FOOTBALL | Page 2 ATHLETICS | Page 4 Player divide Athletics could threatens rebel against EPL’s restart pandemic plan rules: Coe

Sunday, May 17, 2020 FORMULA 1 Ramadan 24, 1441 AH Sainz could surprise GULF TIMES Ferrari, says his former F3 boss SPORT Page 5

FOOTBALL Haaland stars in Dortmund romp as Bundesliga returns Second-placed Dortmund moved to within a point of leaders Bayern Munich, who play Union Berlin away today

AFP Who’s saying what Berlin, Germany as the Bundesliga returns orwegian sensation Er- “There is something surreal ling Braut Haaland stole about it. In the two hours before the limelight yesterday the match, you receive text mes- Nas the German Bundes- sages from all over the world, liga became the first major - Eu people who tell you that they ropean football league to return are going to watch the match on since the coronavirus lockdown, TV, and then you drive through with teams playing in empty, your city and there is absolutely echoing stadiums. nothing happening. You have to The 19-year-old striker get used to it.” claimed the first goal in -Ger — Borussia Dortmund many’s top flight for over two chief executive months to set Borussia Dort- Hans-Joachim Watzke mund on the way to a 4-0 win The ball is disinfected after the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig over local rivals Schalke. and SC Freiburg in Leipzig, Germany, yesterday. (AFP) “There is no noise, you shoot “There was no noise. You shoot at the goal, you make a great at the goal, make a top pass, score (DFL) spokesman confirmed cerns that fans would try to ap- pass, you score, and nothing a goal, and nothing happens,” there will be no punishment, as it proach stadiums to support their happens, it’s very, very weird.” said Dortmund coach Lucien Fa- had only offered “guidelines” on teams from afar. Police in Dort- — Dortmund coach vre. “That’s very, very strange. how goals should be celebrated. mund appealed to fans to stay at Lucien Favre We really missed our fans. In order to obtain the political home and broadcaster Sky report- “It’s hard to judge how good green light to resume this week- ed it was quiet outside the ground. “We had many conversations the game was, but the players end, the DFL has tested players Some players and coaches have before hand and knew that were very focused.” and coaches regularly for the vi- already fallen foul of the rules. it was actually nothing more Winger Raphael Guerreiro add- rus and teams have been in quar- Augsburg’s new coach Heiko than like the games we used to ed two goals for Dortmund either antine for the past week. Herrlich ruled himself out of his play as children: without any- side of a Thorgan Hazard strike. Teams arrived at stadiums in side’s 2-1 home defeat against one watching and just having Second-placed Dortmund several buses in order to meet Wolfsburg after leaving the team fun. The result just now also moved to within a point of leaders Dortmund’s Erling Braut Haaland celebrates scoring their first goal during the Bundesliga match against social distancing requirements hotel to buy toothpaste. makes people happy who are Bayern Munich, who are chasing Schalke 04 at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany, yesterday. (Reuters) inside vehicles. While Herrlich was criticised, watching in front of the TV.” an eighth straight title and play Although Germany has suf- there was sympathy for Union — Dortmund goalkeeper Union Berlin away today. nal Iduna Park would be packed penalty for Gladbach before re- at Hoffenheim. fered far fewer deaths from coach Urs Fischer after he broke Roman Buerki Haaland steered a low Hazard with more than 80,000 fans for placement midfielder Andre Silva The goals came in quick suc- coronavirus than other large quarantine following a family be- cross into the far corner on 29 the Ruhr derby, one of the biggest grabbed Frankfurt’s late consola- cession with a Kevin Akpoguma European countries, it is still too reavement. “Not necessarily for the players, minutes to claim his 10th goal in fixtures in German football. tion goal. own-goal being followed by Her- dangerous for crowds to return. It means he must miss his who may have to buy one less just nine Bundesliga matches. After Haaland’s opener, an er- Gladbach are three points be- tha captain Vedad Ibisevic grab- side’s clash with Bayern. Lamborghini, but for the econ- It was his 41st goal this season ror by Schalke goalkeeper Markus hind leaders Bayern. bing a second. Brazilian Matheus GLOBAL INTEREST omy that depends on it — the in all competitions and his 13th Schubert led to Guerreiro making RB Leipzig dropped to fourth Cunha then made it 3-0. The DFL has made no secret of RESULTS coaches, ground staff, fan shops. for Dortmund in just 12 games it 2-0 before half-time. after being held to a 1-1 draw at CONTACT ‘PART OF the fact that several clubs are in a n Borussia Dortmund 4 (Haa- On a match day, some shops, since joining in January from Red Haaland then played a role in home to Freiburg. FOOTBALL’ dire financial situation as a result land 29, Guerreiro 45, 63, Hazard including fast-food stands, rake Bull Salzburg. the build-up to the third goal be- Defender Manuel Gulde gave In contrast to elsewhere, Hertha of the lockdown. 48) Schalke 04 0 in revenues equivalent to that of fore Julian Brandt set up Hazard visitors Freiburg a shock lead and players celebrated their goals by If they are able to complete the n RB Leipzig 1 (Poulsen 77) a normal week.” SOCIAL DISTANCING to fire home on 48 minutes. celebrated by elbow-bumping hugging each other, flouting the nine remaining rounds of match- Freiburg 1 (Gulde 34) — Long-standing Dortmund Haaland celebrated by dancing Guerreiro grabbed his second teammates, before Leipzig strik- league’s hygiene guidelines, but es by June 30, clubs could receive n Hoffenheim 0 Hertha Berlin supporter Marco Perz alone — making no contact with in style after a one-two with er Yussuf Poulsen grabbed a late Labbadia defended his team. around 300mn euros ($324mn) 3 (Akpoguma 58-og, Ibisevic 60, on why it was crucial the teammates, who clapped him on Haaland in the 63rd minute. equaliser. “The fact is that this is part of from television contracts. Cunha 74) German season restarted — to comply with the strict hy- Borussia Moenchengladbach Freiburg were then denied a football, he said. “We’ve been Clubs in England, Spain and n Fortuna Dusseldorf 0 Pader- giene guidelines which allowed climbed to third with a 3-1 win at stoppage-time winner when a tested so many times that we can Italy, where leagues are weeks born 0 “The day was a bit odd. I am an the league to return. Eintracht Frankfurt after scoring VAR check spotted an offside. allow it. away from returning, are watch- n Augsburg 1 (Brooks 54-og) emotional man, I like to take All matches are being played goals through Alassane Plea and Bruno Labbadia, who was “If you can’t celebrate any- ing to see how the weekend goes. VfL Wolfsburg 2 (Steffen 43, a player in my arms, which I behind closed doors, with no Marcus Thuram in the opening named as Jurgen Klinsmann’s re- more, the whole thing breaks The Bundesliga has been ex- Ginczek 90+1) obviously couldn’t do today.” more than 300 people permitted seven minutes. placement during the lockdown, down. I’m just glad that the team pecting millions of extra fans to n Eintracht Frankfurt 1 (Silva 81) — Uwe Rosler, the coach of inside stadiums. Algeria defender Ramy Bense- made a winning start as Hertha had reason to cheer today.” watch coverage worldwide. Bor. M’gladbach 3 (Plea 1, Thuram Duesseldorf Normally, Dortmund’s Sig- baini converted a second-half Berlin coach with a 3-0 success A German Football League In Germany, there were con- 7, Bensebaini 73-pen)

