NBA | Page 3 NFL | Page 4 Heat, Haslem Igbinoghene’s working towards story starts with something Olympic genes meaningful and hard work

Tuesday, May 26, 2020 TENNIS Shawwal 3, 1441 AH World No 1 GULF TIMES Djokovic excited to host Adria Tour SPORT Page 5

FOOTBALL / BUNDESLIGA FOCUS Premier League to Dortmund host Bayern: vote on return of contact the duel that could end training AFP ‘I’m really looking forward London, United Kingdom

to this match. And we’re in remier League clubs will vote on proposals for a return to contact really good form’ training tomorrow as the English or start title race Ptop-flight seeks to take another step DPA typically bullish Mueller after netting closer to resuming the season next month. Berlin, Germany in Saturday’s thrashing of Eintracht New UK government guidelines issued on Frankfurt. Sunday allow for the return of “close con- Coach Hansi Flick was more meas- tact” training, including tackling, to help orussia Dortmund vs Bay- ured, stressing “nothing will be de- players step up their match fitness ahead of ern Munich is always a clas- cided,” by the encounter, “no matter a return to competitive action. sic encounter but this year what the result”. “This type of training would start with Bthe circumstances could not Bayern will be without midfielder smaller ‘clusters’ of 2-3 athletes and even- be more different or the stakes much Thiago after the Spaniard did not tually progress to larger groups of 4-12 higher. train yesterday. He previously missed athletes, and ultimately full team training,” Without the loud backing of their the weekend 5-2 win over Eintracht added the government advice. ‘Yellow Wall’, second-place Dort- Frankfurt with an adductor problem. Premier League clubs returned to train- mund will attempt to move within Flick also confirmed defender Jer- ing in small and socially distanced groups one point of the Bundesliga leaders ome Boateng would be fit to play and last week. today with a home win. no one else would miss out. Players and managers are to be consulted Bayern know that a draw will keep “It is a very special game,” Flick in a meeting today before the proposals are them favourites and victory — even if said yesterday, with Bayern heading put to a vote of the 20 clubs. they do not admit it — will make them to Dortmund with a four-point lead. Results of the latest round of Covid-19 odds on for a record-extending eighth “As a coach, there is no question that testing will also be published tomorrow. title with a seven-point lead with the fans are a missing factor.” The small number of positive tests from only six further games to play. Ten of the 18 league games since the first two rounds of testing at Premier Behind them outside contend- the restart have been won by the away League clubs has raised hopes of a return ers RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen team. in June. Eight cases of coronavirus among have winnable home games in the “The atmosphere can inspire any players and staff have been detected from mid-week round and could see their team. It is about how you can cope 1,744 tests in the Premier League. slight chances improve should Dort- (without the support),” Flick added. In the Championship, just two positive mund do them a favour. “You have to accept the current situ- tests were registered from 1,014 tests. “We obviously have a lot of re- ation and can’t look for an excuse.” How to proceed in the event of a positive spect for Bayern,” said Dortmund The table-topper opens today’s fix- test once contact training has restarted is midfielder Thomas Delaney. “But I’m tures before Bayer Leverkusen wel- one of the topics that will be discussed by personally really looking forward to come Wolfsburg, Eintracht Frankfurt clubs later this week. this match. And we’re in really good host Freiburg and Werder Bremen take A targeted return date of June 12 was de- form.” on Borussia Moenchengladbach. scribed by Premier League chief executive Dortmund have won nine of their Richard Masters last week as a “staging post”. last 10 matches with that 27-point Bundesliga’s record-breaking strikers Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski (left) and Dortmund’s Erling Braut Haaland FIXTURES Players and coaches have argued they will haul their second best start to the will go head to head today in Dortmund, Germany. (AFP) Today need until at least the end of June to miti- second half of a season. They man- n Borussia Dortmund v Bayern gate the risk of a spate of injuries after such aged 28 in 2011/12 as they streaked league and Super Cup. ever. Just three of 18 games played ing sensation Erling Braut Haaland Munich a long layoff. There has been no action in away to the title. “I hope that we can pick up our since the restart have been won by for their main threat while Bayern n Bayer Leverkusen v VfL Wolfsburg the Premier League since March 9. But that year Bayern could not keep next victory,” defender Manuel Akanji hosts, though one of those was Dort- have not only league top-scorer Rob- n Eintracht Frankfurt v Freiburg However, the biggest hurdle to a return pace, collecting 20 points, while this said after Saturday’s win at Wolfs- mund dismantling Schalke in the ert Lewandowski but Thomas Muel- n Werder Bremen v Bor. remains players’ fears over their safety and time the Munich side have been even burg. “Since I’ve been at BVB, we’ve Ruhr derby. ler in excellent form. Moenchengladbach that of their families due to the virus. better — gaining 28 to extend their lead. always lost to Bayern away but won at Dortmund hope explosive winger They will also be boosted by the re- Tomorrow Watford captain Troy Deeney has not re- In recent head-to-head encoun- home. I want to keep that run going Jadon Sancho could be fit to start af- turn of midfielder Axel Witsel. n RB Leipzig v Hertha Berlin turned to training after three positive cases ters, Dortmund have not fared well by winning at home.” ter injury while Mats Hummels is a “We’re marching on. Dortmund are n Hoffenheim v Cologne were registered by the Hornets over concerns against Bayern with two wins from The coronavirus outbreak forcing doubt with an Achilles problem. marching on. We have reason to look n Fortuna Duesseldorf v Schalke 04 he could spread the virus to his five-month- the last 11. But those two wins have games behind closed doors seems to With captain Marco Reus injured, forward to Tuesday. We want the title n Augsburg v Paderborn old son. N’Golo Kante has also been given been their last home matches, in have diluted home advantage, how- Dortmund will rely on teenage scor- in Munich, where it belongs,” said a n Union Berlin v Mainz 05 permission by Chelsea to train at home.

MOTORSPORT ‘Should I continue racing?’: Hamilton reveals lockdown low

Agencies “Mentally it’s really about ultimately thing a bit leftfield. London/Berlin feeling good about yourself. It’s about “There’s so many interesting things that finding a way to make sure you love your- could come into play, and one of them could self,” added Hamilton, speaking ahead of well be: Lawrence Stroll’s got big designs of ix-time world champion Lewis Mental Health Awareness Week. future success for Aston Martin, and at this Hamilton admitted on Sunday “You have to really be able to love your- stage of his career [Vettel] could well be a that he questioned his future in self and be comfortable on your own.” brilliant asset in a team like that, in terms SFormula One during the corona- He added: “If we are not improving and of knowledge and experience of Red Bull, virus lockdown which left him struggling growing during these days then what are knowledge and experience of Ferrari.” for motivation. we doing? You’re obviously just wasting Vettel won four world titles at Red Bull “I have days when I wake up and feel your time sitting on your backside.” before joining Ferrari in 2015 where has groggy, I don’t feel motivated to work out. so far not won a trophy and his contract I feel, ‘Jeez, where are we going? What’s VETTEL TO ASTON MARTIN AN won’t be renewed at the end of the year. next? Should I continue racing?’,” the OPTION: COULTHARD His future is unclear and quitting the 35-year-old said in a video released by his Former Formula One driver David sport can’t be ruled out either. Mercedes team. Coulthard has suggested that four-time The only possible option to join a top “I think all these different things, and world champion Sebastian Vettel could team may be at world champions Mer- then I’m like ‘Damn it!’, and the next join the newly-formed Aston Martin cedes where champion Lewis Hamilton hour, or whatever, it passes, and I’m like works team next season. and Valtteri Bottas are the current drivers ‘Damn! I love what I do! Why would I ever Coulthard said in the F1 Nation podcast and have so far not seen their contracts consider not continuing?’” on the F1 website over the weekend that renewed beyond 2020. Hamilton is hoping to equal Michael Vettel could help Aston Martin — funded The Aston Martin team will be formed Schumacher’s record of seven world ti- by a consortium around Canadian billion- out of the Racing Point outfit where Ser- tles this season. However, he has been aire Lawrence Stroll — with his vast experi- gio Perez and Stroll’s son, Lance Stroll, are left kicking his heels as the spread of the ence and could even become a shareholder. the drivers. “We will need to be competi- coronavirus has seen 10 races either can- “Does [Vettel] go to Aston Martin?” tive from the outset. But I have no doubt celled or postponed. Coulthard asked. “Take a shareholding the team at Silverstone will rise to the The season won’t start until July 5 in and [start] another phase of his career, challenge and do the Aston Martin name Austria at the earliest. which could be an option, could be some- proud,” Lawrence Stroll said last month. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, May 26, 2020 FOOTBALL

