunday, when main. The airline is also proud Women team as we see women’s together.” reach such a signifi cant milestone ner of CONMEBOL, the govern- 3-2 at Atalanta in mid-week, sixth-place Napoli play at home to partner with German club FC football going from strength to Qatar Airways Senior Vice with Qatar Airways during this ing body for football in South taking an early two-goal lead to struggling SPAL. Bayern München, Al Sadd Sports strength around the world. We President Marketing and Cor- diffi cult time. The current pan- America. only to suff er from a spectacular Third-place Inter Milan (58) comeback, which ended a run of visit Parma after Sassuolo held 21 unbeaten games. them to a pulsating 3-3 draw. FOCUS Most Juve players enjoyed suf- “If we squander these points we fi cient marks after two stuttering should look at each other in the scoreless showings in the Italian eyes and try to understand why Cup, which included a loss on we lost them in a silly way,” Inter penalties in the fi nal with Napoli coach Antonio Conte said. “Scor- last week. ing four minutes from time and “We were better physically,” then conceding an equaliser...” Juve coach Sarri said after the AC Milan and Roma open the Bologna win. “We played 70 Sunday programme, with heat Australia and New minutes with intensity, with a a possible issue. Sampdoria v good pace and good momentum, Bologna and Sassuolo v Verona losing part of our brilliance only complete the round. in the last 20 minutes. Bottom side Brescia entertain “In these days I told the boys Genoa today, before Cagliari Zealand to host we should not be touched by [ad- welcome Torino. FIFA approves $1.5bn coronavirus relief fund for world football

FIFA is to make available $1.5bn in grants and loans as a relief fund to help associations impacted by the coronavirus, world football’s governing body announced yesterday. Gianni Infantino, the FIFA 2023 women’s WC president, said there would be “strict controls” on how the money is spent. All 211 member associations will be entitled to a “basic Joint proposal will see games played in 13 venues across 12 cities in July-August 2023 solidarity grant” of $1mn each as well as $500,000 which must be invested in women’s football. In addition, member associations AFP can also apply for a Covid-19 relief loan worth 35 percent of their Lausanne, Switzerland revenue up to a maximum of $5mn each. Continental governing bodies will get $2mn as a relief grant, and can also apply for an extra $4mn relief loan. ustralia and New Zea- land will host the 2023 Dortmund sign Meunier from PSG on Awomen’s World Cup after the countries’ four-year deal joint bid was chosen by FIFA yesterday. Belgian right back Thomas Meunier has signed a four-year deal The overwhelming favourites with Borussia Dortmund and will join the club on a free transfer won ahead of their only rival when his current contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires this Colombia, with Japan having month, the Bundesliga club said yesterday. The Ligue 1 season was withdrawn its own bid earlier in ended in April amid the Covid-19 crisis and Meunier, whose con- the week and Brazil, Argentina, tract expires on June 30, declined to sign a short-term extension South Africa and a joint Korean that would allow him to play domestic cup finals and the remain- proposal already having fallen der of the Champions League with PSG. “Borussia Dortmund play by the wayside. exactly the type of football I want to play: exciting, authentic and The 2023 tournament is set natural,” Meunier, who will link up with Belgium teammates Axel to be the fi rst 32-team women’s Witsel and Thorgan Hazard at Dortmund, said in a statement. World Cup, up from the 24 na- tions who competed at last year’s fi nals in France, won by Orenburg become fourth Russian the United States. football club with positive virus tests It will be the ninth women’s World Cup. Russian football club Orenburg became the fourth team hit by “WE DID IT! LETS GO AUS- Sydney Opera House lights up in celebration of Australia and New Zealand’s joint bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. (Reuters) coronavirus cases since the Russian league resumed last week- TRALIA & NZ! WORLD CUPS end, announcing yesterday that eight staff had tested positive. COMING HOME”, said Chel- Yesterday’s vote came at a of the country’s football asso- both have considerable experi- competition in 1987. Orenburg, who are scheduled to play high-flying Krasnodar tomor- sea’s Sam Kerr, the leading star video-conference meeting of ciation, Kozo Tajima, noting that ence when it comes to hosting They also jointly staged the row, said six players and two backroom staff returned positive of Australian women’s football, the 37 members of the FIFA key support was moving towards major international sporting 1992 and 2015 World tests. Coach Konstantin Paramonov said yesterday’s training had in a celebratory Instagram post. Council as football, and global Australia and New Zealand. events. Cups. been cancelled and raised the possibility that the first team would The joint proposal by Australia sport in general, struggles to get In addition, he admitted that Australia hosted the men’s Australia are seventh in the be put in isolation and completely replaced for the league game and New Zealand will see games back on its feet in the midst of Japan’s focus was on hosting Asian Cup in 2015, with New Zea- current FIFA women’s world on the weekend. Orenburg said its players had all tested negative played in 13 venues across 12 cit- the coronavirus pandemic. next year’s Olympics in Tokyo. land hosting the men’s under-20 rankings, but the Matildas have before last weekend’s game against Lokomotiv Moscow. ies in July and August 2023, with The Australia and New Zea- FIFA’s evaluation report gave World Cup in the same year. never been beyond the quarter- the opening match at Eden Park in land bid was given the highest Colombia a score of just 2.8 out In addition, Australia has fi nals at the World Cup and lost Auckland and the fi nal in Sydney. score, of 4.1 out of fi ve, in an of fi ve as it raised doubts about hosted the Summer Olympics on penalties to Norway in the Clyne to leave Liverpool when Seven cities in Australia will evaluation by world football’s the ability to provide investment twice, in Melbourne in 1956 and last 16 last year. contract expires at end of June host games, and fi ve in New Zea- governing body published ear- required to carry out “necessary Sydney in 2000. New Zealand’s “Football land. There will be two stadiums lier this month. improvements” and also high- Both countries have recently Ferns” have never been beyond Liverpool right back Nathaniel Clyne will finish a five-year spell at in Sydney. Four groups will be It was followed by Japan, on 3.9, lighted security worries in the hosted the men’s Rugby World the group stage and in 2023 will the club when his contract expires at the end of the month, the based in each country during the but the Japanese bid was with- South American country. Cup having also jointly organ- be hoping to win a game at the Premier League side said yesterday. Clyne, who joined Liver- fi rst phase. drawn on Monday, with the head Australia and New Zealand ised the fi rst edition of that fi nals for the fi rst time. pool from Southampton in 2015, has made 103 appearances for Juergen Klopp’s side, although injuries have restricted him to just 10 games in the last three seasons. “Everyone would like to thank LA LIGA Nathaniel for his service and wish him all the best in his future ca- reer,” Liverpool said in a statement, adding that several academy graduates would also leave the club at the end of the month. Vinicius, Ramos see off Mallorca as Real win again Denmark to allow over 500 fans at Reuters football cup fi nal Madrid, Spain Luka Romero, 15, becomes youngest ever Liga player More than 500 spectators will be allowed at next week’s Danish eal Mallorca’s Luka “It was an unforgettable mo- 1939 aged 15 and 255 days for football cup final between Aalborg and Sonderjysk, the govern- eal Madrid eased to RRomero made history on ment,” Romero wrote on Twit- Celta Vigo against Sevilla. ment and Danish Football Assocation (DBU) said yesterday. “The a 2-0 home victory Wednesday by becom- ter after the game. Mallorca coach Vicente cup final is and will be a celebration of Danish football,” Jakob Rover Real Mallorca on ing the youngest player ever to “Thank you to everyone on Moreno was seen talking to Jensen, chief executive of the DBU said. He thanked the govern- Wednesday thanks to play in La Liga, aged 15 years the technical staff and at Real Romero before he brought the ment and political parties for agreeing to allow more spectators. goals in each half from Vinicius and 219 days. Mallorca for giving me this youngster on as a substitute. The July 1 cup final will be played in Esbjerg, neutral ground for the Jr. and Sergio Ramos to stay in After training with Mallorca’s opportunity. I will never forget “I tried to just keep him calm,” two sides. The number of spectators allowed would be announced charge of the La Liga title race senior team for the first time this day. It was a shame to lose Moreno said. “I put my hand in the coming days and the ticket quota would be divided equally ahead of Barcelona. on June 1, Romero, who plays but we keep believing.” on his heart and I could tell it between the clubs. Brazilian youngster Vinicius as an attacking midfielder, Romero beat the record held was beating very fast, which is opened the scoring with a cool came on as a substitute in the for 81 years by Francisco Bao normal for a kid of his age. He fi nish in the 19th minute after 83rd minute of his team’s 2-0 Rodriguez, known as ‘Sanson’, deserved to play and that’s the ‘Special’ Liverpool, Man City can missing an earlier chance and he loss at Real Madrid. who played on December 31, reason he came on.” dominate Europe, says Souness hit the crossbar later in the fi rst half. Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior The Premier League is enjoying a purple patch with two special Captain Ramos doubled Ma- celebrates his goal with Gareth Real coach Zinedine Zidane fence. but instead of producing a sim- teams, with both Liverpool and Manchester City having the poten- drid’s lead with a superb free Bale against Real Mallorca on made four changes after Sun- Vinicius is often criticised for ple low fi nish he tried an auda- tial to “dominate” European football, former Scotland international kick, curling the ball over the Wednesday. (Reuters) day’s controversial 2-1 win at his poor fi nishing and squan- cious chip which hit the bar. Graeme Souness has said. Premier League champions-elect Liv- wall and into the top corner Real Sociedad, recalling Eden dered an early chance by taking “I’m very happy with the erpool thumped Crystal Palace 4-0 on Wednesday to come within to score his eighth goal of the Real’s fourth win in a row Hazard to partner Vinicius and too long to get his shot away but team’s performance and my two points of sealing the title, two days after defending champions league season and his 10th in all since the season returned took Karim Benzema while handing soon compensated by keeping own,” said Vinicius. City beat Burnley 5-0. “It’s a diff erent type of football, both great to competitions. them back to the top of the table Gareth Bale a fi rst start since his cool to beat Manolo Reina “I worked very hard at home watch. If you’re playing against Liverpool you have to be prepared Mallorca forward Luka Rome- on 68 points after 31 games, level February. from close range after Bale laid to get in this shape. This run of to go to war with them... If you’re playing against City they want to ro, 15, became the youngest with Barcelona but ahead of the Benzema and Vinicius formed the ball off . matches is like a World Cup, you play triangles and pass you to death,” Liverpool great Souness told player to make his La Liga debut Catalans due to their superior a lively partnership and quickly He was played in by Benzema have to be in the right shape eve- Sky Sports. when he came off the bench. head-to-head record. found holes in Mallorca’s de- in a blistering counter-attack ry three days and fi red up.” Gulf Times Friday, June 26, 2020 3 SPORT

