SPORT SPORT | 09 SPORT | 11 McIlroy,M Johnson Dortmund triumph as showdown set to charity game decide German offerso 'normalcy' league: Mueller

TUESDAY 19 MAY 2020 PSG Chairman Al Khelaifi named most powerful person in football

or make the most fuss, PSG's Qatari Chairman butb more those whose tops a list of Top 50 decisionsd carry the most most powerful people, weight.w France Football published on France hasha come up with 50 Football Magazine. namesnam amongst the inev- itableitabl leaders of clubs and Al Khelaifi, Cristiano institutions,institu fearsome and Ronaldo and FIFA insatiableinsatiab agents, star players President, Gianni with hugehug followings, all-pow- Infantino make up the erful anand all-knowing coaches, top three of football's businessmenbusine whose voices most powerful men. are increasinglyin heard and politicianspolitic who are increas- ingly present."p over international football. "Those"Th who make, and It was Al Khelaifi who sometimessomet defeat, football in kicked off PSG’s transfor- 2020.202 20 And who impose mation into a truly interna- themselvesthem upon it by force, tional brand, illustrated by two networksnetw and/or power, statistics: the club has gone eithereithe in the spotlight or in from selling 44,000 replica the shadows.s shirts in 2011 to more than a "In" this little game, million in 2019, as well as from bebecauseca that’s what it is, a digital community of NasserNass Al Khelaifi ranks at 500,000 to more than 87 the top because of the million today. uniquniqueu reach of his With this honorary dis- influence.influen He is a club tinction, Al Khelaifi, reserved chairmanchairm (PSG), a broad- as always, did not labour the THETHE PPENINSULAENINSULA – DOHADOHA castingcasting boss (beIN Media point in France Football and Groupp) with 55 million sub- said: “Power for power’s sake PSGPSG Chairman Nasser Al scribers,scribers as well as a minister - the obsessive search for the Khelaifi (pictured)), the headhead withoutwithou a portfolio of a spotlight - it’s just pure vanity”. boss picks out former Parisian alongside Nasser Al Khelaïfi on off beIN Media Group,Group, hashas country,country Qatar, which will In an interview in France star Zlatan Ibrahimovic and this influential podium. been named the most organizeorganiz the next World Cup Football, he talked about Alex Beckham among those who Others on the list include powerful person in thethe in 2022,"2022 the report said. Ferguson, the former boss of impressed him the most with major agents (Mendes, Raiola footballfootball world. Al KKhelaifi is at a cross- Manchester United, Ale- their ability to unify and offer or Zahavi), politicians (Xi Al Khelaifi topped roads oof influence and power ksander Ceferin, the UEFA another dimension. Jinping), several players (Messi, a list of Top 50 most gamesgames tthat puts him in a priv- boss and , who “He (Ibrahimovic) is Neymar, Sterling, Salah, powerfulpop werful people, ilegedileged and indispensable he negotiated with for the forever dependable and also Mbappé or Rapinoe), coaches published on position.position Parisian business. stood up when needed," Al (Klopp, Guardiola or Zidane) today's edition of HavingHav joined PSG nine "His (Ferguson's) know- Khelaifi said. but also businessmen and the France years agago, Al Khelaifi, who is how and passion for football "(Beckham) is one of the women from Russia, South Football alsoalso theth President of the are incomparable. (Ceferin) is best role models for any young Korea or Bahrain. Magazine. Qatar TTennis Federation, has a much needed unifying force boy or girl who aspires to And even a golden interna- A report pub-pub- managedmanag to adapt to the for European and world become a professional athlete," tional trophy, the Ballon d’Or FF, lished on beIN SpoSportrt codes tto become accepted football," the Qatari said. he said. which almost all of the club’s 50 said: "They are not necessarily andand jojoini this powerful clan Of all the players he met, Cristiano Ronaldo and members dream of getting close the peoplepeople who shout loudeloudestst who rulesru and holds sway at PSG and elsewhere, the PSG Gianni Infantino stand to, directly or indirectly. English clubs to resume group training today Sprint legend suspension AFP – LONDON Bolt becomes Premier League clubs will return to training extended to in small groups from today after the latest a father stage of “Project Restart” was approved – KINGSTON June 14 yesterday. Clubs unanimously voted to allow Athletics great and eight-time AP – ROME players to start socially distanced training Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt in a bid to meet the Premier League’s mid- and his long-time girlfriend Kasi The Serie A is suspended until June 14 June date to resume the season. Bennett welcomed their first child unless the Italian government gives it Contact training is not permitted at this on Sunday, Jamaican Prime the green light to resume a day earlier stage and corner flags, balls, cones, goal- Minister Andrew Holness as planned. posts, playing surfaces and other confirmed in a congratulatory The league announced last week equipment will be disinfected after each tweet yesterday. that its 20 teams agreed to resume session. Jamaica's Bolt, who holds competition on June 13 in empty Testing for the coronavirus has taken world records in the 100m and stadiums. place at Premier League clubs over the last A man is seen 200m distance, confirmed However, the Italian football fed- few days and will continue throughout the running outside the Bennett was expecting a daughter