FOCUS Racing loses that sinking feeling with resumption on June 1

AFP However, it will do so without wear masks and owners not per- ment and Project Development Sheikh Fahad and his family’s London, United Kingdom racegoers, including its most no- mitted to attend. Holding Company (QIPCO). devotion to English racing — “it table attendee Queen Elizabeth II However, Redvers says all However, he admits for him is the creme de la creme” for him who although presently residing in those rules and sacrifices are and his fellow trainers due to the explains Redvers — has definitely orse racing’s planned adjacent Windsor Castle will miss worth it so long as the show is coronavirus it is a journey into helped for the very rainy days resumption on June 1 it for the first time since 1952. back on the road. the unknown. economically the sport is facing. in England is a godsend Racecourses have been taking “It is a long way from being a “What we have been able to Racing authorities announced Hfor the ‘Sport of Kings’ a heavy hit with the Racecourse complete disaster and one must do with the horses should not be on Thursday a drastic reduction as it is “only so long you can tread Association estimating they are be thankful for small mercies,” much reason for excuses,” he said. in prizemoney for Group races water before you sink”, Qatar losing over £8mn ($9.7mn) a he said. “Behind closed doors at “The horses have done more than although sponsorship money will Racing’s manager David Redvers month. least gives us horse racing. they usually do on the gallops. soften some of the blow. told AFP. Redvers, though, is just thank- “Without horse racing then “Some horses need a run and Redvers hopes that at the very Newcastle will host the first ful Qatar Racing’s silks and those there would be no hope and the others don’t and there are all least Sheikh Fahad and his broth- meeting behind closed doors of their rivals will be once again industry would crumble very sorts of other factors such as ers will be able to attend the QIP- since racing was suspended on seen in competitive action. quickly so it could be worse.” adrenalin and a long break which CO-sponsored Champions Day March 18 due to the coronavirus “It has been hugely concerning can influence the way a horse in October which will be its 10th pandemic. for everyone as it is only so long ‘RISE FROM THE ASHES’ races.” anniversary. That will serve as an appetiser you can tread water before you Jockeys wore protective face masks as horse racing resumed behind Qatar Racing’s Sheikh Fahad al- Although some have raised He does glimpse a ray of hope before it really kicks into gear sink,” he told AFP by phone. closed doors at Longchamp in Paris, France, on Monday. Horse Thani will be one of those own- concerns Balding believes going for the industry. with the first classics — races for “It is looking a much better Racing’s planned resumption in England is set for June 1. (Reuters) ers who misses out — Kameko is to the racecourses carries very “Like anything any downturn three year-olds only — the 1000 chance things will take off and on one of the favourites for the 2000 little risk. gives everybody plenty of op- and 2000 Guineas to be run at June 1 we come out all guns blaz- French trainer Nicolas Clem- after Prime Minister Leo Varad- Guineas. “There will certainly be more portunity to see where we are and Newmarket on the first weekend ing.” ent said attending the meeting kar acknowledged on Friday “this His trainer Andrew Balding bio security steps in place than how we can improve our situa- of June. England will follow France at Longchamp was like “walking is a big economic sector”. is yet to win the race — which is going to a supermarket,” he said. tion,” he said. Flat racing’s showpiece meeting who resumed racing last Mon- into a hospital”. Strict regulations will be en- sponsored like many of the top “The last thing Newmarket or “Hopefully we can rise from Royal Ascot it is hoped will follow day, with jockeys required to Ireland has brought forward its forced in England with trainers, races in England by the Sheikh’s Ascot will wish to do is put peo- the ashes as a fitter leaner -hun shortly afterwards on June 16. wear masks. return by three weeks to June 8 jockeys and grooms obliged to family business Qatar Invest- ple in jeopardy.” grier model.” Gulf Times 2 Sunday, May 17, 2020 FOOTBALL

FOCUS COMMENT Not right players to Player divide be tested ahead of key workers: Foster

