Sport

TUESDAY 20 APRIL 2021 I'mI' only human, says Formula One star HamiltonH after recovery from rare error We’reW only human, so just that bit of a mistake was one to learnle from. There was only one dry line and I guess I was in a bitb too much of a hurry to get by everyone.

LewisLLe Hamilton Sport |08

IPL: CSK 188/9 in 20 overs (F du Plessis 33, C Sakariya 3/36) beat RR 143/9 in 20 overs (J Buttler 49, M Ali 3/7) by 45 runs UK Sports Minister says government will act Mourinho sacked as UEFA leads backlash against Tottenham manager breakaway Super League REUTERS — LONDON Jose Mourinho was sacked as REUTERS — MANCHESTER manager of Tottenham Hotspur yesterday six days before the European soccer’s governing League Cup final. body UEFA leads a backlash Tottenham confirmed in a against plans for a breakaway statement that the Portuguese had Super League yesterday, saying left along with his coaching staff. associated players and clubs “The Club can today announce could be banned from its that Jose Mourinho and his coaching competitions - including three staff Joao Sacramento, Nuno Santos, of this season’s Champions Carlos Lalin and Giovanni Cerra League semi-finalists. have been relieved of their duties,” Addressing an emergency it said. meeting the day after 12 of The news comes the morning Europe’s top clubs announced after the London club said it was the new league, UEFA Pres- one of 12 clubs forming a breakaway ident Aleksander Ceferin European Super League. described the Super League Former Porto, Chelsea, Inter plan as a “spit in the face” of Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester all football lovers. United manager Mourinho had been “As soon as possible they in charge of 86 games at the club, (the clubs) and the players have having replaced Mauricio to be banned from all our com- Pochettino in November 2019. petitions,” he added. Having taken charge with the Three of the 12 clubs in the club in 14th place in the Premier new league - Real Madrid, League, they finished in sixth spot. Manchester City and Chelsea His first full season in charge - could be withdrawn from this began well with the club beating season’s Champions League Manchester United and Manchester semi-finals, UEFA executive A Tottenham Hotspur fan holds an City and topping the table in committee member Jesper anti Super League banner outside the December. But they have since Moller told Danish broadcaster Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre as slumped. DR. twelve of Europe’s top football clubs A 2-2 draw against Everton on “The clubs must go, I launch a breakaway Super League. Friday left Tottenham in seventh expect that to happen on placed and they have won only won Friday. Then we have to find of their last five league games, all out how to finish (this sea- Britain will do everything Super League went against the Super League comes at a time but ending their top-four hopes. son’s) Champions League possible to block the league core of the European football when the global pandemic has They also suffered an embar- tournament,” said Moller, and is examining options to pyramid in which all clubs can We stand united against the accelerated the instability in rassing Europa League last-16 exit who is the head of the Danish penalise the six English teams dream of playing in the Cham- disgraceful and self-serving the existing European football against Dinamo Zagreb, losing the FA. that have signed up, Sports pions League. proposal for a select few clubs economic model,” the clubs away leg 3-0 having won the first The renegade clubs - six Minister Oliver Dowden said “We stand united against said. leg 2-0. He did lead Tottenham to from the English Premier yesterday. the disgraceful and self- in Europe motivated by greed. In the past, breakaway the League Cup final, however, League plus three each from Prime Minister Boris serving proposal for a select We are all united against this threats have led to compro- which takes place in six days time Spain and Italy - will be guar- Johnson was quick to object few clubs in Europe motivated nonsense of a project. mises between UEFA and the against Manchester City. anteed places in the new com- to the plans on Sunday, and by greed. We are all united big clubs in the Champions Tottenham chairman Daniel petition in contrast to the Dowden said the government against this nonsense of a Aleksander Ceferin League, over the format and Levy, who picked Mourinho Champions League, which would seek to block the project,” he added. UEFA President revenue distribution. because of his career of winning sil- requires teams to qualify via project if football authorities “As previously announced FOUNDING MEMBERS verware, said on Monday things had their domestic leagues. could not. by (soccer’s world governing As well as Manchester not worked out as they had US investment bank JP “If they can’t act, we will,” body) FIFA and the six (conti- plans to expand the Champions United, owned by the envisaged. Morgan is financing the new he told parliament. nental) federations, the League from 32 to 36 teams American Glazer family, US- “Jose and his coaching staff league, providing a €3.5bn “We will put everything on players... in teams that might and create more group stage owned clubs have been with us through some of ($4.2bn) grant to the founding the table to prevent this from play in the closed league will games before the knockout Liverpool and Arsenal, Abu- our most challenging times as a clubs to spend on infra- happening.” be banned from playing in the rounds, a move designed to Dhabi backed Manchester City, club,” he said. structure and recovery from ‘DISGRACEFUL World Cup and Euros. appease the top clubs. Russian-owned Chelsea, and “Jose is a true professional who the impact of the COVID-19 PROPOSAL’ “We’re still assessing with Ceferin said the new Tottenham Hotspur have showed enormous resilience during pandemic. UEFA chief Ceferin said the our legal team but we will take format would start from the signed up to the plans. the pandemic. On a personal level all the sanctions that we can.” 2024/25 season but it has been Barcelona and Atletico I have enjoyed working with him FIFA had warned in overshadowed by the Super Madrid join Real Madrid from and regret that things have not UEFA chief Ceferin January that any breakaway League announcement. He also Spain, while AC Milan and Inter worked out as we both had condemns 'self-serving' league would not be recog- stressed that UEFA distributes Milan make up a trio from Italy envisaged.” proposal', threatens to nised by them and that players close to 90% of its revenues along with Juventus. Tottenham said former mid- taking part could be banned back to all levels of the game. Qatari-owned Paris St- fielder Ryan Mason will be in charge ban clubs and players from the World Cup. “Super League is only Germain and European cham- of the first team. from competitions. Bans or other sanctions about money, money of the pions Bayern Munich, which is could open the way for com- dozen, I don’t want to call them majority-owned by its fans, plicated legal battles. The dirty dozen, but UEFA is about have not signed up, meaning Super League letter urged FIFA developing football.” France and Germany are not and UEFA to agree to talks and While guaranteed spots in represented. said they wanted the the Super League go against The Super League said they breakaway league to exist long-standing tradition in aimed to have 15 founding alongside current European European football, the members and a 20-team club competitions. founding clubs argue it will league with five other clubs CHAMPIONS LEAGUE create a more sustainable qualifying each season and Jose The UEFA meeting was financial model. would start playing as “soon as Mourinho originally scheduled to confirm “The formation of the is practicable”. ACL: Lamouchi disappointed with late Al Ahli draw