eration announced yesterday, a day training period. Etihad Stadium in in an Instagram video in March. after a government decree banning “Strict medical protocols of the highest Manchester, Britain "Congratulations to our sprint sports until June 14, that it was standard will ensure everyone returns to on Sunday. legend Usain Bolt and Kasi complying. training in the safest environment pos- Bennett on the arrival of their The FIGC announced that “pending sible,” a Premier League statement said. baby girl," Holness tweeted. any further and desirable decision by “The health and well-being of all par- Bolt, the only sprinter to win the competent authority” its compe- ticipants is the Premier League’s priority, PL could show more matches the 100m and 200m golds at three titions will remain suspended until that and the safe return to training is a step- consecutive Olympics (2008, 2012 date. by-step process. on free-to-air, says Minister and 2016), had previously said he Serie A has been off since March 9, “Full consultation will now continue would advise his future children when the government ordered a with players, managers, clubs, the PFA and REUTERS – LONDON against following in his nationwide lockdown. LMA as protocols for full-contact training footsteps. There are 12 rounds remaining in are developed.” The English Premier League could "That’s going to be hard for my Serie A, plus four matches that were The training protocols were presented show more matches on free-to-air kid. If they want to do it, 'm fine There is a rule at the moment postponed in the 25th round. Also, the to players and managers last week before TV platforms once it resumes, with it. But initially I'm going to that at 3 pm you can’t show Italian Cup is in the semifinal stage. being rubber-stamped during Monday’s including during the normally say don't do it, because I know the matches on TV because people Italian clubs resumed training on video conference call. protected 1500 BST slot on a were watching it in the football pressure that will come along with an individual basis on May 4 when Other rules in phase one include Saturday, Minister Oliver Dowden stadiums, clearly that is not going it," the 33-year-old has said. lockdown measures in the country players not travelling with anyone to or said yesterday. to be the case anymore, so some An 11-11-timetime started to ease. from training, while the use of public Dowden, head of the department of those slots may be available worldr l d They were slated to return to transport and team vehicles is banned. for digital, culture, media and sport, for free-to-air: British Minister champion,on, Bolt training together on Monday but they said making the games available on Oliver Dowden retired afterfter tthehe have not been given the green light to Premier League says strict medical free platforms could help to prevent 2017 woworldrld do so by the Italian government’s protocols of the highest standard fans from turning up outside the people wouldn’t be tempted to leave championshipsonships science panel. will ensure everyone returns to stadium for games that are being their homes to watch it. in Londonondon The medical protocol for the training in the safest environment shown behind closed doors. “There is a rule at the moment where hee ssuffereduffered resumption of Serie A has proved con- “It is likely to (resume) mid June that at 3 pm you can’t show matches a hamstringmstring possible. The health and well- tentious but a revised document was at the earliest,” he told BBC TV. on TV because people were watching injury inn the delivered to Sports Minister Vincenzo being of all participants is the “It would be a good thing to do if it in the football stadiums, clearly that final racee Spadafora on Sunday and the science priority, and the safe return to we can and I’m also looking as we do is not going to be the case anymore, of hiss panel is expected to give its verdict this training is a step-by-step process. it at increasing the of so some of those slots may be career. week. matches that could be free to air so available for free-to-air.” TUESDAY 19 MAY 2020 SPORT 09

Jordan’s first NHL plotting two play-offs sneakers sold hubs, 12 for record teams each: $560,000 Report

REUTERS —

REUTERS — NEW YORK The NHL Board of Governors is scheduled to hold a NBA great Michael conference call, and the Jordan’s autographed prevailing preference appears game-worn sneakers to be using two hub cities with from his rookie season 12 teams apiece for the 2020 fetched a record play-offs. $560,000 (463,380 Commissioner Gary pounds) in an online Bettman said on multiple , Sotheby’s said. occasions over the past two The Air Jordan 1s, weeks that the league is deter- designed for Jordan in mined to hold the Stanley Cup Golfers walk down the first fairway during the TaylorMade Driving 1985 and the first ever sig- play-offs. Relieve supported by UnitedHealth Group at Seminole Golf Club nature sneakers, were Darren Dreger of TSN expected to sell for in Juno Beach, Florida. reported yesterday there are between $100,000 and still issues to sort out with $150,000 in the auction. expansion of the play-offs, Known for selling which typically would include multimillion-dollar art, McIlroy, Johnson triumph as eight teams from each Sotheby’s held its first conference. auction dedicated entirely Bob McKenzie of TSN said to sneakers last year and nothing is firmed up yet, but had then set a world -- where an entire record of $437,500 for a charity game offers ‘normalcy’ resort connected to an arena pair of 1972 Nike running