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Thursday, May 28, 2020 TENNIS Shawwal 5, 1441 AH Roland Garros GULF TIMES planning for fans not empty seats SPORT Page 2

FOOTBALL FOCUS Italy finally set to decide on Serie clubs vote to resume A resumption contact training ‘It is hard to see other countries playing football and we don’t do it’

AFP Reuters enthusiastic than others. , United Kingdom Rome, Italy While Lazio, who were on a 21-match unbeaten league run before Serie A was suspended remier League clubs fter weeks of wran- and are one point behind leaders voted unanimously yes- gling, with several U- Juventus, are raring to go, others terday to resume con- turns on the way, Italy such as bottom side Brescia seem Ptact training as the Eng- Ais due to decide today less keen. lish top-flight took a significant if and when its top-flight Serie Brescia at one point threat- step towards restarting in June. A soccer league can resume after ened to forfeit matches if Serie A The Premier League was put the coronavirus stoppage. resumed and they were the last on hold in March due to the Possibly encouraged by seeing club to resume training. coronavirus pandemic, with how Germany’s Bundesliga has One of the stumbling blocks to Liverpool just two wins away restarted without problems so a resumption of the league was from sealing the title. far, the Italian government ap- the government’s insistence that Clubs returned to training pears to have relaxed its position if a player tested positive for the in small and socially distanced recently. coronavirus, the whole squad groups last week but they have Sports Minister Vincenzo would have to be quarantined but now moved to stage two of the Spadafora, who is due to meet this has since been dropped. “return to training protocol”. the head of the Italian Foot- Teams will however still be “Premier League sharehold- ball Federation (FIGC) Gabriele subject to strict measures, simi- ers today voted unanimously Gravina ahead of the announce- lar to those adopted by the Bun- to resume contact training, ment, says the most likely out- desliga. marking another step towards come is a restart on June 13 or 20. There will be no mascots, restarting the Premier League But only last month, he had handshakes or team photographs season, when safe to do so,” the warned that Serie A could go the before matches, children will not league said in a statement. same way as its French counter- accompany teams onto the field “Squads are now able to train In this March 10, 2020, picture, Liverpool players attend a training session at Melwood in Liverpool, United Kingdom, on the eve of their UEFA part Ligue 1 and be called off — a and a maximum of 300 people as a group and engage in tackling Champions League last 16 second leg match against Atletico Madrid. (AFP) comment that he said led him to will be allowed in the stadium. while minimising any unneces- be painted as “the enemy of foot- When travelling by road, sary close contact.” POSITIVE TESTS 12 — behind closed doors — was he could spread the virus to his Mourinho is keen to get play- ball”. squads will have to be spread The decision was made fol- Eight cases of coronavirus described by Premier League five-month-old son. ing again after seeing football “France’s decision would have between two buses and will be lowing consultation with clubs, among players and staff have chief executive Richard Masters French World Cup winner resume elsewhere, with 92 been the easiest one to make. I encouraged to use charter flights players, managers and the gov- been detected from 1,744 tests. last week as a “staging post”. N’Golo Kante has also been games left to play in the Premier didn’t want to do it, I just found it when flying. ernment. In the second-tier Champi- Players and coaches have ar- given permission by Chelsea to League. shameful that I was being asked The players’ union is con- Clubs that have already com- onship, just two positive tests gued they will need more time to train at home. “Honestly, since the moment to decide on Serie A’s resumption cerned about plans to stage some pleted the necessary risk assess- were registered from 1,014 mitigate the risk of injuries after Germany’s Bundesliga, the Bundesliga started, the Portu- at a time when the country was matches at 1630 local time in the ments.are expected to move to tests. such a long lay-off. first of Europe’s big five leagues guese league and Spanish league short of beds in intensive care,” summer months while referees the new phase as soon as Thurs- A series of issues including And some players have voiced to resume, has already complet- announced a date to start, I he said. are hoping for more respect. day. the restart date and plans in the fears over their safety and that ed two rounds of fixtures behind think it is the most difficult mo- “It is right that football can “Was the coronavirus needed The small number of positive event of a curtailment will be of their families due to the virus. closed doors and there has been ment for us, because we want to start again now that the rest of to say that players should keep tests from the first two rounds of discussed when the 20 Premier Watford captain little player opposition to La play,” he told Sky Sports. the country is starting again.” their distance from the referee testing at Premier League clubs League clubs gather again on has not returned to training after Liga’s plans to return in Spain “It is hard to see other coun- Serie A’s 20 clubs have voted when they protest?,” asked Mar- has raised hopes of a return next Thursday. three positive cases were regis- from June 11. tries playing football and we unanimously in favour of a re- cello Nicchi, head of the Italian month. A targeted return date of June tered by the Hornets. He fears Tottenham manager Jose don’t do it.” start although some appear more referees’ association.

COMMENT Lifting trophy in empty stadium would be ‘strange’: Henderson

AFP London, United Kingdom

iverpool captain Jordan Henderson says playing at an empty Anfield and win- Lning the Premier League title with no fans present would be “pretty strange”. Liverpool were 25 points clear of 2019 champions Manchester City and on the verge of their first English top-flight crown for 30 years when the league was shut down by coro- navirus in March. Clubs returned to training in Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson (also right). small and socially distanced groups last week ahead of a proposed re- race was still not over. “Whether we win it or whatever, start in June. “We still have work to do and we then (receiving) the trophy and the Henderson lifted the Champions still need to perform at a high level fans not being there... you just have League trophy in a packed stadium right the way until the season fin- to deal with it when it comes,” he said. in Madrid last June but is preparing ishes because we want to finish as “Hopefully it does happen. We for a different experience this year. strongly as we can to make sure it is are still in a very good position. “Of course it would feel different a full season,” he said. “It will mean we have won the because if you win any trophy and Henderson, who has been pivotal Premier League and we will all be receive it without any fans there, it in Liverpool’s renaissance under very happy but then we can look to would be pretty strange,” he told the Jurgen Klopp, said he hoped there the future — and whenever fans are BBC. would be a title celebration with allowed back into the stadium, I am The 29-year-old England inter- fans inside Anfield in the future if, as sure we will have some sort of cel- national midfielder said the title appears certain, they finish the job. ebration together.” Gulf Times 2 Thursday, May 28, 2020 SPORT

TENNIS INNOVATION Sound of app-lause at empty Japan Roland Garros stadiums soon?

