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SATURDAY 2 MAY 2020 PL steps up plans to restart in June

AP – MANCHESTER Players at some clubs returned to training The English Premier League grounds this week for (PL) stepped up planning individual fitness work yesterday to resume the but Britain remains in a competition in neutral national lockdown until next stadiums, holding separate Thursday. talks with the government and its clubs to discuss the COVID-19 testing and logistics The aim is to resume necessary. the league after June 8 Players at some clubs following a three-month returned to training grounds suspension, with games this week for individual fitness without spectators in work but Britain remains in a stadiums. national lockdown until next Thursday. No team is now due to Forms of social distancing will remain in place even if the play any of their remaining lockdown is eased, but clubs matches in their own are hoping squad trainings can stadium because the begin within weeks. That League does not believe would require the Premier all 20 grounds would be League to buy thousands of granted a safety certificate COVID-19 tests so players and with police and medical coaches can be regularly A picture shows the statue of Liverpool football club’s late legendary manager Bill Shankly at Liverpool football club’s stadium Anfield in resources already dealing checked, but there are still with the pandemic. shortages of them in wider Liverpool. society. The aim is to resume the with police and medical creation of the government for a safe return of elite sport matches to end a 30-year title government guidelines and by league after June 8 following a resources already stretched medical working group for a behind closed doors when, & drought. respecting health regulations three-month suspension, with across the country dealing with return of elite sport, which met only when, it is safe to do so on “The clubs reconfirmed and protocols. games without spectators in the pandemic. for the first time this morning.” the basis of expert medical their commitment to finishing Lower-league professional any stadiums. “The league and clubs are Decisions by the Dutch and advice,” tweeted Dowden, who the 2019-20 season,” the league soccer clubs in England have Police expressed concerns considering the first tentative French governments over the oversees sports in the said, “maintaining the integrity been told they might not be that fans could still gather moves forward and will only last week led to their soccer government. of the competition and wel- allowed fans at their matches outside stadiums if their team return to training and playing seasons ending. But British “Lots to consider, but today comed the government’s until 2021. Bradford City dis- was playing at home. with government guidance, Culture Secretary Oliver we step up planning.” support.” closed details from a meeting So no team is now due to under expert medical advice Dowden said he was working For now, the Premier The 20 clubs in Serie A also on Thursday with the English play any of their remaining and after consultation with on plans that deliver for the League decided only on Friday held a video conference yes- Football League. The fourth-tier matches in their own stadium players and managers,” the Britons who “desperately want to stop its youth competitions. terday and they were said to be club said it had been informed because the league does not Premier League said in a sport back on.” That means Liverpool still has in agreement that the season of the “ever-growing possibility believe all 20 grounds would statement. “We just kicked off 1st of the possibility of playing its should be completed if they can of supporters being unable to be granted a safetyy certificate “The leagueg welcomed the many detailed meetings to plan remaining nine Premier League do so in accordance with attend matches until 2021.”

QMMFF Presidentident Two decades after his demise, QOC further extends Abdulrahmanulrahman Al Mannaiannai world remembers suspension of REUTERS – LONDON This file photo shows fans sport activities carrying a Brazilian flag gather A brass plaque on a grassy to see the unveiling of a statue circle in Sao Paulo’s of former Brazilian THE PENINSULA – DOHA Morumbi cemetery marks driver Ayrton Senna, at the spot the last resting place of a on the racetrack where The Qatar Olympic QMMF President man revered by many as Senna was killed in 1994. Committee (QOC) yesterday Formula One’s greatest announced that it has driver. extended the suspension of hails online racing “Nada pode me separar all local sport activities and do amor de deus’ (Nothing events until May 14 to ensure championships can separate me from the the safety of all athletes, love of God), reads the employees of the sport QNA – DOHA inscription below the name organisations and Ayrton Senna da Silva. community members during President of Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation The Brazilian, a triple the coronavirus (COVID-19) (QMMF), Abdulrahman Al Mannai stressed that organ- world champion, was 34 pandemic. ising online racing championships “either car or motor- when he died after crashing The QOC’s decision is a cycle categories” is within the framework of the in the Grand complementary move QMMF’s keenness to diversify its various activities and Prix at ’s . which comes in line with the preventive competitions, in addition to contributing to developing Every sport has days measures taken by the State of Qatar to limit the participants and linking them to their sport, discov- that define it and May 1, spread of coronavirus by banning public gath- ering new talents and attracting them to practice sports. 