could be dedicated to players known as the and staff -- was likely to be REUTERS — NEW YORK “Moon .” Rory McIlroy (right) of the one of the hubs. “We saw tremendous American Nurses Foundation The league also has looked bidding up until the A tie-break win for world team and his team-mate Dustin into returning to play with moment the sale closed, number one Rory McIlroy and Johnson during the game. either a traditional 16-team or with the value more than team-mate Dustin Johnson at 20-team tournament. The doubling in the final hour the Driving Relief two-on-two NHL halted play on March 12 alone,” said Brahm charity skins match on Sunday because of the coronavirus Wachter, Sotheby’s injected suspense to a course pandemic with teams having director of eCommerce absent of fans and applause in between 11 and 14 games left development. the COVID-19 era. in the regular season. “That coupled with Wearing microphones that TSN’s Pierre LeBrun said strong international captured their smack talk and last week the two sides had bidding from six countries frustrations, caddie-less com- been having trouble deciding on four continents shows petitors McIlroy and Johnson how to bring some teams that not only the incredible faced off against Rickie Fowler wouldn’t have qualified for the appeal of Michael Jordan... and Matthew Wolff, carrying postseason into a play-off. but also that sneaker col- their own clubs and adhering lecting is truly a global to social distancing procedures and growing market.” after undergoing a battery of Like most of Jordan’s bas- tests and screenings. NFL: Vikings' ketball shoes, they are a Eager golf fans tuned in for mismatched pair in a size one of the rare few live tele- Harris signs 13 (left) and size 13.5 vised events, and were treated (right). to a bit of mild trash talk early franchise The auction coincided on, as McIlroy teased his Raising more than $5.5m through sponsors and “I think we’re all itching to with the 35th anniversary 21-year-old opponent Wolff donations for COVID-19 relief, the competition be out there,” said Rahm, tender of the Air Jordan brand after sinking a putt for par four quickly trended on social media, as golf-starved fans dialing in to the broadcast from REUTERS — NEW YORK and the screening of the on the second hole. reveled in seeing their favourite players compete in his Arizona home. “I sure wish 10-part ESPN “I think you forget I’ve won I was there.” documentary. two FedEx Cups that totalled at unique circumstances. With professional sports Minnesota Vikings safety “The Last Dance” $25 million,” said McIlroy. US President Donald Trump dialed in to the golf slowly lurching back to life in Anthony Harris signed his about the “Doesn’t faze me, empty stadiums, arenas and franchise tender with the and Jordan. youngster.” broadcast to applaud the event, saying that live venues across the world, the team. The shoes were sold That bravado was even- sports are good for the collective “psyche.” event marked yet another Harris will earn a guar- by collector Jordan Geller, tually tempered, however, as incremental move forward into anteed salary of $11.441m in the founder of the sneaker Fowler’s seven birdies put a new normal. 2020, per Spotrac. He has until Shoezeum in Las pressure on the world number Raising more than $5.5m to an imaginary crowd proved The PGA Tour is set to the July 15 deadline to agree to Vegas. one and Johnson, the heavily through sponsors and donations that the proceedings were any- resume next month in a fanless a long-term contract with the favoured pair who boast five for COVID-19 relief, the com- thing but business as usual, with setting for the Charles Schwab Vikings. Harris, 28, posted a Michael majors titles between them. petition quickly trended on comedic actor Bill Murray Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, statement on Twitter Jordan The competition came social media, as golf-starved showing off his quarantine with players and caddies facing addressing his future. down to a closest-to-the-hole fans reveled in seeing their snacks during a Skype dial-in a host of tests and screenings. “I will let my agents and tiebreak, in which McIlroy favourite players compete in to the telecast. NASCAR also resumed on the Vikings work towards long clinched the victory despite an unique circumstances. The competitors swapped Sunday at South Carolina’s Dar- term certainty in Minnesota, admirable 120-yard wedge shot “Does DJ (Dustin Johnson) out the PGA Tour-mandated lington Raceway, and Major but I am excited to be back for from Wolff, letting out a whoop legitimately not know how to slacks for shorts in the League Baseball is currently the 2020 season,” Harris and offering his teammate an carry a golf bag anymore or 87-degree Fahrenheit heat, as proposing ways in which it wrote, in part. “air-five.” something?” tweeted clouds dotted the otherwise could salvage its 2020 season. Harris joined New Eng- “These Seminole greens, the @14Thaddeus14, as images of clear blue skies along the US President Donald Trump land’s Stephon Gilmore and ball can do funny things when the 2016 US Open champ’s Florida coast. dialed in to the golf broadcast Buffalo’s Tre’Davious White in you think it’s in a good place,” clubs hanging haphazardly As young Wolff’s nerves to applaud the event, saying sharing the NFL lead with six said McIlroy, who basked in the from his shoulder prompted settled and Fowler visibly that live sports are good for the interceptions last season. “normalcy” of being back in good-natured ribbing on reveled in the return to compe- collective “psyche.” Harris had 180 tackles and competition. Twitter. tition, the scene was enough to “We want to get it back to nine interceptions in 65 career “It’s been awesome and it’s Wolff’s tie-dyed sneakers make anyone a bit jealous - where it was - we want big, big games with the Vikings since nice to get back on the golf and handlebar mustache and including world number two stadiums loaded with people,” entering the NFL in 2015 as an course.” Fowler’s pantomime gestures Jon Rahm. Trump said. undrafted free agent. Harvick wins as NASCAR returns to racing AP — DARLINGTON we do,” Harvick said. “I didn’t was brought out of retirement think it was going to be that dif- by Chip Ganassi when Kyle This was a 400-mile drive ferent, but it’s dead silent out Larson was fired for using a unlike any other in modern day here. We miss the fans.” racial slur during an iRacing NASCAR. NASCAR developed a health event that kept NASCAR The grandstands were com- plan approved by officials in occupied when racing was on pletely empty. There wasn’t a both South Carolina and North hold. Kenseth finished 10th. single tailgate inside the track. Carolina and scheduled seven The odd and empty setting Everyone wore face coverings races over the next 11 days at was the backdrop for some - some with the team logos, two tracks. As other states typical NASCAR mishaps. Action during the others opting for plain dis- began to open, the series tacked Seven-time champion Jimmie NASCAR Cup Series posable medical masks. It was more races to fill the calendar Johnson crashed while leading at Darlington nothing close to the corporate with 20 events across seven on the final lap of the first stage, Raceway in sponsorship, pomp and patriotic Southern states between now a better result than poor Ricky Darlington, South traveling circus that symbolizes and June 21. There will be no Stenhouse Jr., who barely made NASCAR. spectators at least through that Carolina. INSET: it out of the second turn before But when the engines fired date. Kevin Harvick he crashed. at Darlington Raceway fol- But to even get to the Coca- celebrates after Stenhouse never finished a lowing a 10-week layoff during Cola 600 next week at Charlotte winning the race. single lap and finished last. the coronavirus pandemic, it Motor Speedway, NASCAR had And even without fans turned into a regular old race. to get it right at Darlington. allowed on the property, a small Kevin Harvick beat Alex Teams were required to grass fire still broke out behind Bowman to win NASCAR’s first submit rosters in advance with a section of the track. Gray race back, a spectacle closely only 16 members allotted per smoke billowed during a watched to see if the largest car. Names were on a list at a NASCAR did not have to inside were Ryan Newman, shutdown and finished 15th in caution, which isn’t that odd a racing series in the United checkpoint at the end of a turn anyone away, and all 40 back for the first time since he his return. sight at a NASCAR race. States could successfully get gravel road just off Harry Byrd drivers were cleared to race. suffered a head injury exactly Also in the field was Matt NASCAR’s elite Cup Series back to work. Highway and everyone who NASCAR has declined to do three months ago in a wreck on Kenseth, who at 48 was the next races tomorrow at Dar- “I just want to thank eve- passed through had their tem- COVID-19 testing to ensure the final lap of the Daytona 500. oldest driver at Darlington and lington, which is hosting three rybody from NASCAR and all perature checked and logged those tests go to those in need. Newman missed only three he raced for the first time since events in four days before the the teams for letting us do what before they could enter. Among those to make it races because of NASCAR’s the 2018 season finale. Kenseth sport shifts to Charlotte. 10 SPORT TUESDAY 19 MAY 2020 Saliva on ball, neutral umpires BCCI to wait further before set to be axed due to pandemic organising

AFP — LONDON training camps Teams will need new Cricketers are set to be ball-shining methods banned from using saliva to once cricket resumes. We are living through AP — NEW DELHI shine the ball due to the extraordinary coronavirus pandemic, times and the The Board of Control for Cricket in India following recommendations (BCCI) says it will “wait further” to organise by the International Cricket recommendations training camp for its contracted players Council. the committee have despite the government relaxing restrictions The ICC’s influential on sporting events, allowing them to resume cricket committee met via made today are without fans. conference call yesterday interim measures to The Indian Premier League (IPL) - the and made the recommenda- enable us to safely BCCI’s marque event -- was postponed tions after a briefing from the last month due to the coronavirus governing body’s medical resume cricket in a pandemic. advisory committee. way that preserves The Twenty20 tournament will only take It was unanimously place this year once travel restrictions are agreed that the “elevated risk the essence of eased and the cricket board can find a of transmission” caused by our game while suitable window for it in the schedule. polishing the ball using spit protecting everyone “Taking into the account the restrictions meant the traditional method on air travel and movement of people till must be shelved for now, extraordinary times and the interim measures to enable essence of our game while involved: Anil May 31, the BCCI will wait further before though sweat will still be