AFC.COM — JEDDAH campaign with a 2-0 win over what happened.d. It is true that scoring chances,”chances,” lamentedlament players who showed great Al Shorta of Iraq - trail group we created manyany chances Lamouchi.Lamouchi. determination, especially in We unfortunately lost two Head coach leaders Esteghlal FC of Islamic but in football iff yyouou don’t Al Ahli SaudiSaudi headhe defence,” he said. “I’m happy points although we created (pictured) was disappointed Republic of Iran by two points take advantagee of your coachcoach LaurentiuLaurent with this result because we more than 29 shots on target with Al Duhail SC’s late 1-1 draw heading into their clash on chances and score,score, ReghecampfReghecampf paidpa faced very difficult and we should assess what with Al Ahli Saudi FC in their Wednesday. then you must tribute to the fightingfighti circumstances.” happened. It is true that we 2021 AFC Champions League Frenchman Lamouchi said concede." spiritspirit of his players butb “I was sad to see that we were Group C tie on Sunday. his side missed out on a “We changeded some said theythey have to work on under pressure but the team created many chances but in gave the deserved win due to bad luck positions on thehe pitchpitch limitinglimiting chances forf worked hard as a group to get a football if you don’t take Qatar side the lead before the as they had been the better side. but we failedd to opposingopposing teams.team positive result. advantage of your chances and break but Al Ahli striker Omar “I’m truly disappointed for win the match at “I“I wantwant to “I will work very hard with score, then you must concede. Al Soma scored a stoppage time what happened at the end,” said the end. Omarr congrat-congra the players in order to get pos- equaliser to salvage his side a Lamouchi. “We unfortunately was Al Ahli’s ulateulate thet itive results. We performed well point. lost two points although we best player but in the first match but lost. Sabri Lamouchi The result meant Al Duhail created more than 29 shots on they didn’t Tonight, however, we managed - who had opened their target and we should assess create many to get a point.” TUESDAY 20 APRIL 2021 SPORT 11 Al Sadd and Al Wehdat have no ACL: Win is the only option room for error in crucial clash for Al Rayyan – RIYADH THE AFC Hernandez-coached Al – GOA Sadd will be vying for their THE AFC/THE PENINSULA Qatar’s Al Sadd SC and Al Wehdat first win in Group D when Now we have a chance to of Jordan will be vying for their first they take on Al Wehdat in get the first win and get Qatari heavyweights Al Rayyan and United Arab win in Group D of the 2021 AFC their Group D clash in 2021 Emirates’ Al Wahda will both be searching for Champions League (AFC) when three points, but we will be their first win as they try to squeeze into the next AFC Champions League facing a difficult team, who they clash at the King Fahd Inter- today. stage when they meet in Group E of the 2021 national Stadium in Royadh today. are strong in defence and AFC Champions League (ACL) at Pandit Jawa- Both teams have just one point have good physical abilities. harlal Nehru Stadium in Goa today. to their names after two matches, Both teams, however, have not enjoyed the and victory is a must in their bid to We have to score in this best of starts to their 2021 campaign and with advance to the Round of 16, with match, we must attack and just a point to show after two matches, neither only the group winners assured of defend better than the first can afford anything less than a win today. a place. two matches in order to get Al Wahda will fancy their chances, having Al Sadd came into the 2021 ACL defeated Al Rayyan in four out of their five pre- having won the the three points. vious meetings in ACL, but the - unbeaten but have struggled in coached team has promised an improved per- Group D, having had to claw back formance against Al Wahda. to salvage a 1-1 draw with Foolad “We definitely played poorly in the second Khouzestan on Matchday One, this stage of the tournament and half against Persepolis and now we have to before suffering a 3-1 defeat to Al head coach Abdullah Abu Zema improve against Al Wahda,” said Blanc, whose Nassr on Saturday. may have to rethink his plans. side is in a desperate position. While Al Sadd have proven that “The match against Al Sadd will “Tomorrow is another game and I hope my they have no issues in creating goal be very difficult, specially when the team play with intensity because we need to win, opportunities, head coach Xavi will two teams are in a similar situation, it is important to us and we’re ready to do that,” remind his players they have to be with one point after the first two Blanc said yesterday. more clinical upfront and resolute matches,” said Abu Zema. “Matchday Three is the halfway point of the in defence, with Al Nassr having “But the pressure will be more group stage and it’s very important for all the punished them with speedy on Al Sadd, who are not only teams. If you perform well, you’ll be on your way counter-attacks when the score favourites to qualify from the but if you don’t then it will cause problems was 1-1. group, but also to win the title. Al further down the road," Blanc said. “Now we have a chance to get Sadd are a big team and they are Al Rayyan, who faced FC Goa in their Group the first win and get three points, capable of going through any E opener, were also left frustrated by the hosts but we will be facing a difficult pressure, but we are also a very in a 0-0 draw but worse was to follow against team, who are strong in defence good team and we can stop Al Persepolis on Saturday. and have good physical abilities,” Sadd.” The Qatar Stars League side took the lead said Xavi. “I trust my players, they have against Persepolis in the first period but a second “We have to score in this match, the abilities and the experience, half collapse saw them conceding three times. we must attack and defend better with many of them playing in the “My plan is always the same. It doesn’t matter than the first two matches in order national team, and they can deliver who we play, Goa, Persepolis or Al Wahda, the to get the three points. what we want from them. most important thing is to score goals and that “We didn’t play badly in the first “Football is not only about is our target. If we score one goal, we have to two matches, but we were not defence or attack, it’s about both, defend that lead so it is best to score more than perfect, and the results were not in we have to be ready for the match and it worked against Al Nassr, with we have a very good defensive one,” the Frenchman said. our favour, so we will have to play and create chances to score. the Jordanian side walking away structure, but we need to make A win against Al Rayyan will put Al Wahda’s better and attack more. We must “There is nothing guaranteed with a 0-0 draw. Had it not been better use of our chances. ACL campaign on track and ten Cate has urged also stay focused, as making mis- in the group, and we can’t predict for Chimba converting a penalty “We are an attacking team, but his team to be fully focused. takes at this level means you will who will qualify, as all four teams for Foolad Khouzestan FC on Sat- we changed our style a week before “Al Rayyan are a good side and the same concede and lose.” still have a chance to qualify, so we urday, Al Wehdat may have well we came here, so we need some thing can be said about us. It is going to be the “We’ve analysed Al Wehdat and will only focus on our next match earned another point. time to adapt and perfect our two clubs fighting for second place in the we’ve seen that they are good in against Al Wehdat.” However, Al Wehdat need goals attacking formation. You need to standings. If you want to win games you must defence and transition well into Al Wehdat, in their maiden ACL if they are to enjoy a prolonged stay be realistic when playing in the AFC play on the offensive and I hope against Al attack. They are organised and it is group stage campaign, have opted in the competition and a defensive Champions League, which depends Rayyan, we can achieve that,” the 66-year-old difficult to score against them, but for a defensive approach thus far approach may no longer work at on small details.” Dutch tactician said.

