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Ex- skipper Spurs have Sangakkara grilled too much time in World Cup between games, fixing probe says Mourinho

FRIDAY 3 JULY 2020

F1: Hamilton No new Ferrari contract for former world champion expects drivers to stand united Vettel could leave F1 for good against racism

SPIELBERG AP – REUTERS – SPIELBURG

Sebastian Vettel is prepared to walk Six-time world champion Lewis away from Formula One for good if he Hamilton expects Formula One doesn’t get a convincing offer for next It was obviously a drivers to be united against racism season. surprise to me when I at Sunday’s season-opening Austrian The four-time F1 champion will got the call from (Ferrari Grand Prix, and that could mean leave Ferrari at the end of the year taking a knee before the start. after failing to get a new contract. He Team Principal) Mattia There has been plenty of specu- faces an uncertain future with only (Binotto), when he told lation about how the Mercedes limited options available for 2021 and me there was no further driver might signal his support for has not started discussions with other intention from the team the Black Lives Matter movement teams. The truncated season starts to continue together: and those campaigning against racial Sunday at the Austrian Grand Prix. Four-time F1 champion Ferrari’s mechanics practice a pit stop on the car of Charles injustice and inequality. “I want to make sure I make the Sebastian Vettel Leclerc yesterday. on the eve of the first practice session at Speaking to reporters via video right decision for myself and my the Austrian Formula One Grand Prix in Spielberg, Austria. link at the Red Bull Ring, with a pad- future. I have a very competitive locked chain around his neck, the nature; I’ve achieved a lot in the sport 35-year-old Briton said the drivers and I’m motivated and willing to One possible option for Vettel is The increasingasing situationsiitut attiioon ariseararisi e andanand makemamakeke perfectpeerrffeectc had not all spoken to each other but achieve more,” Vettel said Renault, which is losing Daniel Ric- tensions betweeneen senseses nnsse thenthenen yyou’douou’dd eexpectxppecect bobothotht he was sure they would. yesterday. ciardo to McLaren next year, but Alonso Vettel andndn driversdriviverers tot hhelpelelp eacheaeacch otherotherer oout.utut. Hamilton, the sport’s only black “To do so I need the right package is also being considered by the French Leclerc lastast I don’tddoon’n’t thinkthhinink thatthhaat hhasasa aanythingnnythhining driver, added that he had not prior- and the right people around me, so team as his replacement. season culmi-mi- too dodo withwiw tth thetheh factfacct my con-con- itised “a plan to come and kneel at that’s what I’m looking out for at the The other option, seemingly nated in a crashshh aatt tractttrraca t expires,”exexpip rres,s ” VeVettelettttelel ssaid.aia dd. the start line” but “we’ll see on moment. If the right opportunity unlikely, is for Vettel to replace either the Braziliann “But“But atat ththehe samesaamme ttimeiimme Sunday. I think whatever we do, should arise then I think it’s quite clear. Valtteri Bottas or six-time F1 champion GP inn you’reyoyou’u’rere racingracinng forfofor yourself,yoyourrseselflf, soso we’ll try to do it united.” If that’s not the case I probably have Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes. Both are November.r . I’mI’I’m notnoot tryingtrryiyingn ttoo mamakekke Charles’Chah rllese ’ “I think it’s really important that to look out for something else.” out of contract at the end of the year Leclerc overtookookk lifelil ffee easiereasa iei r ono ttrackrar ckc iinn termstet rmms we remain united or become united Unlike two-time champion but expected to sign new deals. Vettel cleanlyy aandnd ofof wwavingavaving hihhimm by.”byy.”. in this sport,” said Hamilton, who Fernando Alonso, who is open to an Vettel was outperformed by Vettel tried oover-ver- will be racing in black overalls and F1 return next season after quitting fol- teammate Charles Leclerc last season, taking him backck wiwiththth a black car with the message “End lowing the 2018 campaign, Vettel said even though it was Leclerc’s first season a risky move, sesendingndini g Racism” on it. his possible exit from the sport with Ferrari and only his second in F1. both cars out off ttheheh rraceaca e The champion last month criti- wouldn’t be temporary. While the 22-year-old Leclerc was and infuriatingfuu rir i ata iing cised those, including “the biggest of “I am of the conviction that if you offered a new five-year contract until management. stars”, who had stayed silent on the are prepared to shut the door then you 2024, Vettel