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Monday, June 8, 2020 MOTORSPORT Shawwal 16, 1441 AH Dixon wins IndyCar GULF TIMES opener in Texas after pandemic delay SPORT Page 5
FOOTBALL QSL to restart with first match at Education City Stadium Round of 18 will kick off with second-placed Al Rayyan facing Qatar SC on July 24; leaders Duhail in action the next day
By Sahan Bidappa Doha
he QNB Stars League will resume on July 24 at the newly-completed Edu- Tcation City Stadium with Qatar Sports Club taking on Al Rayyan in the Round 18 fixture. Education City Stadium, one of the venues for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, will play host to re- maining five rounds of QNB Stars League along with two other arenas – Jassim Bin Hamad Sta- dium and Al Janoub Stadium. All three stadiums possess the cool- ing technology, which will help the players cope with the searing temperatures. The kick-off times for the matches would be 4:45pm and 7pm. The QNB Stars League was brought to a halt after 17 rounds due to the Covid-19 pandemic with Al Duhail at the top of the table, four points clear of Rayy- an. According to the schedule released yesterday, the remaining rounds are set to be completed by August 22 – with 30 matches to be played in just under a month’s time. Two other matches will be played on the first day of restart of the league. Al Gharafa will take on Al Arabi at the Al Janoub Stadium, while Al Sadd meet Al Khor at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, with both games kick- ing off at 7.00pm. Duhail, meanwhile, will be in action on July 25. The league leaders resume their campaign Education City Stadium will officially be opened on June 15. with a match against Umm Salal at the Education City Stadium. Sadd’s chances of regaining the of Public Health at the Ali Bin cautionary measures and main- risk of virus spreading between Bottom-placed Al Shahaniya title are slim as Xavi Hernandez’s Hamad Al Attiyah Stadium in Al taining social distancing. The team members and players, as then take on Al Ahli at Al Janoub, side are 10 points behind Duhail. Sadd. second round of Covid-19 tests they return to training and ac- while Al Wakrah clash with Al The first step towards the re- The players and team officials is scheduled for June 24 and 25, tion. It follows all preventive and Sailiya at Jassim bin Hamad. sumption of football will be held who test negative will then check from when the teams will train in precautionary measures, and a The marquee clash between today and tomorrow, where play- into a team hotel on Wednesday. small groups until the restart of workshop was organised for all Duhail and reigning champions ers and officials from 12 teams The first phase of the training will the league. technical staff involved to explain Al Sadd is slated for August 8 will undergo Covid-19 tests un- be held from Wednesday, June The protocol developed by the the procedures for training dur- at the latter’s home ground. Al der the supervision of Ministry 10-24, with teams taking pre- QSL is to reduce and control the ing the first phase.
HORSE RACING Kameko’s Derby chances may force Murphy to dream ‘big’ AFP to shut down has been moved to ning the Guineas — Ian’s greatest quite appealing. London, United Kingdom July 4 at Epsom. horse Mill Reef losing to another “He is certainly the best three- “I am afraid to dream too big legend of the turf Brigadier Ger- year-old around.” because often they don’t work ard in 1971. Kameko’s future programme ritish champion jockey out,” he said at the post-race lies in reliable hands with Bald- Oisin Murphy says he is press conference. ‘MAKING HIM DIZZY’ ing and Murphy. afraid “to dream too big” “This victory is at the top so far The thought of adding the Derby The Englishman gave Murphy Bbut he will be forgiven if as I am only 24. — a race his father and Mill Reef his first rides in England back in his reverie does include him and “However, obviously the Arc won after the Guineas disappoint- 2013 and even though Balding Kameko adding the Derby to the (Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe) and ment — could well prove irresist- confessed to being bemused at English 2000 Guineas. Derby are my two favourite races ible to the 47-year-old. the jockey’s tactics in the second The 24-year-old Irishman’s and that has not changed.” This despite having niggling half of the Guineas his respect for first British classic success on Murphy, who is seen as the doubts Kameko may not have the him is clear. Saturday could not have been likeliest successor to superstar stamina to see out the Derby’s “Oisin does an exceptional more memorable as Qatar Rac- and good friend Frankie Dettori, extra 1/2 mile (800 metres) com- amount of work for the sport,” ing-owned Kameko made histo- both as a talent and a crowd- pared to the Guineas. said Balding. “He is a credit to ry, posting the fastest time in the pleasing entertainer, says he “My current thoughts are Roy- the sport. He can talk the talk and race which was first run in 1809. would love to attempt the Derby al Ascot will come too soon (June walk the walk.” As a result, bookmakers in- but the decision is not in his 16-20),” he said. “To me it looks The feeling is mutual for Mur- stalled Kameko as 3/1 favourite hands. the obvious choice, there would phy. for the Derby. “I could not tell you whether be a stamina doubt, but there’s “I’m thrilled (to win), in those As thrilling as it was for Mur- he is an intended runner or not,” only one way to find out. colours for Andrew Balding,” he phy to break his British classics said Murphy. “We have to let David (Red- said. “I wanted to carry him (Bald- duck he says there are two races “However, the Sheikh (Fahad vers, racing manager), Sheikh ing) on my shoulders and swing that he wants to win above all al-Thani) is a sporting owner Fahad and Oisin all put in their him round and make him dizzy.” others. and Andrew (Balding, the trainer) opinions. Only social distancing regula- One is the Derby, which ironi- would love to emulate his father “He will certainly get a mile tions prevented him from doing cally should have taken place on (Ian).” and a quarter, but there is a cer- so but should they add the Derby Saturday, but due to the corona- Balding has already gone one tain race over a mile and a half on July 4 there may be no stop- In this November 1, 2019, picture, Oisin Murphy rides Qatar Racing’s Kameko to Futurity Trophy Stakes virus pandemic forcing the sport better than his father in win- in July (the Derby) that would be ping him — rules or no rules. (Group 1) victory in Newcastle, United Kingdom. (JDG) Gulf Times 2 Monday, June 8, 2020 FOOTBALL
BUNDESLIGA A LETTER Cafu: Past year was Werder slip towards a nightmare, but family, focus and football helped me drop after home loss see light Union Berlin play out a 1-1 draw with Schalke, and so do Augsburg and Cologne
AFP rian Niederlechner miss a first- Berlin, Germany half penalty for Augsburg. Schalke, who grabbed a point at Union thanks to a fierce Jonjoe erder Bremen were Kenny strike in the 28th minute, staring at relega- have failed to win in 12 league tion from the Bun- games but are 10th and are seven Wdesliga yester- points from the European places. day after a 1-0 home defeat to “It’s a tough situation we’re in Wolfsburg, while Union Berlin but it’s a good step to come away edged towards safety on a day and get a point at a difficult place that featured a renewed show of to come,” said English goalscor- solidarity with the global pro- er Kenny. tests sparked by the death of With protests against police George Floyd. brutality and for racial equality Wout Weghorst headed home taking place around the world the decisive goal for Wolfsburg on Sunday, the Bundesliga has eight minutes before the end to become a stage for tributes to Yesterday, as Qatar 2022 Global pillar of everything. We renew push his team back up to sixth Floyd, a black American man Ambassador Cafu (centre) our strengths everyday together, and into the Europa League who died last month at the turned 50, he penned his thoughts so we can get over that pain and spots. hands of police in Minneapolis. and experiences on the official look to the future together. The Dutch international’s On Saturday, Dortmund play- Supreme Committee for Delivery The pain from losing a loved 12th league goal of the season ers also wore messages on their and Legacy website — Qatar2022. one is ever present. However, came just seconds after Xaver T-shirts during their warm-up qa. we must always try to remem- Schlager crashed a shot off the in honour of Floyd. ber something positive. When I bar and leaves Werder, the team Jadon Sancho and Achraf oday, I turn 50. A mile- think of Danilo, I am reminded with the most seasons in the Hakimi wore the messages “no stone birthday, but it’s that what he enjoyed the most Bundesliga, facing the drop for justice, no peace”, while mid- going to be a very differ- was playing pranks on people. the first time since 1980. fielders Axel Witsel and Emre Tent celebration this year. So, when I feel the pain of los- “It is very disappointing, but Can’s T-shirts displayed the Due to the ongoing pandemic, I ing him, I always try to remem- everything is still possible. We Werder Bremen’s Niklas Moisander (right) and Wolfsburg’s Wout Weghorst vie for the ball during the words “black”, “white”, “yellow” will be away from many of those ber these good things