NNBABA | Page 5 CCRICKETRICKET | Page 2 Paul, coaches Holder hopes grateful for England tour bubble as MLB Caribbean by hit with virus end of year

Wednesday, July 29, 2020 FOOTBALL Dhul-Hijjah 8, 1441 AH Liverpool’s Klopp GULF TIMES named Manager of the Year SPORT Page 3

RACING Qatar Goodwood Festival start sees top-quality action Stradivarius created history on Day 1 by becoming the first horse to win the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup four times

Agencies Chichester, United Kingdom Frankie Dettori rides Stradivarius to Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup Stakes (Group 1) victory at Qatar Goodwood Festival near Chichester, United Kingdom, yesterday. (Goodwood) atar Goodwood Festival is a world-famous fi ve-day festival and one of the highlights of the fl at racing season. Held on the world’sQ most beautiful racecourse, the Festival features class racing, with several black type races bearing the name of Qatar. The Qatar-sponsored annual Festival kicked off yesterday, and will continue up to the fi nale on Saturday. Day 1 featured eight races and the most important of them were the Group 1 Al Shaqab Good- wood Cup Stakes, the Group 2 Qatar Len- nox Stakes and the Class 2 Qatar Handicap Stakes. While this year’s renewal is being held in exceptional circumstances due to the Covid-19 challenges, the opening day came in ideal surroundings and saw top- William Buick rides Space Blues to Qatar Lennox Stakes (Group 2) quality racing. victory at Qatar Goodwood Festival near Chichester, United King- dom, yesterday. (Goodwood) STRADIVARIUS WINS AL SHAQAB GOODWOOD CUP… AGAIN The mighty stayer Stradivarius, trained by John Gosden, created history on Day 1 by becoming the fi rst horse to win the Group 1 Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup four times, adding to his wins in 2017, 2018 and 2019. He previously shared the honour of three Goodwood Cup wins with Double Trigger (1995, 1997, 1998). It was Nayef Road who took the seven- strong fi eld along. He still held the advan- tage entering the straight, with Stradivar- “It’s beautiful ground, but slow ground SMOOTH SUCCESS FOR SPACE ridden by David Probert. Escobar, trained ius looking a bit short of room. It was not – is some achievement. Stradivarius had to BLUES IN QATAR LENNOX STAKES by David O’Meara, fi nished third under until inside the fi nal furlong that Stradi- work for it today,” trainer Gosden said. “He Space Blues was the comfortable winner Daniel Tudhope. varius, with Frankie Dettori astride, found has been in tremendous form since Royal of the seven-furlong Group 2 Qatar Len- the necessary opening and quickened im- Ascot. But I knew that, you know, you keep nox Stakes for trainer Charlie Appleby. The ONLY SPOOFING WINS pressively, taking the lead half a furlong out piling those big races on. He ran in the four-year-old Dubawi colt won at the level QATAR HANDICAP STAKES and recording a one-length success over Coronation Cup and he ran brilliantly and for the fi rst time in his career, having twice A tremendous fi nish to the fi ve-furlong Nayef Road, trained by Mark Johnston and obviously the Gold Cup before this, so he been placed at G1 level. Held up towards the Qatar Handicap saw the Jedd O’Keeff e- ridden by Andrea Atzeni. is going to have a freshen up now. He is a rear, Space Blues was travelling well, under trained Only Spoofi ng get up close home The second favourite, this season’s fabulous horse. William Buick, and made smooth headway under Kieran O’Neill to deny long-time Group 1 Irish Derby winner Santiago, who “Let us hope Enable and Stradivarius to challenge two furlongs out. Entering the leader Acclaim The Nation, who is trained is trained by Aidan O’Brien, held every are in top order [for the Arc]. Frankie will fi nal furlong, he shot clear and never looked by Eric Alston and was ridden by Jason chance two furlongs out, but was unable have to decide what he is riding, I probably in any danger as he came home two lengths Hart by a neck. A Momentofmadness, to quicken in the fi nal furlong and fi nished know the answer, but that will be his deci- to the good of Duke Of Hazzard, who is trained by Charlie Hills, fi nished third un- Kieran O’Neill rides Only Spoofing to Qatar Handicap Stakes at Qatar third under Ryan Moore. sion,” Gosden said after the win. trained by Paul and Oliver Cole and was der William Buick. Goodwood Festival near Chichester, United Kingdom, yesterday.

CRICKET Broad in 500 club as England win series 2-1 AFP Manchester England’s Stuart Broad celebrates SCORECARD taking the wicket of West Indies’ Kraigg Brathwaite, his 500th England I innings 369 (O Pope 91, J Total (all out, 37.1 overs) 129 tuart Broad joined one of crick- Test wicket, on the final day of Buttler 67, S Broad 62, Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Campbell), et’s most exclusive clubs when the third Test cricket in R Burns 57; K Roach 4-72) (AFP) 2-6 (Roach), 3-45 (Brathwaite), 4-71 he took his 500th Test wicket Manchester yesterday. West Indies I innings 197 (Hope), 5-79 (Brooks), 6-87 (Chase), yesterday as England completed (S Broad 6-31) 7-99 (Holder), 8-117 (Dowrich), 9-119 aS series-clinching win over the West (Cornwall), 10-129 (Blackwood) Indies at Old Traff ord. England II Innings 226-2 decl (R The 34-year-old became just the Burns 90, J Root 68 no, D Sibley 56) Bowling: Anderson 8-4-18-0; Broad seventh bowler and fourth pacemen to West Indies II Innings 8.1-1-36-4; Woakes 11-0-50-5; Archer reach the landmark when he had open- (target: 399, overnight: 10-2) 10-1-24-0; er Kraigg Brathwaite plumb lbw for 19 K. Brathwaite lbw b Broad 19 England team: Rory Burns, Dom on the fi fth day of the third Test. Sibley, Joe Root (capt), Ben Stokes, Broad ended the series when he had J. Campbell c Root b Broad 0 Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler (wkt), Chris Jermaine Blackwood caught behind as K. Roach c Buttler b Broad 4 Woakes, Dom Bess, Jofra Archer, the West Indies, set a huge target of 399 S. Hope c Broad b Woakes 31 Stuart Broad, James Anderson for victory, collapsed to a meagre 129 all Result: England won by 269 runs out in under 38 overs. Broad fi nished S. Brooks c Buttler b Woakes 22 with a match return of 10-67 in addi- R. Chase run out (Bess) 7 Man-of-the-match: Stuart Broad (ENG) tion to the dashing 62 he made batting four wickets, complete a 2-1 win in a in his 140th Test, had been stranded was so clearly out. J. Blackwood c Buttler b Broad 23 at No 10 in England’s fi rst innings 369 three-match series and regain the Wis- on 499 wickets when, after he had al- “It feels amazing,” Broad told Sky Series: England win three-match J. Holder lbw b Woakes 12 that featured Ollie Pope’s 91. den Trophy they lost in the Caribbean ready taken eight in this match, rain Sports of his landmark achievement, series 2-1 In between Broad’s strikes on Tues- last year. washed out the whole of Monday’s which came during a behind close S. Dowrich lbw b Woakes 8 England man of the series: day, fellow paceman Chris Woakes re- West Indies were left thinking about fourth day. He reached the 500-mark doors series that marks international R. Cornwall lbw b Woakes 2 Stuart Broad turned innings fi gures of 5-50. how they could have escaped with a on Tuesday when a full-length ball cricket’s return from the coronavirus Victory saw England, who contro- draw when, soon after their defeat, rain struck Brathwaite’s back pad, with the lockdown.I’m looking forward to play- S. Gabriel not out 0 West Indies man of the series: versially left Broad out of the side that hammered down at Old Traff ord. opener not bothering to review umpire ing in front of crowds again,” added Extras (lb1) 1 Roston Chase lost the fi rst Test at Southampton by Man-of-the-match Broad, playing Michael Gough’s decision because he Broad. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, July 29, 2020 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Broad says he could be last paceman in ‘500 club’ The 34-year-old Broad is only the seventh bowler in history to have taken 500 Test wickets and the fourth quick

