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FRIDAY 19 JUNE 2020 Dettori guides Stradivarius

Frankie Dettori guiding Stradivarius to third straight Gold Cup title towards AFP – LONDON “Only the third horse to win crowd I’m quite emotional. A very Gosden, who earlier in the the third three. I was amazed to look round proud moment. meeting passed the 50 winners straight Stradivarius became only the my shoulder and see everyone “It’s always that scary moment landmark, said he knew Stradi- Royal third horse to win three behind me under pressure with four when you get to the furlong marker varius was up for it when he saddled Ascot Gold successive Ascot Gold Cups, furlongs to go.” -- will he pick up or not -- but he him. “Stradivarius is quite a char- Cup at triumphing in yesterday's Dettori put his hands together did and he stretched away by 10. acter,” he said. the Ascot Royal Ascot showpiece in in the shape of a heart and raised Dettori is just three shy of “I must change my aftershave, Racecourse, stunning style under Frankie three fingers after crossing the line, Lester Piggott’s record of 11 Gold as he got quite coltish whilst I was yesterday. Dettori. before a trademark flying dismount Cups. saddling him. Stradivarius and Dettori in the winner’s enclosure. “Does the fact that I have now “He is quite a noisy character made light of the soft ground “One day when I am sitting in won eight Gold Cups mean I am old, and he was having a shout and play he supposedly despises to my rocking chair, to say I rode the or I have been lucky in the race?,” out there -- he does think life is a storm 10 lengths clear of long- horse who won three Gold Cups in smiled Dettori. Winning trainer John bit of fun and when you win races time pacesetter Nayef Road to a row -- that’s a big number,” he Gosden rejected the notion Stradi- like this, I suppose it is.” emulate Sagaro and Yeats. said. “I am very proud of it. varius was the best of an average Yeats went on to win a record “This is an amazing “I have ridden some great group of stayers. “He has beaten four Gold Cups but Johnny Murtagh, achievement,” said Dettori after horses, and he will go down as one top-class horses throughout his who rode him on the last two occa- winning his eighth Gold Cup, the great stayers, definitely my best career,” said the 69-year-old. sions, said Stradivarius could equal which was staged in unusual stayer. “He has heart and class and I that. The rest of the field had few conditions with the meeting “I’m so proud of him, he has talked up the soft ground being excuses with the 2018 Melbourne behind closed doors due to the brought me such joy. He wears his against him so I could as a trainer Cup winner Cross Counter running coronavirus pandemic. heart on his sleeve. Even with no have an excuse if he was beaten.” on late to be third. Sociedad lose AFC cancels to Alaves in PL: Everton keen to extend Annual Awards blow to top-4 scheduled hopes Liverpool’s long title wait in Doha

REUTERS — MADRID QNA — KUALA LUMPUR REUTERS — MANCHESTER Real Sociedad’s hopes of The Asian Football Confederation returning to the Champions The nightmare scenario for (AFC), in consultation with Qatar League for the first time in Evertonians of handing Football Association (QFA), decided seven years took another hit Liverpool the Premier League to cancel the AFC Annual Awards when they lost 2-0 at Alaves title with a defeat in Sunday’s Doha 2020. yesterday as both sides derby at Goodison Park has The AFC and QFA felt that in finished the behind-closed- disappeared but Carlo Ance- the aftermath of the COVID-19 doors Basque derby with 10 lotti’s team will still be pandemic, where tens of thousands men. desperate to turn the table on of people across the Continent have Borja Sainz struck the their rivals. lost their lives, that such an opening goal in the 56th Second-placed Manchester occasion would be inappropriate minute by prodding home a City’s 3-0 win over Arsenal in and therefore the AFC Executive chested pass from Lisandro Wednesday’s return to action Committee took the decision to Magallan but had to wait after the coronavirus stoppage cancel the event planned for several minutes before he means that Liverpool still need December 2020, the AFC said in a could celebrate as the goal six points to secure the first statement on its website. was initially ruled offside, league title in 30 years. AFC President Shaikh Salman then given after a lengthy Victory at Goodison and bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said: “The VAR review. then against Crystal Palace at Liverpool players COVID-19 pandemic has not only Sociedad’s Joseba Anfield on Wednesday would during a training altered the lives and livelihood of Zaldua was sent off for two secure that first domestic session ahead of people around the world but has bookings in the 81st minute triumph of the Premier League Everton match. brought unique challenges to sports and Alaves midfielder era. PIC: COURTESY and to football. Thousands of lives Tomas Pina was dismissed However, an Everton win LIVERPOOLFC.COM have been lost not just in our Con- in the 87th, while substitute in the derby could leave Liv- tinent but also across the world. Martin Aguirregabiria sealed erpool still without their “This has brought us to consider the points for the hosts by business completed before confines of Goodison but with Germany) are something you halted in March also features the appropriateness of a glittering tapping in the second in they face City on July 2. the game taking place behind have to consider,” said Manchester United’s trip to night of celebration especially added time. Their lead, 22 points, is so closed doors Everton’s Ancelotti. face their former manager Jose when we need to show not only to Sociedad missed the great that the outcome of the advantage is lost. “The crowd is the 12th man Mourinho’s Tottenham all those who have passed away chance to climb above title is barely in question but Data from Gracenote’s on the pitch. The fact you don’t Hotspur. and their grieving families and Atletico Madrid back into the the last thing Jurgen Klopp study of the Bundesliga’s ‘ghost have them supporting you will