AFP to that of a live crowd. Tokyo, Japan The firm deployed 58 speak- ers at the Ecopa Stadium and invited officials from football new Japanese smart- teams Jubilo Iwata and Shimizu planning for fans phone app will al- S Pulse to send in remote cheers low fans to send vir- and boos. Atual cheers and jeers to “I feel that this system will sports stadiums in the hope of encourage players on the field creating atmosphere at matches by making them feel like their played behind closed doors due fans and supporters are nearby,” to coronavirus. Jubilo’s business strategy offi- Instrument maker Yamaha cial Hiromi Yanagihara said in a not empty seats said its remote cheering system statement issued via Yamaha. will let users tap buttons on the The firm said the system can ‘We have set ourselves a deadline (for resale)... It will be an exceptional tournament’ app to deliver cheers — or boos also be used in the future by — via dozens of speakers placed those unable to attend matches. AFP Vilotte, pointing out that night inside grounds. Yahama spokesman Kenji Ar- Paris, France sessions will not start until the Event organisers can pre-set akawa said the app could be used 2021 edition when the tourna- various types of cheers and jeers, for other events and they were ment slips back into its usual and change the intensity lev- receiving enquiries from multi- oland Garros chiefs May-June home. els depending on the number of ple fields. insisted yesterday the The risk of rain is greater in users pressing their buttons — “This might be used at mu- French Open, delayed the autumn in Paris. aiming to replicate the roar when sic concerts, theatres or com- Runtil September due to However, the Philippe Chatri- a goal or home run is scored. edy shows. Especially in comedy the coronavirus pandemic, will er court at Roland Garros now Even when a live audience is acts, audience reaction is essen- have fans attending even if they has a roof, bringing the tourna- permitted, fans may still use the tial,” said Arakawa. still have to abide by social dis- ment into line with the other app to prevent potentially coro- Prime Minister Shinzo Abe tancing rules. three majors. navirus-laden droplets flying recently lifted the state of emer- The claycourt Grand Slam, “From the start, the objec- through the air through shout- gency for the entire nation, but which should now have been tive was to respect the outdoor ing. he still urged organisers of major into its first week under its tra- nature of the tournament,” said They can pick which side of events to use caution to prevent ditional schedule, was pushed Vilotte. the stadium to send their chosen new infections. back by four months because of “It is not a closed court, con- cheer or jeer, and can remotely Japan’s professional baseball the outbreak. trary to what exists at Wimble- join chants that only designated teams are preparing to start their However, tickets bought for don, at the Australian Open and users can begin. new season behind closed doors the event in its May-June slot even at the US Open where the The company originally from June, three months later were reimbursed rather than roofs hermetically seal the sta- planned to launch the app later than the original schedule. transferred, prompting fears the diums to air condition them.” this year, but accelerated its de- Football’s J-League kicked off tournament, now due to start on The new roof on Chatrier has velopment after the coronavirus the season for one weekend in September 20, would be played 11 metal and canvas sections, forced sporting events to be can- February before suspending it, behind closed doors. weighing 350 tons each for a to- celled or played without fans. with local media speculating the “In the autumn, we will play tal area of 10,000 square metres. Yamaha said a recent test of season will reopen in late June or Roland Garros with an optimum It can cover the sport’s most the system at a 51,000-seat sta- early July, with early games likely spectator capacity which allows famous clay court in 15 min- dium produced a sound similar to be played without fans. fans to respect social distanc- General view of the renovated Philippe-Chatrier central tennis court with its new retractable roof utes, while allowing air to pass ing,” Jean-Francois Vilotte, the composed of 11 wings at Roland-Garros in Paris, France, yesterday. (Reuters) through the sides. director-general of the French The efficiency of the SPOTLIGHT Tennis Federation (FFT), told money is very important” as working on holding a “post- due to decide its fate in mid- roof, which cost 55mn euros AFP. is the eco-system of tennis in poned tournament” and not a June. ($60.45mn), was tested during A working group has already France for which Roland Garros “downgraded” version. Officials in Paris have played torrential rains that lashed Paris been created consisting of the accounts for 80% of revenue. In other words, juniors, sin- down hosting a Grand Slam out- a few weeks ago. British Tour heralds ministries of sports and foreign If fans are to be welcome at gles, doubles and wheelchair doors in a European autumn. “It was baptised,” said Vilotte. affairs as well as Roland Garros the rescheduled tournament, tennis events will still be staged. They point to Roland Gar- “The roof was absolutely not af- officials and health bodies. then tickets would have to go on International tennis has been ros having eight floodlit courts, fected by these rains and the return of elite-level “The aim is that there will resale. suspended globally since mid- including all three showpiece water drainage channels worked be spectators but we will have “We have set ourselves a March while Wimbledon was arenas — Philippe Chatrier, Su- without any of them overflow- the capacity to organise Roland deadline (for resale)... but you cancelled for the first time since zanne Lenglen and Simonne ing.” tennis in UK Garros whatever the option de- will not know it,” added Vilotte. World War II. Mathieu. The Suzanne Lenglen court cided, including behind closed “It will be an exceptional The US Open in New York, “The point is not to schedule will also have a roof installed Reuters UK Sport with Government.” doors.” tournament anyway,” he said, due to start on August 24, is still matches late at night but to fin- in time for the 2024 Olympic London, United Kingdom Recreational tennis has al- For the players, “the prize adding the organisation was under a cloud with organisers ish the matches started,” said Games. ready resumed with clubs al- lowed to open under strict health series of professional protocols. tennis events will take The British Tour events will place in Britain from all be staged over three days at BWF explains revamped 2020 calendar after criticism Aearly July as the sport the LTA’s National Tennis Centre continues to emerge from the in Roehampton with each event IANS hwal, her husband and fellow roadmap to work towards that as they play more matches in ties, including financial and shutdown caused by the corona- hosting 32 singles players (16 New Delhi, India badminton player Parupalli goal. each tournament. commercial challenges. We virus pandemic. men and 16 women) with eligi- Kashyap and World Champion- “It is not expected that each “This is not that different to are looking into all options to The Lawn Tennis Associa- bility based on rankings. ships bronze medallist Sai Pra- player will play or should play what players and coaches do ensure a safe and fair return to tion (LTA) said four British Tour Two of the events will be ‘Pre- he Badminton World Fed- neeth were among those who all tournaments. The revamped anyway under normal circum- badminton,” he said. events would be held between mier-level’ each offering over eration (BWF) strongly took to social media to criticise calendar simply provides an op- stances, although they do have July 3-26, subject to confirma- 16,000 pounds ($19,750) in total Tdefended their revamped the revamped calendar. portunity for players at all lev- more choices in this condensed BWF EXTENDS OLYMPIC tion of government require- prize money. calendar for the 2020 season “5 months non stop travel ... els to resume competitive play calendar,” he added. QUALIFICATION ments. More tournaments could be after it came under intense biggest question is what are the and continue their professional Lund also revealed BWF can The Badminton World Federa- “Since the coronavirus crisis, held in August if the internation- scrutiny from top shuttlers. international guidelines of trav- lives once we are able to start,” take into consideration the tion yesterday announced that we have been working incred- al suspension period is extended The BWF last week announced elling during this #coronavirus Lund was quoted as saying by idea proposed by India na- it has extended its Olympic ibly hard to support all our play- further. new dates of the tournaments pandemic,” Saina had tweeted. The Times of India. tional badminton coach Pullela qualification period to next ers, venues, coaches and officials No professional tournaments on their roster after the initial BWF general secretary Thomas “It is expected that players Gopichand regarding hosting year. It said that all ranking through this very challenging have been played since the start calendar was shredded due to Lund, however, stated all the will be selective about which multiple tournaments at one points earned over the course time,” LTA chief executive Scott of March. The French Open has coronavirus pandemic which players aren’t expected to fea- tournaments they play. Some venue, cutting down on players’ of the tournaments that were Lloyd said in a statement. been moved to later in the year has brought the entire world to ture in every tournament. He will play in more tournaments travel time significantly. played before the suspen- “I’m delighted to announce while Wimbledon will not be a standstill. also said their priority is to get because they may not reach “The suggestion from Gop- sion of the sport due to the today the next stage of elite ten- staged this year. Former world no.1 and Olympic the sport back on the court and the final rounds, others will se- ichand is an interesting idea, coronavirus pandemic will be nis’s return to competing safely The ATP, WTA and ITF Tours bronze medallist Saina Ne- the new calendar gives them a lect not to play week after week but comes with many complexi- maintained. behind closed doors as part of a will remain on hold until August five-phase plan coordinated by at the earliest.