AFP Manchester, United Kingdom

tuart Broad said changes to the global cricket calendar could mean he will be the last pace- man to take 500 Test wickets. SBroad reached the landmark fi gure by trapping Kraigg Brathwaite plumb lbw as England completed a dominant 269-run win in the third Test against the West Indies at Old Traff ord yes- terday that saw the hosts to a 2-1 series victory. The 34-year-old Broad is only the seventh bowler in history to have taken 500 Test wickets and the fourth quick. When Fred Trueman became the fi rst man to take 300 Test wickets back in 1964, the outstanding England fast bowler, asked if anyone might break his record, reportedly replied: “Aye, but whoever does will be bloody tired.” Broad, whose one-day international career was eff ectively ended by England in 2016 to keep him going in the Test match arena, said scheduling would now be the issue for a fast bowler want- ing to join him in the ‘500 club’. “Someone is going to have to play a lot of cricket because there is a lot of competition out there, between diff er- ent T20 leagues franchises, 100-ball.” Broad, who also marked his 140th Test with a match haul of 10-67, added: “I feel very lucky to have played for England in an era where we’ve played a lot of Test cricket in the summer and a lot in the winter. I think there’s talk of thinning the amount of Tests we play in a summer down.” Among active bowlers, only Aus- tralia off -spinner Nathan Lyon, with 390 Test wickets, would appear to have much hope of becoming the eighth member of a select group. “You need a lot of Test matches to get 500 wickets,” England’s Stuart Broad (second left) celebrates after dismissing West Indies’ Kraigg Brathwaite (second right), his 500th Test wicket, on the final day of the third Test at Old Traff ord in Manchester. (AFP) said Broad. “I think there’ll be people who have the talent to get the numbers glad I stayed strong because I’m very missed the same batsman. but whether they’ll be able to play the happy two weeks later.” “What a stat that is,” Broad amount of Test cricket the seam bowl- Broad said he still feels fresh and is said.”Jimmy told me in the warm- SEVEN BOWLERS WITH 500 TEST WICKETS ers have to get that feat remains to be keen to reprise his heroics against West up, ‘you know who it’s going to be’ seen,” he added. Indies when England return to the Test and then told me his 500th victim READ AS: Wickets, player, matches, best bowling in an innings, best bowling in a match, Broad’s longtime new-ball colleague arena next week for a three-match se- was Brathwaite. “The stars have to be average, five wickets in an innings, 10 wickets in a match): James Anderson, who is approaching ries against Pakistan. aligned for that to happen! I think that’s 800 Muttiah Muralitharan (SRI/ICC) 133 9-51 16-220 22.72 67 22 600 Test wickets, suggested before play “I’ve never really set any targets and going to be a quiz question for many 708 Shane Warne (AUS) 145 8-71 12-128 25.41 37 10 yesterday that the Nottinghamshire I’ve learned a huge amount through years to come.” seamer could surpass his eventual tally. my career, but what is pleasing me at “When you get a milestone and put 619 Anil Kumble (IND) 132 10-74 14-149 29.65 35 8 “I’ve never even thought about that,” the moment is that I feel so fresh and in performances, you want them to lead 589 James Anderson (ENG) 153 7-42 11-71 26.85 28 3 said Broad. “(But) why not try and fol- excited to play the game and I’ve done to wins so to get to 500 on a day that 563 Glenn McGrath (AUS) 124 8-24 10-27 21.64 29 3 low in Jimmy’s footsteps? He’s been some technical work that makes me feel we managed to win a Test match and wonderful to play with. If I keep bowl- in a great rhythm,” he said “Now I’m a series feels very great, very special,” 519 Courtney Walsh (WIS) 132 7-37 13-55 24.44 22 3 ing the way I am for the next few years looking forward to a couple of days off Broad added. 501 Stuart Broad (ENG) 140 8-15 11-121 27.94 18 3 then I wouldn’t rule anything out.” outside the bio-secure environment England meet Pakistan in the fi rst of Broad ended the West Indies series but also looking forward to being back their three-match series at Old Traf- as the leading bowler on either side, and playing against Pakistan.” ford from Aug. 5-9. Captain Joe Root “Long may those headaches con- to come back from 1-0 down and we’ve said: “I really hope that’s the case. As I with 16 wickets at a miserly average of Broad’s wicket of Brathwaite for the was asked if he will stick with the same tinue. I think, for now it’s important not wavered from how we want to play. said about Ben Stokes last week, we’ve 10.93, despite being controversially left milestone, matched the achievement of attack against Pakistan, even if Ben that everyone just goes away, has some We’re looking to start better than here got to realise how lucky we are to be in out of England’s defeat in the fi rst Test his opening ball partner James Ander- Stokes is fully fi t once more. The cap- time away from cricket, away from this and buck that trend, that’s a big chal- the presence of these guys, time and at Southampton. “I thought ‘where am son whose 500th Test wicket came up tain replied: “It’s defi nitely on the table bubble not thinking about things for a lenge for us come the Pakistan series.” time again putting in brilliant perform- I going here?’” admitted Broad. “I’m at Lord’s three years ago when he dis- isn’t it? It’s hard to leave anyone out. couple of days. “It’s shown character On Broad’s desire to keep going, Root ances.”

FOCUS ROUND-UP Windies captain Holder hopes England Warner fears virus could scupper tour Caribbean by end of the year Melbourne Boxing Day Test

AFP ustralia opening bats- 20-man squad for the three-Test CAMPHER GETS MAIDEN Manchester, United Kingdom man David Warner series against England starting CALL-UP TO IRELAND SQUAD raised fears yesterday next week, the country’s cricket FOR FIRST ENGLAND ODI that Virat Kohli’s India board (PCB) has said. All-rounder Curtis Campher re- est Indies captain Jason Holder willA be unable to play the Box- Pakistan are scheduled to play ceived his maiden call-up to the hopes England will tour the ing Day Test in Melbourne as three Tests and three Twenty20 Ireland senior side yesterday as Caribbean before the end of Covid-19 cases continue to spike Internationals in August-Sep- they named a 14-man squad for the year in response to his side in Australia’s second largest city. tember in a bio-secure envi- tomorrow’s fi rst one-day inter- Wbraving the coronavirus pandemic by com- The match starting on Decem- ronment in England amid the national against world champi- ing to Britain. The West Indies left their rel- ber 26 is regarded as the high- Covid-19 pandemic. The PCB ons England in Southampton. atively unaff ected region to travel to the UK light of Australia’s home season, had named a 29-man combined The 21-year-old impressed — the European country worst-hit by the played before 100,000 fans at squad for the matches. selectors with two half- Covid-19 outbreak — and relaunch inter- the Melbourne Cricket Ground Wicketkeeper Sarfaraz was centuries for Ireland A during national cricket after lockdown with a Test and huge television audiences. sacked as captain from all for- their Twenty20 series against campaign against England. But Warner said shifting venues mats last year and his last test Namibia in February. But they did so while accepting a 50% pay was a real possibility, with Mel- was against South Africa in Jan- Batsman Harry Tector, who cut from Cricket West Indies, with Holder’s bourne currently in partial lock- uary 2019. Mohamed Rizwan has has played 20 T20 matches for men losing the series 2-1 following a crush- down as Victoria state struggles been the fi rst-choice glovesman the senior side, is in line for his ing 269-run defeat in the third Test at Old to contain a second wave of virus since. Wahab, whose last test ODI debut. Traff ord concluded yesterday. infections. appearance was in October 2018, Andrew Balbirnie will captain Teams such as the West Indies and Paki- “It’s out of our control at the decided last year he was taking the side, with Ireland hoping stan, who begin a three-Test series against and there are no plans for Root’s side to visit was eff ectively an advance on money due to moment. Whatever happens, if an indefi nite break from the for- to pull off an upset against an England at Old Traff ord next week, have the Caribbean in 2020. But amid fi xture un- CWI from the International Cricket Coun- you put something in place now, mat. The PCB said the remaining England side missing Joe Root, long been among cricket’s fi nancially poor- certainty caused by the pandemic, Holder cil. But all broadcast revenues currently go it’s going to change tomorrow,” nine players would continue to Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler due to est nations, with the likes of England, Aus- said: “We don’t know what’s going to hap- to the home board. Grave, an Englishman he said. “It’s diffi cult to process. train with the squad for the T20 their involvement in the ongoing tralia and India the wealthiest. pen after this series with the international who made his name in cricket administra- We’re just going to have to wait internationals, which follow the West Indies Tests. But while England captain Joe Root led calendar but if there is an opportunity for tion with county club Surrey, has suggested and, yeah, you might see the fi rst test series. Manchester will host The three-match England- the tributes to the West Indies, who spent England to come over to the Caribbean be- a fi fth should go to the away side. It was an Boxing Day Test not in Mel- the opening test from Wednes- Ireland ODI series kicks off the some two months holed up in onsite hotels fore the end of the year that would help sig- idea supported by Holder, who insisted: bourne.” His remarks came as day with the next two matches in inaugural Super League, which at the Ageas Bowl and Old Traff ord in bio- nifi cantly. “Now more than ever highlights the diff er- authorities in Victoria yesterday Southampton. will determine who qualifi es for secure bubbles, for making the trip, Holder “It’s been a tough last few years for us fi - ences in fi nances. England get a huge chunk said there were 384 new cases Squad: Azhar Ali (captain), Babar the 50-over World Cup in India called for more practical assistance. nancially, pretty much and we’ve taken a pay of money, Australia do too and India are a in the state, taking total active Azam, Abid Ali, Asad Shafiq, in 2023. “I was speaking to our chief executive, cut due to the circumstances. A tour hope- powerhouse. Outside those top three, the cases to more than 9,000. Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Im- The squad: Andrew Balbirnie Johnny Grave, who highlighted that we re- fully, if it is possible before the end of 2020, rest struggle.” am-ul-Haq, Imran Khan Sr, Kashif (captain), Paul Stirling, Curtis ally only make money from playing England would help keep us afl oat,” the all-rounder “(Revenue-sharing) is defi nitely some- PAKISTAN’S SARFARAZ, Bhatti, Mohammad Abbas, Mo- Campher, Gareth Delany, Josh and India (at home),” he said. “Maybe we added. thing that needs to be looked at by the pow- WAHAB MAKE CUT FOR hammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Little, Andrew McBrine, Barry break even with Australia and Pakistan. But The England and Wales Cricket Board — ers that be. If something doesn’t happen ENGLAND TESTS Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shadab Khan, McCarthy, Kevin O’Brien, William we lose money against other teams.” who stood to lose hundreds of millions of soon enough we’ll see less international Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed Shaheen Afridi, Shan Masood, Porterfield, Boyd Rankin, Simi England and the West Indies have now pounds if the virus wiped out the 2020 sea- cricket played by the so-called smaller and fast bowler Wahab Riaz Sohail Khan, Usman Shinwari, Singh, Harry Tector, Lorcan met home and away in the past 18 months son — gave CWI a loan before the tour. This countries.” have made the cut in Pakistan’s Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah. Tucker, Craig Young. Gulf Times Wednesday, July 29, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS New Generation Amazing initiative empowers Klopp named local youth to deliver positive social change League Managers’ eneration Amazing – the 2022 Association FIFA World Cup social and leg- acy programme – has launched a new initiative which will em- Manager of the Year Gpower young people from Qatar to deliver positive social change in their communi- AFP ties. The Generation Amazing Youth Ad- London vocates Programme will initially include nine females and six males aged between 16 and 24. Each advocate will be empow- urgen Klopp was voted ered to represent and uphold Generation the League Managers’ Amazing pillar causes, such as gender Association Manager of quality and inclusion. the Year on Monday after As well as helping to deliver positive endingJ Liverpool’s 30-year wait social change, advocates will help to fi nd to win the Premier League. Klopp solutions to multilateral and national so- led Liverpool to the Premier cial challenges through the use of sport as League title in the same sea- a transformative tool. son they were FIFA Club World Advocates will promote Generation champions. Amazing’s mission and values on the The German’s award was an- ground. They will undertake a year-long nounced by former Manchester journey to develop their skills and fulfi l United boss Alex Ferguson, after their roles. During their training, advo- whom the trophy is now named. cates will participate in several online “Jurgen, fantastic,” Ferguson runner-up spot this time after webinars investigating a variety of issues said. “We speak about Leeds Sheffi eld United’s impressive related to the fi eld of sport for develop- spending 16 years in the Cham- fi rst season back in the Premier ment and social change. pionship, but Liverpool 30 years League. Meanwhile, Klopp wants In addition, they will play a key role since winning that league, in- to retain a lean squad to ensure in Generation Amazing activations and The Generation Amazing Youth Advocates Programme will initially include nine females and six males aged between 16 and 24. credible. You thoroughly de- Liverpool remain competitive events in an interactive learning environ- Each advocate will be empowered to represent and uphold Generation Amazing pillar causes, such as gender quality and inclusion. served it. The performance level next season. ment. The Generation Amazing Festival, of your team was outstanding. The Reds boss used 24 players an annual football for development event old Ali Fakhroo. He said: “I am really ex- Your personality runs right in the Premier League this term. in Doha taking hundreds of international cited to meet people from diff erent cul- throughout the whole club. It Klopp gave chances to some of youth on an active citizenship through tures as it will help us to establish new was a marvellous performance. the club’s academy players in football training, will be one of the high- relationships. I am going to use football I’ll forgive you for waking me up the FA and League Cups to cope lights and learning opportunities for the for good, for social justice and for social at 3.30am to tell me you have won with fi xture congestion. But he advocates. Generation Amazing Pro- change.” the league! Thank you, but any- believes keeping as small a core grammes Director, Nasser al-Khori, said: Fakhroo added: “Football is one my way, you thoroughly deserved it. as possible keeps the players on “Generation Amazing’s Youth Advocates biggest passions so to use football and Well done.” their toes. “The solution cannot Programme has trained more than 60 implement it with the social development Former Borussia Dortmund be to have a much bigger squad youth advocates internationally since its goals, such as gender equality, and other boss Klopp said of Ferguson: “I for the specifi c moment and then inception. Our latest initiative continues issues that I am adamant about, it’s great know it’s not 100% appropri- realise you cannot use all the to focus on inspiring a generation com- to be a part for it. It’s really an honour for ate as a Liverpool manager but I players,” Klopp said. mitted to using sport as a tool for social me to advocate for such change through a admire him. I remember he was “These players can only play change, based on leadership skills, toler- sport that I truly love.” the fi rst British manager I met. the football they play because ance and diversity.” Another advocate, 22-year-old Shouq We had breakfast. I’m not sure they know they are needed. They Moza al-Mohannadi, Generation al-Sulaiti, said: “I am looking forward how much he remembers but I are all human beings and nobody Amazing’s Marketing & Communications to giving back to my community. Us- remember because for me this can be held back for a year and Director, said: “We look forward to fol- ing football for development is an unu- moment was like meeting the then on the last day of the year be lowing our youth advocates’ journey and sual, challenging and interesting way to Pope. It was absolutely great and told, ‘Now we need you’. In be- seeing how they grow into their new roles achieve this. I am inspired by the football from that fi rst season we clicked. tween now and then there must as leaders of the programme, in continu- for good movement, in the pursuit of so- I didn’t think at this moment I be a lot of training and support ation of our mission to use football as an cial change, and excited to be a part of this World Cup. The programme seeks to aid classrooms, activating skills in commu- would have a trophy in my hands and challenges stuff like this. The empowerment tool for social change, both journey.” communities with identifi ed needs via a nication, teamwork and leadership, to named after him.” size of the squad is not that im- in the lead-up to Qatar 2022 and beyond.” Generation Amazing was launched football-driven methodology and strat- benefi t the development of communities Chris Wilder, last year’s win- portant to me, the quality of the One of the new advocates is 16-year- during Qatar’s successful bid to host the egy of training, both on the pitch and in who come into contact with its teachings. ner of the award, settled for the squad is very much so.”

