NNFLFL | Page 4 GGOLFOLF | Page 5 Redskins Rising star offi cially retire Morikawa hangs name aft er on for playoff sponsor pressure win at Muirfi eld

Tuesday, July 14, 2020 TENNIS Dhul-Qa’da 23, 1441 AH US Open without GULF TIMES Kerber aft er summer of uncertainty? SPORT Page 6

FOOTBALL / QNB STARS LEAGUE Aguirre’s men are Al Rayyan: Lions are four points behind QSL leaders within striking distance Al Duhail Al Gharafa: Tough task on hand

ith an eye on a Qatar Al Gharafa had beaten Al Wak- nical and administrative staff WCup and AFC Cham- rah 2-1 in Week 17 on March 5 signed a pledge to abide by the pions League spot, Al before the long break. protocol for leaving team hotel Gharafa will be looking to hold Jokanovic’s wards are only four for home quarantine. on to their top-four spot when points adrift of reigning champi- Besides intense training, Al the QNB Stars League season ons Al Sadd. They also have four Gharafa are readying for the resumes on July 24. points more than closest chal- resumption of action by play- Under the watchful eyes of Ser- lengers and fifth-placed side Al ing friendlies. They have been bian coach Slavisa Jokanovic, Arabi, and will be keen to finish bolstered by the presence of Al Gharafa will play Al Arabi among the top four. Qatar internationals Yousef Has- in Week 18 at the Al Janoub Following their first coronavirus san, Hammam Ahmed, Almahdi Stadium on July 24, with the test, held as per the protocol Ali, Muad Hassan and Ahmed kick-off at 4:45pm. developed by the QSL in co- Alaaeldin, who are back in their Fourth in the standings behind ordination with club authorities fold after the conclusion of Al Duhail, Al Rayyan and Al and approved by the Ministry national team’s camp. Sadd, Al Gharafa have 28 points. of Public Health, Al Gharafa Al Gharafa’s other remain- The Cheetahs have eight wins, squad members entered their ing matches in the QNB Stars four draws and five defeats team hotel and got engaged in League are against Al Duhail against their name. Their goal training. (Week 19), Al Khor (Week 20), diff erence is +5 (29 goals for After their second coronavirus Umm Salal (Week 21) and Al and 24 against). test, the players as well as tech- Sadd (Week 22).

With 11 wins, five draws and one defeat against their name, Al Rayyan have 38 points. (Twitter/QSL)

QNA coach Diego Aguirre, hoping to long break. Franck Kom scored in terms of the team’s foreign Doha wipe out the four-point defi cit the all-important goal. The vic- professional players, as Algerian on leaders Al Duhail when the tory also helped Al Rayyan move Yacine Brahimi, Ivorian Johan season resumes. six points clear away from closest Boli, Argentinian Gabriel Mer- ootball Clubs are contin- The Lions will play Qatar SC in challengers Al Sadd. cado, Cameroonian Franck Kom uing their preparations Week 18 at the Al Sadd Stadium Following their fi rst corona- and South Korean Lee Jae-Ik are Fahead of the resumption on July 24, with the kick-off at virus test, held as per the proto- continuing. of 2019-20 QNB Stars 7pm. col developed by the QSL in co- Regarding local professional League, with Week 18 matches With 11 wins, fi ve draws and ordination with club authorities players, Al Rayyan announced starting on July 24. one defeat against their name, Al and approved by the Ministry of the recruitment of Hamed Ismail The tournament, which had a Rayyan have 38 points. A positive Public Health, Al Rayyan squad from Al Sadd till the end of this long break due to the Covid-19 goal diff erence of 20 (34 goals for members entered their team ho- season. pandemic, will restart as per the and 14 against), means Rayyan tel and got engaged in training. Despite the continuation of general plan and protocol for the have the highest goal diff erence Their second coronavirus test fi ve professionals, Al Rayyan will remaining fi ve rounds. Teams are so far in the league, with Al Du- was held on June 28 after which miss the services of key player fi ghting to occupy the top posi- hail next at 19, and third-placed the players as well as technical Rodrigo Tabata, whose contract tions, improve their rankings and Al Sadd at 18. and administrative staff signed with them has ended. Juma, Abdulrahman al-Harazi, Rayyan are readying for the re- matches in the QNB Stars League avoid the ignominy of relegation. Al Rayyan had beaten reign- a pledge to abide by the protocol They will also depend on the Mowafaq Awad, Ahmed Abdel- sumption of action by playing are against Al Arabi (Week 19), Al Second-placed Al Rayyan are ing champions Al Sadd 1-0 in for leaving team hotel for home rest of the stars, most notably maqsoud and goalkeeper Fahd friendlies. They beat Al Ahli 2-1 Sailiya (Week 20), Al Shahania gearing up for the remainder the high-profi le Qatar Clasico in quarantine. Sebastian Soria, Khaled Muftah, Younis. in one such game. (Week 21) and Al Wakrah (Week of the season under Uruguayan Week 17 on March 7 before the There have been no changes Mohamed Alaaeldin, Mohamed Besides intense training, Al Al Rayyan’s other remaining 22).

FORMULA 1 SPOTLIGHT Hamilton calls for better anti-racism focus, unity Course on QSAF’s rules and AFP lifelong thing.” procedures concluded Spielberg, Austria ‘AT SOME STAGE WE WILL BE TOGETHER’ QNA addressed the course and talked about the ewis Hamilton has called on Hamilton, who lifted a clenched fi st Doha sports law and arbitration law, and Law No. Formula One and his fellow to mark his victory at the Red Bull 1 of 2016 to regulate sports clubs, as it is the Ldrivers to stay focused on the Ring, also made clear that he was law that provides the general framework sport’s anti-racism stance supporting the social justice cause atar Olympic Academy, in co- for organising and governing sports clubs. and present a less chaotic image be- represented by the BLM campaign, operation with the Qatar Sports He also spoke about QSAF in terms of its fore next Sunday’s Hungarian GP. not the political activity. QArbitration Foundation (QSAF), inception, goals, statute and arbitration The six-time world champion Speaking to reporters via a post- organised a four-day course rules and procedures, while touching on the said after winning Sunday’s Styrian race video news conference, Hamil- on the rules and procedures of the QSAF practical aspects of the arbitration process Grand Prix that a number of drivers ton also said he had spent time ex- which were devoted to law, lawyers and that concern all parties dealing with the wanted to stop the pre-race anti- plaining the issues to other drivers specialists in this fi eld, with the partici- arbitration system in full whether they are racism gestures and that he feels Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton (fourth from left) said that a number of drivers individually. pation of more than 85 participants from arbitrators, parties or their representatives. some teams are not doing enough to wanted to stop the pre-race anti-racism gestures. (Reuters) “I’ve made it clear I’m not sup- various sports sectors concerned in this This course is the fi rst co-operation be- show solidarity with the movement. porting the political side, I’m sup- fi eld. tween the Qatar Olympic Academy and “The drivers spoke after the driv- four drivers remained standing while all involved as it has been in many porting the human rights side,” he Dr Abdullah al-Hayyan, a member of the QSAF after the two parties signed co-oper- ers’ briefi ng this weekend about others took a knee and several ap- other major sports. said. “I’ve said ‘Guys, I’m going to do Board of Directors of the Sports Arbitration ation agreement last October with the aim what we intended to do and some peared to be absent when they ap- “F1 has come forward and said they it. There were some that said ‘Well, I Court (CAS) and director of the Master of of spreading the legal culture among mem- were asking ‘Why do we have to con- peared together at the front of the are supporting ending racism and it is already did it last week — I’m not do- Sports Law programme organised by the bers of society and developing specialists in tinue to do this?’,” he said. “Some felt grid before Sunday’s race. amazing to see Mercedes is also do- ing it again’. Qatar Olympic Academy in co-operation this fi eld. like once was enough last week. The previous week, before the sea- ing that, but no other team has done a “And there were some that contin- with the Spanish University of Lleida, par- Executive Director of the Qatar Olympic “I just had to encourage them that son-opening Austrian Grand Prix, 14 single thing,” said Hamilton. ued to have the same approach they ticipated in delivering the lectures. He ad- Academy Saif Mohamed al-Nuaimi thanked racism is here, going to be here and took a knee and six stood, all explain- “The Red Bull mechanics have had to the fi rst week and that’s why I dressed many topics, including an intro- the QSAF and its offi cials for their fruitful probably be here longer than our ing why they took that decision. At taken a knee, but if you look at Ferrari tried to spend a bit more one-on-one ductory profi le on the Olympic Movement eff orts and great co-operation in bringing time here — and people of colour, both races, all of the drivers wore the they have thousands of people work- time with a few of those that had cho- and its inception, sports law and its sources the agreement into eff ect by setting up the who are subject to racism, don’t have sport’s “End Racism” t-shirts along- ing for them, but I have heard no word sen to stand, just to have a chat. and its relationship with other laws, and fi rst joint courses between the two parties time to take a moment to protest and side Hamilton whose shirt carried the of Ferrari saying that they hold them- “I’m not saying that everyone is go- the Sports Arbitration Court and its proce- in the fi eld of sports law because of its great that be it. “Black Lives Matter” message. selves accountable and what they are ing to be taking a knee, but over time, dures as well as judicial authorities in con- impact on the sports system, stressing the “We’ve really got to think, as a Hamilton’s Mercedes team all took going to do in the future. as we begin to talk about this more of- tinental and international federations. academy keenness to hold this course again sport, what we can do because those a knee in the pit-lane and on the grid “We have to continue to push for ten, I’d like to think that at some stage Abdel Wahab al-Hinai, a CAS arbitrator because of its great importance to the sports are nice signs, but passion is needed.” behind the drivers, but the gesture equality and raise awareness. For we will all be together, understanding and chairman of Oman Dispute Resolution community and such courses’ role in devel- Despite Hamilton’s eff orts, at least was not unanimously supported by me, personally, it is going to be a taking a knee.” and Arbitration for Sport Committee, also oping the sports system. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, July 14, 2020 SPORT

