NBA | Page 3 ESPORTS | Page 6 Shaq urges NBA Soud al-Thani, to ‘scrap the Saeed al-Sulaiti season’ amid impress in virus concerns round one

Tuesday, May 12, 2020 CYCLING Ramadan 19, 1441 AH Road race champ GULF TIMES Van der Breggen to retire after Olympics SPORT Page 5

MOTORSPORT SPOTLIGHT No elite sport in England until at least Al-Attiyah’s new June 1: government

Reuters hoped to resume behind closed London, United Kingdom doors later this month. The government guidance con- cerning the easing of restrictions lite sport in England can- on elite sport is laid out in “step routine involves a not return until at least two” of the document, and will be June 1 and will have to made no earlier than June 1. Etake place without spec- Step two includes “permitting tators present, a government cultural and sporting events to document containing guidelines take place behind closed doors on easing lockdown restrictions for broadcast while avoiding the said yesterday. risk of large-scale social con- gaming simulator Most professional sport in tact,” the guidelines say. England has been suspended The resumption of elite sport since March due to the Covid-19 is contingent on the most up-to- Rally-raid star spends his time at home focussing on fitness and family relations pandemic. date assessment of the risk posed English Premier League clubs by the virus and the June 1 date By Sports Reporter are meeting on Monday to discuss will be delayed if certain condi- Doha Project Restart, which aims for tions are not met. top-flight football to resume next Reopening venues such as month. and rugby au- sports grounds “may only be atari star Nasser al- thorities in England have said their fully possible significantly later Attiyah has recently sports will not resume until July. depending on the reduction in been adjusting to a The news however, is a blow to numbers of infections”, the doc- Qnew routine. With British horse racing, which had ument adds. more time now being spent at home, it is important for the three-time Dakar Rally Cham- pion to maintain his fitness and La Liga aiming for June 12 focus throughout the break. “Staying at home, I’m work- restart: president ing on the physical side just to Reuters measures to protect health,” be prepared for once things get Madrid, Spain Tebas told Spanish television back to normal. There’s plenty network Movistar on Sunday. to do and it’s important to keep Tebas confirmed all matches yourself busy,” says al-Attiyah, a Liga president Javier will take place without specta- the three-time Dakar champion Tebas has said he hopes tors. He also said fixtures and Olympic shooting medal- LSpanish soccer will resume would be spread out so that list. on June 12 after being halted for there are matches every day. Quality time is meaningful to over three months due to the “Now that we are not going to the Qatari champion, especially coronavirus pandemic. have fans in the stadiums we when surrounded by supportive All clubs in Spain’s top two divi- are going to have some innova- family members. With a Gaming sions began testing players for tive ideas for broadcasting the Unit setup at the family farm- the virus last week and many games,” Tebas added. “There’s house, al-Attiyah is excited to including La Liga champions going to be football every day participate with his brothers in Barcelona started individual once La Liga returns.” new activities. training, the second step of the The league reported on Sun- “I’m always around family now, league’s four-phase protocol day that five players across the especially my brothers. I have six simulators. As a veteran of rally Middle East, also the 24-hours ence can give al-Attiyah a new Recently I have been watching for returning to action. Real two divisions had tested posi- brothers and there is a lot that and racing, he has had many and 6-hour races in Nurburgring perspective on his technique and and reflecting on how I managed Madrid resume individual tive for the virus and had been we get to talk about. I get a lot of encounters with virtual experi- Germany. I used simulators to adventure. But off the track, the my last Dakar and I learned a training yesterday. ordered to stay isolated at their support from them, both in and ences in preparation for main get the feeling and to learn the Qatari champion relies on foot- lot,” he says. “I’d like to restart on June 12 homes. Tebas added that three out of motorsports. So, it’s very events. With the Red Bull Gam- tracks. But this simulator is dif- age to study his highlights and Al-Attiyah is anticipating his but we have to be prudent and staff members had also tested special to be able to share a Rally ing Unit, al-Attiyah can find ferent. I can actually drive my reflect on his decision-making next opportunity to compete, it’s not just up to football, it’s positive for the virus but he simulator experience with them,” himself reenacting his rally-raid rally car from Dakar that we won during races. but until then he’ll be sure to also up to society, we all need said the number of cases was says al-Attiyah. driving experience. with in 2019,” he says. “When I’m away from the stay ready and prepared to get to focus on complying with far lower than expected. Al-Attiyah is no stranger to “The Porsche Club in the A simulated driving experi- track I go through all my replays. back on the track.

COMMENT Allow bowlers to ball-tamper, says former Australia Chappell AFP bowlers spitting on the ball and London, United Kingdom rubbing it on their clothing. Test players have been accused of using lozenges, petroleum jelly ormer Australia captain and resin to shine the ball, and Ian Chappell says some also scuffing it with bottle tops, form of ball-tampering trouser zippers and grit. Fcould be allowed in crick- The most notorious recent case et, with saliva and sweat consid- was in 2018, when some Austral- ered health risks due to the coro- Ian Chappell (also right). ian players attempted to alter navirus crisis. the ball with sandpaper during a Bowlers regularly shine one side to be legal with all others being Test against South Africa in Cape of the leather-clad ball to make the punishable as illegal,” he wrote. Town, resulting in lengthy bans ball swing sideways in mid-flight “With cricket on hold, this is for those involved. and deceive the batsman. the ideal time to conduct the ex- Chappell also said administra- But rubbing spit or sweat into ercise. Using saliva and perspi- tors should make a change to the the ball’s surface is expressly ration are now seen as a health leg-before- (LBW) law in forbidden under new Austral- hazard, so bowlers require some- favour of bowlers. ian Institute of Sport guidelines thing to replace the traditional “The new lbw law should sim- that set out the conditions for the methods of shining the ball.” ply say ‘any that strikes game to resume. Australian ball manufacturer the pad without first hitting the Chappell has previously sug- Kookaburra is developing a wax bat and, in the umpire’s opinion, gested that international captains applicator that would allow would go on to hit the stumps is be asked to come up with a list of bowlers to shine the ball. out regardless of whether or not natural substances bowlers feel The innovation involves using a shot is attempted’,” the former would help them swing the ball. a sponge to apply small amounts batsman wrote. And, writing on the Cricinfo of wax to the ball. He added: “These law changes website, he said fans craved a gen- Current laws forbid the use of would help redress any imbal- uine contest between bat and ball. artificial substances to alter the ance and make the game, par- “From this list, the adminis- ball, but there is a long history of ticularly , a far more trators should deem one method tampering that goes well beyond entertaining spectacle.” Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, May 12, 2020 FOOTBALL