and smile. will give everything until the Bundesliga match in Bremen, Germany, yesterday. (AFP) and “red” crossed out, with the who are close to me. And after a That’s how we end up managing end,” said Werder captain Niklas word “human” below. year that I could never have im- his loss in a more positive way. Moisander to DAZN. ers Bayern Munich the following Union Berlin and Schalke tempt to score and take the knee Prior to their 4-2 win at Bayer agined in my worst nightmare, And once again, as the lock- With four matches left, Flo- weekend and relegation rivals players then did the same before himself, as he had promised he Leverkusen on Saturday, Bayern I feel as though today is a good down continues here in Brazil rian Kohfeldt’s side are second- Mainz, who are just outside the their 1-1 draw in the German would do on Saturday. Ujah did Munich players warmed up in time to talk about and confront – and in many other parts of the from-bottom, six points from drop zone and won 2-0 at Ein- capital. set up Robert Andrich’s neat T-shirts bearing both the Black the emotions of loss that millions world, I am using this time to safety and three from the rel- tracht Frankfurt on Saturday, 11th-minute opener. Lives Matter hashtag and the of us across the world are feeling. spend even more moments with egation playoff place following three days later. BUNDESLIGA TAKES KNEE Union are level on points with slogan of the club’s official “Reds We all have days in our lives we those close to me. I’m training back-to-back home defeats. The match began after both Favourites to go down in their Augsburg, who snatched a late Against Racism” campaign. will never forget. Our wedding every day, I’m training them every Werder are the league’s lowest starting elevens gathered round first ever Bundesliga season, draw at home to Cologne thanks day, the births of our children, day – it’s become a daily family scorers with 30 goals and have the centre circle at the Weser Union are 14th on 32 points, sev- to Philipp Max’s 88th-minute RESULTS and for a lucky few – winning the activity and it’s really fun. People won just once at home all sea- Stadium before dropping to one en ahead of Werder who occupy equaliser, which came just three n Werder Bremen 0 Wolfsburg World Cup for our country. Glo- will know me from my public per- son, losing 11 times. knee, echoing a gesture made by the final automatic relegation minutes after Anthony Modeste 1 (Weghorst 82) rious memories that remain with sona as a positive, happy guy who They travel to bottom side Borussia Dortmund and Hertha place, and four away from the had fired the away side into the n Union Berlin 1 (Andrich 11) us forever. But we also have days is always smiling. I like to think Paderborn next weekend in a Berlin players and Mainz mid- playoff spot. lead. Schalke 1 (Kenny 28) that we can never forget for other that is an accurate interpreta- match that could be decisive for fielder Pierre Kunde Malong on However their Nigerian strik- Cologne are 12th on 35 points n Augsburg 1 (Max 88) Co- reasons; days that we cannot ex- tion of my character – even away their survival, with league lead- Saturday. er Anthony Ujah failed in his at- after a draw which also saw Flo- logne 1 (Modeste 85) plain and moments of inexplica- from the public spotlight. As such ble tragedy that you cannot plan I always try to find the positives in for, avoid or prevent. everything – even in this night- PREMIER LEAGUE On 4 September 2019, God took mare pandemic, we can look at Arsenal beat Charlton 6-0 in my son, Danilo Feliciano de Mo- the additional time we have been rais. He was just 30 years old. Some granted with our families. For me friendly events in this world are inexplica- personally it is certainly a blessing Arsenal returned to action for the first time since ble. There is no rhyme or reason. I because usually I travel so much Liverpool mayor wants derby the Premier League was stopped because of the lost my son in my arms. I tried to that I am often away from home Covid-19 pandemic as they beat Charlton Athletic save him and to help him, but he and far from my loved ones. Now 6-0 in a friendly at an empty Emirates Stadium on left us. It was – and is – a feeling because of this negative, a posi- with Everton at Goodison Park Saturday. Premier League clubs were this week of emptiness; it’s a terrible feeling. tive situation has come. Of course, given the all-clear to play friendlies ahead of the Sometimes we feel helpless. We I miss contact with the general AFP scheduled restart on June 17, following a three- feel so strong in our bodies and our public. I am a people person and London, United Kingdom month stoppage. Arsenal hosted second-tier minds, but in a moment like that nothing gives me more joy than Charlton behind closed doors and with officiat- your physical strength doesn’t meeting people for the first time ing roles carried out by club staff. Alex Lacazette mean anything. It doesn’t help. and talking to them about football. iverpool’s potential title- and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored before When you cannot save your own I have also done so much work winning clash against Ever- halftime while academy graduate Eddie Nketiah son, you feel incredibly weak. in recent months with Qatar’s ton should be played at grabbed a second-half hat-trick. Joe Willock was But God took him and I’m sure Supreme Committee for Deliv- Goodison Park instead of also on target. Arsenal, who are ninth in the stand- he is very well where he is now. He ery & Legacy, the 2022 World L ings, are away to Manchester City on June 17. a neutral venue, according to the is looking out for us and laugh- Cup organisers, for whom I am city’s mayor Joe Anderson. ing from above at everything we a global ambassador. My work The Merseyside derby will be the are doing down here. I pray that with them – and their Genera- first match for Jurgen Klopp’s side Spanish football to hold no other parent experiences this tion Amazing programme – has once the Premier League restarts fol- minute silence in memory of heartbreak. A father should never brought me into contact with lowing the coronavirus interruption. have to bury his own son. hundreds of young football fans If second-placed Manchester City virus victims Until today, I have not spoken from around the world, and be- lose at home to Arsenal on June 17, In this June 2, 2019, picture, Liverpool’s team bus travels past fans during publicly about this tragic inci- fore this lockdown provided me then leaders Liverpool can wrap up a parade in Liverpool following their Champions League victory. (Reuters) A minute of silence will be held before all La Liga dent and while I do not intend to the opportunity to get involved their first English title for 30 years games in memory of the victims of coronavirus, go into detail about the events of in coaching sessions with them. with a victory over their city rivals. mind and believes the match could “So I would have no objection the league and Spanish football Federation (RFEF) that day or the immediate days, Alongside my fellow ambassa- At present the game is scheduled safely be staged at Goodison. to the games being played at our announced yesterday. The tribute will also be paid weeks and months after his pass- dors – Xavi, Samuel Eto’o and for Goodison on June 21, but there “We are in a better place than we clubs’ home grounds, both the before matches in Segunda, Spain’s second tier, ing, I do feel the time is right to Tim Cahill – we get to see the joy have been calls from police chiefs to were four weeks ago and we’ve been derby at Goodison and Liverpool’s as well as play-offs for promotion in the Segunda talk about certain things. I feel on these kids’ faces when we ar- move it to a neutral venue to avoid able to convey why it’s so important games at Anfield.” B and Tercera divisions, the two governing bodies like this as so many other millions rive and play a game with them. fans congregating outside in viola- nobody congregates outside or near Merseyside Police have no objec- confirmed. “Both organisations have reached an of people around the world – and That kind of thing, I miss ter- tion of social distancing rules. grounds,” he told The Athletic web- tions to the derby being played at agreement to pay a sincere tribute this season to increasingly every day in my be- ribly. I know the programme has The fixture was on a list of ‘high site. “We have had the opportunity Goodison. The matter will be dis- all those who have left us because of the pandemic, loved Brazil – are suffering similar been conducting lots of online risk’ games drawn up by police since then to speak to fans and the cussed at Liverpool City Council’s as well as their families,” said a joint-statement. The feelings of sudden loss. I want to sessions to reach out to the kids chiefs last month and Anderson clubs have done their part and got Safety Advisory Group meeting today. first match back will be on Wednesday between relate and share. I want to use this trapped at home. This is admira- previously said it was not a good the message across that supporters Liverpool are 25 points clear at Rayo Vallecano and Albacete, who will play the letter to open up about how my ble and a great innovation dur- idea to restart the season because need to stay away. the top, making a title triumph al- second half of their Segunda contest in December family and I have drawn