Chennai Super Kings players celebrate during President of De Villiers to discuss yesterday's match. Pic: Twitter/@ChennaiIPL Qatar Swimming T20 World Cup return Association REUTERS – MUMBAI participates in South African batsman AB de Villiers (pictured) said he is open to a return to international cricket at this year’s Twenty20 World Cup in FINA Meeting India and will discuss his future with national coach Mark Boucher during the Indian Premier League (IPL). QNA – DOHA The 37-year-old retired from international cricket in 2018 but said in April last year he would consider a comeback at the T20 World Cup President of the Qatar Swimming Asso- if it was delayed by a year to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ciation Khalil Al Jaber participated in the “We’re lined up to have a chat sometime during the IPL. But yes, third meeting of the International we’ve been talking about it already,” De Villiers told Swimming Federation (FINA), which was reporters after scoring 76 for Royal Challengers Ban- held today remotely, to discuss Doha’s galore in Sunday’s 38-run win over Kolkata Knight preparations to host the International Riders. Chennai cruises to 45-run Federation’s General Assembly meeting “Last year, he (Boucher) asked me if I would be in June. interested. I said, ‘absolutely’. And come the end of During the meeting, the latest devel- the IPL, we’ll have a look at where we’re at win against Rajasthan in IPL opments related to the General with regards to my form and my Assembly of the International Swimming fitness. AP – MUMBAI After being put in to bat, opening Federation in Doha were discussed, in “Also, the sit- batsman Faf du Plessis made a 17-ball addition to considering the precau- uation with his team -- he’s Allrounders Moeen Ali and Ravindra 33 to top-score for Chennai while Ambati tionary measures that will be applied to got to look at his guys who Jadeja spun out Rajasthan Royals’ middle Rayudu (27) and Ali (26) made useful con- limit the spread of the Coronavirus have been performing well order and led Chennai Super Kings to a tributions. Dwayne Bravo added a cameo (COVID-19). ... If there’s no space for me resounding 45-run victory in the Indian of 20 off eight deliveries. The International Swimming Feder- so be it. If I can slot in there, Premier League yesterday. Brief scores: Chennai Super Kings ation General Assembly will be held on it’ll be fantastic if all those Ali took 3-7 with his offspin and left- 188/9 (F du Plessis 33, A Rayudu 27, M June 5, 2021 at the Sheraton Grand Doha things fall in place.” De Villiers arm spinner Jadeja triggered the collapse Ali 26, D Bravo 20 not out, C Sakariya Resort & Convention Hotel, in which a has played 78 T20 games for South Africa by claiming two wickets in one over as 3/36) beat Rajasthan Royals 143/9 (J new board of directors will be elected for scoring 1,672 runs at an average of 26.12 Rajasthan reached only 143-9 after Buttler 49, J Undakat 24, M Ali 3/7, S the International Federation for the next and strike rate of 135.16. Chennai posted 188-9. Curran 2/24, R Jadeja 2/28). four years.

ATP SINGLES RANKINGS 1. , Serbia, 11873 Sinner breaks into Top 20 for first time 2. Daniil Medvedev, Russia, 9850 3. , Spain, 9490 ATP – LONDON Italy’s in action during the ATP 4. Dominic Thiem, Austria, 8615 with many players. I try to improve every 5. Stefanos Tsitsipas, Greece, 7860 Masters 1000 - Monte Carlo Masters in this day, which is my main goal, and the 6. Alexander Zverev, Germany, 6125 Jannik Sinner has broken into the Top 20 results will come. I am happy with what April 14 file photo. 7. Andrey Rublev, Russia, 5955 of the FedEx ATP Rankings for the first I am doing. 8. , Switzerland, 5875 time yesterday at No. 19. Last year, Sinner reached his first 9. Diego Schwartzman, Argentina, 3720 The Italian has enjoyed a meteoric Grand Slam championship quarter-final 10. Matteo Berrettini, Italy, 3453 rise over the past few years, going from at Roland Garros and went on to claim 11. Roberto Bautista Agut, Spain, 3090 an unranked pro in February 2018 to his his first ATP Tour title at the Sofia Open 12. David Goffin, Belgium, 2885 Top 100 breakthrough on October 28, (d. Pospisil). He impressed Rafael Nadal 13. Pablo Carreno Busta, Spain, 2880 2019, shortly before he drew the attention so much that the Spanish superstar asked 14. Denis Shapovalov, Canada, 2820 of the tennis world with his dazzling per- Sinner to be his quarantine training 15. Gael Monfils, France, 2770 formances to capture the Next Gen ATP partner in Australia earlier this year. Finals title. The Monte-Carlo resident got first- WTA SINGLES RANKINGS Under the guidance of the vastly hand knowledge of Nadal’s work ethic 1. Ashleigh Barty, Australia, 9285 experienced Riccardo Piatti since the age and went on to capture his second crown 2. Naomi Osaka, Japan, 7985 of 13, and his second coach, Andrea at the Great Ocean Road Open (d. 3. Simona Halep, Romania, 6965 Volpini, Sinner has been able to absorb Travaglia) in February. He recently 4. Sofia Kenin, USA, 5915 the very best information and has long advanced to his first ATP Masters 1000 5. Elina Svitolina, Ukraine, 5750 shown a maturity that belies his 19 years final at the Miami Open presented by Itau 6. Bianca Andreescu, Canada, 5265 7. Aryna Sabalenka, Belarus, 5085 of age. (l. to Hurkacz). 8. Serena Williams, USA, 4850 “Things are happening quite fast at Novak Djokovic, who was coached 9. Karolina Pliskova, Czech Republic, 4660 the moment,” said Sinner, ahead of this by Piatti at a similar age to Sinner, offered 10. Petra Kvitova, Czech Republic, 4530 week’s Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell. the 62-year-old coach a few tips on 11. Kiki Bertens, Netherlands, 4490 “I have a very good team behind me, Wednesday after the World No. 1 had long,” said Piatti, who also coached “His potential is very good, but he 12. Belinda Bencic, Switzerland, 4315 and each member knows what they have beaten the teenager at the Rolex Monte- former World No. 3 Ivan Ljubicic from must continue to develop all areas of his 13. Garbine Muguruza, Spain, 4120 to do, so that gives me confidence. Eve- Carlo Masters. the age of 17 in 1997 until the Croatian’s game, learn by watching the best players, 14. Jennifer Brady, USA, 3765 ryone has a lot of experience working “Jannik realises that the process is retirement in 2012. and develop his consistency each week.” 15. Victoria Azarenka, Belarus, 3625 10 SPORT TUESDAY 20 APRIL 2021 Ceferin: UEFA could ban Super League players from Euro 2020 and World Cup

