| Page 3 NBA | Page 4 Keys holds off Non-Orlando Aussie Open teams want champ Kenin in their own camp, Charleston league: report

Monday, June 29, 2020 FOOTBALL Dhul-Qa’da 8, 1441 AH City, Chelsea and GULF TIMES Arsenal reach FA Cup semi-finals SPORT Page 2

HORSE RACING Racing’s Time Scale wins at Newmarket Agencies smartly away to sit up on the pace and Roger Varian-trained Un- Newmarket, United Kingdom in the six-furlong straight run for dertake was further two-and-a- two-year-olds on Newmarket’s half lengths behind in third under Rowley Mile. David Egan. n the colours of Qatar Racing Travelling strongly through- By young stallion Charm Spir- Limited, Time Scale lined up out under Oisin Murphy, Time it, who stands under the Qatar in the Listed Empress Fillies’ Scale began to pull clear of her ri- Racing Limited banner at Tween- IStakes at Newmarket as a fa- vals inside the final two furlongs. hills Stud, Time Scale is out of vourite yesterday, following her With a professional attitude and An Ghalanta, who was Group impressive six-length victory at an impressive acceleration, she placed for trainer and breeder Jim Chepstow a fortnight ago on her won in a dominant display by Bolger. An Ghalanta was bought second career start. three lengths and three quarters by Qatar Racing Limited at the The Ralph Beckett-trained bay in front of Concessions, who fin- Goffs November Sale in 2012. She filly dazzled again yesterday- af ished second for trainer Richard is the dam of Bletchley, who was ternoon at Newmarket. Once the Hannon and jockey Ryan Moore. second in the Group 2 Nassau start signal was given, she was The Cheveley Park Stud-owned Stakes at Woodbine, . Oisin Murphy (foreground) rides Time Scale to Listed Empress Fillies’ Stakes victory at Newmarket, United Kingdom, yesterday. (Racingfotos)

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Second round of ‘Ugly schedule’: Nadal Covid-19 tests for QSL clubs continue NB Stars League Clubs Al Gharafa, Al Sadd, Al Wak- continued to the sec- rah, Qatar SC, Al Khor and Al wavers; Murray fears ond round of corona- Rayyan clubs underwent the Qvirus (Covid-19) tests tests yesterday in co-operation ‘Not safe for players to go from and blood samples were taken with the Ministry of Public for laboratory analysis after they Health and Aspetar hospital. New York to play in at completed a period of 14 days in The testing process contin- their respective team hotels, as ues according to the schedule altitude on the clay court’ per the general plan and protocol and date of entry of each team to player safety developed ahead of the resump- the hotel, where they must have tion of 2019-20 season QNB completed 14 days before the AFP Stars League. second round of tests. , United Kingdom

s was de- scribed as wavering over defending his US AOpen title or preparing for an assault on a 13th Roland Garros, Britain’s said Saturday he fears for the safety of top players as tennis emerges from its five-month coronavirus lockdown. Tennis has been on ice since mid-March and will not return until early August. The US Open will run from August 31 to September 13 on the hard courts of New York with the rescheduled on clay taking place just a fortnight after. In between are Masters events in Madrid and Rome, both on clay and also rescheduled from the spring. “I have spoken to Rafa and he is doubting which tournaments to play,” Nadal’s uncle — and long-time former coach — Toni Rafael Nadal’s uncle Toni said, “I have spoken to Rafa and he is doubting which tournaments to play. The schedule is unrealistic, especially for told ESPN Deportes. veteran players, who cannot compete for so many weeks in a row.” (Reuters) Al Sadd and Al Rayyan team members (below) underwent Covid-19 “The schedule is unrealis- tests in co-operation with the Ministry of Public Health and Aspetar. tic, especially for veteran play- ers, who cannot compete for so Murray withdraws from Battle many weeks in a row. “I think it is a bit ugly what of Brits third place clash the ATP has done. This deci- sion is totally against players like AFP decided not to push his body Rafa and .” London any further. Murray, meanwhile, ex- The match will still go ahead pressed his fears over player with taking Mur- safety in quickly switching from ormer world number ray’s place, before Evans takes surface to surface. one Andy Murray pulled on in the final. He suggested that a rankings Fout of his last match at A tweet from the Lawn Tennis rethink might be a solution. the Battle of the Brits exhibi- Association read: “@andy_mur- “It’s not safe for players to go tion event on Sunday. ray has withdrawn from the from the semis or final in New Murray was due to face Cam #BattleOfTheBrits 3rd Play-Off. York, quarters even, and then Norrie in a third place play-off Andy has been replaced by @ you’re playing on the Tuesday in after losing in JamesWardtennis.” in Madrid at altitude on the clay the semi-finals to Dan Evans Murray’s next event is likely to court, when players haven’t on Saturday. be the Citi Open in Washing- competed for a very long time,” Britain’s Andy Murray. (Reuters) But after playing four matches ton, scheduled to start on said Murray. in the previous five days in August 14, as the three-time “None of the top players have well last year and are not able careful with the rankings.” his first tournament since champion builds competed a week before a Slam. to defend their points properly Murray, returning from inju- November, the 33-year-old up to the US Open. The rankings, if you can keep the aren’t punished. ry, went down to a 1-6, 6-3, 10-8 points as they are, could get a bit “There are big tournaments loss to Dan Evans in the semi- skewed.” every single week and it’s going finals of the ‘Battle of the Brits’ since last November after being old is confident he is heading Murray added: “It might be to be very difficult for players tournament exhibition event in sidelined because of bone bruis- back to his best. worth potentially looking at a that are winning consistently Roehampton on Saturday. ing on his pelvis. “My game is there, I just need two-year ranking for the time to commit to that many events. It was Murray’s fourth match Murray also needed hip sur- more time to practise and pre- being so that the guys who did I just think we need to be a bit in five days in his first event gery last year, but the 33-year- pare and I’ll get there,” he said. Gulf Times 2 Monday, June 29, 2020 FOOTBALL