and Ferrari team principal Vettel saidd heh wwillilll killing of George Floyd, an unarmed should be prepared to shut that door Mattia Binotto could not agree on a new obey team ordersers tthishiis Black man who died after a white and not expect it to open again,” Vettel deal. season if he is asaaskedkeed US police officer knelt on his neck. said. “It was obviously a surprise to me to let Leclercc pastpasa t He explained that he had been “You have to be aware of the when I got the call from Mattia, when him, but he hahass noo referring to the industry as a whole, decision you are making, that’s also he told me there was no further intention of reigningigng inng rather than rivals. why I am not rushing into anything. intention from the team to continue in his competitiveettiitit vee “Our voices are powerful and The next weeks and months will together,” said Vettel, who turns 33 edge. if we bring them together collec- probably bring some more clarity.” today. “Should theththe tively we can have a huge Sebastian Vettel impact,” Hamilton said. Djokovic tests negative for COVID-19

REUTERSREUTERS – BELGRADE "They spent the past 10 days in self-iso- lation upon returning from Zadar (in Novak DjokovicDj (pictured) and his wife Croatia), having adhered to all COVID-19 JelenaJelena hhaveav tested negative for COVID-19, protocols and safety measures." nine daysdays after returning a positive test, The tournament witnessed packed the worldwor number one tennis player's stands during the opening leg staged at media team said yesterday. Djokovic's tennis complex in Belgrade from Djokovic,Dj along with Grigor Dim- June 13-14, with players hugging at the net, itrov,itrov Borna Coric and Viktor playing basketball, posing for pictures and TrTroicki,o tested positive after attending press conferences together. plplaying in the Adria Tour, an The second leg was held in Zadar from eexhibition tournament June 20-21. oorganised by the 17-times The players did not break any Serbian GrandG Slam champion. or Croatian government protocols, as "Novak Djokovic and his neither country required the athletes to Al Arabi players leaving the team hotel for home quarantine after completing wifew Jelena tested negative for maintain any social distancing the second round of COVID-19 tests, as per the general plan and protocol COVID-19,C as the most recent However, Djokovic, who was heavily testte they took in Belgrade criticised for staging the event, issued an developed ahead of the resumption of 2019-20 season QNB Stars League. showed.sho They felt no symptoms apology, saying he was extremely sorry for The players and members of the staff have signed pledges to adhere to all of ttheh virus and took the test after the harm that had been caused. preventive measures stipulated in the general protocol. The test process consultationscon with the doctors," Serbia has over 15,000 registered cases will continue periodically, twice a week, in co-operation with the Ministry thethe statement said. and 287 deaths due to the pandemic. of Public Health and Aspetar hospital. Know It All wins GR 3 Derrinstown Stud Fillies Stakes

Know It All on its way to win the THE PENINSULA – DOHA jockey Ben Coen and once in the She’s really a nice filly and she ran Derrinstown Stud Fillies Stakes straight, the race opened up perfectly really well last time out, but was a bit (Group 3) at Leopardstown, The lightly raced Know It All (FR), a for the pair. She powered through a unlucky and got shuffled back. She Ireland on Wednesday. winner and Group-placed at 2, gap to pass the leaders in a matter of had a tough draw today, but Ben gave PIC: RACING POST notched her first Group win in the strides. Never in doubt, she put any her a lovely ride. She showed us all Derrinstown Stud Fillies Stakes stamina worries behind her running the signs at home that she’d come on (Group 3) for 3-year-olds at Leop- through the line to score a 2¼ length- from her first run. Seven furlongs or ardstown, Ireland. victory in convincing fashion. The a mile, it makes no difference to her. Owned and bred by Qatar Racing Newtown Anner Stud Farm Ltd- She’s a big powerful filly who travels Limited, the bay filly came into the owned and Mrs John Harrington- well and there’s more to come from race off a courageous second place trained Celestial Object (IRE) (Galileo) her.” at the beginning of June in the Leop- finished second and was partnered Know It All is by the Japanese sire ardstown Fillies’ Trial Stakes (Gr.3), by Shane Foley. The Aga Khan- Lord Kanaloa (JPN) and was bred by her seasonal bow. This was her first owned and M Halford-trained Qatar Racing. She is out of Common attempt at the distance of a mile, Ridenza (Sea The