strength ing this time. But I’m sure we’ll fans would not stay away. “Both clubs have made it clear. most inevitable in their remaining that was abandoned due to offensive chanting. from each other during very dif- all agree that seeing the joy on Yet Anderson has changed his Jurgen Klopp has made it clear. nine games. ficult times. I want to share how children’s faces first-hand, when our passions, including sport, are they play football, is irreplace- helping us to recover. able. It’s the thing that gives me BOTTOMLINE Before I move on though, as the most joy, and it’s one of the this is the first time I have spoken things I miss the most. directly about my son’s passing, I As I told myself every day must say thank you to the thou- when I had my struggles last City face appeal against two-season European ban sands of people who got in touch year, this pain and negativity will to send me their thoughts and not last forever. While I’m sure AFP factured extra sponsorship rev- FINANCIAL HIT City have steadfastly refuted fails, the English champions prayers. Words cannot express we will never forget this time, London, United Kingdom enue from a series of companies But a two-season ban from the UEFA’s allegations. could present a further appeal how much this meant to me and this time will pass. And when with connections to the club’s competition would represent a “Based on our experience and before the Swiss Federal Court. my family at that time, and from this is all over and we return to Abu Dhabi-based owner Sheikh huge blow to the club’s prestige, our perception, this seems to be A delayed outcome would the bottom of my heart I thank normal life we will, I’m sure, anchester City’s ap- Mansour. finances and hope of hanging less about justice and more about leave a cloud hanging over the each and every one of you that cherish the small things that we peal against a two- Under the Sheikh’s owner- onto manager Pep Guardiola and politics,” said CEO of the City return of the Premier League helped us through it. took for granted so much more. year ban from Eu- ship, City’s fortunes have been key players like Kevin de Bruyne Football Group Ferran Soriano. season. I mention my family as now, For example, my other passion Mropean competition transformed from perennially and Raheem Sterling. European football’s governing City seem certain to secure with this pandemic sweeping in life is motorcycles, and I know will be heard by the Court of living in the shadow of local ri- “Two years would be long. body also have plenty riding on Champions League qualification across every corner of the world, that when I get back on the road Arbitration for Sport (CAS) from vals Manchester United to win- One year is something I might the case. Lose the appeal and the on the field with a 12-point lead I’m sure those in lockdown are – even for a journey I have done today in a case of wide-reaching ning four Premier League titles be able to cope with,” De Bru- future of UEFA’s FFP regulations over fifth-placed Manchester spending more and more time 1,000 times before – it will be the repercussions. in the past eight years. yne told Het Laatste Nieuws last will be called into question. United. with their loved ones than ever sweetest journey of all. City are accused of overstat- However, billions of invest- month. If they are excluded, fifth would before. And those isolated away We are experiencing dark ing sponsorship revenue to hide ment in players and managers City banked 93mn euros PREMIER LEAGUE IMPACT be good enough for the riches of from loved ones, I’m sure are times right now, but as people that they had not complied with has not yet been able to deliver from prize money and televi- The hearing will be held by vide- next season’s Champions League, thinking about and missing their say, it’s always darkest just be- UEFA’s financial fair play (FFP) the club’s first ever Champions sion rights alone by reaching the oconference due to coronavirus which are all the more valuable families more than ever before. fore dawn. rules between 2012 and 2016 and League title. quarter-finals of last season’s restrictions from Monday to during the economic crisis caused It leads me to think back to the I urge you all to stay safe, stay were also handed a 30mn euro City are still involved in this Champions League. Wednesday. by coronavirus. strength and support I drew home, stay strong, stay together. ($34mn, £27mn) fine. season’s competition and will The added loss of gate receipts If no verdict is immediately Just six points separate United from my family following Dani- Look out for each other and re- UEFA’s case was prompted be allowed to compete should and commercial revenue would announced after the hearing, the from Crystal Palace in 11th leav- lo’s passing. My family is big. I member that one day soon this when German magazine Der the 2019/20 edition of Champi- make it extremely difficult for decision “could be made during ing plenty to play for in the final am one of six brothers. But not will all be over. Spiegel published a series of ons League return in August no the club to meet FFP regulations the month of July,” said Matthieu nine games of the season once only at that moment did I draw leaked e-mails in 2018 that pur- matter the outcome of the ap- in the future without cutting Reeb, secretary general of CAS. the Premier League restarts on strength from them, but now in With love, ported to show how City manu- peal. costs. Even if City’s appeal to CAS June 17. the current crisis the family is the Cafu Gulf Times Monday, June 8, 2020 3 SPORT
NBA REPORT NBA tweaks standings, Lakers want to continue will clarify roster rules roll they were on before The Lakers had won 11 of 13 games before the league virus outbreak was shut down on March 11
Reuters in each conference. Memphis Los Angeles (currently eighth in the West) and the Orlando Magic (eighth in the East) must finish at least he NBA continues to four games ahead of the ninth- fine tune the structure place team in their conference and rules it will fol- to avoid a play-in series. Tlow when the season If ties within winning per- resumes July 31 at the Disney centage exist, they will be bro- World campus in Orlando, ken by the league’s standard Florida, including tweaks to tiebreakers, ESPN reported, the standings and potential starting with head-to-head roster changes. record from the regular-sea- ESPN reported Saturday son. that the league will use win Meanwhile, ESPN also re- percentage — rather than a ported Saturday that the NBA measure of games relative is preparing rules for how to.500 — to set the order of the teams can add players to their standings, a clarification that roster in the event of injury is necessary because teams or a player testing positive have played a different number for Covid-19. Per the report, of games thus far. teams will likely be allowed to Before the season paused sign as many players as they in March, NBA teams had desire, but only from a par- played anywhere from 63 to 67 ticular pool, primarily play- games. The 22 teams return- ers who played in the NBA or ing in Orlando will each play G League or were on training eight “regular season” games camp contracts this season. for seeding, maintaining the That would rule out any vet- disparity in total games and erans who have gone unsigned thus making win percentage all year, such as guard Jamal the first tiebreaker. Crawford, and any interna- The Western Conference tional players. The status of currently has the Portland players on two-way contracts Trail Blazers (29-37), New remains unclear. Orleans Pelicans (28-36) and According to ESPN, the Sacramento Kings (28-36) at league and players union must 3 1/2 games behind the Mem- agree collectively on such phis Grizzlies (32-33) for the regulations, with negotiations The Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James (left) in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center in New York on January 23, 2020. (TNS) eighth and final playoff spot, expected next week. but the Blazers’ win percent- For any player who tests DPA The Lakers and 21 other teams positive for the coronavirus. will take 17 players, which includes (44-20) for the best record in the age (.439) gives them a narrow positive for Covid-19, a quar- Los Angeles are scheduled to start playing Even at 35, James is still a force. two two-way players, to Walt Dis- Western Conference when play advantage over the Pelicans antine period of at least a week July 31 at the Walt Disney World He leads the NBA in assists ney World, which is where teams stopped. and Kings (.438). Similar situ- and up to two weeks is expect- Resort in Orlando, Fla. The last (10.6), is 11th in scoring (25.7), will stay in mostly secluded hotels “I think there will be a lot of fo- ations could emerge for seed- ed. All players and staff are ex- he Los Angeles Lakers game of the NBA Finals, if it went 22nd in rebounding (7.9) and ninth that are on the campus of ESPN’s cus for the Lakers and all the teams ing in either conference. pected to be tested every night made a strong state- seven games, could be played Oct. in player efficiency rating (26.08). Wide World of Sports Complex. on basketball only, with the fam- The league’s restart plan at the enclosed campus. ment about their cham- 12, which would be about four Davis is ranked ninth in scoring Players and staff are expected ily not being there right away,” an