Both clubs are hoping a friends the respect and sympathy top four, staying fifth on 47 (pictured) and his team want games’ shows that the per- make it more difficult for the strong end to the season could at this most difficult of times." points, two behind Atleti after a three-month stoppage centage of home wins has been home team.” The odds are result in a Champions League Also, AFC President recognised who hammered Osasuna would be to have yet more sliced by more than half. already stacked against 12th spot. the challenges faced by players and 5-0 on Wednesday. weeks of waiting to get the Everton have won 68% of placed Everton, who have not United are unbeaten in 11 Member Associations at this dif- Alaves are 13th on 35, 10 trophy in their hands. their 37 points at Goodison this won a Merseyside derby since games in all competitions and ficult time and thanked the QFA points clear of the relegation In normal circumstances, season and Ancelotti is unde- October 2010. could welcome Marcus for their support, co-operation, and zone. Liverpool would face a hostile feated in five matches there. The first full round of fix- Rashford and Paul Pogba back understanding which allowed the crowd packed into the tight “The statistics (from tures since the league was from injury. AFC to make the decision. DjokovicDjokovi puts positive spin on US Open plan AFP — PARISPARIS starting on August 31 at happen or not. “We are very two months some of those Flushing Meadows despite glad that it is happening, of restrictions will loosen up a bit WorldWorld nnumberumber oonene NovakN New York being the hardest- course, and it is very important and that we will have a great, DjokovicDjokovic (pictured)(pictured) appearedappe hit city by the US coronavirus that we provide opportunities, great tournament.” to row back on scepticismscepticism over crisis. I’m extremely we provide jobs, we provide This month Djokovic had plans to stagestage the US Open,O He described health pro- happy and excited opportunities for players to said that most players he had ssayingaying yesterday he was tocols as “extreme” and compete. spoken to had “a rather neg- “extremely“extremely happhappy”y” the GGrand “impossible”. to see that all “Because at the end of the ative view” about playing in Slam had escapedescaped the coro-c However, organisers will the tournaments, day, this is what we do! As New York, and predicted navirusnavirus cullcull whichwhich claimedcla have been encouraged by the especially Grand tennis professionals we love some would instead switch WimbledonWimbledon aandnd mmuchuch oof the positive noises coming from the sport; we are passionate to the delayed clay court season. the three-time US Open Slams, are organising about it. We miss competing season. DjokovicDjokovic had champion yesterday. their events: Novak and travelling and, at the end A number of other players initiallyinitially voicedv “I’m extremely happy and of the day, we miss being on have also expressed doubts uneaseunease over excited to see that all the tour- Djokovic tour. So I think this is very pos- over the US Open including thethe UUnited naments, especially Grand itive news.” defending champion Rafael StatesSta Slams, are organising their what the US went through as The 33-year-old said he Nadal who said that he would TennisT e n events,” the Serb said in ref- a country during this pan- hoped the stringent restric- not take part if the event was Associa-Asso erence also to the French demic,” the 17-time Grand tions including the existing ban taking place now. tion’st i o Open, rescheduled now to start Slam winner told Eurosport’s on South American players Women’s world number intentioninte in late September. Tennis Legends podcast. travelling to compete would one Ashleigh Barty as well as toto keep “I think that a lot of people “So a lot of people, be eased before the Grand Wimbledon champion Simona thet were sceptical, especially for including myself, were quite Slam gets underway. Halep have also expressed eventev the US events considering sceptical on whether it would “Let’s hope that in the next reservations. FRIDAY 19 JUNE 2020 SPORT 05 MLB offers players 60-game schedule and full prorated pay

AP — NEW YORK several clubs of failing to Signs of progress for baseball as MLB offers 60-game schedule, properly use their revenue Rory McIlroy full prorated pay to players’ union. The financial feud between sharing money. Major League Baseball and Players have accused its players took a step several noncompetitive toward an agreement that teams of “tanking.” Clubs say could lead to a pandemic- they have the right to jet- delayed season after tison veterans and redirect Commissioner Rob Manfred resources to rebuilding. traveled to Arizona to meet And the average salary with players’ union head has remained in the $4.4m Tony Clark. range for five straight A day after the session, seasons, stagnating after MLB made a new offer to the Clark led his first labor players’ association that negotiations as successor to called for full prorated pay the late Michael Weiner. even if games are played in Amid that backdrop, and empty ballparks, a person with the prospect of col- familiar with the plan told lective bargaining to replace The Associated Press. The the current labor deal that person spoke on condition expires on December 1, 2021, Golf rankings: of anonymity because tensions ratcheted up when details were not announced. Clark and I met for several am encouraging the clubs to the NBA, NHL and MLS have the virus struck. MLB’s offer included a hours yesterday in Phoenix,” move forward, and I trust moved forward with restart The sides reached a deal McIlroy dismisses 60-game schedule starting Manfred said in a statement. Tony is doing the same.” plans. on March 26 that called for about July 19 that would “We left that meeting The union did not While baseball had eight players to receive prorated result in players receiving with a jointly developed comment on the new pro- work stoppages from pay, $170m in salary advances European players’ about 37% of their salaries. framework that we agreed posal. Players could counter 1972-95, the sides have and a guarantee of service That