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Thursday, July 2, 2020 FORMULA 1 Dhul-Qa’da 11, 1441 AH No Orange Army as GULF TIMES Verstappen chases Austrian hat-trick SPORT Page 2

FOOTBALL HORSE RACING Al Shaqab’s Qatar formally bid to Chorba races to host 2027 Asian Cup second victory Reigning champions Qatar are aiming to host the tournament for the third time in France

By Sports Reporter Agencies came around the wide outside Doha Compiegne, France while the rest of the fi eld drifted onto the rail. A decision that paid off for Demuro, as Chorba ran he Qatar Football As- l Shaqab Racing’s strongly to the line, picking off sociation (QFA) has of- homebred Chorba was her rivals, for a comfortable vic- Tfi cially announced its Athe favourite com- tory by a length and three quar- bid to host the 2027 AFC ing into the Prix des ters to double her tally. Asian Cup. Bains Pompeins, a Class 1 for Stella Thayer-owned and Qatar is one of the fi ve bids three-year-olds over 2,000m, at trained Control Tower was the presented to the Asian Football Compiegne, France, yesterday. runner-up under Stephane Confederation (AFC), before the And she proved she was the best. Pasquier. Camogie came in third. deadline on June 30, 2020. The Jean Claude Rouget- Henri Francois Devin-trained Reigning champions Qatar are trained bay fi lly settled well in Camogie was a further neck be- aiming to host the champion- mid-division under Cristian De- hind in third. ship for the third time since the muro. She was relaxed and easy Chorba, who was a winner event’s inception in 1956, having in her action. on her only start as a two-year- hosted in 1988 and 2011. The runners chose to stay in old, is by Al Shaqab sire Olympic The other four Member As- the middle of the track for the Glory, who stands at Haras de sociations who have bid to stage better ground, and Camogie set Bouquetot in France. She is out Asia’s premier football tourna- a steady pace under Alexis Badel. of the unraced mare Ysandre, a ment are (in alphabetical order On the fi nal turn, Chorba sister to Keltos. by country): All India Football Federation, Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, Saudi Arabian Football Federation and Uzbekistan Football Associa- tion. The AFC will now work with each Bidding Member Associa- tion on the delivery of the nec- essary bidding documentation in accordance with the bidding process and will announce the host for the 19th edition of the In this February 1, 2019, picture, Qatar’s players celebrate with the trophy in the presence of QFA President HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin AFC Asian Cup in 2021. Ahmad al-Thani and AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifah after winning the 2019 AFC Asian Cup in Abu Dhabi. It is expected that the QFA bid fi le will detail the love of with great successes for over stressed that Qatar has a proven to stage the FIFA World Cup, Iran too have hosted the tour- football in the country and the two decades now. Qatar’s next track record in hosting world saying the event will bring the nament twice, and are the only lasting legacy it possesses when big assignment is the 2022 FIFA and continental sports champi- football fans together for ‘un- nation in Asian football history it comes hosting top football World Cup and we are preparing onships. forgettable experience’. to have won the coveted crown events. well for the event.” He said Qatar is confi dent it AFC President Sheikh Salman twice on home soil in 1968 and Qatar is ahead of schedule Al-Ansari said that Qatar will will be able to host a spectacular bin Ebrahim al-Khalifah said, 1976. with its preparations for the be ready to host the 2027 AFC edition of the 2027 Asian Cup, “On behalf of the Asian foot- Three-time champions Sau- 2022 FIFA World Cup. Asian Cup, taking advantage of an event it has hosted twice – in ball family, I would like to thank di Arabia and India, who were On this occasion, QFA secre- the modern sports facilities that 1988 and 2011. all our Member Associations recently awarded the host- tary-general Mansoor al-Ansari it has in the country. He added He added Qatar is currently for stepping forward to express ing rights for the 2022 AFC said: “We present Qatar’s bid to that the world-class sport- preparing to stage biggest the their desire and for sharing our Women’s Asian Cup, as well as win the rights to host the 2027 ing infrastructure in Qatar is a footballing event – the FIFA ambitions to host a world-class Uzbekistan, this year’s host for AFC Asian Cup. Our bid con- sound legacy for future football World Cup – in 2022. stage for our players, teams, of- the AFC U-19 Championship, fi rms the great desire to follow generations in the Asian conti- The high ranking QFA offi cial fi cials and fans and I wish all of are all vying to stage Asia’s major sporting events, which nent. said Qatar is ahead of schedule them the very best in the bid- football crown jewel for the Cristian Demuro (right) rides Chorba to Prix des Bains Pompeins Qatar has been conducting The QFA Secretary-General with its large-scale preparations ding process.” first time. victory at Compiegne in France yesterday. (Scoopdyga)

FOCUS Messi scores 700th goal but Atletico draw hurts Barca’s title hopes

AFP ported, yes,” he said. “And regarding the the near post. Madrid, Spain meeting with the board, I will not say Then he missed a penalty, won after the what was said in that.” excellent Yannick Carrasco left Gerard Setien was also asked about his job on Pique for dead and then cut back inside ionel Messi scored his 700th ca- Monday and had to play down the signifi - , who stuck out a leg. reer goal but Barcelona suff ered cance of a frank exchange of views in the Costa’s shot was saved but VAR showed Lanother blow to their title dressing room following Saturday’s draw Marc-Andre ter Stegen had sprung off his hopes after a 2-2 draw with Atleti- at Celta Vigo. line too early and Atletico were given a co Madrid on Tuesday. Messi had also caused a stir by ap- second chance. This time Saul took the Messi chipped in a penalty to reach an- pearing to ignore Setien’s assistant Eder ball and he scored the equaliser. other astonishing milestone at Camp Nou Sarabia during a water break at Vigo and Messi dinked over the sliding Renan but twice Atletico hit back with spot- on Tuesday it was impossible to ignore Lodi and then whistled a curling eff ort kicks of their own, Saul Niguez convert- the contrast with Atletico’s players, who past the far post. His defl ected free-kick ing both after Barca took an early lead huddled around Diego Simeone while 50 forced Jan Oblak to adjust his feet and through Diego Costa’s own goal. metres away Setien stood alone. palm over. The result gives Real Madrid the chance At full-time, Setien stared into space Finally, it was laid on a plate for him to move four points clear at the top of the with the look of a coach that is running out shortly after half-time. Felipe clipped table if they can overcome Getafe at home of time but he had taken bold decisions, Nelson Semedo and Messi, with the on Wednesday, a formidable lead with fi ve leaving 120-million-euro signing Antoine 700th in sight, chipped the ball delicately games left. Griezmann on the bench and handing an- down the middle. Atletico stay third, two points ahead of other start to 20-year-old Riqui Puig. But every time Barca pulled away, Sevilla, who won 3-0 at Leganes. “It’s true that taking him out of the Atletico pegged them back. Another pen- With a superior head-to-head, it would team like that is hard for a player of his alty was awarded, again instigated by the take a dramatic capitulation for Real Ma- level but the circumstances forced me to speedy Carrasco, who made the most of drid not to lift the trophy from here but do it,” said Setien of Griezmann. “Tomor- the slightest touch from Semedo. there is no guarantee Barcelona can fi nish row I will speak to him, not to apologise, Saul took responsibility again and strongly enough even to create pressure. but it is a decision he has to understand.” while Ter Stegen got a hand to it, the ball This was their third draw in four squirmed into the corner. matches and with suggestions of dishar- COSTA NIGHTMARE Vidal twice went close, the second time mony between the players and coaching Yet it started well for them as Costa en- heading wide ’s cross, and Tho- staff , the future of coach Quique Setien dured a nightmare fi rst quarter of an hour, mas Lemar might even have won it for looks bleak too. fi rst diverting Messi’s corner into his own Atletico in injury-time. For Barca, the “From the dressing room I feel sup- net after misjudging the fl ight of the ball at draw was damaging enough. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, July 2, 2020 SPORT

FORMULA 1 COMMENT Reliability key No Orange Army in shortened season, says as Max chases Mercedes’ Wolff

AFP Mercedes also launched their , France innovative dual axis steering, which can widen or narrow the distance between the front ercedes boss Toto wheels. Wolff says reliability Mercedes will be wary of a Austrian hat-trick Mwill be “fundamen- slow start, however, after their tal” in deciding who drivers managed just fi fth and emerges on top in the shortened eighth in 2019 at the Red Bull ‘Last year, they were all standing up and cheering.... It gave me an even bigger smile’ Formula One season, with less Ring following a rare double re- margin for error due to the light- tirement the year before. er schedule following the coro- Ferrari’s cars are the only ones navirus lockdown. not to have beaten their 2019 Originally scheduled for 22 times in 2020 testing. grands prix, only eight tightly- “We’re not favourites, that’s controlled races have so far been for sure,” said the Ferrari driver confi rmed with the season to Charles Leclerc. get underway in Austria behind closed doors over the next two EVERY MISTAKE PUNISHED weekends. Team Haas chief Gunther Steiner Reigning champion Lewis also said it would be crucial not Hamilton and his rivals will hit to make any early mistakes. the circuit tomorrow for the fi rst “That is one of the things that time since Barcelona testing in we focus on, not to make mis- February, and Wolff warns they takes,” he said. will need to hit the ground run- “Every mistake you make ning. counts more because you have “This new calendar and the got less opportunities to make up coronavirus throw new chal- for it. lenges at us,” said the 48-year- “No mistakes will not happen, old Mercedes team principal. but that is what we focus on to The original opening race keep consistent.” in Australia was cancelled at Steiner said Haas had noth- the last-minute after fi ve crew ing new to match Mercedes’ dual members were quarantined axel, but suggested innovations when displaying symptoms con- could be sometimes problematic. sistent with Covid-19. “That’s part of why we decid- “Reliability is going to be a ed we are not going to develop big fundamental part of the fi rst upgrades or anything. Because races. The cars have come out every time you make an upgrade, of the containers straight from it takes time to learn about it and Australia,” Wolff said. how to use it,” the Italian added. “There is not a lot of time to “Having not only fewer races, run them and we will be using but in a short space of time, one every session to learn. of the most important things “So a reduced race calendar is is not to make mistakes at any a challenge for everybody.” time.”