CRICKET SPOTLIGHT Former players hail England need to ‘incredible’ Windies win on resumption

Reuters fans will be too disappointed... Southampton, United Kingdom bloody love Test cricket.” West Indies batting great Viv explore the depth of Richards was over the moon. ormer England captain “First game after the break be- Michael Vaughan hailed longs to us,” tweeted the former FWest Indies’ “incredible” captain. “Some gritty perform- victory over England in ance from the lads. This team the series opener and said their deserves the win in this game. performance had been all the Congratulations boys. You make more remarkable given cricket us proud.” their bowling options was just returning from the Cov- Indian great Sachin Tendulkar id-19 shutdown. praised the “good all-round” Back-to-back West Indies, No. 8 in the Test performance by both teams while rankings, arrived in England with- captain Virat Kohli also hailed the Tests from out batsmen Darren Bravo and “Top display of Test cricket”. Shimron Hetmyer and all-rounder “Cricket is so much bet- Thursday Keemo Paul, who pulled out of the ter with @windiescricket do- tour citing concerns about safety ing well in the longest format of present an during the pandemic. the game,” tweeted former India Few expected them to beat quick Irfan Pathan. opportunity for fourth-ranked England but Jason The three-Test ‘bio-secure’ Holder’s team prevailed by four series moves to Manchester for mass rotation, wickets in a see-saw contest. the second match from Thursday. A “great week of Test cricket,” British actor Hugh Lau- keeping Vaughan said. rie summed up the impact of “For the West Indies to have the Southampton Test on the players fresh in come over to play is remarkable game’s followers. “What a game in these times... For them to have of cricket. It doesn’t solve any- their biosecure played so well & won is incred- thing, cure anything, make any- ible,” tweeted Vaughan. thing go away — but what a game bubble “I don’t even think England of cricket,” he tweeted.

By Vic Marks The Guardian

ngland lose and there is so much to applaud. In Ethe wake of West Indies’ victory heated debates have long since commenced. Where was Stuart Broad? Fancy batting in those conditions. What about Joe Denly and Jos Buttler? Why did we underes- timate a team dubbed by one expert punster “Jason and his England’s Stuart Broad (L) acts as twelfth man and assists England’s James Anderson on the third day of the first Test cricket match be- Out for Noughts”? And this is all tween England and the West Indies at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, southwest England on July 10, 2020. (AFP) brilliant. The fear was that the intricate, Gabriel and Holder to the fore. a few victims soon. any competitive cricket during if required. I would also consider expensive experiment of playing Hopefully this level of com- But what of England? They the three-Test series, rotation the spin bowling berth. Test cricket behind closed doors petition can be sustained will not waste too much time surely has to happen early if it is Dom Bess is improving fast West Indies’ Jason Holder (right) and teammate John Campbell in a biosecure bubble would be throughout the summer. One agonising over what happened to work. Otherwise those on the and he did a very good job for his celebrate their victory over England in the first Test in Southampton, a fl op, a cynical, anodyne exer- of the many challenges will be at the Ageas Bowl. Ben Stokes sidelines will eventually come captain at the Ageas Bowl given United Kingdom, on Sunday. (AFP) cise to harvest the pay cheques for the groundsmen. Simon Lee looked comfortable being in into a match as last resorts, that there was less help for him from the TV companies. But of Hampshire has set the bar charge on the fi eld and he played completely out of sync, with than expected (all four batsmen that was not the case. All the high in his fi rst match at his new well – though infuriatingly with cricket in the middle a distant dismissed by spinners in the FOCUS detailed preparations of the ECB home but the ideal – especially the bat, as he twice looked as if memory. match fell from mis-hits rather were worthwhile (if only it could in back-to-back Tests at the he would play the critical in- There has been much talk than excessive turn). On the fi - display such foresight in other same venue – is to have diff erent nings before over-elaborate about the depth of England’s nal day a spinner leaving the areas – like the domestic cal- types of surface for each game footwork contributed to his bowling resources when every- bat would probably have been Pant, Raina hit the nets endar for 2021) and, crucially, in order to change the pattern of downfall. He had two tricky de- one is fi t and the complications more dangerous. On this basis the players of both sides have the matches. That will take some cisions to make before and af- that brings for selectors. Now Jack Leach, if bowling near his IANS ner Raina said in the post and in bought into the concept. special expertise. ter the toss, of which choosing may be the time to explore those best, might have been more ef- New Delhi, India another post added: “Work hard, Of course we have an inferior Now the bandwagon moves to bat in the gloaming seemed depths. So for the second Test fective, which is the conclusion Never Give Up & Get rewarded.” spectacle with nobody watch- to Old Traff ord and, glory be, the most questionable. The there is the case for an experi- that Somerset have generally White-ball specialist Raina, ing at the ground, but somehow we are just arguing about the evidence suggests that England mental overhaul, which would reached. Let’s fi nd out. ndia wicketkeeper Rishabh 33, last played for India in 2018 in the TV viewer – this one at least cricket – who to play and who misread the pitch; it did not de- enable everyone to have a more The batting changes are less Pant and veteran batsman England and has since then not – was increasingly captivated to leave out? This is progress. teriorate anywhere near as rap- informed idea of the best com- perplexing. It seems inevita- ISuresh Raina hit the nets found a place in the team. by the contest, especially when There is not much time for rest idly as they expected. bination thereafter. ble that England will just swap yesterday in their bid to stay Pant, meanwhile, is set to take it was far from clear who was and recuperation or for West Now what? In an extraordi- So the radical – and unlikely Joes, Root for Denly. Behind in the groove amid the Covid-19 over from MS Dhoni as India’s going to win. Beyond those de- Indies to relax in the glow of a nary summer there is a case for – course would be to pick a pace the stumps there is also a case pandemic which has pushed fi rst choice stumper across for- serted stands the players were famous victory. For them it is an extraordinary reaction: mass attack that looks something like for an experimental change, competitive cricket in the coun- mats after the legendary former never going through the mo- a matter of checking out the rotation. In the past the rotation this: Broad, Jofra Archer, Chris which would mean selecting try to the backwaters. captain calls it a day from inter- tions; there was fi erce commit- physical condition of their of players has been discussed Woakes, Stokes. This would Ben Foakes. For me, a long-time Raina posted a video on Insta- national cricket. ment and mutual respect on bowlers and hoping that they far more often than it has been leave Mark Wood, Jimmy An- admirer of Buttler, that really gram where he is seen knocking The 22-year-old has come un- both sides. There were perform- can send out the same combi- employed. But given the weird derson and the unfortunate Sam would constitute a radical step, the ball around along with Pant. der criticism for his inconsistent ances of high quality, especially nation – in the knowledge that current circumstances that Curran thirsting for action in the but, in the spirit of rotation, not “Let’s start the day @rishab- displays and will have a point to from the bowlers, with Shannon Kemar Roach is bound to snaffl e mean none of the squad can play last Test against the West Indies necessarily a permanent one. pant,” 2011 ODI World Cup win- prove when cricket resumes.