TOP OF THE LINE SPOTLIGHT City will give guard of honour: Guardiola Groningen used Reuters of honour of course,” Guardiola Juergen Klopp’s side an unas- London, United Kingdom said. “We will greet Liverpool, sailable 23-point lead with sev- when they come to our house, in en games left. Jordan example to an incredible way. We are going Englishman Milner, who won anchester City will to do it because they deserve it.” two titles with give newly-crowned The 49-year-old added that City before joining Liverpool in lure Robben back Premier League he was already looking for- 2015, expects a strong response Mchampions Liver- ward to helping City come back from ’s team. Reuters World Cup final in . pool a guard of honour when the stronger next season. “You see how difficult it is for Groningen, Netherlands “The difference in the stand- teams meet at the Etihad Sta- “In sport you have to live any team to defend the title,” ard between Bayern and Gronin- dium on Thursday, manager Pep in the future,” Guardiola said. Milner, 34, told the Times. gen is naturally a lot different but Guardiola has said. “Never can you have one eye on “City managed it last season.. C Groningen used the ex- I’m here to help the club,” Rob- Liverpool ended their 30-year what you have done. Never for- but they tried twice before and ample of Michael Jordan’s ben said. wait for a top-flight title when get that we are an incredible club failed. basketball comeback “You do that by showing the last season’s champions City and organisation and what you “The two times I was there in Fin their bid to persuade right attitude. I don’t have any- were beaten 2-1 by Chelsea last have to do is learn. seasons after winning titles we Dutch international Arjen Rob- thing to lose and I’m going into week, handing the Merseyside “I think we know the reason were never at the races... That’s ben to return to his first club. the challenge with a positive at- club an unassailable 23-point why we suffered this season and something I’ve learnt from. Groningen played Robben titude and to try and make the lead at the top of the table. we are going to try to solve it for Liverpool fans gather outside Anfield stadium to celebrate the club’s “This Liverpool team has clips from the Jordan documen- best of it. I haven’t set any goals, Liverpool’s first match since next season.” Premier League title victory on Friday. (AFP) shown we can deal with disap- tary Last Dance along with im- it could be over in a month or it being confirmed as champions pointment. Can we now show ages of his own glittering career could last two years.” is at City’s stadium and Guar- LIVERPOOL MUST STAY main hungry for success if they Liverpool’s 30-year wait for that we can deal with success? to coax the 36-year-old back 12 Robben was happy his wife diola said his players would pay HUNGRY: MILNER are to compete with nearest ri- their 19th English top-flight Being as good next year as we’ve months after he left Bayern Mu- Bernadien was in favour of his tribute to Jurgen Klopp’s title- Liverpool cannot afford to get vals City next sea- title ended on Thursday when been this year won’t be enough, nich and announced his retire- comeback. winning side. carried away by their Premier son, according to experienced two-times defending champi- City will raise their game and so ment. “It made the decision a lot “We are going to do the guard League triumph and must re- midfielder James Milner. ons City lost to Chelsea, giving will other clubs.” “We first went to Munich to easier knowing I had the support speak to him about coming to of my family,” he said. “Retiring play for us, just days after he re- was the toughest decision of my FOCUS tired in May last year,” Gronin- career, maybe a little forced upon gen technical director Mark-Jan me with all the injuries. Fledderus told a news conference “We decided to stay a year in on Sunday after Robben signed a Munich to enjoy the city and get one-year contract with the club. used to the idea of not playing “That didn’t happen. But we football. I didn’t watch much for kept up contact and then ar- about six months and really en- ranged secretly with his wife to joyed doing other things. travel down and talk to him again “But eventually the sports Chelsea, Arsenal, last month.” lover in you start to nag and I had Robben agreed to return to the been training to run the Rotter- club where he made his debut as dam Marathon before the coro- a 16-year-old in 2000. navirus crisis.” The winger also played for Jordan won three NBA titles Chelsea, PSV Eindhoven and with the Chicago before Real Madrid, winning 12 league quitting to play baseball. He re- City in FA Cup semis titles and earning 96 caps for the turned to Chicago and led them Netherlands including the 2010 to three more NBA crowns. Arsenal to face Man City, while Chelsea will play United on the weekend of July 18-19

AFP London, United Kingdom

helsea moved into the FA Cup semi-finals as sealed a C1-0 win at Leicester, while Arsenal joined their Lon- don rivals in the last four after a dramatic 2-1 victory against United yesterday. Later yesterday, Kevin de Bru- yne’s first-half penalty and a su- perb strike by after the break earned holders Manchester City a comfortable 2-0 win at Newcastle United. The win set up a semi-final against Arsenal for City. Manchester United will face Chelsea in the other semi-final. Both the last-four matches will be played at Wembley on the weekend of July 18-19. We can win World Cup with home At the , looking to win the first trophy of Arsenal’s Dani Ceballos advantage: Australia’s Carpenter ’s reign, Chelsea celebrates after scoring a Australia defender Ellie Carpenter believes the Matildas can win recovered from a woeful start. Chelsea’s Ross Barkley (centre) celebrates after scoring a goal during the FA Cup quarter-final against goal against Sheffield United the Women’s World Cup in 2023 now they have the advantage of The Blues could easily have Leicester City in Leicester, United Kingdom, yesterday. (Reuters) yesterday. (AFP) playing the tournament on home soil. FIFA awarded co-hosting been behind before the break, rights for the ninth Women’s World Cup to Australia and New but Lampard rang the changes at There was a worry for Lam- Zealand on Thursday, generating huge excitement among those half-time and Barkley — one of Watford relegation fears mount after Southampton defeat pard when the in-form Puli- involved in the game in the region. “There’s only one thing that the players introduced — grabbed sic was forced to come off and could possibly top the feeling we all had when the announcement the winner with a cool finish. Reuters curling a low effort into the far its players from their matchday needed an ice pack on his leg was made that we are going to host the World Cup and that’s Chelsea’s quarter-final suc- London, United Kingdom corner. squad against Southampton when he reached the bench. winning the trophy on home soil,” Carpenter wrote in a column in cess could be a good omen for the The striker added a second to protect “the health and Azpilicueta blocked a goal- Sydney’s Sunday Telegraph. “It’s crazy to think what it would be Blues, who beat Leicester at the goal in the 70th minute after safety of all players, staff and bound header from Caglar Soy- like because it would be a dream come true, but I really believe it’s same stage en route to winning atford were dealt a intercepting a wayward throw officials”. uncu and Ndidi curled wide as reachable because that extra buzz from playing at home is going the competition for the eighth major blow in their from goalkeeper Ben Foster be- Andre Gray, Nathaniel Chelsea held on. to be a big advantage.” and most recent time in 2018. Wbid to avoid relega- fore Jan Bednarek’s own goal Chalobah and Domingos Quina Lampard made six changes to tion as a Danny Ings double handed the Hornets a lifeline. were not part of Nigel Pear- LATE CEBALLOS WINNER the team that handed the Pre- and James Ward-Prowse’s stun- But Ward-Prowse’s free kick son’s 20-man squad. At Bramall Lane, Dani Ceballos Dortmund open door for Meunier to mier League title to Liverpool ning late free kick condemned in the 82nd minute sealed The action by the club came fired Arsenal into last four along- play Champions League with PSG with a victory over Manchester them to a 3-1 defeat at home to the victory for Southampton, after Gray posted a series of side Chelsea and Manchester City on Thursday. Southampton in the Premier who rose to 13th place with 40 videos on social media of a United. Mikel Arteta’s side rode Full-back Thomas Meunier could still play in the latter stages of Chelsea were initially out of League yesterday. points, while Watford remain large gathering to celebrate his their luck after surviving a sec- this season’s Champions League for Saint-Germain despite sorts as a result and Leicester’s Saints started strongly and in 16th with 28 points, one 29th birthday on Friday. ond-half barrage from the Blades. signing for Borussia Dortmund, the Bundesliga club’s CEO Hans- Harvey Barnes had a sight of goal took a well-deserved lead in point ahead of third-bottom Quina, 20, was seen in the vid- Nicolas Pepe put Arsenal Joachim Watzke said yesterday. Belgian international Meunier inside 30 seconds, the winger’s the 16th minute when Ings Bournemouth, who have a eos as a group played football ahead with a first-half penalty has signed a four-year deal with Dortmund and will join on a free heavy touch letting the ball squirt glided past the challenge of game in hand. on an artificial pitch in Gray’s after Chris Basham fouled Al- transfer after the end of his PSG contract at the end of this month. away as he prepared to shoot. two Watford defenders before Watford had removed three of garden. exandre Lacazette. David Mc- “We told him, ‘If you want to play in the Champions League, it’s OK It was a sluggish start from Goldrick equalised with three for us’,” Watzke told Sport1. “The quarter-finals of the Champions Chelsea and Blues defender An- minutes left, but on-loan Real League is a hell of a level of football. If he wishes, we will have to tonio Rudiger angrily admonished Billy Gilmour gifted possession to winger led their with purpose, Chelsea took the Madrid midfielder Ceballos set- negotiate the details with Paris. He is still thinking and we will try his team-mates after snuffing out Tielemans, who forced Caballero response with a fierce strike that lead in the 63rd minute. tled it in the final moments. to resolve this matter with Paris.” PSG beat Dortmund 3-2 on ag- a Youri Tielemans raid. to turn his drive away for a corner. Kasper Schmeichel tipped over. Willian swung in a teasing Arteta was Arsenal’s captain gregate in the last 16 to reach the quarter-finals before the corona- When Wilfred Ndidi was giv- Leicester defender Jonny Lampard still wasn’t satisfied cross from the right and Barkley when they won the FA Cup final virus lockdown, with the Champions League set to be concluded en acres of space to head straight Evans headed ’s and sent on Barkley, Mateo Ko- got in front of Evans to guide a against Hull in 2014. with a ‘final eight’ tournament in Lisbon in August. at , Lampard free-kick wastefully wide from vacic and Cesar Azpilicueta at clinical finish past Schmeichel. And the Gunners boss remains could be heard bellowing “liven close range. half-time. Chelsea looked more It was the England midfield- on course to get his hands on the up” at his sloppy stars. had scored vibrant after the changes, with er’s fourth club goal of the sea- silverware again as Arsenal look to Rio to allow football fans from July 10 There was no immediate im- in each of Chelsea’s first two Kovacic dominating in midfield. son, with three of those coming win the competition for a record- The state of will allow football fans into stadiums provement from Chelsea and games since the restart and the Pressing harder and breaking in the FA Cup. extending 14th time. from July 10, initially at one-third capacity, according to an official decree. Capacity will move to two-thirds from August 1, while stadiums will be able to function with no restrictions from August SERIE A 16, said the decree published by Rio townhall on Friday. The initial easing must allow for 4 sqm per person and ticket sales will only be online. The Rio state championship has been the first to resume in South America, a region hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. High-flying Villarreal Milan boost Europa hopes The league, comprising professional teams within Rio state, resumed behind closed doors on June 18. beat Valencia in derby with win over Roma Union Berlin want no gradual return