In this June 30, 2019, picture, Dutch driver Max Verstappen (also inset) drives his Red Bull car during the Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg, Austria. (Red Bull Content Pool / AFP)

Reuters means the championship is put on a good show for everyone Hamilton, who can equal In a tight midfi eld, there , United Kingdom starting nearly four months watching at home on TV.” Michael Schumacher’s record will be much interest in Racing later than planned, under strict The long wait since Mel- seven titles and surpass the Point’s ‘Pink Mercedes’ — so health and safety conditions and bourne, which should have German’s 91 wins this season, is called for its strong resemblance ed Bull’s Max Verstap- without spectators. hosted the opener on March 15, raring to go even if Spielberg also to the 2019 Mercedes — and pen can complete a “Of course, it is going to be means Red Bull will have an up- holds some bad memories. whether Renault have raised Rhat-trick of Austrian very different without the or- graded Honda engine. The 35-year-old Briton is on their game after being overtaken Grand Prix wins on ange army and it’s going to feel Champions Mercedes, their a record run of 33 successive by McLaren. Sunday in a season-opening a little strange,” said Verstap- ‘Silver Arrows’ cars now black points fi nishes but the last time Further back, Canadian Ni- race unlike any in Formula One pen. to reinforce the stand against he failed to score was in Austria cholas Latifi — the sole rookie history. “I remember looking up at the racism and support of six-times two years ago. — fi nally makes his Formula One The Dutch 22-year-old won at fans at the end of the race last world champion Lewis Ham- Ferrari, with four-times debut with former champions his team’s home Red Bull Ring in year and they were all standing ilton’s campaigning voice, will champion Sebastian Vettel now Williams. 2018 and 2019 but there will be up and cheering, it was crazy. It also have performance improve- starting his last season with the Williams, last overall in Broken pole leaves vaulter Lavillenie no cheering around the scenic gave me an even bigger smile af- ments. team, had Charles Leclerc on 2019, will be looking to take a with fractured thumb circuit as the sport goes behind ter the win. They could also debut a con- pole last year but testing high- big step up with the team po- closed doors for the fi rst time. “It’s a shame we don’t have troversial new Dual Axis Steer- lighted problems and triggered a tentially for sale and looking Former Olympic pole vault gold medallist and ex-world record The Covid-19 pandemic that this year but we will try and ing (DAS) system. design rethink. for investment. holder Renaud Lavillenie will undergo surgery on a fractured thumb and miss six weeks training after an accident in his back garden. The London Olympic champion posted a smiling photo FOCUS of himself on Twitter with a splint on his thumb and his back garden pole vault apparatus in the background. “Following a broken pole in the garden this weekend, I had tests that revealed a broken thumb requiring surgery that will take place tomorrow,” Alonso unveils car for run at Indy 500, Triple Crown wrote the Frenchman. “Six weeks out, I’ll be back in action at the end of August.” In May, Lavillenie enjoyed happier experience AFP and Monaco Grand Prix races. “I cannot wait to jump in the on his own patch when he tied with current world record holder Washington, United States Only British racer Graham car again,” Alonso said. Armand Duplantis in the “Ultimate Garden Clash”. Both cleared Hill has won all three. Alonso The coronavirus pandemic five metres 36 times in half an hour. won at Le Mans in 2018 and forced postponement of the wo-time Formula One 2019 and at Monaco in 2006 104th edition of IndyCar’s champion Fernando and 2007. namesake race from May 24. Abt returns to Formula E, weeks aft er TAlonso of Spain is ex- “We unveiled and I saw the “The Indy 500, it’s probably being fi red cited about his chances car for the Indy 500. I love the the biggest race in the world,” at the Indianapolis 500 after car,” Alonso said in a social me- Alonso said. “Coming back Racing driver Daniel Abt has joined Formula E Team NIO 333 Arrow McLaren unveiled his dia video. “I think it’s going to there to race against all the for the season finale in Berlin this August, it was announced car Tuesday for the August 23 look even better on track.” drivers, they are an amazing yesterday, just five weeks after being fired by Audi Sport for race. Alonso, who turns 39 in July, talented fi eld. Hopefully we’ll cheating in a charity video-game race. Abt, 27, will race in the Alonso seeks a victory at the led for 27 laps at Indy in 2017 see some fans as well.” nine-day, six-race series which starts on August 5 and ends the famed 2.5-mile (4km) Indiana- before his engine failed with 21 Speedway offi cials said they Formula E season. The German will replace Chinese driver Ma polis Motor Speedway oval to laps remaining and he settled plan to have spectators up to 50 Qinghua, who misses out due to travel limitations imposed due complete a Motorsport Triple for 24th place. percent of capacity in the fa- to the coronavirus pandemic. Abt was sacked by Audi in May for Crown sweep that also includes Last year, Alonso failed to cility’s approximately 250,000 enlisting a professional esports gamer to take the controls in his wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans qualify for the 33-car fi eld. seats. place for the Race at Home Challenge around Berlin-Tempelhof. “I take full responsibility for what happened in the Race at Home Challenge — it was a mistake,” said Abt in a statement. “I have no SPOTLIGHT hard feelings towards anyone, and now is the time for me to look forward and get back to what I love most — racing.” German athletics nationals could yet Russian Athletics misses deadline to pay doping fi ne have long-distance running AFP enko told TASS news agency. ics said RUSAF had obstructed social media, RUSAF said the dent in February on the promise Moscow, Russia He dismissed the federation’s ongoing anti-doping investiga- federation’s presidium held a to overhaul the federation and The German Atheltics Federation (DLV) has applied to have races “numerous critics,” saying his tions. meeting Tuesday, but did not convince World Athletics to al- of 1,500m and further at its national championships in Braun- organisation “did everything Russia has been fi ghting for specify whether the fi ne was low clean Russian athletes to schweig next month after initially leaving them out for health ussia’s Athletics Feder- possible” to source the money readmission to World Athletics discussed. compete. reasons. Several top stars, including steeplechase world cham- ation missed the dead- and pay the sum. since it was banned in 2015 over Athletes reacted to the post Yurchenko “betrayed clean pionship medallist Gesa Krause, had been critical of the original Rline yesterday to pay Russia was given the July 1 repeated doping scandals. with exasperation and criti- athletes,” said Lasitskene, who decision which the DLV said was down to coronavirus restrictions. part of a million-dollar deadline to pay $5mn — part of a Russia’s athletes missed the cism. Pole vaulter Anzhelika has emerged as a leading RUSAF However, in light of restrictions being eased across Germany, the fi ne handed down by the world fi ne imposed for breaching anti- 2016 over the Sidorova commented on Insta- critic and voice for clean Russian DLV has applied to the city of Braunschweig to include races over athletics body, jeopardising doping rules — in order for the ban and were anticipating the gram with a face-palm emoti- athletes. 1,500 and 5,000m, along with the 3,000m steeplechase, in the some Russian athletes’ hopes of country’s clean athletes to be Wednesday deadline with con- con, while heptathlete Artem Lasitskene, Sidorova and programme. Should local authorities allow, the races could take competing internationally. able to qualify to compete under cerns over their participation in Makarenko posted a picture of hurdler Sergey Shubenkov last place but would require a change to the current 2m social distanc- “RUSAF does not have the a neutral fl ag. the Tokyo Games, now resched- a coffin. month wrote a letter to Presi- ing rules. If this is not possible, the DLV is proposing to host races money to pay the fi nes imposed The approval process for neu- uled for August 2021 due to the World champion high jumper dent Vladimir Putin, urging him under a strict protocol for athletes including testing, travel, ac- by World Athletics,” the federa- tral athletes was put on hold last coronavirus pandemic. Maria Lasitskene blasted Yurch- to take note of the “catastrophic commodation and distancing outside of competition. tion’s president Yevgeny Yurch- November after World Athlet- In a statement published on enko, who was elected presi- situation” in Russian athletics. Gulf Times Thursday, July 2, 2020 3 CRICKET

FOCUS SL questions Tharanga in 2011 WC fi xing probe AFP Kumar Sangakkara, the captain of the India won the fi nal by six wickets. Colombo losing side and the current president Sangakkara and his deputy Mahela of the Marylebone Cricket Club in Jayawardena quit their positions in London, who was asked to report to the team after the stunning defeat. ri Lanka opener Upul Tha- the SIU today. The toss of the fi nal was also con- ranga yesterday became the There was no immediate com- troversial as it was done twice. Match Sfi rst player to be grilled by ment from the 42-year-old, who last referee Jeff Crowe apparently did not detectives in a probe inves- month said the allegations should be hear “heads” called by Sangakkara tigating claims that the 2011 Cricket referred to the International Cricket and asked Indian skipper MS Dhoni World Cup fi nal was fi xed. Council (ICC). to toss again. The 35-year-old batsman and The Sri Lankan probe was Sangakkara won the toss and elect- wicketkeeper was questioned for two launched after the then-sports min- ed to bat, a decision that was criti- hours by the Special Investigation ister claimed that Sri Lanka threw the cised in local media because the Sri Unit (SIU) examining the conduct of April 2011 match. Lankans were considered to be better the fi nal, which Sri Lanka lost to In- “I feel I can talk about it now,” Ma- at chasing at the time. dia. hindananda Aluthgamage told a local Sri Lankan cricket has been “They asked a few questions in TV network last month. “I am not plagued by several corruption scan- connection with the ongoing inves- connecting players, but some sec- dals, including claims of match- tigation. I gave my statement,” Tha- tions were involved.” fi xing ahead of a 2018 Test against ranga told reporters without giving Sri Lanka bat fi rst and scored 274- England. further details. 6 off 50 overs. They appeared in a Last month the local cricket board Tharanga, who scored two runs off commanding position when Indian said the ICC was investigating three 20 deliveries in the match at Mum- superstar Sachin Tendulkar was out unnamed ex-players over corruption bai’s Wankhede Stadium, was called for 18. claims. in after investigators quizzed chief But India turned the game around Match-fi xing was made a crimi- selector Aravinda de Silva for nearly dramatically, thanks in part to poor nal off ence in November. Off enders six hours on Tuesday. fi elding and bowling by Sri Lanka, face fi nes of up to 100 million rupees Police said they will next interview who were led by Kumar Sangakkara. ($555,000) and up to 10 years’ jail. Upul Tharanga leaves the Special Investigation Unit in Colombo yesterday. (AFP)

