Buffon breaks Serie A appearances record SUNday, JULY 5, 2020 page 13 Bottas upstages Hamilton to take opening pole of the season

Austrian Grand Prix qualifying times Q3 1. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) 1:02.939, 2. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1:02.951, 3. Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull-Honda) 1:03.477, 4. Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren-Renault) 1:03.626, 5. Alexander Albon (THA/ Red Bull-Honda) 1:03.868, 6. Sergio Perez (MEX/Racing Point-Mercedes) 1:03.868, 7. Charles Leclerc (MON/ Ferrari) 1:03.923, 8. Carlos Sainz (ESP/McLaren-Renault) 1:03.971, 9. Lance Stroll (CAN/Racing Point- Mercedes) 1:04.029, 10. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Renault) 1:04.239

Eliminated in Q2 11. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari) 1:04.206, 12. Pierre Gasly (FRA/Toro Rosso-Honda) 1:04.305, 13. Daniil Kvyat (RUS/Toro Rosso-Honda) 1:04.431, 14. Esteban Ocon (FRA/Renault) 1:04.643, 15. Romain Grosjean Mercedes’ Finnish driver (FRA/Haas-Ferrari) 1:04.691 Valtteri Bottas steers his car during the second Eliminated in Q1 16. Kevin Magnussen (DEN/Haas-Ferrari) 1:05.164, 17. George Russell (GBR/Williams-Mercedes) 1:05.167, practice session at the 18. Antonio Giovinazzi (ITA/Alfa Romeo Racing-Ferrari) 1:05.175, 19. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Alfa Romeo Racing- Austrian Formula One Ferrari) 1:05.224, 20. Nicholas Latifi (CAN/Williams-Mercedes) 1:07.757 Grand in Spielberg, Austria, on Saturday. (AFP)

AFP been waiting for a long time - we second Williams in Saturday should make up some ground Spielberg bei Knittelfeld (Austria) seem to be in our own league.” morning’s third and final prac- tomorrow in the race...” Hamilton said: “A great job tice session, was 20th - a tough Out with Vettel, in his fi- Valtteri Bottas survived a by Valtteri and it’s a great start baptism for the rookie on a day nal Ferrari season, went the high-speed spin as he upstaged to the season. I think we show of encouragement for the ‘up for Alpha Tauri paid Pierre Gasly Mercedes team-mate Lewis year on year that we are the best sale’ Williams team. and Daniil Kvyat ahead of Hamilton with a sizzling display team - because we are open- Bottas and Hamilton were two Frenchmen Renault’s Saturday to claim pole position minded, keep with the times first out on track for Q2 ahead Esteban Ocon and Romain for Sunday’s delayed season- and nobody is too stubborn to of Stroll, the ‘black arrows’ Grosjean of Haas. opening Austrian Grand Prix. admit they are wrong.” running on softs while behind Verstappen was eighth, but The Finnish driver out- Max Verstappen was third them, when he emerged, Ver- slowed on his final lap on softs paced the six-time champion for Red Bull, half a second adrift stappen took to medium com- to ensure he starts Sunday’s with a best lap in qualifying in of the two newly-painted ‘black pound tyres. race on medium tyres, a tactical one minute and 2.939 seconds arrows’ cars whose dominating The champion quickly set decision to enhance the team’s and then survived an ‘off’ into performance delivered a 65th the pace in 1:03.325, two-tenths race strategy. the gravel and a spin on his fi- front row lock out for the team, clear of Bottas while Verstap- When the top-ten shootout nal lap to remain 0.012 seconds equalling Ferrari’s record. pen, seeking a hat-trick of Aus- began, Bottas topped Hamilton clear of the Briton. “I’m happy to be P3,” said trian triumphs was adrift by on the first runs by one-tenth in It was Bottas’ third pole at Verstappen. “But we have a dif- seven-tenths. 1:02.939 with Verstappen third the Austrian Grand Prix and the ferent tyre -- so it’s going to be Albon, in the second Red by six-tenths - suggesting it was 12th of his career, a feat that fol- interesting.” Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton (right) congratulates Mercedes’ Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas after the Bull pushed four-time cham- an in-team scrap for pole for the lowed Hamilton’s clean sweep Lando Norris was an im- qualifying round at the Austrian Formula One Grand Prix in Spielberg, Austria, on Saturday. (AFP) pion Sebastian Vettel out of the two Mercedes men. of the three practice sessions on pressive fourth for McLaren top ten in his Ferrari. On his second run, Bottas Friday and Saturday morning. ahead of Alex Albon in the sec- ahead of his future team-mate in the Styrian Alps, Verstappen the improved Williams team, The German’s team-mate ran into a gravel trap at Turn “It feels really good - I’ve ond Red Bull and Sergio Perez Carlos Sainz in the second shone in Q1 before Mercedes and Antonio Giovinazzi and his Charles Leclerc scrambled Four and then spun across