FOCUS German Cup final on July 4, women’s Bundesliga can restart on May 29: FA

The men’s German Cup final has been rescheduled for July 4 and play can resume in the third division as well as the women’s Bundesliga pending a green light from local authorities, the Premier League German Football Association (DFB) said yesterday. With the men’s top two divisions set to start without spectators on May 16 after a two-month suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the DFB said the ball can also start rolling in the other competitions. But it will also be without fans with Germany having banned all major events until at least Aug. 31. The German Cup semi- finals between Bayern Munich and Eintracht Frankfurt and clubs hoping to avoid Saarbruecken and Bayer Leverkusen will be played on June 9 and 10. The DFB said its health and safety plan developed jointly Masters reveals clubs with the league for the Bundesliga will also apply for its own competitions. A restart of the third division is set for May 26-27 believe that season the earliest, it said. neutral venues can be finished Denmark’s Superliga to resume on Reuters tion if players refuse. May 28: Danish League Association Manchester, United Kingdom “We’ve been working as far as possible to ensure that clubs Denmark’s top-flight Superliga will resume on May 28 following complete the season with the a gap of more than two months due to the new coronavirus remier League clubs are same squad they had prior to the pandemic, the Danish League Association said in a statement hoping they can avoid suspension,” said Masters. yesterday. Yesterday, Denmark entered its second phase of having to play the re- “What was agreed today is reopening society after a two-month lockdown, allowing the mainder of the season that players can extend their country’s top football teams to resume playing. The League P Association said the season would restart without fans in the at neutral grounds, chief execu- contracts beyond June 30 until tive Richard Masters said after a the end of the season but it must stadiums, and that it expected the campaign to conclude with meeting of all 20 clubs yester- be agreed by both parties and a the Europe playoff games on July 29. Elsewhere in Europe, some day. later date can be scheduled for leagues are also set to resume, with the German Bundesliga due Masters also revealed that for that; no later than June 23.” to start on May 16. the first time clubs discussed The worst-case scenario for what might happen if the season the league is that conditions do could not be completed — al- not allow for a restart to the sea- Atalanta youth team player Rinaldi though they continue to believe son. dies after suffering aneurysm it can be finished. “I’m happy to reveal (curtail- That aim was given a boost ment) was discussed for the first Atalanta youth team player Andrea Rinaldi, who was on loan at yesterday by the UK govern- time but the contents of that Serie D side Legnano, died yesterday after suffering an aneurysm, ment offering guidance that elite discussion have to remain con- the two clubs said. “Andrea Rinaldi, our warrior, has left us,” said sport could return from June 1 if fidential. What I can say is that Legnano’s statement. “An aneurysm snatched him in the prime of conditions allow for a move into all of the talk was about finishing life, with a life ahead of him and with a career that promised bright the next phase of its response to the season,” added Masters. goals. A sudden and shocking tragedy, impossible even to imag- the coronavirus pandemic. “No conclusions were reached ine.” Legnano said 19-year-old Rinaldi, who had made 23 appear- Last week clubs were told any on any other models. Those are ances since joining the club on loan in August, was taken ill on return to complete the season future conversations we may Friday. Italian media said he suffered a brain aneurysm and died in would have to be with games need to have. hospital. Rinaldi joined Atalanta’s youth academy at the age of 13 played behind closed doors and “There was a desire to see all and made 35 appearances for the under-17 team, although he had at neutral venues — to limit the the different implications; the ad- yet to make his senior team debut. He also played for third tier risk of supporters turning up aptations, if you like, to the Pre- Imolese and fourth tier Mezzolara on loan. outside grounds. In this April 18, 2020, picture, staff and members of the armed forces prepare for the opening of a new mier League model as we know in But that idea had been re- testing facility for Covid-19 for NHS workers at the AMEX Stadium in Brighton. (AFP) order to play out the season and jected by some of the clubs fac- then discuss what the fairest way Finland icon Litmanen overcomes ing the threat of relegation, such would be carried out and Mas- thorities are telling us and we yond the June 30 date, which is forward is,” he said. Covid-19 infection as Watford and Brighton & Hove ters said the clubs hope they can will continue with that conver- normally considered the formal The government expected on Albion, who expressed concerns still find a way to play games on sation,” Masters told reporters. end of the season. Tuesday to publish a paper on Former Finland football great Jari Litmanen has overcome a novel about the fairness of playing the usual home and away basis. The clubs did agree to allow World soccer’s governing plans and guidelines for a return coronavirus infection, saying in a podcast released yesterday he games at neutral venues. “We talked about neutral ven- players whose contracts run out body FIFA has produced guide- of elite sport. went through four difficult weeks because of the illness. “I have Discussions continue be- ues — obviously it is the prefer- at the end of June to extend their lines suggesting that contracts The Premier League has to probably never felt in a worse physical state,” Litmanen said in tween the league and the gov- ence of all our clubs to play at deals until the end of the season. be extended until the end of the give European soccer’s govern- the podcast of a Finnish bookmaker. Litmanen 49, said he went ernment about the precise de- home if at all possible, but all Any restart to the campaign lengthened season but clubs are ing body UEFA details of their through “fever, head aches, muscle pain, respiratory problems, all tails of how a resumed season must be cognisant of what au- would see matches played be- concerned about the legal situa- plans by May 25. sorts of things,” during the period he spent in his house in Estonia. However, Litmanen also said he was never that ill that he had to be admitted to hospital, and that was all but fully recovered for a BUNDESLIGA SPOTLIGHT while now. Injury-plagued Litmanen is best remembered for his two terms at Ajax, highlighted by the 1995 Champions League crown. He also had stints at Barcelona and Liverpool, while earn- Teams in isolation Former Arsenal star ing 137 Finland caps. Burundi announce resumption of ahead of season restart Wright reveals racist abuse domestic league and cup

