BASKETBALL | Page 3 OLYMPICS | Page 4 Daniels has a Fans fear new team but being victims missing one of greed after vital thing postponement

Sunday, April 12, 2020 GOLF Sha’ban 19, 1441 AH Year after glory, GULF TIMES has virus doomed Tiger’s 18-major bid? SPORT Page 5

FOOTBALL SPOTLIGHT Liverpool Beating virus would legend Dalglish tests positive for be ‘real’ victory, coronavirus says PSG’s Sarabia ‘All that is in our hands, if we can help, donate, do what is in our hands, (we will)’

AFP Paris, France

aris Saint-Germain winger Pablo Sarabia says that beating the Pcoronavirus would be the “real victory of the season”, with most professional football shut down due to the pandemic. France’s was suspend- ed on March 13, with PSG sitting 12 points clear of Marseille at the top of the table, while hav- ing also reached the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2016. But Spanish international Sarabia says public health has to AFP ances for Scotland, was knighted come first ahead of getting back London, United Kingdom by Queen Elizabeth II in 2018. onto the pitch. “Kenny would like to take this “No, I’m not afraid about opportunity to thank the bril- that (the season not restarting), iverpool legend Kenny liant NHS staff, whose dedica- it’s not the thing I am worrying Dalglish has tested posi- tion, bravery and sacrifice should about,” he told AFP. tive for coronavirus but is be the focus of the nation’s at- “I am thinking about my fam- Lnot showing symptoms of tention at this extraordinary ily first and foremost and then the disease, his family said Friday. time,” added the family state- about getting this sorted. This is The 69-year-old former Scot- ment on Friday. a critical situation. tish international striker, who “He would also ask that they “Who knows right now wheth- started his career at Celtic, was are given the space to do their er the league will restart or not — admitted to hospital on Wednes- jobs during what is an extremely it is hypothetical and we all need day for treatment for an infec- challenging time for them and to focus on the pandemic. Com- tion which required intravenous that his own family’s privacy is ing through this would be the real antibiotics. respected. victory of the season.” “He was subsequently tested “He looks forward to being Football players have come In this February 23, 2020, picture, Paris Saint-Germain’s Spanish Pablo Sarabia arrives to attend a training session. (AFP) for Covid-19 despite having home soon. We will provide fur- under pressure to take salary previously displayed no symp- ther updates as and when it is cuts, with Barcelona, Real Ma- our captains are in discussions He is hoping to use his unex- over by a Qatari investment group we lost in Dortmund but eve- toms of the illness,” said a family appropriate.” drid, Juventus and Bayern Mu- and all we can do to help PSG pected free time to improve his in 2011 has been to lift the Cham- rything that has happened has statement. The coronavirus has claimed nich stars all among those to ac- and the country in general, we French, having signed a five- pions League trophy, but the cap- shown how united we all are as a “Unexpectedly, the test re- the lives of nearly 9,000 people cept a reduction in pay. will try to do that.” year contract with PSG. ital club have still not reached the team,” said Sarabia. sult was positive but he remains in Britain, while the number of And Sarabia says that the “I like to talk and if I don’t un- semi-finals since 1995. “I could see in the eyes of my asymptomatic. confirmed cases in the country French clubs are also planning to EURO HOPES ON ICE derstand the language and can’t A last-16 victory over Borussia teammates that we were going “Prior to his admission to hos- climbed Friday close to 74,000. take similar measures. Sarabia, 27, joined the French communicate that frustrates me Dortmund last month, though, to get through, you could feel it. pital, he had chosen to voluntar- “All that is in our hands, if we champions from outfit a bit,” said Sarabia. having trailed after the first leg, “(But) there is still a long ily self isolate for longer than the DALGLISH’S SON THANKS can help, donate something, do Sevilla last year and has im- “I’m trying to make the most raised hopes that PSG could final- way to go before the final, and advised period together with his WELL-WISHERS what is in our hands, (we will),” pressed in Paris, scoring 14 goals of these days to study and come ly make a serious tilt at European as I said before I don’t think we family. Dalglish’s son, Paul, admitted he said. in all competitions so far this out with a better level of French.” football’s greatest prize. should be thinking about that “He would urge everyone to he was “truly humbled” by the “We are talking about it and season. PSG’s main aim since the take- “It was a difficult time when just now.” follow the relevant government messages of support that poured and expert guidance in the days in from across the football world and weeks ahead.” after the Liverpool legend tested Dalglish won the Scottish positive. PHOTO OF THE DAY league title with Celtic as a play- Paul tweeted: “It’s not my Blast from the past er on four occasions before sign- place to comment on my old ing for Liverpool in 1977. man, he can do that for himself With sporting events around At Anfield, he captured eight in due course. the world grinding to a halt, English league titles, three FA “Truly humbling messages Gulf Times Sport dived down Cups and three European Cups from supporters of all teams. the vault for some fantastic, during a glittering 13-year stint “I’m sure we can all agree this sometimes offbeat stories as a player and in two managerial is more important than foot- that can be told through spells. ball and that we are all united as pictures. In his Liverpool playing career, blues to support the NHS. Stay he scored 172 goals in 515 games. safe everyone.” We start with Qatar’s very As well as his role in Liver- Dalglish’s daughter, Sky own Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah, pool’s golden era in the 1970s and Sports presenter Kelly Cates, the multiple time Dakar Rally 1980s, Dalglish received plaudits also shared a message of thanks champion and Middle East for supporting victims’ families to fans for their kind words and Rally Champion, who took after 96 fans died in the 1989 well wishes. three-time MotoGP world Hillsborough stadium disaster. “Thank you so much for your champion Jorge Lorenzo of He also went on to coach lovely messages and I’m really Spain for some dune bashing Blackburn Rovers to the Premier sorry I can’t reply to them all,” at Sealine a few days before League title in 1995. she tweeted. the MotoGP season kicked Former Liverpool skipper Ste- Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson off at Losail International ven Gerrard, now manager of Becker said on Twitter: “Love Circuit last year. The thrill, the Glasgow Rangers in Scotland, from Becker family to Sir Kenny conversations, the views... (Red posted a picture to his Instagram Dalglish!!” Bull Content Pool) page of Dalglish with one of his Former Liverpool defend- daughters, with the message: er Jamie Carragher tweeted: “Get well soon king.” “Hopeful Kenny will be rid of the Former teammate Terry Mc- virus ASAP.” Dermott tweeted: “Thinking of Blackburn, who Dalglish led to my big pal @kennethdalglish — the Premier League title in 1995, hoping he makes a speedy recov- said: “Everyone at Rovers would ery from this awful virus”. like to send their love and best Dalglish, who also made more wishes to Sir Kenny Dalglish and than 100 international appear- his family.” Gulf Times 2 Sunday, April 12, 2020 FOOTBALL