COMMENT DEVELOPMENT India’s Manohar steps down as Stokes has a good ICC chairman

AFP said in a statement. New Delhi The ICC board is expected to approve the election frame- work in the next week, with ndia’s Shashank Mano- reports that former India cap- cricket brain, seniors har stepped down as tain Sourav Ganguly is consid- Ichairman of the Interna- ering the job. tional Cricket Council yes- South African director of terday after four years in offi ce. cricket Graeme Smith has The 62-year-old success- backed fellow former test cap- fully spearheaded eff orts to tain Ganguly, who heads the restructure the ICC while in Board of Control for Cricket in offi ce, curbing the dominance India (BCCI). will guide him: Wood of Australia, India and Eng- Manohar also helmed the land – cricket’s three wealthi- BCCI and once resigned as est nations. ICC chairman in 2017, only to ‘I am one of the few people who have actually played under Stokesy’ He became the ICC’s fi rst be persuaded by the sport’s independent chairman in 2016 world body to retake the helm. IANS and was elected unopposed for He successfully revised the London a second term two years later ICC’s governance and pushed but said recently he was ready for the appointment of its fi rst to step down. independent female director. ngland fast bowler Mark “On behalf of the ICC Board “Everyone on the ICC Board Wood feels all-rounder and staff and the whole cricket extends their wholehearted EBen Stokes will do a bril- family, I would like to thank thanks to Shashank for the liant job as skipper in the Shashank for his leadership commitment he has shown to absence of regular Test captain and everything he has done for our sport,” Khwaja said of his Joe Root, who will miss the fi rst the sport,” the council’s chief former boss. Test against West Indies at Ageas executive Manu Sawhney said. “There is no doubt that Bowl. “We wish him and his family cricket owes Shashank a debt Root’s wife is expecting their all the very best for the future.” of gratitude for all he has done second child around the same Deputy chairman Imran for the sport. He has left crick- time as the fi rst Test and he will Khwaja will take over until a et and the ICC in a better place miss the much-anticipated clash successor is elected, the ICC than he found it.” starting July 8. Wood stated Stokes has a good cricketing brain and whatever experience he lacks of leading the team on the highest level will be shared by the senior players in the side. “I am one of the few people who have actually played under Stokesy, back in our days at the Durham academy,” Wood wrote in his column for the bbc.co.uk “He was a good skipper back then, leading from the front, just like he does now. As the years have gone on, he has matured into a senior player, setting the example and dragging people along with him. “He has a good cricket brain and, even though he does not England fast bowler Mark Wood (left) with Ben Stokes. LOSS have much captaincy experi- ence, he will have seasoned play- ited overs sides. 17,350 runs, with 38 centuries, now is to provide support to “Ian is a winner, and everyone ers like James Anderson and Stu- “England Test captain Joe across all formats. them as they have the potential associated with Warwickshire art Broad around to bounce ideas Root will leave the training camp “I’ve been fortunate to be part to achieve a huge amount both CCC is naturally delighted that West Indies great off ,” he added. at the Ageas Bowl on Wednesday of some fantastic Warwickshire with Warwickshire and England. he has put pen to paper and rein- “Stokesy won’t not just tell afternoon to be with his wife, sides that have won trophies “I believe that it’s a very excit- forced his great commitment to people what to do. He knows Carrie, who is expecting their across formats throughout my ing time for the club and I can’t his home county,” Warwickshire Weekes dies at 95 that players are individuals, so second child later this week,” the time with the club, and I fi rmly wait to get back out there wear- Sporting Director Paul Farbrace he will treat them as such. That ECB had said in its statement. believe that we are building for ing the Bear & Ragged Staff ,” he was quoted as saying. AFP about Weekes, no tomfoolery. said, he is also very honest, so he Meanwhile veteran England another period of challenging added. “With Warwickshire, Ian has Paris Once on the job, he was pur- won’t be afraid to tell it straight batsman Ian Bell has signed one- for more titles,” Bell was quoted Bell featured in 118 Tests for won every domestic trophy pos- poseful. His business was to if someone is not pulling their year contract extension with as saying in a statement upload- England and scored 7,727 runs sible and he was part of one of score runs,” said Stollmeyer. weight or sticking to a plan. He Warwickshire that will see him ed on Warwickshire’s Twitter including 22 centuries. He is also the greatest England teams of all ith the death of “Playing strokes was the will do a brilliant job.” tied down to the club till 2021, it handle. “ among three Englishmen who time. Having his knowledge and Everton Weekes game he knew and loved best, The ECB on Tuesday had also was announced yesterday. In the last couple of years were part of three Ashes winning experience in the dressing room Wyesterday at the and unless circumstances announced that wicket-keeper- Bell has been one of the most we’ve seen some really prom- teams. at Edgbaston is fantastic for our age of 95, cricket warranted discretion, Weekes batsman Jos Buttler will be vice- decorated cricketers in War- ising young players come into Bell also featured in 161 ODIs young players who can continue has lost one of its greatest would produce his smash- captain to Stokes. Buttler is also wickshire history having won six the side and make an immedi- before calling time on his career to learn from one of the greatest batsmen. ing square cut, slashing cover vice-captain of the England lim- domestic trophies and scoring ate impression. “Part of my role in the fi fty-over format in 2015. players in our history,” he added. He was also the the last of drive, resounding hook and a legendary trio of cricketing forceful on-drive for all to see knights, known as the Three and enjoy.” Ws, who oversaw the rise of Everton de Courcy Weekes CWI offi cial calls for coach Simmons’ removal for attending funeral West Indies cricket after the was born in Pickwick Gap, Second World War. Barbados on February 26, A Cricket West Indies (CWI) off icial has the players in his side. bubble strictly monitored. The numbers alone make 1925. He was one of three West called for the removal of Phil Sim- “I am being bombarded by concerned CWI said in a statement that Simmons’ impressive reading: in 48 Indies greats to be born within mons as the coach of the team after parents and members of the BCA. This movement was approved. Additionally, Tests, played between 1948 a mile and a half of each other he moved out of the team’s bio-secure behaviour is inconsiderate and reckless. Simmons has been in self-isolation and and 1958, Weekes scored 4,455 over an 18-month period. environment to attend his father-in- It endangers the lives of those 25 young has undergone two tests for coronavi- runs at an average of 58.61. The others were Frank Wor- law’s funeral. men in the UK and in fact the entire rus since Friday. He made 15 centuries in- rell and Clyde Walcott. To- Simmons is with the West Indies team management team and cannot be toler- “He will have another test on Wednes- cluding fi ve in an extraordi- gether they were the Three who are preparing to take on England ated,” Riley was quoted as saying by day before he will re-join the squad nary sequence that remains a Ws. in a three-match Test series starting on ‘ESPNcricinfo’. as they prepare for the three-match record today. “Of the Ws, he (Weekes) was July 8. “The English press will have a feast on #RaiseTheBat Series against England.” But it was the way he made probably the most ruthless Simmons had taken permission from his judgement and I suggest we act England skipper Joe Root has been those runs that caught the im- run-compiler, and his com- CWI for attending the funeral and the swiftly.” given permission to leave the team for agination. pact build and high-scoring board had allowed him to do so. Conde Nine of the 14 players in the West Indies the birth of his second child, due to Former West Indies captain performances inevitably invit- Riley, who also heads the Barbados squad are from Barbados. The series which he will not feature in the first Test Jeff rey Stollmeyer described ed comparisons with George Cricket Association (BCA), said that Sim- is set to be played in a bio-secure envi- in Southampton,” said CWI. Weekes as “a fi ve foot six inch Headley,” wrote Denis Comp- mons’ actions endangered the lives of ronment with entry and exit from the (IANS) bundle of muscle”. ton, one of the great England “There was no nonsense batsmen of the era. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, July 2, 2020 SPORT

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT NHL eyes Canadian hub cities, Olympic Virus spread may return: reports stop season: NBA ‘I AM ONLY GOING TO SAY WE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE AND chief Silver WATCH WHAT IS HAPPENING’

Robby Fabbri of the St. Louis Blues holds the Stanley Cup after they beat the Boston Bruins at TD Garden in Boston on June 30, 2019. (AFP)