BOTTOMLINE HORSE RACING Tiafoe wants to draw Derby favourite Charlatan tests positive for banned substance: report more black kids to tennis Reuters New York, United States Reuters Mumbai, India wo horses trained by Hall of Fame trainer Bob merican Frances Tia- Baffert, including -Ken foe has already changed Ttucky Derby favourite the lives of his immi- Charlatan, have tested positive Agrant parents thanks for a banned substances, the to his tennis career and the 2019 New York Times reported. Australian Open quarter-finalist The Times said Charlatan, hopes he can also inspire more who won the Arkansas Derby black kids to take up the sport. earlier this month, tested posi- Tiafoe, 22, was born to immi- tive for lidocaine — a numbing grant parents from Sierra Leone, agent that is used for sutur- with his father working as a jani- ing wounds but can also mask tor at a tennis centre in Maryland lameness in unsound horses. while his mother had to work The use of the drug incurs a double shifts as a nurse to help suspension of between 15-60 the family make ends meet. days, a $500-$1,000 fine for the He rose to a career-high rank- first offence and disqualification ing of 29 after reaching the quar- and forfeiture of the purse if no In this June 6, 2018, picture, Triple Crown and Belmont Stakes contender Justify is walked in his barn by ter-finals of a Grand Slam for the people play tennis ultimately, a hardship. mitigating factors are estab- trainer Bob Baffert at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, United States.(AFP) first time in Melbourne last year and just to be a good role model.” “It’s got to be a priority. You’ve lished. and has already made almost After reaching the quarter- got to be able to sacrifice certain A positive test could prevent Baffert told the Louisville to being able to speak soon Kentucky Derby win since his $3.5mn in prize money. finals of the Australian Open, things. You can argue I sacrificed Charlatan from competing in Courier Journal he was disap- about any written decision of horse Justify won the Triple Tiafoe told the men’s ATP Tour Tiafoe said he had promised his doing normal things, just being a the Belmont Stakes on June 20, pointed the Arkansas Racing the stewards, if and when it Crown in 2018. he wanted to be an inspiration. parents 10 years earlier that he kid,” he said. the first leg of the Triple Crown Commission did not follow its becomes necessary and I’m al- Justify later tested positive for “I want to be known as a guy would change their lives. “But I was having the time of this year after the Kentucky rules on confidentiality and lowed to under the Commis- a banned drug less than a month who was caring for the fans, a Tiafoe says that while he had my life, so I was really just enjoy- Derby and Preakness Stakes wanted a quick investigation sion’s confidentiality rules,” he before the start of the Triple guy who wants to really build an to give up a lot to focus on tennis ing it and that’s all I wanted to were postponed to Sept. 5 and into the matter. said. Crown but the California Horse unbelievable legacy,” said Tiafoe. when he was young he loved the do. “I was different than a lot of Oct. 3 due to the Covid-19 pan- “I’m hoping for an expedited Baffert, the sport’s best Racing Board moved to drop the “My goal is to help more black game so much it did not seem like other kids.” demic. investigation and look forward known trainer, is chasing a sixth case. Gulf Times Thursday, May 28, 2020 3 CRICKET

FOCUS COMMENT Cummins throws weight behind IPL Preparations on in October if T20 WC is postponed

AFP millions of people watching Sydney that tournament around the for T20 World Cup world... potentially even more after a long break off cricket,” he Indian Premier he said. League could fill the “There’s a lot of reasons void left by the Twen- why I would want it to go Tty20 World Cup if it ahead but the main one is it’s a is delayed by the coronavirus great tournament.” pandemic, Aussie cricketer Pat The coronavirus forced the this year, says ICC Cummins said yesterday. money-spinning IPL to post- Due to begin in Australia in pone its March 29 start date ‘This is on the agenda for the ICC board meeting tomorrow and a decision will be taken’ October, the T20 competi- and organisers were already tion’s start is looking increas- reportedly eyeing a return Reuters ingly unlikely amid virus-re- around October. Cummins Mumbai lated travel restrictions. said he was eager to return to “If that opens up a window I play after nearly a ten-week think the IPL would be a great break from the sport. he International Cricket fit,” Cummins told media in “I’m just about ready to get Council has told Reuters Sydney. back into it and ready for that it is continuing prepara- He remained optimistic that next tour,” he said. Ttions for the Twenty20 the World Cup and Austral- A decision on whether to World Cup to be held in Australia ian tour of England would go postpone the World Cup could this year as planned and denied ahead, but if those were can- come from today’s ICC board reports yesterday that a decision celled at least a return of T20 meeting over concerns of fly- had been taken to postpone the could be a boost to the game. ing 16 teams into Australia event. “You have millions and during the crisis. Media reports in India said ICC members had come to an understanding that this year’s event would be pushed back to 2022 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The ICC board is to meet today to discuss several is- sues related to the pandemic and its members will also address the fate of the World Cup, which is due to be played at stadiums around Australia from October 18 to November 15. “The ICC has not taken a deci- sion to postpone the T20 World Cup and preparations are ongo- ing for the event in Australia this year as per plan,” a spokesman for the governing body told Reuters. “This is on the agen- da for the ICC Board meeting tomorrow and a decision will be taken in due course.” Australian bowler Pat Cummins speaks to the media outside New Australia has been among the South Wales cricket headquarters in Sydney yesterday. (AFP) most successful nations in con- taining the spread of the new coronavirus but travel restric- Chairman of International Cricket Council Shashank Manohar. (Reuters) New Zealand board to cut jobs amid tions remain in place with sev- eral state and territory borders ‘challenging’ conditions still closed. A Cricket Australia spokes- Manohar to step down as ICC chairman after current term New Zealand Cricket will cut New Zealand authorities have woman told Reuters she was un- International Cricket Council was not seeking any extension har was unanimously elected on BCCI treasurer Arun Singh Dhu- up to 15% of staff and look begun easing social restric- aware of any decision being tak- (ICC) chairman Shashank Mano- to his term but would support a two-year term but resigned for mal told Reuters that the board to shave NZ$6 million ($3.72 tions in recent weeks with en to postpone the World Cup. har is to step down when his the board to ensure a smooth personal reasons in March, 2017, had not discussed the matter yet million) in operating costs Covid-19 cases slowing to a The Indian cricket board term ends this year, the govern- transition.” only to defer his resignation a but is open to Ganguly succeed- as part of proposals to cope trickle, and sports have been (BCCI), which is set to host the ing body said yesterday. The ICC president used to head week later. He was re-elected un- ing Manohar, provided there is with “challenging” conditions given the green light to re- following edition of the tourna- The ICC is set to discuss the the board of directors but the opposed for a second two-year consensus on it. brought on by the coronavi- start domestic competitions. ment in 2021, is keeping a close process to elect its new chief position largely became honor- term in 2018. “BCCI has not taken any call rus outbreak, Chief Executive But NZC anticipates a “sig- eye on developments as a post- at its board meeting today ary after constitutional changes The new chairman is set to for- on fielding anyone from India David White has said. White nificant reduction” in revenue ponement could open up a win- with media reports saying that in 2014 saw the creation of the mally take over when the ICC’s for the job,” Dhumal said. “The told New Zealand media he in the current financial year, dow for this year’s Indian Pre- the England and Wales Cricket chairman’s post. annual general meeting is held election process has not started had informed NZC’s 80 staff with travel curbs and border mier League. Board (ECB) chief Colin Graves is But Manohar initiated further at the end of July. yet. Once election date is an- on Wednesday about the controls throwing the interna- Speaking to IANS, a BCCI of- favourite to fill the post. reforms in 2016 and became the The name of Sourav Ganguly, nounced, we’ll discuss with all planned cuts, which would tional schedule into doubt. ficial said that the Indian board “No final decision was taken first independent chairman of the president of the powerful cricket boards and take a call. allow the board to maintain “What we are experiencing has full faith in the directors regarding the election process the governing body with no for- Indian cricket board (BCCI), “Ideally there should be a con- funding levels at provincial is what I imagine most busi- of the international body and and the subject will be discussed mal links to any other country’s has also made the rounds with sensus candidate so that there and district levels, and avoid nesses in New Zealand are believe that they will not com- further at the next ICC Board board. The position of the ICC Cricket South Africa director is no election as world cricket is shrinking the domestic sched- experiencing at the moment,” mit harakiri by taking the global meeting on Thursday,” the ICC president was also abolished Graeme Smith backing the facing a big problem because ule. “We have our priorities White said. “It’s a really chal- event away from India. said in a statement. then. former India captain to take over of the pandemic. To resolve it, for the year which we’re not lenging situation and we’ve “It is not the ICC, but some “The existing Chair confirmed he Prominent Indian lawyer Mano- the reins of the ICC. everyone has to come together.” compromising and we’re in- just got to work through it vested interests that come up vesting in those,” he told Stuff the best we can to ensure NZ with this story from time to Media. “The cuts are coming Cricket remains strong and vi- time. Most of the ICC Direc- away from people who merely come in and there is an attempt to throw light on the tax ex- turn of events was surprising to from NZC, NZ$6mnn, of which able, and all our members do tors are prudent and pragmatic bring disputes with BCCI to the to put the Indian board under emption issue 18 months before say the least, especially how the NZ$1.5mn is staff.” as well.” NZC’s proposed cuts and they would not permit these table and nothing else in terms of pressure. the 2021 T20 World Cup which ICC said that the IBC refused to Players and staff for the come in the wake of several vested interests to lead the ICC contribution. Anyone propped “I fail to understand how this meant the deadline was April. agree to an extension. national men’s Black Caps and rounds of job losses in Austral- down the path of harakiri. If they by such people will also be unac- is happening at this time when But the world has been under “Interestingly, their lawyer women’s White Ferns teams ian cricket in recent weeks. take this step, I assure you that ceptable.” everyone is coming to grips with lockdown due to the coronavirus Jonathan Hall has written that would not be affected by the Queensland’s state association the BCCI would still be laughing Earlier, a BCCI official in the the pandemic. This is a complete outbreak and the Indian board the IBC has rejected BCCI’s re- cost-cutting measures. Play- said it had cut nearly 30% of its when the pieces fall, but the ICC know of developments said that and total failure of the ICC lead- has asked for an extension till quest. Now the question is how ers’ annual retainers would workforce following announce- would be worse for the wear,” the it is sad that at a time when the ership and is a clear indication June 30 or one month post lock- did this happen without the ac- remain as forecast for the ments of cuts in Victoria, South official said. world is fighting the coronavirus that change is imminent,” the of- down opening. tual board seeing it and voting coming season, White said. Australia and Tasmania. “It is time for the ICC to move pandemic, such e-mails have ficial said. The BCCI was needed Another official said the whole for/against it?” he enquired.

