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SPORT SPORT | 14 SPORT | 15 NBA: Davis likes ‘Zero tolerance’ - LA Lakers’ title organiser considers chances when withdrawing Zverev action returns from Berlin event

SATURDAY 4 JULY 2020

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton (bottom) F1: Season-opening Austrian Grand Prix and his team-mate Valtteri Bottas driving during practice yesterday in Spielberg, Austria, ahead of the Hamilton, Mercedes season-opening Austrian Grand Prix. excel in practice AFP – SPIELBERG The reigning world on a video released on social media. champion begins his quest “Normally, my helmet is white, Lewis Hamilton began his quest for a record-equalling my suit is white and obviously the for a record-equalling seventh car is in silver. This is why - it’s the seventh title by topping world title by topping the times whole reason that the helmet has Red Bull protests yesterday as Formula One roared the time sheets. changed its colour and the suit and back with a full day’s practice for the car. Mercedes’ the belated season-opening The long-awaited track “It’s supporting equality, above Austrian Grand Prix. action brings an end to all, and just really continuing to Three months after the can- Formula One’s longest solidify that important message as DAS system celled traditional curtain-raiser in we currently have ‘the Australia and six months on from break following the lifting mic’ and people are REUTERS – SPIELBERG the last race, it was business as of lockdown restrictions starting to listen. So, it’s usual from the dominant ‘black in Europe caused by the an opportunity to push Red Bull lodged an official protest against arrows’ Mercedes men with Valtteri COVID-19 pandemic. Mercedes at Formula One’s season- Bottas next fastest as the sport re- opening Austrian Grand Prix yesterday started after its longest after the champions used a contro- off-season. brought an end to Formula One’s versial new Dual Axis Steering (DAS) Hamilton, in commanding form longest break following the lifting system in practice. in both the morning and afternoon of lockdown restrictions in Europe The action concerned the cars of sessions, was quickest in one caused by the COVID-19 six-times world champion Lewis minute and 4.304 seconds to lead pandemic. Hamilton and team mate Valtteri Bottas by 0.197 seconds and third- Hamilton, who has been an out- Bottas, with team representatives placed Sergio Perez, in Racing spoken supporter of the campaign summoned to stewards at the Red Bull Point’s pink Mercedes, by 0.657. for equality and diversity since the Ring. , in his last death of American George Floyd Mercedes, who dominated practice season with Ferrari, was fourth for last month, revealed a statement with Hamilton fastest in both sessions, the Italian outfit ahead of McLaren- ‘Black Lives Matter’ helmet before were running the system for the first time bound Daniel Ricciardo of Renault climbing into his Mercedes. at a race weekend after it raised questions and Lando Norris of McLaren. His Mercedes W11 car was also that message and really hold people in pre-season testing. Lance Stroll, in the second running in revised new black livery, accountable. The governing FIA has said already that Racing Point car, modelled on the instead of the team’s traditional “It’s not good enough, even if DAS will not be allowed next year, despite hugely-successful 2019 title- silver, with a message to ‘End someone says to you ‘we’ve been the cars remaining the same due to new rules winning Mercedes, was seventh Racism’ on the halo. doing something’ or ‘we’ve been being postponed to 2022, but has not banned ahead of Red Bull’s Max Ver- “For a long time, we’ve been trying’. They need to try harder it for 2020. stappen, Charles Leclerc in the planning for the livery change for because it is still a big issue that the DAS allows a driver to change the ‘toe second Ferrari and his future team- the car, for the (driver) suit change world is fighting 60 years later, angle’ of the front wheels by pushing and mate Carlos Sainz of McLaren. and I have also designed my helmet after Martin Luther King was pulling on the steering wheel, rather than The long-awaited track action in black,” said Hamilton, speaking fighting for it and gave his life.” just moving it sideways.