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Fulham in charge of play-off semi aft er Onomah’s magic moment London: Fulham took control manager in November. They the rebound after a superb of their Championship play- eventually finished fifth, but tackle by Michael Hector on off semi-final against Cardiff failed to recapture the form the goalline. Lee Tomlin and Coach Lampard as Josh Onomah’s superb that carried them into the Junior Hoilett combined to set strike inspired a 2-0 win in play-off s in a disjointed first-leg up Glatzel moments later, but the first leg on Monday night. performance. his shot was straight at Rodak. Onomah’s moment of magic “We have to defend better Fulham eventually found early in the second half was for the first goal. We didn’t lay their rhythm and Cardiff followed by a fine free-kick a hand on him,” Harris said. keeper Alex Smithies denied from Neeskens Kebano as “There was no consistency in Onomah at the far post after key to Werner Scott Parker’s side dominated refereeing decisions, but it is the midfielder stretched to in south Wales. a great free-kick from Kebano. reach Kebano’s cross. Fulham will be firm favour- I told the players I have been Tom Cairney was inches ites to advance to the final at in play-off finals where I have away from breaking the dead- Wembley when Cardiff visit been behind. The first goal at lock in first half stoppage-time Craven Cottage in the second Craven Cottage will be key.” when the Fulham midfielder’s leg tomorrow. Fulham, who Swansea beat Brentford 1-0 curler clipped the outside of joining Chelsea finished fourth after missing in the other semi-final first the post. Onomah had scored out on automatic promotion leg, with the second leg at in Fulham’s win over Cardiff on the last day of the season, Griff in Park today. Fulham were on July 10 and he tormented Werner, 24, scored 34 goals for RB Leipzig in the 2019/20 season are now unbeaten in eight without the Championship’s them again as the 23-year-old matches. “I’m pleased with the top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic, put Parker’s team ahead in the AFP result. We need to stay level who Parker rested due to a 49th minute. Harrison Reed London and there is still a lot of football “slight” injury problem. found the former Tottenham to be played,” Parker said. With Mitrovic sidelined, trainee and he turned Marlon “Overall we were outstanding. Fulham made a slow start as Pack, then weaved past Sean imo Werner revealed Chelsea manag- We had real control about us, they chased promotion back Morrison and Curtis Nelson er Frank Lampard was the main factor caused them a lot of problems to the Premier League after before stroking a low finish in his choice to join the Blues for next and Onomah’s skill has come last year’s relegation. Cardiff into the bottom corner. season despite interest from a host of through.” went close to taking an early Kebano capped Fulham’s Tother top European clubs. Werner, 24, scored Relegated from the Premier lead when Leandro Bacuna’s mature display in stoppage- 34 goals for RB Leipzig in the 2019/20 sea- League last season, Cardiff drive forced an awkward save time when he smashed his son but will not be part of the German side’s were 14th when Neil Harris from Marek Rodak, but Robert free-kick past Smithies from Champions League campaign next month as replaced Neil Warnock as Glatzel was unable to turn in the edge of the area. (AFP) he has already arrived at Stamford Bridge to prepare for next season. The German international was highly sought after with Liverpool linked with a ROUND-UP move for a number of months after Werner spoke glowingly of Reds’ boss Jurgen Klopp. However, he said it was Lampard’s vision for how he would fi t into a new-look forward Lallana excited by Brighton ambition line next season, with Hakim Ziyech also al- dam Lallana says this season, relegation from ready signed from Ajax, that convinced him Brighton & Hove the Premier League should not to come to Chelsea. “He was the main point; Albion’s ambition was erase the achievements of the we talked a lot about things like system, like a major factor in his last eight years. how he wants to play and sees me playing, decisionA to join the club from Watford, whose fi ve-year and how the system fi ts to me,” Werner told Premier League champions stay in England’s top-fl ight the Chelsea website of Lampard’s infl uence. Liverpool. Lallana, who has came to an end on Sunday, had “He is a really nice guy who not only told won 34 England caps, joined four diff erent managers over me what he wants from me as a player be- the Seagulls for free on a three- the course of a turbulent sea- cause he wants to help me as a guy. He knows year contract after spending six son. “We will not allow the core me now a little bit better and it fi ts very good years at Liverpool. values of Watford FC to become between us and now I am happy to be here.” “It’s a breath of fresh air diluted simply because we A fi nal day win over Wolves secured Chel- coming here. It’s a challenge are not playing in the Premier sea’s place in the Champions League next I am looking forward to,” the League,” owner Gino Pozzo and season and they seem set to spend big to try 32-year-old said. “The whole chief executive Scott Duxbury and close the gap to Liverpool and Manches- infrastructure and ambition said in a joint statement. ter City at the top of the Premier League. As Timo Werner began training with Chelsea this week after completing a £54mn switch from around the club excites me. “Everything we have well as Werner and Ziyech, Kai Havertz is re- RB Leipzig earlier this summer. There is so much young talent achieved as a club over the portedly close to a move to London from Bay- and so much ability. It was a with 41 points, their best-ever past eight years should not be er Leverkusen, while Chelsea are also keen to cause Chelsea is a very big club,” he added. is that I am really fast so I think it is perfect for pretty easy choice for me in the points tally in England’s top- forgotten. That is not to detract strengthen at goalkeeper and left-back. “I know of the players before when they won me to play here,” he said. end. I look at how ambitious fl ight. from mistakes that were made Werner watched the team Lampard played the Champions League with Drogba, with my “It is another league in another country the chairman is to start with surrounding the team this sea- in alongside the likes of Petr Cech, John Ter- new manager Frank Lampard, Petr Cech. I so I can improve myself to bring it to another and how highly the manager is WATFORD’S son. We have to be honest and ry and Didier Drogba win multiple Premier want to be part of a new era here so I will play level, so those are the reasons I come to the regarded since he has come into ACHIEVEMENTS MUST NOT admit our eff orts were not good League titles and the Champions League and to try to give my best.” Premier League and to Chelsea. I’ll try to the club. I looked at all those BE FORGOTTEN: OWNER enough. There will be lessons wants to help create a new era of success. And Werner believes his style of play is score as much goals as I can for Chelsea, that aspects... and it was a perfect Watford’s owner and chief learned and changes made but, “When you have a decision to go from your perfectly suited to make the transition from is the big reason why they bought me, to bring fi t really.” executive have said that while from today, we move forward. old club and you come to a big club like this, his homeland to England. “The style of the the goals I scored in Leipzig here, and maybe Brighton fi nished 15th in the their eff orts surrounding the We have to accept a diff erent it was for me a dream which came true be- Premier League is very fast and my speciality score more goals than there.” Premier League this season team were not good enough challenge.” Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, July 29, 2020 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT China will limit their boys from Brazil: top FA offi cial ‘We’re not going to have two-thirds of the squad from Brazil. We might have three or four probably, but that’s it’