the missed this feeling,” said Bottas. who was sixth in Racing Point’s McLaren, Lance Stroll in the found their rhythm. Five drivers Alfa Romeo team-mate Kimi through in 10th. “That’s crazy,” grass as he rejoined, flinging de- “The qualifying shakes! It’s ‘pink Mercedes’. second Racing Point and Daniel were eliminated led by Kevin Raikkonen. he reacted. “It’s a surprise. I bris asunder. Hamilton was un- something special when you Charles Leclerc was a dis- Ricciardo of Renault. Magnussen of Haas, in 16th Canadian Nicholas Latifi, thought we had more in hand able to take advantage and had push the car to the limit and I’ve appointed seventh for Ferrari On a warm, sunlit afternoon along with George Russell for who crashed heavily in the than that,” said Vettel. “But we to settle for second.

From the Bull Ring ‘Exciting times’ as five-goal Man Utd thrash Bournemouth Delighted Norris stunned by career-best fourth spot qualifying Fernandes stepped aside to let Climb to Premier Rashford net for the first time SPIELBERG: Lando Norris secured a career-best since January. fourth place on the grid for McLaren for the League top four Martial completed the set season-opening Austrian Grand Prix abd admit- with a stunning strike from ted he had exceeded his own expectations. The AFP outside the box to reach the 20-year-old Briton qualified behind the pace- Manchester 20 goals mark for the first setting Mercedes pairing of pole sitter Valtteri time in his career. Bottas and six-time champion Lewis Hamilton Marcus Rashford believes The game appeared to be and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, but ahead of these are “exciting times” for over at the break, but a sloppy both Ferraris and other strong rivals including Manchester United after the start from United presented Racing Point’s speedy ‘pink Mercedes’ cars. team scored five goals in a Bournemouth with a route back “We had our expectations of where we thought we wanted to be and Premier League match at Old into the game. from the very beginning the Racing Points have clearly been extremely Trafford for the first time since Eric Bailly replaced Victor quick,” said Norris, who is embarking on his second F1 season. “We 2011 to thrash Bournemouth Lindelof at half-time and the never thought we’d be in a chance of beating them or getting close to 5-2 and move into the top four Ivorian handled as he tried to them so we are delighted with this and with the car performance. (AFP) on Saturday. control a loose pass from Ne- Rashford and Anthony manja Matic. Martial took their tallies for Josh King, who was a the season to 20, but they were United target in January as All tests negative Leclerc admits upstaged by two more stun- Solskjaer desperately looked SPIELBERG: All coronavirus Ferrari struggles ning strikes by teenager Mason for cover for the then-injured tests ahead of the season- ‘crazy’ Greenwood. Rashford, dispatched the opening Austrian Grand Prix The front three with an av- penalty and moments later have returned negative, SPIELBERG: Twelve months after erage age of 21 have now com- Bournemouth had the ball in Formula One said on Saturday. claiming a dramatic pole position bined for 55 goals this season. the net again only for Arnaut “The FIA and Formula 1 can at the Red Bull Ring, Charles “It’s definitely an exciting Manchester United’s English striker Mason Greenwood (left) shoots to scores one of his two goals against Danjuma to be flagged offside. today confirm that between Leclerc on Saturday struggled time,” Rashford told BT Sport. Bournemouth at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, on Saturday. (AFP) As in the first half, Unit- Friday 26th June and Thursday to secure seventh on the grid “We are all in goalscoring form; ed’s response was quick 2nd July, 4,032 drivers, teams for Ferrari - and admitted it was Mason has been on fire,A n- a game for the fans definitely, and emphatic. Greenwood and personnel were tested “crazy”. The Monegasque driver, thony has been on fire. They’ve it’s one that the Stretford End smashed home his 15th goal for Covid-19. Of these, zero whose brilliant first season with been brilliant all season and it’s would enjoy.” “It’s definitely an of the season on his suppos- people have tested positive,” the team in 2019 led them to important to push on now.” The only other concern for exciting time. We are edly weaker right foot to re- F1 said on Twitter. Practice decide not to offer four-time world Victory takes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was a few defensive all in goalscoring form.” store a two-goal lead. started Friday, qualifying is champion Sebastian Vettel a new Solskjaer’s men a point above lapses from a side that had kept Fernandes, the Portuguese later Saturday and the first contract for 2021, said Ferrari’s Chelsea into fourth as they 11 clean sheets in their previous - Marcus Rashford midfielder took his tally to sev- race on Sunday. problems at the delayed season- extended an unbeaten run 15 matches without defeat. en goals in 14 games by hooking F1 has imposed a strict opening Austrian Grand Prix were stretching back to January to Harry Maguire and Da- a free-kick in at Aaron Rams- hygiene protocol for everyone worse than expected. 