Former marathon world Teams get ready for QSL restart record holder Kipsang CHINTHANA WASALA THE PENINSULA handed four-year ban QNB Qatar Stars League (QSL) teams are revving up their prep- REUTERS – NAIROBI arations ahead of the season's restart as fans in the country Former marathon world record holder Wilson Kipsang eagerly await the return of football of Kenya has been handed a four-year ban for anti- action after a long unscheduled doping rule violations (ADRVs) that included using a break. fake photo of a traffic accident to justify one of four Al Sadd players hit the training missed whereabouts appointments, the Athletics pitches sessions on Thursday and Integrity Unit (AIU) said yesterday. yesterday following a two-day World Athletics said Kipsang, a bronze medallist at break as per the second stage of the 2012 Olympics, had four whereabouts failures QSL's protocol. between April 2018 and May 2019. Coached by Xavi Hernandez, Three such failures within 12 months leads to an Al Sadd underwent quarantine at automatic ban. the Ritz Carlton following the Kipsang said he missed a test on May 17, 2019 due second round of COVID-19 tests to a traffic accident involving an overturned lorry and which came back negative. Al Sadd's Algerian also provided a photo of the crash. The protocols have been striker Baghdad However, the image was found to be from an developed by the Qatar Stars Bounedjah takes part accident recorded on August 19, 2019. League Management and approved in a training session by the Ministry of Public Health yesterday, as the teams (MOPH). gear up for the return Currently the QSL outfits are of QNB Stars League MMA star Khabib's undergoing training at the iconic action following a long Khalifa International Stadium, break. INSET: Al Sadd father dies of COVID-19 indoor stadium at the Aspire players in action during Academy, training grounds for yesterday's training AFP – Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup and session. training grounds of the clubs. The father and former trainer of Russian Mixed Martial QSL's Round 18 matches will Arts star Khabib Nurmagomedov has died at 57 after kick off behind closed doors on July contracting coronavirus, Chechen leader Ramzan 24. Kadyrov announced yesterday. On the opening day, title-con- “I’ve received sad news, friends, that Abdulmanap tenders Al Rayyan will meet Qatar Nurmagomedov has left this world,” Kadyrov wrote on SC at the Education City Stadium, Telegram messenger, saying he was expressing the con- the newly opened 2022 World Cup dolences of the “whole Chechen people.” The fighter’s venue, while Al Gharafa take on Al father was first hospitalised in April in his native North Arabi in the Al Janoub Stadium. against Al Sailiya at Jassim Bin longest break from action the Al Gharafa are currently in Caucasus region of and was later transferred Al Sadd, currently placed third Hamad Stadium in the last fixture sports world has seen in decades. fourth place with 28 points. Al to a Moscow clinic. in the standings, will meet Al Khor of Round 18. Before the competition was Arabi (24) and Al Sailiya (23) are Khabib Nurmagomedov, the 31-year-old UFC light- at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. With five more rounds halted due to the COVID-19 pan- fifth and sixth respectively. weight champion, in May urged people in Dagestan, one Leaders Al Duhail face Umm remaining until the end of the demic, Al Duhail were leading the Al Shahaniya (10) are placed at of the regions hardest hit by the pandemic, to be “disci- Salal at the Education City Stadium domestic League season, the clubs points tally with 42 points, followed the bottom while Umm Salal and plined” and “listen to our doctors.” This week he posted the following day. Al Shahaniya are looking to make full use of this by Al Rayyan (38) and Al Sadd (32) Al Khor, both having collected 14 a picture of his tracksuited father at a training session will meet Al Ahli at the Al Janoub period in order to ensure the read- who occupied the second and third points each, are battling to avoid on with the caption “Father” as followers said Stadium while Al Wakrah play iness of their players following the positions respectively. relegation. they were praying for his recovery. 14 SPORT SATURDAY 4 JULY 2020 Brno to host NBA: Davis likes Lakers’ title Czech MotoGP chances when action returns with no crowd AFP – PRAGUE