SPOTLIGHT Master Blaster Tendulkar looms over Shaw AFP triumph in Australia last year, downside to being constantly mentor and sometimes speaks to New Delhi and he was then slapped with a likened to Tendulkar, a hero him about the mental challenges back-dated eight-month ban for among cricket fans who holds of the game. taking a prohibited anti-asthma the record for runs in Tests and “Now also whenever I go for omparisons to In- drug. one-day internationals. practice, if Sachin Sir is there to dia’s Sachin Tendulkar “He is a special talent and I “There is pressure when peo- watch me, he will talk, not much have not always helped am a little disappointed with the ple compare me to him. But I technically but mentally more,” CPrithvi Shaw as he seeks way things have taken its course take it as a challenge. I try to Shaw said, during a live chat on to put a doping ban and injury after his ankle injury and then play like him. He is the god of Instagram. worries behind him and cement his ban for using the banned cricket,” Shaw told an online Veteran commentator Charu his place in the national side. substance,” former Test opener discussion with the Delhi Capi- Sharma believes Shaw has lived Shaw, now 20, was instantly Wasim Jaffer told AFP. tals, his Indian Premier League up to the intense hype. linked with Tendulkar when he “Seeing all this troubles me, franchise. “Because when you play matched the feat of the ‘Little because he is very, very talented. Jaffer said Shaw has to be school cricket or local league Master’ by scoring centuries for But he needs to be disciplined if mentally equipped to deal with cricket, the leap from there to Mumbai on his debuts in the do- he wants to achieve great things. the pressures, like any interna- international cricket is a Grand mestic Ranchi and Duleep tour- “He is living in that Indian cir- tional star. Canyon. naments in 2017. cle where he has got role models “Whenever you perform at “He has taken that leap and He then led India to victory like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, the top level, the media and the has landed on the right side be- at the Under-19 World Cup, Shikhar Dhawan who are so dis- people hype you so much, but it cause of all the early work he and burst into the Test team in ciplined.” is an individual’s responsibility did,” Sharma told AFP. 2018 with a match-winning 134 to learn,” said Jaffer. “Prithvi, like Rohit Sharma against West Indies, becoming SCHOOLBOY SENSATION “Virat keeps himself ground- and Tendulkar, can adjust very the youngest Indian to score a Jaffer, who played 31 Tests for ed. Every rising batsman in well despite his aggressive stance century on debut at 18 years, 10 India, added: “There is much Mumbai circles is right away and can assess the ball quicker months and 25 days. competition and he missed so India opener Prithvi Shaw. (AFP) compared to Tendulkar. Every- than many other cricketers. But since then, the boyish many Tests and internationals thing boils down to perform- He added: “If he keeps himself batsman has followed a rocky and does not need to do that be- Tests and three ODIs, made school competition. That evoked tournament, the Harris Shield, ance.” physically well, mentally he is a path. cause this is his time to fulfil his headlines around the world as a memories of Tendulkar’s 326 not in 1988. Comparisons have been Shaw, who was only eight very strong kid, he will be able An ankle injury ruled him out potential.” 14-year-old when he smashed a out in his 664-run partnership made ever since. when he first met Tendulkar, said to play for India for a very long of India’s historic first Test series Shaw, who has played four record 546 off 330 balls in a 2013 with Vinod Kambli in the same Shaw has admitted there is a he regards the batting legend as a time”. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, May 28, 2020 SPORT

NBA Cuban proposes regular-season restart, extra playoff rounds hile the NHL is 10 spots available from each Lillard won’t play if Blazers can’t reach playoffs preparing to re- conference, Cuban pointed start its season out to ESPN that all but Reuters especially teams that aren’t in position to by leaving off two teams, the Minnesota W Timberwolves and Golden Los Angeles qualify for the playoffs. seven of its 31 teams, Dallas Lillard, who missed the All-Star Game Mavericks owner Mark Cu- State Warriors, would have a in Chicago with a hamstring injury, pre- ban wants all of the NBA’s 30 chance to make the playoffs ortland’s path to the playoffs will fers the plan executives have discussed for teams to be in action when under his proposal. dictate whether All-Star guard teams on the outside looking in — using a basketball resumes. Once the 20 positions are Damian Lillard suits up when the play-in style tournament for teams cur- Cuban wants each team filled, the teams would be Trail Blazers are back on the court rently in the 7-12 slots in each conference. to return for five to seven ranked by record regardless P regular-season games, set- of conference, and the top 14 this summer. “If we come back and I don’t have an Lillard told Yahoo Sports he won’t play opportunity to make the playoffs, I will ting up a 20-team postseason would be assured of making if the Blazers, currently ninth in the West- show up to work, I’ll be at practice and I’ll that would include a six-team the standard, 16-team playoff ern Conference, don’t have a true oppor- be with my team. I’m going to do all that play-in tournament. bracket. The play-in event tunity to make up the ground necessary to (expletive) and then I’m going to be sitting The emphasis on resuming would begin with No. 17 op- grab the final playoff spot. right on that bench during the games,” the regular season is tied to posing No. 20, and with No. 18 “If we come back and they’re just like, Lillard told Yahoo Sports. “If they come the point at which the NBA’s opposing No 19. The winner ‘We’re adding a few games to finish the back and say it’s something like a tourna- regular season was suspend- of those matchups, which regular season,’ and they’re throwing us ment, play-in style, between the No. 7 and ed due to the coronavirus might be either one game or out there for meaningless games and we No. 12 seeds, if we’re playing for playoff pandemic. When play was a best-of-three, would then don’t have a true opportunity to get into spots, then I think that’s perfect.” halted on March 11 after Utah advance to face Nos 15 and 16 the playoffs, I’m going to be with my team Lillard is anxious to hear the NBA’s plan Jazz center Rudy Gobert in best-of-five series, Cuban because I’m a part of the team. But I’m not — which could happen as soon as Friday tested positive for Covid-19, said, according to NBC Sports. going to be participating. I’m telling you — for the rest of the season, especially if NBA teams had played Once the field is down to the that right now. And you can put that (ex- it means a first-round playoff series with between 63 and 67 games of usual 16 teams, the playoffs pletive) in there,” Lillard told Yahoo Sports LeBron James and the Lakers. their 82-game schedule. would continue in the tradi- on Tuesday. “Not too long ago, we played them in LA According to multiple media tional format, with remaining Portland is 29-37 and 3.5 games behind and obviously I had a great game and we reports, TV contracts require rounds all best-of-seven. the Memphis Grizzlies for the eighth seed won a close one, and in the playoffs, I’m teams to play at least 70 “It’s fair. It’s entertaining,” in the Western Conference. The No. 8 seed sure they would come up with some type regular-season games. Cuban told ESPN. Cuban is in line to match up with the Los Angeles of game plan to not allow that to happen. The restarted regular season told NBC Sports’ Mike Tirico. Lakers in the first round of the playoffs. But I want to compete. That’s what we would give teams just outside “I want to change things No decisions have been made on the want.” of the current postseason around. You know me, I’m a postseason format and the NBA is report- Lillard scored 48 points in Portland’s cutoff another chance to mover and a shaker. I want to edly hesitant to require all 30 teams to re- 127-119 win over the Lakers in Los Angeles sneak into the field. And with experiment. Reuters port to Orlando and Disney World Resorts, on January 31. Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