would come to roughly could form the basis of an with a higher amount of negotiated four straight time even if no games are complaints $1.48bn from salaries origi- agreement and subject to games. labor contracts without played this year. In exchange, nally totaling $4bn. conversations with our Before this week, interrupting play. But ten- players waived claims for AFP — WASHINGTON The union’s last offer on respective constituents. Manfred and Clark had not sions have increased in additional pay, giving up a June 9 was for an 89-game “I summarised that met since March 13-14 in recent years, with the union right to test whether Manfred schedule at full prorated framework numerous times Arizona, the two days after losing a grievance accusing could successfully invoke the Rory McIlroy says European players who pay, which would result in in the meeting and sent Tony spring training was sus- the Chicago Cubs of manip- provision in Uniform Player decided not to travel to the United States 55% of salaries and about a written summary today,” pended due to the new ulating third baseman Kris Contracts allowing him to for the US PGA Tour’s restart shouldn’t $2.2bn. Manfred added. coronavirus. Bryant’s service time to suspend those contracts complain about missing out on world Top stars Mike Trout and “Consistent with our Baseball has deterio- delay his free agency and during a national rankings points. Gerrit Cole would each get conversations yesterday, I rated into labor strife while filing a grievance accusing emergency. The Official World Golf Rankings about $13.33m under MLB’s decided to unfreeze the ranking system latest plan and $19.78m when the PGA Tour resumed at Colonial under the union proposal. A Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, last player with a $1m salary week after a hiatus caused by the corona- would get $370,370 under No deal, says MLB players union virus pandemic. the club plan and $549,383 AFP — NEW YORK That didn’t sit well with some European under the players’ proposal. while the MLB Players the clock ticks as the league games at a full pro-rated players, including former world number The $563,500 minimum Major League Baseball and Association tweeted on has said it wants the regular salary level. one Lee Westwood of England, who felt would be worth $208,704 its players union remained Wednesday that “reports of season to end by Sep- The latest offer from the burden of self-isolating for two weeks under MLB’s plan and in a standoff yesterday after an agreement are false”. tember 27 so an expanded owners, according to an upon arrival in the States and for two $309,577 under the union’s. a face-to-face meeting Major League Baseball play-offs can be completed ESPN report Thursday weeks when travelling back to Europe, was MLB also wants the between commissioner Rob could impose a season of in late October or early citing unnamed sources, too much. union to waive additional Manfred and union exec- about 48 games as a result November in case the coro- was for 60 games, fewer “I mean if you really care about your claims. Both sides have pro- utive director Tony Clark. of a March 26 agreement navirus pandemic worsens than players want, to start career and care about moving forward you posed expanding the Manfred said the sides with the union for a full in colder weather later in July 19-20 after a three- should be here,” world number one McIlroy playoffs from 10 teams to 16 departed a Tuesday pro-rated salary if no new the year. week pre-season training said Wednesday as he prepared to tee it in 2020 and 2021 if there is meeting with a “jointly deal for a season is reached. Owners have pitched period to start June 28. up for the second straight week in the RBC an agreement but have not developed framework that Players could file a several offers at reduced MLB’s return plan Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links in defined the wild-card we agreed could form the grievance over the issue if salary levels while players would have games played Hilton Head, South Carolina. round’s format. basis of an agreement” that happens. Meanwhile, have pushed for more in empty stadiums. The European Tour won’t resume until “At my request, Tony the British Masters on July 22, and players who don’t travel Stateside before then can see their rankings suffer. Haas’ Kevin Magnussen in action during testing in this But McIlroy, who maintains a home in file photo. Florida, voiced little sympathy for players Leclerc drives Ferrari such as England’s Tommy Fleetwood, who slipped out of the top 10 to No. 11. “Look, personally, if I were in their shoes and I was asked to come over to the on Maranello streets States and shelter in place or quarantine for two weeks before these tournaments, I would have done that,” the 31-year-old REUTERS — MILAN Ferrari say the 22-year-old Monegasque was said. the first driver of the modern era to have “I get there’s different variables and Charles Leclerc (pictured) driven an F1 car through their home town. The families and stuff involved, but we all have drove his Ferrari Formula low-speed run, which ended at the Fiorano the means to rent a very nice house in a One car through the streets test track without Leclerc completing any gated community in Florida ... it’s not a of Maranello yesterday as laps, came 110 days after the SF1000 car last hardship to come over and quarantine.” the Italian team fired up McIlroy also said he thought the PGA turned a wheel at testing in Spain at the end of for the first time since the Tour was doing a good job in implementing COVID-19 pandemic February. protocols to prevent the spread of halted track activity in COVID-19. Haas to rein in spending March. Told that the tour had reported a Ferrari said the their home town. The low- without spectators and second straight week of zero positive coro- 22-year-old22-year-old MonegasqueMonegasque speedspeed run, wwhichhich enendedded at underunder carecarefullyfully controcontrolledlled navirus tests -- after conducting 954 tests until budgetget situationsituation was thethe firstfirst thethe FiFioranoorano test ttrackrack conditions.conditions. of players, caddies and family members driverdriver