AFPAFP – LOSLOOS ANGELESANNG when the campaign was halted. to be beneficial for us going to The Czech Republic MotoGP in Brno on August They will travel to the NBA Orlando.” Davis is mindful of 9 will be held behind closed doors due to AnthonyAnnthoon Davis says “bubble” at Orlando, Florida, next coronavirus worries and Florida’s concerns about the novel coronavirus, organ- hee likeslikk the Los week for and play rising number of COVID-19 cases, isers said yesterday. AngelesAngeele Lakers’ eight more regular-season games but he has confidence in NBA The Brno race is the third scheduled for this chanceschhancce of winning without fans starting July 30 safety precautions and other year after two Grands Prix in Jerez, Spain, with thethhe NBANNB title when against the Clippers before the players not wanting to become the season opener set for July 19. thethhe coronavirus-cco playoffs begin. infected either. “Despite all our efforts, this year’s race will haltedhalteed season If the Lakers do make a run “I think everybody would be be held without an audience for security resumesreesum July 30 to the championship with the NBA mindful of following the rules. I reasons,” the regional government based in Brno evenevvenn more after Finals in October, they would don’t think no one wants to get said in a statement, adding that tickets already thethe four-monthfo spend about three months in the COVID,” Davis said. purchased remained valid for next year. break.brreaeak. quarantine atmosphere. “Guys won’t put themselves The season was originally scheduled to start TheThT e 27-year-old The Lakers will be without or other players, staff in jeopardy. on March 8 in Qatar before COVID-19 tore powerpoweer forwardforrww says he guard Avery Bradley, who opted The NBA is doing as much as they through the global sporting calendar. feelsfeels “1“100%00 healthy” out of the comeback plan, and can to keep the bubble as safe as The Czech Republic has handled the afaafterter workingwworrkk out at might not have center Dwight possible.” There won’t be any COVID-19 pandemic relatively well owing to homehhomme nearlynearrly every day Howard, who’s status is uncertain. spectators at the games as a timely measures, recording just over 350 deaths sincesiince thethhe NBANBBA shut down “Obviously we’ll miss result. and 12,000 confirmed cases. onon MMarcharrchch 1111 afafterftet r Utah’s Rudy (Bradley) but we have guys that “It’s going to be different,” But Czech health authorities have urged GobertGoGobbeert ttestedeesteed positivep for are healthy, guys that are ready Davis said. “Obviously we feed caution over a recent spike in new cases in the COVID-19.COOVVIDD--199. to go,” Davis said. off Laker Nation, home and on northeastern part of the country. “Actually“A“Acttuuaalll y I think our The Lakers have added J.R. the road. It’s going to be very dif- chchancesaannccees ararere hihhighergghe because Smith, a former James teammate ferent not being able to have them wwewe’re’rre alaallll rerrested,”esttedd,” Davis told in Cleveland, to replace Bradley, by our side during this time.” reportersreeporrtteerrs ThTThursday.huursddayy. ““It’s going to while Dion Waiters and Markieff Davis says the impact will be F1: Ferrari bee whowhhoo wwantsana tss iitt mommore.r Morris had barely joined the more mental and require players “We’re“WWee’re motivatedmootivvatate as a team Lakers before the shutdown. to be self-starters when times get andand self-motivatedseellff-motivvattedd tot win.” “Markieff showed he can be tough. hope Mugello TheThThe LeLLeBronBrB onn JJames-ledammess Lakers a big part of our team,” Davis said. “If you’re having a bad game, hadhad thethhe second-bestsesecoondd-best recordr in the “Dion and JR are going to help us there’s not going to be fans there NBANBA att 49-14499-144 andandd topped the tremendously as well, with J.R.’s to get you going,” Davis said. can host their WesternWWesterrn ConferenceCCoonnferreenncee byb 5.5 games ability to shoot and Dion’s ability As we say on the team, you’ve overovover thethee LosLooss AngelesAnggele Clippers to score and playmake. It’s going got to bring your own energy.” 1,000th race Nine more players test positive for virus REUTERS – SPIELBERG Ferrari are talking to Formula One about holding REUTERSREUTE TERS – NNEWEWW YYORKOORKK coronavirus since testing began coronavirus outbreak put an abrupt the Italian team’s 1,000th Grand Prix at their on June 23, the National Bas- hold on the season in March. own Mugello circuit, principal Mattia Binotto NineNine moremoorre NBANBA plplayers have ketball Association said in a Players, coaches and other said yesterday. tettestedssteedd ppositiveoos for statement on Thursday. members of staff will practice, Formula One has so far released only a COVID-19,COCOVID-D 1199 less than a “Any player, coach or team compete and live at Walt Disney partial calendar of eight races ahead of tomor- weekwweekk bbeforee teams staff member who tested positive World, with daily COVID-19 testing row's delayed season-opener in Austria but is areare setsseet to travel to will remain in self-isolation until and no fans allowed inside the so- hoping to issue a full version in the coming days FloridaFllooridid to resume they satisfy public health protocols called “bubble.” The Denver or weeks. thethhe 20202 season. for discontinuing isolation and have Nuggets shut down their training It is expected to include some circuits not on A total of 25 been cleared by a physician,” the facility over the weekend after two the original schedule, which has been ravaged pplplayersaya e and 10 league said. members of the team’s travel party by the COVID-19 pandemic, with Ferrari-owned tetteame ama staff NBA teams are expected to tested positive for COVID-19 and Mugello and Portugal’s Portimao circuit