1994 is seared into the soul erings also in accordance with the recommen- Al Mannai said in a press statement that the online of Formula One -- a grim dations of Ministry of Public Health and National racing tournaments, a type of simulation of actual Sunday on a weekend that Pandemic Preparedness Committee. racing on the ground, help the contestants greatly to will be forever shrouded in The QOC had previously suspended all sport maintain their mental fitness, especially in light of the sadness. The Brazilian, a triple wall at Tamburello. The activities and events until April 30. postponement of most of the championships locally “God has had his hand world champion, was Brazilian was flown to hos- Following the QOC's circular, Qatar Football or internationally after the spread of the novel coro- over Formula One for a 34 when he died after pital and, 37 minutes after Association also issued a statement yesterday, navirus (COVID-19). long time. This weekend, crashing in the San the crash, the race re- sating that all football activities have been sus- He added that the Qatar online racing champi- he took it away,” com- started and was won by pended until May 14. Marino Grand Prix at onship for cars, which was organized over the past mented the late triple Schumacher. weeks, has received a great turnout from the most champion . Italy’s Imola circuit At 6.40pm local time, prominent Qatari contestants, and has achieved unpar- The funeral brought on May 1, 1994. nearly two and a half hours alleled success, prompting the QMMF to launch a more than a million people, later, it was announced second motorcycle championship and adopt them as and maybe three times Senna had died. It was only Top vaulters set part of the Federation’s activities for the season that, onto the streets of his many serious injuries, but his third race for Williams (2020-2021). birthplace. They mourn nobody irrevocably lost,” after leaving McLaren. The QMMF President expected that more him still. recalled the late medical Much has been written for ‘ultimate clash’ excitement will be witnessed in Qatar online racing “He was the driver that delegate Sid Watkins. about that afternoon, and championship for the motorcycle category, which will inspired me as a kid and The professor sug- the Brazilian’s career and AFP – PARIS be held in the second half of the holy month of he’s still a hero today and gested his friend should not epic rivalry with Ramadan, pointing out that there are many distin- he always will be,” said six- race but Senna told him: Frenchman , Three of the world’s top male pole vaulters will meet guished motorcycle racers in Qatar, especially times world champion “There are certain things with questions still asked in competition on Sunday in what has been dubbed members of the Qatar Motorsports Academy. last year. over which we have no about what caused the the “Ultimate Garden Clash”, with world sports deci- He noted that Qatar online racing championship The fans also control. I cannot quit. I crash. mated by the coronavirus pandemic. during its various stages provided the competitors remember Austrian Roland have to go on.” Senna What is certain is that World record-holder Mondo Duplantis of with great experiences to drive on different tracks in Ratzenberger, who died the started on pole, Michael it changed Formula One, Sweden, two-time world champion Sam Kendricks all parts of the world along with the use of different day before in qualifying Schumacher alongside in a triggering a major safety of the United States and 2012 Olympic champion models of cars, which will benefit them on the ground and became the first driver Benetton, with the safety review and altering the Renaud Lavillenie of France will be connected via a in the future during their participation in the real races. to die in Formula One for car deployed after Portu- course of sporting history. live video link as they compete from their own back Al Mannai also pointed out that special prizes were nearly 12 years. gal’s Pedro Lamy ploughed Had Senna lived, with gardens. allocated to the winners in the Qatar online racing Senna took it hard. into JJ Lehto’s stalled Ben- Adrian Newey a star The event, which will be streamed by World Ath- championship, expecting that the two tournaments “Ayrton was beside etton on the grid. designer at Williams, Schu- letics, is scheduled to start at 1500 GMT and will span will in the coming years see a great development in himself: He had not been On the second lap after macher might even have three locations: Lavillenie will vault from his home terms of the number of participants or the technology close to death at a circuit the re-start, at 2.17pm, had to settle for less than in Clermont-Ferrand, Kendricks will compete from used. before... So many accidents Senna’s leading Williams his record seven his back garden in Oxford, Mississippi, and Duplantis in the past 12 years, so speared into a concrete championships. will take part from his base in Lafayette, Louisiana. SATURDAY 2 MAY 2020 SPORT 05 Don’t test for F1 plans for ‘isolated environment’ virus without symptoms, to launch season with Austrian GP NBA tells AFP — PARIS biosphere that we want to is appealing to have another “It’s important for us to try “It has now become clear teams create, for another race. race the following week.” and get the season going, many that we cannot hold the Hun- Formula One managing “It’s also pretty chal- Earlier this week, Formula reasons for wanting to start the garian Grand Prix in front of AFP — NEW YORK director Ross Brawn said the lenging to find the right sort One boss Chase Carey tar- season. One is to excite the spectators despite all our Austrian Grand Prix’s remote of races early on where we geted the season starting in fans, who have all been frus- efforts,” a statement from race The NBA has advised teams location makes it a logical can control the environment Austria after the French Grand trated with the delays. We have organisers said. not to arrange coronavirus choice as the opening race of well enough to ensure the Prix, scheduled for June 28 a very exciting season in front The statement added that tests for players and staff not a season heavily interrupted safety of everyone. Austria fits was cancelled, becoming the of us, but it is a very important this decision was necessary to showing symptoms, ESPN by the coronavirus pandemic. that bill very well. It has a local 10th race of the season to be livelihood for thousands of protect the health of fans and reported yesterday, saying it Organisers are aiming to airport right next to the circuit, scrapped or postponed. people - and that is another circuit staff alike. Their hand was inappropriate with only start the championship with where people can charter The Austrian Grand Prix reason for trying to kickstart was forced after the Hun- limited public testing available. consecutive races at the Red planes into. It’s not too close will