Reuters threatens Premier London, United Kingdom atford goalkeeper Ben Foster says it would be wrong Wfor Premier League players to be tested for the corona- virus ahead of medical workers as rules. With Britain’s death toll League’s restart plan plans for Project Restart continue. at almost 34,000 from the virus, Twice weekly tests for Pre- several players have voiced their mier League players are part of unease at such a quick return. While Watford’s Deeney has been vocal about not getting on the pitch soon, while the plan to resume the Premier Foster says players are still un- League next month after it was sure about how exactly ‘Project the likes of Tottenham’s Kane are in favour of a restart with safety measures suspended in March because of Restart” will work. the pandemic. “I really haven’t a clue how they AFP “Footballers are not essential are going to work it. It is almost London, United Kingdom key workers, we shouldn’t have impossible to come up with so- access to tests before front-line lutions,” the former Manchester workers,” Foster told BBC News- United and England keeper said. he Premier League’s bid beat on Friday. “I don’t know if we have to to restart the season in The Professional Football- wear masks when we go back to June is in danger of be- ers Association (PFA), Premier training, I haven’t a clue. It is not Ting derailed by a heated League chiefs and the govern- going to be normal anymore, a debate between players about ment held a conference call this completely different set of -cir the risks of playing amid the week to discuss safety measures cumstances. How do you socially coronavirus crisis. for a restart. distance from a corner? Can a While Premier League chiefs On Thursday, Britain’s Culture goalkeeper spit on their gloves?” believe completing the cam- and Sport secretary Oliver Dow- June 12 is the proposed date paign is essential to safeguard den said the government was for a Premier League resump- the financial and sporting future “opening the door” for football tion but many issues still need to of the game, some stars are not to return next month in empty be resolved. “You can’t go risk- so convinced. stadiums. ing people’s health to be play- Another meeting is planned ing football. Health is the most ‘I’M NOT GOING TO PUT MY for Monday when players are important thing. Going back to FAMILY AT RISK’ due to return to initial group playing has to be done when the Watford captain Troy Deeney training under social distancing time is right,” Foster said. has been one of the loudest voices against returning to the pitch so soon. Although the Premier League has agreed to fund regular test- Former Arsenal and England ing for players and staff, there defender Sansom in hospital is no guarantee of keeping the virus at bay while vaccine trials Former Arsenal and England defender Kenny Sansom, who remain in the early stages. played against Diego Maradona’s Argentina in the 1986 ‘Hand of Adding to Deeney’s concern, God’ World Cup quarter-final, is being treated in hospital for an black and ethnic minorities are unspecified illness. “Kenny is currently ill in hospital. He is being statistically more at risk of dy- well cared for and does not have Covid-19,” a message on his ing from the virus, leaving him Twitter account said. Arsenal said in a separate tweet that their adamant he will not gamble with In this February 29, 2020, picture, Watford’s Troy Deeney (left) celebrates scoring a goal with teammates during the Premier League match thoughts and prayers were with the 61-year-old “at this difficult his family’s life just to satisfy the against Liverpool in Watford, United Kingdom. Deeney has been one of the loudest voices against returning to the pitch so soon. (Reuters) time”. Sansom, who made 86 appearances for England between desire for football to resume. 1979 and 1988 and also played 394 games for Arsenal, talked “I’m not even talking about “Every team and player has ternational does not want to put about his subsequent problems with gambling and alcoholism in football at the moment. I’m talk- got different views on it. Ulti- him in danger. a 2008 autobiography To Cap It All. Five years ago he revealed he ing about my family’s health,” mately it’s putting your family “To go out on the pitch is a big had been close to suicide after becoming homeless. Deeney said on Instagram. at risk that is the main concern.” thing for me. But my dad is asth- “I’m not going to put my fam- matic and the last thing I need is ily at risk. What are they going to ‘LOOKING FORWARD TO to catch the virus myself or be Delayed Euro 2020 could take place do, take money off me? I’ve been PLAYING AGAIN’ in contact with anyone with the in fewer venues: UEFA boss Ceferin broke before so it doesn’t bother In contrast to the anger ex- virus,” Abraham said. me. pressed by some of his peers, “The Premier League and the UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has not ruled out playing Euro “They’re talking about not England captain Harry Kane has Government have to come to a 2020, delayed to 2021 due to the coronavirus outbreak, in fewer playing in front of fans until preached a more moderate at- decision on whether or not it’s venues than the originally planned 12. “In principle the idea is that 2021. So if it’s not safe enough titude. safe enough to play again and we we stay in the same cities,” Ceferin told broadcaster beIN Sports. for fans to be inside a stadium, Tottenham striker Kane is take it on from there. I am ready “For now we have conversations. With nine cities everything is set, why should it be safe for players ready to restart as long as player to play tomorrow if it is safe.” with three cities we have some issues. So we will discuss further to be in there?” safety is the highest priority. Encapsulating the split in the and we will, in principle, do it in 12 cities. But if not we’re ready to Critics of Deeney’s view have “I think the majority of play- ranks, former Manchester City do it in 10, nine or eight cities.” European football governing body noted that Watford were just ers are looking forward to play- midfielder Joey Barton claimed UEFA wanted to hold a pan-continental tournament this summer outside the relegation zone on ing again as soon as possible Deeney is acting out of self-in- to mark the 60th anniversary of the European Championships. It goal difference when the season but we know we want it to be as terest. will now take place June 11-July 11, 2021, having been been delayed was halted, so his club would safe as possible too,” Kane told Barton, who is manager of amid the global pandemic. clearly benefit from the season British daytime TV show, Good League One side Fleetwood, being abandoned. In this November 26, 2019, picture, Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane Morning Britain. tweeted: “If Troy doesn’t want But Manchester City stars (top) in action during the UEFA Champions League match against “Me personally, I am happy to play or doesn’t feel safe Villarreal and Getafe deny Sergio Aguero and Raheem Ster- Olympiacos in London, United Kingdom. Kane is ready for a restart to start training in small groups enough to, then that’s his choice. match-fixing ling have also raised concerns as long as player safety is the highest priority. (Reuters) if that is allowed and just trying “Let’s not kid ourselves about about restarting, while Newcas- to get back to some normality what is going on. Big money to Spanish soccer clubs Villarreal and Getafe have denied any tle’s Danny Rose, on loan from risk,” he said. in a conference call with the as soon as possible. I guess eve- be had in the Premier League, wrongdoing after national media reported on Friday that police Tottenham, launched a furious “Football shouldn’t even be Premier League this week that ryone is different and has their who wouldn’t want another year are investigating possible match-fixing in a 2-2 draw between the rant about the situation. spoke about coming back until reportedly saw numerous disa- own personal view.” of that towards the end of your two clubs in La Liga last year. “Villarreal and its first team wish to “Government is saying ‘bring the numbers have dropped mas- greements. Even those willing to play, like career? Got to admire the op- show their absolute rejection of the accusations made today and football back’ because it is go- sively.” “I think the overall feeling is Chelsea striker Tammy Abra- portunism. categorically deny being involved in any way in fixing the game ing to boost the nation’s morale. Like Deeney and other Pre- that players have got concerns. ham, have given their support “Squad on huge bonus for against Getafe on the final day of last season,” said a club state- I don’t care about the nation’s mier League skippers, Norwich There’s just so much uncertain- with caveats. Abraham’s father survival. No wonder they want it ment. “As it has done on repeated occasions, the club condemns morale, bro, people’s lives are at captain Grant Hanley took part ty,” Hanley told Sky Sports. has asthma and the England in- null and voided.” any conduct that damages the essence of sport and competition and stresses that the values of transparency, ethics, integrity and fair play are fundamental to its philosophy.” Getafe also released a statement saying the club “wish to categorically deny any involve- Klopp confident Liverpool can win title without being at their best ment with this matter and this type of conduct”. AFP siders have not been crowned “Whenever we will start we will the best of it,” said Klopp. Swedish clubs clash with health London, United Kingdom domestic champions in the Pre- have had the same time for “We started eight weeks ago mier League era, with the last of preparation and our job was and now you feel everyone is authorities as season remains on hold their league titles coming when always, and always will be, to desperate to get back to a ‘new’ urgen Klopp has insisted they won the old First Division use the situation you are in. We normal life. Sweden’s elite soccer clubs have accused the country’s health Liverpool have no need crown in 1990. will be in as good a shape as “I have missed the boys the authorities of banning them from carrying out their profession to be at their “all-time But as teams start returning possible.” most because we have created as frustration over the Covid-19 pandemic grows. The top-flight best” in order to clinch to training, Liverpool manager Meanwhile the German boss a group there not only the boys Allsvenskan has been aiming to get underway on June 14 but J Klopp has tried to ease any said he was desperate to but all the people at Melwood the league has yet to get the green light from the nation’s Public a first English league title in 30 years. mounting pressure on his runa- return to “normal life” after an because we have a really good Health Authority, which is worried about fans gathering outside Premier League officials are now way leaders who are 25 points Liverpool manager Jurgen unexpected two-month break relationship and we became stadiums and in sports bars to watch games. “We believe that aiming to restart the season in clear at the top. Klopp (left) celebrates with by getting back to Liverpool’s friends over the last four-and-a- we have taken a large responsibility to be able to carry out our mid-June, with Liverpool just “Football is a game where Virgil van Dijk after the win Melwood training base, where half years. business without spreading the infection... (and) we cannot see two wins away from the title everyone is pretty much in over Norwich City on February players will initially train in “We see each other pretty often that this affects sports bars for example, as they have their own when the campaign was post- the same situation we play 15, 2020. (Reuters) small groups. with Zoom and those things but responsibilities and follow their own guidelines,” Swedish Elite poned on March 13 because of against another team and we “Lockdown has been as good it’s still not the same and going Football said in a statement on Friday. The Scandinavian country the coronavirus outbreak. don’t have to be at our all-time same for the other teams,” he as possible it’s not exactly what back to Melwood and doing has opted against imposing the kind of strict lockdowns that has For so long the dominant force best we have to be at our best told the BBC’s Football Focus I want to do but it’s what we all all the things we usually do is brought most of Europe to a standstill, keeping many schools and in English football, the Mersey- possible and that’s exactly the programme. have to do so we try to make something I really miss.” businesses open.