FORMULA 1 Coach Stead rubbishes claims he wanted to remove Williamson as captain Racing Point confi dent they IANS quoted as saying by newshub. had tweeted that Williamson Wellington, New Zealand co.nz. “I think I probably have captaincy was under threat as philosophical diff erences with Stead preferred wicket-keeper- every single person in the team batsman Latham over him. ew Zealand head coach at diff erent times, and that’s just The controversial tweet forced can see off Renault protest NGary Stead has rub- about me being a human being the Black Caps to issue a clarifi- bished claims that he and him being a human being. cation and a spokesperson had Reuters wanted to remove talisman “That was certainly news to said at the time that Williamson London, United Kingdom Kane Williamson as Test captain. me… certainly had no conversa- will remain as captain across for- Reports in May suggested that tions around that sort of thing. mats. Taking about his relation- there were a lot of diff erences “At this stage, Kane’s our man. ship with Williamson, Stead said: acing Point accused between Williamson and Stead, He’s the guy we’ve backed, he’s “I think it’s very good. I think it’s Formula One rivals and the latter wanted Tom been a great leader for this strong. I like him as a bloke, like RRenault yesterday of Latham to take over the side in team and I’m sure he will be in what he stands for. He’s a very making a “miscon- the longest format. the future as well,” he added. values-based person and he ceived and poorly informed” “There’s no truth to it,” Stead was A Kiwi TV broadcaster in May adds a hell of a lot to the team.” protest against them at the Sty- rian Grand Prix and said they were confi dent of winning. Stewards said on Sunday that MOTOGP the protest was admissible, or- dering brake ducts from the Racing Point cars, which Re- nault claim are in breach of the Pol Espargaro to partner Marc regulations, to be impounded. Racing Point’s car has been dubbed the ‘Pink Mercedes’ for Marquez at Honda from 2021 its similarity to the Mercedes Racing Point’s Sergio Perez (foreground) and Lance Stroll drive during the Styrian Grand Prix race at the (Reuters) that won both championships Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria, on Sunday. AFP Former Moto2 champion Es- toGP,” said Alex Marquez. last year, but the team say they Paris, France pargaro, 29, has competed in “Now, I am eager to start the took the concept and did it application of the regulations to co-operated with the governing worried by the Racing Point,” 104 MotoGP races, fi nishing on season in Jerez and I am com- themselves. the facts.” FIA before the start of the season said Red Bull principal Christian the podium once, and has a best pletely focused to give my best Mercedes have also been Racing Point’s Sergio Perez and “satisfactorily addressed all Horner before the Renault pro- ol Espargaro will join fi nish in the riders’ standings of this year.” asked to hand over brake ducts and Canadian Lance Stroll, son questions regarding the origins test was lodged. Honda to race alongside sixth in his rookie season with Alex Marquez joined the Honda from last year’s car. of the team’s billionaire owner of the designs of the RP20 (car)”. Renault’s Ricciardo said the PMarc Marquez in 2021, Yamaha in 2014. MotoGP team for this season to “Racing Point is extremely dis- Lawrence, fi nished sixth and “The team is confi dent that the pink car was “a little too fast for with the MotoGP world Alex Marquez will only spend replace Jorge Lorenzo, who retired appointed to see its results in the seventh respectively in Sun- protest will be dismissed once it our liking right now”. champion’s younger brother Alex one year with his older brother at the end of the 2019 campaign. Styrian Grand Prix questioned day’s second race of the season has presented its response”. “It’s just a fact that this one to drop into the satellite team, the and six-time top-class world His move to LCR means by what it considers to be a mis- at Austria’s Red Bull Ring. Renault and others fear Rac- year old Mercedes is simply a manufacturer announced yester- champion Marc before drop- that experienced Briton Cal conceived and poorly informed Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo ing Point, who fi nished last sea- quick car, which is operated by a day. ping into the satellite LCR team, Crutchlow will have to fi nd a new protest,” the Mercedes-powered was eighth, with teammate Es- son in seventh place, are emerg- great team,” said McLaren boss Honda said Espargaro would although Honda said he would place on the grid. team said in a statement. teban Ocon retiring. ing as a real threat and have yet Andreas Seidl, whose team are join from KTM at the end of this carry on using a factory bike. Crutchlow won three races and “Any and all suggestion of The French manufacturer is to exploit the full potential of a second in the standings. season, which is belatedly set “I am glad to be joining the claimed 12 podium fi nishes for wrongdoing is fi rmly rejected sixth in the standings, with Rac- car as quick as the Mercedes in “If they extract the potential to get underway in Jerez de la LCR Honda team at the end of LCR after arriving in 2015. and the team will take all steps ing Point fourth. clean air. of this car it is diffi cult for us to Frontera on July 19 following the 2020 and compete in a big team Pol Espargaro’s brother Aleix necessary to ensure the correct Racing Point said they had “I think everybody would be compete.” coronavirus lockdown. with great experience in Mo- also rides in MotoGP for Aprilia. Gulf Times Tuesday, July 14, 2020 3 SPORT

NBA NHL Wild drop interim tag for coach Evason Heat and Spoelstra talk playoff s before restart of season ‘I feel like the coaches have done a really good job of making sure everything is competitive’ The Minnesota Wild interim head coach Dean Evason. (TNS) Reuters Aug. 2. “I’d be lying if I said I Los Angeles don’t think about what possi- bly could happen,” Evason said last week, per NHL.com. “But he Minnesota Wild re- again, it’s completely out of moved the interim tag my control, so I’m going about Tfor head coach Dean my business... My feeling is Evason and gave him I’m one of the luckiest guys a contract extension through in the world to be sitting here the 2021-22 season, the team even if my job, there’s an ‘in- announced yesterday. terim’ in front of it. I’m a head “I am very excited to an- coach in the NHL.... I’m doing nounce that Dean Evason is awesome. our full-time head coach,” “It’s a pretty unique situ- Wild general manager Bill ation and a pretty unique job Guerin said. “Dean has done and a pretty special job. I don’t a fantastic job as our interim take anything for granted and I head coach and deserves this know that I’m very fortunate opportunity. I look forward to to be in this spot.” watching our team under his Prior to joining Minnesota, leadership going forward.” Evason posted a 242-161-53 Evason, 55, was named in- record in six seasons (2012-18) terim coach on Feb 14 when as coach of Milwaukee of the he replaced Bruce Boudreau American Hockey League. Be- after having served as an as- fore that, he spent seven sea- sistant since June 6, 2018. sons as an assistant with the The Wild responded to the Washington Capitals (2005- coaching change by posting 12). an 8-4-0 record in 12 games Evason was selected by the under Evason before the NHL Capitals in the fi fth round of was paused on March 12 due the 1982 NHL Draft. He col- to concerns surrounding the lected 372 points (139 goals, coronavirus. 233 assists) in 803 games over Minnesota (35-27-7) will 13 NHL seasons with the Capi- begin a best-of-fi ve qualify- tals, Hartford Whalers, San ing series against the Vancou- Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars and ver Canucks in Edmonton on Calgary Flames.