AFP NHL players had competed New York in every Olympics starting at Nagano in 1998 until two years ago. The NHL shut down its he National Hockey 2019-20 season on March 12 League favours Toron- over Covid-19 concerns with Tto and as just over three weeks remain- hub cities for its return ing in the campaign ahead of from a Covid-19 shutdown two months of Stanley Cup and in a separate development playoff s. is planning to send players to An NHL return to the ice the 2022 and 2026 Olympics, plan will send 12 teams each according to multiple reports from the East and West into yesterday. bubble environments with Canada’s The Sports Net- daily Covid-19 testing in two work and ESPN reported that hub cities. the league wants the two Ca- The top four teams in each nadian cities as hosts for East- conference will play each other ern and Western Conference to determine playoff seedings playoff games in its restart while the other eight clubs plan, which is set to see train- meet in best-of-fi ve play-in ing camps open on July 10. series, those winners facing The NHL had reportedly the higher seeds to start the trimmed its candidates for best-of-seven playoff rounds. hub hosts to those two markets The NHL has not announced plus Chicago and Las Vegas, a return timetable other than but spiking Covid-19 posi- planning to have teams gather tive cases have been reported next week to begin workouts. at record levels in the United The league and union have States in the past week. worked on a new collective No deal will be offi cial un- bargaining deal and reportedly til the league and NHL Play- could have it ready for signing ers Association sign and ratify by Friday or Saturday. a new collective bargaining Terms reportedly include a agreement. return opt-out option for any NBA commissioner TSN also reported the ten- player and an extension of all Adam Silver. (TNS) tative deal would allow NHL contracts that were due to ex- players to participate in the pire yesterday. 2022 Beijing and 2026 Milan- The NHL is likely to stage Cortina Winter Olympics after the Stanley Cup Final in Octo- Reuters cases and see spread in our commu- employees,” Silver added of the NBA’s the league skipped the 2018 ber, more than a year after the Los Angeles nity, that would of course be a cause to plan to resume play at Walt Disney Nuggets close facility, three Pyeongchang Winter Games. season launched. stop as well.” World Resort. “In some ways, this is Dr. Anthony Fauci said Tuesday in maybe a model for how other indus- Pelicans players test positive pread of the coronavirus would testimony in Washington, DC, that tries can ultimately open. But I am The Denver Nuggets closed their training facility NFL prompt the NBA to stop the he has become more concerned with only going to say we will be responsi- over the weekend after two members of their S2019-20 season, commissioner the surge in Covid-19 cases in Florida, ble and watch what is happening, but party that was set to travel to Orlando for the sea- Adam Silver said on Tuesday. Texas, and Arizona. the biggest indicator will be if we begin son’s restart tested positive for Covid-19, a source Speaking on the TIME 100 Talks, The NBA is working closely with to see a spread in our community.” close to the matter confirmed. Defensive lineman Silver said the league is “reasonably medical experts and plans to modify Fauci previously said the “bubble” The team’s 35-person party made up of players, confi dent” about its plan to restart the guidance and recommendations based approach or a campus environment coaches and staff was tested on Saturday. It was season in Orlando on the Disney World on all available information, Silver would give sports the best chance of not immediately clear who tested positive but the Jones hints at holdout campus in July. But if the virus spreads said. success without advancing the spread facilities were closed as a precautionary measure. among players and personnel in Flori- “We are going to see as we go,” Silver of Covid-19. The team and the league did not comment on da, Silver said the league will have no said. “Certainly if cases are isolated, “I’ll say of course when we designed reports of the closure. Nuggets coach Michael choice but to pull the plug. that’s one thing. A lot of the determi- this plan, we were not seeing the kind Malone said this month that he had tested positive “Never full steam ahead no mat- nation will be our understanding of of increases in cases, frankly not just for the novel coronavirus in March, while centre ter what,” Silver said. “One thing we how our community became infected. in Florida and Texas but at least of the Nikola Jokic tested positive in Serbia last week. are learning about this virus as much That will be part of our judgment in last few days, the majority of states The New Orleans Pelicans said on Tuesday that is (it’s) unpredictable, and we and our terms of whether we should continue. in the United States are seeing in- three of their players had also tested positive for players together with their union look But certainly if we had a lot of cases, creases in Covid cases,” Silver said. Covid-19. at the data on a daily basis. If there we are going to stop. You cannot run “Our model was designed for this. Our “They’re not in ‘quarantine’. They’re in self-isola- were something to change that was from this virus.” model was designed to protect us and tion and they test daily,” Pelicans Executive Vice outside of the scope of what we are “I am absolutely convinced that it our players from the cases in the out- President David Griff in told reporters. “When they playing for, certainly we would re- will be safer on this campus than off side community. Maybe at the time we can have two negative tests — or rather tests that visit our plans. We are testing daily. this campus because there aren’t many designed it, we didn’t think it would be are good results for us — they can return to activ- We haven’t put a precise number on it situations that I am aware of where as necessary as it is now but at least we ity with the team.” Reuters but if we were to see a large number of there is mass testing of asymptomatic are preparing for it.”

MLB Angels confi rm Ohtani ready to hit and pitch as season looms AFP ing rotation when the season taking to ensure player health Los Angeles opens. Maddon told reporters and safety as play begins with he envisioned Ohtani pitching Covid-19 cases still rising in once a week and serving as a much of the United States. Reuters with the Pittsburgh Steelers hohei Ohtani is healthy designated hitter on other days Eppler said the team is re- Los Angeles because he was resistant to and will be ready to hit — perhaps three to four times a moving couches and other fur- the team applying the fran- Sand pitch when Ma- week. niture from the clubhouse and chise tag for a second straight jor League ’s “It’s a diff erence-maker for encouraging players to think of ansas City Chiefs season. In March 2019, Bell delayed 2020 training camps us,” Maddon said. the area as a “closet” for hang- defensive lineman signed with the New York Jets open, gen- In his only MLB season as ing clothes rather than a place KChris Jones could upon reaching free agency for eral manager Billy Eppler con- a two-way player, in 2018, to relax. sit until the team the fi rst time in his career. fi rmed on Tuesday. Ohtani excelled in both roles. He said he and Maddon will addresses his contract status. Bell quickly recognized The two-way sensation from He averaged.285 in 326 at-bats stress that players — and all Jones, 25, was assigned Jones’ statement with sup- Japan didn’t pitch in 2019 af- with 22 home runs and 61 runs staff — must adhere to MLB’s the franchise designation in port via Twitter, “@Stone- ter undergoing “Tommy John” batted in. guidelines on social distancing March before he was eligible ColdJones knows what he tendon replacement surgery. On the mound he notched a and other protocols to avoid a to reach free agency. If Jones doin, trust.” The Angels said in February 3.31 earned run average with 63 damaging outbreak within the plays on the one-year tag, The Chiefs have their own that they didn’t expect him to strikeouts over 51 2/3 innings in team. the tender would pay him set of contract matters to deal pitch until at least May — and 10 starts on the way to earning “It’s important we do every- $16.1mn for the 2020 season. with and Jones might not be now that the season start has Rookie of the thing in our power to make sure Jones replied to a video dis- fi rst in line. been pushed back to July 23 or Year honors. all health and safety is at the cussing his situation on NFL Quarterback Patrick Ma- 24 because of the coronavirus Restricted to a designated forefront of every decision we Network hinting that holding homes is in line for what pandemic he’s expected to be hitter role last season, Ohtani make,” Eppler said. out into the regular season many expect to be a land- a dual threat throughout the belted 18 home runs with a bat- He said no players on the might be an option. mark deal given his age and shortened 60-game season. ting average of.286. team’s roster have voiced an “Or I won’t play. @LeVeon- success. Mahomes was NFL Angels manager In a conference call with re- interest in opting out of the Bell told me about this,” Jones MVP in 2018 and won the Su- Restricted to a designated hitter role last season, belted said last week that he expects porters on Tuesday, Eppler also shortened season over corona- wrote. per Bowl with the Chiefs last 18 home runs with a batting average of .286. (AFP) Ohtani to rejoin the start- discussed steps the Angels are virus concerns. Bell sat out the 2018 season season. Gulf Times Thursday, July 2, 2020 5 SPORT

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FOCUS NZ still clear on Tokyo gold aft er sevens circuit cancelled New Zealand Rugby’s Olympics,” Sweeney told Reu- women’s sevens co-coach ters in a telephone interview said his team were preparing yesterday. for the possibility of not being “Worst case scenario is that able to play any international if there are no World Series, New Wallabies boss teams ahead of next year’s however, the Olympics con- Tokyo Olympics, but was con- tinues, then we need to work fident their planning would out how we get that competi- help in trying to win gold. tion without having to leave World Rugby cancelled the New Zealand.” remainder of both the men’s Sweeney said New Zealand’s and women’s World Sevens player depth allowed the Series on Tuesday because Black Ferns Sevens to recre- watching as Australia’s of the coronavirus outbreak ate match pressure but there and awarded the titles to New were intangibles like crowds Zealand. and playing at the Olym- Black Ferns sevens coach pics to a global television Cory Sweeney said the uncer- audience that could not be tainty of the outbreak meant replicated. teams had to be prepared for The Black Ferns Sevens won multiple scenarios ahead of four of the five tournaments Super Rugby starts the postponed Tokyo Games, on this season’s circuit and next year’s pinnacle event for would have been firm favour- the sport. ites to go one step better at ‘OBVIOUSLY, THE NEXT THREE MONTHS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR PLAYERS’ “Best case scenario is that the Tokyo Games than in Rio if the borders are open we de Janeiro when they won AFP will have eight World Series silver behind Australia in the Sydney tournaments leading into the sport’s Olympics debut.