the memembersem have travel on July 7 to Orlando, Florida, the New Orleans Pelicans said this leading contenders. testedtet steed positive for where the league plans to resume week that three of their players Mugello has never before hosted a round of thethh e novel play on July 30, after the also tested positive. the world championship but is used by Ferrari Anthony Davis for testing and other events. It is also a fixture on the MotoGP calendar. “I can confirm that we are discussing with F1,” Binotto told reporters by video conference at the Red Bull Ring when asked about Mugello. Blistering finish The aim would be to hold the race immedi- ately after the Italian Grand Prix at Monza in earns Redman September, the last of those so far announced and which would be Ferrari’s 999th. share of early The opening races are all set to be without spectators as the sport takes extra precautions to keep out the coronavirus, but Binotto raised lead in Detroit the possibility that some fans might be able to attend. REUTERS – DETROIT Ferrari’s 2020 car is designated the SF1000 to mark the milestone. Doc Redman collected seven birdies in Ferrari are the sport’s oldest and most suc- his last eight holes to grab a share of the cessful team, the only ones to have competed first-round lead with Scott Stallings and from the first world championship season in Kevin Kisner at the Rocket Mortgage 1950. Classic in Detroit on Thursday. Formula One officially marked it’s own Redman, runner-up at last year’s 1,000th championship race in China in April last Mortgage Classic and still chasing a first year. PGA Tour win, made a quiet start at the Detroit Golf Club, picking up a single birdie on his outward nine. But after taking his only bogey of the Boxing legend round at the 10th, the 22-year-old caught fire by carding birdies the rest of the way home except the par-five 14th for a seven- Duran leaves under 65. Waratahs’ Tom Horton (left) and Redman said he isn’t intimidated by Reds’ Liam Wright leap for the ball hospital after playing alongside the world’s best despite during their Super Rugby match his age. played at the Suncorp Stadium in Stallings got off to a birdie/bogey start Brisbane, yesterday. but was error free the rest of the way, COVID-19 scare capping his round with back-to-back AFP – PANAMA CITY birdies to join fellow American Redman atop the leaderboard. O’Connor snaps late winner Panamanian Roberto “Hands of Stone” Duran Starting on the back nine, Kisner got was released from hospital yesterday after being hot late with four birdies over his final treated for coronavirus, the six-time boxing five holes to card a seven-under 65 as he world champion announced via social media. looks for this fourth win on the PGA Tour. as rugby returns in Australia “Today, with the blessing of God, I returned Lurking one back on six under 66 are home after battling the COVID-19 virus. It was seven players including Bryson REUTERS – MELBOURNE struggled to shake off the rust The first match of a World Championship fight,” Duran wrote on DeChambeau, who had a roller coaster from a long break following the Australia’s domestic his Instagram account. round that included an eagle, eight birdies Queensland Reds flyhalf James suspension of the wider Super “Super Rugby AU” brings The message included a video showing him and four bogeys. O’Connor kicked a late penalty Rugby competition in March. a modest crowd to Lang leaving the hospital in a wheelchair and wearing He would have joined the leaders if to secure a 32-26 win and snap Law variations borrowed from Park, with groups of a face mask, as medical personnel around him not for a bogey on his last. a seven-year losing streak to the rugby league to speed up the game wave small Panamanian flags. “There was obviously a lot of highs New South Wales Waratahs as ensured plenty of running rugby, fans spaced apart in the Duran thanked the doctors and nurses who and a lot of lows,” said the 26-year-old professional rugby returned to as did ample handling errors, with terraces to maintain social “day after day give the best of themselves, American, who has been crushing balls Australia yesterday after a a slew of counter-attacks sparked distancing. regardless of the risk they take. I may be an ex- since adding muscle during the PGA three-month hiatus due to by passes finding grass. World Champion, but you are the true CHAM- Tour’s three-month break due to the COVID-19. The Reds dominated early, PIONS OF LIFE,” he said. coronavirus pandemic. The Wallabies utility back surging to a 19-7 lead before the out but hotheaded prop Taniela Duran, 69, checked into a private hospital “But if I can keep hitting it straight, struck in the 76th minute, giving half-hour mark when scrumhalf Tupou threatened to undo the in Panama City on June 25 after showing hitting some greens and making the putts the Reds victory after 11 successive Tate McDermott punished a dozy good work when he was sent off symptoms of a bad cold that turned out to be the like I am, it’s going to be a fun week.” defeats by their southern rivals Waratahs defence