CRICKET | Page 3 FORMULA 1 | Page 5 Pakistan to send Hockenheim combined squad ready to step for ‘bio-secure’ in if Silverstone England tour fails

Thursday, May 21, 2020 TENNIS Ramadan 28, 1441 AH US Open without GULF TIMES fans would devalue title win, says Cilic SPORT Page 2

FOOTBALL FOCUS UEFA chief hopes We will not endanger Champions League will finish players, says Klopp by ‘end of August’ leaders Liverpool returned to training in small groups yesterday

AFP League registered at the club. , United Kingdom Deeney’s teammate Adrian Mariappa confirmed he had tested positive, with the be- iverpool manager Jurgen mused defender telling the Daily Klopp said he will not Telegraph: “It was a big surprise put his players at risk because I haven’t really left the Lor force them back into house, apart from some exercise action against their will as the and the odd walk with the kids.” Premier League leaders returned Nevertheless, the British gov- to training in small groups yes- ernment’s Culture, Media and terday. Sport Secretary Oliver Dowden Klopp’s side were just two was optimistic players could victories away from ending a move to the next stage of train- 30-year wait to win the title ing. when the English top-flight “I hope, subject to the sign- was shutdown more than two off by Public Health England months ago due to the coronavi- and others, we will then later AFP League restarts in early August. rus pandemic. this week, very shortly, get the Lisbon, Portugal In an interview with Brit- Six positive cases of Covid-19 guidance about how we can have ish daily The Guardian, Ceferin were detected in the Premier training in a contact environ- added that he would be prepared League’s first round of 748 tests ment,” he said. EFA president Ale- to bet a mn dollars on Euro 2020 of players and staff ahead of a re- “This is for elite sports so that ksander Ceferin is being played next year following turn to socially distanced train- they can start to build up.” aiming to finish this its postponement to 2021. ing this week. Burnley had previously an- Uyear’s Champions “Yes, I would,” he told the Klopp reiterated his priority is nounced that assistant manager League by the end of August as newspaper. “I don’t know why the health of those involved, but Ian Woan, who is also asymp- football in Europe slowly starts it (the tournament) wouldn’t be believes it is now safe for players tomatic, was another case with to bounce back from the corona- (played). to return to phase one of train- two more from one other club virus pandemic. “I don’t think that this vi- ing. yet to be revealed. “Our plan is to finish it between rus will last forever. I think it “We would never put anybody Meanwhile, Tottenham have now and the end of August,” will (change) sooner than many in danger to do what we want to launched another investigation Ceferin said in an interview with think. do. Yes, we love football, yes, it’s into one of their players after Portuguese sports daily Record, “I don’t like this apocalyptic our job, but it’s not more impor- defender Serge Aurier appeared published yesterday. view that we have to wait for the tant than our lives or the lives of to flout social-distancing rules “I think that will work. You second and third waves or even a other people,” Klopp told Sky for a third time. never know what’s going to hap- fifth wave.” Sports. The Ivorian posted an Insta- pen but things seem to be calm- Ceferin said football would “In this case if you don’t feel Liverpool’s German manager Jurgen Klopp arrives at Melwood in Liverpool, United Kingdom, yesterday gram photo on Tuesday showing ing down. follow the recommendations of safe, you don’t have to be here.” as training resumes after the Premier League was halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. (AFP) off his new haircut and tagged “Eighty percent of European the authorities but he was op- Germany’s Bundesliga re- the barber in his post. leagues are going to restart, I timistic that fans would return sumed its season behind closed “None of us know when we resulted in positive cases and is ‘LAB RATS’ Hairdressers are closed in don’t see why the Champi- to the stands quicker than many doors last weekend, becoming will start. The earlier they can confident his players can make a However, some players remain Britain in line with the govern- ons League and Europa League observers think. the first major league to do so. tell us, the better it is, of course,” quick return to action. unconvinced. ment’s rules on social distanc- shouldn’t take place.” “I’m absolutely sure, person- The Premier League’s target he added. “They weren’t off to Dubai or Newcastle and England de- ing. That end date for UEFA’s Eu- ally, that good old football with of restarting on June 12 has been “We can’t start today and then Vegas eating and drinking what- fender Danny Rose argued play- Aurier appeared to round on ropean tournaments was widely fans will come back very soon,” called into question by players’ start playing tomorrow. That ever they want,” said Wilder, ers are being treated like “guinea the press in another Instagram reported but never officially con- he said. concerns for their welfare, both doesn’t work. We need time to whose side are in contention to pigs or lab rats”. post, saying: “My hairdresser firmed by the continent’s foot- And Ceferin said he did not from the threat of the virus and get match fit and that’s what we qualify for European competi- Watford captain is negative and me too so stop ball governing body. expect the game to be profoundly injuries, with little preparation are doing at the moment.” tion for the first time in their has said he will not return to talking in a vacuum and put Ceferin’s desired deadline changed by the coronavirus. time after such a long layoff. Sheffield United manager history. training this week over fears he on masks and gloves when you gives clubs a chance to finish “Football didn’t change after And Klopp would welcome Chris Wilder is also heartened “They’ve got a professionalism could pass the virus onto his five- come to take pictures at the their domestic competitions the Second World War, or First a start date to work towards as that just 0.8% of the tests car- about them and my players are in month-old son, with three of the training centre its part of the — halted across Europe in mid- World War, and it will not change soon as possible. ried out by the Premier League absolutely brilliant condition.” six positive cases in the Premier rules too”. March — before the Champions because of a virus either,” he said.

UPDATE Keeper Neuer renews Bayern Munich contract until 2023 DPA Manuel stands for the continuous Berlin, Germany success of FC Bayern, for responsibil- ity and world-class standards. I am delighted about our continued work aptain Manuel Neuer (also together.” left) has become the lat- Neuer came to Munich in 2011 from est player to renew his con- Schalke and has won seven Bundesliga Ctract at Bayern Munich by titles and the Champions League as two years until 2023, the Bundesliga part of the 2013 title treble. He is also champions said yesterday. a 2014 World Cup winner with the na- Neuer, 34, appeared unhappy at tional team which he captains as well. times over the talks with Munich who Munich have shown with the new have also signed Alexander Nuebel liga football would continue,” Neuer contracts for Flick and the three play- from next season onwards from said. ers that they are not too harmed fi- Schalke as his potential eventual re- “It was important for me to continue nancially by the coronavirus issue placement. working with our goalkeeping coach which has hit several clubs hard. But the deal is now done, as the Toni Tapalovic. Now this has been re- Thiago Alcantara and David Alaba Germany goalkeeper Neuer follows solved, I look to the future with great are expected to renew beyond 2021 as Thomas Mueller (2023) and Alphonso optimism. I feel very comfortable and well. Davies (2025) in long-time renewals, at home in Bavaria. FC Bayern are one of The Sport Bild weekly meanwhile with coach Hansi Flick now also con- Europe’s top football clubs.” said yesterday that Munich are also tracted until 2023. Munich chairman Karl-Heinz closer to agreeing terms with Germa- Neuer expressed his satisfaction as Rummenigge named Neuer “the best ny winger Leroy Sane who is report- the deal was finalised amid the restart goalkeeper in the world” and sports edly ready to earn 30 per cent less in of the league from a two-month break director Hasan Salihamidzic said the Munich than he originally wanted be- because of the coronavirus. renewal was “an important sign for FC fore the pandemic. “During the weeks of the shutdown Bayern as well as for Manuel. However, Bayern also need to find for the coronavirus pandemic, I didn’t “Together we have created a win- an agreement with English champions want to make a decision because no- win situation. That’s what was very Manchester City where Sane is under body knew if, when and how Bundes- important to Manuel and to us. contract until 2021. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, May 21, 2020 SPORT