REPORT Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra. (TNS) No fashion statements By Ira Winderman time on our hands. Our staff ties,” Spoelstra said, scenarios “It’s defi nitely a unique situ- and playoff preparation. “I think, Sun Sentinel was able to watch fi lm at home. the Heat have faced during the ation,” guard Duncan Robinson so far, we’ve done a really good And here we have a lot of extra fi nal week of previous seasons. said after Sunday’s practice at job of that. But it’s such a unique inside NBA bubble time, as well. So we’ll be able to “It looks pretty clear, two or a Disney ballroom. “I think, if time. But we’re not the only ell this is odd, being continue to dive into those sce- three.” anything, it just heightens the team going through it, obviously. Reuters the decision is that the team a just a week away narios.” Having already lost the season sense of urgency. Everybody is doing it, so we just Los Angeles locker rooms at the arena do Wfrom the start of the The NBA’s timetable has the series to the Boston Celtics, the “Practices have been really have to fi gure out the best way not have showers. Changing in pre-season … and a Heat opening their three-game Heat stand three games behind competitive. Guys have been go- for us to handle it.” close quarters without show- mere month from the start of the pre-season on July 22, then the in the loss column in that race ing hard. We defi nitely under- Forward Jae Crowder said, as dd players’ famed ering would be in confl ict with playoff s. eight-game resumption of their for the No 3 seed, with one game stand what’s at stake. I feel like with any camp, it has to be fi rst fashion statements the league’s desire to prioritise The NBA resumption is noth- regular season on August 1, with left against Boston. But even the coaches have done a really things fi rst, leaving the playoff Awhen entering the sanitation and social distanc- ing if not a time warp. the playoff s to open August 17. then, should the Heat push to No good job of making sure every- planning to the coaching and arena to the list of ing, per the report. The league Against the backdrop of com- The Heat have already qualifi ed 3, it still would leave the Pacers thing is competitive and we’re video staff s. things excluded from the NBA will have players leave the are- pleting his team’s third practice for the post-season, with their or 76ers as the likely fi rst-round getting up and down, but also “I just think you take it, fi rst of bubble near Orlando. na 40 minutes after the com- session at Disney World in the 41-24 record. matchup, at No 6. kind of easing our way into it, all, day by day,” he said. “I think According to an ESPN re- pletion of their game and head league’s “bubble” setting amid Based on the standings, it ap- Up two games on both Indi- because we have taken all this Coach has done a good job of port on Sunday night, play- back to their hotel. the Covid-19 pandemic, coach pears highly likely that the Heat ana and Philadelphia for No 4, time off .” bringing us along. I think a lot ers will be required to “be in Rockets guard PJ Tucker, Erik Spoelstra said on Sunday will open the postseason against the only way the Heat would not And that’s the rub, that the mentally is forgotten just from uniform and warm-ups when one of the players most fa- that post-season preparations the Indiana Pacers or Philadel- play either of those two in a No three opening practices also the time away from each other. they arrive” to the arena for mous for his attire and his have already begun and actually phia 76ers in the best-of-seven 4-vs.-No 5 fi rst-round series have represented the Heat’s fi rst So just us communicating with their games at the ESPN Wide sneaker game, laughed when had been ongoing even before fi rst round, with an outside would be for Spoelstra’s team to team workouts since the March each other and getting back on World of Sports Complex. told of the plan. Wednesday’s arrival. chance of opening with the Bos- fall to No 6, and therefore likely 11 league shutdown due to the the same page is a big task for us Despite the fact that player “That is crazy,” said Tucker, “Yeah, and we already have ton Celtics. start the playoff s against Boston. spread of Covid-19. right now. entrances into the arena and according to the report. been doing a lot of that, you “It’s not like that situation It has created the oddity of “You’ve got to be able to walk “I just think you take it day by down the tunnel into the lock- “I think that takes away know, the last several weeks,” where there’s a possibility of talking about playoff s — yes, the line between the two,” Rob- day, week by week, and then you er room have become popular (from) originally what get- Spoelstra said. “We’ve a lot of having six diff erent possibili- playoff s — during training camp. inson said of preseason patience build up from there.” pseudo-red carpet shows in ting dressed was all about. It the NBA, with some players wasn’t even about the tunnel using the opportunity to sport walk, it was more about get- SPOTLIGHT a variety of fashion styles, the ting dressed up and going to NBA is telling players to get work. To me, it’s like a mind- dressed in their full uniforms set, getting dressed and get- in their hotel rooms. ting ready to go to my game. From there, per ESPN, pho- It puts me in the mindset that Davis won’t wear social justice message tographers will be waiting as I’m ready to work and helps me players arrive at the primary fi nd my focus.” Reuters that process, which is OK. I’m abso- game court at HP Field House. The report said that numer- Los Angeles lutely OK with that.” One player to The players will then go to ous players anticipate using go all in on the messaging is veteran the fl oor for pregame stretch- their sneakers and customised Kyle Korver, who has spoken in the ing and shooting. According masks to make their fashion os Angeles Lakers star An- past about his “white privilege.” The to ESPN, one factor behind statements. thony Davis is joining team- 39-year-old Milwaukee Bucks guard Lmate LeBron James in pass- has chosen Black Lives Matter as his ing on placing a social justice message. Rondo to miss 6-8 weeks with fractured thumb message on the back of his jersey “I just think that in this moment when the NBA season starts again. in time, this is the message. Any- os Angeles Lakers Rondo is averaging 7.1 points, “I think the name Davis is some- thing I would ever hope to convey on point guard Rajon 5.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds thing I try to represent every time I the back of a jersey is represented in LRondo suff ered a over 20.5 minutes, with three step on the fl oor,” he said on Sunday these three words,” Korver told The broken right thumb starts. He played in only 46 during a video conference call with Undefeated via text message on Sun- in practice Sunday night and games with the Lakers in reporters. day. will undergo surgery and be 2018-19, missing more than “I just think my last name is some- Activism among NBA players has out 6-8 weeks, the team told two months combined be- thing that is very important to me. increased since the death of George reporters. tween November and Janu- Also social justice as well. But (I’m) Floyd, a Black man who died in May The injury happened in just ary, first because of a broken just holding my family name and after a Minneapolis police offi cer the team’s second day of bone in his right hand then representing the name on the back to kneeled on his neck for nearly nine practice since arriving in because of a torn ligament go through this process... while still minutes. The jersey messages allow central Florida. Based on the on his right ring finger. Both kind of bringing up things that we players to continue making a state- recovery timeline, Rondo, injuries required surgery. can do for social injustice.” ment while playing in the bubble at- 34, could rejoin the Lakers at In 14 NBA seasons, Rondo On Saturday, James told reporters mosphere near Orlando. some point in the playoff s, is averaging 10.2 points, 8.3 that none of the 29 approved phrases “It’s a great opportunity. It’s a should the team still be play- assists and 4.7 rebounds for appealed to him. unique moment. We’re not able to ing when he is recovered. his career. “It was no disrespect to the list interact with each other very much Entering his second season The Lakers are among 22 that was handed out to all the play- yet because of the safety protocols with the Lakers, Rondo was teams participating in the re- ers,” James said. “I commend anyone in place. But I think everyone is very expected to take on added sumption of the NBA season that decides to put something on the aware of the opportunity and wants importance when the NBA at the ESPN Wide World of back of their jersey. It’s just some- to capitalize on it,” said Korver, who season resumes as point Sports Complex near Or- thing that didn’t really seriously is seeking his fi rst NBA title in his guard Avery Bradley opted lando. They will face the LA resonate with my mission, with my 17th season. out of the remainder of the Clippers on July 30, the first goal. The Undefeated reported that as season. The Lakers did sign day of the resumed season “I would have loved to have a of Saturday, all 350 players had de- JR Smith on July 1 to take following a four-plus-month say-so on what would have went on cided whether to place a message on Bradley’s place on the roster. hiatus due to the coronavi- the back of my jersey. I had a couple their jerseys, with at least 17 deciding In 48 games this season, rus pandemic. things in mind, but I wasn’t part of against it. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, July 14, 2020 SPORT