features 13 teams from the A number of other details, Tpionship hopes in early months later than usual. (26.7), third in blocks (2.4), 17th to report to their practice facili- official for one NBA team said. “I West and nine from the East, including the schedule for the March when they defeated two Being the last team standing in rebounds (9.4) and third in PER ties around June 22 for Covid-19 think that they will be really in- with the possibility of play-in eight “seeding games,” have of the NBA’s top teams, the Mil- and hoisting the trophy remains (28.25). testing, but it’s not mandatory, ac- tuned. I think the basketball will series for the final playoff spot yet to be determined. waukee Bucks and the Los Ange- the goal of the Lakers, no matter From keeping it lighthearted to cording to people. The scheduled be sloppy in the beginning, but it’ll les Clippers. when that time comes. being serious, James has been at June 30 date to report is manda- be good as it goes along.” Those raised expectations for They put themselves in position the forefront during the Lakers’ tory. During an interview on TNT’s LeBron James, Anthony Davis to be title favourites after beating group chats about staying “men- Teams can report to Walt Disney “Inside the NBA” on Thursday, Former Bengals cornerback Riley dies and the team of winning the fran- Giannis Antetokounmpo and the tally and physically prepared” as World around July 7 or 9 and will Commissioner Adam Silver refer- Former Cincinnati Bengals chise’s 17th title will continue after NBA-leading Bucks on March 6 they approach heading to Orlando, be in a 24-to-48-hour quarantine. enced how the league might put cornerback Ken Riley died a long break. at Staples Center and Kawhi Le- according to people familiar with Players also will be tested. Teams in rules that could keep coaches yesterday morning in Bartow, On Friday, the NBA Players As- onard, Paul George and a Clippers the situation but not authorized to will start scrimmages against oth- away from the sideline if they are Florida. He was 72. sociation voted to approve the team that had won six straight on speak publicly. er teams July 23 to 29. at higher risk for Covid-19. Ac- The Tallahassee (Fla.) Demo- Board of Governors’ 22-team March 8 in a “road” game at Sta- The league informed teams they Families of the NBA players will cording to the Centers for Disease crat reported the news on return-to-play scenario to restart ples Center. The Lakers had won will be allowed to travel with about be allowed to come to Orlando, but Control and Prevention, eight out Riley, however the newspaper the season after it had been halted 11 of 13 games before the league 35 people, including players, as a not until the second round of the of 10 deaths related to the corona- did not reveal a cause of in mid-March because of the Cov- was shut down March 11 after Utah way to hopefully reduce the risk of playoffs. The Lakers (49-14) had a virus in the US have been in people death. id-19 pandemic. Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested Covid-19 infections. The Lakers 51/2–game lead over the Clippers 65 or older. Riley spent his entire 15-year NFL career (1969-83) with the Bengals, earning first-team SPOTLIGHT All-Pro honours in his final tlers from 1986-93 at his alma season. He recorded 65 mater. He later served as interceptions and 18 fumble the school’s athletic director recoveries in 207 career from 1994-2002. “He was a games (201 starts) since good man. He was one of our Broncos’ players, coaches, execs lead being selected by Cincinnati greatest athletes and person,” in the sixth round of the 1969 Florida A&M Sports Hall of NFL Draft. The Bengals re- Fame chairman Alvin Hollins membered him yesterday in a told the Tallahassee Demo- statement posted to Twitter. crat. “Ken showed tremen- protest in Denver “We mourn the passing of dous leadership as a student one of the greatest Ben- and a quarterback. The only Reuters added safety Justin Simmons, who gals ever, Ken Riley.... Our regret is that he didn’t get in Los Angeles led a protest in Stuart, Fla., near thoughts are with his loved the Pro Football Hall of Fame his hometown last Sunday. “... Our ones at this time,” the team before he passed. Several of voices are being heard. Your voice wrote. Riley, who played the players he coached made ore than 75 members of matters.” quarterback at Florida A&M it to the NFL. We had great the Denver Broncos, in- The protest in Denver was one of prior to joining the Bengals, success with him as a coach cluding star linebacker hundreds organised across the coun- became the coach of the Rat- and athletics director.” MVon Miller, head coach try and even globally since the death Vic Fangio and CEO Joe Ellis, led of George Floyd in police custody on thousands through downtown Denver May 25 in Minneapolis. Floyd, who Ex-NFL receiver Caldwell shot, killed on Saturday during a peaceful protest was African American, died after of- for the Black Lives Matter movement. ficer Derek Chauvin, who is white, Former NFL wide receiver tions for 2,088 yards and 18 The group included more than 50 kneeled on his neck for eight-plus Reche Caldwell was shot and touchdowns. Broncos players and all 25 coaches minutes. Chauvin has been charged killed on Saturday in Tampa, The San Diego Chargers on the team’s staff, with most wear- with second-degree murder and Fla. He was 41. selected him in the second ing masks printed with the words “I manslaughter, while three other of- His mother, Deborah Cald- round of the 2002 NFL Draft, can’t breathe” and shirts reading “If ficers have been charged with abet- well, confirmed his death to and he played 47 games in you ain’t with us, you against us.” ting murder and manslaughter. TMZ yesterday. The outlet re- four seasons there, followed Safety Kareem Jackson helped or- Earlier this week, Fangio con- ported Caldwell was shot by by a season each with the ganise the march, which lasted for demned Chauvin’s actions, saying he assailants who jumped out New England Patriots and well over an hour. should also be charged with treason of bushes in an attempted Washington Redskins. He Several players spoke on the stage for “for failing to uphold the badge robbery. had 152 career receptions for at Civic Center Park, including Mill- and uniform he was entrusted with.” “He was a good person who 1,851 yards and 11 touch- er, who told 9News Denver he flew Fangio also drew criticism for saying smiled all of the time,” his downs. in Friday night from where he was he “does not see racism at all” in the mother told TMZ. “He tried Legal troubles followed after training in San Francisco in order to NFL, comments for which he apolo- to help everyone he could. Caldwell’s career. In 2014, join his teammates Saturday. gised a day later. He was the type of guy who he was arrested for drug “The time is always right to do Fangio spoke Saturday with civil would take his shirt off his possession and intent to what is right,” Miller told the crowd. rights leader Alvertis Simmons, who back and give it to you.” distribute and sentenced to “... We’ve got to use our moral com- told 9News Denver afterward, “I Caldwell played collegiately prison, and in 2016, he was pass to make decisions on what’s want to thank the coach. He didn’t at Florida for coach Steve charged with conspiracy to right. Black, white — it doesn’t mat- do anything in a racist manner. I Spurrier from 1998-2001 and commit healthcare fraud and ter.” don’t think coach Fangio has a racist Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller. (TNS) posted 141 career recep- pleaded guilty. Reuters “This is making a difference,” bone in his body.” Gulf Times 4 Monday, June 8, 2020 SPORT
RUGBY NZ to resume professional rugby union games next weekend Reuters among the most successful Former France skipper Poirot retires at 27 Wellington countries in containing the vi- rus, announces further easing AFP was dropped from the squad later of restrictions at a government Paris in the campaign. ew Zealand will meeting today. “It’s not in my character to give become the first A public health expert told up. Taking this decision is much country to resume Reuters that any reopening ormer France skipper Jef- deeper than that,” Poirot said. professional rugby was likely to be cautious and N gradual. “I would imagine ferson Poirot announced “It was difficult but it had the union games next weekend his Test retirement yes- contrary effect. It made me feel as governments around the they would start in a relatively terday aged 27 because of relief. The decision was even eas- world move to ease lockdown closed stadium situation and F then maybe have a small a lack of motivation after losing ier to make. I might be criticised, measures to fight the novel last October’s Rugby World Cup but I haven’t lied to anyone,” he coronavirus. number to check if there are quarter-final. added. All eyes will be on the 10- any issues,” said Professor Loosehead prop Poirot, who Poirot was among the favourites week Super Rugby Aotearoa Brian Cox, an epidemiologist at started just one of les Bleus to replace retired Guilhem Guira- competition organised by the University of Otago in a re- matches during this year’s Six do as full-time les Blues captain New Zealand Rugby (NZR) as cent interview. “We have to do Nations, led his country against after the World Cup but new head others seek to resume sport- it in a very slow, measured