Reuters the countryside, as have bottom club AFP Burundi’s domestic season is to resume on May 21, more than Berlin, Germany Paderborn who will spend the week in London, United Kingdom a month after Africa’s last remaining football competition was a nearby thermal springs town. suspended to allow political rallies to be held in stadia ahead of Players and staff wore face masks general elections, authorities have confirmed. While the remain- erman soccer teams started as they departed for hotels where dis- ormer Arsenal and England striker der of the continent’s domestic leagues have either been paused the week in isolation yes- tance between tables at team lunches Ian Wright has been subjected to or cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Burundi Football terday after going into sev- and dinners will become routine, as a barrage of racist abuse on social Federation (BFF) are ready to restart their league and cup com- en-day quarantine ahead will single rooms where players will media. petitions after the May 20 elections. The country’s top flight has G F three rounds remaining, with Ngozi-based Le Messager holding a of the Bundesliga season restart on make their own beds to reduce unnec- Leading anti-racism charities con- Saturday, with club bosses saying essary contact with other people. demned the sickening incident after Wright four-point advantage at the top of the table over Musongati, who completing the campaign amid the Plans to restart, however, suffered went public with the messages yesterday. have a game in hand and will be the first back in action when they coronavirus outbreak will not be easy. a setback on Saturday after the entire An Instagram user messaged Wright with take on Athletico Olympic on Thursday next week. BFF have also The German Football League team of second tier Dynamo Dresden racist taunts and the 56-year-old, who also announced that the semi-finals and final of the country’s domestic (DFL) decided last week to resume was placed in two-week quarantine played for Crystal Palace and West Ham, cup competition will be staged, with the decider to be held on the first and second division from following two positive coronavirus took to Twitter to expose the abuse. June 13. May 16 after a two-month suspen- tests. “We always expected that the One of the messages to Wright read: sion, making it the first major sports remainder of this season will not be “You’re like 65 years old. If I get corona I will unfortunately it has been on the rise. People league to attempt a restart. trouble-free,” Borussia Dortmund cough in your face and give you your death having been staying at home but it doesn’t China calls up three foreign-born Teams have been sent into manda- Chief Executive Hans-Joachim sentence.” stop them abusing people on social media players for first time tory seven-day isolation after test- Watzke told the Funke media group. Wright said: “I know I’m not meant to and this is a shocking example of that.” ing for the virus in order to reduce “These tests and results are also a look at them but these messages still hit me Former Aston Villa forward Gabriel Ag- China has included three naturalised players in the national squad the risk of infection before playing in sign of our transparency.” so hard man. This is a child!!! bonlahor was also sent a racist message on for the first time as coach Li Tie has gathered the side in Shanghai empty stadiums with only a handful The league, desperate to complete “This kid has a direct line into me & is Instagram on Monday and Kick It Out called for training. Titan Sports reported Brazilian-born Elkeson and of staff and officials, to help prevent the season by June 30, has drawn up a able to send this without any worry.” for those who targeted him and Wright to be Aloisio, and former Arsenal player Nico Yennaris, who was born the spread of the virus. detailed set of regulations for train- Show Racism the Red Card chief execu- punished. in England, joined the camp as China begin preparations for 2022 Several clubs, including cham- ing and matches, including stringent tive Ged Grebby condemned the abuse. “We are appalled during this very trying World Cup qualifiers postponed in March due to the Covid-19 pions Bayern Munich, Borussia testing that helped it get the govern- “Ian Wright has put his head above the time by the disgraceful abuse directed at Ian pandemic. Elkeson was the first player of non-Chinese heritage to Dortmund and VfL Wolfsburg, have ment’s green light to restart. parapet again and I saw him on Match of the Wright and Gabriel Agbonlahor and their be called up when he played last year while Yennaris, who played picked hotels in their cities to cut But with the virus far from gone Day with Gary Lineker a few weeks ago talk- families,” a statement read. for England’s youth teams, has a Chinese mother and accepted travel times to training locations and in Germany where almost 170,000 ing about the racist abuse he suffered as a “Racial hate speech and violent threats citizenship last year. Another Brazilian-born player, Alan Carvalho, airports for the weekend matches. people have been infected and over player,” he said. are totally unacceptable but have become was also in Tie’s plans but the 30-year-old forward is waiting for Others like Schalke 04, who face 7,400 have died, the DFL is con- “I’m sure he will be more than happy to sadly normalised on social media. travel restrictions to be eased before he can leave Brazil and Dortmund in the Ruhr valley derby, cerned any positive virus cases could report it. “Whilst we continue to collaborate with return to China. and Borussia Moenchengladbach are seriously damage chances of finish- “There was an Asian reporter (Sima Ko- social media platforms to ensure a safer using hotels at their stadiums. ing the season, and inflict potentially techa) yesterday for the BBC and she was user experience for all, these cases should Bayer Leverkusen and Union Berlin “existence-threatening” financial abused in the middle of Leicester. be investigated by law enforcement and the England should replace Neville with have moved to more isolated hotels in damage to some clubs. “It shows racism is society’s problem and abusers should face criminal sanctions.” former US coach Ellis: Aluko Jill Ellis, who led the United States to back-to-back Women’s World BOTTOMLINE Cup titles, would make the ideal replacement for England head coach Phil Neville when he leaves the job next year, former striker Eniola Aluko has said. England women’s head coach Neville will exit the role at the end of his contract in July 2021 and Aluko told The Football Show that Ellis had the ability to bring silverware to Portugal won’t automatically quarantine the team. “The England women’s team now are at that point where they’re getting to semi-finals and now need to be getting to a final and winning it, winning World Cups, winning European Champi- onships,” said Aluko. “I think she has that pedigree, she has that entire squad if player tests positive experience, she’s worked with some of the best footballers, elite athletes, in the world.” Reuters hours before a game. Attempts to restart the league quarantine is not necessary. “Movements should be re- Lisbon, Portugal Domestic leagues around Eu- in Austria have floundered on a “The implementation of the stricted to the home-club/ rope are attempting to return to government requirement that en- containment and testing meas- competition-home route. Only Crisis club once home to Cannavaro action following the coronavirus tire squads must by quarantined ures indicated in this protocol social contacts with cohabitants quits Chinese Super League ortugal, preparing to stoppage, with the Bundesliga to in the case of a single positive test. minimises the risk of contagion and club members are permit- restart its professional start on May 16, but the question Portugal’s Primeira Liga teams among the athletes and other ted,” the document said Chinese Super League (CSL) side Tianjin Tianhai, once home to soccer league on May of how to deal with a positive began training last week ahead squad members, so the identi- Before competition re-starts, Brazilian star Alexandre Pato and formerly coached by Fabio 30, will not automati- case within a squad is proving a of the planned re-start. Vitoria fication of a positive case does players, coaches and officials Cannavaro, have effectively folded after teetering on the brink P for months. At least a dozen clubs in China’s top three tiers of cally order entire squads to be difficult issue. Guimaraes said on Sunday three not in itself make collective iso- should undergo two tests 14 days quarantined if one or more play- The entire squad of German players had tested positive and lation of the teams mandatory,” apart. Once competition gets professional football have gone under in the last six months, ers test positive for coronavirus. second division side Dynamo been isolated while the rest of the government document said, under way, all those involved but Tianjin are the first from the CSL. The team from China’s Government health guidelines, Dresden were ordered into quar- the squad would continue with adding that the local health au- must undergo a test 48 hours northeast, who were reportedly saddled with heavy debts, are published by the Portuguese antine on Saturday for 14 days individual training. thority was ultimately responsi- before the match and another set to be replaced in the top division by Roberto Donadoni’s Football Federation (FPF), said by local authorities after two Portugal’s guidelines state ble for a decision. one as close as possible to the Shenzhen FC. Tianjin on Monday submitted an application to players should remain at home in players tested positive. German that players testing positive Players, coaching staff and start of the game. The document withdraw from the CSL for the forthcoming season, Beijing a form of self-isolation, except to law states that any response to must be isolated but that the referees must remain at home also said competition should News and other state media said. “Tianhai drama ends!” said the go to training and matches, and cases is a matter for the local implementation of regular test- until the end of the season, ex- take place in the minimum pos- newspaper. must be tested twice in the 48 health authority. ing should mean collective cept for matches and training. sible number of stadiums. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 12, 2020 3 SPORT

