NNBABA | Page 3 FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 7 Players ‘feel ‘Free-scoring strange’ as teams Manchester start practising United a in bubble diff erent team’

Saturday, July 11, 2020 MOTORSPORT Dhul-Qa’da 20, 1441 AH Verstappen GULF TIMES on top in second practice SPORT Page 2

CRICKET WORLD CUP MARVEL Dowrich puts WI in control of 1st Test Glimpses of the upcoming Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor. A giant tent structure will cover this whole stadium which will host matches right through to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals. A uniquely Qatari stadium, to rival the best in the world, it takes its name from bayt Ben Stokes led England’s attack with 4-49 but al sha’ar – tents historically used by nomadic peoples in Qatar and the Gulf region. Al Bayt Stadium will welcome guests from far and wide, entertaining them and inviting them to experience the country’s traditions and culture. the tourists still posted a first innings lead of 114

AFP AGEAS BOWL SCOREBOARD Southampton ENGLAND 1st innings 204 all out 2-102 (Hope), 3-140 (Brathwaite), 4-173 (Brooks), 5-186 (Black- hane Dowrich steered WEST INDIES 1st innings (o/n: wood), 6-267 (Chase), 7-281 the West Indies into a 57-1) (Holder), 8-306 (Joseph), 9-313 commanding lead over lbw b Stokes K. Brathwaite 65 (Dowrich), 10-318 (Gabriel) England on the third day J. Campbell lbw b Anderson 28 ofS the fi rst Test at Southampton Bowling: Anderson 25-11-62-3; yesterday. S. Hope c Stokes b Bess 16 Archer 22-3-61-0 (1nb); Wood Dowrich made 61 after open- S. Brooks c Buttler b Anderson 39 22-2-74-1; Stokes 14-5-49-4; Bess 19-5-51-2; er Kraigg Brathwaite had top- R. Chase lbw b Anderson 47 scored with 65 in a total of 318 c Anderson b Bess all out. J. Blackwood 12 ENGLAND 2nd innings Stand-in captain Ben Stokes S. Dowrich c Buttler b Stokes 61 R. Burns not out 10 led England’s attack with 4-49 J. Holder c Archer b Stokes 5 to follow his top score of 43 in D. Sibley not out 5 A. Joseph b Stokes 18 the hosts’ 204. Total (0 wkts, 10 overs) 15 But that left West Indies 114 K. Roach not out 1 Bowling: Roach 5-3-6-0; Gabriel runs ahead on fi rst innings in a S. Gabriel b Wood 4 match that marks international 3-1-5-0; Holder 2-1-4-0 Extras (lb21, nb1) 22 cricket’s return from lockdown. Match position: England are 99 And they were still 99 runs in Total (all out, 102 overs) 318 runs behind with all 10 second- front after openers Rory Burns Fall of wickets: 1-43 (Campbell), innings wickets standing. and Dom Sibley survived a tricky 10 overs to take England to 15-0 in their second innings at the fi rst sunny blue skies of the before, Stokes made a vital stumps. match providing ideal condi- breakthrough when he trapped Stokes’ haul included the tions for batting. Brathwaite in front of the wicket of West Indies captain Ja- Barbados-born Archer nearly stumps. son Holder for just fi ve, with the had Shai Hope lbw for 16 but a Shamarh Brooks made a England talisman having fallen West Indies review revealed a promising 39 before he was to his rival all-rounder during no-ball. caught behind off James An- the towering seamer’s Test-best Hope, however, was still on 16 derson, with England’s all-time 6-42 on Thursday. when he edged off -spinner Dom leading Test wicket-taker re- SPOTLIGHT And when Stokes bowled Bess to fi rst slip where Stokes, turning fi gures of 3-62. tailender Alzarri Joseph, he had captaining England in the ab- Jermaine Blackwood gave his his 150th Test wicket. sence of Joe Root, held a sharp wicket away by driving Bess (2- But wicketkeeper Dowrich catch. 51) straight to Anderson at mid- Mugello to host Ferrari’s 1,000th F1 race held fi rm with a fi ne fi fty until a It was an encouraging mo- off . 115-ball innings featuring eight ment for Stokes, who could have Dowrich, however, drove Bess like the 1,000th Grand Prix boundaries ended when he was been forgiven for second-guess- for two fours in three balls be- Reuters Russia to allow spectators in Sochi race London for Scuderia Ferrari at our caught down the legside by op- ing himself after deciding to bat fore, on 25, he hammered a drive own home at Mugello is an posing gloveman Jos Buttler off fi rst on winning the toss. the Somerset bowler could only London: Russia will allow tendance remains at a good incredible opportunity,” said Stokes. But, as he has so often done parry. he Ferrari-owned spectators to attend its level year on year, and we are Ferrari team boss Mattia Bi- It was not the fi rst time Dow- Mugello circuit will Formula One Grand Prix in confident that the diff iculties notto. rich had proved a thorn in Eng- debut on the Formula Sochi in September after the of this year will not become a “Mugello is not just one land’s side. West Indies’ Shane Dowrich One calendar in Sep- season started behind closed special obstacle for motor- of the most spectacular and Last year he made 116 and celebrates his 50 on the third Ttember to host the Italian team’s doors in Austria last weekend, sport fans. “We are meticu- challenging tracks for drivers shared a huge stand of 295 with day of the first Test match 1,000th championship Grand race organisers said yester- lously preparing to receive and cars, it is also a structure Holder when his fellow Bajan against England in Prix, with Russia’s race in Sochi day. spectators safely and looking that has made sustainability made an unbeaten 202 during Southampton yesterday. also confi rmed yesterday. The Sept. 27 race will be forward to seeing everyone one of its priorities.” the West Indies’ 381-run win The Sept 13 race, to be called round 10 of a championship in the Olympic Park,” he Imola, which hosted the over England in the fi rst Test the Grand Prix of Tuscany Fer- which has had its schedule added. San Marino Grand Prix up to at their Kensington Oval home rari 1,000, will follow on from ripped up and rewritten due Tickets for the race went 2006, could yet feature on the ground. the Sept 6 Italian Grand Prix to the Covid-19 pandemic. back on sale after confirma- 2020 calendar if other races That victory helped West In- at Monza as the ninth round of “This will be an incredible tion of the date yesterday. are cancelled. Formula One dies regain the Wisden Trophy a season that has been heav- festival for the widest audi- Russia’s death toll from the is also lining up Portugal’s but it is 32 years since they last ily revised due to the Covid-19 ence possible,” said Alexey novel coronavirus edged past Algarve circuit in Portimao, won a Test series in England. pandemic. Titov, chief executive of 11,000 yesterday, with the with Vietnam still a possibil- England dropped veteran Russia will be the 10th race on promoter ROSGONKI, in a country reporting 174 new ity. paceman Stuart Broad for this Sept 27. statement. “The event at- deaths in the past 24 hours. While China has said it will current match to play express Formula One said in a state- not hold any international quicks Jofra Archer and Mark ment it still expected to stage sporting events this year, Wood together for the fi rst time between 15-18 rounds in a aside from trials for the 2022 in a Test. championship that started at a major moment in our season Italian circuit to host a cham- Beijing Winter Olympics, For- But Archer and Wood strug- Austria’s Red Bull Ring last and we are looking forward to pionship Grand Prix, after mula One could yet secure an gled to make an impression on a weekend, with more announce- being back in Sochi in Septem- Monza, Imola and the Pescara exemption. placid pitch. ments in coming weeks. ber. road course.The Tuscan cir- Races in the Americas — Tex- They took just one wicket be- “We are increasingly con- “We are equally excited to cuit, north of Florence, has as, Mexico and Brazil — look tween them in a combined 44 fi dent in our plans to race see Formula One race for the been a fi xture on the MotoGP doubtful due to the spread of the overs — and that was only when throughout the remainder of fi rst time at Mugello, an oc- calendar and is also used by new coronavirus but Bahrain, Wood bowled last man Shannon 2020,” said Formula One chair- casion that will mark Ferrari’s Ferrari for testing and other with a possible two races, and Gabriel to end the innings. man Chase Carey. 1,000th Grand Prix.” races. “To be able to celebrate Abu Dhabi are set to complete West Indies resumed be- “The Russian Grand Prix is Mugello will be the fourth an extraordinary anniversary the season in November. hind closed doors on 57-1, with Gulf Times 2 Saturday, July 11, 2020 SPORT

FORMULA 1 CRICKET Broad reveals ‘anger’ Ricciardo crashes, at England Test axe Verstappen on top in second practice ‘The car already feels better than last week, the balance is a lot nicer to drive...’