FOCUS NHL Iginla, Hossa headline six-member Hockey Health concerns Hall of Fame class front and centre for NBA players, teams AFP with Grant Fuhr when I was ‘They really wanted to make sure that the safety of the players was paramount’ Los Angeles 10 and he was in his early 20s. It’s pretty neat to think that he By Dan Woike got to the Hall of Fame, and I Los Angeles Times irst-ballot induct- got there with him. If there are ees Jarome Iginla and other minorities, other black FMarian Hossa will kids growing up seeing that hen the Lakers an- headline a six-member it’s possible, it’ll be special to nounced in March 2020 Hockey Hall of Fame other kids like it was to me.” Wthat two of their class announced on Wednes- Hossa, a native of Slovakia, players had tested day. played 19 NHL seasons with positive for Covid-19, many Iginla, a two-time Olympic the Ottawa Senators, Atlanta people worried about center gold medallist for Canada, will Thrashers, Pittsburgh Pen- JaVale McGee. People he knew become the fourth black player guins, Red Wings and Chicago shared their concern with him. inducted into the Hall of Fame Blackhawks and collected 525 People he didn’t know specu- after Grant Fuhr, women’s goals and 1,134 points in 1,309 lated about him on Twitter. hockey pioneer Angela James games. Their apprehension stemmed and Willie O’Ree. He was a member of the from the fact McGee has asth- Iginla and Fuhr are the only Blackhawks’ Stanley Cup- ma, a respiratory condition that black NHL players enshrined winning teams in 2010, 2013 could make a person at higher for their exploits on the ice and 2015. risk for developing compli- while O’Ree was chosen in the The 2020 class, which is cations like pneumonia from builder category in 2018 for slated to be inducted on No- Covid-19, which is a respiratory breaking the league’s colour vember 16 in Toronto if coro- illness. McGee had pneumonia barrier 60 years earlier. navirus concerns permit, also in December 2018 that led to a “Growing up, I loved play- includes defensemen Kevin three-day hospital stay as he re- ing hockey. I didn’t view my- Lowe and Doug Wilson, who covered. self as a black hockey player, both saw long waits for the “Yeah, I mean everybody was but I was also aware that I nod to end. worried about me,” McGee said was,” said Iginla, who scored Canadian goalie Kim St- earlier this month. “But nothing 625 goals in an NHL career Pierre was named in the wom- happened so …” that included 16 seasons with en’s category and Edmonton McGee said he was not one of the Calgary Flames. Oilers general manager Ken the two Lakers who tested posi- “My mom was just remind- Holland in the builder cat- tive — their identities remain ing me today of a picture I took egory. unknown — and the incident didn’t scare him. He said he has not tried to dramatically change REPORT his lifestyle during the pandem- ic because he was a homebody anyway. He never had qualms about Brogdon and Parker returning to play in Florida when the NBA resumes the sea- son with games beginning July positive for virus but 30. “I’m defi nitely comfortable,” The Los Angeles Lakers’ JaVale McGee (centre) celebrates a Lakers’ basket during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at American McGee said. “We’ve been away Airlines Center on January 10, 2020. (TNS) vow to play in restart for a while now and we’ve been Covid-free for this long. I defi - Brooklyn’s DeAndre Jordan are a sports network. “They really those players would not have ing asthma attacks,” McGee nitely think we’ll be OK as long among the other NBA players wanted to make sure that the their pay aff ected. That decision said. “I’ve never had an asthma as we take the necessary precau- who have asthma. safety of the players was para- can also be appealed to a single attack (on the court) in my life. tions.” It might not be McGee’s Testing for coronavirus and mount.” arbitrator. There’s a lot of people with choice. According to people antibodies began Tuesday Asthma is not the only fac- The NBA is requiring teams asthma in the league.” with knowledge of the situation around the league, with both tor that could cause people to to fi nalise their 35-person travel Stigmas about age were a and the NBA’s health and safety Lakers and Clippers staff under- be considered “high risk” with parties by July 1, and it doesn’t concern for some coaches when manual that The Los Angeles going the procedures. Covid-19 in the eyes of the prohibit those travel parties the subject of “at-risk” people Times reviewed, Lakers doctors Teams must determine if league. Other factors include from including people deemed being separated was fi rst raised could “protect” McGee and any any players’ medical histories chronic lung disease, heart con- “high risk” as long as they have by NBA Commissioner Adam other players they deem to be should prohibit them from trav- ditions, immune disorders, dia- a physician’s approval. Silver during a television inter- at high risk. A week ago, play- elling to Orlando, Fla., in early betes and severe obesity. McGee has pushed back view. The CDC does say “older ers had to complete a three-page July to compete in the league’s If a team rules a player or staff against the idea of his vulnera- people” are at a higher risk for medical questionnaire and team resumed 2019-20 season at the member shouldn’t be included bility because of past respiratory complications, but none of the doctors must evaluate them by Disney World sports complex. once the season restarts, they problems. During his fi rst sea- NBA’s protocols are dependent Thursday. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the direc- can appeal that decision to a son with the Lakers, he pushed strictly on age. Among the questions for tor of the National Institute of panel of three doctors. back when a reporter suggested But with coronavirus infec- players and travelling staff was Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Conversely, players can also that his asthma might impact tions surging in Florida, NBA whether or not the person has or thinks the NBA’s eff orts are on elect to opt out of the resump- the number of consecutive min- and team physicians have to de- had suff ered from moderate to the right track. “I think they tion of play for medical reasons, utes he could play in a game. cide whether those medical is- severe asthma. might very well be quite suc- and upon receiving approval “Stop bringing that up like sues could end up having a much Houston’s James Harden and cessful with it,” he told Stadium, from a panel of three doctors I’m out here wheezing and hav- greater cost. Malcolm Brogdon of the Indiana Pacers. (AFP)