FOCUS COMMENT La Liga return ‘what we all need’, says Clubs forced to Atletico Madrid winger Correa

AFP rethink recruitment Madrid, Spain remaining, although only one point adrift of Real Sociedad, who occupy the fourth and final ‘I am sure there will be some opportunities that tletico Madrid winger Champions League spot. Angel Correa yesterday “The whole team has been present themselves by the nature of what has said that a return to working at home, and now we are happened, both at home and abroad’ Afootball “is what we all noticing that during training,” strategy need” ahead of a possible La Liga added Argentinian international restart in mid-June. Correa. “We’re training at a high AFP League president Javier Te- level and that is what the team Paris, France bas on Sunday said he hopes the needs to be ready when La Liga Spanish season can resume with resumes. the Seville derby on June 11, after “I’m very happy. I really want- round Europe, football Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez ed to get back on the pitch, come is waking up from the said La Liga could return from back to train with my teammates. coronavirus shutdown, June 8. The lockdown was a very difficult Abut it is different to “With this crazy period that period, but that’s it, we are mov- before for players and support- we are all living in, knowing that ing forward now.” ers and it is changing behind the we will soon be playing again, re- Atletico reached the Champi- scenes too. suming La Liga is an immense joy,” ons League quarter-finals short- While the German Bundesliga Correa told the Atletico website ly before the suspension of the returns in stadiums devoid of after training on Monday. season by ending holders Liv- fans, the sport is preparing for “I think this is what we all erpool’s title defence, although an economic crisis which will need, for football to resume, and that match at Anfield was linked impact all levels of the game. thank God, it will happen very to “41 additional deaths” by a re- That will be particularly vis- quickly.” port published on Sunday. ible in the transfer market, Spanish sides are currently Lockdown measures in Madrid where it has become the norm to training in small groups, but were finally eased on Monday, see leading clubs splash out 100 should be able to return to full while elsewhere in Spain the first million-euro fees. training on June 1. beaches were reopened. Damien Comolli has observed Atletico sit sixth in the La Liga Over 28,000 people have died events from afar having left his table with 11 games of the season in Spain due to Covid-19. role at Turkish club Fenerbahce in January. The ex-Liverpool and Totten- ham Hotspur sporting director told AFP he foresees fees drop- Lyon take Ligue 1 appeal to Council of ping by “between 30 and 50% State compared to the usual prices, and a reduction of 70-75% in Lyon will challenge the decision to end the Ligue 1 season early terms of activity.” because of the coronavirus pandemic before the Council of In particular, the loss to clubs State, France’s highest administrative court, a club source told from matchday revenue as a re- AFP yesterday. The outfit criticised the April 30 ruling made sult of games being played be- by the French league (LFP) to declare the season over follow- hind closed doors will impact ing an announcement by Prime Minister Edouard Philippe that budgets. Jerseys and scarves are seen in the stands before the Bundesliga match between FC Cologne vs Fortuna Dusseldorf on Sunday. (AFP) football could not restart because of the health crisis. Lyon, who When it comes to signing have reached this season’s Champions League last 16, were left players, those in charge of re- Germany to watch somebody watching a game? Who knows!” “We are not a club who might “If I had one chance to go and seventh in the standings and outside the European qualification cruitment at clubs have also else. My week would probably However, he acknowledges spend 80 mn on a player anyway. watch a player live or one chance places. An administrative court in Paris had already rejected an simply not been able to do their be three or four live games of that the shutdown has afforded “I am sure there will be some to meet him and his family, I appeal from the club. Amiens, who are contesting their relega- jobs. football.” him the luxury of time to take opportunities that present would take the opportunity to go tion to Ligue 2 and whose initial appeal was also turned down Robert McKenzie has a simi- stock and assess options. themselves by the nature of and meet him.” last week by the Paris court, indicated their plans to turn to the TIME TO TAKE STOCK lar a role at Belgian second-tier In contrast, Newcastle Unit- what has happened, both at He believes those clubs who Council of State as well. “The biggest part of my job is outfit Leuven, who in 2017 were ed made headlines when their home and abroad, but the hard- already placed the emphasis following up on targets for the taken over by King Power, the head of recruitment, Steve est part is the finances.” on video scouting and data can next transfer windows,” says Thai owners of Leicester City. Nickson, was placed on fur- emerge from the crisis with their Rio mayor permits clubs to restart Martyn Glover, head of scouting Usually he would be on the lough along with the whole A DIFFERENT APPROACH teams unscathed. training and recruitment at English Pre- road watching up to 20 games a scouting department, stopping Glover admits the way his job is Even clubs lower down may mier League side Southampton. month, eyeing up targets. a crucial section of the club done could change forever. Co- emerge stronger. That includes The Rio de Janeiro government told football teams yesterday Scouts usually spend much of “The current situation obvi- from functioning. molli helped introduce data use Leuven, although they must they could resume full training in June, opening the way to a their time clocking up road and ously has significant implica- In any case, how can a Premier and analytics into English foot- await the outcome of a play-off resumption of the state’s professional leagues. The city’s mayor air miles to watch prospective tions for what has historically League club plan for the summer ball and believes that approach in August to see which division met with club representatives on Sunday and agreed that play- signings in action. been the most important part window without knowing if they will become more widespread. they will be in next season. ers can immediately begin gym work and physiotherapy, with “I would expect to be abroad of the process: the assessment will still be a top-flight club next “Maybe more and more clubs “I think there may be op- full training to begin next month. “The understanding is for the every week at some point,” says of players in live games,” he tells season, or if this season will re- will use data and statistics in- portunities that arise for us as adoption of a security protocol. In this initial phase the clubs can Glover, who previously worked AFP. start, with all the financial con- stead of live scouting and maybe a club as a result of the current only do physiotherapy, work on rehabilitating the players’ mus- at Everton. “I do often think to myself sequences? clubs will also investigate more situation which were previously cles (and) physiotherapy with the ball,” Mayor Marcelo Crivella “I might fly to Paris to watch when will be the next time I’m “There are too many impon- the player himself, their fami- thought not possible,” insists said. “As for collective training and games, it was established PSG and then the next day to actually sat in a football stadium derables,” says Glover. lies, the way they live. McKenzie. these will be permitted only from the start of June.” The decision came a week after Brazilian champions Flamengo brought their players together to restart training, against official guidance. English FA ends Women’s Super League season Huddersfield owner says 50 or 60 Reuters yet been made on how the the FA said in a statement. Chelsea when matches were Liverpool were bottom of the clubs could go bust in next year London, United Kingdom league winner or relegation to Recommendations on “the suspended in mid-March, said WSL standings, while Aston the Women’s Championship most appropriate sporting they supported the FA’s deci- Villa were six points clear at the Up to 60 English lower league soccer clubs could go out of busi- — whose season was also termi- outcome for the 2019-20 sea- sion and “await the outcome of top of the second-tier Women’s ness if the sport fails to plan for the impact of Covid-19 beyond ngland’s Football Associa- nated — would be decided, or son” would be sent to the FA’s discussions regarding the final Championship. the current season, Huddersfield Town owner Phil Hodgkinson tion (FA) has ended the how entries for the 2020-21 board, it said adding support- standings”. “It’s obviously disappointing said on Sunday. English professional soccer has been suspended EWomen’s Super League UEFA Women’s Champions ing the welfare of clubs and “Whilst disappointed that we that the season is to end in this since March. Championship (second tier) clubs are due to return (WSL) season, which was League would be determined. players “will continue to be our are unable to complete the way,” Liverpool manager Vicky to training in small groups on Monday, with hopes of completing interrupted by the Covid-19 “Following overwhelming feed- primary concern throughout season, we understand the Jepson said. “We now look the season behind closed doors. “The problem is not whether we pandemic, in response to back from clubs, the decision this process”. complexities of the situation... forward to the chance to play finish (the) season or not, it is what happens after that,” Hodgkin- “overwhelming feedback” from to bring an end to the 2019-20 Manchester City, who were We will now move forward with for our supporters again when son told the BBC. “If we don’t come to an agreement there will be clubs, it said yesterday. season was made in the best top of the WSL table, one preparations for next season,” it is safe for us to all come back no football pyramid. There are clubs I know of that are only still The FA said no decision had interest of the women’s game,” point ahead of second-placed City said in a statement. together.” trading because they are deferring wages and (tax) and other creditors. They will need paying at some point.” Ex-Asian champs among 11 Chinese BOTTOMLINE clubs kicked out over finances