FOCUS MEASURES ‘Test all players for virus’ before English soccer goes season restart

AFP they’re doing 50,000 tests a day. London, United Kingdom “In this country we’re do- ing 10,000 per day, although the government are targeting on amid anxiety eague Managers Associa- 100,000 each day by the end of tion chief executive Rich- the month. ard Bevan said Friday that “Our managers do not want to Lthe English season can be back on the pitch unless the only be restarted if all footballers players have been tested.” are tested for coronavirus. Clubs in the Championship, “Tests must be made available League One and League Two and empty stands first to National Health Service were sent a letter by the Football (NHS) workers and patients,” League this week revealing that Bevan told the BBC. the governing body hope to com- ‘Am I worried or not worried? I guess most likely not... there are not many people “Once that’s happened, by all plete the season this summer de- means let’s access it in sport.” spite the on-going pandemic. coming, there are no crowds. And all measures are taken at the stadium’ Football has already been But Bevan insists bosses shelved for a month due to the should have been consulted. Reuters virus which has killed nearly “You’re going to have to get Minsk, Belarus 9,000 people in Britain. the support of the coaches and Football League chiefs believe managers. You do not do that by they can finish the season in 56 not talking to them,” Bevan. elarus is the only coun- days once it is safe to resume. “You’re going to have to get the try in Europe still play- “We’re not really going to see goodwill of the players because ing soccer amid the more accurate forecasting about you’re going to have at least three Bcoronavirus pandemic when we can get on the pitch un- weeks of training to get back on but a growing number of fans til the end of April,” added Bevan. the pitch at least. are boycotting league matches, “In Germany, if you look at “The most important thing anxious about catching the dis- discussions about coming back guiding every principle is health, ease. in May, that’s probably a direct and getting back on the pitch In the western city of Grodno, result of some very clear thinking without ensuring fully-fit play- local team FC Neman Grodno from their government because ers is a very big call to make.” drew with FC Bobruisk on Friday in front of almost empty stands. Just 253 peo- UPDATE ple attended, compared to last year when Neman’s games drew crowds of around 1,500 people. The league has proved an un- Swiss prosecutors likely draw for fans overseas who are starved of matches in their own countries. In choosing to to drop one of cases stay open, it took its cue from President Alexander Lukash- enko, who has resisted imposing against Blatter strict lockdown measures. “Of course, it is the main Reuters not be prosecuted for the matter problem,” said Belshina coach Zurich, Switzerland which relates to selling TV rights Eduard Gradoboyev, when asked for World Cup tournaments too about the lack of fans. cheaply. “Because football is for spec- witzerland’s federal pros- The 84-year-old Swiss, who tators. And when you come to a ecutor is about to end its led FIFA until 2015, was accused absolutely half-empty stadium, investigation into former of selling TV rights to the CFU for especially such a good one like SFIFA President Sepp the 2010 and 2014 World Cups for here in Grodno, it is a bit un- Blatter’s deals with the Carib- $600,000, seen as far below the comfortable.” bean Football Union (CFU) to sell market value at the time. Even Neman Grodno’s own Fans watch a Belarussian league match between FC Neman Grodno and FC Belshina Bobruisk in Grodno, Belarus, on Friday. (Reuters) World Cup broadcasting rights. A spokesman for Blatter said fans urged people to keep away. The Office of the Attorney he had not heard anything offi- “Let’s stay home, reduce the more recently they have de- Supporters like Vladimir, who com, he compared the situation number of coronavirus cases. General (OAG) said it has in- cially but had no reason to doubt risks associated with the spread clined comment. came to the stadium, had few to the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear Lukashenko, who has ruled formed all the parties of its in- the media reports. of coronavirus, protect our- The latest figures show - Be concerns. accident in the former Soviet the country with an iron fist tention to close the case and was In a second criminal case, selves and our loved ones,” they larus has 2,226 cases, with 23 “Am I worried or not worried? Union, where the authorities since 1994, has called fears seeking ways to end it. Blatter is accused of having ar- said in a statement. deaths. I guess most likely not,” he said. concealed the scale of the dis- about coronavirus a “psycho- “We confirm the Office of the ranged a payment of 2mn Swiss Before the match started, the The clubs say they must com- “Because first of all there are not aster to the general public for a sis”, prescribed going to saunas Attorney General of Switzer- francs ($2.06mn) to the then Neman players applauded the ply with the federation’s decision. many people coming to watch long time. to battle the disease, and said land...considers the criminal in- UEFA President Michel Platini in empty stands in support for “The federation decided to football, there are no crowds. “No one really knows how he was more worried about the vestigation into the partial facts February 2011. spectators staying away. play — so we play,” Neman’s And all measures are taken at the many people are sick, where economy. and allegations concerning the The investigation in this case The Belarus football federa- coach Igor Kovalevich said, add- stadium.” they are sick, how they are At a meeting with officials on contractual relationship with the is not affected by its intentions to tion initially explained its deci- ing the club was taking appro- But others are not so san- treated,” he was quoted as say- April 7, he said he could easily CFU to be complete and ready end the first case, the OAG said. sion to continue because only priate safety measures like using guine. Nikolay Zolotov is a Be- ing. “I thought: has nothing re- introduce quarantine measures for conclusion,” it said in a state- Blatter and Platini, who could a small number of coronavirus hand sanitizers and making sure larusian who plays for Russian ally changed in 34 years?” within 24 hours. ment. not immediately be reached for cases had been recorded in the that fans do not sit close to each club Ural Yekaterinburg. Zolotov lives in Vitebsk, which “But what will we eat?,” he The OAG “intends to discon- comment, have maintained they eastern European country, but other. In an interview with tribuna. ranks second, after Minsk, in the added. tinue the proceedings”, it added, did nothing wrong amid what giving no reason for the decision. became part of the biggest cor- As a result, Blatter, who is ruption scandal to shake world COMMENT currently serving a six-year ban soccer’s ruling body, resulting in from football-related activi- numerous prosecutions and con- Arsenal’s Aubameyang must join ties over ethics violations, will victions in the United States. more ambitious club: Gabon FA chief

