SPORT SPORT | 10 SPORT | 11 De Kock I miss racing growing into every day: F1 world champion captaincy Hamilton

WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL 2020 QOC promotes healthy living through activities on social media

QNA – DOHA every Thursday and Friday for In another collective 5km, 10km and 21km, along effort, many Team stars The Qatar Olympic Committee with 2020 Qatar Olympic from different sport disci- (QOC) is providing multiple Committee E-Tournament plines are providing online - activities and sports events on (FIFA & Pro Evolution 20), as tips and training sessions to its social media platforms to well as “ Think with Qatar help public people to maintain encourage the public and team” program which offers fitness during the home followers to exercise sports questions to the public on quarantine. activities at home, abiding by events organized by the QOC QOC’s social media plat- quarantine measures, and on its social media platforms, forms also provide online short adopting social distancing ultimately the winners in these video clips to encourage the guidelines. events shall get valuable public and followers to maintain Through this initiative, QOC prizes. self-physical fitness. is encouraging the individual At local media level, the Al In another scene, the diet sport as the best method to Kass TV’s broadcaster Mishaal expert, Mohammed Al Ahraq maintain the health of the indi- Shakir delivers show at 11 pm presents a 55-minute show viduals and society physically titled “Live with Qatar team” (Stay Health with Team Qatar) and psychologically. during the holy month of via the QOC’s social media plat- Among QOC’s vital events Ramadan, the show hosts to focus light on the careers first day has hosted t h e who focused light on his sports forms to highlight topics and activities is Team Qatar athlete from Qatar team on of Qatar team athletes and their Qatari rally driver and sport career and achievements in encouraging the child nutrition Virtual Run which takes place every Wednesday and Friday achievements. The show on its shooter, Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah both Rally and shooting sports. system. Olympic Games chief rules out further delay

REUTERS – TOKYO A woman wearing a protective face mask, walks past the Olympic rings Takaya said that this option in front of the Japan Olympics Museum, in Tokyo, in this file photo. had been mentioned but that Tokyo 2020 President Yoshiro no concrete plans had been Mori said that the Olympic made. Games, already postponed to “(But)... due to the impact 2021, would be “scrapped” if of coronavirus, the situation The Olympics would be they could not take place then, next year will be completely much more valuable according to an interview different,” he said. than any Olympics in published yesterday. “(So)...we have to review the past if we could The International Olympic key areas, including the go ahead with it after Committee and the Japanese ceremonies.” winning this battle. We government last month post- Tokyo 2020 and the IOC are have to believe this poned the Games until July 2021 still assessing how much rear- because of the impact of the ranging the Games will cost. otherwise our hard work coronavirus outbreak. The budget was set at and efforts will not be With the epidemic’s $12.6bn before the post- rewarded: Tokyo 2020 worldwide infection rate ponement and Japanese media President Yoshiro Mori climbing and experts suggesting reportsreports have said the delay may a vaccine is still a long way off, addadd a further ¥300bn ($2.8bn).($2.8bn). questions are being asked about TakayaTakaya saisaidd extra costs whether the huge setpiece event wwereere still beibeingng finalisedfinalised,, might need to be delayed addingadding thatthat organisersorganisers hadhad further. nevernever mentionementionedd “t“thishis concon-- “No. In that case, the cretecrete numbernumber ooff 300 bbillionillion Olympics will be scrapped,” yen.”yen.” Mori said in the interview with ThereThere have been momorere Japanese sports daily Nikkan thanhan 3 millionmillion documenteddocumented Sports, when asked if the Games “The Olympics would be emphasised organisers were During the interview, Mori coronaviruscoronavirus cases glo-glo- could be postponed again until much more valuable than any focusing on next year. also suggested the Olympics bally,bally, withwith 2022. Olympics in the past if we could “New dates for the Tokyo and Paralympics might share moremore thanthan However the former prime go ahead with it after winning 2020 Games have been set and opening and closing cere- 210,000210,000 minister remained confident the this battle. We have to believe our mission is to deliver the monies instead of holding their deaths.deaths. they would go ahead in 2021. this otherwise our hard work Games next year,” he told a usual separate ones. Mori said “We have delayed the and efforts will not be news briefing. this would cut costs, though the Olympics until next summer rewarded.” Asked about Mori’s Mori “mentioned this idea is further complicated by after we will have won the comments, Tokyo 2020 comment in his own thoughts,” tickets already being sold for battle,” he was quoted as saying. spokesman Masa Takaya Takaya added. all four ceremonies. UEFA set May 25 UK wants Premier League French football, deadline for leagues back 'as soon as possible' rugby seasons off until September REUTERS – MANCHESTER Football has ground to a REUTERS – LONDON lockdown measures are in place in the halt in all major leagues in until May 7, when the AFP – PARIS European football leagues have and none have yet The UK government’s cabinet minister government is set to review the current been given a May 25 deadline to to resume. But UEFA is keen responsible for sport said he has been restrictions in place. French professional sports leagues including inform governing body UEFA of to start planning for next in talks with the Premier League with But three London clubs, Arsenal, football and rugby cannot restart before their plans to restart their season’s European club the aim of getting football back on the West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur, September because of coronavirus restric- domestic competitions. field as quickly as possible. along with Brighton, have already re- tions, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said