Fallen Asian giants Liaoning Hongyun bid farewell to their fans China’s team ‘more united’ under coronavirus and apologised after they were among 11 clubs disqualified from Chinese football because of financial problems. Chinese Super AFP through their paces in humid League (CSL) club Tianjin Tianhai folded earlier this month and Shanghai, China conditions — minus masks. now Liaoning, a traditional powerhouse in China, have similarly Yan said that Li, who took dissolved. Liaoning, based in the northeastern city of Shenyang, over from Marcello Lippi when were Asian champions in 1990 and dominated Chinese football oronavirus has indefi- the Italian World Cup-winning from the mid-1980s to mid-1990s. But in an arc that typifies the nitely postponed the coach quit following defeat to boom-and-bust nature of Chinese football, not helped by the Chinese Super League Syria in November, has made coronavirus shutdown, Liaoning have fallen on hard times lately (CSL) season but it has clear that the friendlies against and finished one place off the foot of China’s second division C last season. The Chinese Football Association (CFA) threw them given the national team time to SIPG and Shenhua are essential bond under coach Li Tie, the to their preparations. out of the professional leagues on Saturday, along with 10 other side’s goalkeeper Yan Junling “One of the requirements that cash-strapped clubs who owed players wages, and in a subse- said yesterday. the head coach has been say- quent statement the club said it would fold. China are approaching the ing is that we have to take this end of a two-week training training and these two games camp in Shanghai and on Tues- as getting in rhythm for the German FA chief calls for player day will face CSL side Shanghai World Cup qualifiers,” said the salary cap to help keep fans Shenhua behind closed doors, 29-year-old Yan. having defeated former cham- “There is no way out for us — Soccer must learn long-term lessons from the coronavirus crisis, pions Shanghai SIPG 4-1 in an- we must win these two games.” with better financial controls and player salary caps, to keep fans other warm-up match. Li has named three natural- on board, German Football Association President Fritz Keller The CSL is on hold because ised players in his squad, the said. Germany’s Bundesliga was shut for more than two months of the coronavirus pandemic first time that has happened in in response to the coronavirus pandemic before becoming the but the national side have been Chinese football history. first major soccer league to resume action last week. “We have together on and off for several They are London-born mid- to learn from our mistakes, because the crisis is an opportu- weeks this year, both at home fielder Nico Yennaris and Bra- nity to restructure football,” Keller said in a virtual address to and abroad. zilian-born strikers Elkeson and the DFB’s extraordinary meeting yesterday. “We need to bring “I think actually for our team, Aloisio. professional football to the people, to their everyday world. So because of the epidemic, we’ve derstand what the coach wants fying group, with only the top but could now take place this China hopes they can boost a we need an improved financial control system and, yes, a salary had a longer time to train to- and in fact the team has become team guaranteed to reach the next autumn. team that has reached the World cap,” he added. Some German clubs were close to financial col- gether and become more famil- more united.” stage on the road to Qatar 2022. The players emerged from Cup only once, in 2002, and sits lapse after the first month of suspension, the league had warned iar with each other,” said Shang- China’s World Cup hopes China’s next qualifier, against their team bus wearing face 76th in the FIFA rankings, sand- as it pushed for a restart, which has been criticised by some as hai SIPG stopper Yan. hang in the balance. the Maldives, has been post- masks on Monday before former wiched between Bolivia and too early. “We can also get to fully un- They are second in their quali- poned because of the pandemic Everton midfielder Li put them Uganda. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 26, 2020 3 SPORT

NBA REPORT NHL eyes voluntary small group training Heat, Haslem working in Phase 2

Reuters in on-ice workouts at one Los Angeles time. On-ice sessions are only for players, with no coaches or other team personnel allowed he NHL and NHL on the ice. towards something Players’ Association Players must wear face cov- are targeting a date erings entering and leaving the Tin early June for their facility as well as when social ‘I HAVE BEEN KEEPING ALL OUR transition to Phase 2 of their distancing cannot be main- return to play initiative in a tained except when on the ice. GUYS ENCOURAGED, STAYING IN memo distributed to all teams Per the memo, all player and players late Sunday. participation in Phase 2 is EVERYBODY’S EAR’ A specific date to begin “strictly voluntary.” meaningful Phase 2 was not released in the On Friday, the NHLPA’s ex- memo. The length of Phase 2 ecutive board approved a pro- is still to be determined as the posal to resume the 2019-20 NHL attempts to resume the season with a 24-team, con- 2019-20 season after it was ference-based playoff format, paused on March 12 due to the pending further discussions coronavirus pandemic. between the league. Per the memo, the NHL is Other issues remain to be continuing to “monitor devel- worked out between the two opments in each of the club’s sides before the players will markets, and may adjust the return to the ice, the union overall timing if appropriate.” said. The Phase 2 agreement Phase 1 involved self-quar- stipulates a maximum of six antine for players and hockey players allowed to participate staff on March 12.