FOCUS NFL Jets’ Flacco won’t be NHL to restart with ready for opener 24-team playoff in ‘We don’t want to go to a place where we can’t two hub cities get the testing we need’

Reuters jured reserve. He was released Los Angeles in March with a failed physical designation before agreeing to a reported one-year, $1.5mn ew York Jets quar- deal — with up to $3mn in ad- terback Joe Flacco ditional incentives — with the said on Tuesday he Jets on Friday. Nwon’t be ready for He said he doesn’t plan on the scheduled start of the reg- retiring anytime soon. ular season in September as he “I’ve had some things hap- recovers from April surgery to pen, got injured and had to repair a herniated disk in his have surgery,” said Flacco, who neck. also tore his ACL in 2015 and “I can’t speak to exactly was sidelined by a hip injury when I’m going to be ready, in 2018. “I have to find my way but it will not be Day 1,” Flacco back into the league. I want to said in an interview with Sir- play for years to come.” iusXM NFL radio. “Obviously, Flacco will compete to back we’ll get with the doctors, and up Sam Darnold, who was the I have another checkup come third overall pick of the 2018 August, so we’ll see where NFL Draft. Fellow quarter- that goes.” Multiple outlets backs David Fales and rookie have reported Flacco won’t James Morgan — a fourth- be cleared for contact until round pick — are also on the late August or early Septem- roster. “I want to help the team ber. The Jets’ regular-season in any way possible and also be schedule — assuming it goes as a guy Sam can lean on, that he planned amid the coronavirus can learn from,” Flacco said. pandemic — begins Sept. 13 Flacco went 2-6 as a starter at Buffalo, exactly one month for Denver, passing for 1,822 after their preseason opener yards with six touchdowns against the Giants. and five interceptions. He has Flacco, 35, played eight thrown for 40,067 yards with games with the Denver Bron- 218 touchdowns and 141 inter- cos in 2019 but hurt his neck ceptions in 171 career games midseason and landed on in- with the Ravens and Broncos.

MLB players disappointed with pay cuts in return plan NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. (AFP) ajor League substantial hit. Baseball players “We made a proposal to the are disappointed union that is completely with pay cuts consistent with the economic M realities facing our sport,” an AFP the COVID-19 outbreak, and all BORDER SNAG a round robin tournament for Edmonton (5) vs. Chicago (12), in the latest proposal from New York players currently remain under Although three Canadian cit- first-round seedings. Nashville (six) vs. Arizona (11), team owners to return from a MLB statement said. league-mandated quarantine. ies are in the running, Bettman The top four seeds in the Vancouver (seven) vs. Minne- coronavirus pandemic shut- That’s not how the MLBPA Bettman said 10 cities are later told reporters that unless Eastern Conference hub city sota (10) and Calgary (eight) vs. down, dimming hopes for a saw it. “The union is ex- he National Hockey in the running for the two hub Canada lifts mandatory 14-day would be the Boston Bruins, Winnipeg (nine). 2020 campaign. tremely disappointed,” an League announced centers, including seven from quarantine rules, the NHL will Tampa Bay Lightning, Wash- Games will be played behind A revenue-sharing plan MLBPA statement said. “We’re Tuesday it will abandon the US: Chicago, Columbus, not be heading north of the US ington Capitals and Philadel- closed doors without fans in the pitched by the league to the also far apart on health and the rest of the regular Dallas, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, border. phia Flyers. buildings. MLB Players Association on safety protocols.” Milwaukee T While the players and the Tuesday reportedly had a Brewers pitcher Brett Ander- season and proceed directly to Minneapolis, Pittsburgh. The “We don’t need to make a The top four Western Con- a 24-team playoff staged in two three Canadian cities are To- decision today. We’ll probably ference teams would be the St. NHL have agreed on a format, harsh reception from players, son pondered the motivation hub cities. ronto, Vancouver and Edmon- need to make one in three to Louis Blues, Colorado Ava- the NHL Players’ Association with top-paid stars taking a behind the league’s offer, NHL Commissioner Gary ton. four weeks, and at that point we lanche, Vegas Golden Knights has not formally approved any larger salary hit than those tweeting: “Interesting strat- Bettman said the revised sched- Bettman said the league had would be able to better evaluate and Dallas Stars. actual return to finish the sea- making nearer minimum egy of making the best most ule would “produce a worthy drawn up a long-list of can- how Covid-19 is in a particular The other 16 teams in both son. paychecks. marketable players potential- Stanley Cup champion” after a didate cities in order to retain place,” Bettman said. conferences would play in a Bettman said the league and “This season is not looking ly look like the bad guys.” season that has been put on hold scheduling flexibility. He reiterated earlier reports best-of-five first round. clubs will combine to spend promising,” tweeted New Former MLB pitcher Dallas by the coronavirus pandemic. “We didn’t want to get locked that the playoff format would The rest of the bracketed millions of dollars conducting York Mets pitcher Marcus Braden saw the move as a bid However Bettman offered no in. We don’t want to go to a begin with best-of-five series, playoff format for the Eastern up to 30,000 tests for the play- Stroman. “Keeping the mind to try and split the union and fixed date on when play would place where there is a lot of but the Stanley Cup final would Conference would have Pitts- ers, coaches, officials and staff. and body ready regardless.” make top-paid players look resume, while the two cities due Covid-19 or we don’t want to go be the traditional best-of-sev- burgh (5) vs. Montreal (12), “You just do the math,” he Multiple reports said the bad while doing so. to host the playoffs were also yet to a place where we can’t get the en. Carolina (six) vs. New York said. “Our medical advisors tell proposal contained a sliding “Insulting,” he tweeted. to be decided. Formal training testing we need,” he said. “We anticipate playing into Rangers (11), the New York Is- us that by the time we are doing pay scale giving lower-paid “Unfortunately fans will not camps won’t open until July 1 at “There is going to be exten- the late summer and early fall,” landers (seven) vs. Florida (10) this over the summer, it will be a talent about half of a season’s see this as an attempt by the the earliest, he added. sive testing. It must be available he said. Under the proposed and Toronto (eight) vs. Colum- relatively insignificant number pro-rated salaries while star owners to pit the high $ guys The NHL season has been on wide-scale basis without schedule, the top four seeds bus (nine). relative to the number of tests players would take a more Vs. league minimum guys.” on pause since March 12 due to obstructing local needs.” in each conference would play The Western matchups are that will be available.” Gulf Times Thursday, May 28, 2020 5 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS English rugby league Project Apollo bears chief fears Ashes series ‘sacrifice’