MLB Rays have future gems in McClanahan, Baz By Marc Topkin catcher Mike Zunino said. in the work and whenever that That seemed obvious as he Tampa Bay Times “A lot of time with young time comes, I’ll be ready.” worked an impressive 1-2-3-4 players, that’s what makes them Baz is the just-turned inning on Sunday. spiral. They throw a couple balls 21-year-old who joined pitcher Baz retired Michael Perez on he fi rst names happen to in a row, they don’t necessar- Tyler Glasnow and outfi elder a fl y to deep right on a fi rst- be the same, but there ily have the adjustment right in Austin Meadows as the bounti- pitch fastball, which got Baz to Tactually is a deep bond their back pocket to go to. These ful return from Pittsburgh in the turn up the heat a bit. He got between Rays high-end guys are extremely polished.” July 2018 Chris Archer trade. He Yandy Diaz on a called third pitching prospects Shane Mc- McClanahan, 23, is further is probably the least likely of the strike, Hunter Renfroe on a fl y Clanahan and Shane Baz. along. The 2018 fi rst-round 60 Rays in the two camps who to right, then, after asking if he “We’re like a singular being,” pick from USF with a powerful will get to play in the majors could face another hitter, he got McClanahan said. “We do eve- left arm moved through three this season, behind No 1 over- Mike Brosseau on a groundout. rything together. We throw to- levels last season to get to Dou- all prospect shortstop phenom “Just really, really eff ortless,” gether. We live together. We run ble-A Montgomery and earned Wander Franco. Cash said. “You look at him out together.” an invite to the big-league That doesn’t diminish the ex- there, he’s a big kid (6 feet 3, 190 So it was only fi tting they spring training, where he made citement Baz felt in being invit- pounds), but he’s really put to- came together to Tropicana a strong impression. ed to camp, nor the opportunity gether. The delivery is so clean, Field on Sunday for the oppor- After three-plus months to pitch regularly, given the can- then, whack, the ball is on top of tunity to pitch an inning each in of shutdown he spent playing cellation of the minor-league you really, really quick.” a simulated game and show Rays catch in Ryan Yarbrough’s back- season that would have seen The upper-90s fastball with offi cials — and some of the hit- yard and a week of Spring 2.0 him start at advanced Class-A late movement is Baz’s best ters — what’s soon to come. workouts with the Port Char- Port Charlotte anyway after a weapon, especially at the top of “That’s pretty exciting stuff lotte group, he looked like he solid 2019 at Bowling Green. the zone, with his curveball and to watch,” manager Kevin hadn’t missed a day. “It’s really cool to be around slider still under development. Cash said. “Every hitter kind A blazing four-seam fastball a lot of the older, higher-level “I’ve heard a lot about him, of came out of the box … with from the left side paired with a Top Tampa Bay Rays prospect Shane McClanahan (left) works with pitching coach Kyle Snyder earlier this year. (TNS) players and be able to learn from and I was excited to get behind their eyes opened really wide sometimes-slider sometimes- them,” Baz said. the dish and catch him,” Zunino because that’s about as good a curve that pitching people call a one.” Could McClanahan get to himself one, though his quicker based on Covid-19 testing and “The biggest thing is just said. “He’s got a lot of poten- stuff as you’re going to see out slurve and hitters have less po- show it during this abbreviated path to the majors might be as other protocols, being good and being a sponge down here and tial. … If he can continue to of (21-23)-year-old young men.” lite words for proved it. 60-game season? a reliever, even though the Rays being healthy might be enough. learning as much as I can. That mix that (pitch assortment) up, And even more impres- “There’s not too many lefties Being invited to be part of have plenty of talent and depth. McClanahan is sure he can kind of stuff (like roster moves) just another power arm that in sive because they pitched like out there throwing 99 with that the 60-player pool was the fi rst “I think he’d be just fi ne in handle it. isn’t really in my control, so I try a condition like this could help they’re more advanced. breaker,” Zunino said. step, though not being on the whatever role,” Cash said. “His “Absolutely,” he said. “You not to think about it all. us a lot sooner than we would “The biggest thing for me is Whatever you want to call it, 40-man roster is an issue to stuff will play in any league, in don’t play this game to be a “I’m really working on think.” their ability to throw strikes and Cash said “Shane McClanahan’s some degree. any inning.” Given the extreme minor-leaguer. You play the putting my pitches where I Plus, McClanahan said there their understanding of how to breaking ball right now, it’s a There’s also a matter of role. uncertainties of this season, game to ultimately achieve that want, and I’ve worked really dil- has been a “night and day” make a small adjustment to get big-league weapon and would McClanahan has been a starter where player availability and goal of becoming a big-league igently making my delivery con- change in Baz’s maturity since back in the zone if they miss,” be rated as a really, really good in the minors, and considers team needs can change daily player. So I know I’m ready. I put sistent, and I feel really good.” they fi rst met in 2018.

NFL NBA Westbrook tests Redskins offi cially positive for Covid-19 retire name aft er sponsor pressure ‘THE NFL AND DAN SNYDER HAVE FINALLY MADE THE RIGHT CALL’

AFP on July 30 after a four-month Los Angeles shutdown due to the coronavi- rus pandemic. As well as Westbrook, fel- BA star Russell low superstar James Harden Westbrook revealed and Cameroon international Nyesterday he has Luc Mbah a Moute also did tested positive for not travel, although the team COVID-19 as the league gears has not given a reason for up for its return in Florida later their absence. Rockets coach this month. Mike D’Antoni on Sunday said Houston Rockets star West- Westbrook, Harden and Mbah brook, the 2017 Most Valuable a Moute were “working in their Player and one of the biggest own home base.” names in the NBA, said in a “We’re still expecting them statement he was feeling well in a few days,” D’Antoni said. and was in isolation. “You never know, but we think “I tested positive for Cov- we’ll get them back in here by id-19 prior to my team’s de- the middle of the week. parture to Orlando,” West- D’Antoni would not com- brook said on Twitter. ment on why the players had “I’m currently feeling well, not travelled with the team. quarantined and looking for- “These are things that peo- ward to rejoining my team- ple are dealing with,” he said. mates when I am cleared. “We’re not going to get into Thank you all for the well why not. They’re on their way.” wishes and continued sup- Westbrook is one of sev- port,” the 31-year-old added. eral NBA players to have tested “Please take this virus seri- positive for Covid-19, joining ously. Be safe. Mask up!” a list which includes Brook- Westbrook was one of sev- lyn’s Kevin Durant, Boston’s eral Rockets players who did Marcus Smart and Utah Jazz not travel to Orlando, where duo Rudy Gobert and Donovan the NBA will resume its season Mitchell.