FOCUS REPORT Antetokounmpo’s youngest brother Shaq urges NBA to to play in Europe ‘scrap the season’ amid virus concerns ‘WORRY ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE FANS AND THE PEOPLE. COME BACK NEXT YEAR’ Alex Antetokounmpo. (TNS) AFP Los Angeles Reuters I know European basketball and Los Angeles the best thing for me would be to sign a contract with a European etired four-time NBA champion club. Shaquille O’Neal says the league he youngest brother “I will have to train and com- would be smart to call off the halt- of Milwaukee Bucks pete against grown men, I will Red 2019-20 campaign and avoid star Giannis Antetok- experience strong competition crowning a champion that would carry an Tounmpo plans to skip and pressure and I will evolve on “asterisk.” college and play profession- every level.” O’Neal, in an interview with USA Today, ally in Europe to prepare for Alex moved to Milwaukee said players should start to prepare for a the NBA. from his native Greece in 2013 2020-21 season and set aside a campaign Alex Antetokounmpo, who during Giannis’ rookie season halted in March by the coronavirus pan- graduated from Dominican with the Bucks. He twice earned demic with five weeks of regular-season High School in Milwaukee, re- first-team all-state honours games and two months of playoffs remain- portedly received offers from in Wisconsin and averaged 20 ing. DePaul, Ohio and Green Bay. points and 7.3 rebounds as a “I think we should scrap the season. The 6-foot-7 small forward is senior, per the Milwaukee Jour- Everybody go home, get healthy, come rated as a three-star prospect in nal Sentinel. back next year. Just scrap the season. Just the Class of 2020 by 247 Sports. Alex will eligible for the NBA scrap it,” O’Neal told the newspaper. “I am examining my options, draft in 2021. If he makes it, he “To try and come back now and do a I have a few choices from the would be the fourth member of rush playoffs as a player? Any team that States, but I have decided to play his family in the league. Gian- wins this year, there’s an asterisk. They’re in Europe,” he told EuroHoops. nis, the 2018-19 league MVP, not going to get the respect. net on Saturday. “I want to be- and Thanasis play for the Bucks, “What if a team that’s not really in the come a pro as soon as possible. while Kostas plays for the Los mix of things all of a sudden wins with a I was born and raised in Europe, Angeles Lakers. new playoff format? Nobody is going to respect that. So, scrap it. Worry about the safety of the fans and the people. Come back next year.” Ducks sign Guhle, Carrick to extensions Dominating center O’Neal combined with the late Kobe Bryant and sparked the Los Angeles Lakers to NBA crowns from 2000 through 2002, being named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player each time, then powered the Miami Heat to the 2006 title. O’Neal, 48, retired in 2011 after a 19-season NBA career and has been work- ing as a television analyst. Current Lakers star LeBron James, who Retired four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal. (AFP) had LA atop the Western Conference when the season went on hiatus, has said no one should be talking about cancelling the sea- NBA, NBPA extend deadline to void CBA Brendan Guhle (left) and Sam Carrick. son. The league has been working on plans to Reuters 20 season was suspended. he Anaheim Ducks 10 assists) in 59 career NHL gather teams in a single city, test and house Los Angeles With an extension in place, ESPN on Sunday signed games with the Buffalo players in a secured area and stage games reported, it is possible for the NBA season d e f e n s e m a n Sabres (2016-19) and Ducks. without fans in a controlled area, with Las to resume this summer with a goal of Brendan Guhle and Anaheim acquired Guhle recouping revenue lost from a hiatus that T and a 2019 first-round pick Vegas and Orlando most often mentioned BA owners have four months center Sam Carrick to con- as possible sites for the “bubble” plan. to decide whether to terminate hit the two-month mark. tract extensions. in exchange for defenseman “I understand how players are feeling. I the league’s collective bargain- On a conference call with players Friday, Guhle signed a two-year, Brandon Montour on Feb. 24, really do,” O’Neal told the newspaper. “But ing agreement in light of the commissioner Adam Silver outlined what $1.6mn extension through 2019. The 28-year-old Carrick N could be harsh realities stemming from the 2021-22 season, and had one goal and one assist any team that gets it done this year, there’s coronavirus pandemic. going to be an asterisk on that champion- ESPN reported the players association the lengthy break. Carrick signed a one-year, in nine games with the Ducks ship.” and NBA agreed to move the deadline for “This CBA was not built for an extended $700,000 pact for 2020- in 2019-20. Overall, he has O’Neal doesn’t want to see any resump- possible termination to September. While pandemic,” Silver said on audio of the 21, according to published two goals and three assists tion unless all involved – players, coaches, good-faith negotiations on elements call. “There’s not a mechanism in it that reports. Guhle, 22, had four in 34 NHL games with the referees and the broadcast personnel – are of the CBA, including future salary cap works to properly accept a cap when goals and four assists in 30 Toronto Maple Leafs (2014- safe from the deadly virus. and ongoing financial implications, are you’ve got so much uncertainty; when games with Anaheim this 16) and Anaheim (2018-20). “However long it takes for us to get ongoing, extending the deadline was the we’d be going in next season saying, as expected, in empty arenas without season. He also saw action in Carrick also had 43 points (23 100% back to normal, I’m willing to wait,” result of both sides hoping for a clearer “Well, our revenue could be $10bn or fans. Silver said on Friday’s call the league 27 games — recording four goals, 20 assists) in 46 games O’Neal said. picture of the league’s long-term outlook. it could be $6bn. Or maybe it could be could finish this season and play next goals and 10 assists — for for the Gulls this season. “All it takes is one person. After the The NBA can terminate the CBA under less.” season without fans present. the San Diego Gulls of the He was acquired from the game, you’ve still got to go home. What if the Force Majeure Event provision for the Revenue projections could be more The NBA and NBPA share revenue on a American Hockey League. Chicago Blackhawks in a one person gets sick? Then we start from period starting March 11 when the 2019- finite than ever before if play resumes, 51-49 split of basketball-related income. He has 14 points (four goals, 2017 trade. Reuters zero again.”

MLB Players feel compensation is key when taking risk Reuters As speculation increases that MLB will an- Los Angeles nounce some plan involving the season sometime next week, the finances involved could become an intense discussion. s the possibility of a season start date in- The two sides reached a salary agreement in late creases, Major League Baseball Players March that included $170mn in upfront money Association board members Chris Iannet- for the players. But reports are now in circulation Ata and Andrew Miller are concerned about claiming the owners will seek further reductions pay and health. if games are played without fans in the stands. Iannetta, a catcher with the New York Yankees, Miller doesn’t see another cut as an option. and Miller, a reliever with the St. Louis Cardi- “We understand that this year isn’t going to be nals, feel there is a lot of risk on the players’ end as financially rewarding for the ownership groups to play games without fans in the stands. That is (but) there is higher risk this season,” Miller said. especially true with the coronavirus outbreak not “If it’s not safe to bring fans into games, you’re under control and still a major threat. still asking us to play, there’s certainly a risk And in their eyes, baseball players should be there.... Travel is limited to essential, and we’re fairly compensated and not have to take a salary travelling, that means there is risk involved.” hit simply because the owners might sustain rev- Iannetta is willing to listen but doesn’t sound enue losses in the millions. interested in budging too much. “The way our sport works is we are not tied “We’ll explore a lot of options, but I think there to revenue in any way,” Miller told ESPN. “If the will be some things we’re going to say no to,” Ian- owners hit a home run and make more money, we netta said. “Just based on government regula- don’t go back and ask for more on our end. Ulti- tions, the chances of having fans in the stands mately this isn’t about money. We need to find a is going to be next to zero. With that in mind, way to safely get our players on the field in a safe there is some inherent risk to this, and we’ll weed manner and control that. I would hope (finances) through the proposal and I’m sure we’ll agree on doesn’t turn into anything regarding that stuff.” some things and some things we won’t because Iannetta said not only are players risking their it’s implying too much risk for everyone.” health but so are umpires, groundskeepers and Of course, baseball’s plan for testing will be any other support staff on site. another important component. It also begs the “It goes back to not having fans in the stands,” question of what happens if a player tests posi- Iannetta told ESPN. “If there’s no fans in the tive. stands, there is an intrinsic risk that players are The uncertainly on the health front rates as a In this file photo taken on September going to undertake. There is an intrinsic risk that major concern in the players’ eyes. 4, 2016, Chris Iannetta (left) strikes support staff and coaches are going to undertake, “There’s always risks in life, but this seems like out in the seventh inning against the and we should get fairly compensated for taking something that is very front and center,” Miller Los Angeles Angels at Safeco Field in that risk for the betterment of the game and the said. “There’s still a lot of unknowns. We need Seattle. (TNS) betterment of the owners who stand to make a answers. We can’t ask guys to go out and put their huge profit off the game.” lives at risk. We all want to play. Trust me.” Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, May 12, 2020 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Bucs’ Evans praises Brady as ‘franchise changer’ NFL season depends on response By Rick Stroud McCown and Mike G(lennon). Tampa Bay Times I liked them, too. But I’ve been with Jameis for five seasons. The most of my career. I played ike Evans has with Johnny Manziel for two to second wave of Covid-19: Fauci cobbled togeth- seasons. But I’ve known him er six straight for three. So (Winston) has Reuters whelmingly piggish. But by the end 1,000-yard re- been the most I’ve been with M as far as at quarterback, so I’m Los Angeles of August, we should have in place ceiving seasons in the NFL, antigen testings... You could test five of them while catching always going to have love and millions of people,” he said. passes from Jameis Winston. respect for Jameis. I think he’s here is no guarantee the NFL “If you really want to be abso- Evans has only played with a hell of a player. will complete its season due lutely certain, you’d test all the about three other quarter- “If we didn’t get Tom? Then to the Covid-19 pandemic, players before the game... To be backs dating back to his time obviously we were going to although some fans may be 100% sure, you’ve got to test every with Johnny Manziel at Texas keep Jameis. I don’t know T A&M. for sure. I’m the GM. I’m not allowed to attend games if things go day. But that’s not practical and well, said Anthony Fauci, director that’s never going to happen. So it’s not surprising the Bucs a coach. Obviously, I wanted of the National Institute of Allergy “But you can diminish dramati- receiver will miss Winston. Jameis back because that’s and Infectious Diseases. cally by testing everybody Saturday That said, Evans is more than my bro. The opportunity to The National Football League is night, Sunday morning, and say excited about being a team- get Tom Brady. Like, that’s to kick off on September 10 and un- ‘OK, only negative players play.’” mate of Tom Brady’s. He made Tom Brady, bro. Like that’s veiled its 2020 schedule last week, Fauci said it was inevitable the that clear during a video chat the greatest of all-time. He’s with the expectation of playing virus would return as the weather on Instagram with former Bucs franchise changer. Like he’s games with fans in the stadiums. got cooler. receiver Louis Murphy. about to change the franchise. “The virus will make the deci- “As for the football season, it will Murphy began by asking Like, ticket sales are going sion for us,” Fauci told NBC over the be entirely dependent on the effec- Evans what it felt like to play through the roof. Like prime weekend. “I think it’s feasible that tiveness with which we as a society with the G.O.A.T? time games. And he under- negative testing players could play respond to the inevitable outbreak “Bro, you played receiver, bro. stands the game of football to to an empty stadium. that will occur,” he added. Obviously, I’m excited,” Evans nobody else understands that “If the virus is so low that even in “Even if the virus goes down dra- said of playing with Brady. level besides the greats and it’s the general community the risk is matically in June, July and August, “Like, Jameis is my dawg. going to be great to work with low, I could see filling a third of the as the virus starts returning in the That’s going to be my bro him, you understand what I’m stadium or half the stadium so peo- fall, it would be in my mind, shame forever, right? That’s going to saying. The young receiving ple could be six feet apart. It’s going on us if we don’t have in place all of be my bro forever. Like I wish corps we got, the tight ends to depend.” the mechanisms to prevent it from him nothing but the best. Look, we’ve got, we’ve got Gronk The key, Fauci added, would be blowing up again. he’s been my quarterback for coming in … it’s going to be whether there was enough capacity “So the ability or not to actually as long as I’ve played football. great for the city. And it’s going for the 32 NFL teams to test play- have a football season is... unpre- He’s been my quarterback for to be just great overall. Hope- ers, coaches and other personnel at dictable depending upon how we five seasons. My rookie year, fully we have a great season, least twice a week once the season respond in the fall. You’ll have to he was still in college. I played everybody stays healthy and it began. play it by ear according to the level with Josh and Mike G. Josh pans out the way we want.” “Right now, it would be over- of infection in the community.” Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Anthony Fauci. (AFP)