by taking a for a second late charge in the coronavirus. Rickie Fowler headlines a group two and leaving home fans happy at quick tap and bounding over. 67th minute. Duran boxed 119 fights between the ages of behind at five under while world number the end of a scrappy display from Penalties on either side of the Waratahs flyhalf Will Harrison 16 and 50 -- with 103 wins and 16 losses. He was six Webb Simpson, the highest-ranked both teams. break kept the Waratahs in touch, slotted a penalty from long range knocked out four times, but did the same to his player in the field, returned a four-under The first match of Australia’s though, and they charged in front a minute later to level the score opponents 70 times, earning him the “Hands of 68 to sit three off the pace. domestic “Super Rugby AU” when jet-heeled fullback Jack at 26-26. Stone” nickname. Duran is a national hero in Simpson won last month’s RBC Her- brought a modest crowd to Lang Maddocks galloped over after a But his team mate Swinton Panama as one of the country’s most famous itage in Hilton Head, South Carolina but Park, with groups of fans spaced superb inside pass from flanker strayed offside to allow O’Connor athletes along with former Yankees pulled out of the Travelers Champi- apart in the terraces to maintain Lachlan Swinton. to boot the winner and the baseball player Mariano Rivera, former Olympic onship after his daughter, who later . Number eight Harry Wilson Wallaby garnished the victory long-jump champion Irving Saladino and former tested negative, showed symptoms of They saw a willing, if error- snatched back the lead for the with a second penalty kick after soccer players the late Rommel Fernandez and COVID-19. strewn contest, as players Reds by diving over from a metre the siren. Julio Dely Valdes. SATURDAY 4 JULY 2020 SPORT 15 Sri Lanka drops WC cricket fixing probe for lack of evidence

AFP - COLOMBO lost to India at Mumbai’s Wankhede stadium. Fernando, who introduced anti-corruption laws The governing body’s integrity unit looked The sudden decision to end the investigation in November, said Aluthgamage should be pros- into allegations by Aluthgamage that Sri Lanka Sri Lankan police yesterday dropped a criminal came after the 2011 team’s vice captain Mahela ecuted for making a false allegation against “sold” the final, the ICC said in Dubai yesterday. investigation into the 2011 cricket World Cup Jayawardena went to the Special Investigation cricket legends. “At this time, we have not been presented with final, saying they found no evidence of match- Unit (SIU) office to give a statement. Match-fixing was made a criminal offence any evidence that supports the claims made or fixing by players to let their Indian opponents “We will give our maximum cooperation,” in the new law. Offenders face fines of up to which would merit launching an investigation win. Jayawardena told reporters before leaving the Rs100m ($555,000) and up to 10 years in jail. under the ICC anti-corruption code,” said Alex Former chief selector Aravinda de Silva, and SIU when officers refused to accept his testimony Aluthgamage faced a widespread backlash Marshall, general manager of the ICC’s anti-cor- the team’s skipper Kumar Sangakkara and and told him to return later. in the cricket-mad country for implicating former ruption unit. “There is no record of any letter opening batsman Upul Tharanga were ques- Jayawardena had been called in after San- players in match fixing regarding this matter sent by the then-Sri Lanka tioned this week over suspicions that have gakkara was grilled for nearly 10 hours by detec- There was no immediate comment from sports minister to the ICC and senior ICC staff at dogged the match for years. tives on Thursday. Aluthgamage over the cancellation of the the time have confirmed they have no recollection “We are satisfied with their explanation,” a The investigation has led to a social media investigation. of receiving any such letter which would have led top police official told said. “The inquiry is now backlash against the government of President Sangakkara, who is also president of Eng- to an investigation,” Marshall said. closed.” Gotabaya Rajapaksa. land’s prestigious Marylebone Cricket Club, had “We have no reason to doubt the integrity of “They had reasonable explanations about The probe was triggered by Mahindananda asked Aluthgamage to refer his allegations to the ICC men’s Cricket World Cup Final 2011.” the changes that were made to the final squad,” Aluthgamage, who was sports minister in 2011 the International Cricket Council (ICC). Marshall said the ICC will review its position the officer added. “We found no evidence of any and is a current state minister, after he alleged Meanwhile the ICC will not be launching a should it receive any more evidence. wrongdoing.” that the final was thrown by Sri Lanka. formal investigation into alleged corruption India won the final by six wickets with 10 balls Sri Lanka made four changes to the team that Another former sports minister Harin around the 2011 World Cup final. to spare. English counties