AP — MONTREUX, SWITZERLAND Champions League through would be suffered if, for any UEFA approved the new their domestic leagues, but the reason, we were deprived of the format proposal yesterday amid Players at the 12 clubs setting Super League would lock in 15 opportunity to form promptly the turmoil. up their own Super League places every season for the the Competition and distribute The agreement was nego- could be banned from this founding members. The seismic the proceeds of the Grant,” the tiated with the 246-member year’s European Championship move to shake up the sport is Super League letter European Club Association. The and next year’s World Cup, partly engineered by the continued. ECA’s leader, Juventus president UEFA President Aleksander American owners of Arsenal, The Super League intends Andrea Agnelli, resigned from Ceferin said yesterday. Liverpool and Manchester to launch a 20-team compe- the UEFA executive committee Ceferin showed his sense of United, who also run franchises tition with 15 founding members overnight. anger and betrayal by the in closed US leagues - a model but only 12 have currently “He is probably biggest dis- leaders of some wealthy they are trying to replicate in signed up. The others are Liv- appointment of all,” Ceferin said European clubs as he spoke of Europe. erpool and Tottenham from of Agnelli, whose young “snakes,” and wished UEFA UEFA warned the Super England, Atletico Madrid from daughter he became godfather could ban Super League clubs League clubs, including Bar- Spain, and AC Milan and Inter to. “I have never seen a person and players “as soon as pos- celona and Juventus, that legal UEFA President Milan from Italy. that would lie so many times sible” from all of its action would be taken against Aleksander Ceferin The breakaway was and so persistently as he did. competitions. them and said they also would launched just as UEFA thought “Now I know who is who. Whether UEFA’s lawyers be barred from existing it had agreement on an Who is honest. Who loves will advise that - with the domestic competitions like the “Your formal statement the seamless establishment and expansion of the Champions football.” Champions League and Europa Spanish league and the Premier does, however, compel us to operation of the Competition in League from 2024. In their letter to the FIFA League semi-finals starting next League. take protective steps to secure accordance with applicable Now, the same officials who and UEFA presidents, the Super week, and Euro 2020 kicking “We are concerned that ourselves against such an laws.” backed the plans have decided League clubs said their compe- off in June - is unclear. FIFA and UEFA may respond to adverse reaction, which would The courts were not named. to go it alone while claiming the tition could also play alongside Ceferin spoke following a this invitation letter by seeking not only jeopardize the funding “It is our duty, as SLCo’s existing competitions could domestic leagues and cups. UEFA executive committee to take punitive measures to commitment under the Grant board members, to ensure that remain - despite losing their “We do not seek to replace meeting and said some “legal exclude any participating club but, significantly, would be all reasonable actions available most successful teams, the UEFA’s Champions League assessments” will begin today. or player from their respective unlawful. For this reason, SLCo to protect the interests of the including record 13-time or the Europa League,” they The meeting was held only competitions,” the Super League (Super League Company) has Competition and our stake- European champion Real said, “but to compete with and hours after the English, Italian clubs wrote to Infantino and filed a motion before the rel- holders are duly taken, given Madrid and six-time winner exist alongside those and Spanish clubs announced Ceferin in a letter. evant courts in order to ensure the irreparable damage that Liverpool. tournaments.” the Super League project that threatens to split the historic structure of European soccer. “They will not be able to Players who could be banned from Euro 2020 represent their national teams at any matches,” Ceferin earlier warned. AC MILAN (Portugal); Skriniar (Slovakia); Alessandro LIVERPOOL MANCHESTER UNITED “UEFA and the footballing (Italy); (France); Bastoni (Italy); Danilo (Nether- (Spain); Dean world stand united against the (Italy); (Denmark) D’Ambrosio (Italy); Marcelo lands); (Turkey); Henderson (England); Harry disgraceful self-serving pro- Simon Kjaer (Denmark); CHELSEA Brozovic (Croatia); Nicolo (Scotland); Maguire (England); Victor Lin- posal we have seen in last 24 (Italy); Sandro Kepa Arrizabalaga (Spain); Barella (Italy); Stefano Sensi Trent Alexander-Arnold delof (Sweden); Luke Shaw hours from a select few clubs in Tonali (Italy); Hakan Calha- Kurt Zouma (France); Andreas (Italy); (England); (England); (France); Europe that are fueled purely noglu (Turkey); Ante Rebic Christensen (Denmark); (Denmark); Ivan Perisic (); Donny van de Beek (Nether- by greed above all else.” (Croatia); Zlatan Ibrahimovic Antonio Rüdiger (Germany); (Croatia); Romelu Lukaku (Netherlands); Thiago lands); Scott McTominay UEFA’s 55 member federa- (Sweden); Alexis Saelemaekers Ben Chilwell (England); Reece (Belgium) Alcantara (Spain); Jordan (Scotland); Bruno Fernandes tions are gathering for an (Belgium) James (England); Emerson JUVENTUS Henderson (England); Diogo (Portugal); Marcus Rashford annual meeting today, including ARSENAL (Italy); Jorginho (Italy); N’Golo Wojciech Szczesny Jota (Portugal); (England); Daniel James 24 nations that are playing in (Germany); Kante (France); Mateo Kovacic (Poland); Matthijs de Ligt (Switzerland); (Wales); Mason Greenwood Euro 2020. Dejan Iliev (North Macedonia); (Croatia); Kai Havertz (Netherlands); (Belgium) (Eng); Anthony Martial (France) Three of the 12 rebels - (Scotland); (Germany); Mason Mount (Turkey); Leonardo Bonucci MANCHESTER CITY REAL MADRID Chelsea, Manchester City and Hector Bellerin (Spain); Cedric (England); Callum Hudson- (Italy); Giorgio Chiellini (Italy); Ruben Dias (Portugal); (Belgium); Real Madrid - are scheduled to Soares (Portugal); Odoi (England); Timo Werner Adrien Rabiot (France); Aaron (France); Andriy Lunin (Ukraine); play in the Champions League (Switzerland); (Germany); Tammy Ramsey (Wales)(Wales);; Cristiano Nathan Ake (Netherlands)(Netherlands);; JoJohn Raphael Varane (France); semi-finals next week. Two (Spain); (England); AbrahamAbraham (E(England);ngland); RonaldoRonaldo (Portugal); Stones (England);(England); Eric GarciaGar (Spain); Ferland more, Manchester United and (France) OlivierOlivier GGiroudiroud FedericoFederico CChiesahiesa (Spain);(Spain); BenBenjaminjamin MeMendyn Mendy (France); Arsenal, are in the Europa ATLETICO MADRID (France)France) (Italy);(Italy); FedFedericoerico BeBer-r- (France);(France); OleksandrOleksan (Spain); (Germany); League semifinals. Ivo Grbic (Croatia); Kieran INTER MMILANILAN nardeschi (Italy); ZinchenkoZinchenko (Ukraine); JoaoJo Luka Modric (Croatia); Eden Earlier, the 12 planning to Trippier (England); Sime StefanStefan ddee VriVrijj DejanDejan KulusevskiKulusevski Cancelo (Portugal); KyleK Hazard (Belgium); Marco start the breakaway Super Vrsaljko (Croatia); Marcos (Nether-Nether - (Sweden);(Sweden);; Alvaro WalkerWalker (England);(England); RodriRo Asensio (Spain) League told the leaders of FIFA Llorente (Spain); Koke (Spain); lands);ands); Morata ((Spain)Spain) (Spain);(Spain); Phil Foden ((England);Englan TOTTENHAM and UEFA that they have begun Yannick Carrasco (Belgium); MMilanila n IlkayIlkay GunGundogandog (France); Toby legal action aimed at fending off Thomas Lemar (France); Joao (G((Germany);ermany); KevinKe Alderweireld (Belgium); Sergio threats to block the Felix (Portugal) ded BruyneBruy Reguilon (Spain); competition. BARCELONA (Belgium);(Belgium); BBer- (England); (Wales); The letter was sent by the Marc-Andre Ter Stegen nardonardo SiSilva (England); Ben group to Ceferin and FIFA Pres- (Germany); Clement Lenglet ((Portugal);Portug Davis (Wales); Tanguy ident Gianni Infantino saying (France); (Spain); RaheemRaR hee Ndombele (France); Moussa the Super League has already (Spain); Frenkie SterlingS terl i Sissoko (France); Pierre-Emile been underwritten by funding de Jong (Netherlands); Sergio (England);(Englan Hojbjerg (Denmark); Cristiano Ronaldo of €4bn ($5.5bn) from American Busquets (Spain); (Spain); FFerranerra (England); bank JPMorgan Chase. (Spain); Ousmane Torres ((Spain)Spai (Netherlands); Harry Kane Currently, teams have to Dembele (France); Trincao (England); (Wales) qualify each year for the Players hit out at breakaway European Super League plans