ofof thethe without Leclerc cocom-m- Leclerc’s early morning -- McIlroy said he wasn’t surprised. modernmodern eraera pleting any laps, came 110 route took him from the “I feel like the plan that has been put clears amidmid pandemicpandemic to hhaveave days after the SF1000 car ffactoryactory gates, through in place here has been very good,” McIlroy drivendriven an last turneturnedd a wwheelheel at which late team founderfounder said. REUTERS — LONDON In thethe mmomentoment wewe hhaveave to be F1 carcar testing in Spain at the end EnzoEnzo FerrariFerrari drovedrove thethe firstfirst “It’s great to hear that two weeks in a very cautious with what we throught hrough of February.February. carcar bearing his name in row there’s no positive tests. That’s what Haas are not planningning are doing, because obviously “I don’t normally like 1947,1947, and across Via we just have to keep doing.” upgrades to their 2020020 you all know the income is getting up early, but this AbetoneAbetone Inferiore.Inferiore. McIlroy was three shots off the lead Formula One car until tthehe going down, with having morning there was a great He then drovedrove pastpast heading into the final round at Colonial on consequences of the COVID-19D-19 fewer rracesaces and racesraces reason to do soso,”,” cocom-m- the Ferrari museum and Sunday, but fired a four-over par 74 to fin- pandemic are clear and thetheyy without spectators.spectators. mented Leclerc, who downdown ViaVia GillesGilles VillVille-e- ished tied for 32nd. know what they can spend,end, “Until“Until it’s very recognised his raucous neuve,neuve, named after the team principal Guentherther clear, I’m very cacau-u- runrun mmayay hahaveve woken team’steam’s latelate CanadianCanadian Steiner said yesterday. tious and just upup some of the great,great, to Fiorano. Speaking to reporters,ters, make sure that citizens.citizens. Meanwhile,Meanwhile, McLarenMcLaren Steiner pointed to uncertaintyainty we pparticipate,articipate, “It“It was exciting are considering selling a over the number of raceses as thatthat wwee do to get back in the car minorminorityity sstaketake in their Look, personally, if I were the main factor affectingg his our jobjob as today,today, particularlyparticularly oonce-dominantnce-dominant FFormulaormula in their shoes and I was budget since that determinesmines best wwee on such a special OneOne teateamm to rraiseaise ffundsunds to asked to come over to the the share of revenues aandnd can, that route. Being back in helphelp the company weather sponsor payments. wewe aarere the cockcockpitpit felt like thethe COVID-19COVID-19 crisis.crisis. States and shelter in place Formula One had making coming home again.again. It said the pproposalroposal was or quarantine for two weeks scheduled a record 22 raceses fforor nono mimis-s- “It“It seemedseemed likelike a funfun at a 'conceptual stage' before these tournaments, I this year but that has sincesince takes in way of saying we are alongside other options, been whittled down to 15-18,5-18, thet h e ready to get back on includingincluding raising capital would have done that. I get with only eight Grands Prixrix in races track.”track.” fromf rom existingexisting there’s different variables and Europe confirmed so far on a oror in TheT h e bondholders.bondholders. provisional calendar. thethe sses-es- rrescheduledescheduled ThereThere wwasas nnoo immimme-e- families and stuff involved, “We are not planningg any sionss i o n s seasonseason iiss due diate comment from but we all have the means to upgrades until we knownow and just to stastartrt in McLaren.McLaren. rent a very nice house in a exactly what we are doingg this focusfocus onon AAustriaustria Bahrain’sBahrain’s MumtalakatMumtalakat year budget-wise and race-ace- that.”that.” with two holdingholding company is thethe gated community in Florida wise,” said Steiner, whosehose Steiner,Steiner, races on majoritymajority shareholder in ... it’s not a hardship to come drivers are Denmark’s KevinKevin whose US- JulyJuly 5 McLarenMcLaren GrGroup,oup, with a 56% over and quarantine.: Rory Magnussen and Frenchmanman ownedowned teateamm and 12,12, stake,stake, followedfollowed byby thethe TAG Romain Grosjean. have one ofof both GroupGroup ledled byby Saudi-bornSaudi-born McIlroy “I cannot spend moneyoney the smaller businessmanbusinessman Mansour OjjeOjjehh which I don’t know if I’vee got. budgets in withwith 1414%.%. 06 SPORT FRIDAY 19 JUNE 2020 Education City Stadium: A venue that fans will love

THE PENINSULA - DOHA of aerodynamics – it isn’t just nice looking, Education City Stadium will provide it also stops wind from a great atmosphere for both fans and getting into the venue. players during the FIFA World Cup One of the great things Qatar 2022. about Qatar 2022 is That’s the view of architect Mark that it’s helping to Fenwick, who has been involved in develop new, inno- the project from the very beginning. vative systems such as It’s the third tournament venue to cooling technology. be unveiled by the Supreme Com- What’s the most mittee for & Legacy (SC) fol- exciting part of the lowing the successful redevelopment architectural process? of Khalifa International Stadium in For me, the most 2017 and the inauguration of Al Janoub exciting part is when Stadium, in 2019. Mark Fenwick you sit down with a Fenwick, co-founder of Fenwick white piece of paper Iribarren Architects, told www. and a pencil. You start qatar2022.qa that what marks this supported Qatar during the presenta- sketching and that’s stadium out will be the proximity of tions to FIFA. We were obviously exciting. Some ideas fans to the pitch. He believes this will delighted when Qatar won the bid and come slowly, while offer an intense and potent atmos- were happy to have played a tiny role others come quickly. You think of the What are your thoughts on the give back to the community. They phere in 2022. in the success. We then worked closely façade, the shape and people arriving. completed stadium and the effect it should not be aggressive buildings. During this interview, Fenwick, with the SC, QF and FIFA on the The beginning is always exciting. will have on the local community? This stadium will be the