TENNIS REPORT Kvitova, Pliskova sisters set to clash Ibbou finds support at Prague tourney after challenging Thiem ‘The initiative went from generous players who over player fund showed instant compassion..’ Reuters Mumbai

lgerian Ines Ibbou was hailed as a hero by Ve- nus Williams while her Acountry’s president pledged full support after the AFP 31st-ranked Barbora Stry- low-ranked tennis player posted Prague cova. an emotional video to take on “I’m looking forward to world No 3 Dominic Thiem for playing a tournament after a his opposition to a player relief wo-time Wimble- long time,” said Kvitova. fund. don champion Petra “I’m really curious about Thiem rejected the notion Kvitova, the Pliskova the shape we’ll be in without that top tennis players should Tsisters and other top- playing any tournaments.” chip in to help lower-ranked 100 Czech players are set to World number three Karo- competitors who are struggling clash at a tennis tournament lina Pliskova and her twin sis- financially due to the pause in in Prague on May 26-28, or- ter Kristyna, ranked 69th, are tournaments due to the novel ganisers said Sunday. also likely to play. coronavirus pandemic. “This is the first event the CTS head Ivo Kaderka said In the video, which runs over Czech Tennis Association income from the tournament nine minutes and was posted (CTS) has prepared for play- would be used to help mini- on Ibbou’s Instagram page, the ers at a time when they can’t mise the impact of the COV- world number 620 starts with travel because of the (corona- ID-19 disease in the Czech “Dear Dominic” and goes on to virus) pandemic,” tournament Republic which has seen over talk about the difficulties she spokesman Karel Tejkal said 8,100 confirmed cases and has had to endure and the sac- in a statement. more than 270 deaths so far. rifices she needed to make in The women’s event will The men’s event will feature her career. bring together Kvitova, 12th world number 65 Jiri Vesely, The 21-year-old pleads with in the WTA rankings, 26th- the winner of this year’s ATP Thiem to understand the stark ranked Karolina Muchova and tournament in Pune, India. difference in the Austrian’s “magical world” and how she had to pursue tennis in the GOLF North African country, which she said lacked even basic in- frastructure for the sport. “I cherish the day when I’ll Ryder Cup: Johnson, be able to afford a gift for my parents. I’m dreaming about Ines Ibbou of Algeria. this day,” said Ibbou, who Love III named started playing at the age of six I do?” “Dear Dominic, unlike “You’re my hero.” but has only managed to make you, many share my reality. Ibbou replied: “You’ve al- Pique pessimistic about holding $27,825 in tournament earnings “Just a reminder, it’s not ways been mine too, and now Davis Cup this year US vice-captains so far. because of your money that you’re even more to me. Thank “I’m a lonely lady, travelling we survived until now. And you so much.” Gerard Pique has said he is Movistar on Sunday. “There Reuters about this a lot in the last year the world generally in three- nobody requested to you any- Australian Kyrgios, who had not confident that the 2020 is a lot of uncertainty. We are New York and now we are happy to add legged trips, always looking for thing. The initiative went from criticised Thiem for his com- Davis Cup will take place due to listening to what the sport’s two Ryder Cup veterans in Zach the cheapest tickets.” generous players who showed ments, said “Respect!” before Spain’s restrictions on specta- ministry and the government and Davis to the conversation World number one Novak instant compassion with a adding, “Keep doing you, I’m tors attending events because are telling us about whether ach Johnson and Davis with the goal of putting this Djokovic has urged fellow pro- classy touch.” always willing to support.” of the coronavirus pandemic. we’ll be able to have fans in the Love III were named as team in a prime position to win,” fessionals to contribute to a The governing bodies re- As Ibbou’s post gained popu- The Barcelona defender’s stadium. “There are different vice captains by US cap- he said of the pair, who have fund set up by the sport’s gov- cently raised over $6mn to help larity and was widely shared on investment group Kosmos opinions and no-one is sure if tain Steve Stricker for played in a combined 11 Ry- paid three bn euros in 2018 to we’ll be able to have fans or if Z erning bodies to help players lower-level players affected by social media, it caught the eye the 2020 Ryder Cup, which is der Cups. The biennial event is affected by a shutdown which the shutdown. of Algerian president Abdelm- acquire the rights to the sport’s it’ll have to be behind closed scheduled to take place in Sep- scheduled to be contested from began in March and will con- Ibbou said the crisis showed adjid Tebboune. flagship team event, transform- doors.” Pique added that Spain’s tember at Whistling Straits in Sept 25-28 but there is uncer- tinue at least until mid-July. “who people truly are” and “Algeria can’t miss a sport- ing it into a week-long competi- strict lockdown has made it Kohler, Wisconsin. tainty about whether the tour- Austrian Thiem said he felt helping the needy players was ing talent like Ines Ibbou in a tion akin to a tennis World Cup. harder to make preparations Love and Johnson join Jim nament can go ahead, or played there were sections of soci- only to help the game survive. young age and a flower of giv- The 2019 Davis Cup in Madrid, for the event, although he said Furyk — who was in charge of without spectators, due to the ety that needed more urgent “We did not ask anything ing, in a specialty that is rarely won by Spain, was the first to be his team were continuing to the 2018 team — as US vice cap- coronavirus pandemic. help than his fellow competi- from you. Except a bit of re- born in it,” Tebboune said in a held in one city and the compe- work on making it happen if the tains. Last month Team Europe tors during the economic crisis spect to our sacrifice,” she said message for Ibbou on his offi- tition is also scheduled to take government eventually decides “With the Ryder Cup it’s im- captain Padraig Harrington caused by the pandemic. before signing off. “Players like cial Facebook page. place in the Spanish capital in to allow spectators at sporting portant to surround yourself told The Times newspaper that “Do you alternate clay and you make me hold on to my “Soon, the ministry of youth November. “I’m a bit pessi- events. “I think in the next few with quality individuals who staging this year’s event without hard from a week to another like dreams. Please, don’t ruin it.” and sports will take care of your mistic, to have the Davis Cup weeks we’ll have more clarity you can lean on and who have fans may be necessary due to the I do,” Ibbou questioned Thiem. Williams, a seven-time work. You have my full support without fans is difficult,” Pique but right now we’re trying to be the best interests of the team in health crisis, which has claimed “Do you finish your tourna- Grand Slam singles win- and I wish you success, God told Spanish television network prepared,” he added. mind,” Stricker said. over 81,000 lives in the United ments with holes in shoes like ner, commented on the post: willing.” “Jim (Furyk) and I have talked States. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 12, 2020 5 SPORT