Reuters “So if Pierre could secure a Bengaluru, India contract with a more ambitious club, he’d definitely find his place there. rsenal striker Pierre- “On an individual level, we all Emerick Aubam- consider him to be among the eyang should move to best players in the world, but the Aa more ambitious club advice I give to him is to contin- if he wants to win trophies, ac- ue to work and to attract the at- cording to Gabon football as- tention of the biggest clubs and sociation president Pierre Alain the most ambitious clubs.” Mounguengui. Arsenal were ninth in the SPOTLIGHT Aubameyang joined Arsenal standings before the corona- in January 2018 for about 56 virus pandemic suspended the mn pounds ($69.4 mn) and has football season in England. since scored 61 goals in all com- The north London club have West Ham announce petitions. He was the league’s not qualified for the Champions top scorer last season with 22 League since 2015-16 and have strikes and has 17 league goals in lost two finals since Aubam- wage deferrals the current campaign. eyang’s arrival — the League The 30-year-old Gabon in- Cup in 2018 and the Europa Reuters Chairman Karren Brady and ternational’s contract with the League last season. London, United Kingdom Chief Financial Officer Andy Premier League club expires at “Aubameyang is a world-class Mollett will take a 30 percent pay the end of next season. player but for him, or anyone else cut. “I don’t want to say that Ar- in Europe who hasn’t won a ma- est Ham United be- Joint-Chairmen David Sul- senal aren’t ambitious, but Ar- jor honour, football is a collective came the second livan and David Gold and fel- senal don’t have ambitions as sport,” Mounguengui added. Premier League low shareholders will also inject high as some other clubs as far “Right now, he’s at Arsenal Wclub to announce 30mn pounds ($37mn) cash into as Europe is concerned,” Moun- and he’s won nothing here. So wage deferrals for their players the east London club to deal with guengui told ESPN. it’s a collective failing.” to cope with the financial chal- the challenges. lenges posed by the coronavirus “There is still a long and dif- pandemic. ficult road ahead but we remain A day after Southampton said committed to doing everything Zenit use drone to deliver to deliver the trophy without the former International Champions the tournament “unfeasible”, Relevent their players would defer part we can to support those most in award during lockdown Barcelona winger having to step out of his Cup cancelled Sports chief executive Daniel Sillman of their salaries, West Ham an- need, and together we will come apartment. “I’ve just received a message said in a statement. Many of Europe’s nounced a raft of measures that through it stronger,” Brady said Zenit St Petersburg had a novel idea when that I need to open a window,” Malcom This year’s International Champions currently-suspended domestic leagues, the club hopes will help retain in the statement. they delivered their Player of the Month said in a video he recorded while a drone Cup (ICC) exhibition has been cancelled as well as the European Champions jobs and pay full salaries to non- With the Premier League at a award using a drone. Brazilian Malcom hovered outside his apartment. The drone due to the coronavirus, the marketing League, hope eventually to complete playing staff. standstill, footballers are facing won nearly 30 percent of the fan vote to then swooped in through the window, company that owns and operates the their seasons this year. The ICC, which “I am proud that our entire pressure to accept wage cuts. The pick up the award for March after Zenit sending a frightened cat scurrying away, competition announced on Friday. “The began in 2013, has been played in July squad have made clear their strong players union, however, ques- build a nine-point lead at the top of the before landing on the floor for Malcom to lack of clarity of when social distancing and August in the United States and desire to play our part in helping to tioned the league’s call for a 30 Russian Premier League standings before pick up his trophy. Malcom thanked the and shelter-in-place restrictions will be beyond. It has featured most of Europe’s support others through this situa- percent player wage reduction, the season was suspended due to the fans and ended the video saying: “Stay at lifted and the uncertain international leading clubs, including Real and tion,” captain Mark Noble said in a saying it would reduce tax reve- coronavirus pandemic. The club managed home, it’s important.” football calendar” made the staging of Manchester United. club statement. nue for Britain’s National Health Manager David Moyes, Vice Service. Gulf Times Sunday, April 12, 2020 3 SPORT

BASKETBALL COMMENT ‘Boxing could take years to recover Daniels has a new from virus mayhem’