AFP we gave the passport to Elkeson or Shanghai whoever,” Liu said in a rare interview by Former Chelsea star Oscar, who a senior Chinese football offi cial. currently plays for Shanghai “But the good thing is that, dra- SIPG, has expressed interest in hina’s football squad will be matically, Chinese fans love to have a playing for China. (AFP) limited to “three or four” Bra- few (naturalised) players in the squad zil-born players, a senior of- as long as they can make the Chinese fi cial said, as ex-Chelsea star team better and take us to the World OscarC expressed an interest in becom- Cup, hopefully Qatar 2022. I don’t see ing the latest Brazilian to represent the any resistance, honestly, but we need to world’s most populous country. develop. It’s not a long-term strategy or Unless there is a radical policy approach.” change by FIFA, the Shanghai SIPG at- Liu, speaking before Oscar’s com- tacking midfi elder will not be able to ments came to light this week, added: play for China because he has featured “We’re not going to have two-thirds of in competitive games for Brazil, includ- the squad from Brazil. We might have ing at the 2014 World Cup. But it is in- two or three, three or four probably, but dicative of a landmark shift in Chinese that’s it.” football that Oscar said: “I can think The English-speaking Liu, 48, who about (playing for China) because, as I took on the senior post in August last said, it’s diffi cult to go to the Brazilian year, was talking from Suzhou, one of national team now because I’m here.” two cities hosting matches in this year’s Oscar, who moved from Chelsea for rejigged Chinese Super League. The an Asian-record 60mn euros in January CSL kicked off on Saturday, vefi months 2017, has seen Guangzhou Evergrande’s late and behind closed doors because of Brazil-born forwards Elkeson and Aloi- the coronavirus pandemic. sio called up by China in the past year as As part of strict safety measures, they seek to qualify for the next World eight teams are stationed at a single Cup in 2022. At least three more Brazil- hotel in Suzhou, near Shanghai, and ians, also attackers, have become natu- the other eight in Dalian. Players can- ralised or are close to doing so, accord- not see their families for two months. ing to media. Dalian has seen a small cluster of infec- But Chinese Football Association tions in recent days and China recorded secretary-general Liu Yi laughed off the 68 cases nationally yesterday, the high- notion that ambitious China will turn est daily fi gure since April, although into a team of Brazilians in a quick fi x still far lower than many countries. to reach the World Cup in Qatar. Presi- Liu said that while the fi rst round of dent Xi Jinping wants China to become matches went “better than expected” Several football leagues in Europe was the fi rst city to have an outbreak of he added. “At the moment I can say delay and pandemic dragged on, but the a football superpower but the country and the small resurgence of the virus and Asia returned from the virus be- the virus so we’re more cautious about that we are very safe, we’re playing the CFA will not be afraid to suspend play if has made the World Cup only once, in has had no real impact, he is on guard. fore the CSL, but Liu said: “Our central what we’re doing, especially sporting competition in a very safe and comfort- a player or coach tests positive. “We’re 2002, when they left without a point or “We have another 13 rounds of the government, and I think it’s correct, and cultural events. able environment.” defi nitely going to put a brake on the a goal. competition so this is just the start of they are more cautious about the lives. “Yes, it was a bit longer than eve- Liu said that shelving the CSL for season, but it would be very unlikely “We had a little bit of concern when the entire process,” he cautioned. “We were the fi rst country and Wuhan rybody thought, but it’s worthwhile,” 2020 was never an option, even as the that we’d cancel it,” Liu said.

EXPANSION FOCUS CONCACAF reveals World Cup qualifying shake-up Xavi says coaching

AFP tomatically start in the fi nal eight-team to the fi nal round of qualifying. The fi nal windows, making CONCACAF’s previ- Miami round robin league where 3.5 berths for round of qualifi ers will start in June 2021 ous qualifi cation plans unworkable. In a Barca remains his the 2022 fi nals in Qatar will be up for before reaching their conclusion in March statement, CONCACAF President Victor grabs. Those fi ve teams will be joined by 2022 — eight months before the World Montagliani said the new format off ered he fi nal round of CONCACAF’s three teams who emerge from two rounds Cup kicks off in Qatar. greater opportunity for World Cup quali- ‘primary goal’ but qualifying tournament for the of preliminary qualifi ers which will in- In the fi nal round, each team plays each fi cation to teams in the region. FIFA World Cup Qatar2022 is volve the remainder of CONCACAF’s 35 other on a home and away basis with “All teams now have the chance to to be expanded from six to eight FIFA member nations. Those preliminary the top three fi nishers qualifying for the compete for direct access to Qatar 2022 now focused on Sadd Tteams, the governing body for football in rounds will get under way in October, World Cup. The fourth-placed team will and dream of playing at a World Cup,” North America, Central America and the with 30 teams drawn into six groups of enter a playoff against a team from a dif- Montagliani said. “We have also respect- Caribbean confi rmed on Monday. fi ve. ferent region. ed the positions of those nations which CONCACAF said in a statement that The six group winners will then meet The qualifying shake-up came after had already mathematically qualifi ed for fi ve teams — Mexico, United States, Costa in three two-legged second round games, the coronavirus pandemic forced can- the Final Round under the previous sys- Rica, Jamaica and Honduras — would au- with the winners of each tie advancing cellation of several FIFA international tem.”

ROUND-UP Dembele, Lenglet and Griezmann return to training arcelona welcomed back three nelle 1 on August 2, the Egyptian Premier injured French players, Ousmane League on August 6 and the South Dembele, Antoine Griezmann African Absa Premiership on August and Clement Lenglet, as they 11. Algeria have not decided whether resumedB training ahead of their Cham- to restart the 2019/2020 season while pions League match against Napoli. The leagues in the Democratic Republic of club did not give any indication that Congo, Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal have the trio would be fi t for the second-leg been cancelled. match against Napoli on August 8. Burundi, a small, densely populated “The good news of the day was to see east African country, was the only one Lenglet and Griezmann doing individual in the continent to continue playing work on the pitch,” said Barcelona on through the pandemic, and crowds were their website as the squad returned after permitted. Tanzania were the fi rst nation a few days of rest following the end of La to resume playing, in mid June, after AFP Setien, but club president Josep Liga. Lenglet suff ered a groin injury on shutting down three months earlier. Madrid Maria Bartomeu insists he is July 19 and Griezmann damaged a muscle sticking with his current coach. in his right leg on July 11. FRANCE KEEPS SPORTS “I have an excellent relation- Dembele initially tore a hamstring STADIUMS CAP AT 5,000, l Sadd coach Xavi ship with Xavi and we talked in November and suff ered a relapse on WITH LOCAL EXCEPTIONS Hernandez says his about many issues. But next year February 3 after returning to training. The French government, the fi rst in “primary goal” is to Quique Setien has a contract and He also trained apart from the main Europe’s leading football nations to allow coach Barcelona where he is the one we hired,” Bartomeu squad yesterday. “Ousmane Dembele has spectators back into grounds, said that heA won a host of trophies, but told Barcelona-based sports also been working on the sidelines and the attendance cap would stay at 5,000 he is focused on his current job. newspaper Mundo Deportivo. following his recovery guidelines,” said competition for places and injuries. He Warnock’s assistants Kevin Blackwell until the end of August, but local offi cials Xavi also said he was “fi ne” after Xavi has been quarantined in Barcelona. made only fi ve substitute appearances and Ronnie Jepson will form part of the would be able to grant exemptions. testing positive for coronavirus. Qatar after catching Covid-19. “I as Real won their 34th Spanish title, new management team at the Riverside Local authorities would be granted “I do not hide, and I have al- feel good, although isolated, log- REAL MADRID STRIKER scoring once, an added time goal against Stadium next season. fl exibility “according to the seating ca- ways said, that my primary ically. And I’m looking forward to MARIANO TESTS POSITIVE FOR Barcelona. pacity of the arena, analysis of the gener- goal, when it happens, is Barca. training soon,” he said. CORONAVIRUS: CLUB MOROCCO FIRST AFRICAN al and local health situation and subject It’s my home and would be a Xavi, who played for Al Sadd Real Madrid forward Mariano has tested WARNOCK TO STAY AT POWERHOUSE TO RESTART LEAGUE to the strict implementation of health dream,” said Xavi in an interview from 2015 to 2019 and then be- positive for coronavirus, the La Liga MIDDLESBROUGH AFTER Morocco has become the fi rst major protocols,” said the sports ministry. published in the Madrid sports came coach, also said he thought champions announced. “After the Cov- CHAMPIONSHIP SURVIVAL African football nation to resume league The ceiling of 5,000 was set when newspaper Marca. Qatar would host a “historic” id-19 tests carried out yesterday on our Neil Warnock has agreed to remain Mid- football with two matches late Monday the coronavirus state of emergency in “But now I am focused on Al World Cup in 2022. “It will be an fi rst team footballers by the Real Madrid dlesbrough manager next season after ending a four-month suspension due to mainland France ended on July 11, but Sadd, excited about the new sea- historic Cup, without a doubt. Medical Services, our player Mariano, helping the Championship club win their the coronavirus pandemic. Three-time the fi nal of the French Cup between Paris son. When Barca comes, in the People are going to be surprised tested positive,” Real said in a statement. battle to avoid relegation. Warnock took African champions Raja Casablanca drew Saint-Germain and Saint-Etienne at the short or long term, it will come,” at what the country is like. In “The player is in perfect health and is over from the sacked Jonathan Woodgate 0-0 away to Difaa el Jadidi while hosts Stade de France took place on Friday in he said, adding that he did not general, there are a lot of preju- complying with the protocol of isolation in June with Middlesbrough in danger of Hassania Agadir edged Raja Beni Mellal front of 2,800 spectators. want to destabilise the current dices and a lot of unfounded at home.” slipping into League One. 1-0 with Mehdi Oubila scoring. Clubs were hoping the limit would coach, Quique Setien. criticism. Qatar has everything: Mariano did not join the Real squad But the 71-year-old won four of his Both Botola Pro 1 matches were played be further relaxed to increase revenue “Above all, we have to re- a small, hospitable and generous as players returned from a post-season eight games in charge to keep the club in behind closed doors in the north African but the government has decided “the spect Quique Setien and I wish country,” he said. break to start training for their Cham- the second tier. “Neil Warnock is to stay kingdom, where there have been 20,887 increase in the spread of the coronavirus the team all the best,” said Xavi. He added that he looked for- pions League last 16 showdown at Man- on as Boro manager and will lead the club cases of Covid-19 and 316 deaths. Raja in the country” rules that out. “Sometimes Barca plays very ward to seeing former Barcelona chester City on August 7. The 26-year- in the 2020/21 season,” Middlesbrough and Difaa remained sixth and eighth in a Local government will have the power well, sometimes well, and some- teammate Lionel Messi play- old has not appeared in that competition said in a statement. Warnock held talks table led by defending champions Wydad to authorise matches with more than times not so well. But I like Set- ing at the World Cup. “I see Leo this season. with Middlesbrough chairman Steve Casablanca while Hassania moved away 5,000 spectators, although spectators ien’s idea, now and with his pre- playing until he wants to. Physi- The Dominican international, who Gibson after their Championship status from the relegation zone and Beni Mellal will be required to wear marks, stay vious teams: to dominate and to cally, he’s fast, strong, a com- returned to Real in 2018 after a success- was secured. He left Cardiff last year but stayed last. seated, be in groups of no more than 10 make a beautiful game.” petitive beast, a physical animal. ful season at Lyon, played little in the Gibson persuaded him to stay at the 17th Other major leagues due to resume and remain separated from other groups Xavi’s name has come up re- I have no doubt that he will play recently fi nished La Liga season due to club of his long managerial career. soon are the Tunisian Ligue Profession- by one seat. peatedly as a replacement for at Qatar 2022,” Xavi said. Gulf Times Wednesday, July 29, 2020 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Pastrnak returns to ice, Paul, coaches ‘grateful’ practises with Bruins for bubble as MLB hits with virus outbreak ‘I KNOW, RIGHT NOW, THIS SEEMS TO BE THE SAFEST WAY POSSIBLE (TO PLAY)”