DPA corer on 13 goals, netted the second with DPA As sixth-placed Napoli are guar- of fans but full house Barcelona, Spain another volley after a sublime piece of Rome, anteed Europa League entry through skill from Cazorla, who used his knee to winning the Italian Cup, that would be Union Berlin want to return to full capacity and skip a gradual direct a long ball into the forward’s path. enough for Milan to also reach Europe as solution once fans are re-admitted to Bundesliga stadiums, club anti Cazorla starred for Villarreal Dani Parejo came close for Valencia, C Milan beat visiting Roma it stands. officials said yesterday. “We don’t want to play in front of 5,000 as they beat Valencia in an east eighth, after the break but they couldn’t 2-0 at the sweltering Giuseppe Roma, who sit fifth, six points off spectators, but in front of 22,000 spectators. We want to think in coast derby 2-0 to move pro- fight their way back into the match and Meazza Stadium yesterday to the Champions League zone, saw - this direction. We do not want to go into the process with the goal visionally fifth yesterday in La have only one win from five matches move provisionally into one of tain Edin Dzeko miss a first-half header of a reduced solution,” Union spokesman Christian Arbeit told S A reporters. The Bundesliga season which ended Saturday was com- Liga, three points away from the Cham- since the league resumed in June. the Europa League places available in while the Rossoneri’s Calhanoglu and pions League qualifying places. Earlier Levante earned a 4-2 win over the Italian Serie A. Lucas Paqueta had their efforts saved pleted behind closed doors because of the coronavirus pandemic. Paco Alcacer opened the scoring af- Real Betis in a mid-table battle. Ante Rebic scored in the 76th minute, after the break. Football officials hope that fans can gradually return next season. ter 14 minutes against his former side, Borja Mayoral, Enis Bardhi, Jose Luis firing in after keeper Antonio Mirante The two sides mourned their former Arbeit said the Bundesliga must consider how to fill the stadiums volleying home strike partner Gerard Morales and Ruben Rochina scored for deflected his first shot onto the post and striker Pierino Prati, who died at 73 to- 100 per cent through tracing options and the gathering of specta- Moreno’s excellent cross. Levante, while Sergio Canales and Juan- Hakan Calhanoglu converted a late pen- day, with a minute’s silence before the tors’ personal data. Moreno, La Liga’s top Spanish goals- mi scored for Betis. alty to lift Milan seventh. game began. Gulf Times Monday, June 29, 2020 3 SPORT

TENNIS FOCUS Ecclestone counters critics, saying ‘I am Keys holds off not anti black people’