NBA 2K star Nasser signs endorsement deal

NBA 2K League star Nidal allows you to make those Nasser signed an endorse- quicker reflexes. It’s so hard ment deal with a basketball to explain, but that’s the apparel company, becoming biggest difference. It’s kind of the first player in the league like a gaming edge.” to sign an individual endorse- Baron Davis, a former NBA ment pact, ESPN reported. player who invests in POINT Nasser is the point guard for 3, said he sees the potential Blazer5 Gaming and won the for a boom in esports com- Season 2 MVP award in the petitors and endorsements. league. The 22-year-old plays “I would say [there’s a] cross- under the name Mama Im pollination between, you Dat Man. know, sports and esports,” Udonis Haslem adds age and experience to the Heat’s mix. (TNS) Nasser’s contract is with Davis told ESPN. “The athlete POINT 3, which patented and the gamer — and the ath- By Ira Winderman season comes back, we want to the actions of the 39-year-old the teams were matched up in professional athlete. So if you sweat-absorbing technology, lete a lot of times is a gamer; Sun Sentinel hit the ground running.” team captain can mean the the playoffs and move forward win it, kudos to you, you de- according to ESPN. Terms of the gamer is a lot of times an With an expectation of a re- most. from that point on. served it.” the deal were not disclosed. athlete. So we have this sub- turn to a training-camp setting “I’ve been keeping all our “We can’t finish out eve- Even as he helps teammates “There’s moments through- culture taking ownership of immy Butler is working in June and a resumption of play guys encouraged, staying in rything. But I definitely think move forward, Haslem contin- out the game where your their own space — how they himself into a West Coast in July, this could be a signifi- everybody’s ear,” he said, “mak- there needs to a be a pre-period ues to push forward with his hand just becomes so moist, want to be branded and want lather that routinely is cant stage of the NBA shutdown ing sure guys are staying fo- before we jump right into the community work during the because you’re gripping to be presented. offered up for public con- for a roster with a significant cused, making sure guys stay playoffs, to get guys acclimated new coronavirus pandemic. on the controller so hard, “So esports is definitely not J That has him launching his you don’t realise it,” Nasser going anywhere... and I think sumption on social media. amount of veterans, including optimistic as far as the season and back into the season, help- Back at AmericanAirlines Butler, who has been drilling at coming back.” ing to prevent injuries moving Powered Forward Through told the network. “The grip it’s gonna be a great opportu- Arena, the oxymoron of infor- his San Diego home. What Haslem and the Heat forward.” Hunger digital sweepstakes, you have on your controller nity.” – Reuters mal Miami Heat workouts are “The younger guys, they can are coming back to remains What Haslem won’t abide is with proceeds to address food leaving their own trail of sweat. adjust a lot faster than the guys in question, with everything putting on asterisk on whatever insecurity for Miami residents And if anybody isn’t fully my age,” Haslem said. “But, floated from completing the plays out. experiencing job loss and eco- getting the message, Udonis for me, I guess that’s why I just 82-game schedule, to stopping “I don’t believe so,” he said. nomic need. ANNOUNCEMENT Haslem is only a phone call never stop working. At his stage at 70 regular-season games, to “And I’m saying because one Among prizes put up by away. of my career and at this stage going straight to the playoffs, or year that we won the champi- Haslem are autographed mem- Yes, the back-to-work prep- of my life, it’s a choice to make perhaps some type of tourna- onship was one of the seasons orabilia, personal food deliv- aration is real, from coast to and a lifestyle. It can’t just be a ment setting that involves a bit that was a lockout season (2011- eries, the chance to join him Former NBA star coast. decision that I make. It’s a life- of each approach. 12). We won the one that year. on Instagram Live, with the “I definitely tell guys that we style. So I tell all my young guys “Most likely it’s going to have And you can use it was a shorter grand-prize winner having the have this little period where we that I’ll never ask you anything I to be a tournament situation,” season, such and such and such, opportunity to choose between Leuer retires can go in and do these volun- won’t do myself.” Haslem said. “It’s not, I don’t but a championship is a cham- a round of golf with Haslem, a tary workouts, take advantage,” For someone who plays little, think, realistic to really see if we pionship. And anybody knows Heat VIP experience, a workout Haslem said during an appear- with only 21 minutes of action can pick up where we left off. how hard it is. with Haslem, or a pizza-making ance on ESPN’s Now or Never. over three appearances this sea- But we’re going to have to take “That’s one of the hardest session with Haslem at his 800 “Hit the ground running. If the son, these are the times when some kind of situation of how things that you’ll ever do as a Degrees restaurant.

SPOTLIGHT Ex-NBA star Bogut leaves Sydney Kings AFP Bogut signed a two-year Sydney contract with the Kings in Former NBA star Andrew Bogut. 2018 following a 13-year NBA career capped when he won BA championship- the championship with the winning centre Golden State Warriors in 2015. Andrew Bogut an- He was the NBL’s MVP for Nnounced yesterday the 2018/19 season and the that he would not be renewing Kings made it to the league’s Reuters The 6-foot-10 Leuer played his contract with the Sydney grand final this year before Los Angeles in just eight games in 2017-18 Kings in Australia’s National the season was ended pre- for the Detroit Pistons due to Basketball League. maturely by the coronavirus a season-ending ankle injury. But the 35-year-old Aus- shutdown. orward Jon Leuer The following summer, he un- tralian insisted in a social Bogut said yesterday that announced his retire- derwent surgery on his right media post that he was “by he had enjoyed spending the ment on Sunday after knee. no means” retiring yet, just lockdown with his wife and Feight NBA seasons. Leuer averaged 6.4 points taking time to consider his “learning more about my kids The 31-year-old Leuer and 3.8 rebounds in 377 games options given the uncertainty than I ever could have previ- didn’t play in the 2019-20 (80 starts) with the Bucks created by the coronavirus ously.” season after being waived by (2011-12), Cleveland Cavaliers pandemic. “The plan moving forward? the Milwaukee Bucks in July. (2012-13), Memphis Griz- “I have decided not to sign Spending time with my wife Leuer made his announce- zlies (2013-15), Phoenix Suns with the Sydney Kings, or any and kids, slowly getting back ment on his Instagram ac- (2015-16) and Pistons (2016- professional sporting team for into physical shape, and fi- count. 19). Leuer averaged a career- that matter for the time be- nally making the most of the “I love the game of basket- best 10.2 points in 75 games ing,” Bogut wrote on Twitter. time we don’t traditionally ball,” Leuer wrote. “I still want (34 starts) for the Pistons in “With everything going on get at home,” he said. to play, but I know deep down 2016-17. in the world, the future does The seven-foot tall it’s not the right decision for Prior to his NBA career, not look too clear, most no- (2.13-metre) Bogut was the my health anymore. The past 3 Leuer starred at Wisconsin tably in regards to sporting NBA’s top draft pick in 2005 years I’ve dealt with a number and was a first-team All-Big- leagues worldwide,” he said. and spent seven seasons with of injuries, including 2 that Ten selection in 2010-11 when “This by no means is a re- the Milwaukee Bucks before kept me out this whole season. he averaged 18.3 points and 7.2 tirement note, but simply being traded to Golden State. “It’s taken me a while to rebounds. saying any concrete decisions He also played with the come to grips with this, but He was a second-round are too hard to be made at this Dallas Mavericks and the I’m truly at peace with my de- draft pick (No 40 overall) in point in time.” Cleveland Cavaliers. cision to officially retire.” 2011 by the Bucks. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, May 26, 2020 SPORT

NFL MOTORSPORT Keselowski holds off Johnson to win Igbinoghene’s story NASCAR’s longest race starts with Olympic genes and hard work ‘I’M BETTER. I’M WORKING HARD, STILL WORKING ON THINGS I NEED TO WORK ON’