AFP shows that need bums on seats London and need to sell tickets to make a living. “If people are apprehen- ormer world cham- sive about large gatherings team but missing pion Carl Frampton and these guys aren’t going to fears boxing could take be able to sell their tickets, or F“months or possi- if people can’t afford to buy bly years” to recover from the them because they’ve lost damage caused by the corona- their job or for other reasons. virus pandemic. “I think it’s going to change Frampton believes once a lot once we come out the boxing returns sports fans will other side of this.” one vital thing be cautious about spending Frampton, 33, echoed a sug- money due to the financial im- gestion from Tyson Fury’s pact of the pandemic. promoter Bob Arum about the ‘I tried to find some gyms to keep my rhythm but everything is shut down’ The Northern Irish fighter likely need to reduce the cost also expects people to be slow of tickets to encourage fight By Arash Markazi to return to stadiums in case fans to return. Los Angeles Times there is still a risk of catching “I’m glad that a promoter the virus. has said that. The UK ticket Frampton, a former super- prices are astronomical com- roy Daniels can’t recall bantamweight and feather- pared to America. It’s defi- the last time he went weight world champion, is also nitely something that needs to this long without shoot- concerned fellow boxers in the be thought about,” Frampton Ting a basketball. lower levels will be forced out said. The Denver Nuggets guard, if prize money drops. “If you suddenly put a fight who was with the Lakers until “It might take a long time on once this is all over how are agreeing to a buyout March 1, to recover. I’m talking months people going to afford it if the was sitting on the bench in Dal- and possibly years away from pricing isn’t reasonable?” las last month for what would getting it back to what it once Frampton was preparing end up being the last completed was,” Frampton told BBC Ra- for a planned world title bout NBA game before the season was dio Five Live yetserday. against WBO super-feather- suspended indefinitely. “In my position most of the weight champion Jamel Her- “We were playing when we money and the purse I received ring slated for mid-June, but found out so I didn’t know if we comes from TV, but there are there is no new date for the were going to stop but we kept guys fighting on non-televised clash. going, and as soon as it was over everyone was talking about it in the locker room,” Daniels said. “We were supposed to go to San Mayweather vows to follow uncle Antonio that night but we went as great fight trainer back to Denver. That’s when I knew it was serious.” Floyd Mayweather, who Floyd Sr. also trained his son. Daniels returned to his home retired from boxing in 2017 “Due to the recent passing in Los Angeles the next day but with a perfect 50-0 record, of my Uncle Roger, I’ve felt faced the same problem dur- said Friday he hopes emulate inspired to help those around ing self-isolation and social late uncle Roger by becoming me the same way they have distancing as many other NBA a successful trainer. been there for me throughout players: He could not shoot on a Mayweather posted a my boxing career,” May- regulation court or step foot in a message on his Instagram weather wrote. gym. account along with video The coronavirus pandemic Not only was the NBA season footage of him working with has kept Mayweather isolated shut down but so were all team his 14-year-old nephew. and given him time to ponder training facilities as well as com- “I am new at training and so his future in boxing. munity gyms and public parks, far I’ve been working with “In a time where we must dis- making it impossible for players people with no boxing experi- tance ourselves from others, without access to a private court ence, therefore we are grow- it has allowed me to reflect on to train properly. ing together,” Mayweather how I want to make a differ- “I tried to find some gyms to wrote. “But I promise you, I ence in people lives and help get some shots up and keep my will be one of the best trainers them achieve their goals,” he rhythm but everything is shut in the world.” wrote. down,” Daniels said. “We can’t Roger Mayweather, who “I want to leave an impres- shoot hoops anywhere. So I take died last month at age 59, sion on those around me a basketball outside and just trained Floyd for much of the and allow them to see their dribble around just to have that The Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James (left) and Troy Daniels talk during warm-ups ahead of a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at unbeaten champion’s career. potential.” rhythm. Staples Center in Los Angeles on December 8, 2019. (Getty Images/TNS) “It’s kind of weird. I find my- self in a daze every now and we’ve been about anything,” daughters, Bernie, 4, Charlie, 3, said. “On days when it’s nice I whenever we start up again.” again. When I wake up, I’m like, Booker said. and Nora, 1. “I don’t have a bas- can go outside for a run and do If the season resumes, there ‘What am I doing?’ I try to create “We really don’t know what’s ketball court,” Hayward said. “I some ball-handling drills like likely will need to be a mini- a routine for myself. I try to wake next or what’s going to happen. haven’t been able to shoot or an- I’m a kid back in my driveway.” camp to get everyone on the up in the morning and make a Not being able to be in the gym is ything. The practice facility and The Lakers and Clippers ar- same page after their hiatus. good breakfast. I’ll try to go for hard but safety is our main pri- gyms are closed down so there’s ranged for equipment to be de- “If we come back, the first two a bike ride or a run, just to get ority. I’m trying to stay prepared nowhere to go. We’re just try- livered to players’ homes and to three weeks are going to be my heart rate up and try to stay as best as I can. I’m trying to eat ing to figure out how we can get have used the video conferenc- tough,” Daniels said. in the best shape I can. When I the right way and get my push- through this and keep ourselves ing service Zoom to set up team “The majority of the guys in come back home, I take a shower ups and sit-ups in when I can. ready but at the same time keep workouts. the NBA are trying to stay in and play video games for about I actually bought a basketball our distance and stay safe.” “It’s tough,” Clippers forward shape but there’s nothing like four to five hours at a time and hoop a week ago and put it up The NBA reportedly has Patrick Patterson said. “I’m try- game shape and there’s nothing try to get something to eat in be- outside so I’ve been shooting on looked into resuming its season, ing to find some hills that I can like playing and practicing on a tween, and that’s really my day.” that but that’s about it. I’ve just which is 80% complete, this run up and down to keep my regulation court. Guys are go- Daniels isn’t the only NBA been playing video games and summer. If that were to happen, conditioning up. Our training ing to get tired and struggle at player relegated to playing video relaxing with the family.” players will have gone months staff sent us a bunch of gear so the beginning. You’re going to games without a court or gym at Boston Celtics forward Gor- without playing a game or even I have dumbbells, ladders and have to cut guys’ minutes and home. Phoenix Suns guard Devin don Hayward has spent much of shooting on a regulation court. boxes. I have everything set up play them less because fatigue Booker, who is in the semifinals his time off playing the popular “We have a small home gym in our garage. I work out down can lead to injury. It’s going to of the NBA 2K Players Tourna- video game “League of Legends” and I have dumbbells up to 40 there every other day and go on be an adjustment for everybody ment, said he is playing about 10 and being with his wife, Robyn, pounds and I got my wife a Pelo- runs and jogs every other day. but we’re all hoping we can come hours of video games per day. who is expecting their fourth ton last year so I’ve been doing I’m just trying to keep my body back this season and have to “This is the most in the dark child in September, and their the home workouts,” Hayward in the best shape it can be for make that adjustment.”

