’s ‘Project Restart’ gathers pace page 12 Wednesday, April 29, 2020 Next year’s Olympics will be cancelled if pandemic not over: Games chief AFP still unclear. Tokyo In the interview, Mori said organisers were consid- The postponed Tokyo 2020 ering holding joint opening Olympics will have to be and closing ceremonies for cancelled if the coronavi- the Olympics and the Para- rus pandemic isn’t brought lympics in an effort to cut under control by next year, costs. the organising committee’s Under the plan, the president warned, ruling out Paralympics would join the further delays. Olympic opening ceremony The comments, in an on July 23, and the Olympic interview with a Japanese closing ceremony would be sports daily published on integrated into the Paralym- Tuesday, come as medical pics closing event in Septem- experts doubted whether the ber. pandemic can be sufficiently But Mori admitted that contained by next year to Tokyo 2020 chief Yoshiro Mori said there was no prospect of delaying Tokyo organisers had not yet hold an event drawing par- the Olympics to 2022. obtained the consent of the ticipants and spectators IOC and their Paralympic from around the world. Mori noted the Games remarks were based on “the “I would not say that don’t think the Olympics is even medical experts said counterparts. The pandemic has al- had been cancelled previous- chairman’s own thoughts”. they should not be held, but likely to be held next year,” it was too early to make a “It’s going to be a consid- ready forced a year-long de- ly only during wartime, and But the comments will it would be exceedingly dif- said Kentaro Iwata, a profes- judgement on such a possi- erable cut in costs and a big lay of the Games, which are compared the battle against add to growing questions ficult,” Yoshitake Yokokura sor of infectious diseases at bility. message of victory against now scheduled to open on coronavirus to “fighting an about the postponement, de- told reporters. Kobe University. Japanese officials and the global crisis, but it’s not July 23, 2021. invisible enemy”. cided last month after heavy “Japan might be able to the IOC have said the Games easy,” Mori said. But Tokyo 2020 presi- If the virus is successfully pressure on the organisers ‘Very pessimistic’ control this disease by next will be a chance to celebrate Organisers have said the dent Yoshiro Mori was cat- contained, “we’ll hold the and the International Olym- And last week a Japa- summer, I wish we could, but victory over the virus, with question of who will shoul- egorical when asked by the Olympics in peace next sum- pic Committee from athletes nese medical expert who I don’t think that would hap- some suggestions that the der the additional costs is yet Nikkan Sports daily whether mer”, he added. “Mankind is and sports federations. has criticised the country’s pen everywhere on Earth, so pandemic fight could even be to be resolved, though Mori the Games could be delayed betting on it.” On Tuesday, the head of response to the coronavirus in this regard I’m very pes- incorporated into the open- said the IOC should pay a until 2022 if the pandemic Masa Takaya, a Tokyo Japan Medical Association warned that he was “very simistic about holding the ing ceremony. share. remains a threat next year, 2020 spokesman, declined to warned it would be “exceed- pessimistic” that the post- Olympic Games next sum- Postponing the Games is “We should make a deci- replying: “No.” comment on a possible can- ingly difficult” to hold the poned Olympics can be held mer,” he said. an enormous logistical and sion after both sides examine “In that case, it’s can- cellation of the Games and Games next year if a vaccine in 2021. But Tokyo 2020 spokes- financial challenge, with the and fully understand them,” celled,” Mori said. told reporters that Mori’s has not been found. “To be honest with you I man Takaya countered that final pricetag for the delay he added. Former Liverpool World Athletics creates coronavirus support fund DPA Coe was “hopeful that we will be ‘legend’ Michael Berlin able to stage at least some competi- tion later this year” in a season which World Athletics and the Interna- needs rearranged due to several Robinson dies at 61 tional Athletics Foundation charity cancellations in the elite Diamond will make $500,000 available to sup- League series. AFP are with Michael’s family and port athletes financially hit by the The fund was the idea of Moroc- Madrid friends at this sad time. Rest in coronavirus pandemic, the sport’s can great Hicham El Guerrouj, Olym- peace, Michael.” governing body said on Tuesday. pic champion in 2004 and still world Liverpool’s former Repub- Anfield hero Kenny Dal- “I am in constant contact with record holder in the 1,500 metres lic of Ireland striker Michael glish told the club’s website: athletes around the world and I know since 1998. Robinson, who became a well- “First