tournaments. Football has ground to a halt Speaking at a parliamentary ques- opened their training grounds, yesterday. in all major leagues in Europe and tions session, Oliver Dowden, Culture, allowing limited return to training Philippe made the announcement as part none have yet to resume. But Media and Sport Secretary, said: “I per- while observing social distancing of a gradual plan to lift the lockdown in UEFA is keen to start planning for 2020/21 on the basis of sporting sonally have been in talks with the protocols. . next season’s European club merit in the 2019/20 domestic Premier League with a view to getting Those clubs say that players will He said no event where more than 5,000 tournaments. competitions,” he added. football up and running as soon as pos- only be using outdoor field facilities for people gather would be allowed until at least In a letter to the 55 federations The sport has been brought to sible in order to support the whole individual work and will not take part September. in UEFA, President Aleksander a standstill by the pandemic, with football community. in team activities. The news is also likely to affect the Tour Ceferin wrote that any league the Euro 2020 competition post- “But of course, any such moves Premier League clubs will hold de France, due to embark from Nice on cancelling its season would need poned until next year and both would have to be consistent with public their latest conference call on Friday August 29 and where huge crowds would to produce a list of teams that national leagues and continental health guidance,” he said. as they continue to evaluate various be expected to gather at the start and finish have qualified for European club club competitions on hold. The Premier League, which has options for finishing the season but a lines. competitions, also by May 25. UEFA has made it clear that it been on hold since March 13, remains re-start of matches is not expected until “The 2019-2020 professional sports “National Associations and/or wants its member associations to suspended until at least April 30 while June at the earliest. leagues, notably football, cannot yet restart,” Leagues should be in a position to complete their domestic seasons Philippe told a televised address to French communicate to UEFA by 25 May rather than abandon them. It also parliament at the National Assembly. 2020 the planned restart of their hopes to finish the Champions “I would like to be precise here, no large domestic competitions including League and Europa League sports gathering or any gathering of 5,000 the date of restart and the relevant competitions. people or more, needing the permission of competition format,” Ceferin While leagues such as the the local police and long prior arrangements, wrote. German Bundesliga, Italian Serie will be allowed before September,” Philippe “In the event that a domestic A and English Premier League said. competition is to be prematurely say they want to finish their The announcement appears to scupper terminated for legitimate seasons, the Dutch Eredivisie cut the plans of French football’s top division reasons... UEFA would require the short its season on Friday and Ligue 1 to start again in June with players National Association to explain by said there would be no title being recalled as of May 11. 25 May 2020 the special circum- awarded and no relegations or France is currently under a nationwide stances justifying such premature promotions - a decision strongly lockdown until May 11 and around 23,000 termination and to select clubs for criticised by some of the affected people have died so far of coronavirus linked the UEFA club competitions clubs. A general view of the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, Britain. illnesses in the country. WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL 2020 SPORT 09 A $500,000 fund set to Clubs open doors for training as support PL's ‘Project Restart’ gathers pace athletes REUTERS – MONACO AFP – LONDON The Premier League has been officials who will meet on a weekly suspended since March 13 basis with government and public Major decisions taken World Athletics and the Inter- Tottenham became the latest due to the coronavirus. health representatives. national Athletics Foundation Premier League club to open their Regular virus testing of all by English clubs during (IAF) have come together to doors to players yesterday as part Resuming matches on June players and key staff would be a launch a $500,000 fund to of the “Project Restart” plan to crucial part of the restart plan and 8 is reportedly among the COVID-19 pandemic help athletes in financial finish the English top-flight season. the cost of those tests would be met hardship due to the COVID-19 The Premier League has been ideas set to be discussed centrally by the Premier League, pandemic, the global suspended since March 13 due to when the Premier League’s according to reports. REUTERS – LONDON governing body said yesterday. the coronavirus crisis but there is key stakeholders meet on All clubs will be working to the The coronavirus outbreak growing belief the campaign can Friday. same protocols in terms of training Following is a list of decisions taken by English Premier has brought sporting events be concluded over the summer sessions, which will be designed League clubs since the COVID-19 pandemic suspended worldwide to a halt, leading to months. Tottenham have followed to minimise the risk of infection. the season in March. a loss of income for athletes. Resuming matches on June 8 Arsenal, West Ham and Matches would almost cer- Some clubs used the government’s Coronavirus World Athletics president is reportedly among the ideas set Brighton in allowing players tainly be played behind closed Job Retention Scheme where employers can claim Sebastian Coe will chair a to be discussed when the Premier doors and clubs have reportedly 80% of furloughed employees’ monthly wage costs, to use facilities for individual group assessing applications League’s key stakeholders meet been told that only approved sta- up to £2,500 ($3,102) per month. for assistance. The group will on Friday. sessions that conform to diums could be used, with higher All 20 teams are set to discuss plans for a potential meet this week and also look That would require full training social-distancing guidelines. health certification than normal. restart in June