NFL Former Dolphins offensive lineman who fought depression finds purpose in law enforcement By Omar Kelly Organized Team Activities because you got fat, you’ll never programme and was assigned to tal and physical rigors of an NFL Sun Sentinel last summer, knew he was forgive yourself,” said Asiata, the Provo police department in training camp. That’s why Asiata unhappy. While he loved his explaining his thought process Utah. “We are fortunate to have strongly encourages other ath- teammates, the camaraderie and during the week he spent with officer Asiata join our team,” Sgt. letes – especially those who find saac Asiata despised bed- the money, he knew his passion the Bills in training camp before Nisha King said on behalf of the themselves lost without their time. The reason the former for the sport was gone for years. calling it a career. Provo police department. sport, or those missing a team Miami Dolphins offensive “I’d be sitting in the parking He retired from professional Asiata finds himself being atmosphere – to consider a ca- Ilineman dreaded closing lot paralysed because I didn’t football in July. In hindsight, a rookie all over again – and reer in law enforcement. his eyes and falling asleep was want to go to work,” Asiata ad- Asiata admits his passion for the is enjoying every minute of it. “You have to have that work because when morning came it mitted this week while discuss- game had disappeared during his “I found that football wasn’t ethic, dedication and competi- meant his nightmare was start- ing his two-year career. senior year at Utah, but he kept something I wanted,” he said. “I tive attitude,” Asiata said about ing all over again. When he told the Dolphins he playing because he felt obligated wanted a simpler life where I love being a police officer. Football was no longer fun for needed to be with his wife and to push forward and loved be- what I do every day,” said Asiata. “There is constant adversity the former Utah standout guard wanted to return to Utah, Brian ing part of a team. After retire- “Helping others, serving oth- and obstacles in law enforce- the Dolphins traded up to select Flores, his new coach at the ment, the 27-year-old began the ers and being a part of a team ment, but we’re used to that in in the fifth round of the 2017 time, encouraged him to go, and journey of discovering what was again.... sports. The mindset you develop NFL draft, and he realised going the Dolphins offered to provide next, and that’s when a friend “I always felt in this life I was as an athlete, not a lot of people to work fueled his depression. the support he needed. he met biking introduced him to supposed to help people,” he have that.” His depression triggered his The Dolphins put Asiata on other police officers. said. “I’m not in the NFL any- Asiata is sleeping better at overeating, which contributed injured reserve before ultimately Asiata grew to admire those more, but what better way to nights these days. to him blowing up to 355 pounds releasing him in June. officers so much that when they help others.” Not only does he have a pro- – and the vicious cycle kept re- Asiata tried to continue play- encouraged him to join the po- While there were certain chal- fession that’s fulfilling, but An- peating itself. ing with the Buffalo Bills, who lice academy it made sense, and lenges about the training pro- gel is pregnant with their second Depression, overeating, nar- signed him before training camp he enrolled. gramme, particularly the gun child, a son who will join Norah, colepsy – wash, rinse, repeat. opened in July because he feared Last week, Asiata concluded training involved, Asiata claims their two year old, in June as a The Miami Dolphins’ Isaac Asiata (right) celebrates the Dolphins Asiata, whose wife Angel had being haunted by the “what if” his five-month programme, his football background made member of the Asiata clan. “I’m victory as he walks with the Atlanta Falcons’ Tani Tupou after a a miscarriage the week after he thoughts that lingered. graduated from the Police Offic- the academy easier because it excited,” Asiata said. “It’s all preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium on August 10, 2017, in Miami left her to participate in Miami’s “If you give up this way, quit er Standard and Training (POST) paled in comparison to the men- new, but feels right.” Gardens, Florida. (Getty Images/TNS) Gulf Times 4 Sunday, April 12, 2020 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Australia did not go ‘easy’ on Kohli, Travelling fans fear being says Paine Sydney: Australia captain Tim Paine has dismissed the suggestion of his predeces- sor Michael Clarke that his players went soft on India skipper Virat Kohli in their victims of greed after 2018-19 series for fear of los- ing lucrative Indian Premier League contracts. Kohli led India to their first test series triumph in Aus- tralia on the tour, which came a few months after Steve Olympic postponement Smith and David Warner were banned for their parts in the Newlands ball-tampering scandal. IOC says that tickets for sporting events will be refunded if people cannot attend in 2021, but Clarke told a local radio station this week he thought admits that it could “not comment on hotel or flight bookings which were done through third parties” Australian cricket, reel- ing from that scandal, had AFP “sucked up” to India and that Lausanne some players did not “sledge” the opposition because they wanted to play with them in housands of fans planning to the IPL. “I certainly didn’t no- travel to the Olympics in To- tice too many people being kyo face uncertainty over flight that nice to Virat or not trying refunds and reimbursements to get him out or anything T like that,” Paine, who took from hotels, after the 2020 Games were postponed until next year due to the over from Smith after New- coronavirus pandemic and fear they lands and captained Australia may become victims of greed. throughout the India series, The International Olympic Commit- told ESPN Cricinfo. tee (IOC) last month made the deci- “I thought everyone who sion to delay the Games because of the had the ball in their hand or disease which has now claimed over when we were batting were 100,000 lives worldwide. trying their absolute best to The IOC has said that tickets for win the game for Australia. sporting events will be refunded if peo- I’m not sure who was going ple cannot attend in 2021, but admit- easy on him. We certainly had ted that it could “not comment on ho- a thing where we didn’t want tel or flight bookings which were done to provoke any fight with him through third parties”. because we think that’s when An American professor of sport man- he plays at his best. agement at the University of Washing- “I certainly wasn’t holding ton had reserved 31 rooms for her stu- back, but again the IPL’s not dents for 26 days at a cost of $90,000 a huge draw for me at the (82,300 euros). She says that if she does moment, so I had nothing to not ask for the ticket reimbursement, lose. But anytime our guys hoping that her students can make the go out and play a test match new dates from July 23 to August 8 next for Australia, they’ll be giving year, there is “no guarantee” that the their absolute all and I’m hotel and plane reservations will be pretty sure they’re not think- postponed accordingly. ing about an IPL contract “We are still waiting on both the ho- when they’re running in, tel and the airline,” Lisa Delpy Neirotti bowling to Virat.” said. “They said it would take a while to IPL contracts are extreme- let us know. I truly believe that if hotel- ly lucrative with Australia fast iers and airlines start to be greedy and bowler Pat Cummins becom- not work with Olympic fans or organi- ing the most expensive over- sations, the government will need to seas buy in December when step in, as it will not look good for Japan Kolkata Knight Riders paid tourism, but for Japan as a country.” $2.18mn for him. The start In 2018, the Japanese ministry of of this year’s IPL has already tourism said that it was counting on been pushed back to April 15 600,000 foreign spectators attending The Olympic rings at the waterfront area at Odaiba Marine Park in Tokyo. (Reuters) because of the coronavirus the Games, providing a significant eco- pandemic, with further post- nomic windfall. But many of those pro- tion to 2021.” to last year. “This is an enormous shock we’d be able to collect cancellation fees, setback. We will struggle for a while,” ponements looking likely. spective visitors remain at an impasse, But the hotel refused, saying that it for us, with sales in many of our mem- but in this case it isn’t the fault of our said Greg Harney, a consultant for Car- India are scheduled to play three weeks after the postponement “couldn’t take into account the spe- ber hotels already down by half because customers, so we can’t request that,” a tan Global, an American company sell- another four-test series in was announced. cific circumstances”. “I had taken out of plunging demand for tourism, not spokesman for hotel chain Via Inn said. ing packages for the Games. Australia at the end of the “I made a reservation two years ago insurance at the same time as the plane only from abroad but also inside Japan “I don’t know if we can negotiate with “I’ve heard of very few people hav- year, although a significant for six nights at the Sakura Cross Hotel ticket,” he added. “But the exact condi- due to the coronavirus,” said Shigemi Olympic officials about compensation ing asked for a refund, probably a cou- relaxation of government in Tokyo, for around 60,000 yen ($553) tions of insurance do not say clearly if Sudo, secretary general of the Tokyo or not.” ple, it’s encouraging. When the crisis is measures currently in place via booking.com,” a Frenchman, who the pandemic is covered.” Hotels and Ryokans Association. An official with the Tokyo organising over, I have the feeling that people will to control the virus would be wanted to remain anonymous, said. The delay will also affect the Japanese Faced with bad publicity and growing committee said the issue surrounding want to travel even more than before. required for the tour to go “I am not asking to recover this hotel industry, which had already seen discontent, some Japanese hotels are hotel reservations was “under consid- The interest for the Games will be even ahead. amount but just to transfer the reserva- hotel bookings fall in March compared keen to be understanding. “Normally eration”. “Like everybody else, it is a bigger.”