ANNOUNCEMENT AFP Florida. Los Angeles In recent weeks, he has been an active voice in the Black Lives Matter protests sparked ndiana Pacers playmaker by the killing of unarmed black Carter retires aft er 22 NBA seasons Malcolm Brogdon and man George Floyd by police in ISacramento Kings forward Minneapolis. Reuters historic 22-year journey covering Jabari Parker say they’ve He is among the NBA play- Los Angeles an unprecedented four diff erent tested positive for Covid-19, ers who believe they can use decades, his evolving career arc but expect to join their team- the platform in Orlando to was perhaps like none other in mates when the NBA resumes take the Black Lives Matter ince Carter announced league history — from Top 5 Draft play in Florida in July. message to a broader audi- his retirement from the Pick to Rookie of the Year to Slam “I recently tested posi- ence. VNBA yesterday, bringing Dunk Champion to superstar and tive for the Covid virus and In preparation for resump- an end to a 22-year ca- eight-time All-Star to Twyman- am currently in quarantine,” tion of play, NBA teams this reer — the longest of any player in Stokes Teammate of the Year and Brogdon said in a statement week began testing all players league history. valuable role player. It’s an honour issued through the team. and some staff and a number He made the announcement on to the Hawks organisation that he “I’m doing well, feeling well have tested positive, although the Winging It podcast, saying, completed his Hall of Fame career and progressing well. I plan to exact numbers have not been “I’m offi cially fi nished playing wearing Atlanta across his chest join my teammates in Orlando confi rmed. basketball.” and representing our city.” for the resumption of the NBA The Denver Post reported Carter, 43, was the No. 5 over- Carter averaged more than 20 season and playoff s.” that Nuggets big man Nikola all pick in the 1998 NBA Draft points per game in 10 seasons, Parker confi rmed his diag- Jokic had tested positive and and played his fi rst six-plus sea- with a career high of 27.6 in 2000- nosis in a statement posted on was in quarantine in his native sons with the Toronto Raptors, 01. the Kings’ Twitter feed, saying Serbia, but the club declined winning the Rookie of the Year He retires with career averages he had tested positive “several to confi rm the report, citing award in 1999 and the NBA Dunk of 16.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and days ago” and had self-isolat- health privacy concerns. Contest in 2000. He made eight 3.1 assists per game. ed in Chicago. During this Phase 2 of the consecutive All-Star teams from The North Carolina product “I am progressing in my league’s pro-Orlando health 2000-07. played 60 games for the Hawks recovery and feeling well,” protocols, tests on players are The Hawks were the fi nal stop of in the 2019-20 season, averag- Parker said. “I look forward to to be repeated multiple times Carter’s NBA journey, as he spent ing 5.0 points in 14.6 minutes per joining my teammates in Or- each week until teams arrive the past two seasons as a veteran game. The Hawks are not among lando as we return to the court in Florida, where even stricter presence on a young Atlanta team. the teams who will fi nished the for the resumption of the NBA protocols aimed at slowing the He also played with the New Jersey coronavirus-interrupted season season.” spread of the virus will be in Nets (2004-09), Orlando Magic near Orlando, Fla., beginning next Before the NBA shut down place. (2009-10), Phoenix Suns (2010- month. amid the coronavirus pan- The league has said that 11), Memphis Grizzlies (2014-17) He scored fi ve points in his fi - demic on March 11, Brogdon positive tests won’t necessar- and Sacramento Kings (2017-18). nal career game, an overtime loss was playing a key role in Indi- ily derail its plans to resume “Over the last two years, Vince to the New York Knicks on March ana’s push for the playoff s. with 22 teams in the running Carter has been a committed 11 — the day the season was sus- Vince Carter retires with career The Pacers are the fi fth seed to make the NBA Finals. leader, respected mentor and in- pended. averages of 16.7 points, 4.3 rebounds in the Eastern Conference as Eight teams who were ef- fl uential example on the court, in Carter’s 22nd season surpassed and 3.1 assists per game. (AFP) the league prepares to resume fectively eliminated from the locker room and in the Atlanta the 21 played by Robert Parish, play in a controlled environ- playoff contention when the community,” the Hawks said in a Kevin Garnett, Kevin Willis and ment in a sports complex at hiatus began in March will not team statement. “Throughout his Dirk Nowitzki. Disney World in Orlando, resume play. Gulf Times 4 Friday, June 26, 2020 SPORT