allowed to field two overseas players from 2021 REUTERS - LONDON “There are clearly long-established benefits for our domestic players to compete against and England’s first-class county teams will be allowed learn from the best players from across the world to field two, rather than one, overseas-registered in addition to providing high-quality domestic player in next season’s domestic championship cricket for county members and fans to enjoy,” and Royal London Cup, the England and Wales Strauss added in the statement. Cricket Board (ECB) said yesterday. Counties have been allowed only one ‘unqual- The decision was made by the ECB’s Board ified’ player on the pitch since the rule was after a recommendation by the Performance changed for the 2008 season, partly to offer more Cricket Committee. first-team opportunities for young players eli- “There is an important balance to be struck gible to play for England. The change will not to ensure the need for good foreign players in affect the Vitality Blast T20 competition which county cricket and providing opportunity for nine already allows teams to field two foreign players. Pakistan player Babar Azam talks to coach Misbah Ul Haq during a team training session at England-qualified players in each county team,” The English county season, stopped because Worcestershire Cricket Club. Pakistan, captained by Azhar Ali, are in England for a three-Test and an the ECB’s Performance Cricket Committee (PCC) of the coronavirus pandemic, will commence on equal number of T20s starting in August. chair Andrew Strauss said in a statement. August 1, 2020. Cricket’s new normal faces acid test after shutdown

REUTERS - LONDON their best to keep their skills The BCCI hopes it can be sharp at home, the shutdown slotted into the Twenty20 World International cricket will has wrought financial devas- Cup’s window if that is post- gingerly ease out of a 117-day tation on the game. poned but has been kept waiting shutdown in Southampton next Australia’s affluent board with the ICC still to make a week but the scars of the slashed jobs and state grants, decision. COVID-19 pandemic will be and its chief executive Kevin The inaugural World Test clearly evident at the Ageas Roberts was forced to resign Championship has also become Bowl. following criticism of his han- untenable following a series of An encounter between the dling of the crisis. postponements, including eight fourth and eighth ranked teams For smaller boards, the matches involving Bangladesh. in Test cricket is hardly a pin- impact has been even more “Unless the current ICC Test nacle but England’s series acute. Championship cycle is extended against West Indies could offer West Indies have halved the there is no way we can play a glimpse into a future where salaries of players and coaching those eight Test matches in the the game plods on under the staff, Afghanistan slashed stipulated time frame,” Bang- shadow of the new coaches’ pay and its contracted ladesh Cricket Board official coronavirus. players could be the next, while Akram Khan told Cricbuzz. “Fans are tired of Zoom Ireland’s board is one of several Sports business expert interviews, old matches and staring at depleted cash Thomas Abraham says he would A general view during an ICC Cricket World Cup match between England and the West Indies at The highlights. Finally, there’s reserves. not be surprised if the top teams Ageas Bowl, Southampton, Britain, in this June 14, 2019, file photo. something to look forward to The Twenty20 World Cup, play among themselves more to and it’s very important that we scheduled for October and shore up finances. get it right,” cricket historian November in Australia, looks “They were being short- Players will have to clear Even the uniforms will be resulted in the world number Boria Majumdar said. unlikely to go ahead and the sighted even before COVID-19 multiple COVID-19 tests before different after the ICC agreed one and a string of other “This is the beginning of International Cricket Council threw a spanner in the collective being herded into bio-secure to allow an additional logo on players testing positive for the cricket’s new normal.” (ICC) will announce the tourna- works,” he said. bubbles and remaining there team shirts and sweaters to virus, was a stark warning to The last time the sweet ment’s fate this month. “It’s all transactional and until the series is over. help the boards recoup some sports not to try and move too sound of bat meeting ball was India’s wealthy board (BCCI) zero about the future of the Bowlers will not be able to of their losses. quickly, Majumdar said. heard in international cricket had to postpone the Indian game.” apply saliva to the ball Still, restless players and “There’s a right way, and was when Australia beat New Premier League due to the pan- While Cricket has plotted a anymore, even if it compro- action-starved fans will be there’s a wrong way,” he said. Zealand in a one-dayer in front demic and is staring at a way to restart, the playing envi- mises its swing, and substitutes happy that there will