via a conference call on May 1. into how to raise additional to begin by May 18 and Premier The Professional Footballers’ ARSENAL funds. League clubs are starting to work view to getting football up and Association are involved in discus-  Players and coaching staff have agreed a 12.5% salary “I am in constant contact towards that date by giving players running as soon as possible” but sions and have raised the issue of cut which came into effect in April with “agreed with athletes around the world the option of using their training stressed any moves would have to players not wanting to be put at amounts” set to be repaid if specific targets linked to and I know that many are grounds. be consistent with public health risk by returning too soon. success on the pitch were met in the seasons ahead. experiencing financial Tottenham have followed guidance. “We have reiterated that  Will continue paying employees and casual workers hardship as a consequence of Arsenal, West Ham and Brighton The clubs remain committed players are not just footballers but full salaries until the end of May. the shutdown of most inter- in allowing players to use facilities to ending the 2019/20 campaign partners, fathers, mothers, sons  Reopened London Colney training facility to first national sports competition in for individual sessions that and there are compelling financial and daughters who share the same team players for individual sessions on April 27 but con- the last two months,” Coe said conform to social-distancing and legal reasons to play the health concerns as everyone else tinued to observe social distancing protocols. in a statement. guidelines. remaining 92 games. during this pandemic,” said PFA ASTON VILLA “Our professional athletes “No more than one player per The Premier League’s medical deputy chief executive Bobby  Players, first team coaches and senior management rely on prize money as part of pitch will be permitted at any one adviser, Mark Gillett, and the Barnes. have agreed to defer 25% of wages for four months, their income and we’re time to undertakeunderrtake oonon-pitchpittch FootballFootbaalll Associ-Associ “WeWe hahaveave bbeeneen asassuredsured of tthehe after which a review will take place. mindful that our competition exercise, withwith onlyonnly a rerestrictedestricteed ation’sation’’s headhead ofof intentionsintentions of all that thetherere wwouldould  Villa Park repurposed to become a clinic providing season, on both the track and number of tthehe squadsquuaad cocomingminng toto ththehe medicine,medii cine, be nnoo reresumptionsumption unless guar-guar- maternity care to support an NHS hospital trust. road, is being severely training centreentre eacheachh day,”day,” a TTot-ot- CharlotteC h arlotte anteesantees ooff ssafetyafety coucouldld bebe given to BOURNEMOUTH impacted by the pandemic,” tenham statementatement ssaid.aidd. Cowie,Coo wie, thethe plplayers.”ayers.” The return of football  The club’s chief executive Neill Blake, first team he said. “Each playerplayeerr willwill area r e remainsremains controversial,controversial, witwithh Britain technical director Richard Hughes, manager Eddie Howe The Diamond League, the travel independentlydependdeently under-undder - stillstill babattlingttling the pandemic. and his assistant Jason Tindall have taken voluntary elite track and field compe- and arrive atat ththee fafacilitiesccilities stoodstood to WWatfordatforrd chchiefief exexecutiveecutive ScScottott pay cuts. tition, was forced to postpone already dressedesses d in bebe ppartarrt ooff DuxburyDuxbury ssaid:aid: “Foot“Football,ball, fforor me  Staff were furloughed for at least three weeks but events in seven cities training wwearear a groupgrooup now,non w, jjustust needs to be the club reversed their decision on April 14 after Premier scheduled between April and before returningeturniinng ofo f put to one side.side. I ffeeleel League clubs were criticised for applying to the gov- June due to the outbreak. home immediatelymmediateely uncomfortableuncomfortable at ernment scheme. The next scheduled meet after they hhaveave coconcludedoncluded thisthis stastagege even BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION is in London on July 4 followed their session.”on.” AfterAAfter weekswew ekks talkingtalking aaboutbout  Senior management took voluntary three-month by Monaco on July 10. of lockdownwn in Britain,Britain, mimin-n- footballfootball as a pay cuts to help protect staff jobs. isters believeve thethe rreturneturn of narrative,narrative,  Will pay matchday staff until the end of the season. football wwouldouo ldd becauseb ecause  Amex Stadium converted into a drive-through boost therethere areare COVID-19 testing centre to assist the NHS. NBA sets morale. peoplepeople  Opened training ground for individual training ses- dyingdying sions on April 27. guidelines Culturee everyevery BURNLEY secretaryy day.day.  Chairman Mike Garlick said the club could run out for reopening Olivere r of money by August if the season does not resume by Dowden whwhoo then. is responsiblesible  Club did not furlough staff but will reconsider their facilities for sport, saidaid hee position if the season does not resume by July. REUTERS – TORONTO had been inin tatalkslkks CHELSEA with the PremierPremieer  First team did not take a pay cut or deferrals but the The National Basketball Asso- League “withwith a club urged them to continue supporting charitable ciation announced yesterday causes. it is modifying guidance on  Full-time staff continue to be paid 100% of their player training, which could wages. allow team facilities to open as CRYSTAL PALACE early as May 8 in US states Brighton players collect Korean FA Cup to  Chairman Steve Parish said all employees would easing stay-at-home orders put receive full pay during the pandemic and they would in place to fight the novel coro- kick off on May 9 not be placed on sick pay for issues related to COVID-19. navirus outbreak. £264,000 for charities LIVERPOOL The opening of facilities  Furloughed some of their non-playing staff but would be the first step towards REUTERS – BRIGHTON suffering as a result of the REUTERS – SEOUL reversed the decision and apologised after it drew sharp restarting the league, which has crisis,” Brighton striker criticism from the British government and been shuttered since March 11 Brighton & Hove Albion’s Glenn Murray said in a The Korean FA Cup will kick off on May supporters. after a Utah Jazz player tested players and directors have statement. 