recommendations the com- us to safely resume cricket protecting everyone Kumble organising a skill-based training camp for permitted. mittee have made today are in a way that preserves the involved.” its contracted players,” cricket board Additionally, it was treasurer Arun Dhumal said in a statement decided to vote for a sus- yesterday. pension to the rule guaran- “The board reiterates that the safety and teeing neutral umpires in Coronavirus will change the way well-being of its athletes and support staff Test cricket in a bid to min- is paramount and will not rush into any imise travel amid quarantine decision that can hamper or jeopardise issues. bowlers operate, says India's Ishant India’s efforts in containing the spread of No home nation umpire the virus.” has stood in a Test since AFP – NEW DELHI option” but to play by new Australia captain Ian timetable for a resumption. Maharashtra and Karnataka are among 2002. rules when the sport Chappell to suggest some India has extended a several prominent states in India in com- In 1994, the ICC man- The world’s top bowlers will resumes, said Ishant, who form of ball-tampering be nationwide coronavirus plete lockdown. Cricket activities have been dated the use of one neutral likely have to change the plays for for Delhi Capitals allowed. lockdown until May 31, but stopped around the country, but the BCCI umpire per Test, which was way they go about getting in the Indian Premier “With cricket on hold, new rules starting Monday wanted to try organising training camps at extended to two eight years swing and seam as a result League. this is the ideal time to allow stadiums to host local levels. later. of the coronavirus, Indian “I feel cricketers will conduct the exercise,” events without spectators. “The BCCI will study guidelines at the The committee also sug- paceman Ishant Sharma have to get used to the new Chappell said. “Using saliva The Board of Control for state level and will work in sync with state gested one additional DRS said yesterday. normal, whatever that is,” and perspiration are now Cricket in India said it “will cricket associations to chalk out a program review should be awarded Bowlers traditionally he said. seen as a health hazard, so not rush into any decision” for skill-based training at a local level,” to each team per innings. get the ball to move in the Last week the Aus- bowlers require something on the IPL and will wait Dhumal said. The measures must now air by applying shine to one tralian Institute of Sport to replace the traditional before organising training “The BCCI Office-Bearers will continue go forward for consideration side via sweat or saliva, but issued new guidelines methods of shining the camps for national players. their interactions with the team management by the ICC chief executives’ new regulatitions being expressly forbidding ball.” Ishant has been in and and draw up a suitable plan for the entire committee before being considered to outlaw the rubbing spit or sweat into All international cricket out of the Indian team due to team once the situation further improves,” approved. practice will change the the ball’s surface as a con- -- including cash-rich tour- injuries and inconsistent per- he added. Former India captain game, he told an online dition for competitive naments such as the IPL -- formances since his debut in The Indian government extended the Anil Kumble, who chairs the discussion. cricket to resume. has been halted by the 2007, but he hit form before lockdown for two weeks on Sunday but said cricket committee, said: “We There will be “no That prompted former coronavirus, with no clear the virus struck. that sports complexes and stadiums will be are living through permitted to open without spectators. Markram Babar hopes T20 World Cup goes stakes claim ahead even without spectators for South Africa I really enjoy captaincy. AP — ISLAMABAD Test captaincy Babar Azam I enjoy the When cricket resumes, no team REUTERS — CAPE TOWN responsibilities will be better prepared for that come playing in front of empty stands Opening batsman Aiden with it: Aiden than Pakistan. Markram has said he would Pakistan did it for more give an “arm and a leg” to Markram than 10 years until last year. captain South Africa in Tests but The United Arab Emirates admits doubting his own ability became Pakistan’s home away during a difficult 12 months in within the environment that sidelines after injuring his hand from home after the 2009 ter- the longer format. will definitely take the team.” when he struck a wall following rorist attack against the Sri Markram, 25, is considered Markram led South Africa a pair of ducks in India last year. Lanka team convoy in Lahore. one of the front-runners to take to victory at the 2014 Cricket “I have certainly doubted No teams were willing to go to over the Test captaincy from Under-19 World Cup, and had myself and doubted my abil- Pakistan to play a test until Sri Faf du Plessis when South been tipped by current CSA ities,” Markram said. Lanka last year in Rawalpindi. Africa return to five-day action, director of cricket Graeme “At the top level, you’re just “It’s ironic that we played and would likely have been a Smith as a future captain for the a few bad knocks away from our home cricket in front of shoo-in if his form had not senior side. people wanting you out of the almost empty stadia for 10 dipped so dramatically in the “I really enjoy captaincy,” team. I doubted myself quite a years and now the world is last year. Markram said. “I enjoy the bit this last year. heading in that