BOTTOMLINE Italy’s sport minister to ease anti-contagion rules for team training

DPA Spadafora late on Friday ad- on Monday, as for all other team that the Lega has difficulties to distancing will then have to be jor Italian newspaper about the also be reassessed if the country’s Rome, Italy dressed the clubs’ complaints sports,” the minister told private implement the protocol they observed while training. usual smart president who, de- contagion levels keep dropping, about having to train for two broadcaster Rete 4. proposed, mostly about teams He also mentioned this week’s spite the rules, let the squad work which could also allow a June 13 weeks in isolation and the fact “And this will happen accord- going into retreat, but this is not report on Il Corriere delle Sera together,” Spadafora said, seem- restart of the league, as proposed talian Sports Minister Vin- that team doctors could bear le- ing to a protocol that neither I something we requested. They on alleged training games at the ingly referring to Lazio owner by the Lega. cenzo Spadafora looks set to gal liability for possible conta- nor the [government’s] scientific now realise that some clubs do Lazio camp, which have not been Claudio Lotito, who has often There are reports that INAIL, partially satisfy seemingly gion, which would also lead to a panel have proposed, but that, a not have the facilities to go in allowed since individual work- disagreed with the government’s the state agency that regulates Icontradictory requests from new 14-day quarantine for the month ago, was proposed to me isolation.” outs restarted on May 4. The cautious approach to the pan- accidents at work, has loosened Serie A teams to loosen the coro- whole group of footballers and by domestic federation FGIC and Spadafora said he is willing to Rome club has denied the allega- demic. the guidelines affecting team navirus protocol for team train- staff. Serie A. allow footballers and staff to re- tions. Rules that set a full quarantine doctors’ medical liability in case ing due to resume next week. “Football training can resume “Now I am surprised to learn turn home after the sessions, but “We all have read on a ma- in case of a single infection could of coronavirus contagion. Gulf Times Sunday, May 17, 2020 3 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT BOXING Hearn planning to organise fights From Campese to chaos: in his own back garden

Reuters London virus crisis highlights eavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua’s promoter Ed- Hdie Hearn is planning to organise fights in his own back garden when professional boxing returns in July from the Aussie rugby’s decline Covid-19 lockdown. Hearn’s mansion home and headquarters in Brentwood, to the north-east of London, If the glory days of Aussie rugby seem like the distant past, that is because they are has extensive grounds and he told Daily Mail he envisaged AFP men in Sydney. “That’s not the reality fight nights on four consecutive Sydney of the sport,” he said, pointing to the weekends behind closed doors. high proportion of players with blue- “It is a huge mission. We are collar backgrounds, or with parents going to turn our headquarters ith the Wallabies languish- who moved from the Pacific Islands or here into an outdoor venue for ing at seventh in the world South Africa. “You play down here, eve- live boxing, with a full canopy in rankings, Rugby Australia’s ry single person is wearing hi-vis (work the middle of the garden and the Wleadership in flux and the vests), they have already done a shift. ring overlooking London,” said sport facing fierce competition from That’s the reality of rugby in Australia. the Matchroom boss. “Just im- other codes, the coronavirus pandemic But it’s just not translating. At a grass- agine it. It is summer, the house has turned long-standing problems roots level the game has held its par- is all lit up, you can see Canary with rugby Down Under into a battle ticipation rates. People love the sport. Wharf in the distance and fire- for survival. If the glory days of Aussie They love playing. Kids fall in love with works are going off. Then over rugby seem like the distant past, that is it. Those things haven’t changed. Aus- the hill walk Dillian Whyte and because they are. In the nearly 30 years tralians say they are not class conscious. Alexander Povetkin for a massive since David Campese sailed through the But they are.” tear up on my lawn.” All Blacks’ backline at the 1991 World FitzSimons maintains rugby still has The British Boxing Board of Cup, or a bloody-eyed John Eales hoist- everyman appeal. “Rugby is the most Control (BBBofC) has said it ed the Webb Ellis trophy in 1999 — the egalitarian of all games, inclusive of all hopes to resume professional last Australian captain to do so — the games,” he said. boxing in Britain in July but with game has struggled. “If you want to play basketball, strict conditions and no spec- With roughly a quarter-of-a-million you’ve got to be tall and coordinated. If tators. The board’s proposals, registered players, it no longer cracks you want to play rugby league, you have which are still being discussed, the top 20 participant sports in Aus- to be built like a refrigerator. If you are include boxers having to wear tralia, sitting well below surfing, mar- short, fat and squat with no discern- face masks during ring walks tial arts and pilates, according to Sport ible ball skills or no hygiene, you’re in and being banned from using an Australia rankings. the front row. If you’re built like a ther- open spit bucket. TV audiences are small and even be- mometer without a friend to bless your- Whyte and Russian heavy- fore coronavirus, crowds effectively self with, you’re on the wing.” weight Povetkin were due to practised social distancing — with top The last year has been particularly fight in Manchester on May 2 for sides playing in cavernous stadiums to tough for Rugby Australia, which came the WBC interim belt but that only a handful of fans, often Kiwis sup- to an out-of-court settlement for sack- was postponed when the BB- porting the visiting team. ing star fullback Israel Folau for homo- BofC banned all fights due to the According to one consultancy report, phobia, and saw the Wallabies crash out Covid-19 pandemic. audiences for Super Rugby have halved in the World Cup quarter-finals. Hearn’s plan was for an all- in the last seven years and rugby is now With roughly a quarter-of-a-million registered players, rugby no longer cracks the top 20 participant sports in Australia, sitting Following CEO Raelene Castle’s British title bout between wom- the ninth most popular sport in the well below surfing, martial arts and pilates, according to Sport Australia rankings. (AFP) abrupt resignation last month, the body en’s WBC super-featherweight country. Amid this bleak outlook, diag- named Hamish McLennan as its incom- champion Terri Harper and Na- nosing the causes of Australian rugby’s and lost 32, among the worst records to complex scrummaging laws and top There was romance in that. There was ing chairman on Friday and received an tasha Jonas in mid-July leading ailments has become something of a of any top-tier nation. It is probably players leaving for lucrative contracts chivalry in that,” he said. “Now some- Aus$14.2mn ($9.2mn) funding lifeline up to an August clash between sport in itself. not a coincidence that the professional in Europe or Japan. But for some former how in Australia, that connection — the from World Rugby. Whyte and Povetkin. “We are Almost a dozen former Wallabies era has been considered much more of players, rugby is struggling because connection between the people and the FitzSimons said the job of Rugby Aus- building changing rooms for the captains — including greats like Nick a success in places like New Zealand or its leadership and top players stopped Wallabies — has been lost.” tralia’s new leadership was to rebuild fighters, setting up a space for a Farr-Jones, George Gregan and Phil Ireland, where teams have consistently reflecting society. “In the great days Brent McDonald, a former player and the connection between the 15 players ring walk, and figuring out how Kearns — recently circulated a let- won top competitions. of rugby, you would look down on the a lecturer at Victoria University, be- in green and gold, the rag-tag bunch we can do everything you need ter saying the game had “lost its way”. But experts also point to other prob- field and you would see butcher, baker, lieves the game is in good health at the playing at the local oval and the rest of for this kind of production with Commentators most often cite the poor lems like Australia’s hyper-competitive candlestick maker, rich man, poor man grassroots level, but there is “a discon- Australia. “Those who play representa- as few people as possible,” said form of the Wallabies, after twice win- sports market, with rugby league and beggarman, thief,” former Wallabies nect between the power brokers and tive rugby need to have a very good idea Hearn. He said a nearby hotel ning the World Cup in the 1990s, as one Aussie rules vying hard for players and forward Peter FitzSimons said. what the game actually represents”. of who and what they are representing could be used as a holding camp, reason for the game’s decline. Coach supporters. Other problems include “The 15 Wallabies that took the field, The loudest and shrillest voices, he because it simply does not work when with everyone involved only Michael Cheika departed after the 2019 broadcast deals that keep club rugby there was a huge connection between said, have propelled an image of the they’re on ‘Planet Wallaby’ in the outer cleared to enter the mansion Rugby World Cup having won 34 games locked behind expensive TV paywalls, them, their clubs and, their community. game being about privileged white orbit of the rugby community.” once they had tested negative.