9, a day after the top-flight K-League  Expansion of their Anfield Road stand has been post- positive for the coronavirus. come together to collect “The people of Brighton & begins its 2020 season which was poned by a year due to delays caused by lockdown “The purpose of these £263,939 ($328,472) which will Hove and across Sussex have delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, measures. changes is to allow for safe and be donated to assist charities always been there for this Yonhap news agency reported MANCHESTER CITY controlled environments for that have been hit hard by the football club going back a long yesterday.  Confirmed they would not make use of the govern- players to train in states that COVID-19 pandemic, the way... We want to show the The tournament, originally ment’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. allow them to do so, and to Premier League club said same support we’ve had from scheduled to begin on March 14, will be  Committed to paying casual matchday staff for the create a process for identifying yesterday. our community, week in, week held without spectators in attendance rest of the season. safe training options for The club said Sussex char- out for so long.” during the early rounds, the agency MANCHESTER UNITED players located in other ities for hospices, sick children, Earlier this month, Brighton quoted the Korean Football Association  Informed staff that they would be paid in full during states,” the NBA said in a domestic abuse victims, boss Graham Potter and senior (KFA) as saying. the pandemic and confirmed club would not make use statement. bereavement care, food banks members of the club’s man- The first round will feature 32 semi- of the furlough scheme. The changes would allow and more would benefit from agement took a pay cut for pro and amateur clubs from the lower NEWCASTLE UNITED teams to make facilities the fund and the club has also three months to ease the divisions. The 16 winners will meet six  Non-playing staff on temporary leave but they will available to players for asked staff and fans to donate financial burden on the club more teams from the K3 League and 10 be paid their full salaries until the end of April. workouts or injury treatment if they are in a position to do during the crisis. clubs from the K-League 2 in the second NORWICH CITY on a voluntary basis. so. Professional soccer in round from June 6.  Furloughed staff unable to work but will receive For teams based in states The club’s players donated England has been suspended The quarter-finals will be held July usual salary in full with club topping up money received or cities where government a “significant portion” of their indefinitely since mid-March. 29 and the semi-finals are scheduled for from the government scheme. restrictions remain in place, the April wages while club The British government’s October 28. SHEFFIELD UNITED NBA will work with them to chairman Tony Bloom and lockdown measures are in The date of the two-legged final will  Players agreed to defer part of their salaries and find alternative arrangement. other directors also place at least until May 7, when be decided later, the report said, adding bonuses until the end of the year. As part of the guidelines no contributed. the government is set to review that fixtures could change depending on  Manager Chris Wilder, his senior coaching staff and more than four players will be “There’s a collective the restrictions. the situation with the outbreak which CEO Stephen Bettis, agreed to defer part of their pay permitted at a facility at any desire from everyone within Brighton were 15th in the has infected more than 10,000 people and bonuses for six months. one time and no coaches can the squad and the club to do standings before the league was and killed nearly 250 people in the SOUTHAMPTON participate. something for local charities suspended. country.  First Premier League club to announce that their players and coaching staff will defer part of their salaries.  Staff not already deferring part of their salaries will receive full pay until at least June 30. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR  Imposed a 20% pay cut on 550 non-playing staff in April and May and planned to use the government’s furlough scheme where appropriate.  Reversed their decision to furlough staff on April 13 amid criticism from supporters spearheaded by the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST). WATFORD  Players agreed a wage deferral but details of the deal are private.  Club has opened doors to the Watford General Hos- pital and are offering beds, food and training areas to support NHS staff. WEST HAM UNITED  Second Premier League club to announce wage deferrals for players. WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS Newly appointed Croatian Head coach of Dinamo Zagreb Igor Jovicevic (second left), French defender Kevin Theophile (left), Croatian defender  Chairman Jeff Shi confirmed all staff would be paid Marin Leovac (third left) and Austrian defender Emir Dilaver (right) attend the first training session of Dinamo Zagreb in small groups of 5 while the club was closed due to the pandemic. players after the break due to the coronavirus crisis in Zagreb, Croatia, on Monday after Croatia started easing virus lockdown. 10 SPORT WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL 2020 Fate of Hundred in balance as English chiefs meet AFP - LONDON