and foremost, Michael that many are experiencing finan- “I am delighted that Seb and known commentator in Spain, was a good teammate to every cial hardship as a consequence of World Athletics reacted so positively has died aged 61, prompting an one of us and he made an im- the shutdown of most international to my suggestion that we create a fund outpouring of tributes. portant contribution on and sports competition in the last two for athletes, and have made it happen Robinson, who settled in off the pitch, none more so months,” World Athletics president with the support of the International Spain after his playing career than during the 1983-84 sea- Sebastian Coe said. Athletics Foundation,” he said. and developed an award-win- son when we were fortunate “Our professional athletes rely on “The suspension of competi- ning media career, succumbed enough to win three trophies. prize money as part of their income tion has had a huge impact on many to cancer that was first diag- “He will be remembered and we’re mindful that our competi- professional athletes because they nosed in 2018. He passed away with fondness and affection.” tion season, on both the track and can’t earn prize money so I’m really at his home in Marbella. After Liverpool, Robinson road, is being severely impacted by pleased that we have found a way to The fund was the idea of Moroccan great Hicham El Guerrouj, Olympic champion “With tremendous sadness joined Queens Park Rangers, the pandemic.” assist them.” in 2004 and still world record holder in the 1,500 metres since 1998. we inform you of Michael’s before ending his career with death,” his family said in a Spanish side Osasuna. Twitter message on Tuesday. He retired in 1989 but re- “It leaves us with a great mained in Spain, mastering the emptiness, but also countless language and becoming one French football mourns , UEFA releases memories, full of the same love of the country’s most distin- that you have shown him. guished football pundits. ‘who made the impossible possible’ “We will be eternally grate- According to Spanish daily €236mn to aid ful to you for making this man El Pais, Robinson “revolution- AFP SO HAPPY, he never walked ised the way football was ana- Saint-Étienne alone. Thank you.” lysed”. member federations After spells with Preston Barcelona said he was “a French football is mourning North End and Manchester person who loved football Robert Herbin, the inspira- AFP “As a result, we have City Robinson featured in the and who knew how to ex- tional coach of the flamboyant Lausanne agreed that up to 4.3 million 1983 FA Cup final for Brighton, plain it with knowledge and Saint-Etienne team that was euros per association, paid for before moving to Anfield. ingenuity”. narrowly defeated in the 1976 UEFA said on Monday it had the remainder of this season He was part of the Liver- Real Madrid described him European Cup final. allocated €236.5 million ($256 and next, as well as part of the pool squad that captured the as “a legend”. Herbin died on Monday million) to its 55 member as- investment funding, can be league, League Cup and Euro- “After his retirement from aged 81 after being taken to sociations to help overcome used as our members see fit to pean Cup treble in 1984. soccer, he dedicated his profes- hospital last week with heart the financial impact caused by rebuild the football commu- “We’re deeply saddened by sional life to sports journalism, and lung problems unrelated the coronavirus pandemic. nity.” the passing of former player where his work on television, to coronavirus. Each national federation Last week European foot- Michael Robinson, aged 61,” radio and in the written press He played more than 400 will receive 4.3 million euros ball’s governing body released Liverpool tweeted. stood out, earning the affection matches for Saint-Etienne and Saint-Etienne’s French captain Robert Herbin. (AFP) which can be used towards “its almost 70 million euros in “The thoughts of everybody of all soccer and sports fans in later brought a cerebral ap- Robert Herbin (left) holds the cup own priorities in light of the benefit payments to clubs at Liverpool Football Club general,” the club added. proach to coaching, earning the next to French Prime Minister a great international player negative impact of the corona- struggling financially during nickname the “The Sphinx” as Jacques Chaban-Delmas after but also an exceptional coach virus on football at all levels,” the health crisis. he dragged French football back winning the 53rd French Cup final who brought the pride back the body said in a statement. The money was originally into the international spotlight. in Colombes in May 1970. (AFP) to French football at a time The funds come from UE- put aside to be paid to clubs France’s national team when we were at a low.” FA’s HatTrick assistance pro- who had released players for slumped in the early 