HOCKEY Olympic delay sees Belgium lose advantage

Reuters cation by winning last year’s Eu- the Covid19 pandemic had pre- London roHockey Nations Champion- sented new challenges which ship while their rivals had to play had proven “stimulating”. another qualifying tournament “Just trying to figure out how old medal favour- in order to book a berth to Japan. do we do this; what is going to be ites Belgium fear they “We bought ourselves eight the best possible outcome for us might have lost some weeks that other nations didn’t has been quite a driving factor,” Gof the advantage they have, so while we were work- he said. held over their rivals for the Ol- ing on individual aspects of our “We’ve spent a lot of time ympic men’s hockey title after game, other countries were still working out how we best prepare the postponement of the Tokyo needing to qualify. for the Olympics in these current Games and the novel coronavi- “I think we had a bit of a head- circumstances and a lot more rus-induced sporting hiatus. start and you saw that in the Pro detailed conversations with our Coach Shane McLeod, who League games we played earlier sports science colleagues. led Belgium to silver in Rio de this year.” “Normally we have a formula Janeiro four years ago and then a Belgium were topping the ta- that we reproduce, maybe fine World Cup title in 2018, believes ble after six matches of the new- tune a little, but this is really dif- the playing field is now level look nine-nation round-robin ferent and now were ad-libbing again with the Games postponed competition that extends over a in areas where we’ve never been by a year. But he insists it only two-year period and pits hock- Belgium players pose with their silver medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics victory ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on August 18, 2016. (Reuters) before but seeing some positive served to heighten the challenge ey’s top sides against each other outcomes. “All the nations have for him and his players. in regular competition. sults we were achieving,” the “Now we have to recreate that various capacities in Belgian has put that on hold to stay with pressed the ‘reset’ button now “I was very happy with how “I’m a bit disappointed we 51-year-old New Zealand-born performance gap, but it will be a hockey over the last two decades, the team as they readjust plans and have to start from scratch we had been going,” he said, with weren’t able to just keep on go- McLeod added in an interview fresh challenge.” had planned a 12-month sabbat- for next year. again, but I think we are going to Belgium having secured qualifi- ing, mainly because of the re- with Reuters. McLeod, who has worked in ical after this year’s Games but He said the lockdown due to be OK,” McLeod added.

TENNIS COMMENT Cash or health? Resumption will US Open without show game’s priorities: Millman