Chris Paul of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during a regular NBA game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 23, 2019. (TNS) The Boston Bruins star forward David Pastrnak. (TNS)

Reuters gregarious young guy. So it’ll Los Angeles be good to have him back.” Cassidy said he plans on putting Pastrnak with his usu- oston Bruins star al linemates, Patrice Bergeron forward David Pas- and Brad Marchand. Pastrnak trnak, who fi nished tied Washington’s Alexander the shortened regular Ovechkin for the league lead seasonB tied for the NHL lead with 48 goals this season. in goals scored, practised with The Bruins are among the his team on Monday for the top four seeds in the Eastern fi rst time since training camp Conference, meaning they will opened July 13. play the Capitals, Philadelphia The Bruins are among the Flyers and Tampa Bay Light- 12 Eastern Conference teams ning in the opening round- in Toronto — the conference’s robin seeding portion of the hub city for the resumption of playoff qualifying round. the season. Pastrnak skated They have an exhibition game with a smaller group of team- against Columbus on Thurs- mates on July 15, according day, then open the round-rob- to NHL.com, but Monday in tournament against the Fly- marked his fi rst skate with the ers on Sunday. The 24 teams full roster. set to resume the season (the The reason for his absence 12 Western Conference teams since July 15, when he was will play in Edmonton) arrived deemed “unfi t to participate,” in the hub cities Sunday. has not been disclosed, per the Forward Nick Ritchie is also NHL’s Return to Play rules. with the team, having trav- “He looks great,” Bruins elled with the club on Sunday, coach Bruce Cassidy told the but he has yet to be cleared to media. “Probably needs a practice. haircut. Other than that, I ex- Bruins defenceman and pect him to be ready to go, ex- team captain Zdeno Chara cited to be back with his team- was also held out of practice mates. You know Pasta — he Monday as the team has yet to loves the game, he loves being receive the Covid-19 test ad- Reuters being held inside the Walt Dis- ring, which can detect early as I have to: The (NBA) has done one of professionalism — than around his teammates, he’s ministered to the 43-year-old Los Angeles ney World “bubble.” signs of coronavirus. Scanning a so much to keep us safe. And, what we have experienced.” got lots of personality, very on Sunday. “I know, right now, this seems Disney wristband is required to to be honest with you, the guys But what about the 2020-21 to be the safest way possible (to enter facilities around the cam- — the players, staff , everybody NBA season, which is expected hris Paul had just fi n- play),” Paul said. pus, and an electronic device here — has done an unreal job of to be played outside a bubble? ished Monday’s prac- Baseball’s immediate stum- attached to credentials starts just trying to follow protocol.... Training camps are scheduled NHL reports no new Covid-19 positives tice when he was bling block is a stark contrast to beeping when people get within Everybody here is trying to make to open Nov 10, with the regular Reuters from the batch processed informed of the coro- American sports playing inside a six feet of each other. If a player this thing work. And I think season beginning December 1. Los Angeles from July 13-17. navirusC outbreak on the Mi- controlled environment. The 22 leaves the bubble for an excused the players, for sure, should be There is no guarantee a corona- In the hub cities, the 52-person ami Marlins, forcing the post- NBA teams invited to its restart absence such as a family emer- commended for that.” virus vaccine or improved treat- limit for each team — includ- ponement of at least two Major have been at Disney World for gency, they must immediately In recent days, players and ment will be widely available, or he NHL had no posi- ing players and staff — allows League Baseball games and an almost three weeks, with zero quarantine when they return. coaches have been asked to wear that the US will have truly fl at- tive test results for for each of the 24 teams to be emergency call between all 30 positive tests reported among There is even an anonymous masks while speaking during tened its curve by then. Covid-19 among the tested daily. team owners. the 346 players tested daily be- tip line available if somebody virtual media availabilities, now Paul said discussions within 4,256 exams admin- NHL action is scheduled to Paul, the Oklahoma City All- tween July 13 and July 20. on campus is spotted breaking that more people are gather- the NBPA have not yet gotten Tistered last week, the league resume Sunday with qualify- Star point guard and National NBA players and coaches a rule. ing at game and practice sites. that far. announced Monday. ing rounds. Basketball Players Association credit the league’s stringent “When you hear about (base- Bench seats during games will And though baseball is al- More than 800 players were The good news for the NHL president, said the situation protocols for keeping everybody ball) coaches or players coming be spaced out across multiple ready demonstrating how diffi - tested from July 18-25. came on the same day Major reminded him of the NBA in safe and healthy. down with this in their envi- rows, and staff members sitting cult it can be to play profession- The NHL finished Phase 3 — League Baseball was forced March, when a Thunder-Jazz In addition to daily testing, ronment, it makes you think behind the fi rst row are required al sports out in the real world, training camp — of its Return to grapple with at least 13 game was abruptly called right team personnel are required how grateful we have been here to wear masks. the NBA bubble remains intact. to Play plan on Saturday, and members of the Miami Marlins before tipoff because Utah cen- each morning to measure and in the NBA,” Suns coach Monty “What the NBA has done in “Right now, it’s working,” teams arrived in the hub cities testing positive for the virus. tre Rudy Gobert had tested pos- record their temperature, oxy- Williams said. “You think about the environment that we are Houston coach Mike D’Antoni of Edmonton and Toronto on MLB cancelled scheduled itive for Covid-19. gen saturation levels and any those guys and their families, all in is spectacularly brilliant,” said. “You just keep holding Sunday. During Phase 3, which games between the Marlins Paul then echoed the senti- irregular health symptoms in a those guys and whatever long- Philadelphia coach Brett Brown your breath, and we keep trying lasted two weeks, the NHL and Baltimore Orioles as well ment that others across the Or- cellphone app connected to the term eff ects may come because said. “I think it’s elite.... You to do the right thing. We can’t saw two positive tests out of as the New York Yankees and lando campus have expressed: league. of this virus. can’t just, to me, create a bet- get complacent, because it does 6,874. The positive tests came Philadelphia Phillies. He is glad the NBA’s restart is Some are wearing an Oura “But I’ll reiterate it as much ter environment — one of safety, seem really safe.”

SPOTLIGHT Heat’s Herro giving Disney more than his best shot By Ira Winderman done just that, studying versatile scor- bitions, he has displayed an eagerness to Sun Sentinel ing playmakers such as Devin Booker and explore that facet. “Yeah, I defi nitely feel CJ McCollum. “There’s a lot of diff erent comfortable with the ball in my hands,” Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro. (TNS) guys that Coach shows me, examples he said. “I’ve been working all quarantine ittle prodding is needed when it of things I can do, taking extra dribbles, just getting my handle a little stronger. comes to Tyler Herro taking his making that right pass, getting off the My teammate, coaches also trust me with best shot. The 20-year-old rookie ball early, just doing certain things with the ball. So I’m taking my time. I’m still guard is as at home at the 3-point the ball in my hands that I can take from young, learning as much as I can every Lline as any Heat player this side of Dun- diff erent guys’ games,” the No. 13 pick day from coaches and vets.” can Robinson. out of Kentucky in 2019 said. “I’m grate- Just as Herro has gravitated to the But there also is more to his game when ful to be as young as I am. I can learn from Heat’s veterans, the Heat’s veterans have given the opportunity to probe, create, a lot of diff erent people.” gravitated to the precocious Wisconsin explore. Coach Erik Spoelstra exited Saturday native. That proved to be the case in Satur- duly impressed. “He wants to be really good,” forward day’s exhibition scrimmage loss to the “He’s fearless. But you can see how Andre Iguodala, 36, said “He wants to be Utah Jazz at Disney World, when his he’s continuing to develop his skill lev- great for a really long time. So, for me, 8-of-16 shooting on his 20-point night el,” Spoelstra said, as he looked ahead to it’s just trying to help out any way that I included eight 11 attempts inside the arc, Tuesday’s 2 pm. scrimmage fi nale against can. And even if that’s off the court, just including fi ve conversions from short the Memphis Grizzlies, as the league getting him in the right frame of mind, in range. continues to play in the void of fans at the terms of how he interacts, whether it be Factoring in his four assists against the Wide World of Sports complex. “He’s not on the business side or how he approach- Jazz, Herro believes it is another example just a shooter. He’s a driver; he’s a play- es endorsements or how he approaches of moving beyond a limiting tag. maker. He had a couple good looks off the social issues, or anything that might “Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve al- dribble. That makes him dynamic. come his way, just try help hm out.” ways tried to prove that to people and I’m “That playmaking ability … will only It’s that thirst for growth that has im- still doing it to this day,” he said of being continue to get better as he learns how pressed teammates. labelled solely a pure shooter. “So every to read defences and as his body gets “Tyler, he has that built-in type DNA,” time I go out there, I try to bring my A- stronger. The work ethic and develop- Butler, 30, said. “He’s not complacent. game and show people that I can do more ment will continue to happen. He just He has a chip on his shoulder. He knows than just shoot. My teammates do a great grinds every single day.” how great that he can be, and he wants job of setting me up and putting me in the With Jimmy Butler held out of Sat- to be and he’s constantly working at it, right positions to be able to make plays.” urday’s scrimmage, and with Kendrick whether it’s on the fl oor, doing what he’s Given more than a typical rookie sea- Nunn limited in his minutes against the supposed to be doing in the community, son to go to school on the league, amid Jazz in his fi rst Disney appearance, Herro watching fi lm, all of the above. T, he’s the four-month delay created by the new has been playing on the ball more than young, but he really does a great job of coronavirus pandemic, Herro said he has typical. Through two of the three exhi- being a pro’s pro.” Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, July 29, 2020 SPORT