CYCLING SPOTLIGHT New Zealand’s Super Rugby teams back Road race champion in action from June

Reuters cinemas from Thursday. Wellington “So we are holding them to a slightly higher standard than the general public,” NZR Act- ew Zealand’s five ing Medical Advisor Dr Deb Van der Breggen to Super Rugby teams Robinson told reporters. will play each other “Because we really, really Nin a 10-week domes- want this competition to go tic competition from June 13, well and they really want to bringing comfort to “Kiwis play.” doing it tough” and inspir- The competition has been ing a sports world brought to endorsed by Super Rugby’s a standstill by the Covid-19 governing body SANZAAR retire after Olympics pandemic. but will have no bearing on the New Zealand Rugby (NZR) wider tournament which also ‘The Olympic Games in Tokyo are, of course, a great challenge and an important reason made the announcement yes- includes teams from Australia, terday after the government South Africa, Argentina and for continuing another year. I also want to end my career with a great, full season’ confirmed it would take its Japan. alert level down a notch from Super Rugby was suspended Reuters Thursday, with the rate of new in March after seven rounds London coronavirus infections having and may not resume in 2020 slowed to a trickle. due to travel curbs and border New Zealand is the first ma- controls. utch Olympic cham- jor rugby nation to announce The New Zealand competi- pion Anna van der a restart to competition since tion will be broadcast live by Breggen has said she the outbreak of the novel coro- Sky Sport, with two matches Dwill retire from cycling navirus shredded the global held on Saturdays at 5.05pm after defending her road race sports calendar in March. (0505 GMT) local time and two title at the rescheduled Tokyo “It’s obviously fantastic more on Sundays at 3.05pm Games in 2021. news for the game right across (0305). The 30-year-old, who won the country,” NZR Chief Ex- In the opening weekend, the road race gold at the Rio Olym- ecutive Mark Robinson told Otago Highlanders will host pics in 2016, will become a coach reporters in a video call on the Waikato Chiefs in Dun- with the Boels-Dolmans team Monday. edin, with the Auckland Blues after ending her professional ca- “It’s been a challenging time at home to the Wellington reer. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics right around the country so if Hurricanes on Sunday. have been pushed back a year this acts in any way to provide Defending Super Rugby because of the Covid-19 pan- leadership and hope and some champions Canterbury Cru- demic. inspiration to Kiwis that are saders will have a bye in the “The Olympic Games in To- doing it tough, it will be fan- first week. kyo are, of course, a great chal- tastic, obviously. Players will have a month to lenge and an important reason “I think a lot of people get fit for the hastily arranged for continuing another year,” around the world are obviously tournament, with Robinson Van der Breggen said in a state- watching us and being in touch not even sure if it would have a ment. around how we’re approaching winner’s trophy. “I also want to end my career it... not only for New Zealand NZR added that the coun- with a great, full season. Espe- but right around the sporting try’s annual provincial com- cially after this year, which was world. So it’s critical we do it petition, the Mitre 10 Cup, largely lost due to the corona well.” would start with a full 14-team pandemic, I am enormously mo- “Doing it well” will mean championship from Sept 11. tivated to continue for one more teams flying in and out on However, the international year. chartered planes on match schedule remains up in the air. “I’ve been thinking about a days and playing at closed The All Blacks’ July tests role as team leader/coach for stadiums until authorities are against Wales and Scotland some time. I was quickly excited willing to allow spectators are in doubt, along with the about the team’s proposal. In back into venues. southern hemisphere’s annual 2021, I want to get the best out of Players will be checked daily Rugby Championship, which myself on my bike for one more for symptoms and asked to be starts in August. season. After that, I will focus on even stricter on themselves Robinson said NZR was still this new job.” than the country’s Level 2 alert working out scheduling for re- Van der Breggen, who secured regime that permits people to suming women’s competition, the rainbow jersey at the world travel, eat at cafes and go to including internationals. championships in Innsbruck two Anna van der Breggen of the Netherlands celebrates as she wins the Women’s Elite Road Race at the UCI Road Cycling World Championships years after her victory in Rio, has in Innsbruck on September 29, 2018. (Reuters) signed a three-year contract to Ex-All Blacks forward Kaino to retire next year work as a sports director/coach with Boels-Dolmans. 4-YEAR DOPING BAN FOR Marseille-born rider was thrown one-year suspended prison sen- with Boels-Dolmans. “In women’s cycling, it is not FRENCH CYCLIST off the 2012 Tour de France on tence in July 2018. Double Rugby World Cup win- title to add to his trophy haul, Her compatriot Chantal common for cyclists to make this French cyclist Remy Di Grego- suspicion of doping after he was He eventually tested positive ner and former New Zealand with his side having reached Blaak, who won the women’s step into coaching after their ac- rio has been hit with a four-year arrested at his team hotel dur- for the banned blood-booster back-rower Jerome Kaino the quarter-finals of this sea- road race at the 2017 world tive career,” Blaak said. doping ban related to a positive ing the race. Di Gregorio, 34, EPO during the Paris-Nice said yesterday he plans to re- son’s competition, which has championships, will continue “It is a compliment for me to drugs test for EPO in 2018, the has always denied doping but race in March 2018, and is now tire at the end of next season. been put on hold. to race professionally until 2022 be seen as one of the mainstays International Cycling Union said was found guilty of possessing banned from racing until March Kaino, 37, who lifted the Webb “It’s an ambition. When you before taking up a coaching role of this team.” yesterday. In a previous case, the banned materials and received a 2022. Ellis trophy in 2011 and again come to Europe it’s inevitably four years later, joined French that. When you see your team side Toulouse in 2018. improving in the competition Cycling braces for financial difficulty in coronavirus crisis “It will surely be my final it becomes even more of an season. I will be too old. I’ll ambition,” he said. Sponsorship money is key to keeping van Avermaet is one of those struggling. healthy business with a very intelligent “Better a Tour without flair than none at see what the club say, but “Winning the Champions professional cycling afloat in a precari- The management of its shoe manufac- and strategically competent manage- all.” good youngsters are com- Cup with Toulouse would be ous system which could collapse in the turer sponsor has already said it must ment,” team chief Ivan Spekenbrink told The Bavarian businessman sees the ing through and they’re the fantastic. I hope we’ll have the expected global economic downturn. withdraw backing. As a result nearly DPA. Bora boss Ralph Denk is also re- numbers simply. “If we don’t ride the Tour future,” he told French rugby chance to win from this year’s The Tour de France should have its grand every member of the backroom staff has lieved support, for now, is continuing. But de France, the economy will stagnate like newspaper Midi Olympique. edition.” depart from Nice on August 29 - at least been released and rider wages slashed both are aware that financial pressure will now or even much more,” he said. “Then Kaino has extended his con- according to the current plan. Whether - reportedly by up to 80 per cent. Team increase in cycling with its funding model the sponsorship pot will also be smaller.” tract to keep him at the Stade that’s possible with fans in light of coro- boss Jim Ochowicz hopes to re-employ coming under strain. Everything is based There is only a small safety net at present Ernest-Wallon until 2021 and navirus restrictions in the country is of all staff if plans for an August 1 return to on the ability to find paying sponsors who with teams requiring three months of has been linked with a coach- secondary concern to the teams. sport are achieved. have only just started returning in num- salary guaranteed by the bank to gain a ing position at the record Running the race at all is the main focus Mitchelton-Scott, Bahrain-McLaren, bers after years of doping scandals. racing license. The UCI does not want to 20-time French champions. to avoid potential economic collapse in Astana and Lotto-Soudal have also Appearance and prize money brings little use this, instead preferring “It would be a superb oppor- cycling. The effect of the global pandemic imposed salary cuts. The women’s team - even winning the Tour de France earns “solutions inside the teams,” according to tunity. We’ll see. I would love are already severe. More than a quarter of Bigla-Katusha are on the brink of folding only 500,000 euros (541,000 dollars), an Lappartient.The riders body CPA is pre- it,” he said. the 19 World Tour teams have had to cut as neither backing is currently willing to amount which covers few costs. pared to make compromises while ruling Kaino captained Toulouse to salaries. pour in cash. It is impossible to charge fans for stand- out flat salary cuts across the board. “The the French title last year, but “We know that three, four or five teams German teams Bora-hansgrohe and ing on city streets or countryside watch- rules should be upheld,” said president the current campaign has have more difficulties than the others,” Sunweb have not yet been impacted, a ing races, so the thought of a ‘closed door’ Gianni Bugno. The former world class been declared over due to the said David Lappartient, president of the particular surprise in the latter case given Tour does not bring similar quandaries as rider Bugno has no objections to all three coronavirus pandemic. governing body UCI. “We hope that every the sponsor relies on tourism, particularly football. grand tours taking place within a frantic The former Auckland Blues team can end the season.” hard hit in the coronavirus crisis. “I get absolutely nothing from the fans on three-month spell to end 2020. Most im- loose forward is eyeing the The CCC team of Olympic champion Greg “Our main sponsor is thankfully a very the course, they pay nothing,” said Denk. portant of all is that they are contested. European Champions Cup