uper Rugby resumes in Aus- tralia this week after a near TENNIS Sfour-month coronavirus hibernation with new Wal- labies coach Dave Rennie watching closely as he ponders his fi rst line- Murray upbeat as up. Queensland Reds will kick off the domestic 10-round season against he plans for return NSW Waratahs in Brisbane tomor- row, before the ACT Brumbies face the Melbourne Rebels in Canberra a day later. Perth’s Western Force, who were axed from Super Rugby at the end of 2017, will make their return to top- fl ight competition against the Wara- tahs in Sydney in round two. Offi cially named Super Rugby AU, the Australian domestic tournament is helping to fi ll the gap left when the 15-team southern hemisphere club competition was halted after seven rounds because of the pandemic in mid-March. It mirrors New Zealand’s Super Rugby Aotearoa which began last month, and will similarly trial new rules including goal-line dropouts and a 10-minute golden point period if matches are tied. Former coach Rennie will AFP thing is that the events are be keeping an eye on proceedings London safe.” Murray had career-sav- from home in his native New Zea- Wallabies coach Dave Rennie. (Reuters) ing hip surgery in 2019, before land, where he has been isolating. suff ering another setback with With a host of Wallabies calling pay talks with players remain unre- up. The Waratahs managed just one ndy Murray says a pelvic injury. it quits after last year’s World Cup, solved. win before the interruption and they Former Springboks captain he is serving at full The British former world the door is open leading into what is Players are currently on an average will restart without their France- handed eight-year ban Athrottle again as he number one was upbeat about expected to be a four-match Bledis- pay cut of 60% until September 30, bound veteran Kurtley bids to rebuild his his fi tness following the Bat- loe Cup series against the All Blacks but their pay for the rest of the year Beale. ormer Springboks captain Mahlatse ‘Chili- injury-ravaged career when tle of the Brits event, where he later in the year. is still being negotiated. His absence will place more re- boy’ Ralepelle was banned from rugby for tennis returns after the coro- reached the semi-fi nals. “Obviously, the next three months There were murmurs last week sponsibility on the senior shoulders Feight years yesterday after testing positive navirus shutdown. “I am able to serve well again is a great opportunity for players,” about strike action, but that ap- of tireless fl anker Michael Hooper, for the banned anabolic substance Zeranol The three-time Grand Slam and am able to serve as hard as I Rennie said, adding that he currently pears unlikely as the opening day Australia’s World Cup captain last last year. champion played his fi rst tour- was in my mid-20s, which giv- had around 30 players in his sights. approaches. year, and second row forward Rob The Coastal Sharks hooker has 21 days to appeal the nament since last November at en I didn’t know I was going to “But there’s still opportunities for “Obviously there have been dis- Simmons who has taken over the decision by the South African Institute for Drug-Free the Battle of the Brits event last be able to play again has been guys to jump in from outside that cussions going on in the background Waratahs’ armband. Sport following an out-of-competition test. week. really positive,” he said. group. So that’s what the next three (about pay) that we haven’t been The Reds have were hit hard dur- “The Zeranol test is another false allegation against The ATP and WTA tours are “Obviously when you are months is about, really.” privy to, but the boys haven’t missed ing the shutdown by the departures me, which I deny,” Ralepelle told the South African me- due to return next month, with able to serve bigger and harder, a beat during this whole period,” of Izack Rodda, Harry Hockings and dia last year. This is the third time Ralepelle has been the US Open starting on Au- it means more shorter points ‘HAVEN’T MISSED A BEAT’ Brumbies attack coach Peter Hewat Isaac Lucas, who left after refusing found guilty on doping charges, although one was gust 31 and the French Open — and that means good news Getting the competition started has said. to accept the pay cut, leaving coach subsequently overturned as the banned substance beginning a month later. for the body and the hip. The not been easy. The Alan Alaalatoa-led Brumbies Brad Thorn with an inexperienced was in a Springboks-approved supplement. Murray, who is set to return harder I serve, the better it is Some state borders remain closed, start as favourites. Their team, in- side brimming with young potential Ralepelle, 33, last played for the Sharks in 2018 and to action at the Washington for my other hip I guess.” with Western Force basing them- cluding fl ying centre Tevita Kurid- but with plenty to prove. conceded in a recent interview that his rugby career Open in mid-August, is plan- The French Open was selves in New South Wales while rani and prolifi c try-scoring hooker Western Force have a bye on was eff ectively over. ning to play both the Grand switched from its traditional the Rebels dashed to Canberra early Folau Fainga’a, were the pacesetters opening weekend, but hooker Heath He made a meteoric rise in 2006, winning his first Slam events. May-June slot because of the after a spike of coronavirus cases in before Super Rugby was suspended Tessmann said his team were hungry Springboks cap off the bench against New Zealand in “Getting the US Open and pandemic, with September 20 Melbourne last week. in March. to make an impact after nearly three Pretoria aged 19 after playing less than 10 minutes of the French Open played this pencilled in as a start date. The home Rebels fi xture on July They won fi ve out of six to top years away from Super Rugby. Super Rugby. Later that year he skippered the Spring- year is a good thing, I think,” French tennis chiefs were 10 has already been moved to New the Australian conference ahead of “We’re not putting our hand up boks in a midweek tour match against a World XV in the 33-year-old told the BBC. heavily criticised by players South Wales and the team could be their Saturday night opponents, the to be part of this competition just Leicester to become the first black skipper of the team “It’s positive, I just don’t like and rival tournaments over a forced to play games in neutral ven- Rebels, who will look towards last to play a bit of rugby because we’re and the youngest at 20. the way the French Open went lack of consultation. Now the ues if the outbreak persists. season’s Australian player of the bored,” he said. In 2018, Siya Kolisi became the first black Test captain about scheduling their event. Paris main draw of the season’s On the plus side, Rugby Australia year, powerhouse wing Marika Ko- Super Rugby AU will culminate in of the Springboks and led them to the Rugby World “But we’re going to have fi nal Grand Slam event will be- managed to renegotiate a broadcast roibete, and captain Dane Haylett- a two-week fi nals series starting on Cup title in Japan last year. AFP to go back to playing at some gin a week later and fi nish on deal to show all matches live, but Petty among a dynamic backs line- September 12. stage. The most important October 11. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, July 2, 2020 FOOTBALL

FOCUS Treble-chasing Bayern eye Champions League glory AFP lost to the Werkself this season. against Chelsea on August 7 or 8. cause one or two players would Berlin Leverkusen sporting direc- They hammered Frank Lamp- be available again.” tor Rudi Voeller has promised a ard’s Blues 3-0 in February’s fi rst Bayern’s forwards are in stel- “big fi ght” as they look to repeat leg in London, making Bayern lar form. Thomas Mueller pro- ayern Munich are ex- November’s shock league win among the favourites to be Euro- duced a Bundesliga record 21 pected by the club’s own when Jamaica winger Leon Bai- pean champions. assists this season, while striker Bhierarchy to take the ley scored twice at the Allianz Bayern could face a disad- Robert Lewandowski has netted next step towards the Arena. vantage against potential op- 49 times in 42 games, including treble in Saturday’s German Cup Bayern are expected to secure ponents in the Final 8 tourna- 11 in the Champions League. fi nal before they attempt more the league and Cup double for ment in Lisbon, due to start on Bayern have been European Champions League glory in the 13th time. August 12, from leagues which champions fi ve times and two of August. “We’ll tackle everything, are not scheduled to fi nish until their 2001 title-winning team The German press dubbed those are our goals,” said Bay- late July. are being groomed to take charge. Bayern ‘FC Nimmersatt’ (never ern head coach Hansi Flick, who La Liga runs until July 19, Former midfi elder Hasan Saliha- satisfi ed) after celebrating an only took over mid-season. while the Premier League is set midzic is sporting director, while eighth straight league title last “At Bayern, you always think to end a week later, with ex-goalkeeper Oliver Kahn will Saturday, the 30th in the club’s a bit bigger. First the Cup is in not slated to come to a conclu- replace Karl-Heinz Rummenigge history. focus and then it’s important the sion until August 2. as chairman in 2022. “The team is in such good team has some time off and the Only PSG and will have “In 2001, we won the Cham- shape that they are able to win staff can clear their heads. had less game time than Bayern pions League together playing every title this season,” said Bay- “After that, we’ll prepare in- and RB Leipzig, as Ligue 1 was in jerseys, now we want to repeat ern president Herbert Hainer. tensively for the Champions ended early due to the coronavi- that success with him in suits,” Before tackling Europe League.” rus pandemic. said Salihamidzic. and a possible repeat of their Flick plans to send his players “We just have to make sure Meanwhile Bayern announced 2013 treble, Bayern face Bayer on a two-week holiday after the that we make the best of the sit- the signing of French teenager Leverkusen in Berlin in Satur- Cup fi nal before a training camp uation,” Flick said. Tanguy Kouassi, 18, on a free Bayern Munich’s new signing French defender Tanguy Kouassi (left) poses with his shirt during a press day’s Cup fi nal having already ahead of their last-16 second leg “It could be an advantage be- transfer from PSG yesterday. conference in Munich yesterday. (AFP)

SERIE A SPOTLIGHT Schalke admit to needing ‘massive Juventus keep savings’ to survive