England cricket chief Tom Harrison says the controversial Hundred has become “even more important” due to the economic damage from coronavirus ahead of a meeting that will decide the fate of the new competition. Last week, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) further delayed the start of the 2020 season until July 1 at the earliest but said the inaugural Hundred would be on the agenda this ’s holds the trophy at the Taj today. hotel, the day after India defeated in the ICC The new 100-balls-per-side format, to be Cricket World Cup final, in Mumbai on April 3, 2011. played by eight franchises rather than English cricket’s established 18 first-class counties, is meant to start in July. ECB officials have long insisted it will attract Sachin reveals a new audience vital to safeguarding cricket’s future, with some matches set to be broadcast live on terrestrial television. interesting But public health restrictions, the problems of bringing in overseas stars and the issue of A file photo of players set to appear in the first edition of The Hundred competition. launch costs at a time of economic crisis mean McGrath anecdote a delay appears inevitable. But Harrison, one of the key movers behind £58m, against an income of £51m. Not playing “We’ll look at how the situation impacts the the competition, said current conditions made the Hundred could potentially save the ECB mil- Hundred, which was envisaged as being a tour- it more important than ever. lions at a time when it has launched a £61m from '99 Test nament that enabled us to widen the audience “If anything this crisis and the implications, virus aid package for the domestic game. for the game,” said Harrison. long-term or medium-term, mean the case for But Harrison is convinced it will make “With an in-stadia environment, with inter- the Hundred is even more important,” he said. money in the long run -- and help preserve the IANS - NEW DELHI national players, it’s going to be very, very “So I don’t think this in any way dilutes the existing county set-up. difficult.” case for the Hundred, it absolutely accelerates “It will help us achieve one of our priorities, Former India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar spoke Many voices within English cricket have it and makes it something cricket needs to get which is keeping the lights on through the regarding an interesting story from the 1999 Adelaide been opposed to the Hundred from the outset, behind.” network -- making sure county cricket is really Test featuring former speedster Glenn arguing there is no space for a new format in Even before the pandemic, the ECB had itself healthy and strong long, long into the future,” McGrath. Tendulkar revealed how he managed to an already congested calendar. forecast the Hundred would make a loss in its he said. win a game of chess on the field against the player They say many of the ECB’s aims could be first five seasons. “And it will help broaden the audience for of McGrath’s quality. achieved with better support for the existing Costs in the first year, including the £1.3m the game. There will be a huge clamour for The ‘Master Blaster’ explained how he first Blast. ($1.6m) paid to each county, were estimated at audience coming out of this crisis, for all sport. remained calm and patient when McGrath was in full flow but cut loose the next morning and put pressure back on the bowler. “In 1999, in our first match at Adelaide... the first Decision to innings there was hardly 40 minutes to go in the day’s play. Glenn McGrath comes and bowls five or six ban Akmal De Kock growing into maiden overs to me,” Tendulkar told Sports during a video chat that was tweeted by BCCI. “That was their strategy... ‘let’s frustrate Sachin. for 3 years 70 per cent of the ball should go to (wicket-keeper) South Africa captaincy and 10 per cent close to his bat. If he is right, plays or chases deliveries outside the off-stump we REUTERS - CAPE TOWN have succeeded’. scheduled to tour the West Indies “So I kept leaving as many deliveries as possible. says Raja for two Test matches and five There were some good deliveries where I was beaten Quinton de Kock (pictured) says Twenty20 internationals in late as well. But I said ‘well bowled and now go back and IANS - he has eased into the South African I want to get better, to July and August, but that, and the bowl again as I am still here’,” he added. captaincy in limited-overs formats start scoring big hundreds World Cup in October, is subject to “I remember hitting him for a few boundaries the Former cricketer and feels the Twenty20 side is on the COVID-19 pandemic. next morning because it was a fresh day and we both Ramiz Raja has welcomed the right track for this year’s World for the team, that is the “I’m not sure what will happen,pp were at the same level. They had a strategy but I knew PCBs decision to ban Umar Cup in Australia. most important thing to everyevery countrycountry hhasas ttheirheir reregu-gu- theirt strategy was to frustrate me. Akmal on corruption charges, De Kock has taken over get going now: Quinton lationslations ttheyhey must “I thought this evening I am patient but tomorrow saying the batsman has offi- leading the side from Faf du adhereadhere to. It is morningm I am gonna play the way I want. You won’t cially made it to the “list of Plessis in white-ball cricket, and de Kock justjust a matter of controlc how I want to play but I would control where idiots” and that people like had a baptism of fire with three waiting fforor youy are going to bowl.” him should be put in jail. one-day internationals and three thisthis to ggoo past Tendulkar also had a word of advice for current Umar has been banned by Twenty20 matches each against us to beat them 3-00 wwasas a andand thenthen wwee cricketerc as to how to keep themselves mentally fit the England and Australia in the last highlight.” can gegett on duringd lockdown. from all forms of cricket for few months. De Kock has emergedd as SouthSouth withwith thethe gamegame Due to coronavirus pandemic, all cricket across three years after pleading They secured a 3-0 ODI series Africa’s most accomplishedmplished again,” De KockKock thet world has been postponed for the time being and guilty to failing to report victory over the touring Australians batsman in all forms of ththee ggameame said.said. TendulkarT stated sometimes it is good to stay away match-fixing approaches. and De Kock feels there has been in the past two seasons and theythey ffrom the game for a brief period. “So, Umar Akmal officially progress. have become heavily reliantant on hhisis “First of all I would like to tell them to recharge makes it to the list of idiots! “I took it pretty slowly, I am still runs. theirt respective batteries. It is important to have some Banned for three years. What trying to get a feel of how to go He admits, however, thatthat hhisis offo time. When you are playing regularly it is not easy a waste of a talent! It’s high about things. I have learnt quite a goal is to convert moree ggoodood tot be at the top of your game. It is good to move away time that Pakistan moved bit and I didn’t do too badly,” he starts into hundreds. fromf cricket for a while to recharge