only be given the green the season.” garian government banned Citing unnamed sources, Bull Ring in Spielberg on July to a metropolis.” light on the condition it is Organisers also any event involving more than ESPN said an NBA memo 5 and 12. “It has a great infra- raced behind closed doors, the announced yesterday the 500 spectators until August 15. declared that “for the time “One of the logistical chal- structure around it,” he added. country’s health minister told Hungarian Grand Prix on “It became clear yes- being, it is not appropriate in lenges is getting everyone “For instance, there will be no organisers on Wednesday. August 2 will be staged terday (Thursday) that all this the current public health envi- tested and cleared to enter the motorhomes, but there will be “Unfortunately it will be without fans in response to the is only possible behind closed ronment to regularly test all racing environment,” Brawn full catering facility laid on without fans, which is a great health crisis. The race at the gates. players and staff for the coro- told the F1 Nation podcast. that the circuit has. shame, but we still feel we can is following the “We will continue to work navirus.” “Once we do that, it’s very “We can contain everyone take the race out to all the fans example set by the British with the international pro- The NBA had been criti- attractive to keep everyone in within that environment and and watchers on TV and other Grand Prix at Silverstone, moter to find the best possible cised in March when Utah’s that environment, within that therefore once we are there it means,” said Brawn. scheduled for July 19. solution,” the statement added. Rudy Gobert tested positive for coronavirus, leading to the league halting its season and teams being tested for the deadly disease. There was criticism for the NBA being able to obtain and use tests for entire clubs when tests were difficult to find. Across the United States, test availability remains far below levels recommended by health experts. Such a test deficit likely must be A general view during the Austrian Grand Prix in this June 30, 2019, file photo. resolved before the NBA can obtain the test kits vital to any sort of resumption of the season. ESPN reported the NBA Hungarian GP rules out spectators expects to need 15,000 tests in any sort of a return at a single facility with players and REUTERS — LONDON possible,” they added. “We do other essential personnel Lewis Hamilton in action during the Hungarian believe that staging the event sequestered and tested. Grand Prix, in this August 4, 2019 file photo. The Hungarian Formula One behind closed doors, which our The memo instructed Grand Prix scheduled for August fans can still watch on tele- players to make any decisions can only go ahead without vision, is preferable to not regarding tests for players and spectators due to the latest having a race at all.” staff “in consultation with an restrictions imposed to combat “As such, we are continuing infectious disease specialist, and the COVID-19 pandemic, organ- our working with Formula One in consideration of the patient’s isers said yesterday. to try and find a way to make individual circumstances and The race at the Hunga- this possible.” guidance on testing related to roring, a circuit outside The sport will still have to COVID-19 from the CDC Budapest, is due to take place overcome considerable logis- (Centers for Disease Control and on August 2 but Hungary said tical obstacles and satisfy gov- Prevention) and from the local events with more than 500 par- ernments before races can go health authority in the team’s ticipants cannot be held until ahead. Formula One’s man- market.” August 15. aging director Ross Brawn said The NBA still seeks oppor- Prime Minister Viktor Orban one challenge was to get eve- tunities for league-wide testing also said restrictions on ryone tested and cleared to capabilities, and anticipates movement in Budapest and sur- be eased until the fatality rate Hungary could now be pushed extended factory shutdown that enter the racing environment, implementing such a system roundings, where 80% of the fell there. back to later in August given could run into June, with five of and it then made sense for them once team activities resume, country’s coronavirus deaths “It is now evident that any that well over 1,000 people will the seven British-based outfits to stay for more than one race. according to the report. have been recorded, would not F1 race in Hungary can now be present even without any furloughing staff to save money. “Austria fits that bill very NBA teams are set to take a only be held behind closed paying public. Hungarian GP organisers well. It has a local airport right small first step toward returning The race at the doors,” the Grand Prix organ- As a closed operation for said the government next to the circuit, where next Friday when players will Hungaroring, a circuit isers said in a statement. broadcasters it may also be able announcement “clearly had a people can charter planes be able to work out individually outside Budapest, is due Formula One plans to start its to work around the 500 people direct impact” on the race. into. It’s not too close to a at team facilities, provided state to take place on August 2 stalled season with two races at limit, sources indicated. “The Hungaroring team has metropolis,” he told the sport’s and local governments allow Austria’s rural from F1’s August break, with been regularly liaising with official website. such activities in easing of stay- but Hungary said events July 3-5, followed by Silverstone Hungary marking the halfway Formula One...to explore all “We can contain everyone at-home regulations. with more than 500 in Britain. Spectators will not be point in the regular calendar, possible ways to stage the (race) within that environment and Only four players would be participants cannot be allowed at either venue. has been cancelled to allow for in front of fans. However, in therefore once we are there it allowed in the building at the held until August 15. It has yet to publish a rescheduling due to the virus. light of this decision this is is appealing to have another same time and they could not revised calendar, however, and Teams are currently on an unfortunately no longer race the following week.” work out together.