AFP prospect of adding to his tally of Southampton, United Kingdom 485 wickets from 138 Tests. And with England set to play six Tests in seven weeks, with a ngland paceman Stu- three-match series against Paki- art Broad said he felt stan to follow the Windies cam- frustrated and angry at paign, it is likely Broad will be having “my shirt” taken involved. awayE after he was dropped for “I wanted clarifi cation about the fi rst Test against the West my future going forward and I Indies at Southampton. was given pretty positive feed- Broad was in England’s 13- back,” he said. man squad for the series open- Broad, the son of former Eng- er, the fi rst major international land opener turned match refe- cricket since the coronavirus ree Chris Broad, added: “I’m not lockdown. a particularly emotional person The paceman is second only but I’ve found the last couple of to long-standing new-ball col- days quite tough. league James Anderson in Eng- “To say I was disap- land’s all-time list of leading Test pointed would be an wicket-takers. understatement....I’m frustrat- He was their most success- ed, angry, gutted. ful bowler during a 3-1 series “It’s diffi cult to understand. win in South Africa earlier this I’ve probably bowled the best year, with 14 wickets at under 20 I’ve ever bowled the last couple apiece. But for the fi rst match of of years — I felt it was my shirt.” the ongoing three-Test series, Broad, however, said he did England opted for the express have some sympathy for the se- pace of Jofra Archer and Mark lectors’ dilemma. Wood, as well as Anderson and “We are also in a fairly unique stand-in captain Ben Stokes in position this summer,” he said. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen their four-man seam attack. “Very rarely do you get all your during practice ahead of Broad made no attempt to hide bowlers fi t like we’ve got at this the Styrian Grand Prix in his hurt during a frank interview minute. Spielberg yesterday. with Sky Sports before Friday’s “Part of my strength and du- third day, with West Indies re- rability as a cricketer is that I’ve AFP how we are looking against Mer- an out-of-sorts six-time world the session when he lost control ing Point teammate Lance Stroll suming on 57-1 in reply to Eng- been fi t on a lot of occasions and Spielberg bei Knittelfeld, Austria cedes, but from our side I think champion Lewis Hamilton in the at Turn Nine and hit the barriers in close pursuit before Ricciardo land’s 204 all out. been available for selection. I felt we are quite happy.” second Mercedes. heavily. He limped away, but the crashed his Renault. “I found out about 6:00pm like I deserved a spot in the team, The ‘pink Mercedes’ cars of Alexander Albon was seventh rear of his car was wrecked. The Australian limped away the night before the game,” said as would anyone else.” ax Verstappen the Racing Point team were third in the second Red Bull ahead of After a warm morning, the while the session was red- Broad. “Stokesy told me we were But the Nottinghamshire topped the times and fourth with Sergio Perez and Lando Norris, who picked up a temperatures had soared to 30 fl agged and, on resumption, just going with extra pace in paceman, looking ahead to the for Red Bull ahead Lance Stroll respectively, the three-place grid penalty for ig- and 53 degrees for the air and the with warnings of heavy rain- these conditions.” second Test, added: “Now I’ll be of Mercedes’ Valt- pair proving pre-season sugges- noring yellow fl ags in the morn- track respectively when second storms forecast for today, the The 34-year-old Broad said he doing as much as I can in the next Mteri Bottas in yesterday’s crash- tions that they have a package ing, in the second McLaren, practice began in bright sun- usual suspects regained the ini- had spoken to England national week so make sure I’m available hit second free practice ahead to make them competitive this Charles Leclerc of Ferrari and shine. tiative. selector Ed Smith about the for Old Traff ord.” of this weekend’s Styrian Grand season. Esteban Ocon of Renault. Perez, who set the pace in the Bottas and then Verstappen Prix. Ferrari-bound Carlos Sainz Ocon’s teammate Daniel Ric- morning, continued on top of took over as the fastest man in The Dutchman clocked a was fi fth for McLaren ahead of ciardo crashed heavily during the time-sheets with his Rac- the knowledge that if the weath- best lap time in one minute and er washes out qualifying on Sat- Players need to motivate each other 3.660 seconds to outpace the urday the second practice posi- in absence of fans — Mushtaq Finn, who won last Sunday’s Ferrari warned over Covid-19 protocol breach tions on Friday may be used to season-opening Austrian Grand form the grid. London: Players will have to each other, back each other Prix on the same Red Bull Ring Spielberg: Formula One’s governing body has FIA spokesman. Despite several laps, Ham- motivate each other in absence and support each other to the circuit, by 0.043 seconds. warned Ferrari about the risks of breaching the He added that the warning was about respecting ilton was unable to match his of any spectators in cricket’s hilt,” Mushtaq told the Pakistan Having won twice, in 2018 sport’s Covid-19 protocol and protective ‘bubble’. the group system and need for social distancing rivals and with half an hour re- post-coronavirus reality, Cricket Board (PCB) website. and 2019, on his team’s home Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vet- rather than Leclerc’s travel movements. maining, he was down in fi fth. Pakistan spin bowling coach While quarantining at Worces- track, Verstappen looked to have tel have been seen mixing with people outside The FIA’s Covid-19 code states that any time Clearly unhappy, he pitted for Mushtaq Ahmed has said while ter’s New Road Ground, the recovered his best form after an their individual team groups. spent outside the closed venue “must be spent adjustments to be made at the quarantining with the team in team under Azhar Ali are also electrical failure forced him to Leclerc returned to his Monaco home after with other members of the same group, keeping front of his car as he searched for England ahead of a three-Test getting used to the game’s new retire last weekend. finishing second in last Sunday’s Austrian Grand interaction with persons outside that group to a an improved set-up. series next month. protocols, including a ban on “The car already feels better Prix while Vettel was shown on television talking minimum.” “Lewis isn’t happy with the Playing behind closed doors is using saliva to shine the ball. than last week, the balance is to Red Bull bosses, without face masks, in the Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas, who won last car,” said a Mercedes spokes- one of the many conditions the “Despite the Covid-19 related a lot nicer to drive and we have Red Bull Ring paddock. Sunday, also went home to Monaco after the person. “As can be seen from the game has reluctantly accepted challenges, the players have made a good step,” said Verstap- “Ferrari have been issued with a reminder and opening race but remained within his ‘bubble’ by gap to the front on a single lap. before international cricket been exceptional so far,” Mush- pen. warned that any further breaches of the Covid-19 seeing only those within his existing group — his We completed a set-down in the resumed on Wednesday with taq said. “It is only Friday practice and code could be referred to the stewards,” said an girlfriend and trainer. garage to check what we can in England’s home series against “We are trying to make them of course it is too early to say terms of alignment.” West Indies. Taking on England familiar with the protocols and in August, Pakistan would have they have responded wonder- traditionally enjoyed strong fully well. Players are coping BOTTOMLINE support from diaspora living with the new regulations with there, but not this time as the regards to shining the ball as matches will be played in a bio- well. secure environment. “Historically, spinners have Red Bull say no to Vettel’s hopes of a return “There are no spectators, there used saliva to shine the ball, are hardly any journalists either now they are being taught new Reuters drivers. We think we’ve got a with six-times champion Lewis to analyse the teams or the methods...” said the former Test Spielberg, Austria great pairing in Max (Verstap- Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas. game. Players need to inspire spinner. pen) and in Alex (Albon).We Racing Point, owned by Ca- think that has great potential for nadian billionaire Lawrence ed Bull have given “a the future as well. Stroll, or Ferrari-powered Alfa defi nite no” to four- “So unfortunately it’s not Romeo could still be possibili- English counties agree to reshaped times Formula One something we are going to be ties, however. cricket season world champion Se- able to accommodate. That is a “It’s unusual for a four-times Rbastian Vettel’s hopes of re- defi nite no, I’m afraid. Sebastian world champ to be out of a drive London: All 18 fi rst-class Only James Anderson, Stuart turning to them next year, team I think is aware of that.” at this point in the year,” said counties have agreed to take Broad and Ian Botham have boss Christian Horner said yes- Horner’s comments closed Horner. part in a shortened red-ball taken more Test wickets for terday. The German, who is out another door to the 33-year- “I guess he’s got a couple of tournament during the trun- England than Willis, a former of contract with Ferrari at the old after Renault announced on choices available to him, I as- cated domestic season, England quick who fi nished with 325 end of the season and facing an Wednesday that they had signed sume either Racing Point or a cricket bosses announced scalps in 90 matches between uncertain future, had said on double world champion Fernan- year out and re-evaluate the op- yesterday.The season, drasti- 1971 and 1984. Thursday he would say yes to a do Alonso to fi ll the vacancy left tions in a year’s time.” cally shortened by the corona- England and Wales Cricket Red Bull drive if one was off ered. by departing Australian Daniel Racing Point’s current driv- virus shutdown, will resume on Board managing director of Vettel won his titles with Red Ricciardo. Ricciardo, Vettel’s ers are Lance Stroll, son of the August 1. Teams will compete county cricket Neil Snowball, Bull from 2010-13 and remains former Red Bull teammate, is owner, and Mexican Sergio Pe- for the Bob Willis Trophy, to be said: “We are all delighted that on good terms with the Austri- moving to McLaren next year in rez who signed a three-year followed by a Twenty20 compe- agreement has been reached an energy drink brand’s senior place of Ferrari-bound Spaniard contract extension last August tition starting on August 27. across the game and we are now management. Carlos Sainz. although the details remained The red-ball competition in a position to look forward “We had a brilliant time with rian Grand Prix at Austria’s Red “We didn’t expect him to be Vettel’s options would appear confi dential. is named in honour of former to and prepare for a new men’s Seb,” Horner told Sky F1 televi- Bull Ring.”He will forever be a on the market this year and our to be dwindling, with champi- “I don’t think Lance is going England captain Willis, who domestic season starting on 1 sion during practice for the Sty- part of our history. commitment is to our existing ons Mercedes expected to stick to get fi red,” quipped Horner. died in December aged 70. August.” Gulf Times Saturday, July 11, 2020 3 SPORT

FOCUS Jokic expected to rejoin Nuggets within days everal weeks after That proved too many tests testing positive for to complete in time for him to Covid-19, Denver Nug- travel with the rest of the Nug- gets All-Star center gets, according to reports. NikolaS Jokic is expected to Citing sources, Haynes rejoin his team in Florida in reported that Jokic is in good the next couple of days, Ya- health. The 7-foot 25-year-old Players ‘feel strange’ hoo’s Chris Haynes reported was seen earlier this off sea- Thursday night. son looking quite a bit thinner According to Haynes, Jokic than he was when the NBA has had consecutive negative season was halted because tests, a requirement of NBA of the coronavirus on March protocols for a player who 11. Jokic has been an All-Star has tested positive to rejoin each of the last two seasons his team. He was hoping to and is averaging 20.2 points, as NBA teams begin travel with his teammates 10.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists to Orlando but, according to in 65 games this season. multiple reports, he actu- This week the 22 teams ally needed to produce two competing at the Walt Disney straight negative tests in his World Resort near Orlando native Serbia to return to the began arriving to the facility. US, then another two straight The regular season resumes practices in bubble negatives to travel here. July 30. Reuters