1970s, at Hampden Park in Glasgow. “He showed us that ‘impos- gramme which was created in international matches after failing to reach the 1970 and Herbin recalled that he was sible’ doesn’t exist in football,” 2004 to support development the completion of the Europe- 1974 World Cup finals, so the convinced everything conspired St Etienne chairman Roland projects for each member fed- an Championship qualifying European run of Herbin’s against his team that night. Romeyer said. eration. The programme will play-offs. Saint-Etienne side caught the “It left a deep impression “That is how St Etienne have distributed 2.6 billion Global governing body nation’s attention. on me. I have never got over beat the biggest clubs in Eu- euros by 2024, UEFA said. FIFA announced on Friday it The green-shirted team it. I still think about it today. rope in the 1970s. His great- “Our sport is facing an would release $150 million to from central France that fea- I think the good Lord wasn’t est achievement was to get a unprecedented challenge its 211 member associations tured future France and Tot- with us, neither were the goal- whole city and country behind brought about by the COV- “as the first step of a relief tenham Hotspur manager posts or the crossbar,” he told the team. He had unbelievable ID-19 crisis. UEFA wants to plan”. , AFP in 2015. charisma and power.” help its members to respond Those funds originate from creator Jean-Michel Larque St Etienne board mem- Herbin coached St Etienne in ways that are appropriate to the Forward 2.0 programme, and the talented Dominique ber Bernard Caiazzo paid for 14 seasons in all, from 1972 their specific circumstances,” which was launched in 2016 Ireland striker Michael Robinson became a well-known commentator Rocheteau as a substitute were tribute to Herbin, saying: to 1983 and then again from said UEFA president Alek- and will provide $1.746 billion in Spain. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes. beaten 1-0 by Bayern Munich “We will always remember 1987 to 1990. sander Ceferin. in total. 12 Wednesday, April 29, 2020 Sports QF’s Equine Veterinary Medical Center offers regenerative stem cell treatment

Tribune News Network involved in the development “Different conditions will Doha and daily operations of a be able to be treated in the similar laboratory in the UK, horse, from tendon, ligament Equine Veterinary Medical which is authorised by the and joint injury to more ex- Center (EVMC), a member of British Veterinary Medicines perimental treatments such Qatar Foundation, is now of- Directorate for the produc- as laminitis or degenerative fering regenerative stem cell tion and processing of au- conditions,” commented Dr. treatment to the equine pop- tologous equine stem cell for Florent David, Equine Sur- ulation of the Middle East. the treatment of horses. geon and Sports Medicine EVMC has developped Ultrasound image of needle Dr. Tatiana Vinardell, Specialist at EVMC on this within the research depart- placed in the lesion. Bottom Head of Research and Educa- achievement. ment, a regenerative section right, microscope image of stem tion said: “The stem cell labo- EVMC, located within Ed- of therapies including plate- cells in culture. ratory has been set up with ucation City, is a world-class let rich plasma, autologous the highest standard of qual- equine facility, comprising of conditioned serum, and stem then extracting a pure popu- ity control and traceability. an equine referral hospital, a cell treatment. The goal of lation of pluripotent cells in The laboratory is divided into diagnostic laboratory and a this service is to treat muscu- order to prepare a final prod- a commercial and a research research and education de- loskeletal equine conditions, uct, two weeks later, that is section. Stem cells will be partment. The center, staffed where regenerative medicine Ultrasound-guided injection of stem injected into the lesion using EVMC staff working in the stem cell laboratory, preparing regenerative produced for clinical patients, by board-certified specialist has been shown to improve cells in a large tendon lesion. ultrasound-guidance. medicine treatments. and similar protocols will veterinarians and research- the natural healing process EVMC has received the be used to develop research ers, applies advanced veteri- and to reduce the rate of re- the procedure available at support of Professor Roger College, University of Lon- crucial step towards setting projects and enhance the sci- nary techniques and proce- injury post-healing. EVMC consists of harvest- Smith and Dr. Jay Dudhia don. Their assessment of up the stem cell laboratory. entific knowledge of stem cell dures to the best interest of For stem cell obtention, ing a sample of bone marrow, from the Royal Veterinary EVMC facility in 2018 was a Both researchers have been therapy in the horse.” our equine patients.