FOCUS Born May 12: Jonah Lomu, rugby union winger Reuters was only a stumble as Lomu His timing was impeccable. Eight five-pointers made him the past as players right along Sydney charged on towards fullback After 172 years of amateurism, the tournament’s leading try the backline became bigger and Mike Catt, who was rudely the sport turned professional a scorer but his two in the semi- heavier. By 2003, Lomu was un- t was in the third minute of trampled underfoot as the gi- few months later. final against France were not dergoing dialysis for 21 hours a the 1995 World Cup semi-fi- ant winger crashed over him to New competitions attracting enough to prevent the All Blacks week and a year later he had a nal between New Zealand and score. In that moment, England bigger crowds were created and crashing out in one of the biggest kidney transplant. IEngland in Cape Town that were beaten and rugby union had governing bodies signed lucra- upsets in the history of the game. He kept playing but his falter- rugby union changed forever. its first superstar. tive television deals and spon- The third-fourth playoff ing health and improved defenc- All Blacks scrumhalf Graeme Millions around the world, sorship endorsements. was to be Lomu’s last World es meant he was never again the Bachop picked the ball out of a many who had not previously As humble off the field as he Cup match as his worsening force he had once been. He re- ruck in midfield and flung a long, followed the game, were capti- was intimidating on it, Lomu health contributed to declin- tired from the professional game wild pass to his left, forcing a vated by the sight of this force of was the game’s hottest property ing form and he played his final in 2007. On November 18 2015, 20-year-old winger playing his nature, a man who could sprint and reaped his rewards but even test against Wales in November Lomu died suddenly of a heart sixth test to pick it up off the like the whippets who usually before the end of 1995 there were 2002, eight years after his debut attack associated with his kid- bounce. patrolled the wing and brush off the first signs of the health prob- as the youngest ever All Black. ney condition in Auckland, the Jonah Lomu, all 1.95m and tacklers like a number eight. lems that would ultimately kill He finished with 37 tries in 63 city where he had been born to 119kg of him, safely stowed the Lomu scored three more tries him. tests but those bald statistics do Tongan parents 40 years earlier. ball in the crook of his left arm against the hapless English on Lomu suffered from the de- little to convey his enduring im- “Jonah Lomu was a giant of a while swatting off Tony Under- that day at Newlands, and even bilitating kidney disorder Neph- pact on the game. man who leaves a giant space in wood with a flick of his right finishing up on the losing side rotic Syndrome and treatment Defensive systems were tight- world rugby,” then-World Rugby hand and took off towards the in a try-less final against South meant he missed a handful of ened across the test arena to Chairman Bernard Lapasset said line. England skipper Will Car- Africa did nothing to threaten matches over the next few years, contain his threat and within a at his funeral. ling raced across the field and his position as the outstanding although he was back at his best few years the game’s speedy lit- “He will forever be a big part attempted a tap tackle but there player of the tournament. for the 1999 World Cup. tle winger was all but a thing of of rugby’s story.” New Zealand’s Jonah Lomu. (Reuters)

Tuesday, May 12, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

QATAR ONLINE RACING CHAMPIONSHIP Soud al-Thani and Saeed al-Sulaiti impress in round one By Sports Reporter and third respectively behind Doha al-Sulaiti. In Group A, Soud al-Thani was followed by Jer- emy Parola in second and Hade oud al-Thani and Saeed Ahmed in third. al-Sulaiti emerged tri- The second round of the races umphant in their respec- will be held today, with the third Stive groups in the first qualifying round set for Thurs- round of the Qatar Online Racing day. The top 12 riders after the Championship for bikes on Sun- group stage will qualify for next day night. week’s final round of three races. The two riders mastered the In total 21 riders have signed virtual Laguna Seca circuit in up for the championship, includ- California as they showed their ing four from Kuwait. The race skills on MotoGP 19 PS4. format consists of qualifying for The event is organised by the 15 minutes, followed by the race Qatar Motor and Motorcycle for 30 mins. Federation for bike racing con- noisseurs after the virtual series RACE 1 RESULTS for cars received an overwhelm- GROUP A: 1. Soud ak-Thani; 2. ing response. Jeremy Parola; 3. Hade Ahmed; 4. Al-Sulaiti, a three-time Qatar Joshua Ilano; 5. Hamad al-Sulaiti Superstock champion, proved to GROUP B: 1. Saeed al-Sulaiti; 2. an expert in the virtual racing as Action from the first round of the Qatar Online Racing Championship Mohamed al-Zaidan (Kuwait); well as he topped the Group B. for bikes on Sunday night. The event is organised by the Qatar Motor 3. Ali Ahmed (Kuwait); 4. Khalid Kuwaiti riders Mohamed Zaidan and Motorcycle Federation for bike racing connoisseurs after the al-Maraghi; 5, Abdulla al-Qubaisi. and Ali Ahmed finished second virtual series for cars received an overwhelming response.