‘THE VALUE, FIRST AND FOREMOST, WAS PLAYER HEALTH AND WELLNESS’ ANNOUNCEMENT

By Dan Woike Los Angeles Times Devils hire Ruff he Magic walked into a carpeted hotel ballroom as head coach to Thursday in Orlando, Fla., outfi tted with two TNBA courts and four baskets, guide young group and made a little news. Even though they never played 5-on-5, even though never did any drills that required contact and even though they didn’t travel far to get there, the Magic became the fi rst NBA team to hold an actual practice since the league shut down March 11 be- cause of the global coronavirus outbreak. “Honestly,” Orlando forward Aaron Gordon said, “it feels strange.” After months of writing and revising plans and negotiat- ing with the league’s players (and then doing it over and over again), the NBA’s ambitious bubble concept began in earnest, with Orlando, Brooklyn, Utah, Washington and Phoenix hold- ing practices. To get to this point, those teams had to clear quarantine in Orlando — approximately 36 hours — by passing a pair of AFP teams that will not be included coronavirus tests, including one Los Angeles in the restart to the stunted submitted almost immediately season, of which the fi nal de- upon arrival. tails are still being worked out. The Clippers arrived in Orlan- indy Ruff , who played Ruff previously served as do without Kawhi Leonard and 12 seasons in the NHL head coach of the Buff alo Sa- Landry Shamet on Wednesday and was a head coach bres for 15 seasons (1997-2013) night. The Lakers departed Los LeBron James (left) of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against the LA Clippers during a regular NBA game at Staples Center on March 8, 2020. (TNS) for 19 more, has been and the Dallas Stars for four Angeles on Thursday and prac- Lnamed the coach of the New seasons (2013-17). Ruff won tice for the fi rst time at Disney conditions are better than some got to kind of think of it as a sum- emphasis was placed on staff ers or not, but some of the details Jersey Devils, the club an- the Jack Adams Award as the World today. social media posts make them mer house that we’re going to be who have direct impact on play- we’ve put into … . we have pho- nounced on Thursday. NHL’s coach of the year in They might not return until out to be. For a player who has working out in. We’re going to be ers’ lives, both physically and tos everywhere,” Horst said. “We The former NHL coach of 2005-06. mid-October. spent time in Wi-Fi-less rooms away from people for a little bit. mentally. have really intentional, specifi c the year in 2006 takes over Ruff played 12 seasons in the “Just left the crib to head with the Montenegro men’s na- It is unique because we’re go- “The value, fi rst and foremost, photos of our guys in diff erent from John Hynes, who guided NHL, scoring 105 goals and to the bubble,” LeBron James tional team, it’s all relative. ing to be in the same place for so was player health and wellness,” actions and diff erent things. We the club between 2015-2019. 300 points for the Buff alo Sa- tweeted. “ … felt like I’m headed “I’ve seen guys complaining long and around the same people Milwaukee Bucks general man- have diff erent sayings, diff erent Hynes was fi red on December bres and New York Rangers. to do a bid man!” about the food and everything,” in this bubble-type atmosphere. ager Jon Horst said. “Everything niceties that they’re used to — 3. Ruff ’s family has deep hock- Center Dwight Howard is set Vucevic said. “We just got here. But it’s new for everybody.” we decided on was to try and all the things that matter to our “I’m super excited to be- ey roots. His three brothers all to meet the Lakers in Orlando It wasn’t that bad. It was fi ne. That’s not to say early con- make sure the guys perform at players in an operation — we’ve come a part of the Devils fam- played major junior in Canada, on Thursday night. Guard Av- It’s not what we’re used to eating cerns weren’t heard. Once play- the highest level, that they’re tried to replicate and take with ily,” the 60-year-old Canadian including Brent Ruff who died ery Bradley opted out of the re- at home, sure. But you also have ers clear quarantine, they have taken care of, from soft tissue us put there.” Ruff said. “There’s a great his- in 1986 when the Swift Cur- start and assistant coach Lionel to consider they’re making food access to in-room dining, hotel work, to physical therapy work, On the fl oor, teams are tak- tory there. I know there’s a rent Broncos team bus crashed Hollins won’t attend because of for over 1,000 people. It’s not restaurants and some pre-ap- to nutrition, to their routines ing diff erent approaches to the great foundation that has been in a snowstorm, killing four health concerns. easy to do that.” proved off -campus delivery. and their vitamins for their bas- reboot. The Jazz opened prac- built along with management. players and injuring several Clippers center Montrezl Har- Perspective is understandably Player comfort might be the ketball reps and coaching. Player tice with live action, Conley “I can’t say enough about others. rell is one of a handful of players hard to come by in a situation second-biggest concern for health and wellness drove every said. The Magic won’t even start how humbled I am for this op- New Jersey also announced who have taken to social me- that’s unlike anything most NBA teams, obviously behind safety. decision in terms of who went to playing 3-on-3 until the second portunity. I really feel like this it will keep Tom Fitzgerald in dia to complain about the food players have ever gone through And some have already indeed the group.” practice. is a great fi t and I can’t wait to the role of general manager. He served while in quarantine. — potentially more than three made themselves comfortable: Teams loaded up trucks to “We’re going to build it up,” get going.” was promoted when Ray Shero And Lakers guard Rajon Rondo months away from home, with Clippers guard Lou Williams set get players as much as possible, Orlando coach Steve Cliff ord Interim coach Alain was fi red January 12. posted a photo of a room at the the possibility of family joining up a space to record music in his whether it was an extra weight said. “We’ve spent a lot of time Nasreddine took over briefl y “We are proud and excited Gran Destino, where the Lakers Aug. 30. “It’s a surreal feeling. I room. Teammate Patrick Bever- room like the Jazz sent to Florida talking about this. I think we for Hynes and helped guide to have Lindy Ruff join our or- and Clippers are staying, and woke up this morning and I was ley brought gaming systems and or the photos off the wall of the have a good plan.” the Devils to a 28-29-12 record ganization as head coach. He is compared it to a Motel 6. Magic in Utah. I didn’t know where I even some calming sage to burn. practice facility, something the The NBA thinks it has a good before the league shut down one of the most successful and big man Nikola Vucevic, who is was at,” Jazz guard Mike Conley And as teams had to trim their Bucks are bringing. one too, one that gives the NBA on March 12 because of the respected coaches in the NHL, inside the bubble away from his said. “It’s going to take an ad- travelling parties to 35 (in some “I don’t know if there are 21 its best chance possible to fi nish global coronavirus pandemic. not only today, but in League son and pregnant wife, said the justment period. For us, we’ve cases cutting from 70-plus), other teams that are doing this its season in a wildly unique way. The Devils are one of seven history,” said Fitzgerald.

SPOTLIGHT What will life look like in the NHL bubble? By Diana C. Nearhos NFL — they’re all on the table. The idea of NHL-only golf courses was Tampa Bay Times Hotel bars will be open (and bartend- brought up early and often around the ers will be tested for the coronavirus talk of hub cities. Maybe someone could daily), though servers are recommended bring a camera crew, or at least a Go-Pro, eing locked in a hotel for two to use carts rather than hand over drinks and give fans an inside look — a la Tiger months, only allowed to leave directly. Woods/Peyton Manning and Phil Mick- for work, doesn’t sound like Those staying inside the bubble (a elson/Tom Brady in “The Match.” much fun at face value. long list of players, team personnel, NHL Outdoor movie screenings, in or out- BThat changes, though, depending on if staff , on-ice offi cials and more) will have side the bubble, are an option. Though, you’re talking about a Holiday Inn (basic, a few dining options. Hotel restaurants since the league isn’t putting the hubs on no frills), a Sheraton (nicer accommo- will be open, each team will have a des- a campus owned by a major media and dations, more options) or a luxury J.W. ignated conference room with catered entertainment conglomerate (Disney), Marriott or St. Regis set up specifi cally meals, room service will be contactless the NHL probably won’t have early ac- for your group. and there’s always outside delivery. cess to movies like Black Widow. Unlike the NBA (manicures, barbers, The protocol also refers to “restau- Anyone heading into the bubble would DJ sets), the NHL’s hub city protocol does rants outside the Phase 4 Secure Zone do well to bring the stacks of books sit- not outline all of the amenities that will hotel(s) that are dedicated for NHL use ting on their bedside tables. Seems like a be available to players, but the league still only,” but it’s not clear how many of great time catch up on a literary bucket is focused on providing entertainment. those there will be or how often they will list. Hotel pools are fair game, if they’re be available. The NHL has some rules, too. The 28- open, given social distancing. Spas and It could be one of the “social excur- page document is mostly rules. saunas are not. sions” the NHL will arrange in recog- No one is allowed inside another’s Expect a lot of video games. They’ve nition of “the importance of mental room. Each team will have its own fl oor. already been a part of playoff runs — the health and the psychological benefi t of Everyone is supposed to wear a face mask Capitals and Golden Knights made good variation in activity” — nothing like legal at all times, unless exercising or alone. use of Mario Kart on Nintendo 64 during language to make fi eld trips sound like There will be a strict schedule for the fi t- the 2018 Stanley Cup Final. And some schoolwork. ness centre — for players, NHL staff and players bring their systems on road trips Edmonton’s pitch to be a hub city in- others living in the secure zone. The pro- that last fewer than two months. cluded secure golf courses and a video tocol has a whole section on the elevators Whether in a players’ lounge (like the highlighting the mountains and lakes in (no talking, no using fi ngers to press but- NBA has set up) or from their own hotel the region. The NHL probably isn’t tak- tons, no lingering, stand on the marked rooms (maybe across the two hubs), the ing players on a hiking trip hours outside spaces). NHL could see some major gaming tour- the city, but golfi ng is a defi nite possibil- It’s not all fun and games — except for The NHL’s hub city protocol does not outline all of the amenities that will be available to players, but the league still is naments. Fortnite, Call of Duty, Madden ity. the literal games. focused on providing entertainment. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, July 11, 2020 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Browns warn fans of reduced capacity for home games Reuters NFL bans jersey swaps aft er games Los Angeles DPA document said. Some players have New York slammed the social distancing he Cleveland Browns measures outlined by the propos- sent a letter to sea- al. “This is a perfect example of son ticket holders merican football play- NFL thinking in a nutshell. Play- on Thursday warn- ers from opposing teams ers can go engage in a full contact ingT fans that due to Covid-19 in the National Football game and do it safely. However, it the National Football League League (NFL) will be for- is deemed unsafe for them to ex- team will be limiting ticket biddenA to swap jerseys after games change jerseys after said game,” sales for games this season. once the 2020 season kicks off , San Francisco 49ers veteran Rich- The Browns announcement The Browns did not indicate according to proposed game-day ard Sherman tweeted. follows a similar one made how many tickets they plan protocols by the league and the Sherman’s objection was ech- by their Week 1 opponents to sell for each game. NFL Players Association (NFLPA). oed by Philadelphia Eagles cor- the Baltimore Ravens, who Teams will be “prohibited from nerback Darius Slay. said on Wednesday they will be a fraction of First Energy post-game interactions within 6 “So we can tackle each other for limit the attendance to fewer Stadium’s 68,000 capacity. feet [1.8 metres] of one another” 60 mins but can’t exchange jersey than 14,000 for the Sept Those fans who get tickets according to the new protocol, de- that takes 2 mins,” Slay said in a 13th opener at M&T Stadium, will have to follow physical tails of which emerged on Thurs- tweet closing the message with which has a 71,000 capacity. distancing requirements, day. crying laughing emojis. “This upcoming season will mandated facial cover- According to the NFL network, Star quarterback Deshaun look very diff erent because ings for everyone in the the document, which in conjunc- Watson of the Houston Texans of the ongoing Covid-19 stadium, robust cleaning tion with other Covid-19 proto- called the measures “DAMN SIL- pandemic,” said the Browns and disinfecting protocols, cols is set to apply to the 2020 NFL LY” in another tweet before reply- in a statement. and changes to stadium pre-season and season games, was ing to a since-deleted tweet chal- “The Browns remain in regu- layout, seat locations and fan distributed to clubs on Wednes- lenging his comment: lar communication with state circulation. day. The new rules would prohibit “So have you ever played in a and local authorities, health The Green Bay Packers said fans from on-fi eld seating and ban professional football game be- departments and other medi- last week that capacity at media from locker rooms. fore? So you don’t think when you cal experts as they continue Lambeau Field would be On match day, anyone with get tackled sweat and saliva isn’t to devise their operational reduced, while the New York bench access would be screened there? Or during timeouts or in a plans for the 2020 season. Jets have off ered season pre-game and have their tem- huddle or in between plays guys “Though the Browns and the ticket holders the option of a perature checked. Anyone with a aren’t talking to each other face to NFL remain confident games refund on their 2020 tickets temperature over 38C or who was face? I need better facts to get it,” will be played, the likelihood or deferring all payments potentially exposed to the new Watson wrote. The 2020 season is of them occurring in full towards the 2021 season. coronavirus would not be allowed scheduled to kick off as planned stadiums is very low.” The NFL season is due to into the stadium. pre-pandemic on September The Browns did not indicate kickoff on September 10 with Coaches and players “who are 10 with the Super Bowl winners how many tickets they plan the Super Bowl champions not substituting into the game” Kansas City Chiefs hosting the to sell for each game but Kansas City Chiefs hosting would be “strongly encouraged to Texans. The Super Bowl is set to DeVante Parker (left) of the Miami Dolphins and Jay Ajayi of the Philadelphia Eagles swap jerseys after indications are it will only the Houston Texans. wear masks on the side lines,” the be held on February 7, 2021. the game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on December 1, 2019. (AFP)

MLB REPORT Three-time champion catcher Posey opts Can Bellinger repeat out of 2020 season last year’s scorching

60-game start in 2020? AFP salary because his choice was San Francisco not impacted by a prior health ‘You’re always growing and you’re always evolving. I feel really good at where I’m at this year’ issue. He becomes among the an Francisco Giants highest-profi le MLB players catcher Buster Posey, to sit out the season, joining who helped the team at least eight others, includ- capture three World ing Colorado’s Ian Desmond, SeriesS titles, said yesterday Atlanta’s Felix Hernandez and he has opted out of a corona- David Price of the Los Angeles virus-shortened 2020 Major Dodgers. League Baseball season. Six-time All-Star Posey The 33-year-old American sparked the Giants to World reported to the team’s training Series titles in 2010, 2012 and camp last weekend but missed 2014. three workouts as he pondered Without Posey, the Giants sitting out the campaign, have no catchers on their 40- which is set to begin July 23. man roster less than two weeks “The Giants fully support before they open against the Buster’s decision,” the team Los Angeles Dodgers. said in a statement. “Buster Two non-roster camp in- is an integral part of our team vitees with a combined 131 and will be sorely missed, but MLB appearances, Tyler Hein- we look forward to having him eman and Rob Brantly, and top back in 2021.” prospect Joey Bart, coming Posey, the 2012 National back from two hand fractures League Most Valuable Player, last year, are the top candi- will surrender an $8mn season dates to replace Posey.