centre of the who is also involved in the devel- stadium design. The process is also exciting as you I think it’s a very special stadium. campus. It is very legacy friendly – opment of two more stadiums, Al I love the fact Qatar wants to host have many challenges and getting over The main pillars of a healthy society unlike almost any similar construction Thumama and Ras Abu Aboud, dis- the best World Cup ever. Having all those hurdles successfully is tremen- are education and sport – and Edu- in the world. cusses the design process, Qatar’s the stadiums in a small area means dously satisfying. cation City Stadium symbolises both. How proud will you feel when the unwavering commitment to sus- you can go to a couple of games a day. The final part is the opening game. Education takes care of the mind and stadium hosts World Cup matches? tainable solutions and why football This is going to be totally unique – it’s I remember with RCDE Stadium in sport takes care of the body. It was an I’m very much looking forward to stadiums carry emotional baggage – almost an Olympics concept. The Espanyol, seeing it filled with 45,000 essential part of the whole strategy the opening game. I’ve done the white unlike almost any other building. concept also includes the development fans screaming and shouting, the and built into the project from the very piece of paper and pencil – now all How did you get involved in the of modern and technologically players, the music – it was tremen- beginning. I’m missing is the game and hopefully Education City Stadium project? advanced stadiums, of which Edu- dously emotional. For me, the best bits Legacy is also an important factor. it will take place soon. We entered a competition to cation City Stadium will be a part. are the very beginning and the final Qatar has shown tremendous vision And of course, the World Cup itself design a stadium and surrounding What were your main architec- bit. What’s amazing with a football to deliver sustainable stadiums from will be amazing. To be working on sporting facilities for Qatar Foundation tural objectives in relation to the stadium is that they have an emotional a social and economic point of view. three stadiums – I think it’s unique. I (QF). This was before Qatar had bid stadium? connection with people. This doesn’t The country is showing a totally new think it’s the first hat-trick of the Qatar for the World Cup. Our original brief We were also one of the first sta- happen with other buildings, such as vision to stadium architecture. This World Cup! A World Cup scenario will was to design a sports campus but this diums to really look at cooling. We shopping centres and offices. Football stadium will be used all year round. be fantastic. changed once Qatar won the bid. Our worked with engineers to come up stadiums are so special – they gen- There will be classrooms and student It won’t be a normal football focus then became the football with a cooling solution, which was a erate so many emotions – and that facilities overlooking the pitch after match. It will be the peak of my career stadium. big challenge. One solution is the makes them incredibly satisfying to the World Cup and that’s great. and I’m sure the whole tournament During the bid process we actually shape of the stadium, which is the fruit work on. I always think stadiums should will be fantastic. Qatar in Group D of AFC Kane to start for Tottenham U-19 Championship against Man United today QNA - KUALA LUMPUR Qatar has been placed in Group D of the AFC U-19 Championship, REUTERS - LONDON alongside Yemen, Tajikistan and Malaysia, which will take place in Uzbekistan from October 14-31. Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane will This came from the draw ceremony held yesterday through start in today’s Premier League clash at a video call from the AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. home to Manchester United after a six- The 16 teams, participating in the championship, are distributed month absence, according to manager Jose into four groups comprising of four teams. The first two places Mourinho. from each group qualify to the quarter-finals. Son Heung-min and Moussa Sissoko, Group A consists of Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Cambodia and Iran who like Kane were ruled out by serious while Group B consists of South Korea, Japan, Iraq and Bahrain. injuries when the Premier League was sus- Group C consists of Saudi Arabia, Australia, Vietnam and Laos, pended three months ago, are also set to and Group D consists of Qatar, Tajikistan, Malaysia and Yemen, face United. AFC said. The news is a big boost to Tottenham The first four teams in the tournament will qualify to rep- as they try to revive their hopes of quali- resent Asia in the 2021 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Indonesia. fying for the Champions League, having Saudi Arabia won the title of the last AFC U-19 Championship slipped to eighth in the standings, four that was held in Indonesia in 2018 after defeating South Korea points behind fifth-placed United and seven 2-1 in the final. points behind fourth-placed Chelsea. Harry Kane during training fort a Champions Kane ruptured a tendon in his hamstring League clash at Tottenham Hotspur Training on Jan. 1 while Son broke his arm against Centre, London, Britain, in this March 9, AFC U-16 Championship draw Aston Villa in February. Midfielder Sissoko 2020, file photo. had right knee surgery in January. sees Qatar in Group A “The ones that had surgeries, Kane, Son QNA - KUALA LUMPUR and Sissoko have all recovered and are Mourinho said that while the return of what we did and what the others did.” ready to play,” Mourinho, who will be going Kane and Son, who have scored 20 league Mourinho said that today’s home fixture, The draw for the AFC U-16 Championship saw Qatar in Group A up against the club that sacked him last goals between them this season, is timely, that will be played in an empty stadium, with Bahrain, North Korea, and Iran. season, told a news conference held via the battle to finish in the Champions League feels similar to the first game of the season, The competition is set to take place from November 