FOCUS Kyrgios tells Murray ‘you are better than Djokovic’ London: Nick Kyrgios told Andy having defeated Djokovic in Djokovic, claimed the Austral- Murray yesterday the British both the 2012 US Open and 2013 ian, had a “sick obsession with No soundtrack but NASCAR tennis star was better than Wimbledon finals. Djokovic, wanting to be liked”. In one of world number one Novak Djoko- however, leads their head-to- the less bizarre parts of their vic, claiming the Serb “dodges” head record 25-11 and has won conversation Kyrgios asked his serve while the Scot “is on it 17 Grand Slam singles titles to Murray, who has long been hopes for a hit on return like a light”. Murray’s three. That didn’t stop sidelined with hip, and more By his own estimate Kyrgios Kyrgios telling Murray: “I think recently, thigh injuries when he Reuters was drunk when he logged on you should have one of the best might be back on court follow- New York from his Canberra home for an careers ever. I think you are bet- ing the coronavirus outbreak. Instagram live chat with Murray ter than Djokovic. Djokovic was Murray, who celebrated his that started after midnight playing dodgeball on my serve 33rd birthday on Friday, said: “I ike a movie with no musical score, for the Australian. Kyrgios is and you were slapping it for a feel good I was doing well be- NASCAR returns from a two-month well known for his withering winner. He was trying to dodge fore the injury at the Davis Cup. novel coronavirus-forced hiatus to- comments about leading tennis it, you were on it like a light.” I think when things get back to day for a race without the fans who players, even though the unde- Murray responded by saying: normal I think I will be alright.” L niably talented world number “The results would suggest Kyrgios suggested the pair provide the background soundtrack for sporting events around the world. 40 has never gone beyond the otherwise.” Kyrgios has endured should play doubles together, Not even the growl from 40 V8 stockcar quarter-finals of a major cham- a rocky relationship with Djoko- prompting a wry Murray to engines will make up for the silence in the pionship. Murray, however, ap- vic, once describing the Serb’s reply: “Only if you promise to empty grandstands at South Carolina’s Dar- pears to be one of his few rivals post-match ‘cup of love’ celebra- behave, you said you were go- lington Raceway as NASCAR drivers discard Kyrgios respects, with the Scot tions as “cringeworthy”. ing to.” iracing consoles for a return to the danger and excitement of the real thing. While drivers are certain to feel the adren- aline pumping through their veins again, TENNIS when the green flag drops it is unlikely mo- tor racing fans will get the same familiar rush. How a sporting world without specta- tors in the stands is greeted will be decided Djokovic confident he will by TV ratings and viewership numbers, but after months of watching virtual sports and archive of historic clashes, everyone seems claim Grand Slam record ready for some live action. In this Sep 1, 2019 file photo, NASCAR Cup Series driver Erik Jones celebrates after winning “We’re going to be missing some of that the Bojangles’ Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. (USA TODAY Sports) Reuters form before the novel coronavi- Miami Open in 2018, his wife, Je- (excitement) but I look at the reaction from New York rus pandemic brought the circuit lena, said he was ready to hang up fans all over social media, how excited they we thought we would, but we will not miss a ers, and follow strict guidelines on social to a halt in early March. He lifted the racquet. are that they get to see a race,” Jeff Gordon, thing between IndyCar, two (NASCAR) Cup distancing. Drivers who go to work covered the ATP Cup with Serbia, won an “He said to me that he’s quit- three-time Daytona 500 winner and now races, two truck races, two Xfinity races we from head to toe in safety gear from helmets ovak Djokovic believes eighth Australian Open title and ting and that’s the truth,” she race analyst for FOX told Reuters. “Sport and will run them all. Whether there are fans to fire retardant socks will have one more he will win the most then completed a fifth triumph said in the interview. “He lost in traditions are the things that bring normal- there or not is to be determined.” item today — wearing masks from motor Grand Slam titles and at the Dubai Tennis Champion- Miami. It was a terrible loss. And cy to us so I think having a NASCAR race on Fans or no fans, IndyCar and NAS- homes to their cars. Nbecome the longest- ships, extending his unbeaten then he just, you know, gathered TV, I think most people, and I know I do, ap- CAR have determined the show must go “It is going to be unique and different,” reigning world number one by run to 21. all of us and said, ‘You know preciate being part of this event. But I don’t on. While North America’s biggest sports said Gordon. “These drivers and teams are the time he retires, the 32-year- Swiss great Federer also owns guys, I’m done.’ And I was like, want it to get to the place where people are leagues, the NBA, NHL and MLB, muddle going to be anxious and nervous trying to old Serb said in an interview. The the record for total number of ‘What?’ And he goes like, ‘Yeah.’ just comfortable with no fans there and just through scenarios that could get them play- execute flawlessly with no practice, no qual- current world number one has 17 weeks at number one, with 310, He said, ‘Edoardo, you can speak say, “Oh that’s the new norm”. ing again, NASCAR is ready to go and will ifying, very limited resources to get them- Grand Slam titles to his name — and consecutive weeks at the with my sponsors. I want to be Eddie Gossage, president of Texas Motor stage seven races over 11 days. selves prepared and it is one of the toughest two behind Rafa Nadal and three top position, with 237, compared clear with them. I don’t know if Speedway (TMS) which will stage the first When drivers receive the command to, tracks on the circuit.” fewer than Roger Federer — and with Djokovic’s 282 and 122. Fe- I’m stopping for six months, a IndyCar race on June 6 had one word for rac- “start your engines” it will be a small victory The most jarring sign that things are dif- said he has no doubt in his ability derer turns 39 in August and year or forever.’” ing without fans — “depressing”. The sight for NASCAR fans, who have been waging a ferent will come at the end of the race when to overtake the other members of Djokovic said he could envision Djokovic did not go through of 135,000 empty seats will be a dispiriting battle against Covid-19 and boredom from there will be none of the wild celebrations the so-called ‘Big Three.’ himself still playing at 40. with his retirement plans and one with the sprawling North Texas circuit self-isolation at home. As different as things that come with victory. “In Victory Lane the “I’m always very confident in “I don’t believe in limits. I bounced back to triumph at a ghost town of shuttered concession stands will look on television, it will be more dra- crew members are not going to be allowed myself,” he said in an interview think limits are only illusions of Wimbledon that July. and garages with the exception of a few race matic for drivers who will shift from virtual in, I guess it will be the car, the driver and on In Depth with Graham Bens- your ego or your mind,” he said. It In the wide-ranging inter- teams rolling around the 84 acre infield like racing to bumper-to-bumper action where me with the trophy,” said Gossage laughing inger. “I believe I can win the wasn’t too long ago that Djokovic view, Djokovic also discussed tumble weeds. “It will be depressing. No- wrecks have real consequences. as he looked ahead to the IndyCar opener. most slams and break the record had an entirely different outlook past struggles with his health, body in the stands! What!,” Gossage, said in Along with no fans there will be no quali- “One photographer and one TV camera and for longest number one. Those on the game. his marriage and surviving the a telephone interview. “This whole thing is fying or practice. Each team will be limited that’s it. We will just look at each other and are definitely my clear goals.” After falling in straight sets bombings in his native Serbia in counter-intuitive. It is just not exactly when to 16 personnel, including driver and own- jump up and down.” Djokovic was in imperious to unseeded Benoit Paire at the 1999. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, May 17, 2020 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Bryant chopper crash pilot had no drugs in Giants’ Baker turns system: autopsy