NFL Elliott feels ‘normal’ while fi ghting Covid-19 Reuters Los Angeles

Cowboys-Steelers Hall of allas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is feeling “nor- Dmal” as he battles the corona- virus, but he is still not ready to resume workouts. Fame Game cancelled Elliott spoke Wednesday in a Twitch inter- AFP ment week events in 2020 is the right view with Scooter Magruder. New York way to honor our enshrinees and their The 24-year-old Ohio State product was families properly,” Baker said. diagnosed with the coronavirus around The Cowboys and Steelers were June 15, but he didn’t get extremely sick. he NFL’s fi rst scheduled pre- both scheduled to open pre-season “I would say I had one or two days where I season contest, an August training camps on July 22, six days felt symptoms, and even then it wasn’t too Tmatchup between the Dal- earlier than other clubs, to allow ex- bad,” Elliott said. “I had a cough and a little las Cowboys and Pittsburgh tra time to prepare for the pre-season bit of shortness of breath. But now I would ers first. And it’s not even so much I would Steelers in the Hall of Fame Game, opener. say I feel good, I feel normal. say the players’ health because I got coro- was canceled yesterday due to the But with the game now wiped out, “I still can’t work out.... I could’ve went and na and it didn’t really aff ect me much. But coronavirus pandemic. the teams might see their pre-season gotten re-tested this week. I just decided a lot of people have kids. They may have The fi rst NFL event wiped out by workouts pushed back to coincide it won’t hurt just to wait another week and kids with asthma, they may have newborn the deadly virus outbreak had been with those of other teams, which just give myself more time to rest up. But babies, their parents or grandparents may scheduled for August 6, two days be- owners might change as they ponder I feel good.” live with them.... fore Hall of Fame enshrinement cer- altering pre-season schedules due to Elliott also addressed concerns being “We have to find a way to make sure emonies at Canton, Ohio, that were the COVID-19 outbreak. floated by coaches, players and medical the players and their families, and the postponed until next August. The NFL plans to conduct a regular personnel regarding the viability of an coaches also and their families, aren’t put The Cowboys and Steelers, whose season as planned starting Septem- NFL season this year as Covid-19 cases at risk.” planned game in Canton sold out in 22 ber 10 with the defending Super Bowl continue to rise in large portions of the Elliott, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, led minutes, will face each other in next champion Kansas city hosting United States. Training camps are due to the NFL in rushing yardage as a rookie in year’s Hall of Fame contest on August File photo of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. (TNS) the Houston Texans. open in late July, with the regular season 2016 and again in 2018. Last season, he 5, 2021. Former NFL coaches Jimmy John- scheduled to kick off Sept. 10. finished with 1,357 yards and 12 touch- “The health and safety of our Hall nial Class of 2020 next August, along nies next year, one for the Class of son and Bill Cowher, modern-era “I do hope we have a season, but it has downs on 301 carries, and he added 54 of Famers, fans and volunteers who with what promises to be an equally 2020 and another for the 2021 group. players Steve Atwater, Isaac Bruce, to be right,” Elliott said. “I just feel like catches for 420 yards and two scores. make enshrinement week so special spectacular Class of 2021, as part of a The Hall of Fame Game also went Troy Polamalu, Steve Hutchinson and there’s a lot of moving parts that have to Elliott, Denver Broncos defensive end Von remains our top priority,” said David multi-day celebration of football with unplayed during a 2011 money dis- Edgerrin James and contributors, Ste- be figured out. I just don’t know how they Miller and New Orleans Saints coach Sean Baker, president and chief executive an atmosphere that will deliver ‘Twice pute between owners and players and ve Sabol, Paul Tagliabue and George can keep the players (healthy). Payton are the best-known NFL personnel of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. the Fun in ‘21.’” in 2016 due to unsafe fi eld conditions. Young were to have been enshrined in “You’ve got to put the health of the play- who have tested positive for Covid-19. “The Hall will honor the Centen- There will be two diff erent ceremo- “We believe postponing enshrine- the Hall of Fame this year.

RUGBY SPOTLIGHT Ex-Scotland forward All Blacks in talks Strauss leaves to face Kangaroos ‘We will work that through and go through in code clash the proper process’

Reuters sised that the travel and dis- Pretoria tance between him and his family in Cape Town was starting to take its toll, and ormer Scotland inter- that he was looking forward national Josh Strauss to spending more quality time Fhas left the Super with them.” Cape Town-born Rugby Bulls after a sal- Strauss captained the Lions in ary cut caused by the Covid-19 before moving to pandemic and amid an over- in 2012. Af- haul of the squad by new coach ter three years he became eli- Jake White. gible to play for Scotland and The 33-year-old loose for- debuted for them at the 2015 ward, who was in Scotland’s World Cup in Gloucester. squad at the 2015 World Cup, He won 24 caps, the last of spent just six months at the which came in August 2019 Pretoria-based team despite after which he failed to make signing a two-year contract. the squad for the World Cup in “Strauss was open and hon- Japan. est in informing the Bulls that The Bulls have been on a he would be looking at other major acquisition drive since off ers from overseas clubs, due hiring White, who coached to the fi nancial strain after sal- South Africa to World Cup ary cuts across the board in success in 2007. His latest South African Rugby,” a Bulls signing is 26-year-old Jan Uys, statement said yesterday. who returns to South Africa “He also strongly empha- after a stint at Brive in France.

REPORT New Zealand Super Rugby eyes big crowds, referee ‘adjustments’