16 games. vid de Gea were at fault for dale’s near post. involved in the races behind Team boss Mattia Binotto The Norwegian was de- the only points the Red Devils closed doors. There is frequent had warned before flying to lighted with another display have dropped since the Premier Results: Manchester United coronavirus testing, teams Austria that Ferrari had decided to of attacking football the sides League’s restart in a 1-1 draw at 5 (Mason Greenwood 29’, are to live in bubbles and only re-design the SF1000 car with a he played in under Alex Fer- Tottenham. 54’; Marcus Rashford 35’ pen; essential staff allowed to the package of aerodynamic upgrades guson would have been proud Both were culpable again as Anthony Martial 45+2’, Bruno tracks. So far eight races, all to be introduced at the third race of, but was disappointed that Junior Stanislas nutmegged the Fernandes 59’) bt Bournemouth in Europe and including double- in Hungary later this month. But no fans were inside Old Traf- world’s most expensive defend- 2 (Junior Stanislas 16’, Joshua headers in Austria and Britain, both drivers were surprised how ford to see it. er and then fired in at De Gea’s King 49’ pen) have been scheduled but F1 relatively uncompetitive they “The energy in the team, near post completely against Leicester City 3 (Kelechi Ihea- officials hope to have a season were - Leclerc squeezing through the goals we score, the will and the run of play on 16 minutes. turned the game around. get United back on track. nacho 49’; Jamie Vardy 77’, with at least 15 grands prix. The to take seventh on the grid while intent to go forward, it’s just Those errors were not as Greenwood’s star is rising The hosts were then gifted 90+4’) bt Crystal Palace 0 campaign was originally to start Vettel was 11th after missing the too bad we couldn’t get the fans costly this time as Greenwood, fast and the 18-year-old blasted a second by Adam Smith’s Wolves 0 lost to Arsenal 1 in March in Australia. (AFP) top-ten shootout. (AFP) inside,” said Solskjaer. “That’s Martial and Rashford quickly home from Fernandes’s pass to handball inside the area and (Bukayo Saka 43’). Sports Sunday, July 5, 2020 13 Buffon breaks Serie A appearances record Juventus move 7 points clear at the top of the table AFP It was the eighth Serie A half injury-time. Milan appearance this campaign for Simone Verdi was denied Buffon, with Polish interna- an equaliser early in the sec- Gianluigi Buffon set a new tional Wojciech Szczesny usu- ond half by the linesman’s Serie A appearances record on ally the defending champions’ flag, butR onaldo put the game Saturday as Juventus beat To- number one. to bed in the 61st minute with rino 4-1 in the Turin derby to The record comes 25 a brilliant free-kick. move seven points clear at the years after Buffon made his It was the first time the top of the table. Serie A debut for Parma and five-time Ballon d’Or winner The 42-year-old goalkeeper 19 years after he first signed had scored a free-kick in Serie Buffon passed the previous for Juventus. A and it was his 25th league record of 647 appearances he The hosts wasted little goal of the campaign, making jointly held with AC Milan great time in taking the lead as Pau- the Portuguese the first Juven- Paolo Maldini as he started the lo Dybala put them ahead in tus player to achieve that feat game at the Allianz Stadium. the third minute with an excel- since Omar Sivori in the 1960- Cristiano Ronaldo was lent individual goal, collecting 61 season. among the scorers, becoming Juan Cuadrado’s pass before Juve were not done there the first Juve player to score jinking past two defenders and and made it four with three 25 Serie A goals in a season firing a left-footed shot into minutes remaining as To- in 59 years, as Maurizio Sar- the roof of the net. rino defender Koffi Djidji put ri’s men moved further clear The advantage was dou- through his own net. of second-placed Lazio, who bled just before the half-hour Torino remain 15th in the host in-form AC Milan later mark as Ronaldo charged table, six points above the rel- on Saturday. forward before laying the ball egation zone with eight match- Buffon, who spent last off for Cuadrado to drill a low es to play. season at French club Paris drive into the bottom corner. Saint-Germain before