your batteries,” towards passing a legislative said in audio released by Cricket “I played decently, ththereere heh said. law against match fixing. South Africa yesterday. was a time when I was startingarting Behind bars is where such jack “It was more about taking it to get grumpy at not convertingerting a**** belong! Otherwise brave step-by-step, not just throwing out my starts into big scores, espe-espe- for more!!” Raza said in a tweet. what I think straight away to the cially in the Test series againstgainst Vaughan bats for PCB informed about the team. We are busy rebuilding as a England,” De Kock said. ban imposed on Akmal on limited overs team, especially “I want to get better,er, to shortened county Monday on Twitter and said: ODIs. Twenty20 I think we know start scoring big hundredsds for “Umar Akmal handed three- what is going on. the team, that is the mmostost year ban from all cricket by “The series against Australia... important thing to get goingoing season without Chairman of the Disciplinary we had quite a young team and now.” Panel Mr Justice (retired) they had a powerhouse side, so for South Africa areare Fazal-e-Miran Chauhan.” overseas players Umar, who has played 16 Tests, 121 ODIs and 84 T20Is for Pakistan, had earlier stated REUTERS - LONDON in an interview that he was Lynn says T20 World Cup could offered money to skip matches The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) should against India. He had also consider a shortened County Championship season revealed that he was asked to without overseas players for two years to offset the leave two deliveries in a match be a ‘logistical nightmare’ financial impact of the coronavirus outbreak, former by the bookies. England skipper Michael Vaughan said. “I was once offered REUTERS - MELBOURNE Roberts conceded last week that the entire The ECB has extended its suspension of the pro- $200,000 for leaving two international schedule in 2020 is up in fessional game until July 1 due to the COVID-19 pan- deliveries. I was also offered Hard-hitting Australian batsman Chris the air due to the virus. demic, which means nine rounds of County Cham- to skip matches against India,” Lynn (pictured) has poured cold water Cancelling or postponing the T20 pionship fixtures will be lost. Akmal was quoted as saying on the nation’s hopes of hosting the World Cup would put further pressure on Counties face losses of up to £85m ($105.5m) if by GeoTV. Twenty20 World Cup in October and CA’s finances, with the board having the season is scrapped altogether, the BBC said citing Umar’s brother Kamran November, saying it would be a “logistical already lost tens of millions of dollars due a report from financial advisory firm Oakwell Sports. reacted to the three-year ban, nightmare” due to the coronavirus to the shutdown. “You have to look at every area where you can saying that he was shocked to pandemic. Players are expected to be hit with pay save a few quid,” Vaughan, who captained Eng- hear the decision. The International Cricket Council, the cuts when CA releases their annual list of land’s Test team between 2003 and 2008, told the “We will reach out to every sport’s global governing body, said last national contracts this week, having BBC. platform for justice and will week it was still planning for the tour- already postponed them by a month. “Traditionalists will go mad at this, but these definitely exercise our right to nament according to its Oct. 18 - Nov. 15 Lynn, who is of Brisbane Heat are unprecedented times. In the next two years, appeal,” Kamran was quoted schedule, despite a global shutdown of in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) T20 could you look at not having overseas players for as saying by GeoTv, adding sport to contain COVID-19. tournament, said domestic players should the four-day game?” that there are instances when Lynn, who has played 18 T20 interna- be prepared to take pay cuts to ensure the Some counties, including Yorkshire and Essex, punishments of lower degrees tionals, said he could not see it going ahead due to the BBL could go ahead in the home summer. have cancelled or deferred contracts of overseas were allotted for similar complications of hosting international teams in the “No-one likes to take pay cuts but I think for the lon- players. The virus has infected three million people charges. 16-side tournament. gevity of the game you’ve got to be realistic,” said the globally causing more than 205,000 deaths. “It is incomprehensible “My personal opinion is no,” he told local broadcaster 30-year-old. Vaughan said reducing the number of fixtures that why Umar Akmal is Fox Sports yesterday. “Obviously we’re praying for it to “It is a tough one, but if it means that the BBL is no in the County Championship from 14 to 10 would penalised so severely,” he go ahead but we’ve just got to play what’s in front of us. longer going ahead because the players want to take full do no harm in the short term. objected, adding that a “Having teams come from all over the world is going pay then I believe that’s ridiculous. So, yes, we have to “Four-day cricket costs the game... it is a cost detailed decision is awaited in to be a logistical nightmare. come to an understanding to make sure the BBL goes that could, just for a couple of years, be worth this regard. “Hotels, travel, keeping the teams in the hotels for a ahead.” reducing,” he added. “If you reduced it from 14 Umar had not requested number of weeks before the tournament is going to be In his last active match, Lynn smashed an unbeaten to 10 games, you’d miss the games but I don’t for a hearing before the Anti- tough work moving forward.” 113 off 55 balls for Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise think it would be a huge problem for a couple of Corruption Tribunal after he Cricket Australia has said it is planning for the tour- in March. Lynn hit eight sixes in his years.” was charged. nament to start in October but Chief Executive Kevin feisty knock. WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL 2020 SPORT 11