Football, rugby seasons off until September: France PM Premier League’s AFP French professional sports ‘Project Restart’ leagues including football and rugby cannot restart before September because of corona- virus restrictions, Prime Min- ister Edouard Philippe said on Tuesday. gathers pace Philippe made the an- nouncement as part of a grad- ual plan to lift the lockdown in France. He said no event where more than 5,000 peo- AFP facilities already dressed in train- Matches would almost certain- ple gather would be allowed London ing wear before returning home ly be played behind closed doors until at least September. immediately after they have con- and clubs have reportedly been “The 2019-2020 profes- Tottenham became the latest cluded their session.” After weeks told that only approved stadiums sional sports leagues, notably Premier League club to open their of lockdown in Britain, ministers could be used, with higher health football, cannot yet restart,” doors to players on Tuesday as part believe the return of football would certification than normal. Philippe told a televised ad- of the “Project Restart” plan to fin- boost morale. The Professional Footballers’ dress to French parliament at ish the English top-flight season. Culture secretary Oliver Dow- Association are involved in discus- the National Assembly. The Premier League has den who is responsible for sport, sions and have raised the issue of “I would like to be precise been suspended since March 13 said he had been in talks with the players not wanting to be put at here, no large sports gathering due to the coronavirus crisis but Premier League “with a view to risk by returning too soon. or any gathering of 5,000 peo- there is growing belief the cam- getting football up and running as “We have reiterated that play- ple or more, needing the per- paign can be concluded over the soon as possible” but stressed any ers are not just footballers but mission of the local police and summer months. moves would have to be consistent partners, fathers, mothers, sons long prior arrangements, will Resuming matches on June 8 with public health guidance. and daughters who share the be allowed before September,” is reportedly among the ideas set The clubs remain committed to same health concerns as every- Philippe said. to be discussed when the Premier ending the 2019/20 campaign and one else during this pandemic,” French President Emma- League’s key stakeholders meet on there are compelling financial and said PFA deputy chief executive nuel Macron said two weeks Friday. legal reasons to play the remaining Bobby Barnes. ago that no large gatherings That would require full train- 92 games. “We have been assured of the would be allowed before mid- ing to begin by May 18 and Pre- - ‘Health concerns’ -The Pre- intentions of all that there would July, so this new announce- mier League clubs are starting to mier League’s medical adviser, be no resumption unless guaran- ment pushes the ban a further work towards that date by giving Mark Gillett, and the Football tees of safety could be given to the six weeks at least. players the option of using their Association’s head of medicine, players.” The return of football re- The announcement ap- training grounds. Charlotte Cowie, are understood to mains controversial, with Britain pears to scupper the plans of Tottenham have followed Ar- be part of a group of officials who still battling the pandemic. French football’s top division senal, West Ham and Brighton in will meet on a weekly basis with Watford chief executive Scott to start again in June allowing players to use facilities for government and public health rep- Duxbury said: “Football, for me with players being recalled as individual sessions that conform resentatives. now, just needs to be put to one of May 11. to social-distancing guidelines. Regular virus testing of all side. I feel uncomfortable at this Last Friday the French “No more than one player per players and key staff would be a stage even talking about football as Football League (LFP) indi- pitch will be permitted at any one crucial part of the restart plan and a narrative, because there are peo- cated its preferred option was time to undertake on-pitch exer- the cost of those tests would be met ple dying every day. a resumption of leagues in cise, with only a restricted number centrally by the Premier League, “There are stresses on the NHS mid-June subject to knowing of the squad coming to the train- according to reports. and that has to be our priority. the terms of easing confine- ing centre each day,” a Tottenham All clubs will be working to the “When it is safe and the gov- ment measures. statement said. same protocols in terms of training ernment say it is absolutely fine for French Football Federa- “Each player will travel in- sessions, which will be designed to players and support staff to return, tion (FFF) president Noel Le dependently and arrive at the minimise the risk of infection. then I am 100 percent behind that.” Graet hopes both the French Cup and League Cup finals Tottenham have allowed their players to use the club’s can be played before the training facilities. (AFP) league season restarts, when- ever that is. beIN launches new sports ‘On Demand’ service for exclusive documentaries, greatest matches re-runs