REUTERS — MADRID of fans across the globe disregard for sporting merit. “If this European Super Tragic,” he wrote on Twitter. A number of high-profile League advances, those dreams Zenit St Petersburg’s players from across Europe, are over, the illusions of the former Liverpool defender including two from the 12 fans of the teams that are not Lovren and Fenerbahce’s ex- founder clubs of the planned giants of being able to win on Arsenal and Germany mid- European Super League - Bruno the field competing in the best fielder Mesut Ozil also criticised Liverpool fans protest the Fernandes and Joao Cancelo - competitions will end,” the ex- the idea. planned European Super have joined in criticism of the Manchester United player “Football will be in the near League outside the stadium plans. tweeted. future on a brink of complete before the Premier League The Portuguese duo, “I believe in an improved collapse. Nobody is thinking match against Leeds United . alongside Paris St-Germain mid- Champions League, but not in about the bigger picture, only fielder Ander Herrera and other the rich stealing what the the financial side,” the Croatia players including Mesut Ozil (pic- people created, which is defender wrote on twitter. TV stations won’t break deals to tured), Dejan Lovren and Ada nothing other than the most “I still believe we can solve Hegerberg have reiterated crit- beautiful sport on the planet.” this unpleasant situation.” icism of the proposals. Ex-Real Madrid, Barcelona The Super League clubs broadcast Super League: Mediapro Late on Sunday the 12 teams and Luis also announced their intention announced that they intended Figo - whose former clubs have to create a parallel women’s REUTERS — MADRID UEFA) until 2024, nobody is back against the 12 clubs’ to create and govern their own all signed up to the Super competition, but Olympique going to break those contracts statement that having a place European competition, much League - was equally scathing. Lyonnais’s five-time Cham- Television broadcasters won’t now. The only thing that the guaranteed in the competition to the incredulity of fans and “This so called ‘Super- pions League winner Ada break their contracts with current move does is to create every year would help their leagues across the continent. league’ is anything but ‘Super’,” Hegerberg slammed the plans UEFA and national leagues to unease,” Roures said. finances strained by the Both Manchester United’s the Portugueseuguese said. as greedy. join the breakaway European “It won’t succeed. There COVID-19 pandemic. Fernandes and Manchester “Thisis greedy andand “I grew upup loving the Super League project, the is no other way out.” “They are trying to take City’s Cancelo added a post callous momoveve wouldwould ChampionsChampions LLeague,e then I head of Spanish media A bitter battle for control the biggest share of the money from Portugal team-mate and spell disasterisaster forfor gotgot to play in thet Women’s company Mediapro said of the game and its lucrative that is on the market and Wolverhampton Wanderers our grassroots,ssroots, for ChampionsChampions League,”L she yesterday. revenue began with a letter share it out among 20,” striker Daniel Podence, who women’s’s football, said.said. Jaume Roures, whose sent by 12 clubs to UEFA on Roures said, referring to the criticised the idea, to their and thehe widerwider “Then I ggoto to win five company broadcasts matches Sunday in which they said Super League’s goal of having Instagram accounts. football community ofof themthem anda become from Spanish football’s top they would take legal steps to a 20-team league play each Fernandes added the only to serve thethe all-all-timet leading flight and holds the TV protect their interests as they season. comment “dreams can’t be buy self-inter-ter- goalscorer.goal It’s licensing rights of the UEFA set up the new European “What is the point of it, (sic)” with applause and heart esteded legacy.leg It’s the Champions League in the Super League. to pay the players and the emojis, while Cancelo accom- owners, who past,p present, country, said he believed the The rival to UEFA’s estab- middlemen more? We’re not panied the post with an stoppedp ed anda future, new competition would not lished elite Champions League talking about raising the applause emoji. caring aaboutbout so is meri- succeed. competition was condemned wages of the people who Herrera, whose French their fansns tocracy in “International TV broad- by football authorities, politi- look after the pitch,” said club are not among the 12 longg sports. casters have contracts (with cians and fans.Roures pushed Roures. founding members, said the ago, andd Greed is not project would kill the dreams completete the future.” TUESDAY 20 APRIL 2021 SPORT 09 Cink clinches third RBC Heritage title AGENCIES – HILTON HEAD ISLAND caddying back in the fall was come away with a little bit of a felt like I’m trying to do the same amazing, but ... it was just so great to cushion on the last few holes, which thing every week -- play well -- and Twenty-one years and two days after have the whole family here. It means is such a pleasure to experience. sometimes you play really well and Stewart Cink won for the first time so much to me. It’s just a really been “It doesn’t happen to many sometimes you don’t. at Harbour Town Golf Links, the a blast this week. I just can’t explain people that many times in their “Just enjoying it. I really love two-time former champion captured it.” career, but to walk down that playing golf. I always have, always his third RBC Heritage title on Cink, a 25-year tour veteran, fairway with a big lead and see that will, whether I play out here or not. Sunday for his eighth career PGA came in confident after finishing tied ball come up on dry land here on the Yeah, it was good. And the birdie at Tour victory. for 12th at last week’s Masters and a 18th fringe with Reagan on the bag, the last was awesome.” Rounding Cink, 47, carded two birdies and top-20 finish in his previous event, and I knew (son) Connor and (wife) out the top five and tied for fourth one bogey over his final-round in the Honda Classic. After opening Lisa were out there, it’s almost place at 13 under were Maverick Hilton Head, S.C. for a 1-under 70 with consecutive rounds of 63, Cink beyond words.” McNealy (67), Canadian Corey and finished at 19-under 265 total -- jumped out to a 5-shot lead going Varner, who has made 15 cuts in Connors (68) and England’s Matthew four shots ahead of Argentina’s into the weekend. 15 starts this season, posted four Fitzpatrick (68). Chris Kirk (67) and Emiliano Grillo and Harold Varner He shot 69 on Saturday to sub-70 rounds in Hilton Head and Collin Morikawa (72) finished T-7 at III, who shot 66 on Sunday for his maintain that margin and set the had a near flawless final round. After 12 under. career-best PGA Tour finish. tournament’s 54-hole scoring record carding a bogey at the first, he First-round leader Cameron The win marked Cink’s second previously held by Justin Leonard (16 rebounded with three birdies on the Smith, who recorded a career low victory this season -- and second under in 2002). front and three on the back -- with a 62 on Thursday, finished with with son Reagan on the bag. The two “I knew if I played solid today including a final birdie at 18. a 66 on Sunday and was T-9 at 11 paired up when Cink won the that it would be really hard to get a “I felt like I’ve been playing well under with Ireland’s Shane Lowry Safeway Open in September. lot closer,” said Cink. “And I did, I all year, just haven’t really gotten (66), Russell Henley (67) and Stewart Cink poses with “I don’t know if I have words,” played really solid; and it wasn’t through to play really well, get up defending champion Webb Simpson the trophy after winning said Cink, whose entire family was spectacular yesterday or today, but there,” said the 30-year-old from (70). the 2021 RBC Heritage on hand for the win. “It just keeps today I was in play all day long. I did Akron, Ohio. “... I don’t know what World No. 1 Dustin Johnson also golf tournament. getting better. Winning with Reagan the job that I needed to do today to the difference was this week, but I shot 66 a finished T-13.