NFL Patriots’ Hightower, Bears’ Goldman join opt-out list Reuters Seattle and Washington. Hightower, 30, an accrued NFL season if they decide to Los Angeles is a three-time Super Bowl champ and opt out. Players without risk can receive two-time Pro Bowl selection who has $150,000, according to the agreement played in 102 games (99 starts) since the approved last week by the league and the ew England Patriots lineback- Patriots made him a fi rst-round pick in NFL Players Association, although the er Dont’a Hightower, safety 2012. He has 505 tackles and 25.5 sacks. voluntary opt-out stipend is solely an Patrick Chung and running “Me and my fi ancee are just more con- advance toward future salary. The sti- back Brandon Bolden are join- cerned with the health of our family than pend is not available to undrafted rook- Ning the list of players opting out of the football — especially the new addition to ies. 2020 season due to the coronavirus, our family,” Hightower, who has a new- Goldman, 26, has 12.5 sacks and 17 multiple outlets reported yesterday. born son, told Rapoport. tackles for loss in 67 career games (63 NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport report- Chung, who turns 33 in August and starts) with the Bears since being a sec- ed Bears starting defensive tackle Ed- whose wife is expecting a baby, report- ond-round pick in 2015. die Goldman informed the team he was edly considered retirement this off sea- Lotulelei, 30, has 13.5 sacks and 32 opting out, while NFL Network’s Mike son before signing a two-year extension TFLs in 108 career games (107 starts) for Garafolo reported Buff alo Bills defensive through 2023 in May. An 11-year veteran, the Bills (2018-19) and Carolina Panthers tackle Star Lotulelei will as well. he has spent 10 seasons with the Patriots (2013-17) since being a fi rst-round pick Houston Texans defensive lineman (2009-12, 2014-19), winning three Super in 2013. Eddie Vanderdoes will also opt out, Ra- Bowls while playing 141 games for the Dallas Cowboys undrafted rookie wide poport reported. club. receiver Stephen Guidry also opted out. The NFL Players Association an- Bolden, 30, has earned two Super Bowl He joins Cowboys cornerback Maurice nounced yesterday that 21 players had rings with New England. In 114 games Canady as the team’s fi rst players to opt tested positive for Covid-19 since re- with the Patriots (2012-17, 2019) and Mi- out. porting for training camps began last ami Dolphins (2018), he has rushed for Broncos defensive tackle Kyle Peko in- week, bringing the total of positive tests 1,071 yards and 11 touchdowns. formed the team he’s not playing due to this off season to 107. The number is ex- Hightower, Chung and Bolden bring the coronavirus this season, and Ravens pected to climb this week, with most the Patriots’ total of players opting out off ensive tackle Andre Smith also re- players reporting to teams on Tuesday to at least six, along with off ensive tackle portedly will sit out. Others include and set to take multiple tests over the Marcus Cannon, fullback Danny Vitale Saints veteran tight end Cole Wick, and next few days before participating in any and off ensive lineman Najee Toran. Titans undrafted rookie off ensive line- activities. Goldman reportedly has health con- man Anthony McKinney. Per the NFLPA, seven teams still have cerns. If he has a medical necessity, he Vanderdoes, 25, was a third-round their infectious disease emergency re- would receive a $350,000 stipend for pick of the Raiders in 2017. He appeared sponse (IDER) plans under review: 2020. in 16 games (13 starts) for Oakland as a Atlanta, Los Angeles Chargers, New Players considered high risk for Cov- rookie and three games with Houston in England, New Orleans, San Francisco, id-19 can earn a $350,000 stipend and 2019. New England Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower.

MLB Vikings blow as infections chief tests positive for virus he Minnesota Vikings of the broader community is said on Monday the paramount.” team’s head athletic Sugarman meanwhile said he trainer and infection hoped his case would serve as Tcontrol off icer had tested posi- a warning. Padres take opening tive for Covid-19. “It is clear this virus does The Vikings said in a state- not discriminate,” he said ment that Eric Sugarman in a statement. “It should tested positive for the corona- continue to be taken seriously. virus along with members of I encourage people to take the his family over the weekend. necessary precautions and “Eric and his family are cur- follow guidelines that have rently in self-quarantine and been established nationally series from D-backs providing daily updates on and locally.” their well-being,” the Vikings Meanwhile the NFL’s chief said. The team said that the medical off icer Allen Sills said Vikings had begun sanitising on Monday that the league the team’s facility and notify- was confident protocols put in ing any personnel who had place would allow the league been in close contact with to react swiftly if an outbreak Sugarman. occurred. Sills was talking as with third victory “Eric has not had recent Major League Baseball was contact with players, and no forced to postpone multiple FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOUR GAMES THIS SEASON, THE PADRES’ STARTING additional cases within the games after an outbreak Vikings front off ice have been involving the Miami Marlins. PITCHER DIDN’T MAKE IT FIVE INNINGS AND ALLOWED MORE THAN ONE RUN identified at this time,” the “We’ve said all along that we team added. expected there would be posi- By Kevin Acee “The health and safety tive cases among players and The San Diego Union-Tribune of every member of our personnel,” Sills told ESPN on organisation, our fans and Monday.

he Padres scored fi ve runs before making an out in the fourth inning on Mon- COMMENT day at Petco Park. TIn the process, they ran an- other Diamondbacks starter from the game early and then rode Marlins’ coronavirus the bullpen to a 6-2 victory that clinched the teams’ season-open- ing series. outbreak is not After Trent Grisham’s 411-foot home run put the Padres up 1-0 in the fi rst inning, the Diamondbacks ‘nightmare’: Manfred scored two runs off Joey Lucchesi in the third to take a 2-1 lead. The fi rst six Padres batters in the fourth reached base, the sixth being Fernando Tatis Jr., whose triple to the gap in left-centre fi eld cleared the loaded bases. Luke Weaver fi nally retired a Pa- dres batter, striking out Grisham before being pulled. With their newfound selectiv- ity and overall eff ectiveness at the plate, the Padres sent the fi nal three Diamondbacks starters in the series to the clubhouse before the fi fth inning. Robbie Ray lasted just 3 2/3 in- Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred. (Reuters) nings on Friday, and Zac Gallen went four innings on Sunday. Reuters why we have the expanded ros- For the fi rst time in four games Los Angeles ters. That’s why we have the this season, the Padres’ start- expanded pools of additional ing pitcher didn’t make it fi ve in- players. We think we can keep nings and allowed more than one ajor League Base- people safe and continue to run. On a day when Cal Quantrill ball commissioner play. “We expected we were was ready and Lucchesi was on a Rob Manfred be- going to have positives at some short leash, manager Jayce Tin- lieves the Miami point in time. I remain opti- gler pulled his starter with two MMarlins’ coronavirus outbreak mistic that the protocols are outs and a runner on second in the San Diego Padres pitcher Joey Lucchesi throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park in San Diego on Monday. (TNS) won’t derail the season. strong enough, that it will al- fourth inning. At least 11 Marlins players low us to continue to play even Quantrill (1-0) got the fi nal out represented the game-tying run bow curveball and then a cutter. and two coaches have tested through an outbreak like this of that inning and worked a score- — called out on strikes, looking The goose egg came with a little Four more Marlins players test positive positive for Covid-19 since the and complete our season.” less fi fth before being replaced by at Joakim Soria’s fastball up in the defensive wizardry and luck in the season opened on Friday. The Manfred said that if the re- Tim Hill to start the sixth. The zone. fourth, though. our more members breviated 2020 season. situation grew severe enough sults of the Marlins’ remain- lefty, making his second appear- Matt Chapman wasn’t putting Justin Upton hit a leadoff sin- of the virus-stricken The Marlins’ games against that Miami’s scheduled home ing coronavirus tests are at ance in two days, retired the side together the most inspiring at gle, and a Tommy La Stella single Miami Marlins have the Baltimore Orioles sched- opener on Monday and the an “acceptable” level, Miami in order. bats in these fi rst three games. set up runners on the corners with tested positive for uled for Monday and Tuesday scheduled game on Tuesday, will play at Baltimore today as Luis Perdomo then pitched two He showed us his violent power no outs. FCovid-19, US media reported have both been postponed. both against the Baltimore Ori- scheduled. However, he didn’t scoreless innings to get the ball with an opposite fi eld triple in Eager to get a generally speedy yesterday. The Philadelphia Phillies, who oles, were postponed earlier specify what is considered “ac- to Craig Stammen for the ninth. the opener, but followed that up Upton across home, Albert Pujols The Athletic website and ESPN played the Marlins on Sunday, Monday. ceptable.” Stammen needed six pitches to with a hitless streak that spanned made quick contact with Bassitt’s both reported the additional also saw Monday’s game The Philadelphia Phillies, Regarding what scenario close out the game. eight plate appearances with three sinker. Chapman picked it up on Miami cases, taking the total against the New York Yankees who played host to the Marlins potentially could shut down The only team in the National strikeouts. a hop and rifl ed it to catcher Sean number of Marlins players postponed. Reports said that over the weekend, also post- all action, either short term League with a 3-1 record, the Pa- Chapman’s bat came alive Murphy. Upton wasn’t even mid- and coaches who have been Tuesday’s game between the poned their scheduled Monday or long term, Manfred said, dres will leave this evening for a on Monday, along with contin- way down the line, and was tagged infected with the coronavirus Phillies and the Yankees had home game against the New “A team losing a number of six-game road trip to San Fran- ued fl ashes of defensive fl air. He out as he stumbled. to 17. There was no immediate also been shelved. The Orioles, York Yankees as they awaited players, making it completely cisco and Colorado. singled in his fi rst at bat, then Jason Castro loaded the bases confirmation of the new cases who travelled to Miami for the results of their latest round non-competitive would be knocked an RBI double in the third with a fi rst-pitch single. But the by either the Marlins or Major their two-game series against of Covid-19 tests. something we would have to A’S TAKE SERIES FROM ANGELS inning. threat was nullifi ed when Andrel- League Baseball. the Marlins without playing “I don’t put this in the night- address and have to think about The A’s took three-of-four from Chris Bassitt tossed four score- ton Simmons hit a soft grounder The Miami outbreak has a game, are due to host the mare category,” Manfred said making a change. Whether that the Los Angeles Angels with a less innings, striking out fi ve bat- back to Bassitt, who fl ipped it for rocked baseball less than a Florida franchise back in Mary- on Monday on MLB Network. was shutting down the part of a 3-0 win on Monday afternoon. ters along the way — including the force out at home and Murphy week after the start of its ab- land today. AFP “We built the protocols to allow season, the whole season, that It ended with Mike Trout — who Mike Trout twice swinging a rain- to fi rst for the double play. us to continue to play. That’s depends on the circumstances. Gulf Times Wednesday, July 29, 2020 7 SPORT