Mets to host Yankees on 9/11 anniversary in 2021 slate

AFP in New York and Washington New York attacks, the Mets will share the field with the Yankees, who reached the 2001 World he New York Mets Series only to lose to Arizona will host the New in seven games. York Yankees on the “I would imagine, especially, 20th anniversary of all that we’ve gone through Tthe September 11 terrorist this year maybe adding The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger (right) reacts following his three-run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on August 5, 2019. (TNS) attacks under a 2021 Major another layer of just how League Baseball schedule re- potentially powerful and By Jack Harris his potentially masterful mold chuckling at the absurdity of with teammates Kike Hernan- “That would be crazy,” he said. leased Thursday. emotional of a game and a Los Angeles Times had yet to totally dry. those early season numbers. “But dez, Max Muncy and Matt Beaty. “I hope I’m that guy, but we’ll The contest will be part of a day and an event that might So, as he waited for baseball that was the thing, fi guring out But by the time he arrived in see.” planned six-month campaign be,” Boone said. to begin during this summer’s why I was so good and then re- Los Angeles two weeks ago, Bell- Pitcher Tony Gonsolin joined set to open April 1 and con- “It’s something that hopefully ody Bellinger’s fi rst pandemic-prompted shutdown, membering the feeling but also inger felt his late-2019 struggles the Dodgers’ training camp, be- clude October 3 ahead of the we’re all a part of, and it will 60 games last season Bellinger worked on his swing not getting too caught up on last — which extended into a four- coming the fi rst of the team’s playoff s and World Series. get the magic it deserves.” were near-historic: a and re-examined his approach, year.” Bellinger didn’t make any for-19 postseason performance seven yet-to-report players to “I can’t imagine how emo- The Mets, who in 2001 played .370 batting average, 20 fi ne-tuning his fi ve-tool skill set major changes to a swing that — were behind him. arrive after his undisclosed ab- tional and how powerful of an the first professional sports homeC runs, 54 RBIs and a 1.177 at the Dodgers’ spring training produced a full-season 47 home “You’re always growing and sence. “We expect him to be a event that will be,” Yankees game in New York after the on-base-plus-slugging percent- facility in Arizona. runs and .305 batting average. you’re always evolving,” he said. guy (who goes deep into games), manager Aaron Boone said. attacks, will play at Yankee age. Now, a week into the team’s But, “there’s always small things “I feel really good at where I’m at Roberts said. “So to get him back The 2021 program was an- Stadium over the July 4 US All of which made his fi nal 60 preseason training camp at in your swing you realize (are) this year.” in camp and resume business as nounced two weeks before Independence Day weekend games somewhat head-scratch- Dodger Stadium, “I feel really what make you good,” he said. And despite the uncertainty usual I think is a great thing.” … the coronavirus-delayed in 2021. ing: a .257 batting average, 13 good,” Bellinger said during a “You just try to be as consistent created by the coronavirus, he is Bellinger said adjustments are 2020 MLB campaign is set Every MLB club is scheduled home runs, 38 RBIs and an .890 Thursday video conference, his with those as you can. I just had looking forward to a season he being made to the new batter’s to begin at empty home to play next April 1. It could OPS. wavy brown hair long overdue that extra time to work on it in a expects to be both “weird” and eye at Dodger Stadium, which team stadiums, a campaign mark the first time since 1968 The 24-year-old outfi elder for a trim after the three-month stress-free environment.” “fun” — or, as he also described some players have complained trimmed to 60 games per that every MLB team plays its still won the National League’s quarantine period. “It could be a Some days during the delay it, “a once-in-a-lifetime thing.” about. Roberts said the changes club opening nearly four season opener on the same MVP Award, still became the top blessing in the long run.” were tougher than others, es- One of the many anomalies: could include a more matte black months after the planned day. player on MLB’s second-win- Not to mention a nightmare for pecially as speculation swirled Bellinger isn’t even sure how paint colour on the new centre- start of a 162-game season. The 91st MLB All-Star Game is ningest regular-season team and the rest of the league, especially around whether the season many home runs could lead fi eld structure that was part of Two decades after planes set for July 13, 2021, in Atlanta. still emerged as one of baseball’s if Bellinger replicates his start to would ever start. Bellinger wore MLB this season. When asked if the stadium’s off season renova- were crashed into the World This year’s game scheduled biggest stars. 2019 during this slimmed-down a mask during his Camelback he could eclipse teammate Alex tions, as well as a modifi cation to Trade Center and Pentagon for Los Angeles was cancelled But he recognized his game 60-game season. Ranch training sessions, working Wood’s recently tweeted sugges- the seating portion of the back- and nearly 3,000 people died due to the virus outbreak. wasn’t a fi nished product either, “That would be cool,” he said, out in socially distanced groups tion of 17, Bellinger smirked. drop. Gulf Times Saturday, July 11, 2020 5 SPORT

ATHLETICS COMMENT WTA says no ‘fi nal decision’ by China Track glitch foils on cancelling events

AFP dar. Shanghai, China That includes the richly sym- bolic Wuhan Open — in the city where the coronavirus emerged omen’s tennis offi - late last year, before spreading Lyles as Felix stars cials are still hopeful globally — and the season-end- of holding tourna- ing WTA Finals in Shenzhen. ments in China this Last month the WTA an- Wyear, despite authorities calling nounced a proposed calendar for off most international sports the rest of 2020, starting in Pal- events in 2020 because of the ermo on August 3, but said tour- coronavirus. naments were subject to “gov- Thursday’s announcement ernmental approval of sporting in high-tech meet from China’s highest sporting events”, as well as medical advice body appears to be a severe blow and travel restrictions. to a number of major sports, par- “To our knowledge, the report Wrong startline costs American Lyles in the innovative Inspiration Games ticularly Formula One, tennis that has been circulated regard- and golf. ing a principle on international AFP The General Administration of sporting events in China does Zurich, Switzerland Sport said that, except for Beijing not represent a fi nal decision,” 2022 Winter Olympic test events WTA said in a statement. “and other important events, in “The WTA continues to work merican Allyson Felix principle, no other international closely with our events in China impressed in the in- sports events will be held this and the CTA (Chinese Tennis novative Inspiration year”. Association) and we will advise Games on Thursday, The Women’s Tennis Associa- when we have more information. butA a track glitch saw Noah Lyles tion would be particularly badly “We remain on track with our fall short in his quest for victory aff ected because it has seven decision timeline regarding the in the 200m. tournaments pencilled in for 2020 WTA Tour provisional cal- Six-time Olympic gold med- China in October-November in endar, which will be by the end allist Felix scorched to victory in the proposed provisional calen- of July.” the women’s rarely-run 150m, one of eight disciplines at seven venues across the globe. BADMINTON Felix, running in Walnut, Cal- ifornia, clocked 16.81sec, with Shaunae Miller-Uibo of the Ba- hamas in second in 17.15sec after Lin Dan eyes National getting a synchronised start on Allyson Felix (left) takes a handoff from Tianna the track in Bradenton, Florida. Bartoletta on their way to a first place finish “It’s very strange,” said the in the women’s 3x100m relay during the Games aft er quitting American, who has 18 career Weltklasse Zurich Inspiration Games in Walnut, world championship medals in- California, on Thursday. (AFP) cluding 13 gold. Chinese team “It’s hard to challenge your- self. But I love this sport, so any chance to get out there and run, I’ll take it.” She later anchored the US team to victory in the 3x100m my head),” Lyles tweeted with athletes in the same place, pressive 39.08sec over the rare- path for victory with 5.81m. relay. an emoji of someone covering Bradenton, saw Canada’s Andre ly-raced 300m hurdles. There was a US vaulting dou- There was initial shock, and up their face. de Grasse sweep through the line Swiss Lea Sprunger was ble as Sandi Morris claimed the then frustration, for Lyles, the The globe-spanning compe- in 9.68sec. second, with Czech Zuzanna win in the women’s event with world 200m champion whose tition, pitching Europe against Frenchman Jimmy Vicaut was Hejnova, the two-time world a best of 4.66m, ahead of Swe- form on the track and bubbly per- North America and the rest of on his heels in 9.72sec, with Ja- champ, failing to click and com- den’s Angelica Bengtsson (4.46). sonality has seen him hailed as a the world, was the brainwave maican Olympic 110m hurdles ing in third. Greece’s Ekaterini Stefanidi, the natural successor to Usain Bolt. of organisers of the Zurich Dia- champion Omar McLeod third “There was a lot of anxiety reigning world, European and Running solo, the American mond League, cancelled because (9.87). going into this race,” said Mo- Olympic champion, failed to fi re clocked what seemed an unlike- of the coronavirus pandemic. “I’m glad I got to come out line, who had been out for 18 and no-marked. ly, yet staggering, 18.90sec over here and get a run in,” said De months after foot surgery. The men’s triple jump saw the 200m. DE GRASSE TAKES 100 Grasse, who won silver (200m) The men’s pole vault saw Lisbon-based Pedro Pablo Pi- But it soon came to light that YARDS and bronze (100m) at last year’s Frenchman Renaud Lavillenie’s chardo, the Cuban-born two- he had been given the wrong There was another unusual world champs in Doha. brother Valentin suff er a shock- time world silver medallist startline and ran just 185 metres event for the male sprinters: the “It was fun!” er, with three failures at 5.36m competing for Portugal, claim- AFP “I also hope to have such an of the race, the win eventually 100 yards, which was included In the absence of American indoors for a disappointing early ing victory in 17.40m, American Shanghai, China opportunity to work hard to going to France’s Christophe Le- in the Commonwealth Games world record holder and current no-mark exit. world champion Christian Tay- participate in the 2021 National maitre in 20.65sec. until 1966 and is still held in the world 400m hurdles champion Poland’s Piotr Lisek, vaulting lor in second (17.27). Games. “You can’t be playing with United States in certain compe- Dalilah Muhammad, American in the Swedish town of Karlstad, But it was not enough as wo-time Olympic “So far I have participated in my emotions like this.... got me titions. Georganne Moline marked her bombed out at 5.76m, leaving North America claimed the win, champion Lin Dan has fi ve National Games, so if all goes in the wrong lane smh (shaking The sole race with the three return from injury with an im- American Sam Hendricks a clear despite Lyles’ gaff e. opened the door to play- well, I hope to play another.” ing again next year, just Refl ecting on the end of his in- Tdays after announcing his retire- ternational career, during which ment from international compe- he was a fi ve-time world cham- Russian anti-doping chief rejects social media corruption allegation tition at the age of 36. pion, Lin said: “I chose to with- Arguably the greatest badmin- draw from the national team. Reuters face prosecution for alleged Agency (WADA) found evidence doctored laboratory data. in South Korea as punishment ton player of all time, Lin said on “In fact, my mood is very com- Moscow, Russia corruption were a “pack of lies”. of mass doping in Russian The agency has appealed for a state-sponsored doping Saturday that he would no longer plicated. After all, I have spent 20 “This is a complete lie that is not athletics. against a four-year ban on scheme at the 2014 Sochi Olym- compete for China, giving up on years in the national team. based on fact,” Ganus told a news Ganus was named director of Russian athletes competing pics, although many Russians his fading hopes of qualifying for “I can proudly tell anyone that he head of Russian anti- conference. “The goal of those RUSADA in August 2017, saying at major international sport- were cleared to compete as next year’s postponed Tokyo Ol- I have played for the country for doping agency RUSADA who ordered this article... was at the time that his goal was to ing events under their flag as neutrals. ympics. 20 years, which is something I Tyesterday rejected al- exclusively to discredit RUSADA. restore trust in Russia’s anti- punishment for that alteration The IOC, however, chose not to But Lin has admitted he has am very proud of.” legations made on social media They do not like the independ- doping system. The selection of of laboratory data. ban all Russian athletes from an eye on playing in China’s Na- Lin earned the nickname “Su- that he had misappropriated ence of our agency, they do not a new director had been one of The case will be heard by the the 2016 Olympics in Rio de tional Games next year — pro- per Dan” during the peak of his the agency’s funds, calling the like our active position.” the conditions for the agency’s Lausanne-based Court of Janeiro after another WADA- vided he stays in shape. powers and was world number claims an attempt at undermin- Ganus did not name who he reinstatement. Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in commissioned report revealed “If I gain weight in March next one. ing the fight against doping in thought might be behind the al- RUSADA was conditionally rein- November. a state-backed doping pro- year, I won’t compete anymore,” But his form and fi tness tailed the country. legations, which Reuters could stated in September 2018, but Russia was banned by the gramme across many sports. the 2008 and 2012 Olympic gold off in recent years and he was Yuri Ganus said that allega- not independently verify. was declared non-compliant International Olympic Com- Russian authorities have denied medallist said, according to the highly unlikely to qualify for the tions made on Thursday on a RUSADA was suspended in 2015 late last year after WADA found mittee (IOC) from the 2018 the existence of state-backed Beijing Youth Daily. Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which Telegram channel that he could after the World Anti-Doping Moscow had provided it with Pyeongchang Winter Games doping in the country. “If I don’t gain weight, I will have been moved to next summer continue to work hard. because of the coronavirus.