Reuters say come August ‘there are Sydney cases around but you guys can fans would devalue travel and play some Tennis’. “But money talks at times he timing of profes- and our hand could be forced, sional Tennis’s return unfortunately. will reveal whether the “What is more important - Ttours and federations money or the health of not just are more interested in mak- yourself but the community?” ing money or looking after the he added. “We will see what is title win, says Cilic health of players, Australia’s Tennis’s priority.” John Millman said. Given players, many of The professional game has whom can ill-afford it, have ‘I JUST FEEL THAT IT’S GOING TO MORE OR LESS FEEL LIKE PRACTICE MATCHES’ been suspended since March been starved of income dur- because of the Covid-19 pan- ing the lockdown, Millman Reuters demic and the International thought it would be hard for Mumbai Tennis Federation, WTA and them to resist the call to return ATP have put back plans for a whether they felt safe or not. resumption until August at the “Unfortunately, when the arin Cilic thinks earliest. tour says we are back playing winning the US Millman, a 16-year veteran your hand is forced a bit be- Open in front of of the ATP Tour and ranked cause it is your career at stake,” Mempty stands at 43rd in the world, says even he added. Arthur Ashe Stadium would be that would probably be pre- Millman said he would have forever remembered as a Grand mature. to be certain it was safe before Slam triumph with a very big as- “I feel as if it is probably way returning to tournament play terisk, the former champion told too early to get back into it or and did not anticipate that Reuters. even thinking about return- happening any time soon. The tennis season came to a ing in August,” the 30-year- “Players would have to be halt in March due to the coro- old told Australian Associated coming from places where the navirus pandemic and the shut- Press. virus isn’t there any more and down will continue at least until “Indian Wells, the last tour- going to tournaments where the end of July with many coun- nament we were meant to play, the virus isn’t there any more,” tries in lockdown and air travel was cancelled because there he said. “For that to happen on bans in place. The US Open is was one case in the region. It is a global stage, I think we are a scheduled to take place from a bit of a contradiction if they fair way off that.” Aug. 31 and organisers are look- ing at a wide range of scenarios to get the show on, including ANNOUNCEMENT keeping fans out. Cilic, who held the silver tro- phy aloft at Flushing Meadows in 2014 in the biggest achievement ATP joins up with of his career, felt a crowd-free environment would devalue the accomplishment. Sporting Chance “I just feel that it’s going to more or less feel like practice matches,” the former world and Headspace to number three said in an inter- view from Croatia. “It’s always going to be... in the years to help players come, ‘oh, you know that guy off, and the next season -is de left with a lot of spare time and have missed only two weeks of resumes. “I was really privileged won a US Open in 2020 without pending on this season as well. an empty schedule during the his life. It’s been a beautiful time as we moved to my wife’s home- Reuters fans’. I don’t think it’s going to For tennis, if we start in Decem- shutdown, the break has proved with him, spending time with my town, which is quite a small Mumbai have that weight... ber or in January, it’s not going to timely for Cilic, who became a family, seeing how he’s growing place,” he said. “It wouldn’t be the best sce- change too much. “I believe that parent for the first time in Janu- up and then feeling all the things “I know a person that runs a nario.” Cilic thinks the interna- there won’t be any tournaments ary. The 2017 Wimbledon and that he is going through. “It’s couple of tennis courts here and he men’s tennis tour tional travel required to get pro- without fans. “Basically the 2018 Australian Open finalist been, I have to say, one of the he gave me keys to one. So we has joined up with fessional tennis up and running whole tour is revolving a lot on said his entire day locked down best moments and best periods were able to play on our own, me Sporting Chance and again means the issue might end sponsors and people coming to on the coast of the Adriatic Sea of my life, of my tennis career.” and my coach.I believe, more or THeadspace to help up being academic in any case. the tournaments. Sponsors are revolved around his son ‘Balbo’. While Cilic is in a much bet- less, when things become calmer players and its staff deal with “Tennis season is slightly dif- investing money because people “It is a very, very big blessing ter mental state than some of everyone is going to have enough mental health problems and ferent than football, than bas- are coming to watch tennis and for me. It’s a silver lining situa- his tennis colleagues, he says he time to prepare and train but look after their well-being The ATP’s tie-up with Sport- ketball,” he added. see the players.” tion,” the 31-year-old said. might also have a physical ad- hopefully I’m going to be just during the Covid-19 shut- ing Chance, founded by former “They have seasons to finish While many players have been “Basically since his birth I vantage when the circuit finally slightly better.” down, the ATP said yesterday. England and Arsenal soccer The professional tennis sea- captain Tony Adams to help son was halted in early March with emotional welfare and ad- due to the pandemic and will dictive disorders, gives players Konta wants ATP/WTA to be a merger of equals remain suspended until at least access to therapists experienced the end of July, depriving low- in working with elite athletes. British number one Johanna we are then talking about that, sion contracts and sponsorship er-level players who depend “The challenges that all Konta feels a merger of the would it be us literally saying deals. The men’s and women’s solely on tournament winnings sports and sports profession- women’s governing WTA tennis we are worth less than our players have a separate ranking of the chance to earn a living. als are experiencing in the body with the men’s ATP makes male counterparts?” the world system while some rules, includ- With no clarity on when the light of this pandemic will be sense but stressed it must only number 14 told British media. ing on-court coaching, are also sport can resume again, many affecting all of us in different be on equal terms. “It would have to be a merger different. players have been left anxious ways,” Adams said. “Holding Roger Federer last month called of equals because that’s what American great Billie Jean King as they struggle to cope with out our hand to those in need for a merger between the two we are. I wouldn’t see how, right had called for a unified govern- the uncertainty that lies ahead. at this time is important to me organisations, with the Women’s now in today’s age, it would be ing body for men and women “Being mentally strong is and working with organisa- Tennis Association chief Steve allowed to be called anything years ago but the 29-year-old just as important as physical tions like the ATP is a pleasure Simon and Association of Tennis else.” Konta feels Federer’s comments strength in tennis and looking - well done Tennis!” Professionals Tour Chairman As many as seven associations have brought attention back to after the mental health of our As part of another partner- Andrea Gaudenzi welcoming run different parts of tennis the topic. players and staff is a key priority ship, Headspace will provide the suggestion. in the world. Besides the ATP “I definitely think in the long run for us,” ATP Chairman Andrea free subscriptions to ATP Konta, who sits on the WTA and the WTA Tours, the sport is it makes sense for it to be one Gaudenzi said in a statement. players and employees, giving player council, has joined some also controlled by the Interna- tour, it makes logical sense but “Everyone has been adapt- them access to all 1200+ hours of her fellow women profes- tional Tennis Federation and the I also know there are a lot of ing to periods of self-isolation of meditation and mindfulness sionals in calling for an equal boards of the four Grand Slam moving parts to it, and I know and decreased physical activ- content. position in any combined body tournaments. there will be a lot of people ity during the pandemic, but Earlier this month, the ATP in the future. Currently viewers need differ- who won’t want it to happen, this can have a particularly also announced a two-year “For me, for my comprehen- ent pay-TV platforms to watch but also a lot of people who detrimental effect on profes- partnership with online learn- sion, I don’t understand how it tennis matches and a merger of do want it to happen,” Konta sional athletes who are used ing platform Coursera which wouldn’t be of equals because if the Tours could simplify televi- added. to particular training structure will allow players to access and playing day in day out.” over 4,000 courses for free. Gulf Times Thursday, May 21, 2020 3 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT RESTART Pakistan to send combined squad England bowlers lead the way as players for ‘bio-secure’ England tour: PCB resume training Reuters month before the first test to undergo AFP New Delhi a two-week quarantine period manda- London tory for all visitors and get in some match practice. akistan plan to send a 25-man The test and Twenty20 squads will ngland bowlers are squad to England in July to meet travel together, giving team management set to report for train- the demands of playing an entire options in the event of injuries. ing today, leading the Ptour in a ‘bio-secure’ bubble, Pa- “From a manageability point of view, it Eway as cricket chiefs kistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief executive makes sense for us and the ECB that the step up plans to start a season Wasim Khan told Reuters. whole squad travel as one, so you create a heavily delayed by the corona- Pakistan are scheduled to play three tests bubble if you like around those players for virus pandemic. in August followed by an equal number of the whole of the time that they are in Eng- The global health crisis has Twenty20 Internationals, with the match- land,” Khan said. put matches on hold in Eng- James Anderson. es taking place behind closed doors as part The ECB has not announced venues for land until July 1 at the earliest of measures to combat Covid-19. The Eng- the tour but British media tipped Man- while in other countries the training at their home county land and Wales Cricket Board detailed the chester and Southampton, both with on- season is already over. grounds. provisions they planned to implement for site hotels, to stage the matches. Despite the pandemic, the Bowlers will have to bring the tour in a presentation on Friday and Khan said venues would have testing England and Wales Cricket their own kit, including desig- Khan told Reuters the PCB was encouraged centres and zones that would be off-limits Board (ECB) is still planning to nated cricket balls, wash their by the proposals. to anyone other than players and officials. stage a full home international hands regularly, and clean any “So from that point of view, in prin- Pakistan Cricket Board chief executive Wasim Khan. “They are planning to create bio-secure programme, starting with a equipment used with disin- ciple, we are planning towards touring hotels, a sort of environment around the three-Test series against the fectant wipes. England man- England,” he said. The PCB would seek The UK government has said elite sport mer of Cricket with a test series against players in certain parts of the hotel to keep West Indies, which was origi- aging director Ashley Giles medical advice and government guidance can return in June without spectators and West Indies in July. the players safe and away from the general nally scheduled for June. said last week he wanted the before going on the tour, he added. England hope to begin their delayed sum- Pakistan will have to arrive almost a public,” Khan added. The ECB has announced training sessions to be safer that up to 18 bowlers will be than a trip to a supermarket. involved from today. As well as the West Indies REPORT Edgbaston, Hove, Old Traf- Test series, England’s Cricket ford, the Oval, the Riverside, schedule includes three Tests Taunton and Trent Bridge will against Pakistan and limited- stage at least one session, be- overs matches against Aus- fore batsmen and wicketkeep- tralia and Ireland, with the ers become involved from June fixtures set to be played behind 1. The bowlers’ identities have closed doors at bio-secure yet to be made public but the venues. choice of venues indicates ECB chief executive Tom Cummins wants that James Anderson (Old Harrison has warned a season Trafford) and Stuart Broad without any matches at all (Trent Bridge) will be among could cost the board £380 mil- the leading England bowlers lion ($465 million). artificial substance FOCUS ‘Sweat’s not bad, but I think Sri Lanka hoping to we need something more train from June 1, to shine ball than that, ideally’ says coach Arthur Reuters Reuters go-ahead from the ministry Sydney Colombo of health I will start putting meat into that structure with the captains and my support ustralia quick Pat ri Lanka’s cricketers staff.” Cummins wants crick- are hoping to return Training will initially be et’s lawmakers to ap- to training from June limited to fast bowlers but Aprove the use of an arti- S1 in bio secure venues Arthur hopes he can coach the ficial substance to shine the ball once the government gives the full squad from June 20. after a ban on the use of saliva green light, head coach Mickey “It is looking good with the was recommended in the wake Arthur has said. health ministry, but it will be of the Covid-19 health crisis. Cricket has been suspend- a smaller group. We’ll prob- The International Cricket ed since March due to the ably prioritise our fast bowlers Council’s (ICC) cricket commit- Covid-19 pandemic and Sri because they are the ones who tee has recommended the ban on Lanka’s home series against are going to need more time to the use of spit when the sport re- England and South Africa have get back into it,” Arthur, who turns after the coronavirus shut- been postponed. took the job in December, said. down because of fears it could Sri Lanka has had some suc- “Once we get some assur- lead to the spread of Covid-19. cess in curtailing the spread ances from the medical staff Cricketers have long used sa- of the new coronavirus, hav- around the world that biose- liva and sweat to shine one side ing reported just over 1,000 cure (environment) is fine and of the ball, altering the aerody- cases, and the government is what the virus could do to you namics in an attempt to generate prepared to ease lockdown re- potentially if you got it.” movement in the air as it flies to- strictions. “And then hopefully after wards the batsman. “Last Wednesday we had the first 20 days of June we “If we remove saliva, we have a quick meeting because we could virtually have our whole to have another option,” Cum- are starting to get our plans in squad back training.” mins told the cricket.com.au place for June 1,” Arthur told England players returned to website. “Sweat’s not bad, but I ESPNcricinfo. individual skill-based training think we need something more “Once we get the official this week. than that, ideally. Whatever that is, wax or I don’t know what. “If that’s what that science is telling us, that it’s high risk using saliva ... as long as we’re keep- ing other options open, whether that’s sweat or something artifi- cial.” Earlier this month, Austral- ian cricket-ball manufacturer Kookaburra said it had devel- Australia’s Pat Cummins in action during a T20 match against South Africa in Cape Town on February 26, 2020. (Reuters) oped a wax applicator to en- hance shine and aid swing. see something, and that’s going Council’s cricket committee has “The ball being leather, it’s ban on shining the ball with sa- Cummins’ team mate and fel- to be hard to stop to be honest. recommended a ban on shining harder to disinfect because it’s liva would be difficult for players low quick Josh Hazlewood said And it’s a tough thing to monitor the ball with saliva. got little nooks and crevices. to get used to. “Some people are the proposed ban on saliva would for sure.” “Disinfecting the ball is a con- “So we don’t know how ef- used to licking their fingers before be difficult to police. Cricket Australia (CA) is also sideration,” CA Sports Science fective it’s going to be, we don’t they grab the ball. People are used “I’d like saliva to be used obvi- considering disinfecting the ball and Sports Medicine Manager know how infected the ball is go- to shining the ball with their fin- ously but if that’s what they’ve during matches to minimise the Alex Kountouris said in a video- ing to get and we don’t know if gers ... there are going to be mis- put forward (a ban), I guess eve- health risk to players, the head of conference. it’s going to be allowed. takes at some point,” he added. ryone is playing the same game,” its medical team said yesterday. “We don’t know the impact “But it’s absolutely a consid- “I imagine we are going to take he told Sydney’s Daily Telegraph. Player health is a major con- on the ball because we haven’t eration. Everything is on the ta- a commonsense approach and “Once it comes back to you as cern as the game seeks to return tested it. We’d obviously have to ble at the moment, everything is understand that people make a bowler, it’s second nature to from the coronavirus shutdown test it, we’d have to speak to the being considered.” mistakes and things are not go- just give it a little touch up if you and the International Cricket ICC and get permission...” Kountouris said the proposed ing to be perfect.” Sri Lanka’s coach Mickey Arthur.