Currently, the All Blacks are only scheduled to take on the Wallabies in what is expected to be a four-match Bledisloe Cup series after was postponed. (Reuters) Reuters Ticket sales for tomorrow’s Wellington clash between the Auckland AFP local media. es cancelled. Blues and Otago Highlanders Sydney Meninga said he was keen to pit The Kangaroos were due to play Champions Cup, Challenge Cup are on track to breach 25,000, his 13-a-side stars against the might three Tests in England in October fi nals to be held in October uper Rugby Aotearoa while the Canterbury Crusad- of New Zealand’s 15-a-side game. and November, with Australian is expecting bigger ers are also expecting a large alks are under way to stage “I’m keen to make this happen. players now having the three-match he Challenge Cup matches in Marseille, Scrowds and better crowd for their fi rst home a historic cross-code rugby We want to play the All Blacks, State of Origin series between New and Champions however, the situation refereeing this week- game. The unbeaten Blues go Tinternational match be- hopefully we can get the concept off South Wales and Queensland in No- TCup knockout is under review in light end, with the chief executive into their match knowing ref- tween New Zealand’s All the ground,” he said. vember. stages, which of public gathering of (NZR) erees have at least taken com- Blacks and Australia’s Kangaroos, it “The best from our game ver- Currently, the All Blacks are only were postponed due to and international travel confi dent the 10-week domes- plaints about some of their de- was revealed yesterday. sus the best from the New Zealand scheduled to take on the Wallabies in the Covid-19 pandemic, restrictions which might tic competition is building up a cisions on board, as a stricter Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga game... let’s do it.” what is expected to be a four-match will take place in Septem- be in place at the time of head of steam. line on the tackle, breakdown told Brisbane’s Courier-Mail there The Test would be a 14-a-side Bledisloe Cup series after the Rugby ber with the respective the finals,” EPCR said in a Crowds for the four games and off side line saw a slew of had been “serious negotiations” match on December 5 in Australia Championship was postponed. finals on Oct. 16 and 17, statement. held so far were averaging penalties dished out. to set up the clash for December as and could potentially become a reg- If the cross-code clash goes European Professional The finals of both com- about 26,000, an increase of Television pictures showed both and rugby league ular blockbuster biannual fi xture. ahead, it would likely attract sig- Club Rugby (EPCR) said petitions were originally more than 105% on the wider Blues coaching staff erupting look for ways to recoup losses from “We’ve had the option put to us nifi cant interest. The All Blacks are yesterday. scheduled to take place Super Rugby tournament be- in frustration when fl anker the Covid-19 enforced shutdown. of this hybrid game with the Kanga- a global brand while the Kangaroos The quarter-finals of in May. fore it was shut down due to Dalton Papali’i received a yel- “We are still in talks but obviously roos,” said Robinson. are the current rugby league world both competitions will be The announcement Covid-19, NZR’s Mark Robin- low card last week and NZR news of this has got out,” Meninga “And it’s one of many diff erent champions. played on the weekend adds a layer of confusion son said. referees boss Bryce Lawrence said. scenarios in a unique year like this Kangaroos vice-captain Daly of Sept. 18-20 with the to discussions about a Television viewing fi gures conceded they got that deci- New Zealand Rugby (NZR) boss that we are considering with being Cherry-Evans said he was all for it. last-four matches sched- newly-aligned interna- were up 88%, he added. sion wrong. Mark Robinson confi rmed his team innovative and having a focus on “I have got absolutely no idea how uled for the weekend of tional season, with the “It’s brilliant news,” Robin- “The players are taking a were in talks, although he said his trying to consider revenue-gener- it would work but it sounds fun so I September 25-27, EPCR European clubs competi- son told reporters on a confer- little while to adjust. And the priority was salvaging as many rug- ating ideas at this time given the fi - would be up for it,” he told reporters. added, after the dates tion and clubs in England ence call yesterday. “There is referees are taking a little while by union Tests as possible in 2020. nancial climate that we’re in.” Melbourne Storm coach Craig were agreed at Wednes- and France opposed to a real excitement building and to adjust,” Lawrence told Sky “We’ve had an approach. We’ll Both NZR and Australian rugby Bellamy said he had heard that day’s board meeting. plans for a two-month we have some real momen- Sports. “We are putting our work that through and go through league have lost millions of dollars “they’d have rugby union rules for “... EPCR remains com- window in October and tum.” hands up and saying that we’re the proper process... if we feel it has due to the coronavirus pandemic, one half and rugby league for an- mitted to staging the November. Reuters That upward trend looks to not quite getting it right at the merit to take further,” Robinson told with borders closed and Test match- other half”. be continuing this weekend. moment.” Gulf Times Friday, June 26, 2020 5 SPORT

TENNIS CRICKET Archer to join England camp aft er second Djokovic’s Adria negative virus test