GOLF Australian Open postponed because of Covid-19

AFP oldest professional golf tourna- el restrictions and quarantine Australian players currently While most of the country has Villegas’ 22-month-old daughter passes away Sydney ment, in November. measures, that means it would overseas. successfully contained the epi- But with the country battling be almost impossible to assem- “These are very challenging demic, Melbourne is struggling Colombian golfer Camilo Vil- “The PGA Tour is deeply sad- a surge in Covid-19 cases and ble a world-class fi eld in Mel- times for all Australians and the to control a second wave of the legas’ 22-month-old daughter dened having lost a member of his year’s Australian the game’s stars facing major bourne. uncertainty the global pandemic virus, closing nearly all travel died on Sunday after battling our family, Mia Villegas,” Tour Open Golf Champion- tournaments moved to later in “Unfortunately, it is not a has caused makes it very diffi cult into the city and surrounding tumours in her brain and spine, Commissioner Jay Monahan ship was postponed 2020, Golf Australia operations simple matter of whether or not to be defi nitive in relation to fu- Victoria state. the PGA Tour said. said in a statement on Monday. yesterday because of manager Simon Brookhouse we could co-ordinate any inter- ture dates at this time,” Brook- Last year’s Australian Open in Villegas, a four-time winner on “We grieve with Camilo and Tthe coronavirus pandemic but said they would instead look at national stars to visit,” Brook- house said. Sydney was plagued by smoke the PGA Tour, confirmed last Maria and our thoughts and offi cials said they were hop- a “January to March 2021 win- house said. Australia closed its borders to from unprecedented bushfi res. month that his daughter Mia prayers are with the Villegas ing to restage the event early in dow”. “The uncertainty of the quar- most international travellers in It was won by Australia’s Matt had undergone surgery after family.” 2021. The US Masters, originally antine requirements for any March to curb the spread of Cov- Jones. being diagnosed in early March Villegas, 38, has not played Melbourne’s Kingston Heath scheduled for April, will now be players coming from outside id-19, although exceptions have The postponement means and was being treated at the since the Korn Ferry Challenge Golf Club had been due to host played in Augusta from Novem- Australia needed to be consid- been made for some professional 2020 will be the fi rst year since Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in at TPC Sawgrass last month the 105th edition of the historic ber 12-15. ered,” he said, noting that the athletes who agree to quarantine World War II in which the Aus- Miami. where he finished tied for 33rd. championship, the world’s fi fth Coupled with Covid-19 trav- restrictions would also impact for 14 days. tralian Open will not be held.

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Coric hits out at Kyrgios for Adria WTA Pan Pacifi c Tour virus criticism

AFP “But ok, it’s his style, that’s Zagreb how he functions, I have no problem with that neither does it bother me on personal orna Coric has fi red level.” Open scrapped back at Nick Kyrgios Kyrgios also lashed “selfi sh” for slamming those Alexander Zverev after he was who took part in No- spotted partying despite vow- vakB Djokovic’s ill-fated Adria ing to self-isolate following Tour tennis exhibition, calling Djokovic’s Adria Tour. the opinionated Australian “a “I agree it is not good, Zver- general after the battle”. ev did a bad thing, but I don’t Croat Coric, 23, was one of see a need to criticise fellow over coronavirus four players to test positive players in such a way. for coronavirus at the Bal- “I wouldn’t do it, but again kans tournament last month, - it’s Kyrgios,” the 23-year-old WTA TOUR IS SCHEDULED TO RESTART ON AUGUST 3 IN PALERMO, ITALY alongside Djokovic, the world Croat added. number one’s fellow Ser- Coric, world number 33, said bian Viktor Troicki and 19th- he was “pretty shocked” by his ranked Grigor Dimitrov. positive test and added that Kyrgios has been highly in the following two weeks he critical of anyone who played had no symptoms at all. in the tournament and brand- He said he exchanged text ed the decision to hold it at all messages with Djokovic af- “boneheaded”. The 25-year- ter the Adria Tour. “As far as I old also took Djokovic and know he also didn’t have them other top players to task for (symptoms).” their “stupidity” and risky be- Djokovic resumed train- haviour. ing earlier this month after “I read what he wrote, but testing negative. The Serbian I simply don’t care since he apologised for the event where likes to be a ‘general after a players embraced across the battle’,” Coric told the Jutarnji net and later parties together List newspaper Monday when at a nightclub. Kyrgios and asked to comment Kyrgios’ Zverev’s spat led to the pair criticism. both dropping out of an exhi- “If someone else was teach- bition event in Berlin earlier ing lessons I would have maybe this month, in which they were understood, but Kyrgios... It’s due to play alongside world somehow not realistic. number three Dominic Thiem.

Last year, Naomi Osaka delighted the hometown crowd by winning the Pan Pacific Open in Osaka, where she was born. Scots to meet World Cup conquerors AFP Her victory was all the sweeter Tokyo German Kerber looks to rekindle success with coach Beltz for occurring in the city of Os- Japan in eight nation tournament aka, where the charismatic star Angelique Kerber has parted title since picking up her third year of her career in 2016 when was born. The Pan Pacifi c Open Scotland will get the chance and Fiji in one group, with the he WTA Pan Pacifi c ways with Dieter Kindlmann and Grand Slam at Wimbledon in she won the Australian Open is only the latest sports event to to avenge their defeat by latter two fixtures at Twicken- Open in Japan, one of rehired Torben Beltz as 2018 under then coach Wim and U.S. Open, finished runner- fall by the wayside as the coro- 2019 Rugby World Cup hosts ham and the venue of the first Asia’s top women’s ten- her coach, the former world Fissette. up at the WTA Finals, and rose to navirus pandemic continues to Japan when the Six Nations game still to be decided. nis tournaments, has number one’s management Kerber, currently ranked 21st No. 1 in the world. rage. Last week, the ATP and countries along with the Wales are believed to want Tbeen scrapped for the fi rst time team have said, restoring a part- in the world, has had multiple Kerber split with Beltz the fol- WTA announced all internation- Japanese and crowd-pleasing to play their autumn Tests in because of the coronavirus, or- nership that helped the German stints with Beltz since they lowing year. The WTA Tour is set al tennis tournaments in China, Fiji compete in an eight nation London. ganisers said yesterday. win two first started working when she to restart on August 3 in Italy af- including the Shanghai Masters tournament from November In the other pool, Scotland The cancellation of the event, of her three Grand Slam titles. turned professional in 2003. ter a five-month halt due to the and WTA Finals, would be can- 14 to December 5, British will host Japan and France at which was scheduled for No- The 32-year-old has not won a She had the most successful Covid-19 pandemic. (Reuters) celled because of the virus. media reported yesterday. Murrayfield and face Italy in vember and was won by Japan’s The move came after China The final matches of the Six Rome. Naomi Osaka last year, follows said it would not stage most in- Nations - Italy v Ireland and The matches will be played last week’s axing of all inter- ternational sports events for the the full round of final games over four consecutive national tennis tournaments in rest of 2020, in a bid to keep the which were postponed due to weekends with finals day on China for 2020. pandemic in check. The glo- the lockdown over the coro- December 5, when the winner The Pan Pacifi c’s demise ends bal tennis season has been at a navirus pandemic in March of Pool A would face the win- a continuous run for the tourna- standstill since mid-March due - will be played on October ner of Pool B, second in Pool ment since 1984 and leaves Asia to the virus outbreak worldwide, 24 and 31 according to a pro- A would meet second in Pool with only one Women’s Tennis and is struggling to restart. posed plan by World Rugby. B, and third playing third and Association event, October’s The Cincinnati Open and US The usual tours by southern fourth against fourth. Korea Open, on this year’s coro- Open are still scheduled to take hemisphere heavyweights to Off icial confirmation of the navirus-wrecked schedule. place back-to-back in New York the northern hemisphere will schedule and the venues is It is also another blow for from August 20, despite several not take place as the Rugby expected in August. sport in Japan after the Tokyo leading fi gures in men’s tennis Championship is likely to take England’s Premiership Rugby Olympics, originally due to start casting doubts over the hard- place after the Six Nations have already voiced their last week, were postponed for a court Grand Slam. finishes. discontent with the dates and year over Covid-19. The WTA tour is scheduled to The Six Nations and Cham- the French League (LNR) are “We were trying to fi nd ways restart on August 3 in Palermo, pionship dates are due to be sure to follow suit. (to hold the Pan Pacifi c Open), Italy, making it the fi rst event on voted on by World Rugby Both have been critical of the such as having no audience or Angelique Kerber with Torben Beltz the reshuffl ed calendar. Council tomorrow. way in which the talks about limiting the number of specta- Organisers of the Korea Open, The eight nation tournament the rescheduled calendar tors,” organisers said in a state- Asia’s last remaining tourna- in Europe will be divided into have been conducted and the ment. “But we reached the tough all involved, they added. ers hoping the delay would allow thanks to hometown hero Osaka, ment on this year’s WTA calen- two pools of four teams. Premiership say seven week- conclusion that we have to can- The tournament had already them to hold the event. who became the fi rst Japanese dar, told AFP they were “moni- According to the reports, Eng- ends of international matches cel the tournament given the dif- been postponed from Septem- Last year’s Pan Pacifi c Open player to win the tournament toring the situation” but had not land will face Wales, Ireland is too many. (AFP) fi culty of ensuring the safety” of ber to November, with organis- drew outsize attention in Japan since Kimiko Date in 1995. made any decision to cancel.