DPA because of their skin colour, or London was it because they weren’t up to the job? That is what I was saying. ormer Formula One “And then people go on Aussie Open champ boss Bernie Ecclestone these marches, organised by has dismissed criti- quasi-Marxists who want to Fcism on a recent re- bring down the police, which mark perceived as racist, and would be a disaster for the attacked the new leadership country. If you asked most of under Chase Carey. them what exactly they were F1 bosses and world cham- protesting about they prob- pion Lewis Hamilton attacked ably wouldn’t know.” Kenin in Charleston the 89-year-old Ecclestone Hamilton has lamented rac- after he told CNN that black ism in the sport as part of the ‘When you play someone like (Kenin) you know that she is going to up her levels, people were often more racist Black Lives Matter movement than white people. in the wake of the death of especially when it matters. She definitely did that at the end of the second set’ But Ecclestone told the Mail George Floyd in police custody on Sunday paper that “It is not in the United States, and F1 is my fault that I am white. now aiming for more diversity AFP “I am not anti black peo- in the sport. Washington ple. Quite the opposite. I have But Ecclestone said in the always been very much in fa- direction of F1 and Carey: vour,” he said. ‘I’m glad he said I have no in- adison Keys made “Over the years, I have met volvement in Formula One, so it through another a lot of white people I didn’t I can’t be credited with all the tense finish on Sat- like, but never a black person I things they’ve not done. Murday, letting one didn’t like.” “They have jumped on this match point slip before finishing “I’ve been mugged a couple thing suddenly because off champion of times, once by three black of events in America. Now Sofia Kenin 6-3, 5-7 10-2 in the guys. I ended up in hospital, Chase has put in all of 1 million women’s tennis event in Charle- but even after that I was never dollars – enough to get a me- ston, South Carolina. against anyone who was black. chanic into go-karting. Maybe Keys, who would have been I don’t think of Lewis as black he should concentrate on do- defending her 2019 Charleston or anything else. He’s just ing what the shareholders WTA title earlier this year if the Lewis to me,” Ecclestone said. want. Covid was good for him. coronavirus pandemic hadn’t “If a black person or a white He could blame everything he halted play on the women’s ten- person gets turned down for a hasn’t achieved on that,” Ec- nis tour, had overcome a late job you have to ask why. Was it clestone said. lapse on Thursday in a 6-1, 6-7 (6/8), 10-4 victory over fellow American Caroline Dolehide. She said the tight finishes in the 16-player team event, being played with strict social distanc- ing protocols and with no spec- tators, would stand her in good stead when the WTA resumes in Palermo on August 3. She was up two breaks at 4-0 in the second set, and held a match point against Kenin’s serve in the ninth game that she couldn’t convert. Keys dropped her next two service games but regrouped in the 10-point tiebreaker, saying she was “kind of giving myself a little bit of grace, knowing that I don’t have those big points un- der my belt right now. “I know that these matches come in handy later, once the tour comes back and (I’m) just using that as an opportunity and not being too hard on my- self.” The match pitted the top- Former Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone ranked players to feature in the team event, which is being played on the same green clay courts that host the annual WTA Italy’s Dovizioso breaks collarbone Charleston event. Madison Keys of the USA. (AFP) before MotoGP return Kenin, who won her first Grand Slam title at the Austral- Italian MotoGP star Andrea a broken collarbone. Ducati ian Open in January, is ranked Dovizioso will undergo sur- added that after consultation fourth in the world while Keys is Up to 2,000 fans allowed at WTA Prague event: organisers gery on a broken collarbone with doctors “Dovi has de- ranked 13th. later yesterday, his Ducati cided to proceed with surgery “When you play someone like As many as 2,000 fans will be tournament director David Wimbledon champion Petra “We have capitalised on refer- team confirmed, just weeks this evening in Modena to be (Kenin) you know that she is go- able to attend a new WTA event Trunda. Kvitova, who is 12th in the world. ences we had gained owing before the world champi- fit in time for the start of the ing to up her levels, especially in Prague set to take place from Tournament spokesman Karel Kvitova won an all-Czech tour- to the first tournament of the onship season starts. The 2020 MotoGP season.” when it matters,” Keys said. August 10-15, organisers said Tejkal said the event is not a nament in May, played behind post-coronavirus era, which was 34-year-old landed badly Dovizioso has raced for “She definitely did that at the yesterday. postponed version of May’s closed doors at Sparta at a time played on Sparta courts and competing in a motocross Ducati since 2013 and finished end of the second set. One of the first WTA tourna- Prague Open which did not take when the Czech Republic was which turned out a success.” race at Faenza, near his home runner-up in each of the past “A few of those points were ments to take place after the place because of the Covid-19 already easing coronavirus The men’s and women’s tennis in the Emilia Romagna region three seasons behind Span- me, but I thought I had a pretty coronavirus suspension, the pandemic. measures as it had got the tours have been on ice since in central Italy. “After suffering iard Marc Marquez. The 2020 clean tiebreaker.” Prague Open will be played on “It’s a new tournament which... disease under control. mid-March while Wimbledon a crash during a motocross MotoGP season will start In the evening matches, Jen- the Sparta Prague clay courts in has become part of the WTA’s “The WTA was looking for places was cancelled and the French race in Faenza, Andrea following the coronavirus nifer Brady beat fellow Ameri- the Czech capital. provisional calendar for this and organisers to prepare a Open moved to September- Dovizioso has sustained a left lockdown on July 19 in Spain can Sloane Stephens 6-3, 7-6 “We are already in talks with year,” he said. quality tournament fast in these October. collarbone injury,” the team at the Jerez circuit. (7/4) while the contest between the top Czech players. We will The highest ranked Czech strange times,” said Czech The first WTA event of the said on . The team did The season was originally Bethanie Mattek-Sands and prepare mobile stands with a players are world number three Tennis Association head Ivo resumption is set to be the Pal- not specify the injury but the scheduled to start on March 8 Shelby Rogers was halted by capacity of 2,000 seats,” said Karolina Pliskova and two-time Kaderka. ermo Open from August 3. Italian media reported it was in Qatar. (AFP) rain.

FOOTBALL Indian team has a lot of diversity, says Aditi IANS is pushing each other. No one is comfortable New Delhi as there are new kids coming from all over and securing slots in the squad. That’s how the team has grown, and the results have ndian women’s team goalkeeper Aditi come out so well.” Chauhan has highlighted the ‘unity in The Delhi-based goalkeeper believes more diversity’ in the current senior national “younger girls” will follow in the footsteps of Iside maintaining it to be a true repre- Manipuri striker Bala Devi. Bala currently on sentation of secular upbringing. a professional contract with Rangers FC is the In a recent chat with AIFF TV, Aditi said: first Indian woman footballer to sign a pro- “When I first started playing for the national fessional contract in Europe. “Bala is a gem of team, it was majorly dominated by players a player and her move to Rangers is amazing,” from Manipur. But it has become more of a Aditi said. “The standard of play, the culture diverse team now.” is so different. It’s a total professional set-up “The team has a lot of characters – a pan in Europe. The experience which she will gain Indian representation which helps unify will benefit not just her, but Indian Football the team. The unity in diversity is our core in general,” she explained. strength – the secret of our bonding. We are “Whenever she comes back to play for all together in the team with one mission – the National Team, we’d eagerly wait to hear to represent the country. That is what de- about her experiences. I am sure she’ll love fines us,” she stated. “We get to interact with to share all of that – especially with the U-17 lots of characters from whom we get to learn girls. Her knowledge will matter a lot shap- so much. Everyone has a different story to ing the career of younger girls,” she opined. tell – their journey, struggle, conditions at “There’s so much potential in India,” Aditi home, and much more.” informed. Aditi also spoke about how women’s “I want more girls to get such exposures, football has adopted a more pan Indian ap- and learn from playing against better oppo- proach, pushing the quality Manipuri play- nents. With more avenues for younger girls ers for a slot in the squad. “The competition coming up, I am sure there will be others for places in the team has grown – everyone who will follow in Bala’s footsteps.” India goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan. Gulf Times 4 Monday, June 29, 2020 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Idea for LeBron’s ‘The Report: Non-Orlando Decision’ came from fan teams want their own camp, de facto league

‘WE’RE IN A DIFFERENT SPACE AND PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THAT’ Reuters seven months later, it’s the Los Angeles biggest story in sports.” “I remember everyone was talking about where LeBron early 10 years after would go, and it seemed to LeBron James an- me that LeBron should do the nounced his decision same thing these kids do and Nto play for the Miami announce it live on TV,” Wagn- Heat on a live show on ESPN er added. “I used to enjoy those titled “The Decision,” the net- Simmons mailbags quite a bit, work revealed Saturday that and I thought it would be a fun the idea for the show actually idea to send it.” came from a fan. Wagner’s initial pitch had There have long been ru- suggested a televised show mors that a fan actually came called “Lebron’s Choice,” up with the idea, as a person while Simmons proposed in his identified only as “Drew” from column that it be called “Deci- Columbus, Ohio, proposed sion 2010: LeBron’s Verdict.” the show in a mailbag col- Simmons e-mailed ESPN ex- umn published by then-ESPN ecutives about the idea to tel- writer Bill Simmons. That col- evise James’ announcement in umn ran November 26, 2009 May of 2010, but did not men- — more than seventh months tion Wagner in that email. before “The Decision” aired At the time of “The Deci- on July 8, 2010. During “The sion,” James was entering his Decision” broadcast, a then- eighth season in the NBA, hav- 25-year-old James infamously ing played the first seven in proclaimed, “I’m going to take Cleveland. Despite being a six- my talents to South Beach” — time All-Star and leading the an instant punchline that lives Cavaliers to the NBA Finals in on in sports lore today. In fact, 2007, the Akron, Ohio, native the revelation of Drew from became Public Enemy No. 1 Columbus comes as ESPN with most Cavs fans after “The prepares to air a look back at Decision.” “The Decision” on Sunday James would win two cham- night. For a story published pionships in Miami before re- Saturday, ESPN reached Drew turning to Cleveland and lead- — 38-year-old Drew Wagner, ing the Cavs to the NBA title in who is actually a Detroit Pis- 2016 — the first championship tons fan — and he confirmed in club history. the idea was his. He is in his second season “That was me,” Wagner told with the Los Angeles Lak- ESPN in a phone interview ers after leaving Cleveland as Friday. “I sent that email, it’s a free agent for a second time posted by Simmons, and then following the 2017-18 season. Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr (left) complains about a call during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Oracle Arena in Oakland on December 23, 2018. (TNS)