COMMENT There is no feud with Warne, says Steve Waugh IANS captain told The Sydney Morn- of times Waugh was involved eter that I ever played with and appointed coach of the Victorian BBL team where he was an as- to be able to work with another Sydney ing Herald. “But to me, a feud’s in run-outs during his interna- this stat...... (sic.)” women’s team. sistant coach for three seasons. Victorian cricket side. I look between two people. I’ve never tional career, Warne tweeted: Warne was part of the domi- After representing South Aus- In November Stevens was ap- forward to watching all of them brought into it, so it’s just one “Wow ! So S Waugh was involved nant Australian team led by tralia and Queensland in first- pointed acting head coach of the going about their training and teve Waugh said that his person. “His comments are a re- in the most ever run outs in test Waugh during the late 1990’s class cricket Stevens embarked Victorian men’s team following playing. “I was lucky enough to former Australia team- flection of himself, nothing to do cricket (104) & ran his partner and the early 2000’s. on a coaching career that has Andrew McDonald’s appoint- be a part of the Renegades in the mate Shane Warne’s with me,” he said. “That’s all I’d out 73 times - is that correct ? seen him undertake assistant ment to the national team’s first two seasons of the WBBL Scomments on him are “a say.” he further added. Mmmmmmmmm (sic.)” STEVENS APPOINTED coaching roles with the Queens- coaching panel. “It’s a great time and I’m looking forward to reflection of himself.” Warne and Waugh was responding to re- He then said in a later tweet: RENEGADES HEAD COACH land, Western Australian and to be returning to the women’s catching up with several of those Waugh have shared a frayed re- cent comments made by Warne “For the record AGAIN & I’’ve The Melbourne Renegades Victorian men’s teams. He led game given the growth female players again in the not too dis- lationship ever since the former in which the latter called him said this 1000 times - I do not yesterday announced the ap- Perth Scorchers to the final in cricket has enjoyed in recent tant future. I can’t wait to watch was dropped for the 1999 tour of “the most selfish cricketer” he hate S Waugh at all. FYI - I pointment of Lachlan Stevens the first edition of the Big Bash seasons,” Stevens said. “It’s al- the WBBL up close again with all the West Indies. has ever played with. picked him in my all time best as the clubs new head coach for League and was the inaugural ways enjoyable to watch and the progress that’s been made “People keep saying it’s a Responding to a stat on Twitter Australian team recently. Steve the Women’s Big Bash League WBBL head coach at the Ren- work with players at all stages of in the game over the last three feud,” the former Australian which talked about the number was easily the most selfish crick- (WBBL). Stevens has also been egades before joining the club’s their careers and I’m honoured years,” he added. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, May 21, 2020 SPORT

ATHLETICS ’s Lee says tough for Lin to qualify for Olympics

AFP older, it is really more difficult Toosi takes to rooftop to train in Iran Kuala Lumpur to compete against younger athletes,” he added. AFP a densely populated neighbour- Lin, known as “Super Dan”, Tehran hood of the sprawling capital etired badminton said recently he has not where there are few open areas. great Lee Chong given up on qualifying for “We have to keep our strength Wei has said it will the Olympics. But ’s he coronavirus pandem- up, because competition will be difficult for arch- , 31, is ranked fifth R while compatriot Shi Yuqi, ic has forced the world’s start later and we eventually rival to qualify for athletes to keep fit in have to challenge.” the Olympics due to tough 24, is ninth, putting them in a confinement, and for top The novel coronavirus has competition from younger stronger position. T Lin won gold at the 2008 Iranian athlete Maryam Toosi, claimed the lives of nearly 7,200 Chinese players. that has meant training on the people in Iran, making it the China’s Lin is hoping compete and 2012 Olympics — beating rooftop of her apartment. deadliest outbreak in the Middle in a fifth straight Olympics in nemesis Lee both times in Toosi’s exploits as a sprinter East. Tokyo next year, but he will the final — but has faded from have made her a household name The government ordered the be 37 when the coronavirus- his former glories. Lee and in the Islamic republic. closure of sports facilities in delayed Games come around. Lin’s rivalry is considered the She holds Iran’s records for mid-March as part of measures The two-time Olympic cham- greatest in badminton history 100, 200 and 400 metres and aimed at containing the virus. pion is currently ranked just and they played each other claimed two gold medals at the It has forced athletes of all 19th, behind two of his com- 40 times over more than a Asian Indoor Championships in disciplines to practise in Te- patriots. A country can only decade. But Lin, often consid- 2012 and 2014. hran’s public parks. send two players to compete ered the best ever shuttler, But now the 31-year-old is One group of boys has been in Olympic singles, provided won 28 of their showdowns confined to her home and has forced to do football training in they are in the top 16. and Lee retired last year even taken to training on the roof one such park, wedged between “I think it will be relatively after a cancer battle without of her apartment block in a bid to highways in the west of the capi- difficult if (Lin) wants to triumphing in the Olympic or stay in shape. tal. participate in the Olympics, world championship finals. “I train at home, in any space “They call us asking where can because only two people Lee also predicted that once I can use, like the rooftop, inside they train, because all (training) from the Chinese team can Lin retires, the pair — who the house or even in the alley fields are closed,” said goalkeep- take part,” Malaysian player remain close friends — might next to the apartment,” she told ing coach Soheil Jelveh. Lee, 37, told a news website join forces for promotional AFP. “We bring them over to parks last week. “If he really wants work. “There’s a green space there, while observing all health pro- to take part in the Olympics, “After he retires, I believe we and I train there when no one tocols and social distancing,” he he has to be in the top two can still see how we want to is around,” said Toosi, who has told AFP. to go.” “Badminton is about work together to promote 159,000 followers on Instagram. “Wherever there is some grass age. When you have grown badminton,” he said. Her apartment is in Shahr Ara, we can train.” Maryam Toosi practises on the rooftop of her apartment in Tehran yesterday. (AFP)