rejoin- Torino gave themselves Scoreline: Juventus 4 (Dybala ing Juve this term, signed a hope when Andrea Belotti 3, Cuadrado 29, Ronaldo 61, Juventus’ Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon concedes a penalty during the Serie A match Juventus against Torino played behind one-year contract extension scored a penalty past Buffon Djidji 87-og) bt Torino 1 (Belotti closed doors at the Juventus stadium in Turin, Italy, on Saturday. (AFP) earlier this week. in the sixth minute of first- 45+6-pen). Al Annabi’s training camp concludes Messi doubts QNA for their discipline during the Doha training camp. reflect chaos The coaching staff led by The Qatari football national Felix Sanchez worked on im- first team concluded on Sat- proving the players’ fitness urday their training camp that level. They were divided into at Barcelona began on June 12. This follows separate group to maintain the suspension of football wit- safe distancing, which is one director Eric Abidal appeared nessed all around the world as of the precautionary measures Reports say the to blame the players for the a result of the novel coronavi- required by the Ministry of sacking of Ernesto Valverde rus (COVID-19) pandemic. Public Health. There will also star is planning in January. The camp took place in co- tactical sessions in addition to to leave the club He also led the fightback ordination with league teams. group training. from the players over the dis- Players underwent training The training camp was the AFP pute with the board in March that remained in line with the first of its kind in the world for Madrid regarding pay cuts during the health protocols required by an international team. A total coronavirus pandemic. the Ministry of Public Health of 34 players took part in the Barcelona may be about “We cannot help but be sur- and the designated authorities training in preparation for the to lose the league but losing prised that from within the club to contain the coronavirus. 2023 Asian Cup qualifiers. Lionel Messi would be much there are those trying to put us President of the Qatar Qatar will meet in Group The training camp was the first of its kind in the harder to stomach. under the microscope or apply Football Association (QFA) E with India, and Bangladesh world for an international team. A total of 34 Messi’s contract is due to pressure for us to do something Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin on October 8 and 13, in addi- players took part in the training in preparation expire next year and the Argen- that we have always been clear Ahmed Al Thani thanked the tion to meeting with Oman on for the 2023 Asian Cup qualifiers. tinian has reportedly stopped that we would do,” said Messi. coaching staff and the players November 12. talks due to frustrations with Barcelona’s presidential the direction of the club. elections are due to be held in “Messi is planning to leave 2021, when Bartomeu will have Barca,” Spanish radio Cadena to step aside. Ser said on Thursday. Among those set to run is Saka’s first Premier League goal keeps Arsenal in Euro race “Right now, Messi’s idea is Victor Font, who wants to ap- to finish his contract in 2021 point Messi’s former team- AFP chester United with five games ing for the Champions League the first Wolves had conceded and leave Barcelona. Messi mate Xavi Hernandez as coach. Wolverhampton left. The Gunners remain a were hit by their first defeat in in 448 minutes stretching has stalled on the extension Yet Barca’s form, as well long shot to reach next sea- four games since the restart back to their win at Totten- of his contract. Negotiations as suggestions of unrest in the Arsenal climbed back into son’s Champions League, but and they now sit three points ham on March 1. had started very well, with a dressing room, have placed the race to qualify for the if second placed Manchester behind Manchester United. Wolves striker Raul Jime- good understanding between scrutiny on Setien’s job in the Champions League as Bukayo City’s continental ban is up- The visitors took the lead nez appealed in vain for a pen- the two parties, but recent short-term. Saka’s first PremierL eague held, a fifth placefinish would two minutes before half- alty when Cedric Soares made events have made Messi re- He has a contract until goal inspired a crucial 2-0 win secure a place in Europe’s elite time when Willy Boly mis- contact with him as they chal- Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka consider everything.” 