AFP the very near future. We have to London be realistic and it is under some threat.” fruit as NRL lifts off Super League chief Robert ugby Football League Elstone said the northern hemi- chief executive Ralph sphere’s leading clubs were due Rimmer has warned to meet today to discuss resum- Rthe home Ashes series ing their season, which has been against Australia may have to be suspended since March due to sacrificed because of the corona- the pandemic. There are hopes again in Australia virus. England were scheduled to the campaign can restart in mid- play three Tests against the Kan- August, with three plans on the garoos in October and November table that would lead to the sea- Brisbane Broncos host the Parramatta Eels in Brisbane today but Rimmer said it would be tough son ending with a Grand Final on for the matches to go ahead. either November 28, December Reuters Australia’s National Rugby 12 or mid-January in 2021. Sydney League resumes today when the “The situation is very fluid,” Brisbane Broncos face the Par- said Elstone. “We want and need ramatta Eels behind closed doors. to start playing again soon. We ustralia’s National Rugby The Grand Final of that competi- need to get going again. We need League will bring professional tion is now planned for October to work through testing and see team sport back to the southern 25. Rimmer, asked if the Ashes how the virus goes over the next Ahemisphere for the first time could go ahead as planned, told few weeks and make our decision.” since the coronavirus shutdown when Sky Sports: “If I’m being honest, Staging a Super League Grand the Brisbane Broncos host the Parramatta it will be tough. We are speaking Final at its scheduled venue of Eels in Brisbane today. to the NRL on a regular basis but Old Trafford, the home of Man- Rugby league chief Peter V’landys was I think we all accept that in very chester United, remains Super met with widespread disbelief when he difficult times some sacrifices League’s preferred option, but announced in early April that the NRL have to be made. Hopefully I’ll only if spectators are allowed into would resume on May 28 but his ambition have something to announce in the 76,000-capacity ground. will pay off when a season suspended in late March resumes at Lang Park. That ambition has been aided in large MOTOGP part by Australia’s success in containing Covid-19 due to early travel restrictions, social distancing measures and wide- spread testing. Restrictions have been Aussie Miller to join eased but some remain and the NRL, the most popular winter sport on the coun- try’s east coast, has had to get special Ducati in 2021 dispensation from government to get the players back on the pitch. AFP The matches will be played behind Paris closed doors at a few selected stadiums and while the rest of the country is enjoy- ing a bit more freedom, players and staff ustralian Jack Miller are still living under strict isolation rules. will ride for Ducati in The New Zealand-based Warriors 2021, the Italian Mo- squad have made the biggest sacrifices AtoGP manufacturer an- to get the season going again, spending nounced yesterday. The 25-year- two weeks in quarantine in an interior old has been rewarded for his city before moving on to Gosford, where performances in Ducati’s satel- they will play the St George Dragons on lite outfit Pramac Racing, finish- Saturday. The Warriors will have to play ing eighth last season with five all their matches in Australia until the Queensland Reds captain Liam Wright (left) training in Brisbane yesterday. (AFP) podiums. He is the third Aussie mooted trans-Tasman Sea “bubble” is to ride for Ducati after Troy Bay- championship due to have got put in place to allow travel back-and- surd” and “dangerous” on Tuesday but per Rugby campaign was suspended in new chair Hamish McLennan in a time of liss and Casey Stoner, who won under way in Qatar on March forth to New Zealand. Internal travel re- given what the NRL has already achieved, March when travel curbs to contain Cov- crisis, for the good of the sport,” he said. the world title for them in 2007. 15 have been either cancelled strictions also remain in place and special it might be premature to rule it out alto- id-19 made the competition untenable. “I “Until I see evidence that reinvention is Miller made his MotoGP debut or postponed as a result of the permission has had to be granted by the gether. want what is best for rugby in Perth and at the core of any strategic plan RA comes aged 20 in 2015, joining Ducati’s coronavirus pandemic. Queensland government for sides from in Australia and to ensure the game flour- up with, it will be difficult to commit to a feeder team Pramac in 2018. He MotoGP promoters Dorna New South Wales and Victoria to fly in WESTERN FORCE TO PLAY IN AUS- ishes,” Forrest said. “My views on the long-term investment.” thanked Ducati for the confi- have made a proposal to the to play the three teams from the vast TRALIAN DOMESTIC COMPETITION mismanagement of the game under the McLennan said Force’s commitment dence they had shown in him, Spanish government to stage northeastern state. The self-proclaimed Western Force will join Australia’s four previous Rugby Australia administration was a “great story” and he hoped to work adding: “It is an honour for me to back-to-back races at Jerez in “greatest game of all”, the 13-man version Super Rugby sides in a domestic com- are well known and remain steadfast.” with Forrest to reinvigorate the domestic be able to continue my MotoGP Spain in July. The first, on July 19, of the more international sport of rugby petition slated for July, the Perth-based RA hailed Force’s involvement and said game. “We... understand that decisions career with the Borgo Panigale would be the new season-opener union, will resume in round three of the team’s billionaire owner Andrew Forrest in a media release it remained “in dia- made by Rugby Australia in 2017 were manufacturer. I look forward to for MotoGP. NRL season with round-robin matches said yesterday. Mining magnate Forrest logue” with the Tokyo-based Sunwolves painful for sports fans in Western Aus- starting riding again this year, Dorna’s CEO Carmelo Ezpe- running for another 17 weeks until the said he had accepted a Rugby Australia to also join the tournament to be held July tralia and the Force players, and we are and I am ready to fully commit to leta indicated that the opening start of the playoffs. (RA) offer but stressed the arrangement 3-Sept. 19 in a round robin format, pend- sorry that they haven’t been able to share the responsibility of being an of- legs of the championship would The grandly named “Project Apollo” was only for 2020. ing broadcasters’ approval. in the rivalry against their fellow Austral- ficial Ducati rider in 2021.” most likely be held without spec- committee which plotted the return of RA cut the Force from Super Rugby Forrest, who bought the Force after ian teams,” McLennan said. Miller has the option to extend tators. KTM were the first team to the NRL is even hoping to have a limited after the 2017 season, when the com- they were cut from Super Rugby, said The Force said they might have to relo- his contract into the 2022 sea- begin testing ahead of an eventu- number of fans in stadiums by the start of petition contracted to 15 teams after its he had a constructive conversation with cate to Australia’s eastern states to play in son. He will replace either And- al resumption of the season with July. The Australian Medical Association 18-team format proved unpopular with incoming RA chairman Hamish McLen- the tournament due to strict border con- rea Dovizioso or Danilo Petrucci. the first of two days at Austria’s (AMA) described that proposal as “ab- fans and broadcasters. This year’s Su- nan. “I am prepared to help out RA and trols in Western Australia. The first 11 rounds of this year’s Red Bull Ring circuit today.

BOTTOMLINE F1 India’s midfielder Indumathi dons Vettel’s time at Ferrari should different uniform in fight against Covid-19 not be judged a failure: Massa