way Tonga in the group stages of the coach Fabien Galthie chose flanker ing activities after these were to make sure that we’re not competition before the last-eight Charles Ollivon as his skipper. halted due to the coronavirus making an error that results in loss to Wales. “I would have been in a trap. I outbreak. The tournament, a major outbreak again.” “When the competition fin- couldn’t have retired. The cap- which involves New Zea- New Zealand has had no new ished, a few minutes after the final taincy is a heavy responsibility. land’s five teams, starts next infections in the last 16 days whistle, I felt empty. The decision In the state I was in it would have Saturday in Dunedin and is and has just one active case. was made in a fraction of a sec- been horrible to take over the aimed at filling the gap left by The competition will provide ond,” he told newspaper L’Equipe. role,” Poirot said. the postponement of the in- some much needed cash flow “I feel my motivation is not at “Not being named captain gave ternational competition Super for NZR, who are forecasting its maximum. I always promised me freedom. Finally it was a relief. Rugby — which is unlikely to re- a 70% decline in revenue this myself I would be at 100 per cent It’s sad and powerful to say that, start this season. Super Rugby year. when playing for France, to not but it’s the truth,” he added. Aotearoa is likely to take place The tournament is also likely lie. Les Bleus, it’s the Holy Grail. The former Brive forward said initially without fans present, to be a proving ground for the I can’t go and play for them and even France hosting the 2023 like the National Rugby League resumption of test matches just take my cap and my bonus,” he World Cup did not sway his choice. and other sports that have towards the end of the year, added. “It will be an enormous event. I resumed in Australia. even if they are confined to The Bordeaux-Begles front- hope les Bleus will be world cham- But this could change if New clashes between the southern rower lost his starting Test place pions. But it never crossed my France’s prop Jefferson Poirot reacts after losing the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup quarter-final match Zealand, which has been hemisphere nations. to Cyril Baille for the Six Nations mind in my decision,” he said. against Wales at the Oita Stadium on October 20, 2019. (AFP)
GOLF REPORT RFU pushing for 40,000 Asian Tour targets fans in Twickenham September return in South Korea ‘IT IS POSSIBLE THAT ONLY PLAYERS AND ESSENTIAL STAFF ARE PERMITTED TO TRAVEL’
Reuters fourfold,” Sweeney was quoted Los Angeles as saying by the Guardian. “If you use two metres in an 80,000-seater stadium he Rugby Football Un- and factor in traffic flow, such ion (RFU) is seeking as someone wanting to use clarity on whether the the toilet without going past Tphysical distancing someone and touching them, rule can be reduced from two it reduces your capacity to be- metres to one so they can ad- tween 9,000 and 9,500. mit 40,000 fans into Twick- “I was surprised, not think- enham Stadium for the No- ing it would be that low. With vember internationals, chief one metre, which is the World executive Bill Sweeney said. Health Organization’s guid- Elite sport in England was ance, you get close to 40,000, given the green light to return and we would like it to come this month but without spec- down to that by the autumn.” tators in attendance amid the Sweeney said the RFU Covid-19 pandemic. However, stands to lose around 3mn the RFU believes fans will be pounds ($3.80mn) per game allowed to attend matches by under the two-metre guide- November. lines but will not increase ca- England are scheduled to pacity unless they receive gov- host New Zealand’s All Blacks, ernment approval. Argentina, Tonga and Australia “We would not increase the in November at Twickenham stadium capacity at the risk of Stadium, which has a capac- safety nor do anything contra- ity of 82,000. “If you are us- ry to government guidelines,” ing two metres, you are talking Sweeney added. about a four-metre distanced “But we want clarity on safe space. With one, it is one whether the two-metre rule is metre all round, which has the absolutely essential or is one effect of increasing capacity metre possible.”
Former US gymnast Thomas dies at 64 AFP Los Angeles
ormer Olympian Australia’s Wade Ormsby posing with the champion’s trophy after winning the Hong Kong Open tournament at the Hong Kong Golf Club on January 12, 2020. (AFP) Kurt Thomas, the first American to win AFP under Covid-19 travel and dis- support staff,” admitted Cho. restart in September because of and Mauritius Open in the later Fthe world champion- Hong Kong tancing protocols which could “It is possible that only play- the current predicament with part of the year,” said Cho. ship gold in gymnastics, died mean few spectators and players ers and essential staff are per- restrictions on air travel and “During this period, if things on Friday from the compli- using local caddies. mitted to travel.” large gatherings,” Cho said. go our way, there may also be a cations of a stroke. He was he Asian Tour an- “We are targeting between The last of golf’s three lead- The $950,000 Mercuries Tai- couple of new events.” 64. nounced yesterday plans 10-12 events from September ing men’s circuits to announce a wan Masters from September Cho recognised the huge lo- Thomas suffered a stroke on gold in the floor exercise for to restart its coronavi- to December,” Asian Tour Com- return to action, the Asian Tour 17-20 and the $1.4mn Panasonic gistical challenge for the major- May 24 which was caused the US’s first men’s title. He rus-ravaged season in missioner and CEO Cho Minn is faced with a complex inter- Open in Japan from September ity of the tour’s players who live by tear in the basilar artery repeated the floor exercise T of the brain stem, the family gold in the 1979 worlds in September after a six-month Thant told AFP, with the tour national schedule that necessi- 24-27 will complete the open- outside countries where tour- suspension, but players may calendar almost certainly ex- tates players from more than 25 ing mini-swing in three coun- naments are staged. said. He died on Friday. Fort Worth, Texas. have to travel alone despite re- tending into the new year be- countries crossing borders for tries where lockdown and travel “We anticipate that there “I lost my universe, my best His gold in France came as a strictions beginning to ease fore transitioning into the 2021 each tournament. restrictions have already been may be some restrictions for friend and my soulmate of big surprise. The unexpected across the world’s most popu- season. The US PGA Tour will make eased. travellers from certain coun- 24 years,” Beckie Thomas win led to a delay in the lous continent. “Unlike domestic markets, an eagerly anticipated return on Discussions are taking place tries when we resume. said. “Kurt lived his life to the medal ceremony because or- The tour, which has been sus- we understand international Thursday, without spectators for an event in South East Asia “If this is the case, we will extreme, and I will be forever ganizers did not have a copy pended since American Trevor travel will slowly restart in but with a star-studded field in October before an “Indian still start as planned with play- honoured to be his wife.” of the Star-Spangled Banner Simsby won the Malaysia Open phases and the ultimate lift- including the world’s top five Swing” of three tournaments in ers who can travel, and assess Thomas competed in the ready to go. He earned a to- on March 7, told AFP it aims ing of quarantine periods will players, at the Charles Schwab October and November with the the impact and severity of the 1976 Montreal Olympics, tal of six medals at the 1979 to tee off again at the Shinhan determine the tour’s ability to Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas. Panasonic Open, the resched- disadvantage for those who but lost a chance to go for a worlds, an American record Donghae Open from September resume full-scale operations,” The European Tour has an- uled Indian Open and a possi- cannot,” said Cho. medal in a second Olym- for medals at a single worlds 10-13 in South Korea, the first Cho added. nounced a six-event “UK ble new event in Delhi, though Australia’s Wade Ormsby, pics when the Americans that Simone Biles equalled in of three events in consecutive “If we need to minimise the Swing” to begin next month dates are yet to be confirmed. who won the Hong Kong Open boycotted the 1980 Moscow two years ago. weeks. number of foreign travellers with the British Masters. “There is a prospect of the in January, leads the fledgling Games. He retired after the US The $1.181mn tournament travelling into a host country, tour travelling to China and cul- 2020 Order of Merit but only In the 1978 worlds in Stras- boycott of the Moscow at Bear’s Best Cheongna Golf we may have to do without pri- ‘TRAVEL PREDICAMENT’ minating with a stretch which four tournaments have been bourg, France he captured Olympics. Club, Incheon, will be played vate caddies, entourages, and “We are targeting a conservative includes the Hong Kong Open completed. Gulf Times Monday, June 8, 2020 5 SPORT
MOTORSPORT SPOTLIGHT Ex-athletics chief Diack faces court Dixon wins IndyCar over corruption
AFP Paris