Reuters teams who were eliminated from the ers, that seem concerned they’re not NFL players union unhappy at Los Angeles playoffs when the NBA unveiled its plan getting enough (opportunities). I think NBA may allow personalised to resume the regular season following our teams are incredibly smart and cre- Brady, Wilson workouts the pause due to Covid-19. ative and can come up with ways to get statements on jerseys s 22 NBA teams prepare to re- The remaining 22 teams will con- their guys engaged, if not now, before The NBA may allow players to personalise their The NFL players union compromising players and port to Florida to resume the clude the regular season with 88 games the season starts. jerseys with statements that promote social yesterday criticised unofficial the upcoming season. regular season, the league has played at the ESPN Wide World of “But I am very concerned and frank- justice issues or charitable causes. workouts conducted by star “Those practices are not in yet to figure out what to do Sports Complex near Orlando, Fla. ly, my concern aside, our players, our Oklahoma City guard Chris Paul, president of quarterbacks Tom Brady and the best interests of player A the National Basketball Players Association, Russell Wilson, saying the safety,” Smith said. “They’re with the eight teams left out of the Or- Each team will play eight games to de- teams are very concerned about any — lando bubble. termine the playoff field and seeding. in terms of play that doesn’t have the told The Undefeated on Saturday that the practices were risking player not in the best interests of And based on recent reports, there The teams will remain sequestered at same guarantees of safety and health union and the league are currently collabo- safety during the coronavirus protecting our players head- may be conflicting opinions between the ESPN campus, known as the Or- that we’ve provided for the teams in rating on the initiative. Messages like “Black crisis. Tampa Bay Bucca- ing into training camp and the league and those eight teams — cre- lando bubble. Orlando. So yeah, never say never, but Lives Matter” or “I Can’t Breathe” or the names neers star Brady and Seattle I don’t think they’re in the ating doubt as to whether the teams will But whatever plan the Delete Eight there’s a standard. It’s a standard that’s of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor or Ahmaud Seahawks signal-caller Wilson best interests of us getting do anything at all. come up with may ultimately be moot, got to be met, and if it’s not met, next Arbery could replace the players’ names on have both faced scrutiny through an entire season.” According to The Athletic’s Sam Am- as the league and even the union are re- question, as far as I’m concerned.” the backs of their uniforms. “We’re just trying recently after conducting Smith said the practices could ick, some of the teams in the so-called portedly cool on the idea of a de facto Earlier this month, Warriors coach to continue to shed light on the different social throwing sessions with receiv- complicate the NFLPA’s nego- “Delete Eight” are pushing for a site second league. Steve Kerr said he wasn’t interested in justice issues that guys around our league ers in the build-up to official tiations with the league over where all eight teams can train together “I think there are conversations that bringing the team with the worst record continue to talk about day in and day out,” Paul pre-season training camps. how players who contract and potentially play in televised games. could be had if there’s anything we can in the league back together to play said. “People are saying that social justice will However NFL Players Associa- Covid-19 will be classified and Per the report, Cleveland, Detroit and do with the other eight teams,” NBA games at this point. be off of everybody’s mind in Orlando. With tion executive director De- compensated. are among the most vocal teams Players Association executive director “We’re in a different space and peo- these jerseys, it doesn’t go away.” The NBA Maurice Smith told USA Today “I certainly understand how in pushing for a secondary camp. Michele Roberts said during a confer- ple understand that,” Kerr said on a June season is scheduled to resume on July 30 with in an interview yesterday that competitive our players are Charlotte, Chicago, New York, Min- ence call this week. “I know there are 9 conference call with reporters. “We’d 22 teams competing in Orlando, Florida. the sessions were potentially and I get that,” Smith said. nesota and Golden State were the other some players, particularly young play- be more interested in practice time.”