direction,” “It is just nice to be con- responsibilities that come with “It’s a tough space to be in Pakistan limited-overs captain sidered and I’d give an absolute it. I have been able to watch but it comes with the territory Babar Azam said yesterday in week. Babar said he’s praying What worried him most arm and a leg to be able to do from franchise captains to a guy and if you want to be a top per- a video news conference. he can lead Pakistan into a about live cricket without spec- it, but in the same breath I don’t like Faf and it is just something former at a high level, you’ve “No team knows what it world tournament for the first tators was that he believed it want to become desperate that I would love to do.” got to find ways to deal with it,” feels like playing in front of time, and not too fussed if it can will hurt the game’s about it,” Markram said in an But Markram must first he said. empty stands more than go ahead without spectators. development. interview released by Cricket regain his starting place in the South Africa are next Pakistan.” “If the world will never be “I fear for the growth and South Africa (CSA) yesterday. side. The opener averaged scheduled to be in action for Babar was keen to learn the the same again (after the coro- development of cricket,” he “It’s one of those things above 45 in his first 15 Tests, but two Tests in the West Indies in fate of the T20 World Cup in navirus), how can playing and said. where if it were to happen it in the next five managed only late July, though that tour is October and November in Aus- watching be the same? Let’s “It’s a serious issue for me would be amazing. But if not, 183 runs at an average of 18.30. under threat due to the tralia when the International understand and quickly if no youngster will watch his there are plenty of good leaders He had a spell on the COVID-19 pandemic. Cricket Council meets next embrace this,” he said. heroes live in action.” Federer is the best but Djokovic tougher for Nadal: Uncle Toni REUTERS —MUMBAI nearing the end of a glittering matches. But at the end, I like meetings so far.far. “For us it was “Because it’s not about wwho career and leads the race on 20 how he plays, becausecause he’s very always more difficult to of them is better. For us,us, wwhenh Roger Federer is the best tennis Grand Slam singles titles, with elegant but he’s vveryery effective play against wewe play against Federer, we player of the current generation Spaniard Nadal close on his too. Djokovic,” havehave a way to beat him. In my but reigningigning world numbenumberr heels with 19. When we play against “I know Federerderer iiss tthehee ToniToni sasaid.id. mind,mind, before going on court,cour I one Novak DjDjokovicokovic DjokovicDjokovic is Djokovic, many best ever with I dodon’tn’t knknowow knowknow whatwhat wewe havehave to do. remainsins the momostst three behind who; maybe Rodd Laver or “When“When we play agaiagainst difficultult opponentopponent in thethe SSwisswiss times we didn’t know maybe Rafael, he’se’s not too Djokovic,Djokovic, many times we dididn’td Rafael Nadal’s careecareer,r, withwith 17 exactly what we had far (behind). BButut at the knowknow exactly what we hadhad to the Spaniard’spaniard’s uncleuncle mamajorsjors and moment Federer iiss tthehe best.best.”” do.do. This is more difficult,difficult, for mme. and foformerrmer coacoachch isis a year to do. This is more Djokovic lookedked unstounstop-p- I prefer to play against FederFederer.”e Toni NadalNadal hhasas sasaid.id. youngery ounger difficult, for me. I pable this seasonn before the NadalNadal currently trains underun Thehe ““GOAT”GOA T” than Nadal,Nadal, prefer to play against novel coronavirusus pandemicpandemic formerformer wworldorld numbernumber oonene anda (Greatesttest of all TimTime)e) whowho tuturnsrns brought the tennisnis circuit to a fellow Mallorcan Carlos MMoyao debatee in mmen’sen’s tetennisnnis hhasas 3344 next Federer: Toni Nadal halt in early March.ch. afterafter uncleuncle ToniTo dividedd oopinionpinion for a decade month.month. He lifted thee ATP CuCupp steppedstepped down as his and remainsmains a hot totopicpic as thethe “For“ F o r me,me, he (Federer) is a wonderful with Serbia, won an eighth long-time coach at the trio continueontinue to dominatedominate,, player.play I like to watch Roger Australian Openn title and endene d ofof tthehe 20172017 season.seas havingg won the last 13 FeFedererd a lot,” Toni told then completedd a fifth majors.s. Eurosport’sEuro Players’ Cut pro- triumph at the Dubaiubai Tennis Federer,e derer, gramme,gram which features Nadal Championships, eextendingxtending hhisis who willwill be thisthis week. unbeaten run to 2211 mmatches.atches. 39 in Novak Djokovic “If I wasn’t the uncle nor The Serb hass a slight edge August,st, tthehe coach of Rafael, I would on world numberer two Nadal,Nadal, Rafael Nadal iss wantwa Federer to win all the having won 29 of their 55 career TUESDAY 19 MAY 2020 SPORT 11 QORC: Al Sulaiti takes series lead with dominant win