2022, with a break clause in against Wolves on Saturday. club competition. judged the bounce and Au- lenge for Traore’s cross. celebrates scoring the opening Asked about suggestions 2021, but it remains to be seen Mikel Arteta’s side made it Just days after Saka signed bameyang touched it on to The introduction of substi- goal agianst Wolverhampton Messi plans to leave Barce- if he is in charge for next season, three successive league victo- a new long-term contract Kieran Tierney. Tierney’s de- tute Diogo Jota lifted Wolves Wanderers on Saturday. (AFP) lona, coach Quique Setien or even the Champions League ries thanks to Saka’s first half with the club, the 18-year-old flected cross reached Saka and and the midfielder had a goal- said on Saturday: “I won’t in August. strike and a late Alexandre underlined the potential of he hooked a fine finish past bound shot blocked by Luiz. duction. The French forward speculate about this because “I have experienced it other Lacazette goal at Molineux. Arsenal’s emerging crop of Rui Patricio from 12 yards. Lacazette came off the took Joe Willock’s pass and I haven’t heard from him so times,” said Setien, when asked Arsenal are now six points academy graduates. Saka’s fourth goal of the bench to wrap up the points drove a clinical strike past Rui I’m not aware of him saying about the uncertainty. “It is not behind fourth placed Man- Wolves’ hopes of qualify- season in all competitions was three minutes after his intro- Patricio in the 86th minute. anything. something I can control. This “I see him well, everything the circus that we are in and we else is speculation that I won’t accept it. “I don’t exhaust my- get involved in. We speak about self by reading or listening to Epsom Derby what we have to speak about the noise around me.” and nothing else.” Xavi replacing Setien Barcelona play away would reinvigorate Messi, at in-form Villarreal on and perhaps the team, but Serpentine gives O’Brien record eighth win Sunday evening. Real the Spaniard is unlikely Madrid could by then to take charge while ble about his achievement -- “Surreal empty stands and have extended their Bartomeu is still in he had earlier won the Oaks I did not hear a sound from lead at the top of the ta- place. That means with Love. behind me all race,” said the ble. They face Athletic Bil- Xavi would have “The big races it is incred- 30-year-old McNamara. bao a few hours earlier. to wait at least ibly satisfying when they do “All I heard was the horse Real manager Zinedine another year. win,” said O’Brien via Zoom. breathing. I think I am about Zidane was asked about Mes- Messi’s “They are so difficult to to wake up from doing a piece si’s potential departure on reluctance to make them happen. of work on the gallops! “I got a Thursday. continue con- “It is such a long road from little bit of a freebie. “I don’t know what tract negotia- the breeding process to the “Aidan said go your own will happen but we tions could be present time. Everyone is so tempo give him a breather and hope not because he a political ploy important and you never re- then keep going. He was right.” is in this league aimed at un- ally expect anything. ‘Roared the house down!’ -Mc- and we want dermining the “You do your best and Namara, who comes from a rac- the best in current board when it happens you accept ing family, had finished second this league,” further. But the result.” O’Brien said Ser- in the Irish Derby last weekend said Zidane. at 33, he also pentine’s performance did not but was more than delighted Messi said in Feb- does not have surprise him like it did those with the ‘consolation’ prize. ruary he did not be- time to waste. who had been able to watch Two outsiders filled the lieve Barcelona Unless Barce- on course – a stunned si- other placings with 50/1 shot could win the lona unexpectedly lence greeted the winner as he Khalifa Sat second and an- Champions League go all the way next passed the winning post. other of O’Brien’s six runners on current form. month, it will be “I was always convinced of Amhran Na Bfiann wasthird at The 33-year-old five years since the his ability and that he would stay 66/1. The 22-year-old had been has also had regular world’s best player Jockey Emmet McNamara rides Serpentine to victory in the Derby Stakes at the Epsom Derby Festival, and young Emmett gave him replaced on him by the legend- disagreements with the has won the Cham- London, on Saturday. The Epsom Derby and Oaks are being run on the same day for the first time in a cracking ride,” said O’Brien, ary Frankie Dettori because of club’s board, headed by pions League. Both history on Saturday after being postponed from June due to the coronavirus pandemic. (AFP) who could round off a memo- the latter’s greater experience. president Josep Maria Bar- Messi and Eu- rable weekend even by his lofty In the end English King tomeu. rope’s elite clubs AFP deserted stands due to the cor- in Ireland. standards with the French Der- was left floundering finishing Messi reacted pub- will be