Dutch athletes begin training Spieth denied ace because of coronavirus safety measures

AFP — LOS ANGELES those where it most likely would have stayed in. Hopefully it’s a Jordan Spieth’s return to tour- good omen.” nament golf was underscored Spieth played just one round by the three-time major winner I’m going to count it. of the tournament to raise falling victim to new safety money for out of work golf measures put in place because It was one of those caddies, joining Romo’s group of the coronavirus pandemic. where it most likely on the final day of the 54-hole Spieth played in a group would have stayed in. event. with retired NFL star Tony In an attempt to prevent the Netherlands’ athletes Nadine Visser (left) and Dafne Schippers (centre) take part in a training Hopefully it’s a good session at Papendal Sports Centre in Arnhem, the Netherlands. A select group of individual elite Romo as he and other PGA Tour spread of COVID-19, the event athletes have started training in small controlled groups and under strict observance of guidelines pros teed it up in a nono-spectator-spectator omen: Jordan Spieth was played without galleries and in the time of new coronavirus (COVID-19). invitational charityity event iinn playersplayers were notnot Dallas. allowedallowed to hhaveave Spieth was deniednied a hole-hole- had a three- or four-yearfour-year streakstreak caddies.caddies. GoGolferslfers in-one on the par-threer-three 110-110- wherewhere I hahadd a fefeww aandnd I’I’veve bbeeneen weren’tweren’t alallowedlowed to yard 17th after his tteeee shot flefleww shutshut out forfor a while.while. remove the flagsticksflagsticks Badminton: Worlds rescheduled to straight into the cupcup onlyonly ttoo “I’m goinggoing andand nono rakesrakes werewere have it hit a plasticc insert aandnd to countcount used in tthehe bubunkers.nkers. avoid clash with Tokyo Olympics bounce out and rolll intointo a wwaterater it. IItt Because he onlonlyy hazard. wawass playedplayed one roundround,, The ball didn’tdn’t ststickick oonene SpiethSpieth had no chancechance KUALA LUMPUR REUTERS — originally scheduled to start Paralympic Games prompted because organisersers of the of to win tthehe eevent.vent. ThThatat in July this year, have been the move, said BWF, hoping Maridoe Samaritann FFundund InviInvi-- honorhonor wwentent to PPGAGA The 2021 badminton World postponed to July 23-August the World Championship will tational inserted socsocialial ddis-is- TTourour rrookieookie ScottScottieie Championships will move 8, 2021 due to the COVID-19 “shine brightly” in the “con- tancing plastic slatsats into eacheach Scheffler, who fin-fin- from its August slot and begin pandemic and will be fol- densed sports calendar”. cup for protectionn so plaplayersyers ishedished aheadahead ooff NNor-or- in late November to avoid a lowed by the Paralympic “The new schedule will wouldn’t have to bebendnd so farfar way’swway’s Viktor HovlandHovland clash with the rescheduled Games which will run from allow players to have a clear down to retrieve theirheir baball.ll. andaand Will ZZalatoris.alatoris. Tokyo Olympics next year, the August 24-September 5. focus for 2021 in which they Spieth told ESPN.comSPN.com hehe SchefflerSScheffler shotshot a finfinal-al- game’s governing body said “The move allows both the will have dual objectives of can’t remember thehe eexactxact ddateate roundround 67 to winwin yesterday. Olympic badminton compe- both the Olympic Games and of his last hole in oone.ne. by one. The tournament will be tition and the World Champi- World Championships,” it “It never leftt the flaflag,”g,” held from November 29 to onships to be conducted with added. Spieth said. December 5 in the Spanish equal fairness for everyone,” BWF is yet to finalise “I knew it was city of Huelva, the Badminton BWF president Poul-Erik remainder of the 2021 tour- going to land some-me- World Federation (BWF) said Hoyer said. nament calendar, highlighting where around thehe in a statement. The decision to reschedule the extent of the damage hole. It’s my first onene The Tokyo Games, this year’s Olympic and caused by the pandemic. in probably three or Jordan Spieth four years. I kindd of 06 SPORT SATURDAY 2 MAY 2020

MCC President Sangakkara wants Ross Taylor England, Australia to tour Pakistan

REUTERS — LONDON Karachi while Bangladesh also matches, you take a break, you played a test match in go back and play three one- England and Australia must Rawalpindi in February. dayers. “It’s not exactly the tour Pakistan to facilitate Bangladesh split their tour right time for extended tours, regular international cricket I think it’s important in three parts even though the but I’m sure that with the right in the South Asian country, that England or final leg was called off in communication and the Marylebone Cricket Club March due to the COVID-19 measures in place that players (MCC) President Kumar Australia, even pandemic. can go back and play some Sangakkara has said. South Africa, make Sangakkara, who has great quality cricket, have a Top teams have shunned up their minds to scored more than 28,000 great time and bring cricket Pakistan since the 2009 attack internationainternationall runs fforor Sri back to Pakistan.” PakistanPakistan on a bus carrying the Sri Lanka actually tour when Lanka, agreed it was too early have offered to host globalglobal team in Lahore in which six security is assured forfor any extendedextended tour ooff flagshipflagship tournaments aafterfter tthehe players were injured and eight Pakistan. governinggoverning Interna-Interna- Pakistanis, including six and they have those “I“I ddon’ton’t thinkthink you are tionaltional CricCricketket policemen, were killed. discussions; the