MotoGP boss I miss racing every day: Hamilton ‘optimistic’ AFP — LONDON session of the year was just of July hours away when the season- World champion Lewis opening Australian Grand Prix Formula One extends Hamilton (pictured) said was scrapped in March, trig- season start Formula One’s coronavirus gering a succession of When you live and shutdown period for suspension had left a “big void” cancellations. AFP — PARIS in his life as the sport waits to F1 bosses are now hoping to breathe something see if it can return in July. start the delayed season at the you love, when second time MotoGP chief Carmelo Hamilton, who began go- Austrian Grand Prix on July 5, it’s gone there’s Ezpeleta said he was hopeful karting as a child and has risen while fans will be barred from the REUTERS — LONDON The season is on hold, with the season would start in July through the ranks of motor- British Grand Prix on July 19. definitely a big void. the sport targeting an opening after having to cancel or sport, said he misses racing However, Hamilton said the But there’s always A factory shutdown for Formula double-header in Austria in July, postpone the opening eight dailydaily aafterfter tthehe F1 season ffailedailed vvirusirus shutdownshutdown -- whichwhich hashas One teams and engine makers without spectators if the gov- races due to the coronavirus to ggetet underway.underway. aallll bbutut cclosedlosed positivespositive to take from has been extended for a second ernment gives the green light. pandemic. “I miss racing every downdown proprofes-fes- thesethese titimes: Lewis time to a period of 63 consec- A revised calendar has yet “Right now we are opti- day.day. TThishis is thethe ffirstirst time sionalsional sports HamiltonHamilto utive days due to the COVID-19 to be issued, and there are still mistic to make a season since I was eighteight that and dradra-- pandemic, the governing FIA considerable difficulties to between July and November,” I haven’thaven’t startedstarted a maticallymatically said yesterday. overcome, with much of Europe Ezpeleta, the CEO of MotoGP season,” thethe BritishBritish It said in a statement that its remaining in lockdown and promoter Dorna, told broad- MercedesMercedes ddriverriver slowed economicec activity -- World Motor Sport Council had some countries banning mass casters BT Sport. posted on waswas not allall bad news. approved an extension, running events until September. “If it’s possible then we Instagram.Instagram. “Right“Right now, we all have potentially into June depending Five of the seven British- will be able to but it depends “When“When you livelive timetime in tthehe world to reflect on on when teams started their clo- based teams have furloughed on the situation because we andand bbreathereathe sometsomethinghing life,life, our ddecisions,ec our goals, the sures, from the previous 35 employees under a government need to take care about dif- youyou love, when it’s gone peoplepeople we have around us, our days. scheme where employers can ferent things,” he added. there’sthere’s ddefinitelyefinitely a bbigig careers,”careers,” ssaid Hamilton. The shutdown, first claim for 80% of employees’ Ezpeleta said the two void. But there’s always “Today,“Today we see clearer skies announced in March when the usual monthly wage costs, up other options being considered positivespositives to take from allall over thethe world, less animals sport was hoping to race in May, to $3,100 per month. are commencing in September these times.”times.” beingbeing slslaughtereda for our was initially for 21 days but that The FIA said teams could as well as starting later in the TheThe firstfirst pleasure simplys because our was extended on April 7. seek permission 50 days into year. practicep racti ce demandsdemands area much lower and Teams normally take most their shutdown period for a Six of the of the season’s everyoneeveryone isis staying in. “Let’s not of August off, but that period has maximum of 10 personnel to be 12 races not to be postponed comecome backback the same as we went now been freed up to give allowed to work remotely on or cancelled are set to be held into thisthis ttough time, let’s come Formula One room to long lead time projects. in Europe. out oof it with better reschedule a string of races The shutdown for power Ezpeleta said if the cam- knowledgeknowl of our world, postponed due to the new unit manufacturers was paign is to start then the races changingchang our personal coronavirus. extended from 35 to 49 days. will be held behind closed choiceschoichoic and habits.” doors. Carlin fully supports Engines off: Cancelled iconic Grand double-header plan Prix dents Monaco’s prestige PARIS AP — post-war economic hardship in REUTERS — LONDON Lewis Hamilton (centre) celebrates after 1949, ’51, ’53 and ’54. Formula One’s raucous circus winning the pole position for Monaco UNIQUE RACE Formula Two team owner won’t be coming on May 24 for GP, in this May 25, 2019 file photo. Monaco’s race forms mot- Trevor Carlin fully supports the iconic Monaco Grand Prix. orsport’s Triple Crown along plans to start the Formula One The race was cancelled on with the Indianapolis 500 and season with back-to-back March 19 because of the coro- 24 Hours Le Mans. Fernando races in Austria followed by a navirus outbreak, with the jewel Alonso wants to complete the closed-doors double at Brit- in F1's crown removed for the triple. ain’s Silverstone circuit. first time in 66 years. The Monaco GP stands alone “What I heard is this Red It’s a blow to the tiny princi- in F1 because it has a day off. Bull Ring double-header, Sil- pality’s huge prestige and its Practice sessions start a day verstone double-header plan finances. Lost revenue comes to earlier so fans can enjoy the and they would try to incor- about $150m when you factor Friday off. porate F2 and F3 into that,” in early May’s Historic Monaco Drivers appreciate much- Carlin said. GP - an event featuring old needed practicality as much “I think it’s a great idea if racing cars and also cancelled. as the prestige. Formula One its achievable. That’s the Monaco’s F1 race has been champion Lewis Hamilton and bottom line. Hopefully it is,” part of the principality’s image rising star Charles Leclerc can added the Briton, whose teams since 1929. Ask people what walk to the track since they also compete in Formula Monaco represents and answers are residents. Leclerc, who is Three and the US IndyCar can range from Grace Kelly and from Monaco, lives a stone’s series. Prince Rainier to the casino and millionaires crammed together seven minutes over the Medi- Because Monaco is a street throw from the harbor and The plan is for 15-18 F1 fast cars, when roaring engines with cap-wearing F1 