By Dave Hyde Sun Sentinel

is dad did 2,000 sit- ups and trained three times a day chasing his Htrack dream around the world. His mom ran her lungs out chasing hers and made na- tional history. So when their oldest son was 10, his parents delivered a mes- sage. “We’re not paying for col- Brad Keselowski celebrates winning the NASCAR Cup Series lege for you,” they told Noah Ig- Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North binoghene, the Miami Dolphins’ Carolina, on Sunday. (AFP) first-round draft pick. They gave something more Reuters lose it today,” said Keselowski. valuable, if used properly. New York “We might not have been “He got our genes,” his father, the fastest car today but wow Festus, said. “And he got our did we grind this one out.” work ethic.” rad Keselowski won Aside from a charity golf Just for the moment, let’s not the Coca Cola 600 in match pitting Tiger Woods talk about who a rookie can be a shootout on Sun- and Peyton Manning against or how he fits this franchise’s Bday as NASCAR did Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady, future. Let’s talk about how its best to fill the sporting void NASCAR continued to have he got here. Because if you see created by the novel coronavi- the sporting spotlight all to it- how Igbinoghene arrived to the rus shutdown with its longest self as the NBA, MLB and NHL Dolphins, you can see where he ever race. continue to look for ways to might go. The 600-miler on the U.S. return from the shutdown. The genes he inherited helped Memorial Day weekend was The Coca Cola 600 was the his parents to international track already the longest race on first of four races on four con- stardom in their native Nigeria. the NASCAR calendar but on secutive days at Charlotte Mo- Faith won a bronze medal at the Sunday it went even longer af- tor Speedway, with the Xfin- 1992 Olympics in a sprint re- ter William Byron’s spin with ity Series hitting the track on lay — the first Olympic medals five laps to go set up a two-lap Monday followed by a truck in Nigerian history. Festus, who shootout for victory. series race on Tuesday and the also competed in the Olympics, Deciding not to pit, Kes- Cup drivers back on Wednes- won a bronze in the long jump elowski stayed on the track to day. at the 1990 Commonwealth Defensive back Noah Igbinoghene of Auburn runs a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on February 29, 2020. (TNS) move to the front of the pack All races are being run under Games. and bolted clear on the re- strict social-distancing regu- As for the work ethic: tices at the new position as a so- big you are. It comes down to the his father and work ethic from clapping and focused on you,” he start, holding off a challenge lations and in front of empty “I had a guy come to me re- phomore to become a starter. details and you perfecting your both, there’s one piece of genetic said. “I didn’t think he would do from seven-time NASCAR grandstands. cently and say he wanted to be He learned enough that this craft. Everyone can run. How inheritance that didn’t transfer: it. But starting in high school he Cup champion Jimmie John- That provided an eerie like Noah,” said Festus, who past year Alabama receiver Jerry do you work?” He grew up run- His father’s mouth. did.” son, who was later disqualified backdrop at Charlotte Motor coaches youth sports. “I said, Jeudy, the 12th pick in April’s ning a training hill behind his “Noah’s more quiet than As Auburn’s kicker returner, after the post-race technical Speedway, which on Sunday ‘OK, I’ll put you through the NFL draft, couldn’t get off the mom. Faith Idehen was a world- I was,” he said. “I competed he copied the idea to get fans in- inspection. would normally have been workout he does.’ “ line against Igbinoghene and class sprinter who heard in high against (long-jump and triple- volved, too. There he was, at the Johnson’s Hendrick Motor- packed with fans honour- The plyometric drills cen- caught just 26 yards of passes in school there was a chance to gain jump stars) Carl Lewis and Mike Outback Bowl in his last college sports team mate Chase Elli- ing military personnel who tred on jumping. The sprints. a 48-45 shootout. But he’s still an American college scholarship. Powell in France. I was talking game, clapping before returning ott, who had pitted on the final died serving in the U.S. armed The hopping up and down every circled some weaknesses to hone That became her goal, and she crap. You win, fine, I’ll shake a kickoff 96 yards for a touch- caution, was moved up to sec- forces. other stadium step. The endless the past few months in Atlanta attended Alabama. Her 4x100- your hand, but I talked a lot.” down. ond place. With the U.S. death toll from drills that became a part of his parks with a trainer. meter relay team that won Ni- Before an SEC meet, Festus He was 17 years old when he The race, which started on Covid-19 expected to soon ex- life since youth sometimes for “I’m not the same player I was geria’s first Olympic medals once approached University of first started returning them for Sunday and finished yesterday, ceed 100,000, NASCAR also two, sometimes three sessions in my last game (at Auburn),” came with an on-track celebra- Florida long jumper Dion Bent- Auburn. Even now he’s just 20. was halted for nearly 90 min- used Sunday’s race to honour a day. “That guy did one day of he said. “I’m better. I’m work- tion that remains on YouTube. ley, who then held the college Raw? Well, he’s young. That’s utes after rain swept across the frontline workers and others work and didn’t come back the ing hard, still working on things Her medal became a show-and- indoors record. “I said, ‘We’re one of the buying points for the 1.5 mile super speedway after battling the pandemic. Mid- next day,” Festus said. I need to work on. But the player tell prop for her children in el- gonna kick your ass,’ “ Festus Dolphins. Two more? His par- 50 laps. way through the 400 lap race These habits haven’t dipped in some of the media talked about ementary school. said. “That was it. He was done.” ents for the genes they brought, “I feel like I’ve thrown this drivers pulled onto pit road this odd period where the Dol- before the draft — I’m better She knew Festus from their One of the father’s routines the example they set. race away a handful of times and stopped for a moment of phins meet by Zoom and their than that now.” Nigerian schooldays. He, too, actually was passed on when Their disciplined ways some- and I thought we were going to silence. draft class’ first NFL practices This work ethic, the one even was told he could go to the Unit- Noah competed in track, win- times rubbed a teenage Noah were cancelled by the new coro- has his parents telling him to rest ed States on a track scholarship, ning a national high-school wrong. No late nights. No run- navirus. If anything, Igbinogh- on occasion, is his best ally he but that wasn’t an immediate competition in the long jump ning around. A protected up- ene is spurred by pre-draft talk thinks. “There’s a point where goal. “I didn’t even know where and competing at Auburn de- bringing. And, no, they weren’t Britain’s racing authority ‘confident’ that his cornerback skills were everyone has those genes, eve- the US was,” he said. spite football’s demands. going to pay for his college raw due to only playing the posi- ryone runs 4.3s and 4.4s, eve- He attended Mississippi His father clapped his hands knowing he could work his way of June 1 return tion two years. ryone’s going to be equal to you State. Like Faith, Festus became over his head before jumping there. The British Horseracing we’re incredibly confident The switch from receiver at that way,” Igbinogehene said. a nurse, sometimes working up to bring the crowd into his per- Now on the edge of an NFL Authority (BHA) is confident and we’re working hard and Auburn didn’t surprise him. His “How’re you going to differenti- to four jobs at a time to help the formance. career, he knows just what he has racing will resume on June planning towards June 1 barber and pastor mentioned ate yourself? family. But if the new Dolphins “One time I told Noah, you to do. It’s what he’s always done. 1 after it was suspended in being our resumption date,” it to him even before Auburn “I really don’t think at this cornerback got speed from his truly believe in yourself to get “It’s time to go to work,” he March due to the Covid-19 Dunshea told Racing TV. coaches. It took only five prac- level the game is how fast or how mother and jumping ability from 90,000 people in a stadium says. pandemic, its chief regulatory “All the way through this officer has said. process in our engagement The BHA had hoped to restart with government, it has SPOTLIGHT the season by staging races been recognised that we’re without fans this month but different to the other sports had to push that back after that are being referred to. the government’s roadmap The BHA on Saturday issued for easing restrictions on elite guidelines for the resumption EuroLeague basketball season sport said steps would be of racing behind closed doors taken no earlier than June 1. on June 1-2 at Newcastle to The government has issued minimise the risk of spreading new guidance on the next the novel coronavirus, which step for athletes to resume has killed 36,393 people in the cancelled due to coronavirus close-contact training but United Kingdom. The Grand Brant Dunshea said these National, Britain’s most iconic AFP difficult decision we have had to take were protocols for contact horse race, was cancelled in Paris in our 20-year history. Due to rea- sports and did not apply to March due to the pandemic sons beyond our control, we have horse racing. while this year’s Royal Ascot been forced to cut short the most “We can’t control what deci- from June 16-20 is set be held his season’s EuroLeague has successful and exciting season in sions government make, but without spectators. been cancelled because of European basketball history,” said the coronavirus pandemic, EuroLeague President and CEO Jordi TEurope’s top basketball Bertomeu. NHL targets return to practice in early June competition announced yesterday. There were six rounds of regular “Having explored every pos- season matches still to play when National Hockey League to practice in “early June”. sible option, the Executive Board the season was suspended in March. teams could be able to hold The memo said the NHL would has made the decision to cancel EuroLeague initially planned to training sessions for small continue to “monitor develop- the 2019-20 Turkish Airlines Eu- finish the competition in July but groups of players in early ments” in each individual roLeague,” the organisation said in a the body said that “during the past June in the latest phase of the market and could “adjust the statement. two and a half months the necessary sport’s return from the coro- overall timing if appropri- The EuroLeague said that no team guarantee that the competitions navirus shutdown, the league ate.” Under the new training would be declared winners of the could be completed regularly in July said yesterday. A memo sent protocols, a maximum of six 2019-20 competition. has not been obtained”. to teams on Sunday said players will be allowed to train It cited “local authorities im- With 28 matches played, Efes Is- groups of up to six players together, with no coaches or posing differing restrictions on the tanbul were leading the league with would be allowed to train on team personnel allowed on movements of their citizens” and 24 wins and four defeats, ahead of the ice together at any one the ice. Players will also be re- medical protocols that require self- Barcelona and Real Madrid, who had time under the new relaxed quired to wear face coverings isolation for any player, coach or ref- both won 22 matches. guidelines. No date was given when they are not on the rink. eree who catches Covid-19 as some EuroLeague said the 2020-21 sea- for when the new guidelines The league added that partici- of the reasons for cancelling the sea- son would begin on October 1 and will take effect, but the league pation in the return to training son. feature the same 18 teams who took said it was targeting a return was “strictly voluntary.” “Without a doubt, this is the most part in the curtailed competition. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 26, 2020 5 SPORT