BOTTOMLINE MLB’s new designated-hitter rule could phase out what Stairs did best By Matt Breen succeeding in one of baseball’s cle, seeing him run in through can control in the batter’s box is The Philadelphia Inquirer hardest roles, moving from team the gate and just remember not your approach and game plan. to team as a slugging pinch-hit- hearing anything,” Stairs said of Nothing else. At the plate, Stairs ter — he played for 12 franchises. his iconic pinch-hit homer off said he wanted to be “lazy as a att Stairs sat on the But now that niche could be fad- Jonathan Broxton in Game 4 of hitter,” meaning he wanted to bench in the visit- ing away. The National League the 2008 NLCS. “I didn’t hear stay relaxed. When the pressure ing dugout at Dodger will use a designated hitter this a word. I didn’t hear music. I mounted, he did. MStadium for seven season as Major League Base- didn’t hear boos. I didn’t hear “Hitting is easy, getting hits innings, a red jacket covering his ball implements a DH in both the people call me a fat a**. I didn’t is hard,” Stairs said. “That’s the Phillies uniform top. He knew American and National Leagues. hear people call for Broxton. It mindset that you have to have. If that night — yes, that night Since 2015, the DH-less Na- was a cool moment.” I got a hit, it was a bonus. If I got in October of 2008 — that his tional League has totaled nearly Pinch-hitting is an art, mas- a home run, it was a huge bonus. chance would come in the eighth three times as many pinch-hit tered by hitters like Stairs who I just wanted to control what or ninth inning with the game on attempts than its DH-using can sit on the bench for the ma- I did in the batter’s box. What the line against the opponent’s counterparts in the American jority of the game and then block really helped me out was that I best relief pitcher. So he watched League. Last season, AL teams out the pressure when they are never expected to get a hit when and waited. averaged 77 pinch-hit at-bats suddenly thrown into the game’s I pinch hit. I wasn’t thinking A decade earlier, he hit 38 for the season while NL teams biggest spots. Del Unser and negatively. Like I wasn’t think- home runs. Five years earlier, averaged 252. The univer- Greg Gross thrived at it for the ing ‘I have no chance.’ I knew his OPS was 42% better than the sal designated-hitter rule will Phillies in the 1970s and 1980s, it was such a hard job, you’re league average. But Stairs was 40 likely extend past this season. Ricky Jordan did it best in 1993, facing the best closers in the years old and the Phillies’ World Pinch-hitting won’t become and Greg Dobbs made a career of game or the best setup guys in Series run was his 16th season in extinct, but it will be much less it alongside Stairs. the game. I wasn’t saying that I the big leagues. He was no longer prevalent. “My job, my role, my Their success was grounded had no chance to get a hit, but I an everyday player. Stairs was a pay was to be that hitter off the in their approach. Stairs did didn’t expect to get a hit. What pinch-hitter. bench. That was my job,” Stairs not watch video of pitchers he I wanted to do was I wanted to Coming off the bench late in said. “To me, it’s very important might face or take batting prac- stay with my game plan.” the game against a hard-throw- to have a guy who can come off tice during the game. He simply In Game 4 of the 2008 NLCS, ing reliever can be a thankless the bench. I don’t care if it was The Philadelphia Phillies’ Matt Stairs. (TNS) skimmed scouting reports, re- the Phillies tied the game in the job. Last season, pinch-hitters 100 years ago or if it’s in 2020. lied on past experience against eighth inning against the Dodg- hit just .222. But Stairs did it Having a pinch-hitter to me is pitchers. Pinch-hitting will now to pinch-hitter could already be lie Manuel saving Stairs on the that pitcher, and watched the ers on a two-run home run by better than most. His 23 pinch- very important, knowing that be strictly based on matchups in the lineup as the DH. bench that night until the score game. He knew his strengths — Shane Victorino. Then it was hit home runs is a major league this guy can step in and help out — perhaps pulling a lefty hitter The DH should increase of- was tied in the eighth inning. crushing inside fastballs — and Stairs’ turn. He lifted his red record, and he is one of just to win a ballgame.” against a left-handed reliever or fence and pitchers will no longer “It’s been so many years since knew the pitcher knew too. jacket over his head, walked to 18 hitters to collect 100 career With a DH in the lineup, Na- subbing a weak hitter late in the have to attempt to hit. But it will it happened and I can honestly While playing for Pittsburgh, the on-deck circle, watched pinch-hits. tional League managers will no game. The pinch-hitting chanc- also bid farewell to some of base- remember walking up the steps, Stairs was told by Reggie Sand- Broxton warm up, and took a Stairs extended his career by longer have to pinch-hit for their es will also be limited as the go- ball’s beloved strategy like Char- walking to the on-deck cir- ers that the only thing a batter couple light swings. Gulf Times Monday, June 29, 2020 5 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT US athletes, Carlos call on IOC to end protest ban AFP shape the future of athlete expres- ity.” The IOC, which in January is- Los Angeles sion at the Olympic and Paralympic sued an updated set of guidelines Games.” regarding athlete activism, outlaw- The issue of athlete protests at ing any kind of demonstration on nited States athletes and the Olympics came under renewed the medal podium or field of play, 1968 Games icon scrutiny following the wave of has hinted it may be willing to sof- John Carlos on Saturday protests which erupted across the ten its stance. Ucalled for the Interna- United States and around the world The IOC is backing discussions tional Olympic Committee to scrap following the death of unarmed led by the Olympic Athletes Com- rules barring athletes from protest- black man George Floyd while in mission to consider ways of allow- ing at the Olympics. police custody in Minneapolis on ing “dignified” shows of support for In a letter sent to the IOC, the May 25. anti-racism initiatives. United States Olympic and Paral- The USOPC had been criticised The USOPC athlete council and ympic Committee’s athlete council after issuing reprimands to US Carlos had requested abolishing the requested that Olympic abol- hammer thrower Gwen Berry and rule against protests during a con- ish its anti-protest regulation. fencer Race Imboden, who both ference call with the IOC’s Athletes The letter was sent in partnership protested on the podium during Commission on Thursday. with former US sprinter Carlos, last year’s Pan-American Games in In its letter to the IOC released who was famously kicked out of the to draw attention to social in- Saturday, the US Olympians said Mexico City games in 1968 for rais- justice. freedom of expression was a “fun- ing his fist on the medal podium in a Berry, who raised a clenched fist damental human right.” black power salute along with com- on the podium, and Imboden, who “The Olympic and Paralympic patriot Tommie Smith. knelt down, were given a year’s pro- movement simultaneously hon- “Athletes will no longer be si- bation by the USOPC and warned ours athletes like John Carlos and lenced,” the US athlete council they could face severe sanctions if Tommie Smith, displaying them in wrote in the letter. they carried out similar protests museums and praising their Olym- “The IOC and International Para- again. pic values, while prohibiting cur- lympic Committee cannot continue International Olympic Commit- rent athletes from following in their on the path of punishing or remov- tee rules bar any “demonstration or footsteps,” the letter read. ing athletes who speak up for what political, religious or racial propa- “Carlos and Smith risked eve- they believe in, especially when ganda” at the Games. rything to stand for human rights those beliefs exemplify the goals of In the weeks since the protests and what they believed in, and they Olympism,” the letter reads. over George Floyd’s death erupted, continue to inspire generation after “Instead, sports administrators the USOPC has said it will review generation to do the same. It is time must begin the responsible task rules regarding athlete protests, for the Olympic and Paralympic of transparent collaboration with saying officials had “failed to listen movement to honour their bravery athletes and athlete groups to re- and tolerated racism and inequal- rather than denounce their actions.” John Carlos, participant of the 1968 Olympics, stands on the campus track at Palm Springs High School, , on July 11, 2012. (Reuters)