ever going to see in the CouncilCouncil invitedinvited Batting great Sangakkara, MCC tour will be a near ffutureuture a ffive-ive- expressionexpression ooff who was part of that team, Test match seriesseries iniinterestterest forfor Taylor wins top Kiwi returned to Pakistan with an precursor to that: coupledcoupled witwithh a eveeventsents in thethe MCC team in February this Kumar Sangakkara one-dayone-day series 2023-312023-31 cycle.cycle. year but top teams have stayed played back-to-back,” cricket award, eyes away with security saidsaid tthehe fformerormer SrSrii LaLankanka apprehensions. South Africa, make up theirr captain.captain. “It doesn’t matter an Asian minds to actually tour whenn “I“I think it will be World Cup exit in India side going there or a secondary security is assured and theyy more a case of side in terms of world promi- have those discussions; thee youyou plplayay two nence when it comes to having MCC tour will be a precursorr Test AFP — WELLINGTON “It’s been an amazing year, security measures in place,” to that.” it’s been full of ups and downs,” Sangakkara told The Cricket In December, Pakistann Veteran batsman Ross Taylor he said. After back-to-back Kumar Sangakkara Show on Sky Sports Cricket. played their first test match onn won New Zealand Cricket’s top defeats in World Cup deciders, “I think it’s important that home soil since 2009 whenn award for the third time Taylor is hoping it’s third time England or Australia, even they hosted Sri Lanka inn yesterday and vowed to bat on lucky as he targets the 2023 until the 2023 World Cup in tournament to be held in India. India. “The biggest thing, I think, The 36-year-old was is the hunger and the mental awarded the Sir Richard Hadlee motivation to keep getting Medal in a virtual ceremony better, if that’s still there then Mighty Australia are new held online because of age is just a number,” he told COVID-19 restrictions. reporters. Taylor was a key part of the Taylor said he would Black Caps’ run to a second con- remain with the Black Caps as secutive World Cup final last July, long as he felt he deserved his No.1 in Test, T20 rankings where they lost to England on the spot and was contributing to back of an obscure boundary the team. countback rule. “I’ll see if I can get to (age) AFP — NEW DELHI In the past 12 months, he 38 or 39, which will be the next also became New Zealand’s World Cup, and we’ll see from Australia have deposed India in most prolific Test run-scorer there,” he said. the world Test rankings and and entered the record books Taylor made his interna- Pakistan in the Twenty20 as the first cricketer to play 100 tional debut in 2006 and has standings, the International internationals in all three since played 101 Tests, 232 one- Cricket Council said yesterday. formats. dayers and 100 T20s. Just two points separate Australia (116), New Zealand (115) and India (114), who slipped to third position in the Roy says Hundred Test standings, with cricket across all formats suspended due to the coronavirus postponement a pandemic. India had held the number one spot since October 2016. ‘huge shame’ Virat Kohli’s side stay top of the world Test championship AFP — LONDON able get out in front of a home between the top nine Test sides, crowd again,” he said. “It is however. England batsman Jason Roy hugely disappointing but there In 2019 India claimed their (pictured) believes the coro- are bigger things at stake. first ever Test series win in Aus- navirus-enforced post- “Obviously there was a tralia after 71 years of trying, but ponement of the Hundred is a huge incentive for the ECB, it Australia remained unbeaten missed opportunity for cricket was a huge competition that in the series that followed. to capitalise on the buzz from they put a lot of money into but The return of Steve Smith last year’s World Cup triumph. it’s only right that it be delayed and David Warner from ball- Australia’s captain Tim Paine (left) celebrates after stumping New Zealand batsman Henry Nicholls With a new tournament, a until next year. tampering bans also helped (right) during their Test match in Melbourne, in this December 29, 2019 file photo. new format and new city-based “You want the best players Australia retain the Ashes after franchises, the England and coming over and at the moment levelling the series in England Wales Cricket Board (ECB) was they can’t. Unfortunately that’s 2-2. But coach Justin Langer said beat India in India,” he said in which sees them drop below Sri aiming to attract a fresh just the way it is Australia, led by Tim Paine, beating India on their own turf a Cricket Australia press Lanka to sixth place. England audience to tthehe game. at theth e then blanked Pakistan and New was their ultimate goal. release. are fourth. England,and, with Roy in the moment.”moment.” Zealand at home to cap off a “I said in my first con- “We know they are so tough In the one-day rankings, side, defeatedated New Zealand last successful season cut short by ference as coach we will know to beat so only then will we world champions England con- year in ann unforgettable Lord’s the coronavirus outbreak. we are a great team if we can really know we can claim the solidated their number one final that ccaptivatedaptivated the host Just two points separate Australia (116), New Zealand number one spot.” position, followed by India and country. India are scheduled to tour New Zealand. But COVID-19OVID-19 hashas forcedforced (115) and India (114), who slipped to third position Down Under later this year. In the T20 chart Australia a year’s delay,delay, with the ECB in the Test standings, with cricket across all formats Australia are not slated to play ended