AFC DPA Chennai Berlin

he nationwide lockdown has trans- ormer Ferrari driver Felipe Massa does formed many otherwise buzzing not believe Sebastian Vettel’s time at the streets across India into tranquil ex- Italian Formula One team can be classed Tpanses. It is on a few of such streets Fa failure. Germany’s Vettel, who won four filled with ghastly echoes that the quaint fig- world drivers’ titles at Red Bull before moving to ure of a female police officer goes about her Ferrari in 2015, is leaving the Maranello outfit at duty with her colleagues, making sure that the end of the season with his future uncertain. movement is restricted amongst the people in “You cannot forget that the last time Ferrari order to flatten the proverbial curve. won the (constructors’) championship was in Wearing the traditional khaki uniform 2008,” Massa, who was pipped to the drivers’ ti- of the Tamil Nadu Police – a surgical mask tle that year by Lewis Hamilton, told Sky Sports stretched over her face, and a pair of gloves yesterday. “It’s true that many good drivers pass- pulled over her hands for protection, India’s ing through the team were not able to win. So it’s midfield general Indumathi Kathiresan is not only related to Sebastian. Sebastian did many barely recognisable to those stopped by her great races, he won many races or he fought.” ernment and are fortunate that motorsport takes for checking on the streets of Anna Nagar, The emergence of Charles Leclerc at Ferrari has place outdoors over large controlled spaces,” said Chennai. “It has been a difficult situation appeared to have hastened the departure of Vettel, Motorsport UK chairman David Richards in a for the entire country. But taking the neces- who is being replaced by McLaren’s Carlos Sainz. statement. “Our plan is that, subject to govern- sary precautions is paramount to the safety Massa, who retired from F1 in 2017, believes the ment advice and ongoing lifting of restrictions, of one and all,” Indumathi told the-aiff.com. German could walk away from the sport with no motorsport will resume from 4th July. “We try to ensure that everybody is observing obviously enticing driver jobs available. “Sebas- “We are making this announcement now as the guidelines and that nobody who does not tian is a driver and a guy who is always very fo- event organisers, venues, preparation specialists, need to be outside.” Midfielder Indumathi Kathiresan is a Police Sub-Inspector in India’s southern state of Tamil Nadu. cused on what he wants. So I’m not surprised that the supply chain, volunteer marshals, officials Being a footballer at the highest level, Indu, maybe he decides even to stop,” Massa said. and competitors all need time to put in place their as she is fondly called by her teammates, is lockdown has been especially difficult for her ments,” she said. A seat is possibly free at Renault after Daniel plans.” no stranger to a disciplined and regimented fellow police officers. “But I also take a lot of pride in serving the Ricciardo signed for McLaren for next year. Rac- Motorsport UK said it would allow only half the life. However, the lockdown has meant that “Our duty schedules keep changing. Some- country in my police uniform, at a time when ing Point’s rebrand as Aston Martin may also ap- number of event permits compared to July 2019 to she has had to follow a rigorous routine, times we are on night duty as well, sometimes the nation needs us the most. I will keep serv- peal to Vettel, according to some pundits. F1 has ensure sufficient marshals were available. It said where she has to report for duty at seven in vehicle-check, and so on,” the Tamil Nadu ing as long as my nation needs me to serve,” yet to hold a race this season because of the coro- no national or British championship events would the morning, and has to keep patrolling the Police Sub-Inspector stated. “Some of us like Indu asserted. navirus pandemic, with the calendar set to open be held in July to reduce travel. streets till almost midnight every day. myself, have to travel long distances to our The 25-year-old, who also won the Indian without fans in Austria on July 5. McLaren Group Silverstone was due to host the British Formula “It has been a demanding time for me per- stations as well. It has been a difficult time. Women’s League title with Sethu FC last sea- announced that 1,200 staff across divisions in- One Grand Prix on July 19 but could now have two sonally. I have barely had the time to do any- But I don’t have any complaints.” son, hopes that her toil in the police uniform cluding racing were being made redundant. races, in late July and August, under a revised cal- thing else. In difficult times like these, you Despite such difficulties, however, the during this emergency will help people un- endar and dependent on government approval. generally want to spend some time with your 2019 SAFF Women’s Championship joint- derstand the importance of taking the neces- MOTORSPORT UK AIMS TO GET “If we move into August that might give a little family, but I have not had much opportunities top scorer feels a sense of honour, serving her sary precautions in order to prevent contract- BACK ON TRACK FROM JULY 4 more certainty but, actually, I think it’s probably to do that,” Indumathi said. “It is a call for the country whichever way she can. “Of course, it ing the coronavirus. The governing body for motorsport in Britain essential that there’s clarity on the quarantine nation. I have to play for the nation every day is an absolute honour to play for India. There “It is for the people of this country that my aims to resume racing activities without specta- situation in advance of that,” Silverstone circuit during Covid-19 pandemic, and I have to re- are some moments in the India jersey, like colleagues and myself are working day and tors from July 4, it said yesterday. Motorsport UK boss Stuart Pringle told Sky Sports. Britain is due spond fast.” when we qualified for the Olympic Qualifiers night. We hope that you too, in turn, would suspended all its events throughout the country to introduce a 14-day quarantine period for most The creative midfielder, whose duties keep Round 2, or when we won the SAFF Champi- help us out by following the safety precau- from March to the end of June due to the Covid-19 arrivals in the country from June 8. Formula One changing on a day-to-day basis, feels that the onship last year…I will never forget these mo- tions and keeping yourself safe.” pandemic. “We have explained our plans to gov- has yet to be granted an exemption. Thursday, May 28, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

BUNDESLIGA Four more positive virus tests at Premier League clubs London: Four more people at Last week Bournemouth three English Premier League keeper Aaron Ramsdale tested clubs have produced positive positive. Among those who Favre backtracks on findings for the coronavirus fol- produced positive findings in lowing the latest round of tests, the first round of testing were it was announced yesterday. Watford’s Adrian Mariappa and The Premier League added Burnley assistant manager Ian that Monday and Tuesday saw Woan. For the fourth round of 1,008 players and club staff testing, the number of tests tested for Covid-19. available to each club will be Dortmund exit hint Players or club staff who increased from 50 to 60. have tested positive will now The Premier League said it self-isolate for a period of seven would not reveal specific details ‘My words directly after the game seem to have been misunderstood in many cases’ days. Yesterday’s announce- regarding clubs or individuals ment meant there had been just who had returned positive find- AFP 12 positive cases from a total ings. Earlier yesterday, Premier Berlin of 2,752 tests since the Premier League clubs voted to return to League players and club staff contact training as the English started being examined earlier top-flight took a significant step wiss coach Lucien Favre yester- this month. towards restarting in June. day backtracked on comments he made hinting he would leave SBorussia Dortmund at the end of the season after defeat by Bayern Munich SPOTLIGHT left his team seven points adrift of the champions in the Bundesliga title race with six games left. “I am not thinking of giving up at all,” Mourinho does not Favre, who is under contract until 2021, insisted. “Yesterday, we were all disap- pointed, but my words in the interview expect to see ‘crazy’ directly after the game seem to have been misunderstood in many cases,” with sev- eral German media outlets speculating transfers after virus about his future. Favre’s attitude was very different to his crestfallen demeanour im- mediately after Tuesday’s 1-0 home loss to Bayern, thanks to Joshua Kimmich’s deft chip just before half-time. The de- feat came on the back of a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Bayern last November at Munich’s Allianz Arena. On Tuesday night, Favre gave a rue- ful grin when asked if the latest defeat proved he does not have what it takes to lead Dortmund to break Bayern’s monop- oly on the German league. “That’s been said here for months,” Favre had said. “I know how these things go and I will talk about it in a few weeks. I’m staying calm and I trust in myself.” On Wednesday, Dortmund sports di- rector Michael Zorc told broadcaster For the second season running under Lucien Favre, second-placed Dortmund find themselves wanting at the tail end of the cam- Sport1 that the club’s senior bosses “are paign with Bayern now firmly on course for an eighth straight league title. (AFP) certainly not having a debate” about whether Favre should stay. Zorc conceded mund’s bosses made contact “in the past not acceptable for me”. Borussia Moenchengladbach and Bayer that Favre “must have expressed himself few months” with Niko Kovac, who was “I am happy in Dortmund, I have a Leverkusen, who have already both beat- AFP The Premier League is yet to in a misleading fashion immediately after sacked by Bayern in November, as a pos- contract until 2021 and I definitely want en them this season. “It’s going to be dif- London set a date for a return and play- the match”, but insisted the ambiguities sible successor to Favre. to be on the bench next season,” Favre ficult — seven points (to make up) in six ers have not resumed full-con- had now been explained “very clearly”. After Favre hinted that he may leave, added. Bild also say that RB Leipzig coach games, that is brutally hard,” said Favre tact training. Top-flight clubs For the second season running under Germany and Bayern legend and Sky Julian Nagelsmann is Dortmund’s ideal after Tuesday’s defeat to Bayern. The ottenham boss Jose approved phase two of training Favre, 62, second-placed Dortmund find pundit Lothar Matthaeus commented “as candidate, but the 32-year-old is under Swiss fell offside with Dortmund fans last Mourinho has warned yesterday as they inch closer to themselves wanting at the tail end of the soon as I heard that, I thought ‘Favre will contract until 2023. season when he conceded the 2018-19 ti- that the transfer mar- a restart after the postponement campaign with Bayern now firmly on leave and Kovac will come’.” Yesterday, Favre has, however, all but waved the tle race was “over” after a 4-2 home loss Tket will look drastically of the Premier League in March. course for an eighth straight league title. Favre responded by telling Bild he found white flag on bridging the gap in the ta- to Schalke left them three points behind different due to the coronavirus The Bundesliga has already re- According to German daily Bild , Dort- Matthaeus’ suggestion “incredible and ble, even though Bayern must still face Bayern with three games left. fallout, saying football will not sumed and Mourinho is itching be ready for “crazy numbers”. to get playing again. Spurs bought Steven Bergwijn “Honestly, since the moment MATCH REPORT for £27mn from PSV in January, Bundesliga started, the Portu- while also breaking their club guese league and Spanish league record to sign Tanguy Ndombele announced a date to start, I think for a reported £54mn last year. it is the most difficult moment Ten-man Leipzig held to 2-2 home draw by Hertha But Mourinho believes the for us, because we want to play,” Premier League and other he said. “It is hard to see other Reuters stitute Krzysztof Piatek earned a share of leagues around the world will countries playing football and we Leipzig, Germany the spoils for the visitors with an 82nd- need a different approach to cope don’t do it.” minute penalty. with the financial impact of Cov- The extended break has given Like all other Bundesliga matches, the id-19. “It is normal you are going Spurs’ injured players, such as B Leipzig’s faint title hopes fad- clash was played behind closed doors due to have a different market,” the Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, ed further as they fought out a to the COVID-19 pandemic and Grujic 57-year-old told Sky Sports. Moussa Sissoko, and Steven 2-2 home draw with Hertha Ber- drew loud cheers from his team mates “I don’t see the world, and es- Bergwijn time to recover and Rlin after conceding a late equal- when he volleyed home a Marvin Platten- pecially the football world, ready Mourinho said they should all iser from the penalty spot, having been hardt corner from seven metres. for some crazy numbers we are be available when the season reduced to 10 men in a see-saw Bundes- Klostermann levelled with a superb used to having and some crazy resumes. “I cannot say at this liga encounter yesterday. header as he ghosted away from his investments that sometimes moment that they are ready to The result left Leipzig third on 55 markers at the near post and met a Chris- some clubs and some leagues are play... but all of them are not in- points from 28 games, nine behind lead- topher Nkunku corner before Vedad Ibi- used to doing. But my first ques- jured anymore. They are train- ers Bayern Munich and two adrift of sec- sevic skied his shot high and wide into the tion after that is: ‘When will the ing, it is what it is and it has a lot ond-placed Borussia Dortmund, while empty stands at the other end. transfer window be?’ Because I of limitations... but Harry, Son, Hertha moved up one place to 10th on 35 With Halstenberg dismissed for a sec- don’t think it will be July-August Bergwijn, Sissoko, all of them are points. The visitors took a 10th-minute ond bookable foul, Schick gave Leipzig any more, it will obviously have fine,” he added. lead through Serbian midfielder Marko the lead thanks to a howler by Hertha to go further than that. “... I think in a couple of weeks Grujic, on loan from Premier League Liv- keeper Rune Jarstein, who appeared to “If you ask me what I want in they will be able to play. Of erpool, before Lukas Klostermann lev- have smothered the Czech’s shot but the my club, I would like my club to course not to their maximum po- elled in the 24th and Marcel Halstenberg ball trickled out of his arms and over the be what I know it is going to be: tential, I don’t think anyone can was dismissed in the 63rd for a second line. Hertha had the last laugh, however, sensible, balanced, not going to at this moment, but they will be yellow card. as Matheus Cunha was fouled by Ad- spend rivers of money, and we ready to go.” Tottenham were in Patrik Schick netted a bizarre goal five emola Lookman and Poland striker Pi- are trying to respect the situa- eighth place, four points off the minutes later, following a goalkeeper er- atek sent home keeper Peter Gulacsi the Leipzig forward Ademola Lookman (centre) and Hertha Berlin’s goalkeeper Rune tion, not just of football but of European qualifying spots, when ror, but Leipzig could not hold on as sub- wrong way with a perfect spot-kick. Jarstein (left) vie for the ball during Bundesliga match yesterday. (AFP) the world and society overall.” the season was suspended.