Stars) (IRE) was Knowledge (GB), by the excellent having only ever run over seven fur- further 1¼ behind in third under broodmare sire (USA), the dam of longs previously in her career. Ronan Whelan. Group winners Astrophysical Jet (GB) Know It All was settled in mid- Winning trainer Johnny Murtagh (Dubawi) and Coral Wave (IRE) (Rock division by up and coming apprentice said after the race, “It’s a great win. Of Gibraltar). FRIDAY 3 JULY 2020 SPORT 15 Ex-Sri Lanka skipper Sangakkara Spin vision: Australia drops Dukes ball from grilled in World Cup fixing probe Sheffield Shield AFP - position when Indian superstar Sachin Tendulkar was out for REUTERS - MELBOURNE Sri Lanka legend Kumar 18. Sangakkara was questioned for But India turned the game Australia said yesterday it has dropped the British- nearly 10 hours yesterday by around dramatically, thanks in made Dukes ball from its 2020/21 Sheffield Shield season and detectives probing explosive part to poor fielding and will use only the Kookaburra to encourage more spin bowling allegations the 2011 Cricket bowling by Sri Lanka. San- on home pitches. World Cup final was fixed under gakkara and his deputy Jaya- Dukes were introduced to Shield cricket in 2016/17 to help his captaincy. wardena quit their positions in prepare players for the ball used on English pitches in the leadup Sangakkara, 42, was called the team after the stunning to the 2019 Ashes. in to the police Special Investi- defeat. Australia retained the urn in England last year for the first gation Unit (SIU) examining the The toss of the final was also time since 2001 with a 2-2 draw in the series. conduct of the final, which Sri controversial as it was done “The introduction of the Dukes ball has been a worthwhile Lanka lost to India at Mumbai’s twice. Match referee Jeff Crowe exercise, particularly in the lead-up to overseas Ashes series Wankhede Stadium. apparently did not hear “heads” where the Dukes is used so well by our English opponents,” “I came here to give a called by Sangakkara and asked CA’s Head of Cricket Operations Peter Roach said in a statement. statement because of my Indian skipper M. S. Dhoni to “We have noted that spin bowlers in the ... Sheffield Shield responsibility to the game and toss again. have been playing less of a role in recent seasons, most notably respect for cricket,” Sangakkara Sangakkara won the toss in games when the Dukes ball is in use. said after the end of his mar- and elected to bat, a decision “We need spinners bowling in first class cricket and we athon questioning by Sri Lanka’s cricketer , of the 2011 Cricket that was criticised in local need our batters facing spin. We hope that the change to one detectives. World Cup, speaks to the media after questioning by police at the media because the Sri Lankans ball with have a positive benefit here.” “I hope at the end of this Special Investigation Unit in Colombo, yesterday. were considered to be better at The decision follows complaints from Australian cricketers investigation, the truth about chasing at the time. that spin bowling is being driven out of the domestic game, in the allegations made by (former a day after chief selector London. Before turning up at Sri Lankan cricket has been large part because of unreceptive, drop-in pitches. sports minister) Mahindananda spent over six the SIU yesterday, Sangakkara plagued by several corruption Dilip Jajodia, the owner of Dukes Cricket, said the firm was Aluthgamage will come out.” hours answering questions said Aluthgamage’s allegations scandals, including claims of naturally He did not discuss the line about the finals. should be referred to the Inter- match-fixing ahead of a 2018 “disappointed”. of questioning by the SIU which Sangakkara is the most high national Cricket Council (ICC). Test against England. “It is also a shame later announced Sangakkara’s profile player to be questioned “I feel I can talk about it Last month the local cricket that it removes the then vice captain Mahela Jaya- in connection with the stunning now,” Aluthgamage told a local board said the ICC was inves- element of compe- wardena will be questioned match-fixing allegation which TV network last month. tigating three unnamed ex- tition, which CA was today. was raised last month by Aluth- “I am not connecting players over corruption claims. keen to promote at Their opening batsman at gamage who was also the sports players, but some sections were Match-fixing was made a the time Dukes was the final, Upul Tharanga, was minister during the 2011 com- involved.” criminal offence in November. introduced into the the first player to be questioned. petition. Sangakkara is also the Sri Lanka bat first and Offenders face