fans from terranean sea from Nice. circuit, all the crash barriers and first watched the race as a races between July and set off a weekend of revelry and around the world. Stands are The first 10 races of 22 this stands are installed in the weeks small boy. December, pandemic excess. packed, and so are balconies and season have been postponed or before the race: 45 days to build It starts on a short straight permitting. In glitzy Monaco, being seen the hill which slopes sharply up canceled. Some could be and 25 days to dismantle. alongside the harbor, then cuts “If everyone’s just had two can seem as important as to Prince Albert’s fairytale-like rescheduled but Monaco, staged “The epidemic was gaining a right and goes sharply upward months off they should be actually seeing the race. More palace. every year since 1955, won’t be. ground,” Boeri told newspaper past Monaco’s glitzy yacht club fresh and raring to go,” said than 200,000 people flock there Everyone wants to sample NO CHOICE Nice-Matin. before winding past the casino, Carlin, whose past racers from Thursday-Sunday, and the elixir of an event which tran- Michel Boeri, the president “We had no choice.” The cutting through a nearby tunnel include F1 champions nearly half won’t watch the race. scends motorsport. of Monaco’s Automobile Club, 80% of tickets already sold have and curving back down to the Sebastian Vettel and Nico Monaco’s Institute for sta- FAMOUS FACES said it was not realistic to hold to be refunded. harbor. Rosberg as well as Lando tistics and economic studies esti- Famed members of the film the race later this year. Seasonal workers also Cars then zoom past the Norris, Carlos Sainz and Daniel mates that 40% of people industry, like George Lucas and “Try asking 1,500 volunteers missed out, because the bars and iconic La Rascasse. The Ricciardo. present during the Grand Prix Michael Fassbender, often come. to put their whole of August on restaurants dotted around upmarket bar’s balcony perches “When people are “don’t have any visual access.” The race shares a sunny spot- hold or businesses, some who tightly-woven streets need them over the track, offering fans a moaning about three (race Up to 65,000 people attend light on the French Riviera with are far from here, to come and to cope with huge demand. unique view of cars flinging weekends) on the trot, I don’t on one day, all within a sardine- the nearby Cannes Film Festival. build the circuit later on,” Boeri The Monaco GP was can- around the corner and acceler- get it.” can radius which sees Some hop in by helicopter - said. “It was impossible.” celed from 1938-47 and during ating upward past them. Andre Agassi, the American tennis star, turns 50

REUTERS — LONDON adding an Olympic gold at rival Sampras in the 1999 Wim- Atlanta 1996. bledon final but he ended the Heading into his maiden Grand HIGHS AND LOWS year ranked number one after Slam final on the red clay of Agassi’s marriage to Shields beating compatriot Todd Martin Roland Garros in 1990, Andre in 1997 and his loss of form due to win the US Open. Agassi said a prayer. to wrist injuries meant he Playing his best tennis, One of the game’s greatest played only a handful of Agassi captured the Australian entertainers, Agassi had sought matches that year, as his Open three times between divine intervention not for ranking dropped to a dismal 141. 2000 and 2003 to take his major success that had eluded It was a period, as he can- career Grand Slam tally to eight, him since he exploded onto the Andre Agassi didly wrote in his autobiog- overtaking John McEnroe and scene in the 1980s but for his holds the trophy raphy, during which he used the Mats Wilander. unkempt, shoulder-length after his win over recreational drug crystal meth Agassi’s rise coincided with mane to remain undisturbed. Rainer Schuettler of and lied to the governing body his blossoming romance with The Las Vegas showman during the of men’s tennis to escape a ban. Germany’s former women’s with a big forehand was har- men’s final at the No action was taken by the ATP number one Steffi Graf, who he bouring a bigger secret -- the Australian Open in at the time. married in 2001 and has two wig that he had been wearing Melbourne, in this Following a spell on the children with. for years to hide his thinning January 26, 2003 second-tier Challenger circuit At 33 Agassi became the hairline had come apart a day file photo. to rediscover his form, a more oldest man to hold the sport’s earlier and had been hastily mature Agassi climbed back up top ranking, a record that has repaired with several pins. the rankings and in 1999 -- since been broken by Roger “My wig was like a chain having gone through a divorce Federer, and won his 60th ATP and the ridiculously long strands -- sealed a career Grand Slam crown in 2005 in Los Angeles. in three colours like an iron ball widening and, in dozens of dia- younger rival Pete Sampras, shunning the event from 1988- by winning the French Open. A chronic back injury meant which hung on it,” Agassi, who lects and languages, ask how who had opened his Grand Slam 1990 due to its all-white dress Life had come full circle and his flamboyant career would turns 50 today, wrote in his auto- Andre Agassi’s hair has fallen account at the 1990 US Open. code. the success moved Agassi into end a year later at the US Open. biography “Open”, originally from his head.” But the player who drew a He went on to lift the US the elite club comprising Fred Agassi briefly coached Ser- published in 2009. Agassi’s anxiety threw him new generation of fans to tennis Open title in 1994 and, after Perry, Don Budge, Rod Laver bia’s Novak Djokovic from 2017 “With each leap I imagine it off his game and handed Ecua- with his rebellious nature and shaving his head on the advice and Roy Emerson as only the to early 2018 but he now spends falling into the sand... I imagine dor’s Andres Gomez his only flashy style was just getting of his then actress girlfriend fifth man to win all four majors. much of his time involved in edu- millions of spectators move major title, while the American started, capturing his first major Brooke Shields, the Australian Success eluded the cational initiatives and his char- closer to their TV sets, their eyes would end the year trailing at Wimbledon in 1992 after Open crown in 1995 before American when he lost to great itable foundation in Nevada.