TENNIS FOCUS Kvitova would ‘rather cancel’ Djokovic excited Grand Slams than play without fans

AFP virus has claimed 300 deaths Prague from 9,000 confirmed cases, to host Adria Tour in mid-March. “We are here to reintro- wo-time Wimbledon duce tennis not only to the ‘I am delighted that Thiem and Zverev will be my guests here in my hometown’ winner Petra Kvitova Czech Republic, but also to the said yesterday she world,” Kvitova said. Reuters Twould prefer Grand “The hardest thing will be Belgrade Slams did not take place as op- to find the rhythm, we haven’t posed to playing them behind played a match for a very long closed doors due to the coro- time,” said Kvitova, who faces ovak Djokovic marked navirus pandemic. doubles specialist Barbora his return to Serbia, Speaking on the eve of her Krejcikova in her opening con- after being stranded court return in an all-Czech test on Tuesday. Nin the Spanish resort tournament the 30-year-old “I hope nobody expects us of Marbella for two months due echoed the thoughts of Roger to play fantastic tennis, be- to the coronavirus lockdown, by Federer, who said last week cause it may happen or it may announcing that he has organ- he would be against the idea not,” added the world number ised an event which will be con- of an empty Roland Garros or 12, wearing a face mask which, tested across the Balkans. Flushing Meadows. she said, had a good thing When the world number one “I have my age and of course about it. had travelled to Marbella with I would like to play another “I don’t have to wear a his family in mid-March to visit Grand Slam, but if it’s like this, make-up.” his younger brother Marko, he I’d rather cancel them,” Kvi- had no idea it would be another tova said. ‘NOT THE SAME THING’ two months before he could re- “Playing a Grand Slam is World number three Karolina turn to his homeland on Sunday. the greatest thing there is and Pliskova has pulled out of the But it was not all bad news for playing without fans who are women’s hardcourt draw as Djokovic. our engine doesn’t look nice she recovers from a back inju- “Unlike many other play- to me and the Grand Slam ry, while 18th-ranked Marketa ers, I was able to train almost doesn’t deserve it,” she added. Vondrousova is getting ready every day because we resided This year’s French Open for the final exams at her sec- in a house with a Tennis court,” has been moved to Septem- ondary school. a tanned Djokovic told a news ber, Wimbledon has been can- The men’s part will be conference at his private Tennis celled and the WTA tour will played on clay. complex in downtown Belgrade not resume until at least July “It won’t be the same thing by the Danube river. 20 due to the Covid-19 out- as a regular tournament,” said “I refrained from posting clips break. Jiri Vesely, the 65th-ranked on social networks because I This week’s competition top seed, who won this year’s didn’t want to infuriate other in Prague has eight men and ATP tournament in Pune, In- players. I am fit and in good eight women in separate draws dia. shape, so I am looking forward but there will be no spectators “There are no points to to the Adria Tour, which I am or- or handshakes. play for, no plot, there will be ganising.” Serbia’s Novak Djokovic poses after a press conference on the upcoming Adria Tour in Belgrade yesterday. (AFP) There will be referees and no fans. But of course we are Australian Open holder Djok- ball boys at the tournament, looking forward to the games ovic, who went on an 18-0 run to be a good host. been designated to host the fi- in the opening leg in Belgrade. matches to be played over two but they will not hand towels and we’ll try to play our best at the start of the season, con- “We would dearly love for fans nal two legs but Djokovic said Zverev might play in Croatia too days in each leg. to those on the court. tennis,” added Vesely, who firmed there would be three big to be able to attend but that’s the infrastructure was still not while Dimitrov could appear in Asked whether he considered “It’s not ethical not to shake spent the enforced break with names apart from himself at the still not certain because we have in place. Croatia and in Montenegro.” inviting longtime rivals Roger hands and just give a racquet his 15-month-old daughter. June 13-July 5 tournament. to abide by the Serbian govern- “Bosnia and Montenegro are All four tournaments will fea- Federer and Rafael Nadal to the bump, I think that’s the most “You don’t have much time “I am delighted that Dominic ment’s coronavirus regulations.” still not 100% certain as the ture eight players, competing in event, Djokovic said: “Quite unpleasant thing I’m in for,” for that during your regular Thiem, Grigor Dimitrov and Al- The first leg will take place hosts of the final two legs be- two pools of four on a round- frankly, inviting Federer didn’t Kvitova said. season. It was simply great. exander Zverev will be my guests on red clay in Belgrade on June cause we haven’t had enough robin basis with the winners cross my mind because... he is Sports came to a halt in Kvi- And my shape? You’ll see,” he here in my hometown,” said the 13 and 14 at Djokovic’s com- time to prepare the infrastruc- of each pool advancing to the still nursing a knee injury. tova’s homeland, where the said. 17-times major champion. plex and the second in Croatia’s ture, but we are very nearly final. “As for Nadal, I have no “This is the first time any of coastal resort Zadar on June 20 there. Djokovic added sets would be problem giving him a call but I them will be playing here and I and 21. “As for the three big names slashed to winning four games wouldn’t expect him to come will do everything in my power Montenegro and Bosnia have coming over, they will all play instead of six, with a total of 13 over.”

French tennis federation’s support plan ready to be launched on June 3

The French tennis federation’s 35-million day, has been rescheduled for September they are ready to jump back in when the euro ($38.17 million)plan will be effective- 20-October 4. Should the claycourt Grand pro circuit starts again,” he said. ly launched on June 3 with a dedicated Slam tournament, which brings the FFT Britain’s world number 77 Cameron platform distributing aid to clubs, tourna- around 70 million euros in net earnings Norrie, who grew up in New Zealand, and ments, players and officials, the FFT said every year, be cancelled, the support several of New Zealand’s Davis Cup play- yesterday. plan will not be affected. “What happens ers are among those taking part. Some 21 million euros will be dedicated to Roland Garros will have no bearing on The international nature of tennis means to the French clubs, nine million will go the support plan,” said Giudicelli. the sport has been hit hard by the coro- to the 142 tennis, chair tennis, paddle navirus shutdown. and beach tennis players outside the Pro tennis bounces back with Among the Grand Slams, the French top 100, as well as officials and tourna- New Zealand tournament Open has been postponed and the US ments that had to be cancelled amid the New Zealand tennis said yesterday was Open is considering switching venues Covid-19 crisis, FFT president Bernard set to host the southern hemisphere’s from New York if the virus crisis in the Giudicelli told reporters. The remaining first professional tournament since the city does not ease. five million will go to the independent Covid-19 shutdown. The ATP is not planning to resume teachers and coaches who could not The men’s Premier League tournament tournament play until early August, while benefit from French government aids. in Auckland next month will feature 24 the WTA hopes to restart its calendar in “The plan is financed by the FFT’s global players competing in three teams at Palermo in on July 20. budget,” Giudicelli explained, adding that spectator-free arenas over three weeks. the FFT took out a state-guaranteed loan tennis NZ high performance director Basilashvili charged with without disclosing its amount. “Out of Christophe Lambert said the tournament, domestic violence the 35 million euros, four come from the which begins on June 3, would pit ATP Georgian tennis player Nikoloz Basilas- tennis leagues across France,” he said. veterans against some of New Zealand’s hvili has been charged with assaulting their five-year-old son and he has been The plan will be effective until August 21. rising stars. his former wife, his lawyer Irma Chkadua released on $26,000 bail. The preliminary Professional tennis has been suspended “The NZ Premier League offers oppor- said. Basilashvili, ranked 27th in the court hearing is scheduled for July 16. until the end of July and the French Open, tunities for our best players to have a world, has denied allegations that he Basilashvili, 28, faces up to three years in which was due to have started on Sun- home-base competitive environment so attacked Neka Dorokashvili in front of prison, if found guilty. Czech player Petra Kvitova wears a face mask as she attends a press conference yesterday in Prague. (AFP)