be any “ was the of empty stands in Sydney on potential $534m loss of revenue ronment will not be the same, will be allowed in Test cricket cricket at all. wrong way. We really need to March 13. if it cannot find a new window not least because of the absence for any player that contracts Novak Djokovic’s ill-fated get it right. This is a massive While players have done for its Twenty20 cash cow. of spectators. the virus. Adria Tour tennis event, which acid test for the game.” ‘Zero tolerance’ - organiser considers American Gauff can withdrawing Zverev from Berlin event improve the world, AFP - BERLIN “The second option is that says Navratilova I say: ‘Sascha, you will get The organiser of an exhibition another chance from us, but REUTERS - LONDON tennis tournament in Berlin here (in Berlin) you have very said yesterday he is consid- clear rules of conduct’.” American tennis player Coco Gauff can improve the world, 18-time ering withdrawing Alexander Weindorfer said he is in Grand Slam champion has said, lauding the Zverev from the line-up and talks with the management of teenage tennis prodigy for her role in the Black Lives Matter has insisted there would be Zverev. protests against racial injustice. “zero tolerance” if the German However, any player Gauff, 16, released a video on social media protesting killings does play, but again ignores caught partying in the German of African-Americans in the United States amid widespread outrage social distancing guidelines. capital can expect to be kicked across the country following the death of George Floyd, an Zverev, 23, has been out of the tournament. unarmed Black man in police custody in Minneapolis. heavily criticised after viral “We have zero tolerance. If “She is just so poised on and off the court, she was really brought footage emerged of him par- a player misbehaves and thinks up with great qualities and it shows how she plays and it shows tying in a busy bar despite they can party that week, we how she’s active now politically,” Navratilova told BBC Radio. “I pledging to “follow self-iso- will remove that player,” Wein- smile so much when I see the reach she already has now, and she lating guidelines” after playing dorfer insisted. will have in the future. She’s one of those people that can change in Novak Djokovic’s corona- In this file photo taken on June 14, 2020, German tennis player Berlin’s senate has the world for the better, and she seems to want to do that.” virus-hit Adria Tour. returns the ball to World No.1 Novak Djokovic during approved the hygiene concept The death of Floyd sparked worldwide protests against racism Zverev took part in last their match in . The organiser of an exhibition tournament for the tournament, which will and calls for reforms of US law enforcement. Last month, Gauff month’s exhibition event in in Berlin said yesterday he is considering withdrawing Zverev from first be played on grass, then appeared at a protest in her hometown of Delray Beach, Florida. Serbia organised by Djokovic, the line-up and has insisted there would be “zero tolerance” if the on hard court after a day’s Naomi Osaka, the world’s highest paid sportswoman, and who last week tested positive German does play, but again ignores social distancing guidelines. break. 23-times Grand Slam winner, Serena Williams, also made them- for COVID-19 along with Up to 1,000 fans will be selves heard regarding racial injustice. , Borna Coric over Zverev’s behaviour with competiton’s boss Edwin allowed to attend the grass Navratilova said it was vital for sports stars to speak out. and . legend , who is Weindorfer has taken a dim court event at the “Sports has always been at the forefront of social change and Although Zverev tested the chief of the men’s game at view of Zverev’s recent Stadium, while 300 will be it can be that again, with Black Lives Matter and equality for all,” negative, he vowed to self the German Tennis behaviour and is considering allowed into the hard court the 63-year-old said. isolate but was purportedly Federation. refusing to allow him to play. event at the city’s Tempelhof Navratilova also felt the tennis suspension due to COVID-19 filmed at a busy bar last Zverev and Kyrgios are “I could say ‘Sascha airport. will not help the 38-year-old Williams, who is chasing Margaret weekend in southern France, scheduled to play in the Aces (Zverev), I take your behaviour “There will be no player Court’s all-time record of 24 Grand Slams. leading Nick Kyrgios to slam exhibition tournament from as a breach of contract’. I have party, no children’s (coaching) “She’s getting older. Time is not her friend at the moment,” his “selfish” behaviour. July 13-19 with world-number not yet decided,” Weindorfer clinic, no events programme, Navratilova said. “She’s not going to play better than she did 10 Australia’s Kyrgios then three also in told Munich-based newspaper it’s all been crossed off,” Wein- years ago but if she plays as well as she did five years ago, then got into a spat on social media the line-up. However, the Sueddeutsche Zeitung. dorfer added. she’ll be okay.”