AFP fore impact. The report said the Los Angeles 41-year-old Bryant had injuries to nearly his entire body. “These injuries are rapidly if not in- himself in to face he pilot of the helicopter stantly fatal,” a medical examiner that crashed while car- wrote of Bryant. rying Kobe Bryant and His 13-year-old daughter Gi- This daughter to a basket- anna also died in the crash. Bry- ball tournament in California did ant did not have any drugs in his not have alcohol or drugs in his system except Ritalin — a drug system, according to the autopsy typically used to treat atten- robbery charges report released yesterday. tion deficit hyperactivity and Ara Zobayan, 50, was tak- narcolepsy. Also dying in the ing the Bryants and six others crash were two youth basketball ‘Reports are correct that Deandre turned himself in this morning’ to a youth tournament when teammates of Gianna Bryant: the chopper slammed into the 14-year-old Alyssa Altobelli and mountains west of Los Angeles, 13-year-old Payton Chester. killing all nine on board instant- Others who perished were Al- ly. “Toxicological testing did not tobelli’s parents John and Keri, detect the presence of alcohol or Chester’s mother Sarah and bas- drugs of abuse,” the Los Angeles ketball coach Christina Mauser. County coroner’s report said. Vanessa Bryant, the basketball The clinical report described star’s widow, previously filed a the carnage at the January 26 wrongful death lawsuit against crash scene and said that all helicopter operator Island Ex- the victims died of blunt force press. trauma. The manner of death Bryant won five NBA cham- for each was listed as accidental. pionships for the Los Angeles The investigation showed the Lakers during 20 NBA seasons. helicopter was travelling at 296 He was the NBA’s most valuable kilometres per hour (184mph) player in 2007-08, a 15-time all- when it crashed into the hillside NBA selection, and an 18-time after running into heavy fog and all-star. He was twice named cloud cover. MVP of the NBA finals and was Police said the helicopter the all-star game MVP four plunged several hundred feet be- times.

Arrest warrants were issued on Thursday for New York Giants cornerback DeAndre Baker (left) and Quinton Dunbar, a cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks, after they allegedly robbed party guests at gunpoint in Miramar, near Miami. (Reuters)

Reuters a firearm. Attorneys for both men on Fri- to do and I believe we all do them to the the charges. “I have never in my career New York day said that witnesses signed affidavits best of our ability. Police reports are just seen a police department so excited about maintaining that the two NFL players that, reports of what was told to them or arresting a celebrity,” the lawyer said. took no part in an alleged armed robbery said to them. Court is what we use to then Miramar Police spokeswoman Tania ew York Giants cornerback De- on Wednesday night in Miramar, Florida. examine those reports, investigate those Rues disputed that claim while speaking Andre Baker turned himself in Cohen said that police had treated claims and allow the Defendant an op- with the Miami Herald. She said that four to police in Florida yesterday Baker fairly but that there was more to portunity to confront the evidence. Don’t alleged victims and one witness identi- Nmorning to face four counts of the story than authorities had been told. rush to judgement.” fied Dunbar under oath. armed robbery with a firearm and four “Both my client and I have felt @mira- It was unclear whether Dunbar also had “If any of them have changed their sto- counts of aggravated assault. marpd and the Detective working the surrendered. Baker was drafted by the Gi- ries, we would welcome them to come Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven “Reports are correct that Deandre case, were accommodating and went out ants in the first round (30th overall) out of back to the Miramar police station for a others died when their helicopter crashed into a Calabasas hillside turned himself in this morning,” his at- of their way to assure Mr Bakers privacy Georgia in 2019. He had 61 tackles, two new statement,” Rues told the Herald. She near Los Angeles on January 26. torney, Bradford Cohen, posted to Insta- during this hard time,” Cohen’s state- tackles for loss and eight pass defenses in added that the police department didn’t gram. “I am a believer in the system and ment further read. 16 games (15 starts) as a rookie. Michael do anything out of the ordinary in the case that if everything works the matter will “That is not just lip service, it is fact, Grieco, Dunbar’s attorney, told multiple because celebrities were involved. Grieco NFL be appropriately resolved.” Arrest war- and we appreciate it. This is my 23rd year media outlets that even his office received said that Baker and Dunbar, both born rants were issued on Thursday for Baker, in practice defending those who I feel the statements from “star witnesses re- in South Florida, are not close. The Sea- 22, and Quinton Dunbar, a cornerback are wrongly charged or wrongly treated. canting within 48 hours” what they had hawks, Giants and the NFL issued state- for the Seattle Seahawks. Dunbar, 27, That doesn’t mean that all police officers told Miramar police, the police were still ments acknowledging awareness of the Teams can reopen faces four counts of armed robbery with are bad or all are good. We all have jobs requiring Dunbar to turn himself in on case while providing no further details. facilities next week BOTTOMLINE if they meet Athletics could rebel against pandemic rules: Coe conditions: Goodell AFP over a year away is unhelpful,” said the New Delhi former chief of the 2012 London Olym- Reuters pics. “We are trying to give the athletes New York some clarity about the calendar and orld athletics chief speculation from scientists and medi- Sebastian Coe has warned cal experts does not help. I hope that the he NFL will allow clubs that sports leaders may rebel pandemic will be contained so that we to reopen their facili- Wagainst pandemic restric- don’t have to cancel the Games.” ties beginning as early as tions as they struggle to get major events Athletics’ Diamond League may only TTuesday if they are per- back on track. Coe expressed the frustra- start in August and finish in October. Coe mitted to do so under state and tions felt by many sports chiefs when he said competitions will look very different local regulations and meet safety said it was crucial to get top events start- with athletes battling each other in emp- protocols previously outlined by ed again even as the coronavirus takes a ty stadiums. “Meeting directors will have the league, the commissioner lations to the league. mounting toll around the world. to take their own decisions about how to said. Players and coaches will not “This first phase of reopen- “We have to be guided by what govern- get athletes to competition in a safe and be allowed to enter the facilities ing is an important step in dem- ments, the WHO and local authorities are secure manner that doesn’t risk infec- during the first phase of the reo- onstrating our ability to operate telling us, but we also have to make our tion,” he said. pening to ensure equity among safely and effectively, even in the own decisions and make sensible com- “Each event will have to decide on a the 32 clubs, commissioner current environment,” Good- promises,” Coe, 63, told Indian television format for competition with these safety Roger Goodell said in a memo to ell said in the memo. “After we channel WION. “There may be a moment considerations two months in advance. team executives on Friday. implement this first phase, and when a sport decides that it is ready to Everybody is waiting to return to com- “Clubs may otherwise decide as more states and localities en- stage events even if it is not always with petition and organisers will have to be as which employees may return to act policies that allow more club the approval of those authorities. We will creative and ingenious as possible in the the facility, which may include facilities to reopen, I expect ad- be respectful, but we have to make deci- current circumstances.” members of the personnel, foot- ditional staff, likely including sions in the best interest of our sport and In a separate interview with Indian me- ball operations or football ad- coaching staff, will be allowed to our athletes,” the British former track dia, Coe said there would be greater use of ministration staff, equipment return to the club facilities in a legend insisted. technology to make events “more excit- staff, medical staff and nutrition- relatively short time.” Athletics like other key sports has seen ing” for television viewers and to adapt ists,” the memo said. Goodell said the league is its calendar and finances badly hit by to the coronavirus threat. “If you think of Only strength and condition- working with the Players Asso- the postponement of this year’s Olym- relay, the baton exchange could be anoth- ing coaches currently partici- ciation and its medical teams on pic Games in Tokyo. The world athletics er source of infection, but we are finding pating in player rehabilitation developing protocols that could championships planned for 2021 have ways to organise it,” the World Athletics can return to the facility and permit a certain number of play- had to be pushed back by a year to allow chief said. only players currently undergo- ers to return to club facilities as for a provisional plan to stage the Tokyo “As a runner I can feel the emotions ing medical treatment or reha- early as next month. The NFL is to Games next year instead. of the athletes if there is only training bilitation can enter. Clubs must kick off on Sept. 10 and unveiled Coe said no one could give a cast-iron and no competition. Therefore we want promptly report any incidence its 2020 schedule last week, with assurance that the Olympics will be held. to provide them with an opportunity to of Covid-19 in the facility or any the expectation of playing games “Speculating about something that is compete and perform.” change in local government regu- with fans in the stadiums.