aware he London onavirus pandemic. Serpentine led from start by/Oaks double on Sunday. fifth one place behind favour- licly when sporting deserves better. Although trainers are per- to finish to giveE mmet McNa- McNamara had to pinch ite Kameko. Dettori will have Serpentine sprang a huge mitted on course 50-year-old mara his first win in the race at himself after passing the post to wait another year to see if he Barcelona’s Argentine forward Lionel Messi walks off the pitch at the surprise to give trainer Aidan O’Brien was not there to ex- 25/1 leaving the better fancied 5 1/2 lengths clear especially can add a third Derby which end of the Spanish League match against Club Atletico de Madrid at O’Brien a record eighth Epsom perience history in the making contenders toiling in his wake. as it was his first win since last would give him at least three the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on Tuesday. (AFP) Derby on Saturday in front of and watched from his stables O’Brien was typically hum- October. wins in all the English classics. 14 Sunday, July 5, 2020 Sports Moeen, Bairstow miss out on England squad for WI opener Frances Tiafoe of US during the DraftKings All-American Team AFP Cup in Atlanta, Georgia, London on Friday. (AFP) Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow were both left out Tiafoe joins of England’s 13-man squad announced on Saturday for list of tennis next week’s first Test against the West Indies, with nei- ther experienced player even Dom Bess in stars testing among a list of nine reserves. Off-spinner Moeen had for behind positive made himself available for Test cricket again after taking closed doors AFP a break from the red-ball game. Paris But although Moeen series-opener at was included in England’s Frances Tiafoe on Saturday 30-strong training squad, Southampton joined the list of tennis players England went with incum- from July 8 England v West Indies fixtures to contract coronavirus, pulling bent off-spinner Dom Bess, out of an exhibition in Atlanta who impressed during a vic- July 08-12: 1st Test, Ageas Bowl, Southampton organised by former top 10 play- torious tour of South Africa, er John Isner who had contro- as their specialist slow bowl- July 16-20: 2ns Test, Old Trafford, Manchester versially dismissed critics of the er for the behind closed doors tournament as “coronabros”. series-opener at Southamp- July 24-28: 3rd Test, Old Trafford, Manchester Ranked 81st in the ATP ton starting on July 8. rankings, Tiafoe said he had It was a similar story a modest 30 in his 14 Tests seam-bowling all-rounder. tested negative in Florida with wicketkeeper-batsman to date and he may need a Uncapped batsman Dan last week before travelling to Bairstow, who like Moeen significant score at Hamp- Lawrence is among a stand- Georgia where around 450 may be set for more of a shire’s headquarters if he is by list that also includes Sur- spectators have been watching white-ball role as England to keep his place, with Root rey left-arm paceman Sam the eight-man event each day. try to cram in a full interna- set to return for the final two Curran, who tested negative “Unfortunately, I tested pos- tional fixture despite losing matches of the series at Old for COVID-19 after illness itive late Friday for COVID-19 several months of their home Trafford. on Wednesday ruled him out and have to withdraw from the season to the coronavirus Veteran new-ball bowlers of the last two days of Eng- All-American Team Cup spe- pandemic. Off-spinner Dom Bess had impressed during a victorious tour of South Africa. James Anderson and Stuart land’s lone three-day intra- cial event this weekend,” the Bairstow’s fate for this Broad are among a group of squad warm-up match at 22-year-old posted on Twitter. match was effectively sealed after it was confirmed regu- serves, with Ben Foakes the set to provide England with five seamers in the 13, along Southampton this week. “Over the past two months, when fellow wicket-keeper lar skipper Joe Root would back-up wicketkeeper. their top four in Root’s ab- with Barbados-born Jo- Next week’s Test will be I have been training in Florida and World Cup winner Jos miss the first Test to attend sence as Stokes, the longtime fra Archer, Mark Wood and a landmark occasion given and tested negative there as Buttler, the current Test the birth of his second child. Denly retained vice-captain, leads the side Chris Woakes. it is set to mark the return recently as a week ago.” gloveman, was named as And there was no place Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Zak for the first time. But only three are likely to of international cricket from On the eve of the tourna- vice-captain to Ben Stokes for Bairstow among the re- Crawley and Joe Denly are