BOTTOMLINE With one year to go, experts warn of high-risk Olympics amid pandemic

Reuters cal experts concerned about how susceptible,” said Katsunori Yan- mittee, on Monday told the capi- Tokyo, Japan things might look next summer, a agihara, professor in Nagasaki tal’s governor, Yuriko Koike, that year after the Tokyo Games were University’s school of tropical he planned to set up a task force postponed. medicine and global health. with the central and metropoli- ith just over a year In interviews with a dozen in- Antibodies help fi ght off infec- tan governments by September. to go until the Tokyo fectious diseases experts, a com- tions, and scientists say having In the meeting, they discussed Olympics, medical mon theme emerged: the Olym- antibodies for the coronavirus infection screening for foreign experts say the event pics would increase the risk of an might provide protection against visitors and limiting crowd sizes, Wcould pose a grave health risk to outbreak. re-infection. public broadcaster NHK reported. the Japanese public, predicting “Infection will fl are up if we There are more than 100 po- Japan has had only about that few people will have coro- push ahead with the Olympics tential vaccines in development, 20,000 cases and 980 deaths. navirus antibodies and that vac- and hold them. There is no doubt but experts say none will likely Researchers have cited various cines will not be widely available. about it,” said Daiichi Morii, a be available in enough quantity factors for those low numbers, Olympic organisers and the doctor at Osaka University Hos- in time for the Olympics, which from the nation’s robust health- Japanese and Tokyo metropoli- pital’s infection control team. involves about 200 countries. care system to infrequent hug- tan governments are scrambling “The virus is barely under con- “Even if a vaccine has been ging and handshaking. But they for steps to prevent the pandemic trol as we are putting a halt on the developed by then, it’s near im- say there is no clear single reason from derailing the event. But they infl ow of people from overseas,” possible for it to go around the for the country’s success. say concrete plans are unlikely to Morii added. “With events like world,” said Atsuo Hamada, a Norio Sugaya, a member of shape up before the end of this the Olympics, the virus will come professor at Tokyo Medical Uni- the World Health Organisation’s year. in for sure and the number of in- versity Hospital. infl uenza panel, said people in The global death toll from fections will shoot up inevitably.” A Tokyo voter survey by the Japan should not feel secure just Covid-19, the respiratory illness Japan’s success in contain- Asahi Shimbun daily late last because of the relatively small caused by the new coronavirus, ing the virus is part of the rea- month showed that 59 percent scale of infections and deaths reached half a million late last son. A recent government survey of those polled believe the Olym- there so far. month, and cases topped 10 mn. showed only 0.1 percent of Tokyo pics should be cancelled or post- “Talks about how Japan has Although Tokyo on Thursday residents have coronavirus anti- poned again, underscoring the ridden out the fi rst wave suc- confi rmed 224 new infections, a bodies. That is much lower than public’s nagging worries about cessfully. Talks about ‘Japan mir- record high for a single day, Japan 14% in the state of New York in the pandemic. acle’. Those make me very wor- has largely avoided the disastrous April, and 7 percent in Stockholm. In a bid to address such con- ried,” Sugaya said. “It’s terrifying eff ects seen in other countries. “Very few are infected in Ja- cerns, Yoshiro Mori, head of the if there are people out there who In this June 4, 2020, picture, a man wearing a protective mask walks past a countdown clock for the Tokyo That has scientists and medi- pan and pretty much everyone is Tokyo Olympic organising com- believe Japan is invincible.” Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. (Reuters) Gulf Times 6 Saturday, July 11, 2020 SPORT

TENNIS RUGBY Compressed fi nale Wimbledon to to Premiership season to start disburse prize money on August 14 Reuters of conversations about how will London, United Kingdom deal with the demands,” Childs said. There are no hard and fast nglish rugby’s Premier- rules in place in terms of number ship will resume on of games or playing minutes al- despite cancellation August 14 and the re- lowed, but offi cials said they maining nine rounds of were confi dent that ongoing dia- The championships were cancelled for the first time since the Second World War matchesE will be crammed into logue would ensure player wel- six weeks, before the playoff s and fare was not compromised. Agencies fi nal on October 24 — less than “It’s a proactive discussion London, United Kingdom a month before the next season but we recognise that we need to kicks off at the end of November. come up a solution that involves The Covid-19 pandemic has both the (players’ union) RPA he prize money set aside meant no club rugby in England and RFU,” said Premiership rug- for the Wimbledon since March 8 and, because of by director Phil Winstanly. Championships will be the amount of close contact in- How the new fi xtures and distributed to 620 play- volved, it is one of the last major dates for next season will im- Ters who were set to take part at sports to return. pact on the international game this year’s cancelled tourna- The season will restart with remains to be seen. The world’s ment, the All England Lawn Harlequins v Sale on the evening leading unions are still trying to Tennis Club (AELTC) said yes- of August14, with three rounds thrash out a new, unifi ed calen- terday. of midweek fi xtures added. All dar, with a preferred interna- Wimbledon, which was ini- games will be played without tional window in October and tially scheduled for June 29-July fans present and under strict hy- November. 12, was cancelled for the fi rst giene protocols. Even without such a funda- time since World War Two due “It was absolutely critical for mental change, there are four to the Covid-19 pandemic which us, in terms of sporting integrity, postponed Six Nations matches has killed more than 44,000 that we did everything we could to be squeezed in — including people in the United Kingdom. to play the full season without England’s trip to Italy — with “We are now in a position cancelling rounds or awarding four more Twickenham interna- to allocate prize money to the points, but it does mean we have tionals scheduled for November 620 players whose world rank- to play a small number of mid- and the knockout stages of the ing would have enabled them to week games,” Premiership CEO club European Cup still to be gain entry into The Champion- Darren Childs told a teleconfer- played. ships 2020 by direct acceptance ence yesterday. The 2020-21 season will fi nish into the main draw or qualifying Last year the Premiership re- on June 26, fi ve days before the event,” AELTC said in a state- fused to countenance a single Lions are scheduled to play their ment. round of midweek fi xtures to fi rst tour game in Cape Town. “From an agreed total of 10mn give the British and Irish Lions Premiership offi cials said they pounds ($12.60mn), the AELTC an extra week of preparation for have still to work out exactly how will distribute prize money in their tour of South Africa, but to deal with the fallout of any lieu of The Championships 2020 now seem to have found a way further cases of the new coro- with regard for the circumstanc- to deal with their player welfare navirus once the matches are es of this year and in the spirit of concerns. underway, after this week’s an- the AELTC’s prize money distri- “The clubs have been very nouncement that 10 players and bution in recent years.” positive and there have been a lot staff had tested positive. AELTC said 224 singles play- ers will receive 12,500 pounds each as they were set to com- SPOTLIGHT pete in the qualifying rounds while the 256 players in the main draw will receive 25,000 pounds each. NZ derbies taking Doubles players will receive 6,250 pounds each while wheel- chair and quad wheelchair A general view of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, United Kingdom, earlier this month. (Reuters) their toll on players: players are set to get 6,000 and 5,000 pounds each respectively. Lewis said. announced yesterday. celled due to the coronavirus its time,” they said in a state- “We are pleased that our in- The All England Lawn Tennis pandemic. ment. Hurricanes’ Holland surance policy has allowed us to ORGANISERS REVAMP MEN’S & Croquet Club (AELTC) said “Given the quality of compe- “From The Championships recognise the impact of the can- SEEDINGS they had taken the decision af- tition, entertainment and mod- 2021, seeding for the Gentle- Reuters last week, a 25-18 win over the cellation on the players and that The men’s singles seedings will ter consultations with various ern grass courts, following de- men’s singles draw will be based Wellington, New Zealand Waikato Chiefs in Hamilton, and we are now in a position to off er revert to the world rankings at player groups. tailed discussion with the player solely on ranking. will be full of confi dence when this payment as a reward for the next year’s Wimbledon, after al- Next year’s Championships groups, the AELTC has decided “There will be no change to they host the Otago Highlanders hard work they have invested,” most two decades of being based will run from June 28 to July 11 that the grass court seeding for- the method of seeding for the he constant stream of tomorrow. AELTC chief executive Richard on grass-court form, organisers after the 2020 edition was can- mula used since 2002 has served Ladies’ singles draw.” New Zealand derbies in However, that win came at a Super Rugby Aotearoa cost with Holland forced to make is taking a heavy physi- three changes to his starting Tcal toll on players, and teams forward pack with hooker Dane Ukraine’s Yastremska sorry for ‘black face’ tweet are having to prioritise recov- Coles, prop Fraser Armstrong ery during the week, Wellington and loose forward Reed Prinsep AFP “I have been warned about the Hurricanes coach Jason Holland all injured. Paris, France negative impact but I did not has said. The calf injury suff ered by — and still don’t — consider it a New Zealand’s fi ve Super Rug- Coles was of particular concern ‘black face’. by teams are playing each other as a similar issue last year had krainian world number “I did not intend to caricature in a 10-week competition set pushed him to thoughts of re- 25 Dayana Yastremska but to share my feelings about up after the wider Super Rugby tirement. Uapologised Thursday for the current situation: we should tournament, which also involves “When you hear that ‘Colesy’ posting pictures of herself with all be treated as equal. teams from Australia, South Af- had a twinged calf it was a lit- one half of her face painted “I am so disappointed my rica, Argentina and Japan, was tle bit niggly,” Holland added. black as her attempt to support message has been corrupted. halted due to Covid-19. “But... he’s running and do- anti-racism protests spectacu- I sincerely apologise to all the The strength of New Zealand ing everything else so we’re not larly backfired. people I have off ended.” rugby means there are no easy stressed about it.” The 20-year-old posted four Yastremska has won three WTA games and coaches are having Holland expected to rotate his photos on social media with titles in her career and has a to manage workloads during the team during their run of four the right side of her face, upper Grand Slam best run of a fourth week to give players a chance of successive matches, especially torso and arm all painted black. round spot at Wimbledon last getting back on the fi eld for the up front, and he had no issues They were accompanied by the year. next match. with Asafo Aumua replacing word “equality”. Hours later, “It’s pretty physical,” Holland Coles. however, she deleted the post. In this January 19, 2019, picture, told reporters yesterday. “We recognised that this “Earlier today I posted pictures Serena Williams of the US “Our guys are getting to would be a tough four-week that I thought would spread consoles Dayana Yastremska Wednesday and are still a bit block for us,” he said. a message of equality. It (right) of Ukraine after winning sore. So we’re having to manage “(With) our three hookers... clearly did not and has been their third round Australian our week, manage their recovery we don’t lose too much with misunderstood,” she wrote on Open match in Melbourne. and that becomes key.” any of them so we knew that we Twitter. (Reuters) The Hurricanes claimed their would probably use all three in fi rst victory of the competition those four games.”