AFP Berlin

ollowing the resigna- Lazio at bay with tion of their billionaire Fbacker, cash-strapped Bundesliga club Schal- ke admitted yesterday they must make “massive savings” ‘It was a good team eff ort and in order to survive after their struggling fi nances were fur- we scored three brilliant goals’ ther hit by the coronavirus Genoa stroll pandemic. “Today is a turning point AFP for Schalke. There cannot be Schalke’s head coach David Rome a continuation of the current Wagner speaks during a press situation,” admitted board conference in Gelsenkirchen member Alexander Jobst. yesterday. (AFP) uventus maintained their Jobst insists “massive sav- four-point lead at the top ings” must be made, the “stop record of 16 games without a Jof Serie A on Tuesday af- button” has been pressed in win following a 4-0 drubbing ter strolling to a 3-1 win at many areas of the club’s fi - at Freiburg. Genoa that keeps chasers Lazio nances and Schalke’s “sport- Tuesday’s resignation of at bay despite their comeback ing goals” must be adjusted in wealthy club chairman Cle- triumph at Torino. the coming seasons. mens Toennies after 19 years Three stunning individual “In the past months, Schal- in charge following protests goals from , Cris- ke 04 has presented a miser- by supporters has left the tiano Ronaldo and Douglas Cos- able public image,” he said, club reeling. A week after the ta downed relegation-threat- apologising for “mistakes we head of fi nances walked away, ened Genoa and kept Maurizio made which must not happen Toennies also quit with fans Sarri on course to deliver Juve’s again in the future”. furious about his running of ninth straight league title in his “We know that we have the club. fi rst season as coach. gambled away trust and scared Away from football, the Andrea Pinamonti pulled one the fans,” he added. billionaire meat manufac- back with 14 minutes left for the Schalke are one of Ger- turer was already under fi re struggling hosts, who stay just many’s biggest clubs, yet even over conditions at his factory, one point above the drop zone before the Covid-19 pandemic which led to an outbreak of and third-from-bottom Lecce, hit Europe in March they al- 15,000 cases of the coronavi- who host Genoa’s local rivals ready had debts of 197 million rus. The 64-year-old had also Sampdoria on Wednesday. euros ($220 million), which made an embattled start to Pinamonti’s strike was the fi rst Jobst warned at the time last season, voluntarily step- goal Juve have conceded since threatened their existence. ping back for three months as losing at Lyon in late February, Magazine Kicker has Schalke chairman over alleg- but it wasn’t enough to stop the claimed the pandemic would edly racist comments he made champions from cruising to their leave a third of the clubs in the in August. sixth straight league win. “It was country’s top two tiers fi ght- In the meantime, Schalke a good team eff ort and we scored ing for survival. When Ger- has reportedly secured 40 three brilliant goals,” said Sarri. man football restarted behind million-euro guarantee from “The team have recovered well closed doors in May after a its home state of North Rhine- after the disappointment of los- two-month hiatus, Schalke Westphalia to help the club ing the Italian Cup fi nal, it was lost two million euros in reve- survive. only a matter of time.” nue for each of their four home “We are subject to a secrecy The victory at the Stadio Luigi games without fans. period, which we will comply Ferraris showcased the fi repower Their fi nancial problems with,” Jobst said yesterday, Sarri has at his disposal, with were exacerbated in recent without denying the reports. Genoa goalkeeper Mattia Perin years by missing out on lucra- Moving forward, Schalke making fi ve saves in the goalless tive Champions League quali- head coach David Wagner says fi rst half as Juve pushed early to fi cation in three of the last four he now expects to “have to win the match. seasons. put together a powerful squad Dybala put his side in the lead Juventus’ Portuguese forward (centre) celebrates with teammate Argentine forward Paulo Dybala (left) after scoring during Last Saturday, they fi nished with a small budget” for next in the 50th minute with a beau- the Italian Serie A match against Genoa on Tuesday. (AFP) this season with a new club season. tiful fi nish following a snaking dribble, a strike that set the tone and unleashed a curling, dipping goal of another remarkable sea- seven of their last nine league the break, was another example for the rest of the match. shot that again left Perin bewil- son for the Italy forward and matches and although they are of Luis Alberto’s importance to Ronaldo, who had looked off dered. Marco Parolo’s defl ected strike six points above the drop zone Lazio, as it was a league-leading Bremen’s Kohfeldt welcomes favourite the pace following the league’s “They (Dybala and Ronaldo) in the 73rd minute completed a could fi nd themselves dragged 13th assist of the season for the role in relegation play-off restart from the coronavirus have learned to look for each deserved second-half comeback into a dogfi ght by the end of this former Liverpool man. His strike shutdown, showed that he was other more often,” Sarri said of for Lazio, who had clawed their round of fi xtures. also meant the Italy forward Werder Bremen coach Flo- “I wasn’t hoping for any par- back to his best seven minutes a blossoming partnership. They way to a 2-1 win over Fiorentina Lazio meanwhile are still in equalled his own record for the rian Kohfeldt has welcomed ticular team,” said Kohfeldt. later when he charged towards have realised that by benefi ting in similar fashion just two days the hunt for their fi rst league ti- highest number of goals scored by his side’s status as favourites “Now it’s Heidenheim and all I goal before letting off a rocket from each other, both reap the earlier. tle in 20 years and are also prac- a Lazio player in a Serie A season. in today’s Bundesliga can say is: Be careful! of a shot that Perin could only rewards. It’s something I have Andrea Belotti gave the hosts tically guaranteed Champions However, Lazio will have to do relegation/promotion play-off “They finished third in the grasp at as it fi red into the net. noticed in training too.” an early lead from the penalty League football next season for without the 30-year-old against home leg with Heidenheim. league. Just like before, we That settled the result, but Lazio had done their part ear- spot after Immobile handled but the fi rst time since 2007-08, as AC Milan on Saturday, as he will “Fundamentally speaking, I can feel the tension. We are substitute Costa then made his lier on Tuesday when they came spent the rest of the match on they are 20 points ahead of fi fth- be suspended after being booked like being the favourites, be- desperate to beat them.” own case for goal of the match from behind again to win 2-1 the back foot and are 14th on 31 placed local rivals Roma. for the handball that gave his cause it implies that your fate Kohfeldt dismissed any when he collected the ball to- against struggling Torino. points. Immobile’s goal, a fi ne left- team another uphill struggle to is in your own hands,” he told significance of Bremen wards the right side of the area Ciro Immobile’s 29th league Moreno Longo’s side have lost footed fi nish three minutes after overcome. a news conference yesterday. beating Heidenheim 4-1 in “It’s on us to be focused, to the German Cup earlier in concentrate and show our the season, saying it was a quality on the pitch.” long time ago and his team Sarri confi dent Pjanic will not be distracted by Barca move Bremen sneaked into 16th on has since changed. Defender the last day of the Bundes- Kevin Vogt is suspended to Juventus coach Maurizio Brazilian Arthur Melo going his team mates and staff , so I a more wide-ranging role and he agrees with me. He has to liga season courtesy of a be the only absentee from Sarri is confident that the other way. “I haven’t talked have no worries.” set him the target of having 150 convince himself he’s a great 6-1 win over Cologne while the Bremen squad. Miralem Pjanic will not be to Miralem these days, but we A gifted player who likes to touches of the ball per match. player. Even the great ones can Fortuna Dusseldorf lost their The play-off is the highest distracted by his move to Bar- spoke often during the lock- orchestrate the midfield from Pjanic welcomed the change make mistakes, but they do it last match to be relegated Heidenheim have ever been celona at the end of the season down, when we asked ourselves a position just in front of the but his form dropped between once or twice, then they get directly. in Germany’s league pyra- and believes the Bosnian will the reason for his decline,” said defence, Pjanic joined Juventus January and March. their heads up.” Heidenheim held on to mid. leave the Turin club on a high. Sarri after Juventus won 3-1 at from AS Roma in 2016 and won That led to a surprisingly frank But he was convinced that third in the second division “For most people, this Pjanic has suff ered a dip in form Genoa on Tuesday to stay four the Serie A title in each of his assessment from Sarri just Pjanic would leave on a high. despite losing champions is the chance in a lifetime. this season, apparently strug- points clear at the top of Serie A. first three seasons at the club before the restart of the season “You will see that Pjanic will do Arminia Bielefeld as Bremen’s We can create something gling to adapt to Sarri’s style of “In this period I’m sure he will under . in June. “A player cannot aff ord very well from here to the end,” northern rivals SV Hamburg extraordinary. I believe in play, and the move to Barcelona do very well,” added Sarri. “He When Sarri took over, he said four or five sub par perform- he said. “I see him calm and also lost to miss out on the the unbelievable,” said head was confirmed on Monday with seems very well integrated with that he wanted to give Pjanic ances like he did,” he said. “And peaceful.” play-off . coach Frank Schmidt. Gulf Times Thursday, July 2, 2020 7 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA FOCUS Zidane warns Real Benzema turns the Madrid ‘we have won nothing yet’

AFP title towards Madrid Madrid oach Zinedine Zidane Benzema’s 243rd goal for Real Madrid, warned his Real Madrid Cplayers yesterday to moved him into fifth, above Ferenc maintain their focus if they are to deliver some silver- Puskas, on the club’s all-time list ware this season and pip Barce- lona to the league title. Madrid AFP After a comfortable win over Real top La Liga by a point after fi ve Madrid Mallorca, Benzema banged in what wins out of fi ve since La Liga re- turned out to be the winner against started earlier this month. and then he brought the Real have a game in hand on den Hazard and Luis Suarez fi nesse to Espanyol, where a brilliant Barcelona and the tiebreaker were both circled as potential backheel through the legs of Bernardo edge after the two league meet- Edeciders of La Liga’s title race Espinosa teed up . Five su- ings. Even though Real haver a when the season resumed but perb performances from Benzema have kinder run-in than the Catalans, few looked at Karim Benzema. Lionel helped thrust Real from two points be- who drew 2-2 to Atletico Ma- Messi was expected to be formidable hind Barcelona to a point in front, with drid on Tuesday, Zidane warned again and there was excitement even a game in hand. the trophy could slip from their around Gareth Bale following reports When the 17-year-old Benzema grasp if they lose momentum. from Valdebebas he was the fi ttest Real signed his fi rst professional contract “It’s my job to warn you Madrid player to return from lockdown. at Lyon, he had to make a speech to the you’ve won nothing yet. This is Hazard and Suarez were returning squad, as was tradition for new players the harsh reality. The truth of from surgery too, handed an unexpect- joining the fi rst team. the matter,” Zidane told a press ed last shot at turning the season. He was shy and awkward but as some conference. “There are six games If either came back at their best, it of those in front of him began to snigger, left with 18 points at stake. We would surely tip the balance. But Ben- he found his voice. “You laugh,” he said. are one point ahead, nothing zema was overlooked, despite 19 goals “But if I’m here it’s because I’m here to more. Being on the right track in 36 games before the three-month take your place.” is one thing, but we will have to suspension, making him La Liga’s top Some took against the youngster’s Five superb performances from Karim repeat this until the end of the scorer among all players not named bravado and in the years since, Benzema Benzema have helped thrust Real Madrid season.” Messi. In Madrid’s fi rst game back, he has been perceived as arrogant, aloof, from two points behind Barcelona to a point Real play Getafe today in set up the opening goal for Toni Kroos fl ash, a troublemaker, especially in in front, with a game in hand. (Reuters) La Liga. Zidane has a dazzling and created two more, even if Hazard’s France. Perhaps he has carried with him record with Real Madrid, win- generosity meant the assists were not the allegations, still due to go to a crimi- ning three Champions Leagues n offi cially his. Against Valencia he then nal trial, that he was involved in a black- his last spell as manager. scored twice, the second a sensational mailing plot in 2015, which have already In this season’s completion, volley after a feathered touch past Hugo cost him winning the World Cup and his cial media while his statistics, albeit minutes of his backheel to Casemiro, away from Benzema again but the evi- Real trail Manchester City 2-1 in Guillamon. international career. respectable, never put him in the con- fans were comparing it to the backheel dence so far suggests it will be more a a last-16 tie that is scheduled to It will probably be goal of the season As a club player he also spent the best versation about the most talented strik- Guti laid on for him to fi nish in 2010. partnership of equals, assuming Hazard be resolved in England in early and it was his 243rd goal for Real Ma- part of a decade playing second fi ddle to ers in the world. Once the support act, Benzema ever fi nds his best in Spain. August. “I was a player, I went drid, moving him into fi fth, above Fer- Cristiano Ronaldo, running the chan- Yet without Ronaldo last season, is now playing the lead. Hazard has For now, this is Benzema’s Real Ma- through this situation, I lived enc Puskas, on the club’s all-time list. nels and pulling away defenders, all in Benzema registered the second best goal helped, their combination blossoming drid and if they go on to win a second this experience. I know very well “When he scores like that I’m happy service to the Portuguese. It meant his tally of his Madrid career and this term during the brief periods when the Bel- title in eight years there will be a com- what it is, and the players know because he shuts people up a bit,” said contributions rarely made the high- he has his best in four years already, gian has been fi t this season. pelling argument to say it was his La very well that nothing has been Zinedine Zidane. lights reels or momentary clips on so- with three weeks still to go. Within Hazard could yet take the limelight Liga too. won yet “