BOTTOMLINE Professional bowling rolls into action with virtual draft to be held today

Reuters draft-eligible professional bowlers will Clark said. “Many PBA players that ried out by the WNBA and the NFL, has hosted the finals annually since tions. Despite the setback, Clark said Las Vegas vie for 26 spots on 10 teams across the are drafted on Sunday will be getting with league officials, managers and 2015. This year was primed to be a big bowling is still primed to surge in pop- country, including two new Profes- their chance to live out a dream, to hear players participating via video confer- one for ten-pin bowling, with a new ularity as it seeks to recapture its hey- sional Bowlers Association (PBA) teams their name selected to be part of the ence today. The pandemic also forced broadcast deal between PBA and FOX day of the 1960s and 70s, when its best en-pin bowling will join PGA in Las Vegas and Milwaukee. Bowling most prestigious bowling league in the the postponement of the 2020 PBA Sports aimed at expanding the sport’s players earned more than top baseball golf, NASCAR and UFC in fans will be able to watch a livestream world.” League Elias Cup tournament, original- reach to its biggest audience in decades. and football players. bringing competition back to of the draft today. The coronavirus pandemic had de- ly scheduled for July 20-23 at Bayside The PBA last year awarded its first “Bowling and the PBA are part of the Ta sports-starved nation this “The PBA League Draft will be a great layed the draft, originally scheduled for Bowl in Portland. six-figure winner’s purse since 2011 and American fabric,” he said. “Familiar, weekend when the professional league diversion for our fans hungry for bowl- March, and forced it to take on a virtual The team event will be rescheduled a record $2.1mn combined prize fund safe, and on the PBA level, a symbol of holds its virtual draft. Over 50 elite, ing action,” PBA commissioner Tom format similar to the ones already car- for the fall at the same location, which was planned for this year’s competi- the highest level of sports competition.”

Sunday, May 17, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

MOTORSPORT Sainz could surprise Ferrari, says his former F3 boss Reuters vation, Carlin suggested Sainz said Carlin of a team that has London might not see it that way. brought on some stellar young Singapore F1 promoters say talent but also discarded plenty PRESSURE ON of others. closed-doors race is not feasible arlos Sainz could be The son of a double world ral- “To me, the driver we saw 12 a surprise package ly champion and three-times months ago at McLaren when he Singapore Grand Prix promot- require three months to com- when he teams up with Dakar winner, Sainz has always became team mates with Lando ers have ruled out holding plete, and this will depend on Charles Leclerc at Fer- set himself high goals and had (Norris), that’s the Carlos I re- their Formula One race without whether such activities are C spectators, casting further permitted under the prevailing rari next year, according to the plenty to live up to. membered when he drove for us Spaniard’s former F3 boss Trevor “I think the pressure actually back in F3. Far more relaxed, far uncertainty over the likelihood government regulations”. Carlin. will be on Charles’ shoulders,” more comfortable in himself and of the September event going Last year’s race on the Marina The Briton, who has had a said Carlin. “When Carlos really far more confident. ahead. Bay street circuit was watched string of Formula One drivers steps up he could be the surprise “He’s matured into the real Formula One plans to start its by 268,000 spectators over including Sebastian Vettel and show there and make the tifosi deal. I was very, very happy for stalled season in July with races the three days, with overseas Daniel Ricciardo race for him on (fans) very, very happy.” him.” behind closed doors in Austria visitors making up 40% of the their way up, told Reuters on Fri- Sainz raced for Carlin in the Carlin said the influence of and Britain due to the Covid-19 crowd. day that Sainz might even have 2012 British Formula Three and Carlos Sainz senior, ‘El Matador’, pandemic. Formula One has yet to publish the advantage. Euro Series, finishing sixth and had been evident early on in the The sport has not given up on a revised calendar, with three “Ferrari, if they thought they Spanish driver Carlos Sainz. (AFP) ninth overall in them respec- youngster’s driving style. crowds returning later in the races cancelled and seven post- were hiring a number two, might tively. “The one thing we noticed year, however. poned so far, but draft versions have underestimated Carlos,” he Maybe Charles might edge him Australian Ricciardo will move The Briton said the youngster when he drove for us was in the Singapore GP promoters told have appeared on the internet said. “I hope they haven’t done in qualifying but when it comes from Renault to take Sainz’s place had not enjoyed ‘the roll of the wet Carlos was absolutely ex- The Straits Times newspaper without featuring Singapore. that. to the race, I think Carlos will be at McLaren. Leclerc, 22, won two dice’ back then. ceptional when he started out,” yesterday that they were main- The island nation has re- “I know there’s this story go- all over him. I think he’s going races for Ferrari in his debut sea- The Spaniard was a Red Bull- he recalled. taining an open dialogue with ported nearly 27,000 cases of ing around that Red Bull have got to be fighting to earn his stripes son at Maranello last year and backed driver at the time and “It was just ridiculous what he Formula One but it was “not coronavirus, the highest per a number one, Mercedes have there, he really is.” outperformed Vettel, 32, on just went on to make his F1 debut could do. feasible to conduct the race capita infection rate in Asia, got a number one, Ferrari have Sainz, 25, was introduced on about every reckoning. with their Toro Rosso junior “That comes from driv- behind closed doors”. largely due to mass outbreaks got a number one. But I don’t see Thursday as Leclerc’s future The Monegasque now has a team before moving to Renault ing dune buggies and dirt cars “The top priority remains the in cramped accommodation for that with Carlos. team mate, replacing four-times contract to the end of 2024 and on loan and then McLaren. around the fields of Spain with well-being and safety of our foreign labourers. “I think given the same kit and world champion Vettel whose is expected to be the one leading “When you go through Toro his dad as a teacher. I think he fans, volunteers, and all Singa- The government has ordered treatment and cars, he can run departure at the end of 2020 had Ferrari’s bid for a first title since Rosso and that whole movement would have been a damn good poreans,” a spokesman said. a nationwide lockdown due to him close,” added Carlin. been announced two days ear- 2008. around, you don’t necessarily rally driver as well as a Formula He added “works typically run until June 1. “I think Carlos is bloody good. lier. From experience and obser- get the chance to develop fully,” One driver.”