CRICKET SPOTLIGHT Raina calls on BCCI the richest body, Indian board to lift overseas T20 ban

Reuters tional level,” Raina said. Mumbai “If we can get three months of quality cricket, whether it’s the have to be statesman CPL (Caribbean Premier League) ndia’s 2011 World Cup-win- or the Big Bash (League) or any ning batsman Suresh Raina league, it can help us stay ready. has called on the country’s Players from other countries are Icricket board (BCCI) to lift able to play in these leagues, and its ban on players participating a lot of them have made inter- in overseas Twenty20 leagues. national comebacks after doing as well: Gambhir The BCCI does not allow ac- well in them. We play the IPL, tive players to sign for franchise- but if these people (BCCI selec- based leagues outside the coun- tors) have a pool of 40-50 play- ‘If India go to Australia, then I have a lot of respect for the BCCI’ try in a bid to protect the prestige ers, they think those outside it of its own Indian Premier League aren’t good enough or are past it, IANS (IPL), which attracts many of the and neglect them. We don’t have New Delhi world’s top cricketers. a Plan B. “If we go overseas and Raina said there were many perform, our cricket will improve active Indian players left on the and we’ll get to learn a lot.” ormer India batsman Gautam sidelines of the lucrative annual Gambhir believes the Board T20 tournament who were also of Control for Cricket in In- being denied the chance to play Fdia, which is the richest cricket abroad. “I hope the BCCI can get body in the world, needs to play role of a together with the ICC (Interna- statesman as well amid the crisis which tional Cricket Council) or with the cricketing world is facing presently franchises and allow players who amid the coronavirus pandemic. don’t have BCCI contracts to Speaking on Star Sports’ Cricket Con- play in overseas leagues,” Raina nected show, Gambhir expressed his said during an Instagram chat opinion on BCCI’s willingness of hav- with his former India teammate ing Team India go into quarantine upon Irfan Pathan. reaching Australia to ensure the much- “I feel there are a lot of play- anticipated Test series goes ahead to- ers, including Yusuf (Pathan), wards the end of the year. myself, Robin Uthappa — a lot of “Good on the BCCI. Fabulous. This is quality players who can go over- a very, very positive sign. They are prob- seas and learn a lot, no matter ably looking at the bigger picture, it will which league it is.” change the mood of the country. Winning Once considered an automatic the series is a different thing, it’s very im- selection for India’s limited- portant but it will probably change the overs sides, Raina played 226 mood of both the countries as well. Not one-dayers and 78 T20 interna- only India but probably for Australia,” tionals but has not worn the blue said Gambhir. jersey since July 2018. An aggres- “When BCCI is there... they are prob- sive left-handed batsman and a ably the richest board they have got to be part-time off-spinner, Raina is statesman as well. If India go to Australia, also known for his electric field- then I have a lot of respect for the BCCI,” ing and was part of the Mahendra he added. Singh Dhoni-led side that won BCCI Treasurer Arun Dhumal while the 50-overs World Cup at home speaking to Sydney Morning Herald Former India batsman Gautam Gambhir. in 2011. and The Age had said that a two-week The 33-year-old is also a key quarantine after landing in Australia norms are post this lockdown,” he said. According to him, India have been the have done that,” he said. member of Dhoni’s Chennai Su- shouldn’t be a big deal once normalcy Gambhir also expressed his displeas- most competitive side in Test cricket The former left-handed batsman also per Kings side in the IPL, which returns. “There is no choice – everyone ure at Australia dethroning India from over the past few years. “Yes, absolutely, took a dig at the World Test Champion- has seen its 2020 season post- will have to do that. You would want to the number one spot in latest ICC Test 100 per cent (India had been the most ships points system. poned indefinitely due the novel resume the cricket. Two weeks is not that rankings. “For me, India should be there competitive side). If you have to see from “No, I am not surprised (India slipping coronavirus outbreak. long a lockdown. That would be ideal for (No. 1) because Australia... I have seri- the overall impact point of view, India to No. 3). I don’t believe in points and “We aren’t in the BCCI con- any sportsman because when you are in ous doubts On what front have you given have lost series away from home but won ranking system. Probably the worst was tracts list, some of us don’t have quarantine for such a long period, then Australia the No. 1 Test ranking? They against Australia. Hands down, they have there in the World Test Championship... IPL contracts, we aren’t playing going to another country and having a have been absolutely pathetic away from been the most competitive side. They that you win the same points when you international cricket, and the two-week lockdown it would be a good home, especially in the sub-continent,” won a Test in South Africa, won a Test win a Test match away from home. That’s competition in domestic cricket thing to do. We’ll have to see what the he said. match in England... not many countries ridiculous,” he said. isn’t what it is at the interna-

FOCUS ROUND-UP Challenge is to pick-up from Cook names Kohli in list of all-time greats ormer England captain Alastair was playing for England were Ponting, Kal- (ICC) is still confident of hosting the T20 where I left the game, says Shakib Cook has included current India lis and Sangakkarra,” Cook, who captained World Cup slated to be held in Australia in IANS that is what I’m expecting from skipper in his list of England for 59 Tests, said. October-November. Dhaka myself. Wish I can start from Fbatsmen who came close to match- According to the former left-handed where I ended up. That is the ing genius of legendary West Indies batter England opener, Kohli finds a spot in the SOMERSET CANCEL PHILANDER challenge for me, nothing else,” Brian Lara. Lara, who is the only batsman to list because of his sheer ability to score runs DEAL AS VIRUS DELAYS SEASON angladesh all-rounder he added. score 400 in a Test inning, had retired after freely across formats. ‘Now you would have Somerset have cancelled their deal with said Shakib was suspended for fail- scoring 11,953 runs in 131 Tests and 10,505 to put Virat Kohli in that group, especially former South Africa seam bowler Vernon it will be challenging for ing to report corrupt approaches runs in 299 ODIs. for his ability to score so freely in all three Philander by mutual agreement after the Bhim to pick-up the game and he said one has to sometimes During a Q&A session with the Sunday formats,” Cook said. English county season was delayed because from where he left off when he pay for being ignorant. He also Times, Cook recalled a 2004 tour game of the coronavirus. Philander played his last finally returns to the field after revealed his mental health took a where the legendary West Indies batsman IRELAND CAPTAIN BALBIRNIE NOT Test in January and was set to feature for serving his suspension. beating during his time way from had scored a century in a session to leave SURE IF T20 WC WILL TAKE PLACE Somerset after signing a Kolpak deal with Shakib was banned from all the game. “I have realized that him awestruck. “I was part of an MCC team Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie has a the club, located in southwest England. forms of the game for two years, and also picked up 11 . He there are certain things that you that played West Indies at Arundel in the strong “gut feeling” that this year’s T20 Under such deals cricketers are not one year of that suspended, in slammed two centuries and five just cannot take lightly due to ig- first match of their 2004 tour,” Cook said. World Cup in Australia will not take place classed as overseas players. However, October 2019 for breaching ICC’s half-centuries during the group norance and probably that is the “We had a decent bowling attack — Si- due to the global Covid-19 crisis. “I’d cricket in England is currently postponed Anti-corruption Code. He can stage but failed to power the team biggest lesson I learnt during this mon Jones, Matthew Hoggard and Min Pa- be worried the tournament wouldn’t go until at least July 1 because of the health finally return to the game on Oc- into the knockouts. time,” Shakib said. tel, all of whom were England players. Brian ahead,” Balbirnie told BBC Radio Ulster’s crisis, with no guarantee that matches will tober 29 this year and according “First of all, I want to return “It is very difficult time for me Lara scored a century between Lunch and Sportsound Extra Time. be played at all this season. to Shakib, the biggest challenge to the game. I will return to the because at the back of the mind Tea which made me realise I was witnessing “You have to look at it logistically -- Philander, who took 224 wickets in for him will be to reach the lofty game after 4-5 months,” Shakib you always think that I am not another level of batsmanship altogether. It there would be 16 teams flying into the 64 Tests for South Africa, has therefore standards he had set for himself was quoted as saying by DW playing or not being able to play. was genius at work,” he added. country. The way this pandemic has panned consented to the termination of his deal. before the enforced break. Bangla. “No other decision will For me making sure that I am not Apart from Kohli, the other players who out, a lot can happen in a couple of days, Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry Shakib was at his absolute be taken before that. The biggest depressed is extremely impor- found spot in Cook’s list were Ricky Pon- so we really don’t know yet. It’s tricky, but left the door open for the 34-year-old, who best in the 2019 World Cup as he challenge is to be able to start tant as I am locked down in my ting, Jacques Kallis and Kumar Sangakkara. we’re battling on.” played for the county in 2012, to return to slammed 606 runs in 8 innings again from where I had stopped, house.” “The ones who came close to that when I The International Cricket Council Taunton in the future.