RUGBY CRICKET Jonny May to leave Leicester No-width: how Broad tamed Warner and rejoin Gloucester during last year’s Ashes series The Guardian Reuters London London

onny May will rejoin ngland quick Stuart Broad reck- Gloucester at the end of ons his total domination of Australia the season after the Eng- opener David Warner in last year’s Jland wing decided to end EAshes series was down to his strate- a “challenging few years” at gy of denying the batsman any width to play Leicester. May swapped King- his fierce cut shots and square drives. sholm for Welford Road three Broad dismissed Warner seven times in 10 years ago and has scored 30 tries innings as the subdued left-hander finished in 44 appearances but, while he the drawn series with only 95 runs. “He spoke fondly of his time with the is such a dangerous player and one of the Tigers, he admitted he has de- best third-innings opening batsmen in the cided to move on. world,” Broad said in a Sky Cricket podcast. The 30-year-old, capped 56 “Having played against him a lot over times and an integral part of the the last eight or nine years, I found that, as England side who reached the I am a taller bowler, when he sat back in the World Cup final last year, has some brilliant people.” would be an asset to any side.” crease he was cutting and square driving me agreed to link up with Gloucester He added on Gloucester’s Despite May’s contributions, a lot to the boundary. I decided I was just go- on 1 July. website: “Once I had made the Leicester have struggled in re- ing to try and hit his stumps every ball. I was However, with the Premiership decision to leave Leicester there cent years, missing out on the not going to try and swing it away from it as suspended because of the coro- was only ever one club I really play-offs in 2018 while they bat- I felt that gave him width, I was just going to navirus pandemic, it remains to wanted to play for.” tled relegation last year. Saracens scramble the seam.” be seen whether this will have The Gloucester director of being automatically relegated Broad said he kept attacking the stumps any impact on the move. For now rugby, David Humphreys, re- because of salary cap breaches and did not mind the occasional straight May is savouring a return to a vealed that the club have been in has spared Leicester this season, drives. “Once I got him at Lord’s, the third club he first joined in 2009, com- contact with May for some time. with the Tigers second bottom time in a row, I just got that feeling like I ing through the academy before Humphreys said: “We’ve been in the standings before play was was getting a bit of a competitive edge over establishing himself as one of the talking to Jonny for a little while halted after 13 matches. him,” said Broad, who has 485 wickets from country’s best wings. and were very close to an agree- May’s Leicester teammate Ben 138 Tests. The lanky right-arm bowler has He said on Leicester’s website: ment before the Premiership was Youngs knows his side are losing forged a formidable new-ball partnership Council (ICC) invited expression of interest Pakistan played their first Test on home “I’m proud of my time at Leices- postponed and our discussions a key asset as he said: “Without with Jimmy Anderson, Test cricket’s most from its members for events in the 2023-31 soil since 2009 against Sri Lanka in Decem- ter Tigers. What an amazing ex- had to be put on hold. doubt he is one of the world’s prolific seam bowler, and he attributed their cycle. Pakistan last staged an ICC event in ber and have hosted Bangladesh this year. perience to have played for such a “With the changing landscape best wingers. It’s a huge loss for success to their complimentary approaches. 1996 when it co-hosted the 50-overs World ICC chief executive Manu Sawhney toured great club. It really has developed in English rugby and beyond we Leicester, we’re hugely lucky to “I love the competitive side of cricket, the Cup with India and Sri Lanka and the coun- several member countries encouraging bids my game and it’s brought the very much appreciated Jonny’s have him and fortunate to have moment of winning, working a batsman try has been largely starved of international following the governing body’s decision to best out in me as a player. I gave pragmatic approach to our discus- a guy of his quality to be with out, getting a wicket, but he just loves any cricket since a 2009 attack on the touring select hosts of future events through a bid- 100% every time I put the shirt sions. Our supporters will have us over the last few seasons but sort of bowling and is at his happiest just Sri Lanka team in Lahore. ding process. on and I have no regrets. For nu- watched his performances for I’m delighted for him to get to trucking in,” Broad added. “The PCB has expressed its interest in “We are extremely encouraged with the merous reasons it hasn’t worked England over the last couple of Gloucester, where it all started hosting ICC events during the 2023-31 events positive response we’ve received for the out for me to stay on, which is a seasons and will be looking for- for him. He will be missed and I PAKISTAN KEEN TO HOST cycle,” a Pakistan Cricket Board spokes- 2023-31 cycle,” an ICC spokesman said. shame. It’s been a challenging ward to watching him back playing certainly won’t look forward to ICC EVENTS IN 2023-31 CYCLE person said. “We will work in line with ICC “We have had close to 100 offers with 18 few years but I have made some at Kingsholm. There’s no doubt playing against him next year. It Pakistan have offered to host global flagship guidelines and look forward to submitting members showing interest in holding the 28 great mates and worked with he’s a world-class player, who will be a challenge stopping him.” tournaments after the International Cricket strong proposal in the coming months.” events proposed for the cycle.”