THE PENINSULA – DOHA QORC FINAL WEEK POINTS TALLY AFTER ROUND 1 Qatar’s three-time Superstock 600 champion Saeed Al Sulaiti 1 Saeed Al Sulaiti 40 proved to be too good even on 2 Soud Al Thani 36 a virtual track as he dominated 3 Khalid Al Maraghi 33 the proceeding by winning the 4 Hade Ahmed 31 first of three finals of the Qatar 5 Jeremy Parola 30 Online Racing Championship 6 Mohamad Al Zaidan 29 on Sunday. 7 Abdulla Al Qubaisi 28 After leading the qualifying 8 Ali Ahmed 27 by a massive margin, Al Sulaiti 9 Jassim Al Thani 26 stormed to victory at the 10 Hamad Al Sahouti 25 virtual Donington Park Circuit with a comfortable 10-second gap ahead of Soud Al Thani, Mohamad Al Zaidan fin- who was unbeaten throughout ished sixth ahead of Sulaiti's three qualifying rounds. familiar QSTK 600 rival Khalid Al Maraghi Abdulla Al Qubaisi who settled recovered from a fall during for a seventh place finish. the race which pushed him Ali Ahmed, Jassim Al Thani back to ninth due to a crash and Hamad Al Sahouti rounded and then managed to stage a up the top 10 in first round of superb comeback to clinch the the finals. remaining spot on the podium. The second race of the final Hade Ahmed started off round takes place today, fol- from seventh spot in the lowed by the third and last starting grid, but fought back competition on Thursday. strongly to finish in the fourth Winners of the inaugural place. online championship will be The series, played on Play- Jeremy Parola, the French decided depending on the Station 4 platform of MotoGP rider who won the QSTK points collected by the riders 19 game, is organised by the Trophy this season, settled for at the end of the three Qatar Motor and Motorcycle the fifth spot. rounds. Federation. Celtic declared champions as Scottish season ends early

AFP – LONDON Celtic were 13 points clear at A fan is seen with a flag outside Celtic the top of the table when the Park in , Britain, after Celtic season was stopped due to the Celtic were crowned champions were confirmed champions after the coronavirus pandemic in March UEFA pushes for a record-equalling ninth SPFL ended the season, yesterday. Matches with consecutive season as the with eight games remaining for back key Scottish Premiership campaign the majority of clubs. no spectators was declared over yesterday. meeting due ’s men were 13 A ninth consecutive title only a points clear at the top of the matches the record set to Euro venue table when the season was by Celtic’s European Cup- short-term stopped due to the coronavirus winning side of the sixties concerns pandemic in March with eight and seventies and Rangers’ fix: Wenger games remaining for the dominant team that won AFP – PARIS majority of clubs. nine in a row between 1988 REUTERS – LONDON Second-placed Rangers had and 1997. UEFA has postponed a a game in hand to try and cut potentially key meeting of Staging football matches that gap and were due to face its Executive Committee without spectators must Celtic twice more before the allowed to return to training until June 17, European only be a short-term fix end of the season. until June 10 at the earliest. football’s governing body during the COVID-19 “It is, of course, a real shame The cost of testing and the said yesterday. pandemic as the prolonged that we were not able to see out fact a high percentage of The meeting was ini- absence of fans could the league in front of our fans. players will be out of contract tially due to be held on May damage the game, former However, no one can deny how in May and June were also high- 27 but has been put back Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger deserved this title is,” said Celtic lighted by clubs as reasons why due to concerns sur- (pictured above)has said. chief executive Peter Lawwell. making a return to finishing the rounding some of the The German A ninth consecutive title campaign was impractical. venues for the next became the first major matches the record set by “The SPFL has today European Championship. soccer league to resume Celtic’s European Cup-winning announced that, following con- UEFA cited “some since the novel coronavirus side of the sixties and seventies sultation with all 12 top-flight remaining open points outbreak shut down sports and Rangers’ dominant team clubs, the Board of the SPFL has regarding a small number earlier this year, and its that won nine in a row between determined that the 2019/20 of proposed venues for the return behind closed doors 1988 and 1997. for determining final league allowed the Scottish Profes- Premiership has been con- rearranged UEFA Euro is being closely watched by “To be sitting here now as placings also sees bottom club sional Football League (SPFL) cluded with immediate effect,” 2020 next year.” other leagues. the manager of the nine in a Hearts relegated unless there is board to also bring the top flight the league said in a statement. The Euro was pushed “Will it survive long- row, and having played a huge any progress in talks over to a halt if it deemed the games By calling the season to an back by a year to June and term? Will it damage the part in that, fills me with so league reconstruction. could no longer be played. end, the SPFL can now release July 2021 because of the show long-term without much pride,” said Lennon, who Premiership clubs have pre- Last week Rangers failed to a final instalment of prize coronavirus pandemic. It supporters? I am convinced has been in charge for five of viously rejected proposals for gain support of the 42 member money to clubs based on their was due to be staged in 12 of that,” FIFA’s head of the nine straight titles. reconstruction, but Hearts said clubs for an independent league position. cities across 12 different global development Wenger “It feels wonderful and I’m they will put forward a new res- inquiry into how the vote on the “This decision now enables European nations, but that told beIN Sport. so proud of the players. It’s an olution and warned they may resolution was passed. us to pay out around £7m format could be “You cannot imagine a incredible record and to be part take legal action if it is