Wednesday, July 29, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Hamilton says ‘misinterpreted’ over Triple Crown winner Ebraz heads Gates anti-vax post Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has said he was “misinterpreted” after sharing a post on social media that accused Bill Gates of lying about a coronavirus vaccine. Qatar International Stakes entries Hamilton said he wanted to “clarify (his) thoughts” By Sports Reporter on the issue after the video posted to his 18.3 million Doha Instagram followers attracted critical comments. The post has since been deleted. In the footage, Gates, the billionaire philanthropist n a year full of challenges, the Arabian who has pledged $250 million to fighting the corona- Racing Organisation (ARO) was de- virus, is questioned about the possible side-eff ects of lighted that Qatar Racing and Eques- a vaccine. trian Club (QREC) had confi rmed that A comment accompanying the original post accuses Ithe Qatar International Stakes would go Gates of telling lies – something that Hamilton said ahead as part of the Qatar Goodwood Festi- he failed to spot. val 2020. The festival itself began yesterday “I’ve noticed some comments on my earlier post and will conclude on Saturday. around the coronavirus vaccine, and want to clarify The most valuable race of their calendar, my thoughts on it, as I understand why they might the one-mile contest for Purebred Arabians, have been misinterpreted,” the British Mercedes will be held on Saturday in front of a crowd driver wrote in a subsequent post on Instagram. of invited racegoers. “Firstly, I hadn’t actually seen the comment attached At the top of the 12-strong entry list re- so that is totally my fault and I have a lot of respect ceived for the Group 1 PA race is His High- for the charity work Bill Gates does. I also want to ness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani’s be clear that I’m not against a vaccine and no doubt Ebraz, returning, like 2017 winner His High- it will be important in the fight against coronavirus, ness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani’s and I’m hopeful for its development to help save Tayf, for a fourth consecutive year. lives.” The £200,000 event is the fi rst leg of the However, Hamilton said the video showed “there is Doha Triple Crown, the Qatar Arabian World still a lot of uncertainty about the side eff ects (of a Cup at ParisLongchamp on Arc weekend vaccine) most importantly and how it is going to be the second leg and His Highness The Amir funded”. Sword, highlight of Qatar’s annual February Last week Gates was forced to deny conspiracy Festival, concluding the challenge. theories accusing him of creating the coronavirus In February this year, on the back of his outbreak, for reasons varying from biological terror- 2019 wins at Goodwood and ParisLong- His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani’s Ebraz won the Qatar International Stakes (Group 1 PA) last year, before grabbing the ism to making money from selling vaccines. champ, Ebraz won a record-breaking third Qatar Arabian World Cup in Paris and His Highness The Amir Sword in Doha to bag the Doha Triple Crown. A video that said Gates wanted “to eliminate 15 His Highness The Amir Sword, and in do- percent of the population” through vaccination and ing so claimed the Doha Triple Crown. His which QREC has been able to realise through racing at the Qatar Goodwood Festival will of UK Arabian racing at this most testing electronic microchips has racked up millions of views place in Arabian racing history is more than coordination with ARO and the British remain special as ever”. time. Though our season has been pushed on YouTube. deserved. Horseracing Authority (BHA) and we do ap- ARO Finance and Commercial Direc- back in the calendar due to the current cir- “It’s a bad combination of pandemic and social media Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) preciate their co-operation. tor Genny Haynes is looking forward to the cumstances, we are all delighted to have the and people looking for a very simple explanation,” CEO Nasser bin Sherida al-Kaabi said: “This year’s edition will be exceptional race saying: “We are most grateful for the opportunity to showcase our sport with a Gates said during a CNN Town Hall interview. “Supporting and Promoting Arabian rac- as it comes during the Covid-19 pandemic continued support by Qatar Racing and top-level race in front of a crowd eager for (AFP) ing at this diffi cult time is an achievement and the related new challenges. Therefore, Equestrian Club and Goodwood racecourse live racing.”

MOTORSPORT ‘Beating Ferrari would be big boost for McLaren’ Lando Norris has enjoyed teasing his McLaren team- Ferrari ‘not competitive’ mate Carlos Sainz about how the Ferrari-bound Spaniard could be joining a slower team next season, but the Briton is also serious. Norris believes McLaren have a real chance of finish- ing ahead of Ferrari in the in F1: chairman Elkann Formula One constructors’ championship this season. If they do, the 20-year-old The reality is that our car is not competitive. You’ve seen it on the track and you’ll see it again’ Briton has no doubt about how much it would mean for Reuters morale. London McLaren are third overall after three races while Ferrari, last year’s runners-up, are fifth. isfi ring Ferrari have “We have an opportunity complete confi dence to beat Ferrari. We have an in team boss Mattia opportunity to fight them Binotto but cannot throughout the season,” Mexpect to return to winning ways Norris told reporters ahead of in Formula One before 2022, Sunday’s British Grand Prix at company chairman John Elkann Silverstone. said yesterday. “I think it would mean a lot to The team are Formula One’s us as a team to take the next oldest and most successful but step and beat a team that’s the current car is too slow and been front-running for a few they are fi fth overall after the years, for many years, to show season’s fi rst three races. the progress we have made. “The reality is that our car is “It would give us a bit more of not competitive. You’ve seen that drive to continue on and it on the track and you’ll see it beat them into the future.” again,” Elkann said in an inter- McLaren are the sport’s sec- view with the Gazzetta dello ond most successful team in Sport. terms of wins and titles after “Today we are laying the foun- Ferrari but have not won a dations to be competitive and get race since 2012. They are back back to winning when the rules on the up, however, with Nor- change in 2022. I am sure of this,” ris fourth overall after three he added. races and taking his first F1 Ferrari were runners-up last podium in Austria this month. season but Mercedes have won “We still have our upgrade an unprecedented six successive to come. Ferrari seem to be drivers’ and constructors’ ti- Ferrari drivers Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc (L) are lagging way behind Mercedes’ leader Lewis Hamilton. in a diff icult position at the tles and are favourites to make it moment with what they are seven this year after a dominant Elkann said the 2020 car had Schumacher only came after a principals in six seasons but El- “He was at Ferrari with Sebastian Vettel, who is leaving trying to do and achieve,” start. structural weaknesses that had long ‘fast’. kann said Binotto was fully sup- (former team boss Jean) Todt at the end of this year, Elkann said Norris. “They had their Sweeping technical and sport- been around for some time in Schumacher joined Ferrari in ported. “Complete confi dence,” and Schumi, he knows how to said it was harder to rebuild with big upgrades, or a lot of them, ing rule changes that were due aerodynamics and vehicle dy- 1996 and had to wait until 2000 he declared. win and from next year he will be those who had already won than for Budapest so it is looking to come in next year have been namics, and had lost engine for his fi rst title with them, the “Also because Mattia Binotto, working with two young drivers those yet to succeed. Ferrari have more hopeful than we were postponed to 2022 due to the power. Elkann asked ‘suff ering’ third of his career, to end a 21- who has been at the helm for a as ambitious as us.” Monegasque Charles Leclerc on a expecting because they are Covid-19 pandemic, with teams fans to be patient, recalling that year drought for the Maranello- year, has all the competencies Asked whether Ferrari were long-term contract with Span- performing nowhere near continuing to use this year’s cars Ferrari’s golden era with seven based team. Ferrari, who last and characteristics to start off a right not to renew the contract iard Carlos Sainz joining from what we are used to.” next year. times world champion Michael won a title in 2008, have had four new winning cycle. of four-times world champion McLaren next year.

FOCUS Grossschartner springs surprise as cycling returns AFP dro Valverde in third, and 10sec to a halt in mid-March, with and latex gloves. It made for 16 municipal authorities in the Burgos, Spain ahead of Belgian favourite Rem- the last top-level race the Paris- a nervy aff air bereft of hand- Savona province, near Italy’s co Evenepoel in 10th. Nice, which saw the fi nal stage shakes, with organisers of the original coronavirus hot-spot in Grossschartner said the windy cancelled. Yesterday Israel SN upcoming Grand Tours watching Lombardy, had registered oppo- fter almost fi ve months conditions in the open fi elds pulled out riders Itamar Einhorn with interest. The race culmi- sition to the race crossing their without competi- around Burgos had suited him and Alex Dowsett as a precaution nates on Saturday and continues territory. The new route also tive cycling due to the and left him fresh for the fi nal as they had been in contact with with a fl at run Wednesday likely adds a 5km climb, 30km from coronavirus pandemic, steep kilometre. “I like the wind an asymptomatic but coronavi- to suit the sprinters. home to an already ultra-tough theA Tour of Burgos marked the a lot,” he said, after fi nishing in rus positive teammate. race that is often decided on the resumption of the season yester- 3hrs 40min and 21sec. “It wasn’t This year’s Tour of Burgos SAN REMO REROUTED AFTER Poggia climb outside San Remo. day with Austria’s Felix Grosss- so hot and that was good for me.” features a strong peloton, with LOCAL OPPOSITION The race is one of fi ve so called chartner winning the opening The winner also said he had riders preparing for a hectic run The Milan-San Remo one-day ‘monuments’, very long one-day stage in Spain. been heartened to see specta- of prestigious events, with the cycling classic scheduled for Au- races that involve up to seven The 26-year-old Bora-hans- tors in the pretty pink-tiled and three Grand Tours to be held gust 8 has been rerouted after lo- hours in the saddle. grohe rider left rivals trailing whitewashed villages along the in quick succession due to the cal government opposition to its The 111th edition was origi- on the fi nal climb, his late burst route. “We saw some spectators Covid-19 outbreak.h itinerary, stretching the already nally scheduled for mid-March toward the hilltop observatory along the route and at the fi nish At the blustery awards cer- lengthy race to an epic 299km. and was won last season by above Burgos saw him fi nish and this was good.” emony there were no fans, but The Italian sports daily La French one-day specialist Julian Austria’s Felix Grossschartner celebrates winning the opening stage eight seconds clear of Alejan- Professional cycling ground plenty of hand gel, face masks Gazzetta dello Sport said 13 of Alaphilippe. of the Vuelta a Burgos yesterday.