RUGBY REPORT take rare chances to extend ‘Mr Fixit’ White hopes home run to 35

AFP Jordan who’s on his toes and Christchurch just wants to get involved and it’s awesome to see the boys backing their skills especially uckland Blues and in conditions like this.” spending spree can lift Canterbury Crusad- Chiefs captain Sam Cane ers remain the only called it a “classic arm wres- Aunbeaten teams in tle” which came down to the New Zealand’s Crusaders making the most competition, after the Cru- of key moments. saders won their grudge “There wasn’t much be- match against the Waikato tween the two sides and cred- Chiefs 18-13 in Christchurch it to the Crusaders, a couple Bulls from doldrums yesterday. of opportunistic tries, and a In wet, greasy conditions, couple of moments can really Will Jordan scored twice for swing a game,” Cane said. ‘WINNING MATCHES WILL BRING THOUSANDS OF SUPPORTERS BACK’ the Crusaders to give them The Chiefs, who beat the two wins from two matches Crusaders earlier this year AFP and extended their unbeaten before the coronavirus pan- Johannesburg home record to 35. demic brought a halt to global The Blues, who have played sport, could claim to have had an extra game, notched their the better of the first half ter- ugby World Cup-win- third win on Saturday when ritorially. ning coach they held off a hard-finishing But, they could not break has embarked on the Otago Highlanders 27-24. the Crusaders defence and Rbiggest modern-era The Chiefs have now lost their sole reward was a Dam- South African spending splurge three from three, the Wel- ian McKenzie penalty. as he seeks to make the Northern lington Hurricanes have lost The Crusaders, however, Bulls a powerhouse again. two from two and the Otago were rewarded from a lineout The team were the Highlanders have a win and steal when the Chiefs were on dominant southern hemisphere a loss. attack. franchise between 2007 and It was a battle of attrition Sevu Reece beat McKenzie 2010, winning three of the four in Christchurch with the tone in the air to reclaim Richie Super Rugby competitions dur- set midweek when Crusad- Mo’unga’s clearing kick and ing that period. ers prop Joe Moody talked of sent Jordan away for the try. Loftus Versfeld, the 50,000- a “deep-seated hatred” of the Jordan’s second try early seat fortress of the Bulls in a Chiefs, which gave visiting in the second half came from leafy suburb, was the scene of coach Warran Gatland all the another Chiefs error when an the many great triumphs, no- ammunition he needed for his Aaron Cruden pass went into tably a 61-17 thrashing of the pre-match pep talk. touch. Waikato Chiefs in the 2009 fi- With the constant rain While the Chiefs switched nal. forcing handling errors and off believing there would be a The ground was regularly dictating a bruising forward reset for a lineout, Reece took packed as adoring supporters clash with lots of kicking by a quick throw-in to Jordan turned up to watch stars like fly- the backs, the result came rushing up from fullback and half Derick Hougaard, scrum- down to the Crusaders capi- he ran 30 metres untouched half and locks talising on the two opportu- to the line. and Bakkies nities that went their way. The Chiefs bagged 10 Botha. “We knew it was going to points early in the final quar- It was a very different story be a confrontational game ter with a converted try to this year in Super Rugby, how- and we had to make sure the Sean Wainui and another ever, before the coronavirus breakdown was really clean,” McKenzie penalty but could pandemic brought the five-na- Crusaders captain Codie Tay- not find a way through the tion competition to a close after lor said Crusaders in the closing 10 just seven rounds. “A young fella like Will minutes. A Bulls side shorn of stars like playmaker Handre Pollard, who moved abroad after help- ing South Africa win the World World Athletics partners with parkrun Cup a third time last Novem- Jake White has hired a flood of experienced players, many of them former Springboks who opted to return home from Europe and and to improve global health ber, lost five of six matches. The spend the twilights of their careers in Pretoria. (Reuters) packed stands at Loftus were a Reuters strategic plan that has the distant memory with only a few perienced players, many of them It was not one-way traffic to- over England in Paris. convinced White can make the Los Angeles main objective of using the thousand hard-core supporters former Springboks who opted to ward the Loftus changing rooms Told to reapply for his nation- Bulls a force to reckon with power and accessibility of turning up to witness one inept return home from Europe and though with backs Warrick Ge- al team post by officials he did again in Super Rugby. athletics and our athletes to display after another. Japan and spend the twilights of lant, Johnny Kotze, Manie Lib- not click with, White refused “We should never be shy of orld Athlet- create a healthier and fitter It left the three-time champi- their careers in Pretoria. bok, Divan Rossouw and Rosko and became the touting the South African style ics will partner world,” World Athletics CEO ons 12th in the overall standings The backs who were bought Specman leaving. first black coach of the Spring- of play. When I coach forwards, with parkrun Jon Ridgeon said. and hopes of a top-eight finish include and Travis Is- South Africa-born former boks. I want them to play to their Global Limited, Parkrun chief Nick Pearson W said the two organisations and a quarter-finals slot already maeil, both past 30 but with a lot Scotland loose forward Josh He later dramatically im- strengths — a brutal, confronta- a UK-based charity that or- gone less than halfway through to still offer, according to White, Strauss was the latest departee proved the Super Rugby for- tional type of game. ganises parkrun events, in would work towards improv- the regular season. who coached the 2007 World after failing to make an impact tunes of the ACT in “South African forwards are a bid to grow the sport of ing fitness standards world- Something had to give and Cup-winning Springboks. in Super Rugby this season. Australia and the Coastal naturally attuned to that way of athletics and improve fitness wide by encouraging people coach Pote Human was fired, There were also coaching in his homeland, taking both to playing and it can work so well standards across the world, to stay active. paving the away for the ‘Mr Fix- WOOED VERMEULEN changes, notably the hiring of the knockout stages. for us.” the sport’s governing body “Exercise and physical activ- it’ of rugby, White, to take con- To bolster the pack he wooed Russell Winter and the recall of White won the second-tier No rugby has been played in said yesterday. ity is more accessible and trol last March and immediately World Cup winner Duane Ver- former Bulls Super Rugby han- European Rugby Challenge Cup South Africa since mid March The parkrun movement, in sustainable where sports embark on a signing spree. meulen back to South Africa dler Nollis Marais. with French outfit Montpellier because of the Covid-19 crisis which people take part in organisations collaborate and “We need to rebuild a win- after the forward spent a year Once dismissed by a rival and later coached Toyota Verb- and the most optimistic date for weekly 5 or 2km runs organ- work towards mutual goals,” ning culture at Loftus,” White, cashing in on the riches of Japa- coach as nothing more than a litz in Japan. a resumption of matches is Au- ised by volunteers, began Pearson said. 56, told AFP. “Winning matches nese club rugby. “video operator at training ses- When Verblitz hired outgo- gust. as a group of 13 friends in a Parkrun was halted in March will bring thousands of sup- , , sions”, White has succeeded ing New Zealand coach Steve SA Rugby hope to stage a do- London park in 2004. due to the Covid-19 pandemic porters back. , Marcel van der wherever he has worked. Hansen this year, White came mestic Super Rugby competi- It now attracts more than but events in New Zealand “It will not be an easy task as Merwe and Assisted by wily Austral- home and after talks with PRO14 tion, similar to the one already three mn participants will resume on July 4, with the team has been struggling for have also been signed to create ian Eddie Jones, he guided the strugglers the , under way in New Zealand, with globally. strict health measures in some time, but we are up for it.” a virtual new Bulls pack for the Springboks to 2007 World Cup agreed to join the Bulls. Australia set to follow suit in “We have just approved a place. White has hired a flood of ex- post-coronavirus pandemic era. glory with a 15-6 final triumph Forwards coach Winter is July.

Monday, June 29, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

CRICKET Stokes will be brilliant as England captain: Broad

Reuters protocols to curb the spread of London Covid-19. Holder wants racism to be treated like doping, fixing Broad says he has spoken to sports psychologists to learn West Indies captain Jason en Stokes would have ways of dealing with the chal- Holder wants racism to be no trouble stepping lenges of playing in empty sta- treated as seriously as doping into the role of England diums. and match-fixing in cricket, the captain if Joe Root were “It will be a mental test... I’ve 28-year-old has said. B Then Pakistan captain Sarfaraz to miss the first Test of their just got to make sure to train three-match series against West my brain not to get into a nega- Ahmed was slapped with a four- Indies, fast bowler Stuart Broad tive mindset,” Broad, who has match ban last year for a racist said yesterday. claimed 485 Test wickets, said. remark aimed at South Africa England skipper Root has said “...There might be times when all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo. he could miss the series opener, the minds of players drift but we Earlier this month, former West scheduled for July 8, if it clashes need to make sure we are as en- Indies captains Darren Sammy with the birth of his second child gaged as possible.” and Chris Gayle said they have and Broad, 34, believes the side England are considering join- experienced racist abuse and would still be in good hands, ing West Indies in an anti-rac- threw their weight behind the with vice-captain Stokes well- ism protest in the wake of the Black Lives Matters campaign. The sanction for a first offence all-rounder said. “My message equipped to take the reins. death of George Floyd, an un- “I don’t think the penalty for by a player can be up to a ban is more education needs to go “Stokes will be fine. The armed black man who died in doping or corruption should be for four tests or eight limited- around it. I’ve not experienced toughest part of the job is off the police custody in Minneapolis. any different for racism,” Holder overs matches. any racial abuse first hand but field, lots of extra meetings and Broad says it is important to told BBC Sport. “If we’ve got Holder said teams should be have heard or seen a few things planning, which he won’t have educate people on matters of ra- issues within our sport, we must briefed about race issues before around it. It’s something you just to get involved in,” Broad told cial equality. deal with them equally.” the start of any series. can’t stand for.” reporters in a virtual news con- “It’s been good to open the Under the anti-racism code of “In addition to having anti-dop- England will consider a joint ference. “He has a great cricket Stuart Broad (left) with Ben Stokes. conversation with everyone. the governing International ing briefings and anti-corruption anti-racism protest with West In- brain, he has grown and matured People can admit that maybe Cricket Council (ICC), a third briefings, maybe we should dies during the three-Test series over the last few years so cap- he’s not being judged over a long The three Tests will be played their views were different in the breach of the code by a player have an anti-racism feature between the sides next month. taining one game will be easy. period of time. I have no doubts in bio-secure venues without past. It’s now about moving for- could lead to a life ban. before we start a series,” the (Reuters) There won’t be much pressure as he will be brilliant.” fans in attendance as part of ward,” he added.