Pakistan’s 27-month stay keen to avoidvoid empty grounds suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. a series in India until 2022. at the top to reach the summit and absentent ooverseasverseas ststarsars The annual update of the for the first time since rankings diluting the inaugural In the T20 chart Australia ended Pakistan’s 27-month rankings eliminates results in the shortest format were edition. stay at the top to reach the summit for the first time from the 2016-17 season when introduced in 2011. Roy, a top-tier since rankings in the shortest format were introduced India won 12 and lost just one Pakistan are now in fourth £125,0000 ($157,000)($157,000) Test. The system also gives position while England jumped pick by OOvalval InviInvin-n- in 2011. more weight to matches played to second and India to the third cibles, understandsderstands since May 2019 than those of spot. Australia are due to host the decision.ion. Pakistan are now in fourth position while England the previous two years. the T20 World Cup in October “It’s a hugehuge jumped to second and India to the third spot. South Africa suffered the if it is not delayed by the shame tthathat biggest fall of eight points, pandemic. we won’ttbet be ‘Seeing black’: Djokovic considered quitting in 2010

AFP — MILAN “I cried after being knocked number three in the world, but back to tennis, currently sus- Serena, NFL players to compete out. It was a bad moment, I I wasn’t happy. pended amid the coronavirus World number one Novak wanted to quit tennis because “I knew I could do more, but pandemic. in charity virtual tennis event Djokovic (pictured) has I saw everything black. I lost the more important “Officially it’s July 13, many revealed how he consideredo s de ed “II had won in Aus-Aus matchesatc es against aga st Federer and say that we will hardly start quitting tennis in 2010010 as he traliatralia inin 2008,2008, I Nadal.”Nadal.” again on that date,” said LONDON REUTERS — Two-person teams will struggled against greateat rivals was TheThe Melzer dedefeat proved a Djokovic who was on an 18-0 compete using the Mario Roger Federer andd Rafael turningturning point. winning streak in 2020 when Tennis stars Serena Williams, Tennis Aces game on Nintendo Nadal. “From“From thatthat momentmo on I felt sport came to a halt in Venus Williams and Naomi Switch. The 32-year-oldold was liberated,” said Djokovic.Dj mid-March. Osaka plus NFL players Each team will be allotted ranked third in the woworldrld aandnd “It“It took off theth pressure, I That run included a record DeAndre Hopkins and Ryan $25,000 to donate of a charity had lifted his first Grandrand SSlamlam startedstarted playing morem aggres- eighth Australian Open title. Tannehill are among the celeb- of its choosing, with the cham- at the 2008 Australianan Open. ssively,ively, here was the turning “For us tennis players it is rities who will participate in a pionship duo getting another But he was plungeded into the point.”point.” important to have clarity in the virtual charity tennis tour- $1m for charity. depths of despair in 20102010 after InIn 2011, DjokoDjokovicv won three calendar. nament. Leo Olebe, the global letting a two-sets leadad slip in a GrandGrand SlamsSlams andand now has a “At the beginning I was a The “Stay at Home Slam” director of games partnerships French Open quarter-finalrter-final totaltotal of 1717 -- threethree short of Fed- little empty and in confusion, I will be streamed tomorrow at for Facebook Gaming, said, clash against Austrianan Jurgen erer’serer’s all-time men’sm record, lacked clarity. 4pm ET on Facebook Gaming “Gaming’s superpower has Melzer. andand twotwo fewer than “It’s important for me to and on the tennis Facebook always been bringing people “This defeat was reallyreally dif-dif- Nadal.Nada have a routine, I cannot wait for page of the company coordi- together and right now that’s ficult for me emotionally,”nally,” the Djokovic a date. I train every day in the nating the tournament, IMG. the case more than ever. " Serb said in an interviewerview saidsa he was gym, I run at home, I play with with Sky Sports Italia.a. eeager to get the children.” SATURDAY 2 MAY 2020 SPORT 07 New Zealand Lockdown could impact mental health defends decision to of ‘at-risk’ footballers, warns doctor sack coach AFP – LONDON REUTERS – WELLINGTON

Scottish football’s medical chief has New Zealand Football has warned that the coronavirus pandemic defended its decision to sack could exacerbate mental health Olympic coach Des Buck- problems among “at-risk” players. ingham as an “opportune Global players’ union FIFPro last piece of strategic alignment” month warned of a sharp rise in the in the wake of the Tokyo number of footballers reporting Games’ postponement to symptoms of anxiety and depression 2021. since the game was suspended Englishman Buckingham worldwide. was contracted to take the A study in 2015 found that 64 ‘OlyWhites’ to Tokyo in 2020 percent of players in Scotland but was replaced by national reported that they or a team-mate coach Danny Hay yesterday, had experienced issues with their triggering criticism from fans mental health. who felt the decision was “Our initial study identified key Feyenoord Rotterdam players Steven Berghuis, Robert Bozenik and Eric Botteghin attending a training session harsh on Buckingham. triggers for mental health issues in at 1908 complex in Rotterdam yesterday. Football training in The Netherlands has resumed behind closed Hay was originally set to football,” John MacLean, the Scottish doors now that measures against the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, have eased. take over the under-23 team Football Association’s chief