CRICKET SPOTLIGHT ‘Spoken from the heart’: Gayle admits No fans, no problem ‘damaging’ Sarwan virus comments

AFP for England pacer London lamboyant batsman ‘If there’s no people there you have Chris Gayle said on Friday he “stood by his to try and find your own energy and Fcomments” over feel- ings of resentment at his exit intensity from somewhere’ from the Jamaica Tallawahs Anderson team in the Caribbean Premier League. AFP However, he admitted that London his description of former West Indies teammate Ramnaresh Sarwan as “worse than the ames Anderson has insist- coronavirus” were “damaging”. ed he is still excited about Gayle, 40, was released by playing for England this Twenty20 franchise the Tal- Jseason, even if matches are lawahs last month and the played behind closed doors. big-hitting opener held assist- England cricketers are set ant coach Sarwan responsible to return to limited individual during a remarkable 15-minute the CPL Tournament and its training next week, with bowl- video posted on his YouTube brand. “It was never my inten- ers such as Anderson leading the channel. tion to damage the T20 Tour- way, amid assurances that health “Right now Sarwan, you are nament, as playing in the CPL protocols will make their ses- worse than the coronavirus,” has guaranteed an opportunity sions less risky than going to a said Gayle. for the past seven years to play supermarket. “You are a snake, you are so in front of the great fans of the The England and Wales Crick- vindictive still immature, still Caribbean. This is a privilege et Board hope they can kickstart stabbing people in the back.” which I genuinely appreci- a season delayed by the corona- After being summoned to ate and have never taken for virus by rescheduling for July a explain his comments, Gayle granted.” three-Test series at home to the attempted on Friday to draw a Veteran left-hander Gayle, West Indies that was meant to line under the controversy. who has since joined the St Lu- take place in June. “I made these videos with cia Zouks for this year’s edition But officials have conceded the one single intention - to ex- of the CPL starting in August, only way international matches plain to the fans in Jamaica the led the Tallahwahs to the title can be staged in the immediate reasons behind what has now in 2013 and 2016. aftermath of the pandemic is by become my second departure Then, after a spell with the barring spectators from what will from the Tallawahs franchise,” St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, the be ‘biosecure’ grounds. Ander- he said in a statement. Jamaican rejoined the fran- son though has lost none of his “It was my greatest wish to chise last year. enthusiasm when it comes to the finish my CPL career in Jamai- Although Gayle scored 116 in prospect of adding to his England ca, playing in front of my home his second game back, he man- record tally of 584 Test wickets. crowd at Sabina Park with the aged only 243 runs in 10 in- “It’s exciting in a way we’re franchise that I had previously nings as the Tallawahs finished actually talking about the possi- led to two CPL titles. bottom of the table. bility of playing cricket this sum- “In so far as my resentment Gayle spent much of his Test mer,” paceman Anderson said at the treatment, I stand by my career in the same West Indies Friday in an Instagram Live with comments in those videos. My side as fellow batsman Sarwan longstanding new-ball colleague words were spoken from the who retired from international Stuart Broad. heart.” duty in 2016. “I think as long as everything is Gayle, however, admit- The self-styled ‘Universe place with safety concerns then ted that such remarks “may Boss’, Gayle has not played I’ll be pretty comfortable play- be viewed as being damaging for the West Indies since last ing. to Cricket West Indies, and to year’s World Cup. “We’ve been a part of the Eng- land set up for a long time now. We’ve got some great people England’s pacer James Anderson. working on every possibility and Afridi buys bat as fake bids outcome from this summer and of a big crowd because of the in- The ECB’s plan in having the nine bowling sessions I reckon ourselves time to get back into it. going forwards.” tensity, you have to be on top of bowlers go back first is to try to for us to feel like our bodies are “And I think the other thing halt charity auction As for playing in matches with your game,” explained Anderson, give then a seven-week lead-in ready to get going,” Broad said. is not to get frustrated again be- no spectators, Anderson reck- a 37-year-old veteran of 151 Tests. to a rescheduled first Test in July. Anderson added: “Yeah it’s cause it’s been so long since we Former Pakistan captain He bought my bat with this oned his experienced of taking “If there’s no people there you And with Britain in a state of hard. As much as you can bowl bowled. Shahid Afridi has stepped money. I am really privi- part in some sparsely attended have to try and find your own lockdown, Broad said they would in your garden or with a tennis “If a few balls go where you in to buy a bat owned by leged,” he said. county matches for Lancashire energy and intensity from some- need that time to get themselves ball or whatever, nothing repli- don’t want them, you’ve just got Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Mushfiqur’s management would stand him in good stead. where. “To be honest it will be somewhere near match fitness. cates practice or (being) out in to bide your time while you get Rahim after a charity auction firm said the money would “It’s quite easy to play in front pretty similar to county cricket!” “It’s going to take us eight or the middle so we’ve got to give back into it.” for coronavirus victims was go to a development char- derailed by fake bids. ity and to help people with Mushfiqur put the bat he coronavirus. used to score Bangladesh’s Afridi, who has his own foun- Steyn says worried umpire refused to give Tendulkar out en route to ODI 200 first Test double hundred in dation, said his purchase was 2013 against Sri Lanka up for a good one. South Africa fast bowler Dale Discussing how tough it was to “And I was like, ‘why, why did rarely got out lbw,” added Steyn He’s only on four not out, he may the highest bidder online this “We are faced with tough Steyn is convinced he had Sachin dismiss Tendulkar with England you give him not out!? That’s so of the ‘Little Master’, who retired as well have been on 500! week. times and the need to help Tendulkar lbw as he approached paceman James Anderson dur- dead’. And he was like, ‘mate, in 2013. “You feel like, ‘maybe I could But organisers called off the poor is more in these the first individual double cen- ing a Sky Sports cricket podcast, look around - if I gave him out, I “And, like Jimmy said, you just bring the pace down a little bit the auction as fake offers times,” he told AFP. tury in one-day internationals Steyn said: “He scored the first won’t make it back to the hotel’.” didn’t want to bowl a bad ball and really focus on getting the sent the price soaring over Mushfiqur was the second only to be denied by umpire Ian double-hundred in ODI cricket, Steyn, however, was full of ad- to him. Especially in a place like ball in the right place for as long $50,000, Mushfiqur said. Bangladeshi cricketer to raise Gould’s fear he wouldn’t make it and it was against us in Gwalior. miration for Tendulkar, interna- India. as I possibly can’. You just didn’t “Afridi contacted me person- coronavirus funds by selling back to his hotel if he gave the “And I actually remember - I tional cricket’s all-time leading “You bowl a bad ball, and he hits want to bowl a bad ball ally and I sent him a link of a bat. Suspended all-rounder India great out. think I got him out lbw when he run-scorer and century-maker, you four - he’s on nought and he “You just hope one will do the bid,” he said in an online Shakib Al Hasan last month The historic innings took place was about 190-odd. Gouldy was saying he had “everything cov- hits you for four in Mumbai (Ten- something off the seam or he’s forum on Friday. got nearly $24,000 for the in front of a lively India home the umpire, and he gave him ered, he’s got every shot in the dulkar’s home town), it feels like got an off day, and it goes in your “On May 13 he sent me a one he used in the 2019 crowd at Gwalior in 2010. not out. book. “He was so good, and very the world is closing in on you. favour.” letter and offered $20,000. World Cup. (AFP)