MENA region will now be Scenes’ episodes with foot- visiting beIN On Demand on Includes FIFA able to relive the most leg- ball legends such as Sami their beIN box. endary moments in sport Trabelsi, Commenting on the launch World Cup films history, with re-runs of Hatem Trabelsi, Arsène of the new sports service, Jon- FIFA World Cups, the UEFA Wenger and ; athan Whitehead, Head since 1954 Champions League, English The official FIFA World Cup of Sports at beIN SPORTS Premier League, and El Cla- films from 1954 to 2002; MENA said, “beIN has made Tribune News Network sico matches easily available The memorable 2018 FIFA a proud commitment to offer Doha at their fingertips. World Cup final between the best programming ever Fans will also get the France and Croatia which scheduled during this holy beIN SPORTS has an- chance to enjoy exclusive saw France lift the trophy for month of Ramadan, and this nounced the launch of an in- beIN in-house documenta- the first time in twenty years; includes our sports program- Fans will also get the chance credible new sports archive ries on topics ranging from A four-part series on some of ming and services too. We’re to enjoy exclusive beIN service available on beIN On Wael Gomaa and Mohamed the greatest UEFA Champi- therefore delighted to launch in-house documentaries on Demand, featuring a wide Aboutrika’s finest games, ons League games ever to be our new ‘on demand’ sports topics ranging from Wael selection of classic matches, to the rise to fame of icons Played; The 2017 and service so that fans across Gomaa and Mohamed exclusive documentaries, be- Mohamed Salah, Neymar, 2018 El Clasico clashes be- MENA can watch and share Aboutrtika’s finest games, hind the scenes features, as Lionel Messi, Baghdad tween Real Madrid and some of the greatest matches to the rise to fame of icons well as official FIFA World Bounedjah, Serena Williams Barcelona; A celebration of ever played at a time that Mohamed Salah (pictured), Cup films for fans to easily and Novak Djokovic. Arsène Wenger’s 20th Anni- suits the whole family, as Neymar, Lionel Messi, enjoy across the Middle East Some of the most antici- versary at Arsenal well as learning more about Baghdad Bounedjah, & North Africa (MENA) re- pated clashes and documen- At no extra cost, sub- sporting legends such as Mo- Serena Williams and gion at a time that suits them. taries to be released on beIN scribers can access the new hamed Salah in special beIN Novak Djokovic. With most global live SPORTS’s new On Demand sports on demand library by documentaries. All of this sport unfortunately on pause service include: The story of connecting their set top box thrilling sports entertain- due to the coronavirus cri- Mohamed Salah’s career; to the home internet and ment is just a click of the but- sis, households across the Exclusive ‘Behind the watch all of this content by ton away.” Sports Wednesday, April 29, 2020 13

News I miss racing every day, in brief Root reveals DeGeneres sledges

London: England captain Joe Root said on Tuesday he had been says Hamilton sledged during his cricket career for looking like American come- dian and chat show host Ellen DeGeneres. Sledging, the practice AFP ing Australian Grand Prix was scrapped in March, where a fielding side verbally abuses a batsman to disturb his London triggering a succession of cancellations. concentration, can take many forms. But Root said he understood F1 bosses are now hoping to start the delayed what had led opponents to come up with the unusual jibe. “I’ve World champion Lewis Hamilton said Formula season at the Austrian Grand Prix on July 5, while been called Ellen DeGeneres on a number of occasions over the One’s coronavirus suspension had left a “big void” fans will be barred from the British Grand Prix on July course of my career,” Root told BBC Radio 1. “I think there’s a in his life as the sport waits to see if it can return in 19. likeness there.” With the start of the English cricket season sus- July. However, Hamilton said the virus shutdown -- pended until July at the earliest because of the coronavirus, Root, Hamilton, who began go-karting as a child and which has all but closed down professional sports 29, appeared on the pop music station to select some of his has risen through the ranks of motorsport, said and dramatically slowed