AFP London

Tour was a mistake, ofra Archer will join England’s training camp Jat the Ageas Bowl today after his latest test for the coronavirus returned a negative result. Fast bowler Archer was initially delayed from joining up admits Thiem with 29 other England cricketers in Southampton after he report- ed a member of his household Thiem says he has tested negative five times since leaving the Balkans feeling unwell on Tuesday. The 25-year-old Sussex pace- AFP man had shown no symptoms Paris and was among a wholly nega- tive batch of 702 test results announced by the England and orld number three Dominic Wales Cricket Board this week. Thiem has acknowledged Nevertheless, the Barbados-born Wtennis players at the ill-fated quick was required to undergo an Adria Tour made “a mistake” additional test on Wednesday. after Novak Djokovic and three other But an ECB statement issued participants contracted coronavirus. yesterday said: “Jofra Archer has England are assembling at the Thiem took part in the Belgrade leg of the tested negative for Covid-19. He Ageas Bowl ahead of a three-Test exhibition event organised by Djokovic will join the England camp at series against the West Indies where social distancing was minimal and Ageas Bowl later today and will that is set to start at Hampshire’s matches were played in front of thou- be free to start training tomor- headquarters on July 8 — the sands of fans. row (Friday) with the rest of the fi rst major international cricket World number one Djokovic, Grigor group.” match since lockdown. Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki all tested positive to Covid-19 after an event where players embraced across SPOTLIGHT the net, played basketball and went to a nightclub. Thiem, who left for an exhibition tour- nament in France after Belgrade, says he Coach Simmons has tested negative fi ve times since leav- ing the Balkans. “I was shocked when I got the news from the Adria Tour,” he has no worries over wrote on social media in his fi rst public reaction since the tournament was can- celled on Sunday. Holder’s fi tness “We played without any audience for weeks, so we have been more than happy about the fans at the event. We trusted the Serbian government’s coronavirus rules, but we have been too optimistic.” The Austrian continued: “Our behav- iour was a mistake, we acted too euphori- cally. I am extremely sorry. I’ve been test- ed fi ve times in the past 10 days and each From left: Alexander Zverev, Novak Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov and Dominic Thiem pose for a photo after a press conference of the time and the result was always negative.” Adria Tour, a charity exhibition hosted by Novak Djokovic, in Belgrade on June 12. (AFP) Djokovic, 33, has come in for heavy criticism over the debacle, saying on at Djokovic’s charity exhibition in Serbia rules and regulations are in place for a heading the men’s players council, Lewis Tuesday that he was “so deeply sorry” and Croatia were “disappointing” and reason. That’s a really important lesson urged athletes to play a bigger leadership that the tournament “caused harm”. tennis must learn its lesson, outgoing to learn.” role. “I would hope from an organisers’ His wife Jelena has also tested positive. Wimbledon chief Richard Lewis has said. The pandemic forced the suspension point of view — let’s say the US Open and The aff air has raised concern over the Lewis, who will step down as the CEO of the professional season in early March Roland Garros, but also the other inter- planned restart of professional tennis in of All England Lawn Tennis Club in July, and the 2020 Wimbledon championships national tournaments — that protocols August, including the US Open which is told British media he hoped everyone were then cancelled. will be easier to enforce and observed scheduled to begin on August 31. made a speedy recovery but that the mis- The US Open is the next Grand Slam on than they otherwise might have been,” takes of the event must not be repeated. the calendar and organisers plan strin- said Lewis. IMAGES FROM ADRIA TOUR “The images were disappointing and I gent measures to keep those taking part “I sincerely hope that when interna- that was always the plan for this ‘DISAPPOINTING’, SAYS AFP think that... what needs to come out of it safe. Some top players, including Djoko- tional tennis tournaments resume, the London match,” Simmons said. “He will WIMBLEDON CHIEF is everybody involved — not just players, vic, had initially called those measures sport will be more disciplined and follow be back to bowling in the four- Images of players hugging at the net, but administrators, organisers, entou- “extreme”. the protocols in place at whatever tour- day game and should be bowling playing basketball together and partying rages — understands that the protocols, With the Serbian world number one nament is being staged at the time.” est Indies coach his full quota. As for the , Phil Simmons if you get one ball and you’re out, Whad no qualms over that’s all you can do.” ROUND-UP the fi tness of Jason Meanwhile Simmons was Holder after the captain played equally upbeat about the fi tness a restricted role on the fi nal day of wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich, of his side’s fi rst warm-up match who left the fi eld yesterday af- Murray confi dent will play at high level again ahead of next month’s Test se- ternoon session after injuring his ries against England. Holder led side. “Shane is fi ne,” said Sim- ndy Murray took his defeat to TOMLJANOVIC DOWNS US OPEN TO HOLD WHEELCHAIR one team in a drawn intra-squad mons. “I’ll need to see the doctor Kyle Edmund at the ‘Battle of LOCAL FAVOURITE ROGERS AT EVENT AFTER PLAYER BACKLASH three-day game against Kraigg to see exactly what is wrong but Athe Brits’ event in stride and the CHARLESTON TENNIS EVENT US Open organisers said on Wednesday Brathwaite’s XI at Old Traff ord. he seems to be doing fi ne.” former world number one says Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic handed they will include a wheelchair tourna- But the Barbados paceman Former West Indies batsman he is on the right path to playing at the Shelby Rogers another disappointing ment at this year’s Grand Slam following did not bowl on Thursday, al- Simmons added all his squad’s highest level again after a seven-month defeat in her hometown on Wednesday a player backlash over their decision to though he was in the fi eld on all latest round of Covid-19 tests layoff due to hip problems. with a straight set win in the Credit One scrap the event as part of measures to three days, and on Wednesday had yielded negative results, Murray beat Liam Broady on Tues- Bank Invitational in Charleston, South curb the spread of Covid-19. he was lbw to Raymon Reifer for with their England counterparts day in the charity tournament in his Carolina. Tomljanovic beat Rogers 6-1, The United States Tennis Associa- a golden duck. Holder did not also currently enjoying a clean fi rst competitive match since the Davis 6-2 on the second day of the tourna- tion’s announcement comes fi ve days push himself up the order to get a bill of health. Cup Finals in November, before the ment, which is giving WTA players, after the national governing body said it bat yesterday as the game ended was originally classed as a re- twice Wimbledon champion lost 6-7(2), led by Australian Open champion Sofi a was rethinking their decision and that in a draw, Brathwaite declaring serve when the tour squad was 7-6(5), 10-5 to Edmund on Wednesday. Kenin, a chance to compete before the it could have better communicated with 313 runs ahead before the Test selected, with the fast bowler “To be honest, I am not bothered women’s tennis tour ends its coronavirus wheelchair athletes. skipper’s side fi nished on 149 for looking to regain full fi tness fol- about the results of the match, after a shutdown in August. It’s not the fi rst Australian Paralympic tennis cham- three. lowing ankle surgery. match like that I hope my hip is OK, and I time Tomljanovic has tested herself since pion Dylan Alcott, who led the player But Simmons expects Holder But the Trinidadian quick did pull up well from it,” said Murray. the Covid-19 pandemic brought the backlash and had described the exclusion to play a full part in next week’s his chances of Test selection no The week-long event, organised by WTA tour — along with virtually all glo- as “disgusting discrimination”, thanked second internal warm-up game harm with four good at Murray’s brother Jamie while profes- bal sport — to a standstill. She competed organisers for reversing the decision. as the West Indies continue their a lively pace. “He looks ready, sional tennis remains suspended due to If I can get consistent practice,” he in last month’s UTR Pro Match Series. “I was in tears (when the event was preparations in the run-up to the that was evident here,” said Sim- the Covid-19 pandemic, is being played said. “The hip feels good. If I play like Other results on Wednesday, which excluded),” the twice US Open champion fi rst Test at Southampton start- mons. “When you see how he behind closed doors with strict health that and do a few things better, sharpen saw a second straight day of rain delays, said. The changes at this year’s US ing on July 8 — a match that will bowled in the fi rst innings, then protocols in place. up a couple of things, I will play high included Amanda Anisimova’s 7-5, 6-4 Open in New York include no specta- mark international cricket’s re- again yesterday and even more so Murray has said he is looking forward level tennis. That was good, positive. victory over fellow American Dan- tors, reducing the number of teams in turn from lockdown. this morning you could see he’s to competing at the US Open and French Then it’s pulling up the next day, see how iella Collins and team captain Bethanie the men’s and women’s doubles events “Jason has had a slight niggle close to 100%. Now we want to Open later this year. “I know if my hip is you feel, not getting in a situation where Mattek-Sands’ 6-1, 6-3 victory over by half, and the elimination of the mixed on his ankle and that is what has get him up to 100 just before the good, my tennis will only improve and you have to take two to three weeks off to Puerto Rico’s Olympic gold medallist doubles and juniors competitions. held him back from bowling, but Test match.” get better over the next few months. recover basically.” Monica Puig.