FOCUS Rebels, Reds draw 18-18 aft er ‘Super Time’ fails to fi nd a winner

AFP in the end after 90 minutes of slog- against the NSW Waratahs. claiming a try three minutes after the Sydney, Australia ging each other,” said Reds skipper Western Force make a return to Su- restart with Filipo Daugunu diving for Liam Wright. “But the Rebels were re- per Rugby after three years on Saturday the corner. ally good tonight, they took it to us the against the ‘Tahs, with the Brumbies O’Connor missed the conversion but he Melbourne Rebels and whole game and in the end we couldn’t enjoying a bye. made amends soon after with a long- Queensland Reds played out a be separated.” distance penalty to give them an 8-6 tense 18-18 draw yesterday af- It was a match the Rebels threw FORCED OUT OF MELBOURNE lead. ter the fi rst-ever golden point away. They went to the break 6-0 in Yesterday’s match was supposed to be The Rebels hit back through Reece Textra-time in Australian Super Rugby front and had a 10 point lead with fi ve a home fi xture for the Rebels, but they Hodge, who tore down the line to score failed to separate the sides. minutes left before capitulating. have been forced out of Melbourne in- after a perfectly-timed pass from fel- A last-gasp try from the Reds’ Alex “We obviously let that one slip,” ad- defi nitely after a surge in coronavirus low Wallaby Haylett-Petty. Mafi saw the teams tied at full-time, mitted Rebels captain Dane Haylett- cases and it was played at Sydney’s A reckless high tackle by Hunter sending it into an extra fi ve minutes Petty. Brookvale Oval — home to rugby league Paisami saw the Reds reduced to 14 men each way under new rules designed “I think we had control early and we team Manly. soon after and the Rebels pounced with to liven up the game, with the fi rst to didn’t take enough of our opportuni- There was a sparse crowd to watch Billy Meakes intercepting an O’Connor score winning. ties. It was a real tussle there at the an error-strewn fi rst half after showers pass and sprinting to the line for their Bryce Hegarty had a glorious chance end.” made for greasy conditions, with the second fi ve-pointer of the night. to be the Reds’ hero with a 50-metre It leaves them with a defeat and a Rebels going to the turn up by six cour- It looked to be enough to seal the win penalty, but his kick narrowly drifted draw from their two Super Rugby AU tesy of two Matt To’omua penalties. until a break by Chris Feauai-Sautia past the post to leave both teams to games so far after losing to the Brum- But it sparked life in the second stanza. saw Mafi bulldoze his way over, with share the spoils. bies last week, while the Reds remain Despite the Rebels dominating the O’Connor kicking the conversion on 80 A last-gasp try from the Queensland Reds’ Alex Mafi saw the game against Melbourne “It’s a weird result not to get one unbeaten following their opening win fi rst half, the Reds came out fi ring, minutes to set up the golden point play. Rebels tied at full-time. (AFP) Gulf Times Saturday, July 11, 2020 7 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Form not a factor for Spurs clash, says Free-scoring Man Arsenal’s Arteta

Reuters London

orm is irrelevant when United ‘a diff erent Arsenal play Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby, Arsenal Fboss Mikel Arteta said yester- day as the race heats up for the two Premier League clubs’ bids to qualify for Europe next season. While Spurs have picked up team’: Solskjaer eight points in fi ve games since the season’s restart last month, Arsenal have won 10 points, al- United have now scored 14 goals in winning their last four league games lowing Arteta’s side to leapfrog their old rivals into eighth in the AFP standings — one point ahead of Birmingham, United Kingdom Jose Mourinho’s men. “A derby has a completely dif- ferent context to what is hap- le Gunnar Solskjaer admitted pening with the current form,” Manchester United are a “dif- Arteta told reporters ahead of ferent team” from the sluggish tomorrow’s clash. “I have huge side that started the season af- respect for Jose, for what he’s terO extending an unbeaten run to 17 games trying to do there. To go there with a 3-0 win at Aston Villa. United be- and get a win, we’re going to for fans. “This moment we are came the fi rst team in Premier League have to do everything really, re- both in a very similar situations,” history to win four consecutive games ally well. I’m expecting a re- Mourinho said. “ by a three-goal margin as Mason Green- ally tough game. They’ve had ups It’s not that incredible emo- wood continued his rise to stardom with and downs but overall you can tion where we are fi ghting for another thunderous fi nish after Bruno see what he wants to bring to the something really big, more than Fernandes’s controversial penalty opened club... They’ve had a lot of inju- just to fi nish above the other one. the scoring. ries and he hasn’t had a chance It’s missing that, it’s not a match Fernandes then teed up Paul Pogba to be consistent with his teams, that will decide big things, but to score his fi rst goal for over a year as which was a big disadvantage... probably decides the only thing United closed to within a point of the top But I’m sure he’ll be successful.” we can fi ght for. four. Pogba missed the majority of the Arteta, who has been involved “Both of us, realistically, are season prior to the coronavirus shutdown in numerous derbies such as the not fi ghting for a Champions due to injury, but his return to fi tness and Old Firm derby in Scotland as a League position. But it’s a big the January signing of Fernandes, along- player and the Manchester derby match for the table, and on top of side the emergence of Greenwood, have as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at that there is a rivalry. Clubs are transformed United’s fortunes. Manchester City, said the north made by and for the fans and the “He’s a fantastic person and player, one London derby was always a spe- fans have a special feeling for this of the best midfi elders in the world,” said cial occasion. match and so the people on the Solskjaer on Pogba. “He’s getting better The Spaniard, who played pitch have to fi ght.” and better because he’s been out for so seven times for Arsenal against Tottenham have kept three long, which is natural. You can see he is Spurs and was involved in two clean sheets in their last four enjoying himself. The team is a diff erent 5-2 wins against the city rivals games, but have managed only team to the one he left when he was in- in 2012, said his players did not fi ve goals in fi ve games, com- jured. The focus, the attitude, everything need reminding of how special pared to Arsenal’s 10. “To defend is miles better in that dressing room.” this game was ahead of their fi rst better, to concede less, to keep The impact of the coronavirus out- visit to Spurs’ new stadium. some clean sheets is obviously break could turn Pogba’s United career “They know, they know how important for the team but we around. Prior to the pandemic, the French Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood (second right) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Aston Villa during the the media reacts, what the fans want to be attacking minded,” World Cup winner seemed set to leave the Premier League match at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on Thursday night. (AFP) are expecting,” Arteta said. “It’s Mourinho said. club for the second time in his career. But going to be a shame because it’s “We arrive in very dangerous with interest from Real Madrid now un- chester,” Pogba said. “We didn’t win the (referee) Jon (Moss) getting it wrong but I now scored 14 goals in winning their last such a beautiful stadium, to not positions, many times in cross- likely to materialise this summer given Premier League, that’s the standard, we don’t know what VAR are looking at — it’s four league games and turned on the style have the fans there will not be the ing positions, we have good the economic impact of the crisis, Sol- didn’t win anything yet so there is a lot of a disgraceful decision. They have a screen after the break. Pogba was given time to same. It will be a strange derby. percentages of ball possession, skjaer is hoping to extend Pogba’s con- work to do.” they can go and look at it but they don’t control and measure his shot from Fern- It’s such a special occasion. Ri- spend the majority of the time tract beyond 2022. Pogba, meanwhile, Villa’s winless run stretches to 10 seem to be bothered.” andes’s cut-back to arrow the ball into valry in football, if you take it in in the opponents half, but no wants United to show their form of the games as Dean Smith’s men remain root- Fernandes took responsibility from the the bottom corner for his fi rst goal since a positive way, it brings energy sharpness, no objective, always last few weeks over the long haul to chal- ed in the bottom three, four points adrift spot to score his eighth goal for the club. April 2019. and passion and brings a city to- one more touch, not clear ag- lenge newly-crowned champions Liver- of safety with just four games to go. But Greenwood scored powerfully off both Fernandes then teed up Martial to gether... We’re privileged to have gressive, sharp, killer decisions pool and Manchester City for the Premier Smith was furious his gameplan was feet against Bournemouth at the weekend crash a shot off the underside of the bar big teams in the city.” to go direct to goal.” League title next season. undone when Fernandes won a penalty and showed again why Solskjaer rates him and Pepe Reina denied Marcus Rashford Tottenham manager Mour- Mourinho said Dele Alli would “We are talking in training that we have despite initiating the contact with Villa among the best fi nishers he has ever seen from Pogba’s sumptuous pass in stoppage inho says his fi rst north London miss tomorrow’s game as he is to carry on, that’s what Manchester is, right-back Ezri Konsa as he spun just by smashing home his 16th goal of the time as United had to settle for three. “We derby is ‘not a match that will still struggling with a hamstring it is a big club and the performances the inside the area. “It unravelled with the season on his supposedly weaker right should have won by fi ve clear goals in all decide big things’ but knows the injury while defender Eric Dier is last few weeks are the standard of Man- fi rst goal,” said Smith. “I can understand foot just before the break. United have of them!” Solskjaer added. importance of bragging rights suspended.