NFL RUGBY Zebo excited for Racing Uncertainty over arrival of ‘classy’ Beale players’ return as clubs set to reopen ‘Obviously bringing players back in and doing football activity presents many challenges’

AFP adds to the threat of Racing Paris 92,” the 30-year-old added. Zebo and influential play- maker Russell have struck a reland’s Simon Zebo chord on and off the field since said he is looking forward the outside-half joined from to featuring alongside Glasgow Warriors in 2018. I“classy” Australian Kurt- The former Munster winger ley Beale for French club Rac- plans to welcome versatile ing 92 next season. Beale to the French capital Beale, 31, who has won 92 along with Russell. Wallabies caps, will join Zebo’s “Once he gets here we’ll Parisian outfit for the new Top have a chat and myself and 14 campaign to supplement Finn will show him around. It’s an already impressive inter- exciting. We know a few mu- national set of three-quarters tual people and friends, I’ve which includes Scotland fly- heard nothing but good things half Finn Russell, France pair about him,” Zebo said. Virimi Vakatawa and Teddy The Top 14 term was de- Thomas, and Argentina winger clared over in late-April due to Juan Imhoff. the coronavirus pandemic. “I’m really excited to be Former champions Toulon playing alongside him. He’s and Castres have announced a classy player who can add a their players are set to take pay lot of attacking flair to what’s cuts to deal with the financial already an attacking backline,” impact of Covid-19. Zebo told AFP in an interview. Zebo said he would be more “He obviously adds cover than happy to reduce his salary and world-class ability. He’s to help the side backed by mil- an unbelievable signing and lionaire Jacky Lorenzetti.

Tour de France preceded by several warm up races Several races will be staged between 12-16 August and in the run up to the resched- then the four-day Tour du uled Tour de France which Limousin from August 18. starts at the end of August, The International Cycling Un- an updated cycling calendar ion insisted the dates would revealed on Tuesday. be constantly evaluated As the ban on the sport is according to the health situ- A general view of the empty Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. (AFP) lifted the first race in France ation regarding the coronavi- will be the Route d’Occitanie rus pandemic in the country. Reuters proach that we want to do this camps. Coordinating testing of season, the latest from which six-time Super Bowl champion between August 1-4 followed The Tour has been resched- New York opening in a very phased, pro- players and personnel is also a figures are available. quarterback Tom Brady. by a one day mountain chal- uled to embark from Nice on gressive, civilised fashion,” Allen concern, with Stills saying the That includes lost revenue And the two bottom teams on lenge at Mont Ventoux and August 29 from its original Stills, the league’s chief medical league would ensure “that we’re from ticket sales, parking, spon- the list, the Los Angeles Charg- then the Tour de l’Ain from June start date in an attempt FL team facilities be- official, told reporters. in no way affecting the supply of sors, food and drinks and souve- ers and Las Vegas Raiders, are August 7-9. Also packed into to make sure the sport’s gan to reopen for “I’ve sort of used the phrase tests” regionally or nationally. nir sales. set to move into new stadiums the programme is the short- central financial pillar can be non-player staff on that we want to walk, then jog, Professional sports have slow- The absence of spectators with vast boosts in ticket sales ened Criterium de Dauphine staged this season. NTuesday, though the then run as we think about how ly begun crawling back to life would hit some teams harder and associated income to be ex- league’s chief medical officer to reopen our facilities.” across North America, with golf than others, but none more than pected from the venue switches. told reporters it remains unclear Under the league provisions, and NASCAR putting on fanless the Dallas Cowboys, who would The Raiders figures would Pantano handed four-year ban following when players could return. clubs can start by allowing 50% events on Sunday, and Major lose $621mn in stadium income show $77mn in lost revenue from positive anti-doping test All 32 clubs closed in March of non-player staff to return and League Baseball hoping to sal- — more than the total revenue a league-low $357mn total, but amid the coronavirus outbreak coaches are not allowed. vage its season. of any other NFL franchise and a those figures came in Oakland Former Tour de France stage Segafredo team after the test that shredded the professional Stills said it was unclear when huge chunk of their $950mn to- while the team is set to play in a winner Jarlinson Pantano carried out in February, 2019, sports calendar and sent play- and how players could return, SET TO LOSE $5.5BN tal revenue. brand new 65,000-seat, $1.8bn has been handed a four-year came back positive. “The (UCI ers, coaches and personnel into however, as the league targets a NFL teams stand to lose a com- New England Patriots would stadium in Las Vegas in 2020. suspension after failing an Anti-Doping) Tribunal found lockdown. September 10 start to its season bined $5.5bn (5bn euros) in sta- lose $315mn from total revenues The Chargers, second-worst anti-doping test last year, the the rider guilty of an anti-dop- The NFL outlined protocols while many parts of the country dium revenue if the 2020 cam- of $600mn while the New York in the report with $93mn in lost International Cycling Union ing rule violation (presence of for reopening earlier this month remain on lockdown. paign is played without any Giants ranked third at $262mn revenue from a $375mn total, are (UCI) said yesterday. Recombinant Erythropoietin) that included social distanc- “Obviously bringing players spectators, according to a Forbes lost from $519mn in total rev- set to move from a smaller venue Colombian Pantano retired and imposed a 4-year period ing precautions, with the Dallas back in and doing football activ- magazine estimate. enue. into a new $5bn stadium with last June, two months after he of ineligibility on the rider,” the Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, ity presents many challenges and The magazine, which annually The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 70,000 seats for regular NFL was provisionally suspended UCI said in a statement. Pan- Atlanta Falcons and Indiana- a lot of medical issues to work values each NFL club, said the 24th of 31 teams on the list with games. following a positive test for the tano, 31, won a Tour de France polis Colts among the teams that through,” said Stills, who said amount teams would lose with $119mn in lost revenue from a The Los Angeles Rams, set to banned blood booster erythro- stage in 2016 and was crowned opened their doors on Tuesday, that the NFL was “not putting no spectators due to the coro- $400mn total, would expect a drop $121mn off total revenue of poietin (EPO). He had also been Colombian time trial champion according to US media reports. dates on the calendar at this navirus pandemic equals 38% of major jump in ticket sales and $401mn, would also make the suspended by his then Trek- the following year. Reuters “We’ve really taken an ap- point” in regard to June mini- total NFL revenue from the 2018 associated income after signing move into the new stadium. Gulf Times Thursday, May 21, 2020 5 SPORT