fines of up to Australian market,” He was interviewed by the SIU current president of the scored 274-6 off 50 overs. They Rs100m ($555,000) and up to he said in a statement. over two hours on Wednesday, Marylebone Cricket Club in appeared in a commanding 10 years in jail. Former West Indies cricketer Everton Weekes dies aged 95 AP - BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS coach, analyst, team manager, match followed by scores of 128, 194, 162 and Cricket West Indies president Ricky England Cricket, who take on West referee for the International Cricket 101 in India. In his next innings, he Skerritt said Weekes was “a gentleman Indies in next week's first Test at the Everton Weekes, who formed one of Council, and a member of the ICC Hall made 90 when he was run out. Worrell and quite simply a wonderful human Ageas Bowl, added its own tribute in a the famous three “Ws” of West Indian of Fame. Weekes made his Test debut died in 1967 and Walcott in 2006. being.” Twitter post: "A true great of the game. cricket as part of a formidable at the age of 22 against England at Ken- His average of 58.61 runs places “I got to spend a couple hours with Our thoughts and condolences go out lineup for more than a decade, has sington Oval. Weekes, along with George Headley, him last year just sitting at his home to Sir Everton Weekes' family and died. He was 95. His final match was against in the top 10 Test averages of all time. and talking with him, at a time when friends." West Indies Cricket said the Bar- Pakistan in Trinidad a decade later. “Everyone at MCC and Lord’s are he was recovering from a serious West Indies' head coach, Phil bados-born Weekes died on In his career, Weekes played 48 saddened at the news of Sir Everton illness,” Skeritt said of Weekes’ heart Simmons, added yesterday: "West Wednesday. He played alongside Frank Test matches and made 4,455 runs at Weekes’ passing,” the Marylebone attack in June 2019. “I grew to appre- Indies has not only lost one of its Worrell and Clyde Walcott, with all an average of 58.61 per innings. Cricket Club said in a statement. ciate his sense of humou r and his love greatest cricketers, we have lost a true three players making their Test debuts That included a world-record five “He will forever be remembered of people, and witnessed the love and gentleman. My condolences and in 1948. consecutive centuries in 1948 - scores as one of the West Indies’ finest respect that so many held for him in prayers go out to his family and friends. He was also a highly respected of 141 against England in Jamaica, cricketers.” Barbados and across the entire region.” RIPSirEverton." England to wear ‘Black Lives Matter’ logo England-West Indies Test AFP - LONDON more to tackle it.” But he added: “Our support of that message is not an endorsement, tacit or otherwise, of any dedicated to Strauss charity England will join the West Indies in wearing “Black Lives political organisation, nor the backing of any group that AFP - LONDON Matter” logos on their shirts during their three-match Test calls for violence or condones illegal activity. around the ground. Former England series, but the England and Wales Cricket Board insisted “We are aware of certain aspects of the movement that The third Test between England and captain Andrew Strauss established yesterday that “it is not an endorsement of a political organ- promote their own political views, and their actions are the West Indies will be dedicated to the foundation after the death of his isation”. not supported in any way by the ECB and our players,” he the work of the Ruth Strauss Foun- wife Ruth, aged 46, in 2018 from a rare The tourists had previously announced they would be said. dation, which raises money for form of lung cancer affecting wearing the logo which is also being worn by Premier It is understood, however, that the England squad will families facing the death of a parent non-smokers. League footballers. not take a knee ahead of the first Test, which starts in South- from cancer. “Last year I was humbled and The ECB said its decision had been “fully supported” ampton on July 8. The second day of the match at honoured by the support of the wider by England players led by Test captain and stand- West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite, who will Old Trafford, July 25, will see the cricket family,” Strauss said in a in skipper Ben Stokes. be commentating on the series for the BBC, said, however, return of the #RedForRuth initiative, statement issued Thursday. ECB chief executive Tom Harrison made it clear, it would require more than taking a knee to tackle deep- which began during last year’s Ashes “We sincerely hope that the