25 to Zoom yesterday. places is an uphill challenge for Spurs. albeit under very different December 12 in Bahrain. “Kane is working extremely well, I can “It would be amazing if we all started circumstances. The draw took place at the headquarters of the Asian Football tell you no problem he is going to start the with the same number of points, but that’s “Only when we are on the pitch in these Confederation (AFC) in Kuala Lumpur. game. Does he have 90 minutes, 80, 70, not the case,” Mourinho said. “We start new circumstances will the players be able Three-time winners and defending champions Japan are set 60? I don’t know. Only the game will tell minus seven or eight from Chelsea, and to feel and us to analyse it, so let’s wait for to face Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and China PR in Group D. Tajikistan, us that. minus 13 from Leicester, we start minus too tomorrow,” the Portuguese said. the 2018 runners-up, were drawn in Group B alongside Oman, “Is he in his top of his form? We don’t many teams. “After more than two decades in football Yemen and the United Arab Emirates. know. He’s had six months without a match “It’s a great challenge and motivation. it’s hard for me to say something is new, Two-time champions Korea Republic, who finished third in but he’s an amazing professional.” At the end of the nine matches we will see but this is a new.” 2018, were drawn in Group C with Australia, India and Uzbekistan. QORC: Dbeissy, El Kholay sparkle ahead of final clash

THE PENINSULA - DOHA points, six better than El Round 3 Results Kholy, despite finishing third Mansour Dbeissy and Ahmed El Kholay yesterday yesterday. Group A: 1. Mansour Dbeissy Time: 35: 44.872 emerged as creditable winners of Group A and Qatar Motor and Motor- secs; 2. Khalid Al Maraghi +57.238; 3. Zakariya Al Group B races respectively as participants cycle Federation (QMMF) Ofi (Oman) +58.159; 4. Ahmed Al Kuwari +3: scrambled for final berths after round three of Executive Director Amro Al 38.714; 5. Patrick Roux +3: 59.537; 6. Misfer Al the Qatar Online Racing Championship (QORC). Hamad yesterday said: “They Hajri +4: 28.622. Dbeissy clocked a time of 35:44.872 seconds (Al Thefiri and Abdulla) were to seal the deal in Group A and joined points leader tied with 100 points. We still Group B: 1. Ahmed El Kholay Time: 35: 33.486 Oman's Zakariya Al Ofi and Khalid Al Maraghi had one extra space in the seconds; 2. Mishari Al Thefiri (Kuwait) +7.137; 3. for Monday's final competition. final race. It will be interesting Ammar Bulushi (Oman) +30.329; 4. Adel Abdulla During yesterday's Group A battle, Al Maraghi that way as we will have +31.572; 5. Hamad Al Sulaiti +3: 01.646; 6. Hamad finished second (+57.238) while Omani participant racers from Qatar, Oman and Al Sulaiti +3: 01.646. in the virtual WRC8 German Rally, Zakariya Kuwait in the final including Overall Standings ended Group A competition in third spot (+58.159). one ex-world champion.” Group A Dbeissy (106 points) yesterday exhibited fine The winner will receive ** 1. Zakariya Al Ofi (Oman) 113 points form by clinching five of the seven stages in round QR15,000 in prize money. The ** 2. Khalid Al Maraghi 108 3. Zakariya (113 points) and Al Maraghi (108) fin- runner-up will take home ** 3. Mansour Dbeissy 106 ished a notch above Dbeissy in overall standings. QR13,000. 4. Ahmed Al Kuwari 93 However, due to a tie among the participants, 5. Patrick Roux 90 four drivers from Group B yesterday were allowed the third round, finished a notch behind El 6. Misfer Al Hajri 87 to qualify for Monday's action. Kholy yesterday. Group B El Kholy clinched the battle in Group B with Abdulla, who was unbeaten in the qual- ** 1. Ammar Bulushi (Oman) 113 points four stage wins (35: 33.486 seconds) and finished ifying stages, failed to repeat the form once ** 2. Ahmed El Kholay 107 ahead of Kuwait's Mishari Al Thefiri (+7.137) and again and slid to overall fourth from second. ** 3. Mishari Al Thefiri (Kuwait) 100 Oman's Ammar Bulushi (+30.329). But having tied with 100 points with Al ** 4. Adel Abdulla 100 In a daredevil round of driving, Al Thefiri pro- Thefiri, he made it to the final as there was 5. Hamad Al Sulaiti 90 duced a stunning session to make it to the final an extra spot for the final race. 6. Nasser Al Kuwari 58 after a tie with Qatar's world champion Adel Originally only three from each group ** Denotes qualified drivers Abdulla who was fourth fastest yesterday. were slated to qualify for the final. Ammar Al Thefiri, who was fourth before the start of Bulushi finished top of the group with 113 FRIDAY 19 JUNE 2020 SPORT 07 Australia coach Hick England women cricketers get set axed in coronavirus cull for training sessions AFP - PERTH AFP - LONDON Australian coach Justin Langer revealed yesterday long-time chiefs announced yesterday that England’s women batting assistant Graeme Hick players would return to training this month ahead of a possible was among 40 jobs axed due to tri-series in September. COVID-19, and said telling him The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) postponed a was like “facing Curtly Ambrose series against India, initially scheduled to start at the end of and Courtney Walsh without a the end of June, because of the coronavirus pandemic. helmet and a box on”. There had been fears that, with many sports prioritising Cricket Australia announced the return of men’s matches over less-lucrative women’s fix- the round of cuts on tures, England Women might not play at all this season. Wednesday, a day after chief But the ECB have since held talks with Indian and South executive Kevin Roberts African officials about staging a tri-series. resigned, with the former Australia coach A group of 24 players, including several members of the England batsman one of those Justin Langer and 2017 World-Cup winning side such as Heather Knight, let go. David Warner during are due to resume training on June 22. Langer said it was “really nets at the Kia Oval, All the training sessions will take place in bio-secure envi- hard” breaking the news to Hick London, Britain, in ronments and in line with the medical guidelines. -- as tough as facing the leg- this September 