F1 MOTOGP Rossi not planning ‘to say ciao’ with Hockenheim Yamaha team

AFP 2019 world championship. Paris However, the 2020 champion- ship has yet to get off the ground due to the coronavirus which has even-time MotoGP world left Rossi caught in no-man’s ready to step in if champion Valentino land. “Sadly, with this situation, Rossi insisted yesterday I must decide without being able Sthat he has no intentions to race. It’s suddenly more diffi- of merely bidding his legions of cult, I have to think more to see if fans “ciao” when he steps away I still have as much strength and from the Yamaha factory team. motivation.” Rossi, 41, already knows he has He added: “I have a good op- lost his seat at the elite outfit for portunity with the Yamaha-SRT Silverstone fails next season with 20-year-old Petronas team which is at the Frenchman Fabio Quartararo top level as they showed last year taking his ride. with Fabio Quartararo and Fran- ‘We have spoken about the idea of having a race without spectators here’ However, the Italian legend co Morbidelli.” has a seat waiting for him at The problem for Rossi is that Reuters satellite team Yamaha-SRT. “I he has not won a MotoGP race London want to continue but only if I am since 2018. “Now I have to decide strong,” Rossi said in an inter- for myself if I have enough mo- view on the sport’s official mo- tivation to continue,” he added. ockenheim is ready to step in if togp.com website. “I don’t want to go to Petronas British quarantine restrictions “My plan was very clear. just to do one last season and say prevent Silverstone from host- Change some things in the team ‘ciao’. If I race, I will give 100% Hing a Formula One race during and wait until the summer to see and, if I can be competitive, fight the Covid-19 pandemic, the German cir- if I could be more competitive for the podium. I have two op- cuit’s boss said yesterday. Jorn Teske said than last year,” added Rossi, who tions — either Petronas or stop, that a decision needed to be made soon, finished a lowly seventh in the so let’s see.” however. “We are talking with F1, that’s correct. We have spoken about the idea of having a race without spectators here at the circuit,” he said. “We already checked if this could be possible, from dates as well as the legal general point of view. For us, it is an option.” Formula One has said a planned 14-day quarantine for most people entering Brit- ain would rule out a British Grand Prix unless the sport, whose season has yet to start, was granted an exemption. Silverstone, which this year marks the 70th anniversary of hosting the first world championship race, has been ear- marked for two closed-door races follow- ing two in Austria in July. Hockenheim, which hosted the German GP last year but could not agree a new deal on acceptable terms, is an obvious alternative. Teske said Hockenheim was keen to help but FOCUS needed to make money and did not want to turn away business while waiting for a possibility. “What is really crucial for us is not to be pending now for months. We Hockenheim hosted the German Grand Prix last year but could not agree a new deal with Formula One this year. (Reuters) No Mercedes talks have to get our circuit booked and there is a high demand on track days... but For- reference point while the lack of an ex- slot then we have these costs. And then financial support from the government mula One is aware and understands our isting contract meant Hockenheim had a we come together or not. This might be side, or from whomever else, we couldn’t with Vettel for now, situation,” he said. ‘blank sheet’. a little advantage in our talks. But we will manage the normal fee. The risk is by far The circuit would need several weeks “Others have a contract in place which see what happens. I think the most deci- too high,” he said. “We found a solution to organise track marshals, security and might be a bit more complicated in re- sive (thing) is the current situation with for 2019, quite surprisingly, but this was a says team boss Wolff emergency services, Teske said, but could gards to costs they had already and other quarantine in the UK.” special situation. If we could find another move fast on the technical side. The re- costs coming up because of preparations The chances of Hockenheim returning solution for a mid-term agreement we DPA “It would be great from a Ger- turn of Bundesliga football behind closed which were initiated already,” said Teske. to the F1 calendar next year remained re- would like to have it but at the moment Berlin man point of view,” Wolff -ac doors last weekend had also provided a “We can just say OK, if we find a time mote, said Teske. “As long as we have no we are concentrating on this season.” knowledged. “But we must re- main faithful to our principles. ercedes motorsport Loyalty is important and one of SPOTLIGHT chief Toto Wolff has our values.” ruled out talks for The official praised Vettel Mnow with Sebas- again, saying: “I know him as a tian Vettel who will be without person, he is very straightfor- a contract after the Formula One ward and represents values simi- UK motorsport chief Richards wants British season after Ferrari would not lar to those I have. As an athlete, renew his deal. “We are loyal to he is a four-time world champi- our current drivers and don’t on, so you don’t need to discuss Grand Prix to be spared quarantine laws want to start talks at a time when performance.” the season hasn’t even started,” But Hamilton is unlikely to AFP But Formula One said Tuesday the ple employed here, either directly or in- lems if the regulations were applied to Wolff told RTL and ntv. leave because he would have no London races would be “impossible” if overseas directly,” he told the Daily Telegraph. “It motorsport, said on Tuesday: “A 14-day Six-time world champion options and it is not clear wheth- arrivals are not exempt from 14-day brings great prestige around the world. quarantine would make it impossible to Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bot- er a Hamilton-Vettel partnership quarantine restrictions when entering For us to be able to host two events at Sil- have a British Grand Prix this year. We tas are under contract at Mer- would work. Wolff also said he he head of Motorsport UK urged the United Kingdom. With the Covid-19 verstone this summer, albeit spectator- would be travelling back to the UK on F1- cedes until the end of the 2020 was “rather surprised” about the the government yesterday to quarantine rules due to come into force on free, would generate huge TV audiences.” only occupied aircraft and all staff would season, and Wolff said they will recent decisions on 2021 driver spare Formula One from quar- June 1, David Richards, chairman of Mot- Richards added: “With the right pre- be tested making a quarantine totally un- first talk to them before possibly line-ups with Carlos Sainz re- Tantine laws that threaten plans orsport UK, called on the government to cautions, we must be able to find a sen- necessary. If all elite sport is to return to looking beyond the current line- placing Vettel at Ferrari from to stage a British Grand Prix this year. ensure two Grands Prix at the Silverstone sible way to protect the community lo- TV then exemptions must be provided.” up. Vettel, who has four world McLaren and his place there Silverstone is planning to host two races circuit could go ahead as planned on July cally and to handle this professionally for Seven of the 10 teams on the grid have titles from his time at Red Bull, taken by Daniel Riccirdo who is behind closed doors this summer, subject 26 and August 2. the teams. I can’t see why that shouldn’t bases in England. F1 organisers are hop- has to leave Ferrari after the sea- to arrive from Renault. to British government approval, to make “People forget that there is probably happen. There is a great willingness in ing to start the season with the Austrian son and a move to Mercedes, who “It will give you headaches up for some of the lost time in the 2020 F1 not one other sport that has such a big government. I hope that we can prevail Grand Prix on July 5 behind closed doors, have won the last six construc- for the rest of the year,” he said, season with 10 races already either can- economic impact on this country as For- and find the right solution.” followed by a second race at the same tors’ titles, appears to be his only with the 2020 campaign not even celled or postponed. mula One, in terms of the number of peo- A F1 spokesperson, outlining the prob- venue a week later. top team option. started because of the Covid-19.