economic activity -- was not favourite records. He opted for ‘Mardy Bum’ by the Arctic Monkeys he misses racing daily after the F1 season failed all bad news. and ‘She Moves In Her Own Way’ by the Kooks as his opening to get underway. “Right now, we all have time in the world to re- two ‘Mancave Anthems’. His choices also included ‘The Greatest “I miss racing every day. This is the first flect on life, our decisions, our goals, the people we Show’ as a tribute to England star all-rounder Ben Stokes. (AFP) time since I was eight that I haven’t started a have around us, our careers,” said Hamilton. season,” the British Mercedes driver posted “Today, we see clearer skies all over the world, on Instagram. less animals being slaughtered for our pleasure Patriots fullback Develin retires “When you live and breathe something simply because our demands are much lower and you love, when it’s gone there’s definitely a everyone is staying in. NEW YORK: New England Patriots fullback James Develin an- big void. But there’s always positives to take “Let’s not come back the same as we went into nounced his retirement from the NFL on Monday, citing complica- from these times.” this tough time, let’s come out of it with better knowl- tions from a neck injury which cut short his season last year. The The first practice session of the year edge of our world, changing our personal choices powerful 31-year-old was an unsung part of the Patriots offense was just hours away when the season-open- and habits.” in recent seasons, with his ability to make yardage contribut- ing to three Super Bowl victories in the 2014, 2016 and 2018 Hamilton factfile seasons. “Due to unforeseen complications with the injury that Name Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton Career points 3431 ended my season last year, I have decided it is both in my and my family’s interest to retire from the game of football,” Develin wrote Date of birth 7 January, 1985 (age 35) Pole positions 88 on Instagram. “I am incredibly proud of my journey within the Nationality United Kingdom British Fastest laps 47 2020 team Mercedes sport and I will be forever indebted to the game that gave me so First entry 2007 Australian Grand Prix much.” Develin joined the New England Patriots in 2012 after an Car number 44 First win 2007 Canadian Grand Prix Entries 250 (250 starts) unconventional route into the league. He played his entire college Last win 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Championships 6 (2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019) career as a defensive lineman before later converting to offense, Wins 84 Last entry 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix starting in the indoor Arena Football League before moving to the Podiums 151 2019 position 1st (413 pts) now defunct United Football League. He broke into the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2010 before later signing for the Patri- ots, playing 83 regular season games with 31 starts. (AFP) Pevkur promises Fate of Hundred in balance as NHL officials learn ‘Digital Spike’ for English cricket chiefs meet from NFL draft AFP baseball behind me than in v’ball as CEV chief AFP Seoul front of me but to get that expo- London sure would be .” Tribune News Network Years after giving up on DOHA England cricket chief Tom their dreams of Major League Poor run average Harrison says the controversial stardom, the coronavirus After a decade in the mi- Hanno Pevkur announced on Hundred has become “even pandemic is offering jour- nors, Brigham was finally Tuesday measures he would more important” due to the neymen US baseball players called up by the Atlanta Braves take as President of the Euro- economic damage from coro- in South Korea a moment in in 2015, but pitched only 16.2 pean Volleyball Confederation navirus ahead of a meeting that the spotlight. innings, with an abysmal (CEV) to provide a digital boost will decide the fate of the new Korea Baseball Organisa- earned run average of 8.64. to the organisation, helping it to competition. tion (KBO) clubs have more He sought refuge in Japan become more attractive and en- Last week, the England and than 20 Americans on their before being scouted by his gaging to those within the vol- Estonian Volleyball Federation Wales Cricket Board (ECB) books who were only ever mar- Seoul-based team and has spent leyball community. chief Hanno Pevkur further delayed the start of the ginal MLB players, or never three seasons as their start- Pevkur, who expressed his 2020 season until July 1 at the players, it’s going to be very, Hundred would make a loss in made it to the big time at all. ing pitcher, racking up 34 wins intent to run for the CEV chief’s ments to the CEV’s governance earliest but said the inaugural very difficult.” its first five seasons. But soon they