Denly, however, averages play given Stokes is himself a lockdown. ment, Isner had lashed out at sceptics who claimed it could not be held safely. “You coronabros can stay in your basement all you want. Australian cricketers reach Pope confident England I choose to live my life and play/promote the sport I love compromise on pay row in a safe manner,” he said. can thrive without fans Fellow US player Sachia AFP Association (ACA), which rep- Vickery responded Saturday: Sydney resents players, rejected the ‘Really up for it’ Fellow specialist batsmen “Now would be a great time to forecasts as hasty and issued “When we have big crowds in Rory Burns, Dom Sibley and RIP this tweet for good...” A potential pay dispute be- the governing body with a no- and the Barmy Army are here Zak Crawley all spent time at Tiafoe’s announcement tween Cricket Australia (CA) tice of dispute, which could it is amazing but we’ll still be the crease while all-rounder follows the slew of players who and players was averted Satur- have led to a court standoff. playing Test cricket and it’s Stokes hit three sixes in a Matt contracted COVID-19 after ap- day after the governing body But CA on Saturday agreed still the pinnacle,” he said. Parkinson over during his pearing at Novak Djokovic’s withdrew a contentious pro- to postpone its projections un- “Even if there’s not a single 33 not out before a draw was exhibition event in the Bal- jection of financial losses from til it had a clearer idea of the person in the crowd it’s still agreed. kans last month. the coronavirus pandemic. financial impact of the pan- what we all dreamt of doing. World number one Djoko- The decision to “reset” ne- demic. In turn, the ACA with- There will still be the same Curran tests negative vic, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna gotiations follows the resig- draw its notice of dispute. nerves in the morning because Perhaps the most encour- Coric and Viktor Troicki all nation last month of CA chief “Today’s agreement is a so much rides on it,” added the aging news for England on tested positive at an Adria executive Kevin Roberts, with significant step forward in Ollie Pope had excelled with the bat scoring an unbeaten ton in 22-year-old. Friday came from off the field Tour where social distancing his interim replacement Nick cricket’s response to the chal- England’s three-day intra-squad warm-up match. “When that Test match when Pope’s Surrey colleague was at a minimum. Hockley vowing to repair rela- lenges presented by the COV- starts up, crowd or no crowd, Tom Curran tested negative Alexander Zverev, who tions between the two sides. ID-19 pandemic and should AFP England got a taste of what you are going to be really up for COVID-19. tested negative in the Balkans, The body in June forecast provide our stakeholders with London to expect while playing a three- for it.” Curran had spent Thurs- was then blasted as selfish for revenues would fall by nearly renewed clarity and confidence day intra-squad practice match England fast bowler day’s play self-isolating in his partying despite promising to 50 percent in the 2020-21 about the summer ahead,” CA at Hampshire’s headquarters, Mark Wood tried to compen- on-site hotel room after feel- self-isolate. financial year despite the said in a statement. England batsman (Oliver) between a side led by Jos But- sate for the absence of any ing unwell the previous night. Organisers of the event pandemic hitting in the off- “Calculating revenue pro- Ollie Pope is adamant the tler and one captained by stand- fans at one point during the But the all-rounder was in Florida reacted to Tiafoe’s season and India’s lucrative jections 12 months ahead dur- absence of fans will have no in Test skipper Ben Stokes, that warm-up game with a solo able to watch Friday’s final news on social media, saying Test tour this year still set to ing a once-in-a-century pan- bearing on England’s inten- ended on Friday in a draw. rendition of ‘Jerusalem’, the session from pitch-side. that he and all the other play- go ahead. demic has not been without sity when they face the West There have been sugges- team’s theme song, while “I think we were trying to ers were tested on their arrival Australian players, both its challenges, but we believe Indies in next week’s first Test. tions the silence could be waving a flag as the teams focus on the cricket but I don’t in Atalanta and subjected to men and women, operate we have arrived at a position The Ageas Bowl will be broken by piping in crowd walked out to play. know how you deal with those daily temperature tests. under a revenue-sharing ar- that provides all parties with devoid of any spectators on noise or having music play “I hope he does it again, it situations,” Pope said of Cur- “Tiafoe