however, the move showed support for “progress and rooted racism. clash at Lord’s and raised more than incredible display of generosity and societal change” and did not extend to explicit backing for “For me it’s just cosmetic -- that may ruffle a few £550,000 ($690,000) for the charity. community spirit will continue as we any wider political aims. feathers,” said Brathwaite, the star of the West Indies’ 2016 Players will again wear red caps, look to turn cricket ‘Red for Ruth’ for “It has become a message of solidarity and a drive for World triumph. with the colour also appearing on a second year to support the Ruth progress and societal change,” he said. “There can be no “The biggest change needs to be legislative and needs shirts, stumps and boundary boards Strauss Foundation.” place for racism in society or our sport, and we must do to be the reprogramming of the wider society.” Spurs have Man City must rebuild for too much time title challenge: Guardiola

between games, REUTERS - LONDON Manchester City must rebuild if they are to challenge Liverpool says Mourinho for the Premier League title next season, manager Pep Guardiola has said. REUTERS - LONDON City’s reign as champions ended after last week’s defeat by Chelsea left Liverpool with an insurmountable lead. Tottenham Hotspur manager Guardiola, whose team gave Liverpool a guard of honour when Jose Mourinho says he is they met at the Etihad Stadium yesterday, said the need to rebuild unhappy with the long break was one all clubs faced. between matches his team have “We have to rebuild. It happens at clubs around the world,” had since the Premier League he said. “We have to accept it and take the right decisions to try resumed following the to maintain the level that we have. We have exceptional players COVID-19 shutdown. but after the season finishes we will reflect.” Spurs played Sheffield City have already conceded 10 more goals in the league than United yesterday, nine days they did in the whole of last season’s title-winning campaign, and after their last match, a 2-0 I am not happy to still have seven games left. Midfielder Fernandinho, 35, and striker victory over West Ham United be waiting for this Sergio Aguero, 32, are out of contract at the end of next season on June 23. while David Silva, City’s 34-year-old captain, will leave at the end “I am not happy to be match for so long. of the current campaign. Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder and Tottenham Hotspur waiting for this match for so “Fernandinho and Sergio have one year left,” Guardiola said. manager Jose Mourinho before their Premier League match at The perfect time in long,” the Portuguese said in a “I don’t know if they will extend or not. Some players have to be pre-match news conference. Bramall Lane, Sheffield, Britain, yesterday. between matches replaced, but it’s not a disaster or a bad thing, it’s part of football.” “The perfect time in I would always Guardiola also defended the decision to sell winger Leroy between matches I would mid-March and has not played Manchester United, Liverpool, Sane to Bayern Munich, saying, “If guys don’t want to stay, they always say is three days, espe- since. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern say is three days, have to leave. cially in this moment when you “I believe Ndombele can Munich. “We are not getting the best of these players if in their mind are chasing your best form, turn it around,” Mourinho said. “At Tottenham I feel is every especially in this they are not happy here.” your best intensity.” “Football is full of players time a top player is on the moment when you Meanwhile Inter Milan have completed the signing of Moroccan Mourinho also said record who have made difficult starts bench, it’s a drama. fullback Achraf Hakimi from Real Madrid on a five-year deal, the signing Tanguy Ndombele could and then ended well. When the “The players and everybody are chasing your clubs announced yesterday. turn things around. Ndombele talent is there many things can else have to understand it’s not best form, your best Hakimi rose through the ranks at Real Madrid after joining was hauled off at halftime and happen with adaptation. a drama.” their academy in 2006. The 21-year-old impressed while on loan singled out for criticism in “In many other clubs it Spurs are eighth in the intensity: Jose at Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga over the last two seasons, Spurs’ last match before the looks like it’s normal to have league on 45 points with seven Mourinho with Italian media reporting Inter agreed a deal worth €40m league was suspended in great players on the bench: games left to play. ($44.93m) for the right back.