FOCUS UK government under pressure to lift cricket virus ban F1 chairman donates $1mn London: Prime Minister Boris Johnson professional county cricket delayed Meanwhile another Conservative desperate to play competitive cricket. was told “England is not England until at least August 1. Prime Minister and cricket enthusiast, England is not England without cricket. without cricket” by one of his own Earlier this week, while announcing John Major, during a speech to rally Leader, would you persuade the chief towards diversity foundation Conservative MPs yesterday as the a lifting of lockdown restrictions on support for his position of keeping umpire to stroll across from Number Reuters more,” said Carey. British government came under re- pubs and restaurants, Johnson said Britain in the European Union in 10 next week and make a statement in London “That is why we will establish a newed pressure to lift a ban on recrea- club cricket could not resume because 1993, said that “fifty years from now, this House that play can resume?” Task Force to listen and ensure the tional cricket during the coronavirus the ball is a “natural vector of disease”. Britain will still be the country of long Somerset supporter Rees-Mogg right initiatives are identifi ed to in- pandemic. But with social tennis and golf cur- shadows on county (cricket) grounds, replied that few MPs missed cricket as ormula One chairman Chase crease diversity in Formula One. We During a debate in Parliament, Peter rently allowed, his comments were warm beer, invincible green suburbs much as he did. Carey is donating $1mn to set want to ensure we give people from Bone MP urged Jacob Rees-Mogg, the labelled “utter nonsense” by former (and) dog lovers”. “All my tickets to go to watch vari- Fup a new foundation as part all backgrounds the best chances to leader of the House of Commons, to England captain Michael Vaughan. Bone, the MP for Wellingborough, ous Test matches across the course of of an initiative to increase work in Formula One regardless of “persuade the chief umpire (Johnson) Many British politicians have been central England, appeared to tap into the year, my visits to Taunton (Som- diversity in the sport. Formula One their gender, ethnicity, sexual orien- to stroll across from Number 10 next cricket lovers. Clement Attlee, Labour’s that spirit yesterday when he recalled erset’s headquarters), have all had said in a statement yesterday that the tation, or physical abilities.” week” and announce the amateur Prime Minister in the years immedi- visiting his local cricket club last week- to be cancelled,” he said. “And worst foundation would fi nance primarily The plan, in partnership with the game can resume. ately after the Second World War had end. He said he had “heard the ripple still, there was a chance that Somerset internships and apprenticeships for governing FIA, also aims to promote International cricket is set to get an agency ticker machine installed at of applause from the boundary and might win the County Championship under-represented groups. driver diversity by “identifying and underway for the first time since 10 Downing Street so he could receive the occasional shouts of “howzat?’” for the first time in its history.” “We fully recognise that Formula systematically eliminating” barri- lockdown when England face the West the county scores. Alec Douglas- before realising he was imagining it. Rees-Mogg agreed the absence of One needs to be more inclusive and ers to entry.Formula One, owned by Indies in a three-Test series starting at Home, briefly Prime Minister in the Bone added: “Up and down the coun- cricket was a “real loss” but added “we diverse. While we set out our strat- US-based Liberty Media, announced Southampton on July 8. But the ama- 1960s, played 10 first-class matches in try thousands and thousands of men have to be as safe as we possibly can egy last year to improve the position a diversity and equality task force on teur game remains mothballed, with the 1920s. and women and boys and girls are be”. of our sport, we need, and want, to do Monday. Friday, June 26, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

ATHLETICS FOCUS Al-Mohannadi nominated to Pandemic has underlined World Table the importance of caring Tennis board for one another: Dahlan ‘We, as a federation, have a responsibility to guide and advise athletes’

By Jon Mulkeen Worldathletics.org Asian Athletics Association president Dahlan al-Hamad. ittle more than eight months (worldathletics.org) ago, Asian Athletics Association LPresident Dahlan al-Hamad, QNA in his capacity as Vice Presi- Lausanne, Switzerland dent of the local organising commit- tee, watched as the curtain came down on the World Athletics Championships he International Ta- Doha 2019. ble Tennis Federation For the nation of Qatar, their long- T(ITTF) has nominated held dreams of hosting the event had it’s deputy president become reality. But for the world of ath- and Qatar Table Tennis Federa- letics – not that anyone could have pre- tion president Khalil Ahmed dicted it back then – it would be the last al-Muhannadi to World Table global championships of any kind for at Tennis (WTT) board. least another 12 months. The WTT board will contrib- The Covid-19 pandemic has impact- ute to increasing global table ed every aspect of life across the world, tennis investments, and better athletics included, and for many the marketing of the game through focus is now on the next stage of recov- the introduction of competitions ery and slowly getting back to the ‘old’ with large fi nancial rewards and normal. huge returns from television For athletics in Asia, being the largest broadcasting and sponsorship. continent in the world – in terms of size The ITTF announced dur- and population – brings its own set of ing the last period an intensive challenges. “This pandemic is a tragedy development plan for the game, for everyone all over the world, not just from 2021. Al-Mohannadi is in in Asia, and we’d like to off er our con- constant contact with ITTF’s dolences to the families of anyone who team in Singapore through vide- has lost someone,” says al-Hamad. oconferencing to follow up on “But there is also hope to this pan- the latest developments and im- demic, and the lockdown has given us plement new ideas. Al-Mohan- the opportunity to review our life, re- nadi was chosen by the executive view our sports activities, and to spend committee to be a managing di- more time with our families. Asia has rector and representative of the about four billion people, which is more ITTF in the WTT, in recogni- than half of the world’s population, and remember: athletes in Asia were going Hamad. “We’ve been using Zoom as the needs of each region, and we came the past few months. “As an organisa- tion of his eff orts to advance the it spans several time zones. This conti- into lockdown while watching other a communications platform for our away from them with good feedback for tion, our level of communication has world table tennis. nent is really big. All of that means we athletes around the world continuing to member federations and the media. the future. It will also prepare them for improved,” says al-Hamad. “We hope A number of heads of Arab and at the Asian Athletics Association have train and even compete. At that stage, We’ve managed to conduct many online the next stage of the pandemic. that this continues. It’s not going to be continental federations congrat- a big responsibility. no one knew that this would be a global courses, in India, Hong Kong and even “Because of the lack of resources in just for this period, this communication ulated al-Mohannadi on his se- “We don’t just communicate with pandemic. “We, as a federation, have a in remote places like Palestine. Asia, we’ve not always been able to con- has done a lot for us. We have to be very lection for this important posi- athletes; we communicate with coun- responsibility to guide and advise ath- “We also had our Council Meeting duct meetings with our commissions practical in the ways that we support tion, expressing their confi dence tries, with sports authorities in Asia, letes. But we also have to understand online, which was attended by World and committees. But in recent months and work with each other. We also know in his ability to advance the and with families. Any communication that there are restrictions from govern- Athletics President Sebastian Coe, and our commissions and committees have that it’s important to listen to the opin- game. Al-Mohannadi thanked has to be really clear to show the impor- ments that we cannot cross, for example it was really successful. We asked our had many meetings, and I’ve really en- ions of medical professionals. the ITTF and the world table tance of the sport. This pandemic has with lockdowns in each country, so we medical commission to do an analy- joyed being able to engage with them. “We keep monitoring the virus and tennis family for its confi dence allowed us to communicate more often have to obey the systems from each gov- sis and then provide guidelines for our “Before, we used to travel to meetings, we continue to communicate with our in him, acknowledging the dif- and more effi ciently.” ernment. But people are now beginning athletes, coaches and administrators for whereas now we’ve been meeting online member federations. We’ve also en- fi culty of the mission, especially One of the other challenges they faced to see the light at the end of the tun- coping with this situation.” – and more often too. The number of couraged them to follow the guidance with the challenges of coronavi- is the fact that Asia – or, more specifi - nel. They are also getting used to living Instead of trying to remedy all of the meetings can be seen as exhausting, but from World Athletics’ health and sci- rus pandemic, which imposed a cally, the Chinese city of Wuhan – was through a pandemic and fi nding ways to issues across the whole of the world’s for me it’s a good thing because it feels ence department. Our member federa- new mechanism in dealing with the epicentre of the initial outbreak, so handle it.” largest continent, al-Hamad instead like we’re still moving forward.” tions know that they can reach us any all sporting events. several countries on the continent were addressed each of the fi ve regions – time if they have a question. We need to The President of the Qatar the fi rst to head into the unknown. THE WONDERS OF Central, Eastern, Western, South, and LOOKING TO THE FUTURE help them because this is not easy. and Arab Table Tennis Federa- “When the pandemic started, it be- MODERN TECHNOLOGY Southeast – as each had its own unique Now that lockdown has been eased “Many lessons have been learned tions said that he understands gan in Asia before spreading to the rest Like many business and organisations, set of concerns. “We conducted meet- in most countries, attention has now from this,” he adds. “One of them is to very well that the international of the world,” explains al-Hamad. “Peo- the Asian Athletics Association (AAA) ings with the member federation presi- turned to returning to training venues understand that in this life, nothing is federation puts all its weight in ple were shocked and were desperate had to adapt to new ways of working. All dents and general secretaries from and holding competitions, albeit some- guaranteed. You have to be prepared for this new body because it repre- because they didn’t know what would staff at the head offi ce in Bangkok start- each region,” he explained. “We gave a times in a modifi ed format. the worst scenario. sents the future of table tennis happen. The athletes and the families of ed working from home, and technology presentation about the developments, The Asian Athletics Association is “More than anything, though, it has in the world during the coming the athletes were really disturbed. The started to play a much bigger part in explained the courses that are on of- trying to help its member federations also underlined the importance of car- years, and that they will work as athletes didn’t know what the solution their day-to-day operations. fer, spoke about the calendar, and had in taking the next steps back to normal- ing for one another. So I think it is im- one team with great diligence in was or what their training programme “Things have to continue and peo- question-and-answer sessions. These ity, but they’ve also had time to refl ect portant to focus on the positives that order to make a quantum leap in was going to be. People were anxious, ple have to remain engaged,” says al- meetings really helped us to understand on the lessons they’ve learned over can come from this pandemic.” world table tennis.