ROUND-UP PREMIER LEAGUE ADMITS VAR BLUNDERS London: The Premier League foul by the Villa defender. Jose Tim Cahill, a Match of the Day Oliver has been the VAR of- Sevilla fi ght back to win at Bilbao has admitted that VAR got Mourinho’s Spurs were off -key pundit, said a former player ficial for Spurs’ past two away penalty decisions wrong in all for long periods but could feel should work alongside VAR games. There were controver- evilla stayed fi rmly on urgent action to be taken to stop three matches on Thursday, as hard done by after Josh King’s off icials. “I think that would sial decisions in both — a Harry course to earn a berth in racism in the wake of Floyd’s frustration mounts over the use push on Harry Kane in the really help them, to understand Kane goal was chalked off for next season’s Champions death. Impact lost 1-0 in their of the technology in the English penalty area went unpunished the movements,” the former a Lucas Moura handball at League after two quickfi re openin game. top-flight. Manchester United despite a VAR review. Australia international said. Sheff ield United and no penalty goalsS gave them a comeback 2-1 were given a controversial Southampton’s James “When a player falls to buy a was award at Bournemouth. win at Athletic Bilbao in La Liga SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP helping hand by the video as- Ward-Prowse hit the bar after a penalty you can feel it. It must Mourinho believes referees on Thursday. Sevilla are fourth GETS GO-AHEAD TO sistant referee in their 3-0 win disputed penalty as the south need a player there to give and VAR off icials should be on 63 points from 35 games, six KICK OFF ON AUGUST 1 at Aston Villa, while Tottenham coast side drew 1-1 with Ever- advice on what the player is do- made accessible after games to more than fi fth-placed Villarreal Next season’s Scottish Premier- suff ered fresh frustration from ton. The Premier League con- ing. They’re there to make the explain their decisions. with three matches left. Bilbao ship campaign will kick off on the review system in their 0-0 firmed to the BBC’s Match of big decisions and they can’t do “I think you should have ac- stayed ninth on 48 points after a August 1 after football authori- draw at Bournemouth. the Day programme that United it. It’s really disappointing.” cess to them, I think you should blow to their hopes of clinching a ties received written approval United midfielder Bruno and Southampton should not Mourinho refused to speak have access to them to ask Europa League berth. from the Scottish government. Fernandes won a spot kick have been given penalties, but about Michael Oliver’s appoint- directly why,” he said. Midfi elder Ever Banega The Scottish Football Associa- when he spun into Ezri Konsa Tottenham should have been ment as referee for tomorrow’s “It is very important. They inspired Sevilla’s fi ghtback after tion confi rmed the plan, which before tumbling in the area awarded one. match against Arsenal at his are very important in the game, they fell behind to an Ander also gave clubs permission to ar- despite little evidence of a Former Everton midfielder pre-match press conference. I think so.” Capa goal in the fi rst half, having range friendly matches at once. equalised in the 69th minute be- Sevilla’s Ever Banega (centre) Those matches would be fore he set up Munir El Hadda- celebrates after scoring against behind closed doors and play- di’s winner four minutes later. Athletic Bilbao. (AFP) ers would be subject to weekly FOCUS Capa fi red Bilbao ahead in coronavirus testing from July 13. the 29th minute. Bilbao keeper into his own net. Celtic will kick off their bid for a Unai Simon was powerless Verona, whose last win over historic 10th successive Scottish when Banega curled a delight- Inter was 28 years ago, grabbed Premiership title at home to Liverpool’s Henderson to lift Premier League ful free kick into the top corner a point four minutes from time Hamilton on August 2. from 20 metres. Substitute El thanks to Veloso. Inter stay Haddadi turned the match on fourth in the table, comfortably COURT RELEGATES trophy despite season-ending injury its head shortly after coming on, on course for the Champions PROTESTING AMIENS heading home from close range League, but 10 points behind France’s highest administra- AFP conference, said the skipper would still be after Banega whipped in a fi ne leaders Juventus. Verona are tive court yesterday rejected the London the man to lift the Premier League trophy. inswinging cross from the right. ninth, eight points from the latest legal attempt by Amiens to “It was an awful moment when he went Sevilla host relegation-threat- Europa League spots. avoid relegation to Ligue 2. After down with injury,” he said. “You saw he ened Mallorca while Bilbao visit the interim ruling, handed down iverpool manager Jurgen Klopp knew something happened which shouldn’t 12th-placed Levante tomorrow. IMPACT BOSS HENRY because the French league is confi rmed yesterday that captain have happened. It was a real mood-killer.” KNEELS FOR 8 MINUTES, 46 due to resume next month, club Jordan Henderson’s season was Klopp described Henderson as a “quick LATE STRIKE FORCES INTER SECONDS AT MLS GAME president Bernard Joannin said over due to a knee injury but said he healer”, saying: “He deserves to lift the tro- MILAN TO SHARE POINTS Montreal Impact manager Thi- that while the club intended to Lwould still lift the Premier League trophy. phy and he will lift the trophy.” Inter Milan were held 2-2 by erry Henry took a knee for eight keep fi ghting in the courts it was The England international was forced off The midfi elder tweeted: “My rehabilita- Hellas Verona on Thursday as minutes and 46 seconds at the “mobilised” for the Ligue 2 sea- 10 minutes from the end of Wednesday’s tion will start immediately and I’ll be work- Antonio Conte’s side failed to start of their Major League Soc- son which begins on August 22. 3-1 win over Brighton following a collision ing hard to be back to full fi tness in just a move into third place in Serie A. cer game against New England The French league decided to with Yves Bissouma and a scan has revealed matter of weeks in order to be fully ready for Inter, stunned by 10-man Bolo- on Thursday to show his support relegate Amiens after the Ligue a knee problem that will keep him out of the the start of the new season. Of course it’s not gna 2-1 at the weekend, were a for the campaign against social 1 season was ended early by the club’s remaining four matches. the way I’d have preferred to have fi nished goal down after just two minutes injustice. Henry, who also wore coronavirus pandemic. They But Klopp is confi dent it will not impact the season on a personal level but it’s been when Darko Lazovic scored. a T-shirt with the slogan ‘Black were 19th in the 20-team divi- on next season — and will not stop him an incredible campaign.” The Serbian winger hit the Lives Matter’, took a knee inside sion, four points from possible standing on the podium at the club’s fi - positive he will start with us the new sea- Liverpool, who are unbeaten in 57 home target from a tight angle. Inter, his technical area at kick-off in safety with 10 matches to play. nal home match against Chelsea later this son,” said Klopp. league matches, are aiming to become the however, were level after 49 memory of George Floyd, a Black The legal battle that followed, month to celebrate ending 30 years without Premier League champions Liverpool, fi rst team in the top-fl ight since Sunder- minutes through Antonio man who died after a white po- involving Amiens and, at one the English top-fl ight title. who host Burnley today, are on course for land in 1891/92 to win all their home league Candreva Six minutes later, lice offi cer knelt on his neck for stage bottom club Toulouse “Hendo is the best possible of all bad a record points tally. They have 92 points, games in a season. Mohamed Salah, with 19 they were 2-1 ahead when the the same amount of time. and Lyon, ended up with sev- news — it is a knee injury but no surgery eight short of Manchester City’s record of league goals, is looking for a third successive unfortunate Federico Dimarco The former Arsenal and France eral rounds in front of France’s needed but he will not play any more in the 100 points from two seasons ago. Golden Boot, sitting three behind current defl ected a shot from Candreva striker had called last month for Council of State. latter stages of this season but I am pretty Klopp, speaking at his pre-match press Premier League leader Jamie Vardy. Saturday, July 11, 2020 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Draw throws up possible Barca-Bayern clash in Lisbon PSG against Atalanta will be the first quarter-final on August 12, with RB Leipzig facing Atletico the following day

AFP far. The other side of the draw is clearer. will now host the 2021 fi nal instead. Paris First-time quarter-fi nalists RB Leipzig of Germany will meet Atletico Madrid, CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW runners-up to city rivals Real the last Outstanding last 16 second legs arcelona and Bayern Munich time the Champions League fi nal was will meet in a blockbuster played in Lisbon in 2014. Friday, August 7 (1900 GMT): At Champions League quarter- Atletico knocked out holders Liv- Turin, Italy: Juventus (ITA) v Lyon (FRA) fi nal should both sides make it erpool in the last 16. The winners of Lyon won first leg 1-0; At Manchester, through,B after yesterday’s draw for the that quarter-fi nal will face either Paris England: Manchester City (ENG) v Real latter stages of the competition which Saint-Germain or Atalanta in the last Madrid (ESP) Man City won first leg 2-1 will be played out in Lisbon in August four. None of those teams have ever Saturday, August 8 (1900 GMT): At following a long suspension because of won the trophy, and only Atletico have Munich, Germany: Bayern Munich the coronavirus. been to the fi nal before. (GER) v Chelsea (ENG) Bayern won first Barca and Bayern, who have each “It is a diffi cult draw. Atalanta are leg 3-0; At Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona won fi ve European Cups, are hoping to a team who love to attack and score (ESP) v Napoli (ITA) First leg 1-1 be among the eight teams who will head lots of goals,” said PSG coach Thomas to the Portuguese capital for a ‘Final Tuchel. “We still have a good few weeks FINAL EIGHT IN LISBON Eight’ mini tournament behind closed to prepare. It’s exciting.” Quarter-finals: Wednesday, August 12: doors, with the fi nal on August 23 at PSG against Atalanta will be the Estadio da Luz (1900 GMT); Atalanta Benfi ca’s Estadio da Luz. fi rst quarter-fi nal at the Estadio da (ITA) v Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) Bayern, who won their eighth Luz on August 12, with RB Leipzig fac- Thursday, August 13: Estadio Jose straight German Bundesliga title last ing Atletico at Sporting’s Estadio Jose Alvalade (1900 GMT); RB Leipzig (GER) month, already have one foot in the Alvalade the following day. The other v Atletico Madrid (ESP) quarter-fi nals having won 3-0 away ties will be played on August 14 and 15. to Chelsea in the fi rst leg of their last- The semi-fi nals are scheduled for Au- Friday, August 14: Estadio da Luz 16 tie in March, while Barcelona have gust 18 and 19. All games are set to be (1900 GMT); Barcelona (ESP) or Napoli more work to do after a 1-1 draw with played without spectators after UEFA (ITA) v Bayern Munich (GER) or Chelsea Napoli in the fi rst leg in Italy. confi rmed on Thursday that “matches (ENG) However, Bayern chairman Karl- should take place behind closed doors Saturday, August 15: Estadio Jose Al- Heinz Rummenigge had a warning until further notice”. valade (1900 GMT); Real Madrid (ESP) for his team, who also won the Ger- The situation in Lisbon is particu- or Manchester City (ENG) v Juventus man Cup last week. “After we won larly concerning, with lockdown re- (ITA) or Lyon (FRA) the double, there is already too much strictions reimposed last week on 19 euphoria around. Now the focus is on A screen displays the results of the UEFA Champions League final stage draw in Nyon, Switzerland. (AFP) neighbourhoods across the northern SEMI-FINALS Chelsea, then we’ll see. But of course periphery of the city as virus cases in- Tuesday, August 18 Estadio da Luz in the quarter-fi nals there are only very in March and are well placed to advance have to play against Madrid. If we think on August 7 and 8. The winners will crease at a worrying rate. However, (1900 GMT); RB Leipzig or Atletico Ma- strong opponents anyway,” he said. to the mini tournament in Lisbon in about the next step, the king of this advance to the Final Eight, which will UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin drid v Atalanta or Paris Saint-Germain Meanwhile, if Manchester City can what could be their last chance to win competition — Real Madrid — will put be held as a unique straight knockout has dismissed fears that an alternative Wednesday, August 19: Estadio Jose fi nish the job in their last-16 tie against the coveted trophy for a while — they us out,” Guardiola said. tournament in Lisbon due to the dif- plan to complete the tournament may Alvalade (1900 GMT); Real Madrid/ record 13-time European champions are due to be banned from the Cham- Juventus must overturn a 1-0 defi - fi culties caused by the coronavirus. be required, saying last week “there is Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola’s team will pions League for the next two seasons cit from the fi rst leg of their last-16 tie The draw threw up the possibility of a no need for a Plan B”. This season’s fi - Man City/Juventus/Lyon v Barcelona/ go on to a quarter-fi nal against either for breaches of Financial Fair Play rules, against Lyon. Postponed in March as Clasico semi-fi nal, with Barcelona and nal was initially supposed to be played Napoli/Bayern Munich/Chelsea Juventus or Lyon. pending the outcome of an appeal to the pandemic took over, all remaining Madrid on a collision course to meet in in Istanbul in late May before the Cov- Final on August 23 at Estadio da Luz at City won 2-1 in Madrid in the fi rst leg the Court of Arbitration for Sport. “We last 16 second legs are due to be played the last four should both make it that id-19 crisis took hold. The Turkish city 1900 GMT