In this file photo taken on December 8, 2019, a Washington Redskins fan unfurls a flag during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (AFP) Draisaitl relishes Olympic AFP ment added. said in a statement. scenes to consider a name- names in order to be politically Washington Washington owner Dan Sny- “This is a good decision for change, according to reports. correct,” Trump tweeted last der had long resisted calls to the country... it closes a painful week. chance aft er NHL deal change the team’s name but chapter of denigration and dis- NEVER SAY NEVER? Washington’s statement yes- he possibility of coronavirus suspension, but he Washington Redskins faced mounting demands to re- respect toward Native Ameri- The team was established in 1932 terday said Snyder and head a return to the there is already thought of confi rmed yesterday think that position as protests cans and other people of colour.” as the Boston Braves and took on coach Ron Rivera were “work- TOlympic Games has Beijing 2022 and Milan/Cor- Tthe team is changing its erupted against systemic racism Intense pressure from the its current name in 1933 before ing closely to develop a new sparked plenty of tina d’Ampezzo in 2026. name following pres- after the death of unarmed Afri- team’s most powerful corporate moving to Washington, DC four name and design approach that excitement among NHL stars “It is the dream of every ath- sure from sponsors over a word can-American man Floyd during partners are widely believed to years later. will enhance the standing of our with the resumption of the lete to be able to experience widely criticised as a racist slur his arrest by police in Minneapo- have forced the move. Until now, team owner Snyder proud, tradition rich franchise North American ice hockey that once,” said Draisaitl, against Native Americans. lis. FedEx, which purchased the had emphatically rejected re- and inspire our sponsors, fans league from August 1 almost who was not present when Washington announced ear- Native American leaders had naming rights to the team’s quests to drop the Redskins tag. and community for the next 100 secondary. Germany took a shock silver lier this month that the Redskins written to the NFL commission- stadium through to 2025 for “We’ll never change the years”. Germany’s world leading medal at the 2018 Games in name had been placed under er Roger Goodell last week de- $205mn, confi rmed earlier this name,” he told USA Today in The Washington Post reported forward Leon Draisaitl was Pyeongchang. No NHL play- review after a wave of rallies manding an immediate change month it had requested the 2013. “It’s that simple. NEVER — that the team had a preferred among those who expressed ers took part after a previous against racial injustice swept of the team’s name, logo and change. you can use caps.” choice for a replacement name, delight at the new collective deal which included the 2014 across the United States follow- mascot. “We believe it is time for a President Donald Trump but were working through trade- bargaining deal struck at the Games expired. ing George Floyd’s death on May Washington’s announcement change,” PepsiCo had also said, meanwhile had criticised Wash- mark issues surrounding the tag. weekend which also opens But now the world’s best 25. was applauded by Ray Halbrit- while Nike removed the team’s ington’s announcement that the Rivera, one of only a handful to the door to the Games. “To league again intends to let “Today, we are announcing ter, an Oneida Nation represent- merchandise and gear from its team name was under review. of minority head coaches in the play at the Olympic Games players participate in the we will be retiring the Redskins ative and head of the “Change website. “They name teams out of NFL and also the son of an army for Germany would be the Games. That must be finally name and logo upon completion the Mascot” campaign. Bank of America said as a STRENGTH, not weakness, but offi cer, said earlier this month biggest thing for me,” the confirmed by the Interna- of this review,” the NFL team “The NFL and Dan Snyder sponsor, it had “encouraged the now the Washington Redskins that he believed the new name 24-year-old said. First he will tional Olympic Committee said in a statement yesterday. have fi nally made the right call team to change the name”. & Cleveland Indians, two fabled should show respect to Native chase the Stanley Cup, when (IOC) and world ice hockey A replacement name was still and Change the Mascot com- NFL chief Goodell had also sports franchises, look like they American culture while giving a the NHL resumes after its governing body IIHF. being worked upon, the state- mends them for it,” Halbritter lobbied the team behind the are going to be changing their nod to the US military. Gulf Times Tuesday, July 14, 2020 5 SPORT

FOCUS Olympics must go ahead next year as symbol of overcoming Covid-19, says Tokyo governor

Reuters pledged to win public support The party fl oundered after prepares to launch a campaign to Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Tokyo for the Games, although a me- Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called promote domestic tourism, but to make her 2016 bid for gover- dia survey showed a majority a snap election. Instead, Koike that has raised concern about nor, Koike also wants to make think they should be cancelled or stayed on as Tokyo governor and spreading the virus outside the the metropolis a global fi nancial okyo Governor Yuriko postponed again. has won plaudits for her straight- capital. centre by luring foreign talent. Koike, often fl oated as “I want to host them as a sym- talking handling of the Covid-19 Koike said it was important Still, speculation persists that Ta future Japanese pre- bol of the world coming together outbreak in contrast to what crit- both to contain the virus and re- she could yet aim for Japan’s top mier, said yesterday the to overcome this tough situa- ics called Abe’s clumsy response. vive the slumping economy. job. She has already broken sev- Olympics must go ahead next tion and of strengthened bonds She was re-elected by a landslide “At present, a tough situa- eral glass ceilings: fi rst female year as a symbol of world unity among humankind,” Koike told last week, reigniting talk she has tion continues but... by taking a governor of Tokyo, Japan’s fi rst in overcoming the novel corona- Reuters in an online interview. a shot at becoming Japan’s fi rst proper response in Tokyo, I want female defence minister and virus, even as her city grapples She declined to specify a woman prime minister. to advance both the prevention the fi rst woman to run for LDP with stubborn spikes in cases. deadline for deciding if the Yesterday, she sought to brush of infections and social and eco- president. But creating a new Japan has not seen an explo- Games could go ahead. such speculation aside. nomic activity,” she said. political machine to vault her to sive coronavirus outbreak as suf- A media-savvy former tel- “I’m happy that people have Tokyo accounts for about 20% the top would be tough, political fered in some other places but a evision announcer who speaks hopes for me but I received sup- of Japan’s economy. analysts said. recent increase in cases in Tokyo, English and Arabic, Koike is to port for a second term as gover- Koike, who clashed with “Does she have what it takes which accounts for more than a many a paradox: a global thinker nor,” she said. Abe’s administration over the to be prime minister? Abso- third of its more than 20,000 to- with a nationalist tinge; a politi- “I want to protect the lives and timing of a state of emergency, lutely. But she doesn’t have the tal, has fanned worries about a cal outsider who advanced with health of the people of Tokyo by and over which businesses to political machine that can make second wave of infections. help from old-boy mentors, and addressing the immediate issue target for shutdowns, said she it happen,” said a source who has The 2020 Olympics were a risk-taker who shied away of policies for the coronavirus. wanted greater clarity on local advised Koike for years. Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike speaks at the opening ceremony of scheduled to start this month from the big gamble of running That is my greatest mission.” governments’ authority during A return to the LDP fold would the Ariake Arena, which was due to host volleyball and wheelchair but were postponed because for parliament in 2017 as head of Tokyo’s jump in Covid-19 cas- the crisis. A veteran member of also face obstacles, given that basketball competitions in the now-postponed 2020 Olympic Games of the coronavirus. Koike has her upstart “Party of Hope”. es comes as Abe’s government parliament before defying Abe’s mutual antagonism runs deep. in Tokyo. (Reuters)

GOLF Al Arabi request to host Asian Champions League handball Al Arabi SC off icially request- for the first time in its history ed yesterday to host the 23rd last year with a win over Saudi Asian Champions League for Arabia’s Al Wahda 21-19. Handball, set to take place in Al Sadd are the record win- November. ners of the competition with Rising star Morikawa Al Arabi will look also to retain five titles, followed by Qatar’s the title, having won the title El Jaish with two titles. (QNA)