Fury ‘mentally happy’ to be in BOXING ring, eyes Klitschko-like reign Pulev would not step aside for Joshua-Fury fight London: Tyson Fury said champions are continuing and yesterday he is no longer continuing. I ain’t boxing for Reuters boxing for fame, money or money, I ain’t boxing for fame, Sofia titles but that stepping into I ain’t boxing for a belt. I’m the ring keeps him “mentally boxing because it keeps me happy” as he targets a long mentally happy and I like to do he IBF’s mandatory challenger reign as the world heavyweight it. Nothing to prove to anybody. Kubrat Pulev said he would not champion. Not one thing to prove at all, accept a proposal to step aside Fury stunned boxing fans but I box now, because I love and give world heavyweight in 2015 when he defeated boxing and I’ve been doing it all T champion Anthony Joshua a chance to Wladimir Klitschko for the IBF, my life. Why walk away?” fight first with fellow Briton Tyson Fury. WBA and WBO belts, but he Klitschko, considered one of The 39-year-old Bulgarian was sched- later struggled with mental the greatest boxers of all time, uled to meet Joshua on June 20 but the health, drinking and drug use reigned as heavyweight cham- fight was postponed due to the Covid-19 which derailed his career. pion for a total of 12 years and outbreak with promoter Eddie Hearn Fury, who overwhelmed beat a record 23 opponents in floating the idea for the two Brits’ unifi- Deontay Wilder in February title fights. cation bout in the event of a long post- to seize the WBC crown with With Anthony Joshua hold- ponement. Joshua has also said that a a seventh round stoppage, ing the WBA, WBO and IBF ti- blockbuster fight with Fury, who is set said in March that he would tles, a unification bout between to meet Deontay Wilder in a rematch only fight twice more but the the British pair is on the cards later this year following a seventh round 31-year-old now plans to follow but Fury is set to fight Wilder stoppage win in February, was needed in Klitschko’s footsteps and in a rematch first while Joshua to determine a single dominant figure in fight till he is 40. is due to take on Bulgarian the division. But Pulev, known as “The Bulgaria’s Kubrat Pulev (right) was scheduled to meet world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua of Britain on June 20 but the “I’m happy with where I Kubrat Pulev this year. Cobra”, said there was no chance for a fight was postponed due to the Covid-19 outbreak. (Reuters) am in my career... If I never The Las Vegas rematch compromise. “I wouldn’t accept it,” said have another boxing fight, I’ll between Fury and Wilder Pulev. “I did it once when I didn’t have to are still postponing instead of fixing a one else before me,” Pulev said. Joshua was initially due to fight Pulev be happy. I’ve completed the was postponed due to the do it for him (Joshua) to have his second date and venue and getting to work? I “That’s not how a real world champion at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium in Oc- game, I’ve won every single COVID-19 pandemic and now match against Ruiz Jr. Everything was can’t wait to win this fight.” should act. Even Mike Tyson and Evander tober 2017 but the Bulgarian withdrew belt in boxing,” Fury told Sky looks unlikely to happen before against IBF’s rules, but I compromised.” Former European amateur champion Holyfield are coming back to the game to after suffering a shoulder injury in spar- Sports, adding he was happy to November or December at the Joshua, 30, defeated Mexican-Ameri- Pulev, who was due to meet Joshua at show that they are real warriors, not like ring. Pulev, one of Bulgaria’s most popu- keep taking on contenders. earliest, with promoters stating can Andy Ruiz Jr in a December rematch the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in Lon- him. A year has passed, and they always lar sportsmen, challenged for the IBF “Klitschko did it until he they would not fight behind in Saudi Arabia to win back his IBF, WBA, don, said Joshua was not acting like a real have a reason to postpone, not to fight world heavyweight title in 2014, losing was 40. A lot of the great closed doors. WBO and IBO titles. “Enough is enough,” world champion. “I see how people are against me. There are two options. You to Wladimir Klitschko in Hamburg on a Pulev said. “I can’t understand why we afraid of me and are trying to face some- either fight or vacate the title.” fifth-round knockout. Thursday, May 21, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

QATAR ONLINE RACING CHAMPIONSHIP Unstoppable Saeed al-Sulaiti inches closer to title

By Sports Reporter finished third, having also finished in Doha the same spot in the first race. Kuwait’s Mohamed al-Zaidan and Jeremy Parola finished fourth and fifth respectively. aeed al-Sulaiti cruised to an- In total 21 riders had signed up for other win on Tuesday, mak- the championship, including four from ing him a firm favourite for the Kuwait. The race format consists of SQatar Online Racing Champi- qualifying for 15 minutes, followed by onship for bikes title. The three-time the race for 30 mins. The event is organ- Qatar Superstock champion’s second ised by the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle successive victory in the final week of Federation for bike racing connoisseurs the competition put him in a pole posi- after the virtual series for cars received tion for title, with one race remaining, an overwhelming response. which will be held today. Just like his previous win, al-Sulaiti RACE 2 RESULTS held off his closest rival Soud al-Thani 1. Saeed al-Sulaiti; 2. Soud al-Thani; 3. as he showed his mastery with the Mo- Khalid al-Maraghi; 4. Mohamad al-Zaidan toGP 19 PS4 in the 15-lap race set at (Kuwait); 5. Jeremy Parola, 6. Ali Ahmed Czech Republic’s Automotodrom Brno (Kuwait); 7. Hade Ahmed; 8. Abdulla al- virtual circuit. With two successive Saeed al-Sulaiti needs to finish third in Qubaisi; 9. Hamad al-Sahouti; 10. Joshua wins under his belt, al-Sulaiti now has the final race today to win the Qatar Ilano a maximum 80 points, eight more than Online Racing Championship for bikes. Soud al-Thani. Now al-Sulaiti just OVERALL STANDINGS needs to finish third in the final race to smooth, as he had two crashes after 1. Saeed al-Sulaiti 80 points; 2. Soud guarantee the winner’s trophy, even if starting from pole. He had set the early al-Thani 72; 3. Khalid al-Maraghi 66; 4. al-Thani goes on to win the race. pace though, which enabled him to stay Jeremy Parola 60; 5. Mohamed al-Zaidan Al-Sulaiti’s win on Tuesday wasn’t ahead of al-Thani. Khalid al-Maraghi (Kuwait) 60. Tuesday’s race was set at Czech Republic’s Automotodrom Brno virtual circuit.

PREMIER LEAGUE FOOTBALL Serie A season finish pushed Several Watford back to August 20