ESPORTS SPOTLIGHT Kent cruises to victory at Qatar Tiger, Koepka and McIlroy among Online Racing Championship exempt golfers for US Open By Sports Reporter Doha AFP New York atar Motor and Mo- torcycle Federation eigning Masters champion Tiger Q(QMMF) rider Saeed Woods and four-time major win- al-Sulaiti suff ered Rner Brooks Koepka are among the an unfortunate crash midway exempt players for this year’s US through the race as Leopard Rac- Open announced yesterday by the US Golf ing’s British rider Danny Kent Association. cruised to victory in the second Woods, a 15-time major champion, and round of the fourth edition of the Koepka, seeking a third consecutive PGA Qatar Online Racing Champion- Championship victory in August, will ship (QORC). join defending champion Gary Woodland Al-Sulaiti, who had won the among 11 US Open winners set to compete fi rst round, was closing in on in the 120th US Open on September 17-20 Kent when he crashed in the sim- at Winged Foot in Mamaroneck, New York. Brooks Koepka (left) and Tiger Woods. (AFP) ulated Red Bull Ring in Austria, World number one Rory McIlroy and Grae- played on MotoGP 20 PS4 game. me McDowell of Northern Ireland, Britain’s event of the year after the PGA, with the a three-month hiatus. The Qatari rider did try to close Justin Rose and Germany’s Martin Kaymer British Open having been cancelled and the The top fi ve players on the fi nal US PGA the gap but Kent, the 2015 World will join fellow US Open winners Woods, Masters pushed back from April to Novem- FedEx Cup season points list, the top 10 in Moto3 Championship, had built Koepka, Woodland, Lucas Glover, Dustin ber due to the deadly virus outbreak. aggregate points from the fi rst fi ve events on a huge lead and cruised to victory Johnson, Webb Simpson and Jordan Spieth. Entries will be accepted from July 15 the European Tour’s UK Swing and the top in the 19-lap race. Leopard Racing’s British rider Danny Kent. The coronavirus pandemic forced a post- through August 26. The USGA has not given fi ve on the developmental Korn Ferry Tour’s Al-Sulaiti’s second-place fi n- RACE 2 RESULTS ponement of the US Open from its tradi- up on having at least a limited number of regular season points and fi nals lists will be ish, however, ensured QMMF re- fi nished in sixth, seventh and tional June dates and wiped out all qualify- spectators at the event, to be staged in what exempt into the US Open. tained its overall points lead. The eighth spots respectively. 1. Danny Kent, Time: 26:16.933 ing for the tournament, forcing the USGA to had been the fi rst major US epicentre of the The fi nal 2019 Order of Merit catego- Qatar team has 231 points while In the riders’ standings after seconds; 2. Saeed al-Sulaiti determine exempt categories for entry into Covid-19 outbreak. ries for the Japan Golf Tour, Sunshine Tour, Leopard’s tally is 193 points with Round 2, al-Sulaiti (76 points) +12.480; 3. Xavi Artigas +21.903; the major championship. This year’s US Open will include the top Asian Tour and Australasia Tour will help to four more races to be held. has a nine-point lead over Saoud 4. Saoud al-Thani +26.550; 5. Mar- “The decision to cancel local and fi nal 70 players in the world golf rankings as of complete a fi eld of 144 players at the sub- Leopard Racing’s Xavi Artigas al-Thani (67), followed by Arti- cos Ramirez +28.285. qualifying for this year’s US Open was deep- March 15 instead of the usual top 60. That urban New York layout. Six amateurs are fi nished in third spot, as Saoud gas (66) and al-Sahouti (59). The RIDERS STANDINGS ly disappointing, but we are pleased to still expansion will allow 50-year-old Phil Mick- currently exempt and the top seven World al-Thani, who was second be- next four rounds will be held in provide the world’s best professional and elson, who was 61st in the March 15 edition Amateur Golf Rankings point leaders from hind al-Sulaiti in the fi rst race, Phillip Island (Australia), Jerez 1. Saeed al-Sulaiti 76 points; 2. amateur players the opportunity to compete of the rankings, to compete in the event. August 19 not otherwise exempt will be had to settle for fourth place. (Spain), Mugello (Italy) and Lo- Saoud al-Thani 67; 3. Xavi Artigas for this historic and coveted championship,” The six-time US Open runner-up needs added to the fi eld. Marcos Ramirez was the third sail International Circuit (Qa- 66; 4. Hamad al-Sahouti 59. said USGA senior managing director of a victory in the event to complete a career An average of 15 amateurs have competed Leopard Racing rider in the top tar). The series winners will be TEAM STANDINGS championships John Bodenhamer said. Grand Slam. Players can also earn a berth in in the past fi ve US Opens, including 2018 fi ve. Jassim al-Thani (QMMF), decided on the collective tally of The US Open will be played following the the lineup through performances in the last US Amateur winner Viktor Hovland, a Nor- 1. QMMF Racing 231; Leopard Hamad al-Sahouti (QMMF) and points the two teams muster over scheduled conclusion of the 2019-20 US six scheduled US PGA events of the current wegian who shared 12th last year at Pebble Racing 193. Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) the course of the week. PGA Tour season and as the second major season, which resumed two weeks ago after Beach.