10, “We remain hopeful of playing cricket this summer and endary West Indian pace duo. 2019, file photo. it’s exciting for this group of players to be able to return to “You won’t meet a person training,” said Jonathan Finch, the ECB’s director of women’s of greater integrity than Graeme cricket. Hick. His worth ethic is unbe- lievable, his knowledge of the game is unbelievable, so it was a really tough call,” he said. Langer said the cuts would through actually how this is “We’re just going to have to West Indies fast “It’s nothing that he’s done, have an impact on the national going to work,” he said. “So, be more creative and we’re bowler Alzarri it’s more of an impact of the team. we’re aware of it now and now going to have to work through Shaheim Joseph cost-cutting that we’re doing Along with losing Hick, he it’s (time) to do our job, to get solutions for how we can make is seen during a because of the COVID said it may not be possible to creative and work out how it’s that (mentoring) happen,” he training session at situation.” have a second selector travel best going to work for the said. “We will certainly have an indoor facility Some 15 percent of Cricket on overseas tours, as is organisation and for the team.” less staff on the road with us, in Manchester, Australia’s staff are being made customary. The cuts could also have but the guys will still get great Britain. redundant to save Aus$40 Langer, Trevor Hohns and implications for Langer’s support. We’ll be a bit leaner Pic: @ million (US$27.6 million), with George Bailey make up the favoured approach of tapping and sharper, that’s for sure, but windiescricket the governing body concerned three-man selection panel. former greats as mentors, roles we’ll survive, we’ll adapt, and about further financial shocks “I think there’ll be more in- filled in recent times by Steve the players will still get the this year. depth conversations to work Waugh and Ricky Ponting. service required.” Kraigg Brathwaite PCB chief expects 2020 T20 PCB to extend contracts of ready to follow World Cup to be postponed domestic

REUTERS - LAHORE moved to 2022. “ICC events Haider broke into Paki- players, Haynes manual were supposed to happen in stan’s 29-member squad for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) 2020, 2021 and 2023. The gap forthcoming England tour fol- coaches by Chairman Ehsan Mani has said in the middle can be filled and lowing several notable per- AFP - LONDON the logistical challenge of this will be deferred,” he said formances -- including a losing one month keeping 16 teams in a bio- after tthe briefing. half-century against India in the IANS - LAHORE Kraigg Brathwaite is eager to put advice from West Indies batting secure bubble to limit the risk “That is where the talk is semi-final of the ICC Junior great Desmond Haynes to good use during next month’s Test of COVID-19 makes staging the headed towards. What event World Cup in South Africa series in England. World Cup in will happen first and where, earlier this year. The Pakistan Cricket Board Brathwaite was one of the heroes of West Indies’ shock win Australia this year “impossible”. those talks are happening.” Matches between India and yesterday announced it will at Headingley in 2017 with scores of 134 and 95. Yet the 27-year- The governing International The Indian board has said Pakistan stalled in the wake of extend the contracts of all old has not made a Test fifty for nearly two years. Cricket Council (ICC) is it was premature to talk about the 2008 terror attack in domestic players and coaches, But prior to coming to England for July’s three-match ‘bio- exploring contingency plans but the possible rescheduling of the Mumbai, although the old foes expiring on June 30, till July 31 secure’ series, Brathwaite consulted Barbados and West Indies has deferred a decision on the 2021 edition. face off occasionally in multi- before the new 12-month opening predecessor Haynes, who scored over 7,000 runs in his tournament until July. national events. contracts will come into effect Test career. While Australia has slowed Pakistan's Haider India’s Rohit has soared in from August 1. “I had some words with Sir Desmond back in Barbados,” said novel coronavirus infections to recent years, having hit three The decision has been made Brathwaite in a conference call from his the West Indies’ training a trickle, Cricket Australia finds inspiration double-hundreds in one-day by PCB's High Performance base at Old Trafford, the venue for the second and third Test after chairman Earl Eddings said on internationals, including a Department, which is presently a series opener at the Ageas Bowl. Tuesday any expectations that from India's Rohit world record 264. busy carrying out a 360 degree “We’ve always had a relationship, he was team manager of the tournament would go ahead AFP - KARACHI He also holds the record for appraisal of all its coaches. the Barbados team when I first started, so I had some chats with as planned in October- hitting the most sixes in The process is expected him. He was an opener as well so it was beneficial for me. November were “unrealistic”. Pakistan’s new batting star Twenty20 internationals -- a to conclude early next month “It was a lot about keeping it simple, not over-complicating Mani, an ICC board Haider Ali said yesterday that staggering 127. Still, Haider’s with the six cricket associa- things too much. Spending time is crucial in and it’s member, said in a virtual media Indian cricketing great Rohit cross-border compliment is not tion sides to be confirmed by important for any batsman.” briefing on Wednesday that the Sharma is his role model. unprecedented. the end of July, stated PCB in a The Headingley match showcased Brathwaite’s patience at Australian government was still The praise comes even Indian skipper Virat Kohli media release. the crease and it’s a quality the tourists are likely to need again being “very cautious” about the though bitter rivals India and often praises Pakistan fast In the 2019-20 season, the after fellow batsmen Darren Bravo and Shimron Hetmyer declined COVID-19 risk. Pakistan seldom play each bowler Mohammad Amir, while PCB had offered 192 contracts to to tour England this time around amid the coronavirus “If it is played this year they other, and as political tensions Pakistan batsman Babar Azam the domestic cricketers of which pandemic. will likely insist it happens in a remain high over Kashmir. is well-liked in India. 