rejected. Premiership clubs agreed ($8.5m) in fees to help clubs stay modified. whole season without any of that is something very The three leagues below the on Friday that finishing the afloat during this incredibly dif- “The idea is that we spectators. That’s why I special, and I think it’s thor- Premiership were ended over season was no longer a realistic ficult time,” said SPFL chief stay in the same cities,” believe it a short-term oughly deserved as well.” a month ago when clubs passed option. executive Neil Doncaster. UEFA President Aleksander solution. A points-per-game formula a controversial resolution that Scottish clubs will not be Ceferin told broadcaster “ItIt is still the best pospos- beIN Sports last week. sible way to ggetet a verdiverdictct fforor “We have had conver- thethe eenendnd of tthehe sseason.eason. It’sIt’s sations with nine cities and betterbetteer tthanhaan ananyy ototherher Dortmund showdown set to everything is set. With decision.”decision.” EEngland’sngngland’s PremierPremim er three cities, we have some LeagueLeagguue iiss hhohopefulpefuul ‘Project‘PProject issues. Restart’,Restaart’, wwhwhichich enenvisagesvvisages a decide German league: Mueller The German Bundesliga returnreturrnn toto actionaactionn inin June,June, cancan became the first major gaingain mmomentumommentum afaafterter clubsclububs AFPAFPF – BERLINBERLININ Haaland opening the scoring in nine Bundesliga games since European league to return holdhold a cconferenceoonfeereennce callcaall yyes-ees- before Raphael Guerreiro netted arriving from Red Bull Salzburg over the weekend and terdayterdaay toto ThomasThhomass MMuelleruuelllle expects either side of a Thorgan Hazard in January. UEFA remains hopeful of vote oonn BayernBayee rrnn Munich’sM goal. In total, the lanky 19-year-old wrapping up the current a showdownshshoowwddoowwnn bbehinde closed Dortmund host Bayern on Norwegian has now scored 41 club season in August, doorsddoors aatt cclosestlloo rivals May 26 and Mueller expects the goals in 34 games in all competi- thereby liming the delay to BorussiaBoBoruussssiiaa Dortmund potential top-of-the-table clash tions in 2019/20. the start of next season. inin a wweek’se time to to be a key factor in determining The drubbing of Schalke was UEFA has been working decideddecidde who wins whether Munich will go on to the heaviest defeat dished out in on a potential scenario theththe BundesligaB clinch an eighth straight league the Ruhr derby since 1966. which would see domestic title.tiitlee. crown. Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim leagues being played out returnreturn toto grggroupououp Goals by “The match in Dortmund will Watzke said he received congrat- before the Champions trainingtraining butbutu RRobert decide how exciting and close it ulatory text messages from League and Europa League mamatchestcchhes wiwillll bbee LLewand- will be in the next few weeks, football luminaries including Liv- are completed in August. plplayedaya eed iinn ememptyptty owski and that’s for sure,” said Mueller. erpool manager Jurgen Klopp, “We have a concrete stadiums.staddiui ms. Benjamin Former Dortmund striker Tottenham coach Jose Mourinho plan of finishing the TheThh e Pavard Lewandowski netted a first-half and Real Madrid president European season. Of FFrFrenchmanenchman ssesealedealed a 22-0- win for penalty for Bayern on Sunday for Florentino Perez. course, this summer we aadaddedded thtthatat BBaBayernayyernrn atat UnionUnU ion Berlin on his 26th league goal this season, “Perez even wrote that he was will have to play without hhehealthallthh con-conn- SundaySSuunnddayy asas thethhe GeGGermanrm top flight taking him one closer to Gerd very happy” about the “excep- spectators at the stadiums,” ccecernsernns shshouldhould restartedrerestaarteed behindbe closed Mueller’s record of 40 in the 1971- tionally good performance by our Ceferin told beIN. taketakee prioritypriioritity inn anyany doors.doorrss.. 1972 season. team”, Watzke told the Bild daily. He added: "We have an decisiondecisiion ttoo rerestartesstarrt TheTThhe result in Aked if the Pole could However, the Dortmund chief idea but we have to wait for play.play. BeBerlinrlr i n maintainedmmaaiinttaainne Bayern’s overtake Mueller’s 48-year-old drew the line at suggestions the the Executive Committee “We“WWe cacan’tn’t be gguideduideed Bayern Munich’s German four-pointfour-ppooiintt lleadeaad atat thethhee top of the record, Bayern coach Hansi Flick emphatic win was a direct chal- of UEFA to confirm the too mmumuchch bbyy financialfinancial forward Thomas Mueller in tabletat blb e afteraafftteer ththehe lelleagueaagguee took a two- said: “It won’t be easy, but he lenge to Bayern. dates. reasonsreasoonns andaand tatakekee ssuchucu h a bibbigg action during the German monthmonth hiatushihiatuss ddueu to the (Lewandowski) has the quality. Last season, Dortmund threw "I can say that the gamble,”gambblle,”” hehe added.addded.d “We“We Bundesliga match against COVID-19COVIDD-1199 ppandemic.annddeemmiic “If anyone can do it, he’s the away a nine-point lead when European season will be havehave ttoo fifirstrst mamakeke suresure ththisis FC Union Berlin in Berlin, on Second-placedSSecoond-pplacceed Dortmund one.” In Dortmund, Haaland also their form dipped in early 2019, finished, if everything is as is medicallymeeddiccala ly ssafe.”afe.” smssmashedmasshhed SchalkeScS haalklke 4-04 on Sat- continued his phenomenal allowing Bayern to win the title it is now, in August." Sunday. urdayurdday wiwithith ErlingErlli Braut scoring record with his 10th goal by two points.