FOCUS QATAR ONLINE RACING CHAMPIONSHIP Al-Sulaiti continues his winning run Younis says Archer By Sports Reporter Ramirez came fourth while QMMF’s Jassim al-Thani fin- ished fifth. Leopard’s Den- nis Foggia lost his connec- aeed al-Sulaiti won his tion midway through race and third race out of four hence was given sixth and last rounds at the Qatar position, SOnline Racing Cham- After four out of six rounds, ‘a major threat’ in pionship (QORC) on Saturday. Team QMMF has 413 points The Qatar Motor and Motor- to Leopard Racing’s 377 for a cycle Federation (QMMF) rider 36-point lead. The fifth and was unstoppable once again penultimate round will be held while his teammate Abdullah at simulated track of Phillip al-Qubaisi finished second to Island in Australia, while the make it 1-2 for the Qatari team. last round is set at Qatar’s Lo- Leopard Racing’s Danny sail International Circuit. The England series Kent – who had won the sec- series winner will be decided ond round – had led for most on the collective tally of points of the race but suffered a crash the two teams muster over the ‘Archer has strong nerves which he proved while bowling super over in the World Cup final’ and had to settle for third course of the week. place. AFP Al-Sulaiti and al-Qubaisi too RESULTS Karachi were error-prone in the 17-lap 1. Saeed al-Sulaiti, Time: All the players are excited after a tough period, says Ali race set at Spain’s Circuit de Je- 28:01.274; 2. Abdullah al- rez, but the Qatari duo showed Qubaisi +6.541; 3. Danny Kent akistan batting coach some impressive skills in the +8.062; 4. Marcos Ramirez; and former cricket- MotoGP 20 PS4 game. Al- 5. Jassim al-Thani; 6. Dennis ing great Younis Khan Sulaiti took the chequered flag Foggia singled out fast-rising in 28:01.274 seconds, with al- Overall standings P 1. QMMF 413 points; 2. Leopard paceman Jofra Archer as a “ma- Qubaisi +6.541 seconds behind. jor threat” in his team’s forth- Leopard Racing’s Marco Racing 377. coming matches against Eng- land. The Pakistan squad left yes- terday for England, where they will play three Tests and as many Twenty20 internationals, start- ing in the first week of August. Younis said 25-year-old Arch- er has made a reputation for himself since qualifying to play for England and going on to play a key role in last year’s Ashes and triumphant World Cup cam- paign. “He (Archer) is a real match winner and a threat,” Younis told AFP before the team’s departure. “Archer has strong nerves The 17-lap race was set at Spain’s Circuit de Jerez. which he proved while bowling a crucial super over in the World Cup final,” said Younis of Eng- land’s nail-biting win over New West Indies coach Simmons in Zealand at Lord’s last year. self-isolation after attending funeral “He has bite in his bowling and his high arm action is very good West Indies head coach Phil have a lot more experience and gives him nip in his bowling,” Simmons has entered self- than I do,” he said. he added. isolation after attending a “I’d think more often than not, But Younis - himself playing a funeral but fast bowler Alzarri teams would see me as the key role in Pakistan’s 2-2 series Joseph said it would not ham- weaker link. I think my job is draw in England in 2016 with a per the team’s preparation for to come in and just back those double hundred in the last Test the three-Test series against bowlers and keep the pressure at The Oval - said Barbados- England. on. I could use it as an ad- born Archer can be countered. Simmons has been self- vantage - I know my abilities “There is hype around him so isolating in his and they (England) might not that can be an added pressure on hotel room since attending know. But once I turn up on him. I have told the batsmen to Pakistan players Babar Azam (right), Imad Wasim (left) and Imam-ul-Haq at the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore before their the funeral on Friday and has the day and get the job done, play close to the body and play departure to England yesterday. (AFP) to clear two Covid-19 tests I know I can get on top of any on the back foot because his in- before he can join the squad opponent.” (Reuters) swinger can be very dangerous.” The Pakistan cricket squad left a tough period,” said Azhar on squad members including two party did not include 10 players on Thursday. Younis remembered playing yesterday for their England tour the eve of departure. “Though a reserves, who were seen wear- who tested positive for the virus “That doesn’t really disrupt Archer in Pakistan’s practice without 10 players who had tour to England has always been ing masks and observing social last week. Six later tested nega- our preparations,” Joseph told game against Sussex in 2016. tested positive for coronavirus. challenging, our performances distancing at Lahore airport in tive for the virus, but will players British media on Saturday. “I remember playing him in Test skipper Azhar Ali said Pa- there on the last two tours (in pictures released by the Paki- will be allowed to rejoin the “We have our jobs to do - we the side game,” said Younis of kistan the tourists were looking 2016 and 2018) are encouraging stan cricket Board. The squad squad once they have had two have our preparation to keep Archer’s debut first-class match. forward to playing in what will and we will try to repeat those.” will face a two-week isolation consecutive negative results. going with. We have a very big “He got five wickets in the match be some of the first Test match- Pakistan drew a four-Test series period on arrival before continu- Pakistan are due to play three coaching staff here that are but was not on top of his bowling es since the Covid-19 pandemic 2-2 in 2016 and a two-match ing their preparations ahead of Tests against England in August very supportive of each other, at the time like he is now.” sparked a global lockdown. series 1-1 two years later. the first Test with two four-day followed by three Twenty20 so that’s not really a problem Pakistan’s highest Test run “All the players are excited after A chartered plane carried 20 warm-up matches. The travelling internationals. (Reuters) for anyone.” scorer with 10,099, Younis said Assistant coaches Roddy Pakistan should also be cautious Estwick and Rayon Griffith will of England’s most experienced to challenge England in bowling, oversee the team’s second bowlers - James Anderson and the coach said. warm-up match, which begins Stuart Broad. The squad has a new pace bat- today, before the July 8 series “Anderson and Broad have a tery with lanky Shaheen Shah opener in Southampton. wealth of experience. They are Afridi as spearhead supported Joseph is set to join skipper always a great pair. Whenever by 17-year-old Naseem Shah Jason Holder, Kemar Roach England have won they have the and Mohamed Abbas, who also and Shannon Gabriel in a major share, but in August the played a key role on 2018 tour. four-pronged pace attack and weather will be dry and not very “You face challenges in Eng- the 23-year-old was fine being overcast so they can be handled land as your technique as well as JOFRA ARCHER perceived as the weak link. properly.” nerves are put to test. I am sure “Obviously those three guys Pakistan need to score 300- our team will be up to that task,” 350 in the first innings, in order said Younis.