medical from September once the consultant, told the SFA’s website. Games finished, but New “These include players at the A study has found that 64 “From a medical perspective, we Zealand Football (NZF) said beginning or end of their career with percent of players in Scotland will look at the issues in the journey the changeover had been uncertainty around their new con- reported that they or a back to training and eventual brought forward due to the tracts and the prospect of having to matches,” said MacLean. “ongoing impact of COVID-19” team-mate had experienced Our initial study identified key find employment and finance outside issues with their mental health. “We will discuss the practicalities and to provide “clarity” to professional football.” of testing, protocols for unwell players triggers for mental health issues in players. “At times like this, some players and staff, as well as using facilities football. These include players at “I think (the criticism is) a already considered to be at risk will shared with other groups. the beginning or end of their career fair reaction in the first potentially feel further impact,” he suspended until at least June 10 and “When you list all the different with uncertainty around their new instance,” NZF Chief Executive added. all leagues below the Premiership have aspects, it’s quite a task but we contracts and the prospect of having Andrew Pragnell said in com- MacLean sits on the COVID-19 been declared over for the season. have a group motivated to find ments published by the New to find employment and finance joint response group, which brings England’s Premier League clubs solutions and take advice from Scottish Zealand Herald. together the SFA and the Scottish Pro- were meeting yesterday to discuss others around the UK and the outside professional football: “Once the Olympics were fessional Football League. proposals on how to finish the cam- world, in both football and other football’s medical chief postponed, we had to get the Football in Scotland has been paign behind closed doors. sports.” lie of the land and understand if there was going to be any other international activity through until the end of Des’s Lyon to claim contract and it became Bale reveals interest in MLS apparent there wasn’t. ‘dozens of millions’ “We’re gutted for Des but it also presents a pretty in damages after AFP – MADRID in an episode released yesterday. what you want but I won’t be going opportune piece of strategic “I think it’s grown so much over to get it. They found it and brought alignment.” Gareth Bale has said he would be the years. When we come over and it down. Under Olympic rules, season ended interested in playing in Major League play them in pre-season, the games “We were all celebrating as a countries participate at the Soccer in America if he leaves Real are difficult, the standard is getting team and I’m not not going to not Games with their under-23 REUTERS – PARIS Madrid. a lot better. The clubs are improving, jump around with my teammates. sides, although three over-age Bale has not been a regular in the facilities are improving, the sta- It was a bit of banter, a bit of fun.” players are allowed to be Olympique Lyonnais will seek millions of euros Zinedine Zidane’s team this season diums are improving. Bale is keeping fit at home as the included. in damages as they face being deprived of and the 30-year-old almost “I think it’s a league that’s on the coronavirus pandemic means Pragnell said 35-year-old European competition for the first time in a departed last summer, before a up and still rising. I think a lot more players are waiting to see if La Liga Buckingham, a former coach quarter of a century following the decision to move to Chinese club Jiangsu Suning players want to come over to can resume, with the plan to restart of the under-23 side for end the Ligue 1 season, club president Jean- fell through. America now and play. I would def- games behind closed doors in June. English club Stoke City, had Michel Aulas said. Any MLS club keen to sign Bale initely be interested in it.” “The club are sending us two been “incredibly professional The French League (LFP) said on Thursday would likely have to overcome the Bale was also asked about the weeks of programmes every two throughout” the period fol- it was ending the 2019-20 campaign amid the hugehuge financialfinancial implicationsimplications ofof a bannerbanner hhee cecelebratedlebrated wwithith aafterfter weeks,”weeks,” BaleBale sasaid.id. “We’re“We’re sstickingticking ttoo lowing the Tokyo Games’ COVID-19 crisis, resulting in Lyon finishing deal. Bale’sBale’s MMadridadrid cocontractntract eendsnds WalesWales qualified for Euro 2020 in that,that, youyou can cchangehange it a bitbit ifif youyou postponement in seventh, outside of the positions that would offer inin 20222022 andand earnsearns him closeclose to November, which caused a stir in wantwant to do a bitbit mmoreore oorr a bbitit llessess late-March. a place in European competition for next season. €30m€30m ($33m)($33m) a year before tax.tax. thethe SpanisSpanishh presspress.. dependingdepending on hhowow your bbodyody is “It’s impossible not to With some teams having played 27 matches “I“I reareallylly TheThe bannerbanner tatakenken fromfrom thethe feeling.feeling. We havehave a gguidelineuideline be disappointed and and others 28, the LFP drew up the final llikeike thet h e crowdcrowd rearead,d, ‘Wa‘Wales.les. GoGolf.lf. MaMadrid.drid. In andand we’re doingdoing thethe bestbest we no-one is kidding them- standings according to a performance index - lleague,”eague,” saisaidd thatthat order’, as an indication ooff cancan to ticktick overover forfor thethe