amine Diack, the dis- opener in Texas after graced former head of athletics’ world gov- Lerning body, goes on trial in Paris today facing a potential 10-year prison sen- tence on charges of accepting millions of dollars to cover up Russian doping tests. pandemic delay Diack, the Senegalese who was in charge of the Interna- tional Association of Athlet- Lamine Diack. ‘I am bummed that the fans aren’t here. I wish everybody was here to celebrate’ ics Federations (now World Athletics), between 1999 and SON’S ‘CENTRAL ROLE’ 2015, is charged with “giving Missing from the trial, how- AFP and receiving bribes”, “breach ever, will be Diack’s son Papa Los Angeles of trust” and “organised mon- Massata Diack, who han- ey laundering”, and is expected dled lucrative contracts for to attend court. the IAAF. He was implicated ew Zealand’s Scott The prosecution alleges through a payment of 450,000 Dixon climbed out of that Diack, who turns 87 on euros from Russian runner his car and donned a Sunday, obtained $1.5 million Liliya Shobukhova, allegedly Nwhite protective face of Russian funds to help back to have her blood passport case mask after seizing the check- Macky Sall’s campaign for delayed in order to compete in ered flag in the delayed IndyCar the 2012 Senegal presidential the 2012 Olympic marathon, as season-opening race in Texas on election – which he won – in revealed by German TV station Saturday. exchange for the IAAF’s anti- ARD in 2014. Dixon crossed the finish line doping arm covering up or de- Diack junior is accused of first ahead of runner-up Simon laying offences by 23 Russians. playing a “central role” in the Pagenaud in the Genesys 300, The aim, prosecutors will network of corruption and is the first IndyCar race in eight say, was to allow the Russians charged with “money launder- months because of the corona- to compete in the 2012 London ing”, “giving bribes” and “aid- virus pandemic. Olympics and the 2013 World ing the receiving of bribes”. “Such strange times right Athletics Championships in The deal that prosecutors now,” said Dixon immediately Moscow. The trial, following a say helped fund the 2012 presi- after the race. “It was awesome. four-year investigation by the dential election campaign of The power out there. We could French Financial Prosecutor’s Diack senior’s friend Sall also just go for it.” Office, was originally sched- allegedly smoothed the way After the Covid-19 pan- uled to start on January 13, and for negotiations with Russian demic led to a postponement the charges carry not only a sponsors and broadcasters be- of the 2020 IndyCar campaign, maximum sentence of 10 years’ fore the Moscow world cham- the series finally got underway prison but also a heavy fine. pionships. with no spectators in the grand- Also appearing in court will Together, the Diacks are sus- stands at the 1.5 mile (2.4 kilo- be Habib Cisse, Diack’s former pected of being at the heart of a metre) Texas Motor Speedway legal advisor, who is suspected web of corruption. The case is in Fort Worth. of having acted as an interme- being pursued by the French “I am bummed that the fans diary between the then-IAAF authorities because the alleged aren’t here,” Dixon said. and Russian athletics and hav- money-laundering happened “I wish everybody was here to ing received hundreds of thou- in France. Lamine Diack has celebrate.” sands of dollars. The former been forbidden to leave France Former Indianapolis 500 win- IAAF anti-doping chief Gabri- since the investigation began. ner Pagenaud finished 4.4 sec- el Dolle will also be there, ac- Papa Massata Diack has been onds back in second and reigning cused of “receiving bribes” holed up in his native Senegal, series champion Josef Newgar- amounting to 190,000 euros. out of reach of the French au- den placed third. Both are French. thorities. Organisers decided to run the practice, qualifying and 200- lap race all on the same day to World champion Joshua attends minimise the amount of time Scott Dixon (left) celebrates after winning the Genesys 300 at Texas Motor Speedway on June 6. PICTURE: USA TODAY Network the participants would be at the march, says racism is a pandemic venue. ond all-time with 52. He also do. A huge thanks to the IndyCar ing in the garage areas. Dixon nine laps to go. Rosenqvist was “Today was compact,” he said. matched AJ Foyt’s record of 18 series and everybody involved to received elbow bumps instead of weaving through the field when Heavyweight boxing world title defence against Bulgarian “We flew in this morning and we seasons with a victory. get us back on the track. We had high fives in the victory lane. he got high on the backstretch champion Anthony Joshua Kubrat Pulev scheduled for had a hour and 20 minute prac- Dixon led 157 of the 200 laps, a lot of changes in the offseason Last year’s pole sitter Takuma and lost control. He finished in described racism as a “pan- this month at Tottenham Hot- tice, then straight to qualify- and had an earlier six-second with the delay.” Sato crashed on his warm-up lap 20th place. demic” while addressing pro- spur’s stadium was postponed ing and straight to the race, and lead over Newgarden wiped out entering turn one. There will be nearly a month’s testers at a Black Lives Matter because of the Covid-19 then fly back out tonight. That is by a caution for debris. ELBOW BUMPS The former Indianapolis 500 break before the next race July 4 march in London on Saturday. pandemic, was dressed in all very different. Normally we have “We had to make some big Drivers and team members went winner was checked out at the on a road course at Indianapolis Joshua, one of Britain’s black for the event. a couple of days of prep, so that bold moves,” Dixon said. through temperature screenings on site medical facility and re- Motor Speedway. highest-profile sportsmen, “We can no longer sit back was difficult.” “I can’t tell you how good it when they got to Texas Motor leased, but then missed the race The road course race will be joined a march through the and remain silent on these Dixon earned his 47th career feels to be back in the car. It has Speedway. because he couldn’t get his car the first of five IndyCar races in streets of his home town of senseless, unlawful killings win to move within just five vic- been such crazy times for so Crew members were required repaired in time. a 15-day period in July, including Watford before gathering in a and sly racism on another hu- tories of Italian-born American many people. to wear face masks, and space Felix Rosenqvist was in con- a doubleheader weekend at Wis- park where he recited a poem man being – based on what? Mario Andretti, who is sec- “I feel very lucky to do what I was provided for social distanc- tention when he crashed with consin’s Road America. written by a friend. Only their skin colour,” the IBF, “The virus has been declared WBA and WBO world cham- a pandemic,” Joshua said. pion, who was using crutches “This is out of control. And I’m and wearing a knee brace, AIU says suspended Naser missed four tests as she pleads innocence not talking about Covid-19. after injuring his knee during The virus I’m talking about is training this week, added. World 400 metres champion Salwa Eid had “only missed three drug tests” and and Ms Naser subject to an immediate process was still ongoing. called racism.” “We need to speak out in Naser was provisionally suspended for that the missed tests came before the provisional suspension.” The 22-year-old Naser, who had said she Marches and protests have peaceful demonstrations – registering four “whereabouts failures”, September event in Doha. According to World Athletics Anti-Doping had not been tested this year, hoped she been held all over the world just like today, so well done the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) said “The investigation into Ms Naser’s three Rules, any combination of three wherea- could soon put the issue behind her. in response to the killing of Watford. “We must not use a yesterday. whereabouts failures in 2019 was ongoing bouts failures - filing failures or missed “It can happen to anybody. I don’t want unarmed black man George demonstration for selfish mo- The Bahrain athlete, who won gold at the at the time of the Doha World Champi- tests - within a 12-month period by an ath- people to get confused in all this because Floyd by a police officer in the tives and turn it into rioting World Championships in Doha last year, onships and she was not provisionally lete constitutes an anti-doping violation. I would never cheat,” she had said on the US on May 25. and looting.” pleaded her innocence despite being suspended at that time,” the AIU said in a Athletes guilty of whereabouts failures video. Four officers involved have A spokesman for Joshua suspended by the AIU on Friday for failing statement. could face two-year bans or a minimum “Hopefully, it’ll get resolved because I since been charged over the said his knee injury would be to make herself available for anti-doping “Following conclusion of the investigation of one year depending on the degree don’t really like the image... It’s going to death. further checked by doctors, tests. and a fourth whereabouts failure in Janu- of fault. The AIU added it would not be fine. It’s very hard to have this little The 30-year-old Joshua, but “there is no immediate In an Instagram video, Naser had said she ary 2020, a Notice of Charge was issued comment any further as the disciplinary stain on my name.” whose world heavyweight concern”.