AFP been pushed back from June 30 Milan to August 2. Football clubs were on Tuesday given the all clear by the government to resume group players stay away taly’s football federation training, but competitions re- (FIGC) yesterday set a new main suspended until mid-June. date of August 20 for Serie A Sports Minister Vincenzo Ito finish with the possibility Spadafora said that a deci- of playoffs in the case of another sion will be made on May 28 on suspension because of the coro- whether the season can resume navirus pandemic. A meeting of after a meeting with football from training FIGC’s Federal Council stressed bosses. Yesterday, the FIGC said Italian football’s desire for the that they would decide before top leagues to return to action competition resumes the rules Mariappa says he is asymptomatic and had not breached any guidelines but confirmed that all amateur to apply in the case of a new sus- competitions will be stopped. pension. The federation envis- By Simon Burnton one of the most outspoken clubs regard- “The FIGC expressed its desire ages “brief phases of playoff and The Guardian ing plans to restart the Premier League in to restart and complete the na- playout in order to define the re- June. Deeney, had said he would not par- tional professional competitions sult of the competitions”. ticipate and the manager, , by setting the last closing date of If the season were stopped a roy Deeney was one of several raised concerns about a coronavirus- the Serie A, B and C competitions system would be devised “which Watford players who chose not related death in the league. Watford said to August 20,” the FIGC said in a will in all cases provide for rel- to take part in small-group train- all three club members would isolate for statement. The start of next sea- egation and promotions”. The Ting yesterday, the day after three seven days before being tested again, in son will be on September 1. FIGC, however, called time on members of the club’s playing and coach- line with Premier League guidelines. The Italian season has been its amateur leagues, including ing staff, including the centre-back Aidy This week Deeney said he had raised on hold since March 9 amid the women’s competitions up to Se- Mariappa, were found to have tested pos- questions at a meeting involving the pandemic which has killed more rie B. A decision on the women’s itive for Covid-19. Four groups of players, league and captains and had not been sat- than 32,000 people in Italy. The Serie A will be taken “in the com- each of no more than five, trained at the isfied it was safe to train. end of the season had already ing days”. club’s Hertfordshire base yesterday. “We’re due back in this week; I’ve Excluding Mariappa, who is isolating said I’m not going,” he told Eddie Hearn for seven days and will be retested before and Tony Bellew on their Talk the Talk LA LIGA returning to training, Gerard Deulofeu, YouTube show. “Within the meeting I who moved into his physiotherapist’s asked very simple questions. For Black, house in Spain before that country im- Asian and mixed ethnicities they are four posed its lockdown in an effort to acceler- times more likely to get the illness and Athletic Bilbao striker ate his recovery from a serious knee inju- twice as likely to have long-lasting illness. ry, and those on loan when league football Is there any additional screening? Heart was paused the club has 26 senior profes- stuff, to see if anyone has a problem? Aduriz retires at 39 sionals, including three goalkeepers. “I feel that should be addressed. I can’t Those who chose not to come were get a haircut until mid-July but I can go Reuters given details of the exercises their team- and get in a box with 19 people and jump Madrid mates were being put through and asked for a header? I don’t know how that to do them alone. They are under no pres- works. No one could answer the ques- sure to come to the training ground before tions – not because they didn’t want to, thletic Bilbao forward they are comfortable to do so. Watford because they didn’t have the information. Aritz Aduriz, the old- have been one of the most outspoken I just said: ‘If you don’t know the infor- est player to score for clubs regarding plans to restart the Pre- mation, why would I put myself at risk?’” ASpain in an interna- mier League in June. Pearson told the Times in an article tional, announced his retirement Deeney said on Sunday that he would published last Saturday: “God forbid we at the age of 39 yesterday, say- not participate in group training and over have a fatality. People are closing their ing that his body had told him the life of a professional athlete. the weekend the manager, Nigel Pearson, eyes to the threat. Yes, we would like to ‘enough’. Aduriz, who made a to- Simple, very simple.” raised concerns about a coronavirus-re- restart it but it’s got to be safe. We should tal of 443 La Liga appearances for Aduriz made his Spain debut lated death in the league. be cautious. To ignore possibilities is Valencia, Real Mallorca and Bil- in 2010 at the age of 29 but then Earlier yesterday, Mariappa revealed he foolhardy. It’s about safeguarding peo- bao and scored 158 goals, made had to wait six years for a re- was the Watford player who tested posi- ple’s health.” the decision after being told he call, when he was picked to face tive for coronavirus. Two members of Premier League protocols have been needed a hip replacement, he Italy in a friendly and scored the staff at the club also returned positive re- drawn up in consultation with the gov- said on Twitter. equaliser in a 1-1 draw, his first sults. Mariappa said he was asymptomat- ernment and health officials. Covid-19 “Yesterday, the doctors told international goal. ic and had not breached any guidelines. tests were conducted on 748 players and me to go see the surgeon, sooner Later in the same year, he be- “Ever since I got my positive result staff at 19 clubs on Sunday and Monday rather than later, to get a pros- came Spain’s oldest scorer at 35 back on Tuesday, I’ve been scratching my English-born Jamaican defender Adrian Mariappa revealed he is the Watford player and the 20th club completed testing on thetic to replace my hip and try years and 275 days when he was head to try to work out how I might have who tested positive for coronavirus. (AFP) Tuesday. Burnley’s assistant manager, to go about my everyday life, on target in the 4-0 win over got coronavirus,” the defender told the Ian Woan, is the only other person iden- as normally as possible. Un- Macedonia — his only other goal Telegraph. “It was a big surprise because ing and keeping fit. ple, we’ve been having more deliveries of tified as having returned a positive result. fortunately, my body has said for his country in 13 appearances. I haven’t really left the house, apart from “My lifestyle is very quiet, certainly no food and things, so maybe that’s one way, Full, anonymised details will be in the re- ‘enough’. I can’t help my team- He made 17 appearances in all some exercise and the odd walk with the parties or going out or anything, so I real- and my partner has been to the super- sults from a second round of testing, due mates the way I would like to, competitions for Bilbao this sea- kids. I’ve mainly just been homeschool- ly don’t know how I got it. Like most peo- market a few times.” Watford have been to be published on Saturday. nor the way they deserve. That is son, scoring once.

PORTUGAL APPROVES NINE STADIUMS FOR LEAGUE RESTART ON JUNE 4 Lisbon: Nine stadiums have passed possible number of stadiums should ton in March. The French international’s KAISERSLAUTERN HALT remind players of social distancing one ranked team. inspections and been declared ready be used although this could prove a contract was due to expire at the end TRAINING AFTER SUSPECTED rules after several instances of hugging to host matches when the Portuguese stumbling block as several clubs have of this season, but Chelsea have exer- CORONAVIRUS CASES in goal celebrations in the weekend’s SWISS LAUNCH IMPEACHMENT league restarts after the coronavirus already complained about not being cised an option to extend that deal for German club Kaiserslautern said it had matches. PROCESS AGAINST ATTORNEY stoppage, the league said. A further able to play at their home stadiums. another year. halted team training after three sus- GENERAL OVER FIFA CONDUCT six need improvements and would be Ten rounds of matches will have to The former Arsenal striker came pected positive tests for coronavirus. BELGIUM COACH MARTINEZ EX- Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber subject to a second inspection by the be played between June 4 and July close to leaving the club in January in The four-time German champions, now TENDS CONTRACT UNTIL 2022 moved closer to being removed from government’s DGS health directorate, 26 to complete the season which has a bid to further his case for a place in in the third division, said the three peo- Roberto Martinez has extended his office after a parliamentary commit- the league added. turned into a two-horse race between France’s Euro 2020 squad after falling ple concerned will be re-tested during contract as Belgium coach until 2022 tee started an impeachment process The home grounds of Vitoria Guima- Porto, who lead with 60 points, and behind Tammy Abraham as Lampard’s the day. They, and anyone who came to take him up to the World Cup in against him over his investigation into raes, Tondela, Porto, Sporting, Benfica, Benfica, who are one point behind. first-choice forward. into contact with them, have been Qatar, the Belgian football federation corruption surrounding world soccer Maritimo, Braga and Portimonense Caballero’s new deal will keep him at placed in strict quarantine. The two top announced. The 46-year-old former body FIFA. The courts committee voted were given the green light along with GIROUD, CABALLERO EXTEND Stamford Bridge until months before divisions of the Bundesliga resumed Everton manager took over as head by 13 to 4 to proceed with the impeach- the national team training centre in CHELSEA DEALS TO 2021 his 40th birthday. the season behind closed doors last coach of the Belgian national side in mment yesterday against Lauber “on Lisbon which will also be used for some Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud and goal- The Argentine briefly displaced the weekend after a two-month suspen- 2016, leading them to third in the 2018 suspicion of serious breach of duty” matches. The DGS said there would keeper Willy Caballero extended their world’s most expensive goalkeeper, sion, but play in the third division is World Cup. after the country’s top prosecutor ap- have to be “a number of corrections” to contracts till the end of the 2020/21 Kepa Arrizabalaga, earlier this year suspended until May 30. The Spaniard’s initial contract ran peared before the panel and answered the stadiums of Vitoria Setubal, Boavis- season, the Premier League side an- after a series of costly errors by the Players, coaches and backroom until Euro 2020, which has been post- members’ questions about his conduct ta, Desportivo das Aves, Rio Ave, Gil nounced. Giroud, 33, forced himself Spaniard. Kepa had reclaimed his place staff are being regularly tested for the poned a year because of the coronavi- in the FIFA inquiry. Vicente and Pacos de Ferreira. The four back into Frank Lampard’s plans just by the time the Premier League was virus. The German league has claimed rus pandemic. He has overseen the Red Lauber has been accused by anti- other teams in the 18-team league did prior to the shutdown caused by the suspended, but Lampard also hailed its restart under stringent conditions Devils in 43 games in total, notching corruption campaigners of bungling a not put their grounds up for inspection. coronavirus pandemic and scored the the important of Caballero’s experi- that can serve as a blueprint for other up 34 wins, six draws and just three de- fraud trial over payments linked to the The DGS has said that the minimum Blues’ last goal in a 4-0 win over Ever- ence. leagues, but officials were forced to feats, leaving Belgium as FIFA’s number 2006 World Cup in Germany.