selves that you wouldn’t number of points per game weighed by head- Bale,Bale, speakingspeaking Bale’sBale’s priorities.priorities. timetime bbeing.”eing.” be,” Pragnell added. to-head record. toto tthehe HHat-at- “We“We were just jojokingking Hay will be charged with “It’s a big loss of opportunity that has a TrickTrick around,”around,” saidsaid Bale.Bale. “A fewfew ofof aligning the programmes of financial value that amounts to dozens of million podcastp o d cast themthem were saying ‘if we do the national ‘All Whites’ side euros, which will be claimed in damages,” Aulas, presentedpresented qualify,qualify, llet’set’s trytry to ffindind it anandd and the under-23 OlyWhites whose club won the Ligue 1 title from 2002-08 by thethe ICC, bringbring it out. I was llike,ike, ‘‘dodo leading into the 2021 Games, and reached the Champions League’s last four which were delayed by a year in 2010, told local newspaper Le Progres. due to the coronavirus. Aulas argued the season could have been Hay said he would be “bit- finished in the form of playoffs behind closed terly disappointed” if he were doors in August and that the ranking method in Buckingham’s shoes. was disputable. “It’s really tough on him, I “We see that these standings are illogical. I I really like the league. I think it’s feel for him. I think he’s done don’t want to single out a club more than another grown so much over the years. When a fantastic job with not just the but Nice played at home more than us and faced (under) 23’s but the (under) Paris St Germain (PSG) only once while we we come over and play them in pre- 20’s as well, as well as his played them twice,” he explained. season, the games are difficult, the staff,” he said. Lyon were seventh after 28 games on 40 standard is getting a lot better. The “A lot of this is out of peo- points, 10 behind third-placed Stade Rennais, clubs are improving, the facilities are ple’s control with a lot of who occupy the last European Champions improving, the stadiums are improving: turmoil going on around the League qualifying spot. Real Madrid star Gareth Bale world, and New Zealand and PSG were awarded the title with second- New Zealand Football are no placed Olympique de Marseille securing direct different from that.” access to the Champions League group phase. “Over the last 10 years, OL (Olympique Lyonnais) caught up at least three times with Atletico Madrid’s the second-placed team while lagging more than Danish Super Kieran Trippier is 10 points behind,” said Aulas. Ex-Spurs defender Lyon, who have featured in a European com- League eyes seen during a training petition every season since 1995-96, are still in session at Anfield Trippier charged this year’s Champions League. in Liverpool, Britain They beat Juventus 1-0 in the first leg of their May 29 return in this March 10 file last-16 tie and could still play in the competition photo. with misconduct next season if they win it this year, should it be REUTERS – COPENHAGEN REUTERS – LONDON completed. They could qualify for the Europa League though if they win the League Cup. They Denmark’s football association Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Kieran Trippier are set to face PSG in the final but it has yet to (DBU) hopes to resume its top flight faces an FA misconduct charge after a breach of be rescheduled, with the LFP on Thursday saying Super League on May 29 subject to gambling rules, English football’s governing body it could be staged behind closed doors in early government approval, the DBU said said yesterday. August. in a statement yesterday. It did not clarify what the breach entailed but UEFA, however, is asking that countries Football has ground to a halt in that it had occurred in July 2019, around the time submit their participants for next season’s all major leagues in Europe and none Trippier joined Atletico Madrid for a reported European competitions by May 25. have yet to resume. £20m ($25m). Tripper, who played for Tot- Amiens, who were relegated along with Tou- European soccer’s governing tenham in last season’s Champions League louse, said they would study the reasons behind body UEFA has set a May 25 deadline final in Madrid, has until May 18 to provide the decision before planning any legal for leagues to outline their plans to a response. challenge. re-start. FA Rule E8(1)(b) states that a par- “It is an injustice,” Amiens President Bernard “It is imperative that the 3F ticipant must not provide to Joannin said in a Facebook live broadcast. Superliga is launched by May 29 in any person, any infor- “I’ll fight with all the teams to assert our order to be able to run the tour- mation relating to right, because I think this decision isn’t right. nament in its entirety with proper football which the par- We will wait for the minutes of the LFP board regard for the health of the players,” ticipant has obtained of directors.” French Sports Minister Roxana Jesper Moller, chair of the DBU said by virtue of his or her Maracineanu said aggrieved clubs were in a separate statement. position within the game and which is not publicly welcome to explore legal options but also called Having been halted for two and available at that time. for restraint. a half months, the DBU hopes to see Trippier issued a statement on Twitter saying he The new season will start on Aug. 22-23 at the first Super League match played had “fully complied” with the FA’s investigation on a the latest and is likely to be held without fans on May 29, but it said resumption voluntary basis and that he would continue to do so. as mass gatherings are banned in France until was subject to government If found guilty Trippier could face a lengthy ban. September. approval.