FOCUS UFC superstar McGregor announces retirement
AFP nicknamed “The Notorious”, a 15 month-absence, when he the conclusion of UFC 250 in Las ily” make the top spot his own London previously announced his retire- knocked out American Donald Vegas early Sunday morning. before retiring. ment from the sport in March “Cowboy” Cerrone in a ruth- “If Conor McGregor feels he McGregor’s exit comes hot on last year after being battered less 40-second destruction in wants to retire, you know my the heels of light-heavyweight ixed martial arts su- into submission by arch-rival Las Vegas. The 31-year-old, an feelings about retirement, you champion Jon Jones and welter- perstar Conor Mc- Khabib Nurmagomedov in Oc- icon of the UFC, is no stranger should absolutely do it,” White weight contender Jorge Masvidal Gregor announced tober 2018. In April 2016 he also to controversy and hit the head- said at the post-event press con- asking to be released from the Mhis retirement from said he was retiring with a now- lines last year for an attack on an ference. “I love Conor. There’s UFC. the sport yesterday. famous tweet: “I have decided older man in a Dublin bar that a handful of people that have White said he had no warning The two-division Ultimate to retire young. Thanks for the was captured in a viral video. made this really fun for me, and about McGregor’s announce- Fighting Championship (UFC) cheese. Catch ya’s later.” McGregor, one of the most pop- he’s one of them.” ment but added: “That’s Conor. World Champion said his fight- It remains to be seen if he is ular fighters in MMA history, has McGregor, who joined the You know how Conor works and ing days were over in a Twitter more serious this time, but on a record of 22-4 and was the first UFC in 2013 after establishing that’s how he does things. message posted on his verified Sunday he told ESPN: “I’m a bit UFC fighter to hold two champi- himself as a two-division Cage “When you look at the star account, alongside a picture bored of the game. I’m just not onship belts at the same time. Warriors champion, had been power that Conor McGregor, the with his mother, Margaret. excited about the game. I don’t He achieved that feat in 2016 linked with a rematch against star that he became, he intro- “Hey guys I’ve decided to re- know if it’s no crowd. I don’t when he stopped Eddie Alvarez Nurmagomedov later this year. duced this thing globally to peo- tire from fighting. Thank you know what it is. There’s just no in a lightweight title fight, add- There was also speculation ple in places that had never seen all for the amazing memories! buzz for me. ing it to his featherweight title. of a ‘superfight’ against former it before or been interested in it. What a ride it’s been!” he wrote. “All this waiting around. That triumph was followed by middleweight titlist Anderson “Conor McGregor is not go- “Here is a picture of myself There’s nothing happening. I’m a loss to boxing great Floyd May- Silva, with the Brazilian great ing to need any money any time and my mother in Las Vegas post going through opponent op- weather in a cross-combat su- publicly touting a showdown soon. He loves to fight, he’s pas- one of my World title wins! Pick tions, and there’s nothing re- perfight in 2017, his loss to Nur- over the weekend. sionate about it and he’s got an the home of your dreams Mags ally there at the minute. There’s magomedov, announcements of Only two weeks ago, McGre- incredible fighter IQ. Whatever I love you! Whatever you desire nothing that’s exciting me.” retirements and returns to fight- gor declared Silva the greatest his reason is, when a guy says it’s yours.” His last appearance in the ing. UFC president Dana White MMA fighter of all-time, but the he wants to retire, don’t worry The controversial Irish fighter, octagon was in January after paid tribute to McGregor after Dubliner added he would “eas- about it.” Irish mixed martial arts superstar Conor McGregor. (AFP)
Monday, June 8, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT
SPOTLIGHT ECGC celebrates women in golf
ducation City Golf Club Getting golf included in Olym- tried golf and saw the facilities. dustry – Braidwood highlighted (ECGC) has commemo- pics again has really helped,” she Many then come back with their how unique the sport is, and rated Women’s Golf Day explained. families and friends.” includes many different jobs, Eby hosting two interac- “Previously on the LPGA The ladies only section has including coaching, golf retail, tive podcasts. The online discus- Tour, there were five or six coun- been designed to cater for groups management, and club fitting. sions, featuring local and inter- tries represented, with the vast of women requiring total pri- Women’s Golf Day has become national players, examined the majority being American, few vacy. The changing rooms have a global movement and cel- game, the benefits of the sport, Europeans, and Japanese. Now, an entrance door to a secluded ebrates women and girls learn- and how the Education City Golf I think there are 29 different na- putting green with bunkers and ing golf, as well as being part of a Club is helping to grow ladies tionalities. There is a big expan- chipping surrounds. larger international community. golf in Qatar. sion of golf into countries in the There is access to the double- The second part of Education The first podcast on June Middle East and Asia where golf ended studio, which gives users City Golf Club’s celebrations will 2 featured a discussion with was not as popular before.” the chance to hit long shots up be a physical event on Septem- Catriona Mathew, Solheim One of the Education City the range and chipping to the ber 1, which will aim to engage Cup Captain 2019 & 2021, and Golf Club missions is to grow the short game area. female golfers, as well as those Michael Braidwood, General game of golf and the female sec- Yasmine al-Sharshani has also interested in trying the sport for Manager of Education City Golf tor is one of the most untapped. been impressed with the ladies the first time. The event will in- Club, while the second included The club is well equipped to in- only area at the Education City clude a ladies only tournament first Qatari female golfer Yas- troduce people to the game, with Golf Club. and complimentary lessons, as mian al-Sharshani and Gordana expansive training facilities. “The Centre of Excellence is well as a networking session. Popovic Vincic, Sales and Mar- Michael Braidwood, General a wonderful section of the club “We are encouraging all wom- keting Manager of Education Manager of Education City Golf that has a private space for wom- en – golfers and non-golfers – to City Golf Club. Club, explained how they are en- en, coupled with the fact that a stop by the Education City Golf Catriona Matthew spoke couraging women to try golf for female professional is on hand to Club, see the facilities, learn about her achievements as a the first time: “One of our- big teach is excellent for the game in something about golf, and make professional female golfer, along gest things to get women playing Qatar. All ladies are welcome to new friends,” said Gordana Pop- with growth she has seen in is going to the corporate world try the sport – no matter age or ovic Vincic. professional golf through years. and bringing organisations to the fitness ability, and they learn in “There is no dress code, just “The biggest change I have seen, club for team building sessions. a safe and private environment.” wear comfortable clothes and especially in ladies golf, is how It is great fun for the employees, To encourage young people to sports shoes or flats, and we will much more global the game is. and by the end of the day, they all get involved in golf – and the in- provide the equipment.”