BOTTOMLINE FOCUS Bach consults with IOC Messi looking forward eagerly to La Liga restart

AFP SPANISH FEDERATION members over virus fallout Madrid ALLOWING LA LIGA TO PLAY EVERY DAY — FOR NOW AFP erating officer Lana Haddad. The Spanish Football Federa- Lausanne The IOC’s medical and scientific direc- arcelona and Argentina tion (RFEF) won a legal judgement tor, Richard Budgett, also took to the floor to captain Lionel Messi said yesterday handing it control over discuss “the issue of a vaccine”, according to he was eager to start play- league scheduling and then said it lympic chief Thomas Bach yes- a second source. Bach warned last week that Bing again but thought La would allow La Liga to play every terday held a series of talks with 2021 was the “last option” for holding the Liga games behind closed doors day when this season resumes. The International Olympic Committee delayed Tokyo Games, stressing that post- would feel “weird”. Messi, who after two Spanish football bodies have Omembers on the potential conse- ponement cannot go on forever. a few weeks confined like the rest of been battling since last summer af- quences of the coronavirus pandemic that He said he backed Japan’s stance that the Spain by the coronavirus pandemic, ter the league decided to add games has seen the Tokyo Games pushed back a Games will have to be cancelled if the coro- is training with Barca again ahead on Mondays and Fridays for this year to 2021, sources said. Bach was to ad- navirus pandemic isn’t under control by of a planned resumption of La Liga season. dress the 100 IOC members in three differ- next year. behind closed doors on the weekend The RFEF objected, saying it was ent sessions decided by language and local The German wouldn’t say, however, on June 12. “We cannot think about standing up for fans who would time zone. whether a vaccine was a prerequisite for go- what we are leaving behind this have trouble going to games on Bach’s aim is to canvas the members for ing ahead with the Olympics, but was luke- year. It is better to think about the those nights. La Liga accused the their view on “how to handle the conse- warm on the idea of holding them without future,” said Messi on the website federation of wanting a bigger cut quences of the coronavirus pandemic”, a fans. In March, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics of sports brand Adidas. “Like going Barcelona’s Argentine forward Lionel Messi (centre) and teammates at- of the increased television revenues source said. The IOC president wants to were postponed to July 23, 2021 over the back to day-to-day training, see- tend a training session in Sant Joan Despi. (AFP) and went to court. The two played hear “thoughts, ideas and experiences of all coronavirus, which has killed hundreds of ing your teammates, playing your to a draw in August, when a court members across the globe”, it added. thousands around the world and halted in- first few games. No doubt it will very weird.” “It will be like starting June and July next year. “Postpon- allowed the league Fridays but not While Bach addressed all Olympic actors ternational sport and travel. be strange at first, but I am looking over,” he said. “Technically it will ing the Copa America was a huge Mondays. on March 24 when announcing the post- It was the first peacetime postponement forward to competing again! be the same season, but I think all disappointment, but of course it The legal replay ended on ponement of the Tokyo Games, it is the first of the Olympics. He said playing without fans teams and players will experience it was reasonable and most logical,” Wednesday in complete victory time since the Covid-19 outbreak that he has The IOC has already set aside $800mn to “implies a series of challenges. The differently.” Messi said. “The Copa was going to for the RFEF as Madrid judge An- specifically consulted IOC members. help organisers and sports federations meet preparation at squad level is the Messi was due to lead Argentina be a big event for me this year and I dres Sanchez handed down a ruling Bach was backed up by Olympic Games the extra costs of a postponed Olympics. same as for any other match, but it this summer in the Copa America, was looking forward to playing in it which potentially gives the fed- executive director Christophe Dubi, IOC The Games were due to cost $12.6bn, shared is true that individually you have where his country are joint hosts again,” he said. “It was hard when I eration the power to stop the league sports director Kit McConnell, IOC director between the organising committee, the gov- to train and get mentally prepared with Colombia, but in March, the heard about the postponement, but playing any day except Saturday general Christophe De Kepper and chief op- ernment of Japan and Tokyo city. to play without people because it is competition was postponed to I understood it perfectly,” he said. and Sunday.