will be among and becoming their biggest for- post in February, has been the systems. All initiatives are avail- Hundred would be on the agen- Costs in the first year, in- only a few professional athletes eign star -- his 2020 contract is President of the Estonian Vol- able to view on his website. da this Wednesday. Opposition voices cluding the 1.3 million pounds in competitive action anywhere worth nearly a million dollars. leyball Federation since 2012. On the release of Digital The new 100-balls-per-side Many voices within English ($1.6 million) paid to each in the world, with almost all He never really had an op- He is currently in the FIVB Ex- Spike, Pevkur said: ‘‘The cur- format, to be played by eight cricket have been opposed to county, were estimated at 58 sporting leagues on hold in the portunity to “stick year after ecutive Body and serving the rent COVID-19 crisis will have franchises rather than English the Hundred from the outset, million pounds, against an in- face of the virus. year” in a big league, he said, CEV as the Vice-President. many far-reaching implica- cricket’s established 18 first- arguing there is no space for a come of 51 million pounds. South Korea once had but the KBO had proved a Pevkur’s policy pledge, ti- tions for all sports, including class counties, is meant to start new format in an already con- Not playing the Hundred the largest outbreak outside “great” opportunity. tled ‘Digital Spike’ and availa- volleyball. In particular, it is in July. gested calendar. could potentially save the ECB China, where the disease first With US coronavirus cases ble to view on his website www. highlighting how international ECB officials have long in- They say many of the ECB’s millions at a time when it has emerged, but appears to have approaching one million and hanno-pevkur.org, outlines organisations such as the CEV sisted it will attract a new audi- aims could be achieved with launched a 61 million pounds brought it under control with the entire MLB season under three areas of improvement he must continue to become digi- ence vital to safeguarding crick- better support for the existing virus aid package for the do- an extensive “trace, test and threat, former teammates were would prioritise as president tally stronger and smarter to et’s future, with some matches Twenty20 Blast. mestic game. treat” programme. “jealous” of his chance to play, - focused on enhancing con- engage with their global audi- set to be broadcast live on ter- But Harrison, one of the key But Harrison is convinced it And the delayed baseball he added. nections with national federa- ences. In my country, Esto- restrial television. movers behind the competition, will make money in the long run season -- the country’s most tions, improving existing CEV nia, we have invested many But public health restric- said current conditions made it -- and help preserve the existing popular spectator sport, after Spitting mad platforms and developing new resources in building a digital tions, the problems of bringing more important than ever. county set-up. being brought to the peninsula The KBO is made up of 10 ones, and looking into the cre- society, and we are reaping the in overseas stars and the issue “If anything this crisis and “It will help us achieve one by US missionaries -- will start professional clubs, all of them ation of games for fans of Eu- benefits of this in all indus- of launch costs at a time of eco- the implications, long-term or of our priorities, which is keep- next Tuesday, albeit behind named for the conglomerates ropean volleyball. tries. As the world continues nomic crisis mean a delay ap- medium-term, mean the case ing the lights on through the closed doors. that own them rather than their The pledge is Pevkur’s sixth to digitalise, we must take the pears inevitable. for the Hundred is even more network -- making sure county In a world where sports fans home cities. in as many weeks, and follows opportunity now to make Eu- “We’ll look at how the situ- important,” he said. cricket is really healthy and are starved of live action, sports The Heroes are an excep- previous commitments to sup- ropean volleyball ahead of its ation impacts the Hundred, “So I don’t think this in strong long, long into the fu- channel ESPN is in negotiations tion, founded by businessman port the CEV’s national nedera- time and prepared to welcome which was envisaged as being any way dilutes the case for the ture,” he said. for broadcasting rights. Lee Chang-suk -- who was tions is a variety of ways, includ- new generations of fans, ath- a tournament that enabled us Hundred, it absolutely acceler- “And it will help broaden That could give players like jailed for embezzlement in ing plans to increase the CEV’s letes and commercial partners to widen the audience for the ates