SPOTLIGHT hangs on for playoff Super Rugby AU ‘This is a huge kind opens with a win at Muirfi eld of stepping stone’ whimper rather than a bang

Reuters ed. “If a draw is like kissing Melbourne your sister, then a draw after extra time is like giving her a French kiss. It’s much worse.” he return of Western The return of the Force on Force and a slew of Saturday, three years after be- Trule changes to speed ing axed from Super Rugby, up play had raised was emotional for the fans but hopes that Super Rugby AU ultimately disappointing as might deliver entertainment they went down 23-14 to the for fans but Australia’s do- Waratahs. mestic tournament has al- It was another match that ready been panned by critics fell short of the standards pro- after two rounds. duced in New Zealand’s Super Following an error-strewn Rugby Aotearoa, which has win over the New South Wales seen fans fl ock to stadiums. Waratahs in week one, the Super Rugby AU’s open- Queensland Reds drew 18-18 ing round ratings on pay TV with the Melbourne Rebels at platform Foxtel underlined the Sydney’s Brookvale Oval on challenge RA faces to negotiate Friday, a match roundly con- a new rights deal after 2020, demned by media pundits for a with the Queensland-NSW low standard of play. clash drawing barely a quarter Even Fox Sports’ Greg Clark, of the viewers generated by who as a commentator for the Australian Rules and Rugby rights-holding broadcaster league games on the same has some interest in talking up weekend. the game, dismissed much of “We want television execu- the clash as a “borefest”. tives to be entertained ... so It produced the fi rst use of there is a chance Super Rugby the new “Super time” rule, in has a future,” The Australian’s which the fi rst team to score Wally Mason wrote in an edi- in extra time wins, yet neither torial. side grabbed the opportunity. “Sadly, the snooze-fests be- “It was a case of no one ing served up in Super Rugby wanting to lose,” Rebels play- AU at the moment are doing maker Matt Toomua conced- none of that.”

RUGBY Collin Morikawa of the United States celebrates with the trophy after winning the Workday Charity Open at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. (Getty Images/AFP) England’s Tuilagi AFP the round came on the fi rst play- Los Angeles LEADING FINAL ROUND SCORES off hole as both players rolled in massive putts for birdies. joins Sale aft er 269-x-Collin Morikawa 65-66-72- 277-Billy Horschel 72-69-70-66, 70, Sepp Straka (AUT) 69-70-69- merican Collin Mori- 66, Justin Thomas 68-66-66-69, Russell Henley 70-70-70-67, 70, Xander Schauff ele 69-73- BACK-TO-BACK BOMBS kawa tapped in a putt 273-Viktor Hovland (NOR) 69- Patrick Cantlay 70-72-70-65, Sam 66-70 Thomas went fi rst, making a Leicester departure Aon the third playoff 67-66-71 Ryder (USA) 70-72-66-69, Char- 279-Stewart Cink 72-69-68-70, 50-foot downhill putt for what hole to outduel Justin 274-Chase Seiff ert 68-69-70-67 ley Hoff man 74-68-68-67, Kevin Sam Burns 69-66-70-74, Chez appeared to be the victory. But Reuters Sharks - agreed that the player Thomas in a wild Sunday fi nish 276-Gary Woodland 73-68-66- Streelman 70-64-71-72, Jason Reavie 70-72-70-67, Talor Gooch Morikawa wasn’t going any- London was a free agent and was able and capture the US PGA Tour 69, Ian Poulter (ENG) 68-69- Day (AUS) 69-71-70-67 71-68-71-69, Rory Sabbatini (SVK) where. to enter into negotiations with Workday Charity Open. 69-70 278-Matt Jones (AUS) 69-72-67- 69-68-69-73 He stayed alive by draining his another club. Morikawa, who had been putt, from just inside 25 feet, to ngland centre Manu “Manu will be a fantastic the pacesetter through the fi rst weeks ago in the PGA’s return handed it over. Morikawa started Sunday’s send it back to the 18th tee for a Tuilagi has joined Sale commercial and playing ad- two rounds, rallied from three from the Covid-19 calendar “Collin played great. He had a round three shots back after second playoff hole. ESharks until the end of dition to our squad and I am strokes down with three holes shutdown. very tough hole at 17. opening with a 65 and 66 to lead Morikawa sealed the win on next season after leav- looking forward to seeing him remaining to force the playoff at World number fi ve Thomas “We both made two great the fi rst and second rounds. the 75th hole, two putting on ing Leicester Tigers, the Pre- join up with the lads at Car- Muirfi eld Village Golf Club. was trying to win for the 13th birdies on the fi rst playoff hole. He quickly fought his way the green after Thomas missed miership club announced yes- rington this week.” He then stayed alive by drain- time on the Tour, but he was I had two chances to win this back to the top of the leader- the fairway off the tee and had to terday. Tuilagi was sacked by Tuilagi, 29, has 43 England ing a 24-foot birdie putt on the undone on the fi nal hole of the thing in regulation and on the board with two birdies and an chip out from behind a small tree Leicester last week following caps and his decision to sign fi rst playoff hole immediately playoff after his tee shot on the second playoff hole and I didn’t eagle in his fi rst fi ve holes. with his second shot. his decision not to sign a new for another Premiership club after third-round leader Thomas par-four 10th sailed right and get it done.” He made three more birdies The win was Morikawa’s sec- contract on reduced terms in rather than playing abroad had made a jaw-dropping 50- landed behind a tree. This week’s Workday Charity on the back nine including the ond in just his 24th start as a pro. line with the league’s revised means he can still be called up foot putt for birdie. Thomas closed with a 69 but Open is the fi rst of back-to-back par four 17. Morikawa used an “This is a huge kind of step- salary cap rules. by the national team. “Amazing,” said the 23-year- that included two bogeys in his events at the Jack Nicklaus de- eight iron to spin his approach ping-stone,” Morikawa said. “We contacted Manu’s Premiership clubs voted last old Morikawa, who carded a fi nal fi nal three holes after beginning signed Dublin, Ohio course. The shot to eight feet then made the “We got number one (win) out agent and Leicester Tigers last month to reduce the salary cap round 66 to fi nish on 19-under his round with a two-stroke lead Nicklaus-hosted Memorial will putt and celebrated with a fi st of the way, we got number two - week to discuss the player’s from the 2021-22 campaign par 269 and won for the second over Viktor Hovland, with Mori- follow next week. pump. let the gates just open and let’s current position,” Sharks Di- until 2023-2024, with the time on the US PGA Tour. kawa three adrift. After rain, wind and lightning His only blemish came on the keep going because obviously rector of Rugby Steve Dia- ceiling for senior players set at Sunday’s win made up for a “I am pretty pissed off , it is the led to two suspensions on Friday, par-four 13th when he made it was a tough loss at Colonial a mond said in a statement. 5 million pounds ($6.29 mil- disappointing loss in another only way to explain it,” Thomas organisers decided to move the bogey as he closed with a four- month ago, but I learned a lot. “After discussions on Fri- lion), down from 6.4 million dramatic playoff fi nish at the said. “I had a three-shot lead tee times up on Sunday to avoid under 66. “This is just more positives, day, all parties - Leicester Ti- pounds, due to the impact of Charles Schwab Challenge four with three to go and completely any more weather delays. The most dramatic moment of more learning for me.” gers, Manu Tuilagi and Sale Covid-19. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, July 14, 2020 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Thiem fi res back at Kyrgios in Adria Tour spat AFP across the net and later partied to- last week on social media over Zver- “The fi rst priority here is the Berlin gether at a nightclub. ev’s behaviour. hygiene concept,” said Rittner as Thiem tested negative for the vi- Kyrgios and Zverev have pulled spectators in Berlin must wear face rus but like all those involved faced out of the Berlin event, which start- masks. orld number three Do- fi erce criticism and has already ed on Monday amid strict hygiene Rittner said organisers “want to minic Thiem said on apologised. guidelines with organisers promis- debunk this image that the ten- WMonday tennis players “Novak and the others didn’t ing “there will be no player parties nis scene now” has “lax, arrogant” “must learn” from the commit any crimes, you have to here”. players who don’t take hygiene ill-fated Adria Tour and described make that point,” Thiem added. Zverev said he skipped Berlin to measures seriously. Nick Kyrgios’ criticism of those who “The fact we were criticised is train more, while Kyrgios pulled out Thiem, who plays on grass in took part as “unnecessary”. not unfair because we all made mis- amid travel concerns from Australia Berlin on Tuesday, also has some Thiem played in the Belgrade leg takes. That’s clear. where the pandemic has worsened doubts about the US Open being of last month’s ill-fated tournament “But it was way too much at the with Melbourne back in lockdown. held in New York at the end of Au- organised by world number one No- end, because the whole tournament - Damage repair - “The subject is gust despite the pandemic. vak Djokovic. was well intended.” done, Sascha (Zverev) had his rea- “I believe that the decision is not “We have to learn from the mis- Kyrgios has been highly critical sons for not coming,” said Thiem, in our hands, but in those of the takes and be careful nowadays with of anyone who played in the Adria who took another dig at Kyrgios. American tennis Federation, the this pandemic we are facing. That’s Tour, which he branded a “bone- “Certain opinions, especially American government and the may- what we have to take from the Adria headed decision” to hold with such from Australia, are very unneces- or of New York,” said Thiem. Tour,” Thiem told reporters at an ex- little regard for hygiene. sary,” he added. “The whole thing is on very shaky hibition tournament in Berlin. The out-spoken Australian then Barbara Rittner, the tournament legs. Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna branded Alexander Zverev “selfi sh” director in Berlin, said cleanliness is “But I also believe that if it is Coric and Viktor Troicki all then for partying despite promising to the focus for the week-long event to played, it will be safe for everyone. tested positive for COVID-19. self-isolate following a negative test help repair damage done to the per- “We’ll defi nitely be in a huge bub- Djokovic later apologised for after playing on the Adria Tour. ception of the sport made by Djoko- ble and have no contact with the Dominic Thiem of Austria speaks during a press conference at the ‘Bett1Aces’ tennis tournament the event where players embraced Thiem and Kyrgios traded insults vic’s tournament. outside world.” in Berlin on yesterday. (AFP)