SPOTLIGHT Real make history by ending wait for women’s team Madrid: Real Madrid launched a shareholders in September last goal will be to turn Madrid into Fernandes stars as United builds momentum professional women’s team yes- year, the buyout of Tacon for contenders both in Spain and terday by absorbing CD Tacon 300,000 euros has been made Europe, where they will hope AFP Traff ord since former manager Alex Fergu- and launching a fresh Galactico off icial, with another recruit- to challenge the supremacy of London son retired. “There is quality in that team, project at the club. Madrid, the ment drive set to begin. Barcelona’s women’s team, final- our players are fi t and we have competi- best team of the 20th century Madrid have set their sights ists in the 2018-2019 Women’s tion for places now,” Solskjaer said after his according to FIFA, have so far on the game’s finest talents Champions League and who anchester United have hit the team’s 3-0 win against Brighton on Tuesday. been one of the only elite clubs and some of the first signings thrashed Tacon twice this ground running after the coro- “I’ve got more than one game-changer, to resist the creation of a female could arrive this week. Tacon season, 6-0 and 9-1. The change Mnavirus shutdown, building on we have some top players and Bruno has outfit in their 118 year history. have already been expanding has been done gradually over their momentum before the come and been fantastic. He has brought By taking over Tacon, the in preparation. They signed several months. Since the start enforced break as the inspirational Bruno that winning mentality with him, that 99% women’s club based in Madrid Swedish internationals Kosovare of the current season, Tacon, Fernandes quickly gains hero status. When is not good enough — it has to be 100%. It’s and created in 2014, ‘Real Asllani and Sofia Jakobsson, coached by David Aznar, have the Portuguese midfi elder was signed in a joy to watch them when you see them ex- Madrid Femenino’ will become who was nominated for the 2019 trained and played their home the fi nal days of the January transfer win- ferent competitions. press themselves like that.” a reality. “Our women’s football Women’s Ballon d’Or and who games at Valdebebas, a few dow, United had just been booed off after a Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men are unbeaten Fernandes scored twice, including one section will be made up of the joined last year after finishing metres from the men’s team. shocking 2-0 home defeat to Burnley as the in 15 games either side of the three-month sensational fi nish on the volley, as United senior and under-16s to under- third in the Women’s World Cup. This will continue to be the atmosphere at Old Traff ord turned toxic. coronavirus shutdown and they are reaping steamrolled Brighton to close within two 19s teams. A youth structure But there will be more case this season and the club However, Fernandes’s arrival has lifted the rewards of the enforced break, with Paul points of the top four. that will allow us to remain faith- changes, after the announced have not ruled out using the the mood and instantly changed Unit- Pogba and Marcus Rashford fi t again after Solskjaer’s men are also into the semi- ful to our philosophy of identify- departures of Ana Valles, Esther, Santiago Bernabeu for showcase ed’s fortunes on the fi eld. The 55mn euro long-term injuries. fi nals of the FA Cup and will restart their ing, training and developing Marina Martin Massanet, Patri matches. The launch will be an (£50mn, $62mn) signing has scored six Pogba and Fernandes have immediately Europa League campaign in August with a young talent,” a club statement Carballo, Ainoa Campo and historical moment for the club goals and provided four assists in 13 appear- formed a formidable midfi eld pairing rare- 5-0 lead from the fi rst leg of their last-16 tie said. Approved at a meeting of Osinachi Ohale, in May. The but for women’s football too. ances to keep United in the hunt in three dif- ly seen in the seven years of decline at Old against Austrians LASK.

ROUND-UP PREMIER LEAGUE Arsenal tie down teenager Saka to long-term deal We won’t defend rsenal tied down Bukayo joining his new teammates at a training ing administration as the impact of the Saka to a long-term contract camp in Portugal. He made 25 appear- coronavirus pandemic starts to bite in title, we will attack Ayesterday, ending specula- ances for Le Havre in Ligue 2 this season English football. If the 2013 FA Cup win- tion over the highly-rated before the campaign was declared over in ners are relegated, the sanction will be teenager’s future. Saka, 18, has made April due to the coronavirus pandemic. applied to the start of their League One next one, says Klopp a major impact in 33 appearances in a Gueye is Marseille’s fi rst new arrival of campaign in 2020/21 but if their results variety of positions this season and has the summer. The club has also tied down are good enough to stay up, it will be ap- Reuters been a regular since Mikel Arteta became defender Alvaro Gonzalez to a three-year plied to the fi nal 2019/20 table instead. London Arsenal coach in December. “Bukayo is deal following a successful spell on loan Wigan are currently in 14th place in a talented and intelligent young player,” from Villarreal. the second tier on 50 points after a fi ne said Arteta. “He has impressed me with recent run — a 12-point drop would take uergen Klopp’s Liverpool his work ethic and attitude to learn and PSG TO PREPARE FOR them bottom and four points adrift of side will be the hunted adapt, and it has paid off in his perform- CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, CUP FINALS safety. Wigan, who were in the Pre- rather than the hunters WITH LE HAVRE FRIENDLY J ances. I am excited to continue working mier League as recently as 2013, have next season but he says with him to develop him further, and for Paris Saint-Germain announced yes- six games to play in the current season, they will not be defending their him to help us achieve our goals.” terday they will play a friendly against which resumed on June 20. Premier League title, rather at- Saka’s previous deal was due to expire second-tier Le Havre in front of up to The club dropped down into League tacking the next one. Manches- next year, with Liverpool and Chelsea 5,000 fans to prepare for the Champions One in 2015 but made an immediate ter City became the fi rst Premier reportedly keen to take advantage of any League last eight tournament and two return to the Championship. League team to win successive breakdown in contract negotiations. domestic cup fi nals. Premier League titles for a dec- However, Saka said he is happy to remain PSG returned to training last month MOURINHO EXPECTS DIER ade last season, proof of the honestly. It’s just another step, with the club he joined at the age of ahead of a French Cup fi nal against TO GET NEW SPURS DEAL competitive nature of England’s an unbelievably big one, but not eight. “London is my home. Arsenal my Saint-Etienne on July 24, a League Cup Jose Mourinho is confi dent England top-fl ight. Liverpool will be the only thing I want to talk to team,” Saka posted on Twitter. “I’m so decider with Lyon a week later and the international Eric Dier is ready to sign given a guard of honour by City’s the players about when we meet happy to fi nally announce my contract European competition in Lisbon begin- a new contract with Tottenham. Dier’s players when the top two sides in 20 years’ time.” extension. I love playing for this club and ning on August 12. The Le Havre fi xture future was thrown into doubt after he meet at the Etihad today. While Klopp’s side lead the table by I’m looking forward to what the future July 24, several weeks after Saliba’s loan on July 12 will be PSG’s fi rst match since climbed into the stands to argue with a accepting the gesture, Klopp 23 points and could set a new holds. The hard work continues so I can was due to end on June 30. the Champions League win over Borussia fan who had exchanged words with his knows City, together with the record for a winning margin, continue living my dream.” Dortmund in mid-March, due to the brother during an FA Cup defeat against likes of Manchester United and surpassing the 19-point gap MARSEILLE SIGN PAPE GUEYE coronavirus pandemic. Norwich earlier this season. Chelsea, will come back stronger City enjoyed two seasons ago SALIBA SET FOR ARSENAL AFTER WATFORD SNUB The Ligue 2 side’s Stade Oceane will The 26-year-old’s current deal expires next year to challenge Liverpool’s when they amassed a record 100 RETURN AFTER LOAN TALKS Marseille announced the signing of de- be able to hold 5,000 spectators with the at the end of next season, but Tottenham superiority. points. “There is a gap there and WITH ST ETIENNE COLLAPSE fensive midfi elder Pape Gueye on a free French government set to ease restric- manager Mourinho says chairman Daniel “We will not defend the title I don’t think there will ever be a Arsenal will not extend William Saliba’s transfer from Le Havre after he backed tions on sporting and cultural events Levy told him Dier is keen to reach an next year, we will attack the next similar gap, although we need to loan deal at St Etienne after the two out of a move to Premier League side from July 11. The French title-holders are agreement. one,” the German told a virtual see how big it is at the end of the clubs failed to agree training and fi - Watford. The former France Under-19 set to start the defence of their Ligue 1 Dier is reported to be content that news conference. “We feel we are season,” Klopp said. nancial terms for the French defender, international had been set to join the crown on the weekend of August 22 and Mourinho has moved him back into cen- in the middle of something not at “It’s obvious City are an out- the Premier League club said. Saliba, Hornets on a fi ve-year deal, but Gueye are expected to play two further pre- tral defence after he was often used as a the end of something. It will be standing team, (Manchester) who signed for Arsenal from St Etienne said last month he would not move to season friendlies. midfi elder under former Tottenham boss the end of something when we United are in outstanding shape last year for a reported 27mn pounds England due to alleged irregularities in Mauricio Pochettino. Dier, who joined fi nish our careers, that’s the end and Chelsea are in really good ($33.42mn), was loaned back to the the agreement. WIGAN FACE 12-POINT from Sporting Lisbon in 2014, still has of this period. When you think shape and doing some inter- French club for the 2019-20 campaign. Watford announced in April Gueye had DEDUCTION AFTER GOING the prospect of a lengthy ban hanging you have reached the pinnacle, esting business so that’s clear. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the signed a pre-contract agreement with INTO ADMINISTRATION over his head following a Football As- you are already on the way down Tottenham will not sleep, Arse- Ligue 1 season was terminated early and the club. Gueye, 21, instead penned a Championship side Wigan will be sociation charge for misconduct after the and we don’t feel that. nal will not sleep, Leicester are the Coupe de France fi nal was moved to four-year contract with Marseille before handed a 12-point deduction after enter- Norwich incident in March. I don’t feel fi nally satisfi ed, there....lots of teams.”