Sunday, April 12, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

G0LF Year after glory, has virus doomed Tiger’s 18-major bid? Woods won last year’s Masters, his first major title since 2008 putting him three shy of the all-time record set by Jack Nicklaus

AFP Nicklaus is the most recent with Washington his 1986 Masters triumph at 46 while the late Julius Boros was the oldest major winner at 48 at ne year after Tiger the 1968 PGA. “One of the hard- Woods reignited his est things to accept as an older chase for golf’s record athlete is that you’re not going O18 major wins with an to be as consistent as you were at amazing Masters victory, the 23,” Woods said in July. “I’m go- coronavirus pandemic has be- ing to have my hot weeks. I’m go- come the latest obstacle to his ing to be there in contention with historic chase. a chance to win and I will win. Woods would have been de- But there are times when I’m just fending his 15th career major ti- not going to be there.” tle and seeking a record-tying Meanwhile, a host of rivals are sixth green jacket this week at in their prime, including Rory Augusta National had the deadly McIlroy, who can complete a ca- virus outbreak not halted sports reer Grand Slam at an autumn worldwide. “Somehow it all came Masters. “I think this scheduling together for one magical week,” will be to Rory’s favor,” Nicklaus Woods said in February. “Just an told Golf Channel. “He seems to amazing week.” play better in the fall. He has won But this year’s 84th Masters the Tour Championship a couple was postponed to November times, played in (nearby) Atlanta, 12-15, the British Open was can- very similar conditions.” celed, the US Open was delayed Woods is 11th in the world from June to September and the golf rankings, and just seventh PGA Championship was moved among Americans. Only the top from May to August. four will qualify for the US 2021 “There are a lot more impor- Tokyo Olympics squad. “Olym- tant things in life than a golf pic gold medal would be a hell of tournament right now,” Woods a feat,” Woods has said. “First I tweeted last month. “We need to need to qualify. It would be excit- be safe, smart and do what is best ing if I got a chance to represent for ourselves, our loved ones and the United States in the Olympic our community.” Games.” Woods electrified Augusta In coming years, Woods would last April with his first final- see courses besides Augusta Na- round comeback major triumph, tional where he has won majors his first major title since 2008 before, including the 2021 US putting him three shy of the all- Open at Torrey Pines, a layout time record set by Jack Nick- where his eight titles include laus. “He’s got me shaking in my the 2008 US Open, and the Brit- boots,” Nicklaus said last April. ish Open in 2022 at St. Andrews, Woods, 44, will have plenty where Woods has twice won the of rest time for his surgically re- Claret Jug. paired back before a November His first chance to pass Boros Masters and even a bit more rest as the oldest major winner could from the PGA Championship to be the 2024 PGA Championship the US Open if both are played at Valhalla, where Woods won as now scheduled. “I have to lis- the 2000 PGA. Woods’s fifth ten to my body and properly rest Masters green jacket completed when needed,” Woods tweeted in a fairy-tale comeback for the Woods said of the decision to again.” lot out of me,” Woods acknowl- matching Sam Snead’s all-time 68th at Riviera in February in his March. superstar who underwent spinal have surgery. “I had the proce- But after his Masters win edged. record. In December, player- most recent start, back pain pre- But Father Time is a grow- fusion surgery in April of 2017. dure on my back, which gave me Woods missed the cut at the PGA By November, Woods was on captain Woods led a US victory at venting him from playing in the ing factor. Only eight men have “I could barely walk. I couldn’t a chance at having a normal life. and British and was 21st at the US form again, winning the Zozo the Presidents Cup in Australia. Players Championship, which won a major beyond their 44th sit. Couldn’t lay down. I really Then all of a sudden, I realized I Open. “Getting myself into posi- Championship in Japan for his A month later he shared ninth was halted after 18 holes by virus birthday, none more than once. couldn’t do much of anything,” could actually swing a golf club tion to win the Masters, it took a 82nd career US PGA Tour title, at Torrey Pines. But he slid to concerns.