EUROPA LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Man Utd-Wolves set 2020-21 Bundesliga season to start on September 18 for potential semi-fi nal AFP Berlin AFP Paris he German league confi rmed yesterday that the 2020-21 anchester United Bundesliga season will start on could fi nd them- September 18 with the tradi- selves facing English Ttional January winter break shrunk to a rivals Wolverhamp- fortnight amid a string of changes forced Mton Wanderers in the semi-fi nals by the coronavirus pandemic. of the Europa League in Germany Having originally been scheduled to in August, after yesterday’s draw begin on August 21, the new season in for the latter stages of the tour- Germany’s top tier now starts four weeks nament put the teams on a col- later and should fi nish on May 22, three lision course. While the UEFA weeks before the European Champion- Champions League is to be com- League. A semi-fi nal meeting ships is due to start. The German Cup pleted with a straight knockout of the teams would take place in fi nal, which traditionally ends the season mini-tournament in Lisbon in Cologne on August 16. There are in Germany, is planned for Thursday, May August, the Europa League will three German teams left in the 13 at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, a week be played to a conclusion with Europa League, including Bayer before the league season fi nishes. an identical format in Germany. Leverkusen. The Bundesliga winter break has also Both competitions were sus- They won 3-1 away to Rangers been halved, from four weeks last sea- pended in March as the corona- in the fi rst leg of their last-16 tie son, to just a fortnight with the last round virus pandemic took hold. and will be confi dent of advanc- of league matches in 2020 played on the The Europa League fi nal will ing to the last eight. Leverkusen weekend of December 19-20 and the re- be played in Cologne on August would play either Inter Milan or start on January 2-3. 21. The quarter-fi nals and semi- Getafe in the quarter-fi nals. German fans will be able to watch foot- The German Cup final, which traditionally ends the season in Germany, is planned for Thursday, May 13 at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, fi nals will be played as one-off This year’s Europa League fi - ball right up until Christmas with the a week before the league season finishes. (AFP) ties with Cologne, Duisburg, nal was initially due to be played second round of cup games due to be held Duesseldorf and Gelsenkirchen in the Polish city of Gdansk in in mid-week on December 22 and 23. league (DFL) said. tional team to play in front of spectators mestic football in the Netherlands would all hosting games. Before that, all late May before the health crisis The two bodies are working with health at home games this autumn. resume in September with 15-35% of the last-16 ties must be completed. forced a change of plans. Gdansk GERMAN FANS MAY RETURN authorities on ways to reduce the risk of Most sporting events were shut down stadium available for spectators but with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United, will host next year’s fi nal instead. TO STADIUMS THIS AUTUMN infection from Covid-19 at matches as earlier this year due to the novel corona- no away supporters allowed. who have been in fi ne form since Meanwhile, German fans may be able to well as on the way to and from the sta- virus pandemic. To allow fans back to German Bundes- the Premier League season re- EUROPA LEAGUE DRAW return to stadiums to cheer on their he- dium. DFB Secretary General Friedrich While some leagues have resumed, liga matches as well, DFL said it sumed last month, are eff ectively Quarter-finals roes in national team and Bundesliga Curtius said in a statement that he ex- matches have been played behind closed was working with the federal health already through to the last eight matches soon, the German Football As- pects that the association will develop a doors and in eerie silence. The Dutch ministry to draw up guidelines for the lo- having won 5-0 away to Austrian Monday, August 10 (1900 sociation (DFB) and the German football concept that will allow the German na- football association (KNVB) said that do- cal clubs. side LASK in the fi rst leg. GMT): At Cologne, Germany: Assuming they progress, the LASK (AUT) or Manchester 2017 Europa League winners United (ENG) v Istanbul Basak- will take on either Istanbul Ba- sehir (TUR) or FC Copenhagen saksehir or FC Copenhagen in (DEN); At Duesseldorf, Germany: MANCHESTER CITY TO LEARN EUROPEAN FATE ON MONDAY the quarter-fi nals on Monday, Inter Milan (ITA) or Getafe (ESP) Lausanne: Manchester City will discover qualification. plus Granada, Villarreal and Leganes could reopen to the public. August 10 in Cologne. The Turk- v Rangers (SCO) or Bayer the result of their appeal against a two- But, if their ban is upheld or only — but should return in time for their Two second-division grounds in the ish side beat Copenhagen 1-0 at Leverkusen (GER) year ban from UEFA competitions on reduced to one season, whoever finishes Champions League last-16 second leg northwest of France will host matches home in the fi rst leg in March. Tuesday, August 11 (1900 Monday, the Court of Arbitration for fifth will take their Champions League at Manchester City on Aug. 7, added the today. Chambly host third-division Meanwhile, Wolves drew 1-1 GMT): At Gelsenkirchen, Ger- Sport (CAS) announced yesterday. spot. No matter the outcome of the ap- report. Boulogne-sur-Mer and Caen are at home away to Olympiakos in the fi rst many; Wolfsburg (GER) or Sha- City were banned by UEFA and peal, City will be able to complete their Real, targeting their first Spanish to Paris FC for matches which will prob- leg of their last-16 tie. They khtar Donetsk (UKR) v Eintracht handed a 30mn euro ($34mn, £27mn) 2019/20 Champions League campaign. league title since 2017, are one point ably draw only a few hundred spectators, are due to host the recently- Frankfurt (GER) or Basel (SUI); fine for allegedly overstating sponsor- They hold a 2-1 lead over Real Madrid clear of second-placed Barcelona and at most. crowned Greek champions in ship revenue to hide that they had not after the first leg of the last 16 and host can increase their lead to four with a The large-scale test will come tomor- At Duisburg, Germany: Olym- the return on August 5 or 6 and complied with financial fair-play (FFP) the Spanish giants on August 7 in the home win over struggling Alaves. row when Le Havre, another second piakos (GRE) or Wolverhampton would then need to beat Sevilla — rules between 2012 and 2016. return match. The tournament will division club take host the stars of Paris Wanderers (ENG) v Sevilla (ESP) who have won the Europa League The English side steadfastly refuted be concluded with a ‘Final 8’ event in FRANCE BECOMES FIRST OF ‘BIG 5’ Saint-Germain. Because the 5,000-limit and its precursor, the UEFA Cup, or Roma (ITA) the allegations and a three-day hearing Lisbon, with City to face either Juventus LEAGUES TO WELCOME BACK FANS includes teams, off icials, journalists a record fi ve times — or Roma in Semi-finals on the case was held by videoconference or Lyon in the quarter-finals if they get The fans will return to French football and security staff , between 4,000 and the quarter-fi nals. Manches- Sunday, August 16 (1900 GMT): last month. “The Court of Arbitration for past Real. stadiums before Ligue 1 does. Domes- 4,500 tickets were made available to ter United and Wolves are both At Cologne: Olympiakos/Wolves/ Sport (CAS) will announce the deci- tic competitive football shut down in the spectators and were snapped up in chasing Champions League Sevilla/Roma v LASK/Man Utd/ sion taken in the arbitration procedure REAL’S MARCELO TO MISS France in early March and the authorities a matter of minutes, according to the Le qualifi cation through the Pre- Basaksehir/Copenhagen between Manchester City Football Club REMAINDER OF LEAGUE SEASON decided to scrap their league season. Havre club. mier League, with the Old Traf- and the Union of European Football Real Madrid defender Marcelo will likely The other four leading European leagues The attendance at the 25,000 seater ford team fi fth, six points ahead Monday, August 17 (1900 Associations (UEFA) on Monday, 13 July be sidelined for the rest of their Liga title all resumed their seasons in empty Ocean Stadium will come close to the of sixth-placed Wolves with four GMT): At Duesseldorf: Inter/ 2020,” CAS said in a statement. run-in after sustaining a thigh injury. A stadiums. crowd at the club’s last home match: games left. Fifth in England’s top Getafe/Rangers/Leverkusen v CAS added that the decision would be statement from Real yesterday con- This weekend, French clubs will open 5,948 spectators for a second division fl ight will be enough to qualify Wolfsburg/Shakhtar/Eintracht announced at 10:30 am local time (0830 firmed the injury to the Brazilian without their doors, slightly, as they play friendly match against Auxerre in March. It for the Champions League if Frankfurt/Basel GMT). City hold an 11-point lead over stating when he would return although matches with a maximum attendance of should be the biggest football crowd to Manchester City’s two-year ban — Final on August 21 in fifth-placed Manchester United in the a report said said he would be out of ac- 5,000 and under strict health protocols. a match in one of the ‘big five’ European from Europe is upheld. Cologne (1900 GMT) Premier League and need just one win tion for three weeks. Some teams had already planned games countries since March and will come But winning the Europa from their remaining four games of the Marcelo, 32, will miss Real’s final four for the weekend before the authorities close to the attendance at Le Havre’s last — Remaining last-16 matches League also off ers a route into season to be sure of Champions League Liga matches — against Alaves last night announced that was the day stadiums home game next season’s Champions to be played on August 5 and 6