SPOTLIGHT Woods-Manning beat Mickelson-Brady in charity match AFP PGA stars Woods and Phil spending more time with his tles with the New England Patri- Miami Mickelson and two NFL quar- family and has added tennis to ots, made the shot of the day on terback legends Peyton Manning his workouts. the par-five seventh. and Tom Brady squared off in an “It has been good in that re- Brady had been struggling for iger Woods says while entertaining made-for-televi- gard because I have been able to much of the first round, but his his surgically repaired sion charity golf event on Sun- spend a lot of time with my kids. approach on No. 7 landed just back may never be day that raised $20 million for We had a lot of fun. This is the past the hole before spinning T10-out-of-10 again, coronavirus relief efforts. most amount of tennis I have wildly to the right and rolling it won’t stop him from being The 18-hole match included played ever.” into the centre of the cup. healthy and ready to go when the nine holes of four-ball and nine The start of Sunday’s match “When the going gets tough, PGA Tour starts up again. holes of modified alternate shot, was delayed by rain that fell the tough get going,” an obvi- The 44-year-old Woods says with on-course challenges for steadily throughout the majority ously relieved Brady said of his he’s been able to use the down charitable funds. of the round. first good shot of the day. The time during the coronavirus Woods, who paired with Man- Woods helped offset the -dif shot was notable for another pandemic to get himself in shape ning, showed no rust as they ficult playing conditions Sunday reason: it included a wardrobe for an expected condensed fall held off a back-nine rally from by taking advantage of compet- malfunction. Brady also split his golf season. Mickelson and Brady for a one- ing on his home course, the Me- pants on the shot, resulting in a “It is going to be interesting,” up victory in the 18-hole match dalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound. hasty costume change. said Woods during a four-man play format. Tiger Woods (right) and former NFL player Peyton Manning (second right) celebrate defeating Phil Mickelson “I am just trying to hit it in the “There was so much torque on charity golf tournament in Flor- Sunday’s event, called “The (left) and NFL player Tom Brady of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the 18th green during a charity golf round at right spots. I kind of know this that swing,” he joked. ida on Sunday. Match: Champions for Charity,” the Medalist Golf Club. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports place,” he told a television inter- The birdie also lightened the “I am used to trying to peak was a rematch of sorts for Mick- viewer early in his round. wallet of PGA golfer Brooks for majors in April, May, June elson and Woods, who faced off Schwab Challenge at Colonial is Country Club course. Woods said. The entertaining match fea- Koepka. When he saw Brady and July, forever. Now this (Cov- in a similar charity event last scheduled to begin in Texas. He said the forced break has “I get some treatment on it tured plenty of friendly banter struggling early in the round, id-19) has changed everything. year in Las Vegas. It also marked The charity match was the been refreshing and described and get onto a routine basically. and trash talking going back Koepka tweeted out a promise It is fluid. It is on the fly.” a return to the golf course for the first competitive golf for Woods his health as surprisingly good “With this pandemic and eve- and forth between four of North to donate $100,000 to charity if Asked to rate how his back both PGA stars due to the Cov- since the Genesis Invitational considering he has been taken rything that has happened, we America’s biggest sport stars. Brady could make a par on the feels on a scale of one to 10, id-19 pandemic. on February 16, where he shot out of his regular training re- (have) all been very careful and Brady, who recently signed front nine. “Brooks owes me a Woods said, “Well, let’s just say The PGA Tour is on hiatus weekend rounds of 76-77 to fin- gime. “It is to nice be at home try to stay at home,” he said. with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers little money,” Brady said follow- 10 is not what it used to be.” until June 11, when the Charles ish in 68th place at the Riviera training each and every day,” Woods says he has enjoyed after winning six Super Bowl ti- ing his surprise birdie.

Tuesday, May 26, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT ROUND-UP Elgar eyes South Africa What now for cricket in Test captaincy ean Elgar would be willing to become South Africa’s next DTest captain as specu- lation about who will replace Faf du Plessis gathers momentum. 2020? Four key questions Elgar, who turns 33 next month, put his hand up in an inter- view with Cricket South Africa (CSA), released yesterday, and ‘We are trying to get to England early July so that we can get the quarantine done’ joins Aiden Markram on the list of players who have expressed AFP interest in the job. London Quinton de Kock was ex- pected to take over from Du Plessis, having succeeded him he coronavirus may have struck as captain of South Africa’s shortly before the English limited-overs teams, but CSA cricket season was due to start said it did not want to overbur- Tbut it threatens to have major den the wicketkeeper-batsman implications for the game worldwide. and ruled him out of the Test English officials still believe they can fit captaincy. a full international programme of three- With CSA still trying to Test series against both the West Indies find a solution to playing their and Pakistan, as well as one-day inter- scheduled three-test series nationals with Australia and Ireland, against the West Indies in July, into a season that won’t start until July the appointment of a captain 1 at the earliest. has become more pressing. “It’s But there is now an expectation definitely not an easy journey matches will have to be played behind being a Test captain but I think closed doors, in the short-term at least, leadership is something that as a way of stopping the spread of Cov- comes extremely naturally to id-19. That would, however, still allow me,” Elgar said. the England and Wales Cricket Board “I’ve captained teams in to honour lucrative broadcast contracts the past, right up from school and avoid the nightmare scenario of a level to provincial level and completely wiped out season that could at franchise level. I enjoyed it cost the organisation £380mn. Below extremely and if I was asked to AFP Sport looks at the key issues con- take on the captaincy it’s defi- fronting cricket amid the pandemic. nitely something I would think long and hard about because it WILL TEAMS GO ON TOUR? would mean a lot to me.” West Indies and Pakistan, two of crick- Du Plessis quit as captain af- ets less well-off major teams, have both ter South Africa lost their home made encouraging noises about touring series to England at the start of England, subject to health concerns and the year. Elgar twice deputised appear to ready to factor a 14-day quar- for Du Plessis as captain, losing antine on arrival in Britain, because of the 2017 Lords test to England UK government regulations, into their by 211 runs and overseeing a planning. Matches are set to be played at 107-run victory over Pakistan in ‘bio-secure’ venues such as Hampshire’s early 2019. Ageas Bowl or Old Trafford that have onsite hotels. “We are trying to get to English officials still believe they can fit a full international programme of three-Test series against both the West Indies and Pakistan, as well as one-day internationals SRI LANKAN CRICKETER England early July so that we can get the with Australia and Ireland, into a season that won’t start until July 1 at the earliest. (AFP) HELD ON DRUG CHARGE quarantine done,” said Pakistan Cricket Sri Lankan police have de- Board chief executive Wasim Khan. tators but wicket celebrations such as last week each team should be awarded Rajasthan Royals, told the Daily into lockdown. But Clare Connor, the tained international cricketer Australia were meant to play three ‘high fives’ are set to be banned accord- an additional DRS review per innings. Telegraph last month: “No IPL (in ECB’s managing director of women’s Shehan Madushanka on a charge Twenty20s and three one-day interna- ing to International Cricket Council Chris Broad, the only Englishman on 2020) would be a big $600mn loss for cricket, has accepted her side of the of possessing heroin, officials tionals in July but may delay their visit guidelines issued last week. the ICC’s elite panel of referees, may the global cricket economy.” game may have to be sacrificed com- said. Madushanka, 25, who took to later in the season after seeing how Umpires have also been instructed to have to officiate in matches involving South African director of cricket pletely in order for more lucrative men’s a hat-trick of wickets on his the West Indies and Pakistan series pan wear gloves to minimise the risk of in- his son Stuart, the England fast bowler. Graeme Smith has called for India’s matches to go ahead this season. international debut in 2018, was out. “Obviously we won’t jeopardise the fection, with bowlers no longer handing Sourav Ganguly, a fellow former Test But there are hopes a series with remanded in custody for two safety of the players,” Cricket Australia their cap and sweater to officials for the WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE captain, to become the next ICC chair- South Africa could still take place in weeks by a magistrate. chief executive Kevin Roberts told the same reason. Another ‘interim’ meas- TWENTY20 WORLD CUP AND IPL? man. The Proteas, hard hit by the low September. He was carrying just over two Sydney Daily Telegraph. ure, which still requires approval at a An ICC board meeting on Thursday value of South Africa’s rand, hope to India women’s tour of England, due grams of heroin when detained “But the best test of that is the West June vote, would see bowlers banned May 28, could see the men’s Twenty20 host a three-match T20 series against to begin on June 25, has already been in the town of Pannala on Indian and Pakistan tours of England from using saliva to shine the ball to World Cup, due to held in Australia India in August. postponed, but two T20Is and four Sunday, a police official said. before we’re due to tour. We hope they aid swing, although they will still be al- from October 18, postponed. ODIs against South Africa remain on Madushanka was stopped while go off without a hitch.” lowed to apply their own sweat. Problems over flying in 16 teams to Aus- WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR the calender for September, as planned. driving with another person in a Travel restrictions could see two tralia may be reason enough to delay the WOMEN’S CRICKET? That raises the possibility of match- car during a nationwide corona- WHAT WILL CRICKET LOOK LIKE? umpires from a home nation stand in a event by a year. That would allow the al- The women’s game was riding the crest es against India being added to those virus curfew, police said. Even if a rescheduled series between Test for the first time since 1994 when ready postponed franchise Indian Pre- of a wave after a crowd of over 86,000 in fixtures as part of a tri-series, which The right-arm pace bowler England and the West Indies starts in the ICC started moving towards neutral mier League, the world’s wealthiest T20 Melbourne saw hosts Australia beat In- would help avert a situation whereby took a hat-trick against Bang- July, the game itself will look very dif- officials to counter accusations of bias. competition, to go ahead in its place. dia in the final of the T20 World Cup in men’s international fixtures are played ladesh on his one-day interna- ferent. Not only will there be no spec- The ICC’s cricket committee also said Manoj Badale, a part-owner of the March, shortly before global sport went and the women’s are not. tional debut in January 2018.