CYCLING PGA Tour reportedly exploring possibility of return without fans Los Angeles: The US PGA Tour is consider- Players were told in the tour memo that or the inability to practice in your area, thus Tour de France organisers ing various scenarios to a return to compe- officials hope to “preserve the maximum we want to be able to give you as much tition in the wake of the COVID-19 pandem- number of events we can while giving us time as possible to allow you to come back ic, including playing some events without more time as the crisis evolves.” Officials fully prepared,” the memo said. focusing on postponement, fans, Golf Digest reported on Friday. told players they will rely on guidance from The tour announced on Monday that The tour told players in a memo sent on health and government authorities before it was rescheduling its season finale, the Thursday, and obtained by Golf Digest, that deciding on a resumption of play. Wyndham Championship, for August 13-16, it was targeting a return for the Charles If a May resumption of play is not pos- with the season-ending tour playoffs to fol- not cancellation Schwab Challenge on May 21 at Colonial sible as shelter-in-place directives remain in low over the next three weeks. Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. effect, a re-start at Colonial could be moved Those dates were worked out with the The tour suspended its season after to June 11-14, taking the dates originally set rescheduling of three of the year’s four ma- the first round of the Players Champion- for the Canadian Open, which is expected jor championships, the US PGA Champion- ship last month and has since called off to be cancelled. ship moving to September to be followed tournaments through the Byron Nelson The tour told players they would have by the Ryder Cup and the US Open with the Championship scheduled for May 7-10. three to four weeks’ notice before the sea- Masters to be held in November. The British ESPN reported that the tour is expected to son resumes. “We understand many of you Open, originally scheduled for July, has announce more cancellations next week. may be impacted by travel restrictions and/ been cancelled.

ROUND-UP Former Olympic champion Frodeno completes charity triathlon indoors

AFP Team Ineos rider Thomas won the Tour de Paris France in 2018 and is confident he could earn a second yellow jersey if the race can survive Postponing cycling’s greatest stage race – Tour de France – would be a major challenge for organisers as the coronavirus chaos. some 4,500 people — riders, sponsors, organisers and media — are directly involved in the three-week event. ormer Olympic champion Jan The Tour is set to take place between June Frodeno yesterday completed a 27 and July 19, but with sporting events all Reuters among the major sporting events this year which gruelling charity triathlon without over the world impacted its chances of sur- Paris have been postponed or cancelled. Fleaving his own home. Frodeno, who viving as scheduled appear remote. Thomas Postponing cycling’s greatest stage race would was 2008 Olympic gold medallist in triath- appreciates the Tour has to take its place in be a major challenge for organisers as some 4,500 lon at Beijing, completed the course in eight the greater scheme of things, but the Welsh- our de France organisers are focusing on people — riders, sponsors, organisers and media — hours 33min and 39sec. man is still crossing his fingers for the event. a postponement of this year’s race rather are directly involved in the three-week event. The His race at his home in Girona was made “I think I’m in my prime at the moment,” than a cancellation due to the coronavirus International Cycling Union (UCI) said last month up of 3.8km in his counter-current swim- he told the BBC. Tpandemic, according to an e-mail seen by that the grands tours (France, Italy, Spain) and the ming pool, 180km cycling on his roller “My road career started a bit later than Reuters yesterday which was sent to the publishers major one-day races would have priority on a re- trainer, and running a 42.2km marathon on a most because I was racing on the track and in of the official Tour programme. vised scheduled once racing resumes. treadmill. “That was certainly different and the Olympics. It feels like these are my best The Tour’s main publisher said in the e-mail it May’s Giro d’Italia, as well as the Milan-Sanre- great fun,” said the German athlete. years. That’s a bit of a shame at the moment was “freezing the administrative aspects of our col- mo, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix and Liege- “I’m really pleased we were able to make but there’s a lot of serious things which need laboration” ahead of the sport’s most prestigious Bastogne-Liege classics, have already been post- this happen, and to raise money for such to take precedence over that. race which is due to run from June 27-July 19. poned. Briton Geraint Thomas, the 2018 Tour good and important causes. We’ve been “It is a shame but hopefully it can go “The unpredictable nature of the global crisis winner, said he hoped the race would go ahead. subject to lockdown for almost four weeks ahead. Obviously there are bigger things that we are all caught up in means that we will have “That’s a bit of a shame at the moment but now and there is strict monitoring of com- that need to be sorted out first but as soon to be patient until there’s an official announcement there’s a lot of serious things which need to take pliance with these rules, and rightly so. The as it’s safe and ready to go ahead we’d love of (Tour organisers) ASO about the 2020 race, bear- precedence over that,” the Team INEOS rider said. situation here is really dire. That’s why I’ve it to happen. I’m praying and hoping it goes ing in mind that the current focus is on a postpone- “It is a shame but hopefully it can go ahead. Obvi- been training at home. However, when I see to local healthcare institutions involved in ahead at some point. It’s the pinnacle of the ment until later in the summer rather than a cancel- ously there are bigger things that need to be sorted what the people here in the hospitals are do- fighting the coronavirus. sport, it’s what it’s all about. I’m not sure lation,” the publishing arm of L’Equipe newspaper, out first but... it’s the pinnacle of the sport, it’s what ing for us, this small sacrifice is one I whole- when but hopefully it goes ahead this year.” which is owned by the same family as the Tour de it’s all about. I’m not sure when but hopefully it heartedly make.” FORMER CHAMP THOMAS HOPES Meanwhile, Thomas has announced he France organisers, wrote. Tour de France organis- goes ahead this year.” Frodeno said part of the 200,000 euros TOUR DE FRANCE GOES AHEAD will undertake three 12-hour ‘shifts’ on his ers declined to comment. The Tokyo Olympics, Since its inception in 1903, the Tour de France has ($218,710) raised will go to the Laureus Sport Geraint Thomas hopes the Tour de France indoor training bike in a fundraising effort football’s European Championship, Wimbledon only been cancelled amid the two World Wars with for Good project in the Spanish city of Gi- goes ahead this year as the former cham- for the UK state-run National Health Serv- and French Open tennis, and golf’s British Open are no races held from 1915-18 and 1940-46. rona where he lives. The rest will be given pion bids to make the most of his peak years. ice starting on April 15.