it and makes it something the audience for the game. the Kiwoom Heroes’ pitcher 2018 but remains the largest revenues, the provision of spe- to our sport. By making small game,” said Harrison. cricket needs to get behind.” There will be a huge clamour for Jake Brigham a chance to shine. shareholder -- and changing cial support for smaller Fed- changes now, we can have a big “With an in-stadia envi- Even before the pandemic, audience coming out of this cri- “I’m 32 years old,” he told their name according to their erations to grow, and improve- impact in our future.” ronment, with international the ECB had itself forecast the sis, for all sport.” AFP. “I definitely have more main sponsor. Smash hit Jordan documentary Virus gives South Korea’s US baseball fills TV void for NBA fans exiles a chance to shine AFP most watched original pro- wiped out due to the global AFP Poor run average New York gram since the network be- virus pandemic, ESPN ad- Seoul After a decade in the mi- gan producing such shows 16 vanced the release date. nors, Brigham was finally A new Michael Jordan televi- years ago. An average of 5.9 The Jordan documentary’s Years after giving up on their called up by the Atlanta sion documentary has become million viewers watched the blockbuster success looks likely dreams of Major League star- Braves in 2015, but pitched a smash hit for NBA fans whose latest episodes aired in the to spark similar projects. dom, the coronavirus pandem- only 16.2 innings, with an hope of watching the playoffs US on Sunday. Kobe Bryant, the Los Ange- ic is offering journeymen US abysmal earned run average these days was scuttled by the “The Last Dance” mixes les Lakers superstar who died baseball players in South Ko- of 8.64. coronavirus pandemic. previously unaired behind-the- in a January helicopter crash, rea a moment in the spotlight. He sought refuge in Ja- “The Last Dance” details the scenes footage taken had a personal camera crew fol- Korea Baseball Organisa- pan before being scouted by career of the NBA legend who by a special camera low him around during his final tion (KBO) clubs have more his Seoul-based team and led the Chicago Bulls to six ti- crew with the Bulls NBA season, ESPN reported than 20 Americans on their has spent three seasons as tles in the 1990s, with editions during their 1997-98 last week, hinting that behind- books who were only ever their starting pitcher, rack- three and four of the 10-part NBA championship the-scenes footage could be- marginal MLB players, or nev- ing up 34 wins and becom- saga telecast on Sunday. run with the retelling come part of a Bryant docu- er made it to the big time at all. ing their biggest foreign star It was the top ESPN of Jordan’s amaz- mentary. But soon they will be -- his 2020 contract is worth telecast in the advertiser- ing story from his Bryant, a five-time NBA among only a few profes- nearly a million dollars. prized 18-to-34 demo- youthful days to champion, scored 60 points sional athletes in competi- test and treat” programme. is in negotiations for broad- He never really had an graphic since the shut Chicago’s amaz- in his final NBA game in 2016, tive action anywhere in the And the delayed baseball casting rights. opportunity to “stick year af- down of sport due to the ing dynasty run which capped the worst season world, with almost all sport- season -- the country’s most That could give play- ter year” in a big league, he coronavirus pandemic. of six 1990s NBA in Lakers history at 17-65. ing leagues on hold in the popular spectator sport, af- ers like the Kiwoom He- said, but the KBO had proved In all, 6.1 mil- titles. Dwyane Wade, a member of face of the virus. ter being brought to the pen- roes’ pitcher Jake Brigham a a “great” opportunity. lion people watched The project was the 2008 US Olympic “Redeem South Korea once had insula by US missionaries chance to shine. With US coronavirus cas- the opening episodes set to be broadcast Team” that won Beijing gold the largest outbreak outside -- will start next Tuesday, al- “I’m 32 years old,” he told es approaching one million in the United States, in June when the after a 2004 bronze at Athens, China, where the disease beit behind closed doors. AFP. “I definitely have more and the entire MLB season making the documen- NBA Finals were says he is already executive pro- first emerged, but appears to In a world where sports baseball behind me than in under threat, former team- Michael tary Twitter’s top trend- Jordan scheduled, but when ducing a documentary about have brought it under con- fans are starved of live ac- front of me but to get that mates were “jealous” of his ing topic and ESPN’s sports programs were that collection of NBA talent. trol with an extensive “trace, tion, sports channel ESPN exposure would be nice.” chance to play, he added.