Thursday, July 2, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Guardiola thanks Aubameyang fi res Sane as Bayern move edges closer AFP Arsenal revival as London ep Guardiola yesterday wished Leroy Sane P“all the best”, with the Manchester City winger on the verge of joining Bayern Munich. The clubs are close to Leicester lose again completing a deal, with the Bun- desliga champions reportedly agreeing to pay up to £54.8mn ($68mn). Bournemouth suff er a humiliating 4-1 home defeat by Newcastle Guardiola, speaking at a virtual press conference, said there were AFP still some issues to be ironed out London but the 24-year-old has travelled to his native Germany to com- plete the transfer. Sane scored 39 ierre-Emerick Aubameyang goals in four seasons at City and struck twice as Arsenal climbed played a major part in winning ing but for athletes it is never Pback into contention to qualify back-to-back Premier League ti- enough. The past is the past. for Europe next season with a tles in 2017/18 and 2018/19. What we have done remains in 4-0 thrashing of Norwich, while Leices- The winger has missed almost our soul, in our memories, but ter’s slide continued in a 2-1 defeat at all of this season after suff er- the show must go on.” Everton yesterday. ing knee ligament damage in the Klopp is one of few managers Aubameyang moved alongside Jamie Community Shield in August. to have a winning record over Vardy as the Premier League’s top scorer “I give him a big, big thanks for Guardiola and the Catalan is full on 19 goals on a night of contrasting for- these years together and wish of admiration for what the Liv- tunes for the Golden Boot contenders. him all the best for his new chap- erpool boss has achieved both at Amid speculation that Aubameyang ter at a fantastic club like Bayern Borussia Dortmund and over the wants to leave north London at the end Munich,” said Guardiola, him- last fi ve years at Anfi eld. of the season, he underlined just how self a former Bayern manager. “I “I admire him, the way his important he is to Arsenal’s chances of would have loved him to stay here teams, not just now at Liverpool success under Mikel Arteta. Aubameyang but he has decided to move on.” but when he was at Dortmund, now has 51 Premier League goals in 79 After losing out on the Premier I think this type of football his appearances — and 63 in all competitions League title to Liverpool, City teams produce always is a benefi t — since his move from Borussia Dort- host the newly-crowned cham- for the whole of football,” he said. mund in 2018. The 31-year-old’s dash to pions at the Etihad today. Guar- Guardiola added: “He wants to the half-century beat the previous Arse- diola was asked if the match was win, I want to win, and our teams nal record of 50 goals in 83 games set by a chance to prove they were as want to win but when it is fi n- Thierry Henry. Arsenal are up to seventh good as Jurgen Klopp’s team. ished the game is over, it’s done. place, six points behind sixth-placed “In sport, you have to prove He’s my colleague and of course Wolves, as they try to secure Europa every time,” said the City boss. after my career I want to have League qualifi cation. “We are incredibly satisfi ed with a good relationship with all the Having reached the FA Cup semi-fi nals what we have done and are do- managers.” last weekend, Arsenal’s third succes- sive win in all competitions maintained their revival after losing their fi rst two games of the restart. Norwich, beaten in all three league matches since the restart, Arsenal’s Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scores against Norwich City at the Emirates Stadium in London. (AFP) Aspire student-athletes and are six points from safety and have just six games left to avoid relegation to the him up to make it 3-0. next season. Kelechi Iheanacho’s fortu- Almiron and Valentino Lozaro were on graduates resume training Championship. Matteo Guendouzi, out Cedric Soares signed a four-year deal nate goal as the ball ricocheted in off his target for the Magpies, who were not Doha: Select student-athletes “Ehteraz app” on their mobile of favour with Arteta after some petulant at the Emirates last week without hav- face reduced Leicester’s arrears and they distracted by the ongoing uncertainty and graduates from Aspire phones as well as passing the behaviour on and off the pitch, and Mesut ing played a minute for the Gunners since pressed hard for an equaliser in the clos- around the club over a proposed Saudi Academy are back in train- temperature test. Aspire Acad- Ozil, exiled by the Gunners boss and also joining on loan from Southampton in ing stages. takeover. Bournemouth remain in the ing under strict adherence to emy is taking many precautions suff ering from back soreness, were again January. But the Portuguese right-back Michael Keane’s clearance off the line bottom three and the margin of defeat health and safety procedures in order to ensure safety of stu- absent from Arsenal’s squad. made his debut one to remember with a spared Jordan Pickford’s blushes after could also prove costly as they drop below and precautions approved and dents and coaches. Sport codes But after four successive away games long-range strike nine minutes from time another huge error from the England Aston Villa on goal diff erence into 19th. developed by the Aspire Crisis currently practised in this phase since the restart, Arsenal were back home to round off the scoring. number one. However, defeat means Management Team following of return to training include, at the Emirates Stadium for the fi rst time Leicester are headed in the opposite di- Leicester could drop to fourth should PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS measures in alignment with na- Athletics, squash, table-tennis since March 7 and Aubameyang wel- rection as their winless run since English Chelsea win at West Ham late last night Arsenal 4 (Aubameyang 33, 67, Xhaka tional directives and reference and fencing. comed the return to familiar surround- football’s restart from the coronavirus and the Foxes are now just three points 37, Cedric 81) Norwich 0; Bournemouth to the Ministry of Public Health Hygiene protocols and clear of Manchester United and Wolves ings. Norwich captain Tim Krul did his pandemic stretched to four games. Ri- 1 (Gosling 90) Newcastle 4 (Gayle 5, (MoPH) and World Health specific considerations have side no favours by gifting the opener to charlison and Gylfi Sigurdsson’s penalty in the battle for a place in the Champions S.Longstaff 30, Almiron 57, Lazaro 77); Organization (WHO) safety been made for training sessions Aubameyang when he was caught trying gave Everton the perfect start at Goodi- League next season. Everton 2 ( 10, Sigurdsson 16- guidelines. involving small groups of not to dribble past the Gabon international. son Park. At the bottom of the table, Bourne- Coaches and athletes are more than five athletes per ses- pen) Leicester 1 (Iheanacho 51) Aubameyang turned provider for The Toff ees are yet to lose at home un- mouth also suff ered a huge blow in their only getting access to the sion. In squash only one student Granit Xhaka to make it 2-0 before half- der Carlo Ancelotti and they held on in battle to beat the drop with a humiliating Today’s matches: Sheff ield United v premises and facilities after per court and with own racquet time and was then handed another gift the second half for a vital three points for 4-1 home defeat by Newcastle. Tottenham (1700 GMT), Manchester City showing green code on their is currently allowed. (QNA) when Norwich striker Josip Drmic teed their own ambitions of European football Dwight Gayle, Sean Longstaff , Miguel v Liverpool (1900 GMT)

QNB STARS LEAGUE FOCUS Second round of virus tests completed Generation Amazing, Josoor ll QNB Stars League clubs have completed the second round of Institute and UCFB host fi rst in Acoronavirus tests as per the sched- ule set following each team’s entry into their team hotels, and according to the a new series of webinars general plan and protocol developed ahead of the resumption of 2019-20 season QNB wo FIFA World Cup Stars League. Qatar 2022 legacy pro- Al Arabi were the last team to undergo the Tgrammes – Generation second tests yesterday at their team hotel, Amazing and Josoor In- in co-operation with the Ministry of Public stitute – along with the Univer- Health and Aspetar hospital, having com- sity Campus of Football Business pleted a period of 14 days in hotel. (UCFB) recently teamed up to Al Duhail squad members had completed deliver a webinar about the role the procedures on Tuesday and decided to of sport and learning in support- leave the team hotel for home quarantine, ing youth during the Covid-19 after signing a pledge to adhere to all pre- pandemic. ventive measures stipulated in the general Al Duhail’s Ali Afif undergoes coronavirus test. It was the fi rst in a series of protocol approved by the clubs, players and monthly discussions involv- technical as well as administrative staff . operation with the Ministry of Public Health tests or in the event of a positive result, ing the Supreme Committee for It may be noted that the test process will and Aspetar hospital. If any of the team staff he will become ineligible to participate in Delivery & Legacy programmes, continue periodically, twice a week, in co- fails to do so or does not comply with these training and matches. plus representatives from their strategic partners. Members of the public are invited to join the BOTTOMLINE sessions, which are broadcast on Microsoft Teams. The webinar was the first in a series of monthly discussions involving The fi rst webinar featured the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy programmes, plus Generation Amazing Pro- representatives from their strategic partners. Al-Ansari to participate in AFC general grammes Director, Nasser al- Khori, Josoor Institute’s Business we can be impactful for multiple some of the many issues aff ect- Development Director, Michele demographics going forward.” ing youth both during and likely secretaries’ online conference Petochi, UCFB lecturer, Dr Leo “Partnering with Generation beyond the current pandemic. Watkins, Education Above All’s Amazing and the UCFB is a stra- The shared dialogue with experts he Asian Football Confederation Throughout the Conference, the General Michael Cacich, and Amani al- tegic opportunity for Josoor in in the fi eld helped to provide a (AFC) Member Associations’ & Re- Secretaries will receive valuable insights on Qadi, the founder of Aurora for its leadership in education and sense of clarity of both the chal- Tgional Associations’ general secre- the latest developments in football admin- Training and Development. The training as a Qatar 2022 legacy lenges and opportunities we are taries’ online conference 2020 will istration, particularly a special presentation webinar was moderated by Dr Si- programme,” said Petochi. faced with. As an educational kick off on June 4 with General Secretaries on ‘Match-fi xing in a Post Covid-19 World.’ mon Chadwick, Director, Centre “When it comes to engines of provider we feel a responsibility from the Central and South Zones the fi rst The recently formed AFC Commercial for Eurasian Sport Industry, at learning and community build- to support youth at this unprec- to participate in a four part series which will Department and Safeguarding Unit will also the EM Lyon Business School. ing in support of youth, amidst edented time but also to better see the AFC engage all fi ve zones. share their progress and plans with Razvan Al-Khori said: “We are de- the challenging circumstances of understand their needs. This The purpose of the two-day conference Burleanu, President of the Romanian Foot- lighted that our partners have the Covid-19 pandemic, Josoor is webinar discussion and our part- is to ensure that all Member and Regional ball Federation, Alex Phillips, former UEFA been able to join us in discuss- actively reaching out to its audi- nership with Generation Amaz- Associations are given the opportunity to Head of Asia – Europe Aff airs and Klein- ing the importance of working to ence by making its research con- ing and Josoor Institute provide a benefi t from the resources, expertise and mann Wang, Sports Business Advisors CEO fi nd ways in which we can con- tent available online and hosting great springboard for doing this.” programmes established by the AFC and to Anter Issac among this year’s esteemed tinue to support communities in regular online sessions which are The next webinar in the se- further strengthen engagement. cally designed for General Secretaries, and line-up of high-level speakers. a time of hardship through sport open to the public. We are also ries will focus on the Generation QFA general secretary Mansour for the fi rst time this year will include the The two-day series will continue to make for development and educational developing a future e-diploma Amazing core value of inclusion al-Ansari will feature in the conference by senior leadership from the AFC’s Regional its way across the Continent with the East programming. “The session has programme in sports and events and is planned to take place on presenting on best MA practices and long- Associations as part of eff orts to further Zone Conference scheduled to take place on resulted in much valuable dia- management.” 23 July. The speakers will be an- term strategic goals. The conference is an enhance the spirit of partnership within the June 11, Asean Zone on June 25 and fi nally for logue on how we can centre our Watkins said: “This was a nounced in due course. extension of the yearly programme specifi - Asian football family. the West Zone on June 30. eff orts together in ensuring that valuable opportunity to discuss (qatar2022.qa)