has left the event rangement and faced a sig- greater certainty about how to health grounds when interna- between overs, as can happen was outstanding. He’s got the ran’s health scare. site and will not participate in nificant knock-on effect in the navigate the next year.” tional cricket returns for the in one-day games. But Pope, voice of an angel,” said Pope. “It’s good he tested nega- the remainder of the event. We amount of money distributed ACA chief executive first time since the global coro- who made an unbeaten 55 on Pope’s 50 was one of sev- tive for the virus and he’s feel- will continue to diligently en- to their payment pool, which Alistair Nicholson said the navirus pandemic on Wednes- Friday, said the fundamentals eral promising innings on Fri- ing a lot better and ready to go. force all guidelines from local is a fixed percentage. “’reset’ is both welcome and day’s opening day of a three- that come with representing day, with seven more players It was nice to see him back out health officials.” The Australian Cricketers sensible”. match series. your country had not altered. passing 30. there today.” Chinese badminton superstar Lin Dan calls it quits at 36

AFP round exits at tournaments. Praise Shanghai The end of the two-time Lin always said he was de- As of Saturday afternoon, a Olympic champion termined to reach the Tokyo hashtag on Weibo about Lin’s China’s two-time Olympic ‘Super Dan’s’ glorious Olympics, but his ranking of retirement had been read at champion Lin Dan, arguably career comes just over a 19 in the world and the post- least 51 million times and the greatest badminton player year after the retirement ponement of the Games made praise for him poured in. of all time, announced his re- of his great rival and that dream unlikely. Bao Chunlai, who formerly tirement on Saturday aged 36. friend, the Malaysian At Rio 2016 Lin lost in the represented China in badmin- It means that Lin, who won semi-finals toL ee in what was ton, said Lin’s retirement took gold at the Beijing 2008 and star Lee Chong Wei. a rare victory for the Malay- him by surprise. London 2012 Games, will not sian on the biggest stage of all. “It’s somewhat sudden, compete at the 2020 Tokyo “My family, coaches, team- Lin said on Saturday his but understandable,” he wrote Olympics, which have been mates and fans have accompa- body would not allow him to on Weibo. pushed back to next summer nied me through many peaks plough on in the unlikely pur- “The last person of that because of coronavirus. and difficult troughs,” he said suit of a third Games gold. generation who persevered The end of Lin’s glorious in a post on China’s Twitter- “’Persevere’, I said to my- has also walked to the ‘end’. career comes just over a year like Weibo that quickly went self in every moment of suffer- “My feelings are mixed. All after the retirement of his viral. ing, so that my sporting career the best, brother. The future great rival and friend, the Ma- “Every forceful jump was a could be prolonged,” he wrote will be better.” laysian star Lee Chong Wei. desire for victory. on Weibo. Lin’s wife Xie Xingfang, The duo reigned over bad- “I have dedicated every- “Rather than simply pur- also a former badminton world minton for more than a decade thing to this sport I love.” suing rankings as I did when champion, wrote online: “The and have only relinquished Lee called his nemesis Lin I was younger, in these years, 20 years we have walked with that hold in recent years as “my greatest opponent”. I have been wanting to chal- each other.... will continue. their powers waned. “Please believe that the Lin Dan of China (left) with team-mates after winning the men’s badminton singles final at the 2008 lenge the physical limits of an “Let us work hard togeth- Lin, who had something of laughter, tears and all the Beijing Olympic Games. (AFP) ‘old’ athlete and practise the er.” a “bad boy” reputation during promises are unforgettable di- sporting spirit that I will never Lin’s reputation was badly his younger days and has sever- ary entries,” the 37-year-old golds, Lin was also a five-time “Super Dan” at the peak of juries took their toll. give up. tainted in China in 2016 after al tattoos – unusual for Chinese Lee wrote on Weibo. world champion and long- his career. However, the left- Just last year he rebuffed “(But) my physical abilities it emerged he had an affair athletes – ends with 666 singles “Proud of you,” he added. time world number one. hander’s career has tailed off claims that he was about to re- and pain no longer allow me to while Xie was pregnant. He wins and a glut of medals. As well as the Olympic He earned the nickname in recent years as age and in- tire following a series of first- fight alongside my team-mates.” apologised.