Badminton: India Open Adebayo hits buzzer-beater postponed after virus in Miami as Heat top Nets surge in New Delhi

AGENCIES – MIAMI Brooklyn Nets forward REUTERS – NEW DELHI Nicolas Claxton (33) Bam Adebayo’s step-back, defends Miami Heat The India Open, which was scheduled for May 11-16 in New 13-foot jumper from the centre Bam Adebayo Delhi, has been postponed due to a rise in COVID-19 cases in baseline at the buzzer lifted the during the second half at the country’s capital, tournament organisers Badminton Asso- Miami Heat to a 109-107 victory American Airlines Arena. ciation of India (BAI) said yesterday. at home against the Brooklyn India is enduring a second wave of the novel coronavirus, Nets in a matchup of short- with infections passing the 15 million mark, second only to the handed teams on Sunday United States. The capital region of Delhi was due to go into a afternoon. six-day lockdown last night. Adebayo finished with 21 “The decision was made in consultation and collaboration points, 15 rebounds and five with local health authorities in Delhi and the Badminton World assists to help the Heat snap a Federation,” the BAI said in a statement. three-game losing streak “All attempts were made by organisers to conduct a safe despite playing without Jimmy tournament environment for all participants, but the recent Butler, who sat out with a spike in COVID-19 cases and gravity of the situation in Delhi left sprained right ankle. BAI no choice but to postpone the tournament.” Landry Shamet scored a career-high 30 points and made 7-of-12 3-pointers to lead the Nets, who lost Kevin Durant NBA SATURDAY'S GAMES Australia ‘pretty confident’ early to injury and were already L.A. Lakers 127, Utah 115, OT without James Harden Chicago 106, Cleveland 96 for Tokyo Games after (hamstring). 121, Detroit 100 Durant scored the Nets’ first Boston 119, Golden State 114 eight points before exiting the Memphis 128, Milwaukee 115 national championships game with 7:57 left in the first and eight assists from Malcolm in overtime for the second con- San Antonio 111, Phoenix 85 quarter with what was diag- Brogdon and 18 points and 14 secutive game. Sunday's Games REUTERS – MELBOURNE nosed as a left thigh rebounds from Domantas Clippers 124, Atlanta 129, Indiana 117 contusion. Sabonis. T.J. McConnell came Timberwolves 105 New York 122, New Orleans 112, Australian swimming emerged from its national championships Goran Dragic finished with off the bench to score 18 points. Los Angeles backed up its OT with a string of encouraging performances from the country’s 18 points, eight rebounds and Knicks 122, Pelicans 112 standing as the top 3-point Miami 109, Brooklyn 107 major medal threats in the leadup to the Tokyo Olympics. seven assists and Dewayne (OT) shooting team in the NBA, Charlotte 109, Portland 101 Kyle Chalmers, the Olympic 100m freestyle champion, added Dedmon totaled 10 points and Julius Randle had 33 points making half of its 42 attempts Houston 114, Orlando 110 the 50m freestyle crown to his 100-200 double, while Ariarne 10 rebounds off Miami’s bench. and 10 assists as host New York from long range in routing vis- Toronto 112, Oklahoma City 106 Titmus won the women’s 800 freestyle after winning the 200 Kendrick Nunn made five of the won its sixth consecutive game iting Minnesota. Sacramento 121, Dallas 107 and 400 titles in the week-long meeting, which wrapped up on Heat’s 16 triples and finished by defeating New Orleans in Hornets 109, Trail Blazers Sunday. Both swimmers are on the comeback trail after shoulder with 17 points while Ariza had overtime. 101 Chris Boucher scored 17 of problems and can now look forward to building further at Olympic 15 points and nine rebounds. Randle added five steals, Terry Rozier scored 34 his 31 points in the first quarter trials in June. Hawks 129, Pacers 117 Derrick Rose scored 23 off the points to help Charlotte snap a and grabbed 11 rebounds as host “To see them getting confidence, that comes from competing Trae Young collected 34 bench and RJ Barrett had 18 as four-game losing streak in Toronto defeated reeling and wanting to win. Those are the ones that win against the best, points and 11 assists and Atlanta the Knicks defeated the Pel- beating visiting Portland. Oklahoma City at Tampa. we know that,” Swimming Australia head coach Rohan Taylor used a fast finish to secure a win icans for the second time in Kings 121, Mavericks 107 Rockets 114, Magic 110 said. “I have an equal feeling at the moment, I’m pretty confident over visiting Indiana. their past three games. De’Aaron Fox poured in a Christian Wood posted his that people are on the right track. Clint Capela recorded 25 Zion Williamson had 34 team-high 30 points and Sac- 17th double-double and Kelly “There were some good performances, some encouraging points and 24 rebounds while points, nine rebounds and five ramento was never threatened Olynyk chipped in 24 points and performances, and there are some ones where you talk to the Kevin Huerter and Bogdan assists for the Pelicans, while after scoring the game’s first two critical free throws with coach, (and ask) what do they think?” There are some question Bogdanovic each had 23 points Eric Bledsoe scored 22 points eight points while earning a 14.4 seconds left to play as marks over Mack Horton, however. The Olympic 400m freestyle for the Hawks, who have won and Brandon Ingram added 19. victory over host Dallas to end Houston snapped a five-game champion was 35th in the 200m, finished nearly 30 seconds behind eight of their past 10 games. Steven Adams had 10 points and a nine-game losing streak. losing skid by beating visiting the teenage winner Thomas Neill in the 800 final and did not Indiana received 29 points 14 rebounds as New Orleans lost Raptors 112, Thunder 106 Orlando. swim in the 400. Knights beat Ducks, move into first-place tie