FOCUS AWARENESS SIGA to organise first ever Sport Integrity Will saliva ban Week from Sept 7 he Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) will organise the first Tever Sport Integrity Week from September 7 to 11, threaten cricket’s 2020, the world’s largest sport integrity coalition has unveiled yesterday. The Sport Integrity Week aims to promote the adoption and implementation of the highest integrity standards at all levels and across all areas of kings of swing? sport. It will bring together all rel- evant key stakeholders, senior ‘I think the environment that’ll end up being created is almost going to be like a bubble’ industry leaders and top ex- perts, and provide a privileged AFP opportunity to raise global London awareness about the most ICSS chief Mohamed Hanzab. critical challenges facing sport and the wider industry, facili- n International Cricket tate collective action and pave Council board meeting the way to the necessary re- on Wednesday could forms at the centre of SIGA’s Asee the global governing mission. body uphold a recommendation To overcome the present to prohibit the use of saliva in challenges facing internation- order to stop the transmission of al travel, this global thought the coronavirus. leadership event will take place Bowlers traditionally get the in a brand-new digital format, ball to move or swing in the air, comprising live interactive thereby making it harder for panel discussions via SIGA’s batsmen to hit, by applying shine YouTube channel, and a series to one side via sweat – which can of interviews with some of the still be used – or saliva. most senior leaders from the However, as a temporary world of Sport. later this month. measure to combat Covid-19, the Structured around five fo- Mohamed Hanzab, Founder ICC’s cricket committee has sug- cus themes over one week, the and Chairman of the Interna- gested banning the use of saliva. Sport Integrity Week will of- tional Center for Sport Secu- AFP Sport shines a light on the fer insightful discussions, fa- rity; Vice-Chairman, SIGA, issue: cilitate knowledge-sharing and said, “We’re facing a change One of the most extraordi- networking opportunities. of time where it has become nary individual performances It will also promote best easier to reach far corners of in cricket history saw Australia practice, enhance dialogue and the world with a touch of a swing bowler Bob Massie take 16 cooperation, as well as insti- button. As a Founding Member for 137 on his Test debut against gate cultural change, global ap- of SIGA, we are excited about England at Lord’s in 1972. proaches and action-oriented the digital conference on sport Yet Massie won just five more solutions. Key topics under the integrity as it will be a stepping caps and took only 15 more wick- spotlight will include: stone towards taking the con- ets, with the bowler himself saying • Sports Governance, Anti- versation about safeguarding he had struggled on a subsequent Corruption and International sport to new heights.” tour of the West Indies where he Cooperation; Speaking about the Sport adjusted his action and was never • Financial Integrity, Trans- Integrity Week, Emanuel the same cricketer again. Massie’s parency and Sustainability; Macedo de Medeiros, SIGA’s remarkable maiden Test and the • Sports Betting Integrity; CEO and Chairman and CEO lavish swing he generated at Lord’s • Youth Development and of SIGA AMERICA, said: “The led to suggestions he’d applied lip Child Protection in Sport; and Sport Integrity Week will be salve to the ball in order to main- File photo of England’s Stuart Broad using saliva to shine the ball. • Sports Business, Media the world’s premium digital tain the shine – an accusation he and Technology. conference and thought lead- has always denied. “Just using sweat won’t be of won a five-match Test series in in the field because sucking them that’ll end up being created is Participants will include a ership dynamo for sport in- “Some days things go just much help because that will only England 2-1. Over time, teams all stimulated most saliva, which almost going to be like a bubble,” diverse range of individuals tegrity leaders and all those right,” Massie said by way of ex- make the ball wet and that shine round the world came to realise could then be applied to the ball. Pollock told the Following On from sports ecosystem includ- who want to see the industry plaining his remarkable intro- will be missing,” said Sarfraz. that in order to generate reverse It seems unlikely cricket chiefs Cricket Podcast. “People will get ing SIGA’s Members, Commit- being governed and operated duction to Test cricket. Sarfraz confused a succession swing it was vital the ball was will row back from the saliva ban tested, they’ll go into a two-week ted Supporters and Partners, under the highest standards. of batsmen by bowling in-swing- ‘looked after’ properly, with one but former South Africa pace- camp where they’re just going to Sports Organisations, Govern- “Connecting senior execu- REVERSE SWING ers with an old ball. side polished and the other kept man Shaun Pollock, even though sit and monitor how the condi- ments, International Organi- tives, thought leaders, policy- It used to be thought that as a He helped compatriot Imran bone dry. Swing bowlers such he is a member of the ICC cricket tions of their bodies change. sations, Sponsors, Broadcast- makers, forward-thinkers, cricket ball got older it would Khan add reverse swing to his as Andrew Flintoff, Matthew committee, gave current swing “And if there are no symptoms, ers and Commercial Partners, global sponsors, media and swing less. But a technique pio- armoury and in the 1990s there Hoggard and Simon Jones were bowlers a glimmer of hope by it doesn’t really matter about Media and Social Media, Serv- champions on sport integrity, neered by Pakistan paceman Sar- were probably no better expo- pivotal to England regaining the suggesting health checks in place shining the ball then, because ice providers, Academia and the Sport Integrity Week rep- fraz Nawaz, partly in response to nents than the Pakistan fast- Ashes from Australia in 2005. for next month’s behind closed you’re in the bubble and no one Non-Governmental Organisa- resents the perfect intersec- the slow and batsmen-friendly bowling duo of Wasim Akram But it was England opening doors three-Test series between you come into contact with will tions. tion for all key stakeholders to pitches of his homeland, led and Waqar Younis. batsman Marcus Trescothick England and the West Indies have coronavirus. pPartners will be released come together and usher the to the development of reverse In 1992, the pair took 43 wick- who later revealed he had put might make it redundant. “So you can just get on with on a weekly basis starting with sporting industry into a new swing. ets between them as Pakistan Murray Mints sweets to good use “I think the environment normal proceedings.” Day 1 of the digital conference era!”
Gower salutes West Indies ‘spirit of co-operation’
David Gower has urged the rest of according to official figures. Inter- “It is a unique situation and one with dinary with the World Cup win (by income impacts the whole game, from and structure. world cricket to follow the West Indies national matches are central to the huge pressures. England) and an exciting Ashes but the the Test team to counties, to clubs and “They won’t go away on their own but in demonstrating a “spirit of co-oper- financing of the game at all levels, with “It will be a huge relief for these games problem for any sport is that the public schools.” if all this does help foster a spirit of co- ation” as the global game looks to get the England and Wales Cricket Board to happen because getting going again consciousness only lasts a short while. Gower said the sport had been grap- operation, so much the better. back on its feet amid the coronavirus. estimating it could lose £252 million is the key.” “With the exception of football, pling with a number of major issues “It would be great if there was a feeling The West Indies are due to arrive in ($316 million) if there are no fixtures at Gower, the newly-installed president of probably, if you haven’t got live sport prior to the pandemic. of all being in this together and if the England next week, ahead of a three- all this summer as a result of Covid-19. the Lord’s Taverners, a cricket-related you’ve got nothing to pin tomorrow’s “There were lots of problems in cricket old power struggles could be set aside match Test series rescheduled for “The West Indies have done us a charity that supports disabled and newspaper or the next five-minute clip before Covid-19, particularly in terms of in favour of keeping everyone in busi- July even though the pandemic has favour,” former England captain Gower disadvantaged young people, added: on television or radio. “The losses this the nations outside India, Australia and ness, getting games on and keeping claimed at least 48,000 lives in Britain, told Britain’s Press Association. “Let’s face it, last year was extraor- year will be sizeable and any loss of England, and issues around finance everyone safe,” he insisted.