FOCUS DEMISE On this day: Born May 26, 1966: India’s legendary Olympic hockey Zola Budd, South African athlete hero Balbir Singh dies at 95 Agencies New Delhi Reuters Johannesburg albir Singh, who won three Olympic hockey ola Budd fears her running career golds for India and be- will be defined by one of the Olym- Bcame one his country’s pic Games’ most controversial mo- biggest sporting heroes, has died Zments, one that may unfairly detract at the age of 95, his family said from an incredible talent who still holds yesterday. Singh was in teams records unbeaten for almost four decades. that won the Olympic title in Budd’s clash with Mary Decker while an London in 1948 and Helsinki in inexperienced 18-year-old at the 1984 Ol- 1952 and led the side that won in ympics in Los Angeles remains the most Melbourne in 1956. talked about moment of a career that drew His five goals in the 6-1 de- plenty of press attention, at times bewilder- feat of the Netherlands in 1952 ing for a teenager plucked from Apartheid remain a record for an Olympic South Africa and fast-tracked to run for final. India beat the former co- Great Britain. Those ghosts have long been lonial power Great Britain 4-0 in laid to rest for Budd, who now resides in the 1948 final which came only Myrtle Beach in the United States and until a few months after his country’s last year was the head cross country coach troubled independence. at the Coastal Carolina University. Singh scored two of India’s The Daily Mail newspaper had cam- goals at Wembley stadium and paigned for Budd, who had an English became one of the biggest stars grandfather, to be handed British citizen- of the Games. “I was on top of the Balbir Singh was in the Indian teams that won the Olympic title ship after she emerged as a teenage prodigy. world,” he said later. “It was very in London in 1948 and Helsinki in 1952 and captained the side “Looking back, that was the worst deci- special to beat the former rulers that won in Melbourne in 1956. sion of my life to run those Games,” Budd in their country.” tells Reuters. “It was way too early in my ca- Singh was also the manager of list Balbir Singh Sr, who passed at Hockey India is pained by this reer, I did not have enough experience run- the Indian side that won the 1975 away in Chandigarh, India after a news.” ning races at that level and I was still very South African athlete Zola Budd-Pieterse poses in front of Tower Bridge in London before World Cup. “He was a hard task prolonged illness,” International Cricket legend Sachin Ten- young coming from South Africa. Emo- making her debut in the London Marathon in this April 11, 2003 picture. (Reuters) master,” said Ajit Pal Singh, who Hockey Federation said in a tweet dulkar too paid his respect to tionally I was not ready for an event like the was captain of the 1975 team. “I on their official handle. Balbir. “My heartfelt condo- Olympics, especially with the political up- finish seventh. years of her career in 1985 and 1986. “People still remember how he imbibed, “Balbir Singh Ji, You will be lences to the family and friends heaval and all the pressure around that.” “At that time there was nothing else hap- think my career ended after 1984, but I then self belief and unity which helped missed. Great legend of the game of Balbir Singh ji Sr. He was one Budd’s story made her a target for the pening with the Russians (USSR) not com- won the World Cross Country Champion- us to win,” Pal Singh said but moreover an amazing per- of the greatest to have graced tabloids, but when she clashed with home peting at those Olympics, so the American ships twice. I raced with Mary on quite a few Singh was one of the key fig- son,” tweeted former hockey the game of hockey. May his soul favourite Decker in the 3,000-metres at the media had to find something to hype up the occasions, and she helped me run all my best ures in India’s golden era of captain Sardar Singh. Rest in Peace!,” Tendulkar said in 1984 Games and the American tumbled to Games,” Budd says. times. I don’t want to be defined by ’84, but hockey dominance. The men’s “Today, we have not only lost a tweet on his handle. the floor, the youngster became a household “Obviously me and Mary (as favourites) I think it is what people mostly remember.” team have not won an Olympic our greatest hockey legend but India cricket captain Virat name around the world. was a good story for them. The whole in- Budd later competed for South Africa in title since their eighth gold at we have also lost ‘our guiding Kohli expressed his grief on the Opinion remains divided over the inci- cident went overboard in the press. I felt the 3,000-metres at the 1992 Olympics in the 1980 Moscow Games. Singh light’,” Hockey India president passing of the legend and wrote dent, but Budd was in front of Decker in the then that even if I had won the gold medal, Barcelona, but having been laid low with had been in hospital after suffer- Mohammed Mushtaque Ahmad on his Twitter handle: “Sad- leading pack when their legs became entan- it wouldn’t have mattered because I would tick bite fever in the build-up, she failed to ing three heart attacks in recent said in a statement. dened to hear about the passing gled and according to race officials was not still be branded an outcast. I couldn’t win qualify for the final. She still holds junior weeks. “The hockey family has “His achievements in post- of the legend, Balbir Singh Sen- to blame. Decker, who later conceded there either way, so for me the 1984 Games were a world records in distances ranging from the lost one of its most iconic, be- independent era have been well- ior. My thoughts and prayers go was no malice in the incident, could not lose-lose situation.” mile to 3,000 metres some 35 years after loved and celebrated individu- documented... Hockey has lost out to his family in this time of continue after her fall, and Budd faded to But Budd rebounded and had the best they were set. als, triple Olympic gold medal- its brightest star and everyone sorrow.”