AGENCIES – ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA NHL SATURDAY'S GAMES N.Y. Rangers 6, New Jersey 3 Mark Stone, Max Pacioretty and Nicolas Washington 6, Philadelphia 3 Roy each had a goal and an assist and Pittsburgh 3, Buffalo 2 Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 33 shots Ottawa 4, Montreal 0 to go along with his first assist of the Arizona 3, St. Louis 2 Edmonton 3, Winnipeg 0 season as the visiting Vegas Golden Florida 5, Tampa Bay 3 Knights moved into a tie for first place Carolina 3, Nashville 1 Vancouver Canucks in the West Division with a 5-2 victory Minnesota 5, San Jose 2 goalie Braden over the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday Dallas 5, Columbus 1 afternoon. Chicago 4, Detroit 0 Holtby (left) Alex Pietrangelo and Alex Tuch also Sunday's Games makes a save as scored goals and Alec Martinez added Boston 6, Washington 3 defenseman Travis two assists for Vegas which extended Buffalo 4, Pittsburgh 2 Hamonic checks its win streak to six games, matching N.Y. Rangers 5, New Jersey 3 Toronto Maple its season high accomplished Feb. Vegas 5, Anaheim 2 Leafs forward 22-March 6. N.Y. Islanders 1, Philadelphia 0, OT Wayne Simmonds The Golden Knights tied idle Vancouver 3, Toronto 2, OT (24) at Rogers Colorado for the top spot in the West Arena. Canucks won with a league-high 64 points but the Philadelphia. Leddy scored after his 3- 2 in Overtime. Avalanche, whose season is on pause shot deflected off the stick of Flyers until Thursday due to COVID-19 pro- defenseman Travis Sanheim and into tocol, still have a game in hand. the net. Bruins 6, Capitals 3 Canucks 3, Maple Leafs 2 (OT) Rangers 5, Devils 3 Fleury improved to 20-10-0 for the His second goal of the season Brad Marchand reached the 700- Bo Horvat scored his second goal Mika Zibanejad became the latest season, the 13th time in his career that snapped the Islanders’ scoring drought point mark for his career by collecting of the game at 1:19 of overtime to lift Rangers player to score on his birthday, he hit the 20-win mark in a season. His of just under 160 minutes, dating back two goals and two assists to lead host Vancouver in a comeback win against as his power-play goal with three assist on Stone’s second-period goal to Travis Zajac’s tally 2:56 into the Boston over the Capitals. visiting Toronto. minutes remaining lifted New York was the 18th of his career and fourth second period of Thursday’s loss to the Captain Patrice Bergeron scored The Canucks, who were playing over host New Jersey. with the Golden Knights. Boston Bruins. Brian Elliott turned twice in a three-point performance and their first game since March 24 because aside 27 shots for Philadelphia, which David Krejci also netted two goals for of a severe COVID-19 outbreak that Sabres 4, Penguins 2 Islanders 1, Flyers 0 (OT) has lost 12 of its last 17 games (5-8-4). the Bruins, who received a 30-save continues to leave them short-handed, Sam Reinhart scored twice and New York defenseman Nick Leddy Seven of the eight games of the season performance from goaltender Tuukka rallied from a 2-0 deficit. Nils Hog- goaltender Dustin Tokarski made 34 scored 2:23 into overtime and rookie series between the teams were decided Rask to run their winning streak to four lander had a goal and an assist, and saves as host Buffalo beat Pittsburgh Ilya Sorokin made 30 saves to run his by one goal, with six of the contests games. Braden Holtby made 37 saves for the for the first time in six games this record to 5-0-1 this season against host extending beyond regulation. Canucks. season. Sport TUESDAY 20 APRIL 2021 08 Collision could affect Mercedes upgrade plans: Wolff

REUTERS - IMOLA write-off in a cost cap environment; that Lewis Hamilton in Bahrain last year into this manoeuvre, consideringring tthathat is certainly not what we needed. And when Mercedes' seven-times world the track was drying up," he said.said.d The whole situation is The collision between Valtteri Bottas probably it’s going to limit upgrades that champion tested positive for COVID-19, "It meant taking risks, aandnd the absolutely not amusing for us, and George Russell in Sunday's Emilia we are able to do. and the rising star is seen as a future other car is a Mercedes in frontt ofof him.him. to be honest. It’s quite a big Romagna Grand Prix could affect "We are very stretched on cost cap, Mercedes driver. His situation, and the In any driver’s development,nt, for a shunt. Our car is a write-off in Mercedes' plans for developing their and what we always feared is a total possibility he could one day join or young driver, you must never lose this Formula One car this season, according write-off of a car. This one is not going replace Bottas in the champions' line-up, global perspective. So, lots too llearnearn fforor a cost cap environment; that is to team boss Toto Wolff. to be a total write-off, but almost, and added piquancy to the Imola incident. him I guess." certainly not what we The high-speed crash at Italy's Imola that is not something we really wanted." Wolff made clear he felt the Speaking to Sky Sports tetelevisionlevision needed. And probably circuit wrecked both Bottas's Mercedes Wolff said he would speak to Russell youngster should have been more after the race, Wolff joked aboutbouo t Rus-Rus- it’s going to limit and Russell's Williams, though both and make his point. careful as he tried to pass the Finn for sell's future. upgrades that drivers were not injured. Stewards Formula One introduced a $145m ninth place on a drying track with damp "I keep teasing him sayingng we are able declared it a racing incident. cap this season and champions Mer- patches at the margins. if he does a good job he can bee to do: "The whole situation is absolutely cedes, one of the biggest teams, have had "The whole situation should have in a Mercedes, if not we'll be inn not amusing for us, to be honest," Wolff to cut costs significantly although the never happened. Valtteri had a bad first the Renault Clio Cup," said thee Wolff told reporters. cap does not include driver salaries. 30 laps and shouldn’t have been there. Austrian. "Today we are morere "It’s quite a big shunt. Our car is a Russell, 23, stood in for But George should have never launched close to the Renault Clio Cup.. I'm only human, says Hamilton after recovery from rare error

REUTERS - IMOLA In the end, the Briton also set the fastest race was over. I refused to believe that the lap and took a precious bonus point that race was done," he said. Lewis Hamilton said he was only human kept him in the championship lead despite "I could have obviously just turned the after making a rare mistake in a roller- losing out to Red Bull rival and race winner car off and got out but I’m grateful that I coaster of an Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Max Verstappen. didn’t... It’s an amazing lesson to be sent at Imola on Sunday. "We’re only human, so just that bit of a and (to) experience." The error left the seven-times world mistake was one to learn from," he said As sparks flew off the front of the car, champion staring at a rare retirement after skidding off at Tosa and nudging the Hamilton returned to the pits. before recovering to fight back and finish tyre wall. Red flags after a collision between second. "There was only one dry line and I guess Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas and Wil- In a race that resembled a high-speed I was in a bit too much of a hurry to get by liams' George Russell, also a Mercedes con- game of snakes and ladders, the Mercedes everyone." tracted driver, levelled everything up and driver went from pole to second to a stand- For what seemed an age he sat in the gave him a platform to charge back up still, staring at the barriers and fearing his car, struggling to engage reverse before he when the race restarted. race was over, then ninth and a lap down gingerly guided the car backwards across "I’m just grateful I could get going again and back onto the podium. the gravel and back onto the track with a and get back into the race," said Hamilton It was, he said, like an afternoon from damaged front wing. after the race. his youth when he would fight his way back "I remember just sitting there, looking "It’s not how you fall. It’s how you get through the field with "a dodgy old go-kart". at the barrier and I refused to think that the up." Team-by-team analysis after Italian Grand Prix