186 cricketers had accepted the “We’ve got to buckle down and show discipline,” said bio-bubble,” he said. “Rohit Sharma is my role Haider said he admired contracts. Brathwaite. “Discipline can carry you a long way in Test cricket “This is okay for one or two model because of the way he Rohit’s consistent, aggressive Director – High Perform- as a whole and particularly playing in England when the ball is teams but when 12-16 teams gives the Indian team a start. style. ance, Nadeem Khan, said in a moving. If you can be disciplined for the whole day, not just half play in a T20 tournament, it It’s amazing,” the 19-year-old “Once he reaches 50 he statement: “As part of a compre- an hour or an hour, I think that will lay a platform for big runs.” becomes an impossible thing. I Haider told reporters. thinks for 100, and on 100 he hensive and extensive review West Indies beat England 2-1 in the Caribbean in 2019 and don’t think it is feasible today “Whether it’s a Test, thinks of 150,” the youngster process, we are conducting coach Phil Simmons said last week it was vital the likes of that there is any ICC event in one-day international or a said. appraisals of all coaches, which Brathwaite raised their game if they were to retain the Wisden 2020.” Twenty20, he comes with a Pakistan are scheduled to is a three-phase process includ- Trophy. Mani expected the tour- thinking and takes the attack head to Britain next week to ing self-assessment, interviews “There’s a lot of pressure on the batsmen to perform because nament to be rescheduled to to the bowlers. I want to give spend 14 days in quarantine and feedback from players and the unit have been carrying the Test team for a while 2021, with the edition the same start to the Pakistan before playing a first Test in fellow coaches. now,” said Simmons. scheduled for next year in India team.” Manchester from August 5. “This is the modern 360 degree way of appraising profes- sionals as we remain committed to put in place the best avail- ‘sold’ 2011 cricket World Cup final: Minister able coaches who can provide best coaching and training to the AFP - COLOMBO players, which, in turn, will con- Sri Lanka batted Earlier this month, the Sri Lankan tribute to further enhance the Sri Lanka “sold” the 2011 World Cup first and scored 274-6 cricket board said the International quality of our domestic cricket. final to India, the country’s former off 50 overs. They Cricket Council was investigating three “Once the appraisal of the Sports Minister said yesterday, reviving appeared in a com- unnamed former players over alleged coaches is concluded, the six one of cricket’s most explosive match- manding position corruption. cricket association coaches will fixing controversies. when Indian Sri Lanka introduced tough pen- be involved in the team selec- Mahindananda Aluthgamage, who superstar Sachin Ten- alties for match-fixing and tightened tion process. was sports minister at the time, is the dulkar was out for 18. sports betting restrictions in November “We hope to conclude the second senior figure to allege the final But India turned in a bid to stamp out graft. entire exercise by end July with was fixed, after 1996 World Cup- the game dramati- Another former sports minister, 12-month contracts coming into winning skipper Arjuna Ranatunga. cally, thanks partly to Harin Fernando, has said Sri Lankan effect from August 1, 2020. “I tell you today that we sold the poor fielding and cricket was riddled with graft “from top “It is premature to predict 2011 World Cup finals,” Aluthgamage bowling by Sri Lanka, to bottom”, and that the ICC considered when we will be able to start our told Sirasa TV. “Even when I was sports who were led by Sri Lanka one of the world’s most 2020-21 domestic cricket season minister I believed this.” . corrupt nations. due to the evolving COVID-19 Aluthgamage, sports minister from Sangakkara called Former Sri Lankan fast bowler situation. 2010 to 2015 and now state minister for Ranatunga, who was at the stadium on Aluthgamage to share his allegations Dilhara Lokuhettige was suspended in “But, internally, we need to renewable energy and power, said he as a commentator, has previously called with the the International Cricket 2018 for corruption relating to a lim- be ready to start the season at a “did not want to disclose” the plot at the for an investigation into the defeat. Council, the global governing body. ited-overs league. short notice,” he added. time. “When we lost, I was distressed and “He (the minister) needs to take his He was the third Sri Lankan charged Khan was appointed as the “In 2011, we were to win, but we sold I had a doubt,” he said in July 2017. ‘evidence’ to the ICC and the Anti cor- under the ICC anti-corruption code, fol- PCBs Director - High Per- the match. I feel I can talk about it now. “We must investigate what hap- ruption and Security Unit so the claims lowing former captain and ex-chief formance following a robust I am not connecting players, but some pened to Sri Lanka at the 2011 World can be investigated throughly,” San- selector , and former recruitment process last sections were involved,” he said. Cup final.” gakkara tweeted yesterday. paceman Nuwan Zoysa. month. Khan was one of the Sri Lanka lost the match at Mum- “I cannot reveal everything now, but Sri Lankan cricket has regularly Jayasuriya was found guilty of 16 candidates who had applied bai’s Wankhede Stadium by six . one day I will. There must be an been involved in corruption contro- failing to cooperate with a match-fixing for the role and was subse- Indian players have strongly denied any inquiry,” added Ranatunga, who said versies, including claims of match-fixing probe and banned for two years. Zoysa quently interviewed by top wrongdoing. players could not hide the “dirt”. ahead of a 2018 Test against England. was suspended for match-fixing. PCB officials including Wasim Akram.