MERCEDES (Lewis Hamilton 2, penalty for overtaking when the McLaren driver and Hamilton. for the car not being ready in Valtteri Bottas retired) safety car was deployed. After Sainz started 11th, made some time. Hamilton started from pole the restart another mistake mistakes on the wet surface but for the 99th time but lost out to dropped him from fourth to came through strongly as the ALPINE (Esteban Ocon 9, Verstappen through the opening 14th. track dried. Fernando Alonso 10) corners. He skidded off, Ocon scored Renault- dropped to ninth and a lap MCLAREN (Lando Norris 3, ALPHATAURI (Pierre Gasly 7, owned Alpine's first points down but the race stoppage Daniel Ricciardo 6) Yuki Tsunoda 12) under the team's new name. brought him back into con- Norris collected the second Gasly started fifth and fin- Alonso opened his account in tention. The fastest lap kept him podium of his career, after ished eighth but moved up a his comeback season after two top of the standings, a point starting seventh, and only place after Stroll was demoted. years out. Ocon started on full clear of Verstappen. Bottas McLaren's fourth in seven years. Japanese rookie Tsunoda wet tyres after a sudden pre- started eighth and crashed out His podium was the 700th by a started at the back of the grid race downpour. Alonso was on after a collision with Russell that British driver. He re-started the after his crash in qualifying. He intermediates but required a halted the race. race on the soft tyre which made up places but spun after front wing change before the allowed him to overtake the re-start in his first wet F1 start after running wide and RED BULL (Max Verstappen 1, Leclerc. Ricciardo struggled race and also collected a five hitting the wall on his way to Sergio Perez 11) with the tyres and allowed second penalty for exceeding the grid. Verstappen made a great Norris through. track limits. start, making contact with ALFA ROMEO (Kimi Raikkonen WILLIAMS (George Russell and HAAS (Mick Schumacher 16, Hamilton through the opening FERRARI (Charles Leclerc 4, ASTON MARTIN (Lance Stroll 8, 13, Antonio Giovinazzi 14) Nicholas Latifi retired) Nikita Mazepin 17) corner and had the race gen- Carlos Sainz 5) Sebastian Vettel 15) Raikkonen had finished Russell crashed out while Schumacher spun into the erally under control. The win A strong showing for Ferrari Stroll collected a five ninth but was handed a 30 trying to pass Bottas for ninth wall on the main straight during was the 11th of his career and at their home track, but Leclerc second time penalty for going second post-race penalty for a place. Williams looked much the safety car period in his first first time on the podium in Italy. could have been on the podium. off track while passing Gasly. rolling start infringement. Gio- more competitive with both wet F21 race, forcing the pit lane Perez started on the front row The Monegasque was second Vettel started in the pit lane vinazzi suffered a late brake drivers going through to the to close as debris was scattered for the first time but dropped to when the race was suspended, after his brakes overheated problem that required a second stage of qualifying. Latifi at the exit. That prevented the fourth on the opening lap and and 25 seconds clear of Norris, before the start and was pitstop, dropping him out of the crashed out on the opening lap German pitting immediately for then picked up a 10 second time but he then lost out to the handed a 10 second penalty points. after contact with Mazepin. a new front wing Will Japanese Olympians be vaccinated ahead of the public?

TOKYO AP - to vaccinate athletes. However, Spectators seats of Ariake Urban Sports Park are pictured in on March 25 from northeastern Kono has said he is ready to Tokyo, in this April 1, 2021, file photo. Fukushima prefecture? The vaccine rollout in Japan has deliver vaccines if Hashimoto A: It was run for two days been very slow with less than and the government think last week in a largely empty city 1% vaccinated, causing concern they're needed. park in Osaka. The city’s mayor about the postponed Tokyo "So far, there is no consul- and prefectural governor Olympics that are scheduled to tation or no action about Jap- forbade that it be run on public open in just over three months. anese athletes getting vaccine,” streets because of the rising Taro Kono, the minister in he said. cases in the region. Organizers charge of the vaccine rollout, Marukawa said last week say the torch will be taken off said last week that even if the the government is considering public streets again on Olympics go on, it’s possible the testing all athletes daily. Pre- Wednesday in Matsuyama City, venues will be empty. This is vious plans had called for virus which is located in Ehime pre- partly because of the low vac- tests every four days. That fecture. Local officials have also cination rate. change may show up when the asked it be taken off public Fans from abroad are second version of the roads on May 1-2 in Japan’s already banned from the "Playbook” is published this southern island of Okinawa. It Olympics, and it's hard to month. will be held there "in restricted imagine venues even half-filled The IOC has said vaccines areas without spectators,” with mostly unvaccinated fans. are not required to participate. organizers said in a statement. Many non-Japanese entering However, IOC President Organizers said the relay on Japan are expected to be Thomas Bach has openly the smaller islands of Ishigaki, vaccinated. encouraged athletes to be vac- Miyakojima and Zamami will Q: Are Japanese athletes cinated. Of course, that causes magazine: "The responsibility Q: When are we likely to remain flexible for that.” Hash- go on as scheduled. being vaccinated? conflict when athletes are a pri- for the response to COVID-19 know if there will be local fans imoto did not raise Kono’s sug- Q: Is Bach headed back to A: This is a minefield for the ority ahead of vulnerable during, before and after the in venues? And if so, what will gestion that there may be no Japan? organizers and the Japanese populations. games lies with the Japanese be the capacity? fans, and did not challenge it. It A: Local news reports say he government. It will be very Q: Tokyo organizers have government, and to a lesser A: Hashimoto has said for seems increasingly likely that will be in Hiroshima to meet the unpopular to push young, repeatedly said the Olympics extent with the Tokyo city gov- weeks that a decision could local fans could be banned, too, torch relay on May 17 or 18. He healthy athletes to the front of will be safe and secure. Last ernment. Under an agreement come this month on capacity at as cases surge in Japan's two is expected to place flowers at the vaccination line when week the British Medical Journal with the government, the Tokyo the venues. Now she seems to largest metropolitan areas - the Peace Memorial Park in almost no one else in Japan is challenged this. Who is respon- government and Tokyo organ- be hedging. Tokyo and Osaka. memory of the victims of the vaccinated. Traffic on social sible if they are not? izers, the IOC is doing its best to "Within April I would like to Ticket sales are worth about Aug. 6, 1945, atomic bombing media is strongly opposed. A: IOC vice president John keep to a minimum the spread set the basis direction,” she said $800m to local organizers. Any of the city. The A-Bomb Dome Kono, organizing committee Coates, in an interview pub- of infections, as well as the Friday at her weekly press con- shortfall will have to be made could also be a backdrop for president Seiko Hashimoto and lished online Sunday in the Jap- contact between the Japanese ference. "The final judgement up by Japanese government Bach. He is also expected to Olympic Minister Tamayo anese magazine "Number,” public (and the athletes). The time - this as well we need to entities. meet in Tokyo with Japanese Marukawa said the government responded to the question. IOC is responsible for that monitor the situation of the Q: Where do we stand with government and Olympic so far has not issued any plans Coates said, quoting the aspect.” pandemic and we need to the torch relay, which started officials.