TENNIS FOCUS With elbow bumps and masked fans, US Open without World TeamTennis kicks off season

Reuters Tennys Sandgren, who fi red off New York fi ve of Orlando Storm’s eight Kerber aft er summer aces, with his team winning 75% of their fi rst-serve points. 017 U.S. Open winner On the Chicago team, ‘I don’t think anyone Sloane Stephens de- 18-year-old Brandon Nakashi- 2feated reigning Olympic ma took down Sam Querrey wants to get in a plane gold medalist Monica 5-3 in the men’s singles, as Puig 5-1 to help expansion fran- teammates opted for elbow and fly to New York’ chise Chicago Smash defeat bumps over high-fi ves. of uncertainty? the Vegas Rollers in the kickoff “At the beginning I defi - of World TeamTennis’ (WTT) nitely was a little bit nervous,” DPA regular season on Sunday. Nakashima said on the tel- Bad Homburg, Germany One of only a few live sports evised broadcast. “I just tried to welcome fans in North to stay solid on the baseline on America amid the coronavirus my end.” ngelique Kerber has a outbreak, roaring crowds were The event includes several special relationship to replaced with masked, socially safety measures designed to ANew York but that does distanced spectators at the mitigate the potential spread not mean the German Greenbrier resort in West Vir- of coronavirus, including tennis star will defi nitely travel ginia, where the entire three- Covid-19 testing for partici- to this year’s US Open. week WTT regular season will pants and regular temperature It was at Flushing Meadows in take place. checks, with WTT letting a 2011 that she reached a surprise The Smash won 24-18 over maximum of 500 fans inside semi-fi nal and claimed her sec- the Rollers, while the Orlando the 2,500-person stadium. ond grand slam at the venue in Storm took down returning A Californian rivalry match 2016, going number one in the champions Springfi eld Lasers between the Orange County world months after lifting the with an overall score of 21-18. Breakers and San Diego Avia- Australian Open. Standouts for the day in- tors was expected to kick off at But this summer is unlike any cluded 28-year-old American 8 p.m. ET on Sunday. ever known in the tennis world with the coronavirus global pan- demic causing uncertainty eve- rywhere. “As of today, I say quite hon- estly, I cannot imagine it. I don’t think anyone wants to get in a plane and fl y to New York,” the 32-year-old said. “At the mo- ment no one knows what’s hap- pening and how it will go on.” US Open organizers confi rmed their intention to proceed with their tournament in June, albeit behind closed doors. But the competition taking Former US Open champion Sloane Stephens place does not mean she will take part, says Kerber, with Fed Cup colleague Julia Goerges another COMMENT doubt. Kerber will observe the devel- opment of the coronavirus num- bers in the United States and Russia’s Olympic weigh up her options. “I have the greatest respect that I or a member of my team chief accuses could be infected and we’re healed her problematic thigh. while Davis Cup counterpart raced to Tokyo for the Olympic “You should better wait a stuck without knowing how to Kerber has focused on fi tness Michael Kohlmann doubts the Games. week or two longer than start proceed,” she said. at her academy in her hometown restart plans of both men’s and Last Saturday would have too soon,” she said. “I doubt a lot anti-doping agency of Tennis tournaments are not of Puszczykowo, Poland, and women’s tours will run smoothly. been the women’s fi nal at the All that it’s sensible at the minute without risk as seen by Novak played a bit with a hitting part- “Who knows - perhaps we’ll England Club but instead Kerber to play in full stadiums at this Djokovic’s ill-fated Adria Tour, ner. not play tennis in the next two was a Bad Homburg, promoting time.” fi nancial violations though that took place with She has not seen coach Dieter years,” said Kerber. a tournament which will - hope- Participation in the French minimal healthprecautions. Kindlmann in months due to “It’s hard to say, maybe we’ll fully - now start in earnest next Open, from late September, is Reuters Though only on social me- While others have been coronavirus restrictions. also start again in three weeks.” year. more viable for imaginable for Moscow dia, those allegations prompt- tempted into such exhibitions An immediate return when the Her schedule this summer, Around 100 guests were in at- Kerber than travelling to New ed Ganus to convene a news in the name of match practice, WTA Tour resumes in Palermo in other circumstances, would tendance as Kerber was made an York, even if Paris organizers conference on Friday where he Kerber has demurred. She last from August 3 has been ruled have looked very diff erent. Ker- honorary member of the German intend to half-fi ll the stands. ussia’s Olympic Com- rejected the accusations as “a played at the Australian Open out. Fed Cup captain Rainer ber would have played the grass- tennis federation, with strict hy- Though who knows how long mittee accused the pack of lies” designed to dis- in January and the time off has Schuettler fi nds it “too early” court slam at Wimbledon and giene rules applied. that plan will last. Rcountry’s anti-doping credit his agency. agency on Monday of “The attack continues,” Ga- presiding over serious fi nan- nus told Reuters on Monday. cial irregularities, mounting RUSADA was suspended Tacey claims her second stage win on virtual Tour pressure on the organisation in 2015 after the World Anti- tasked with clearing up Rus- Doping Agency (WADA) found Britain’s April Tacey claimed training platform and featured Ski technician found guilty in championships in Seefeld, who worked as a cross-country sia’s sporting image. evidence of mass doping in her second stage victory of two climbs per lap. latest Austrian doping trial Austria. The defendant told the coach. Yuri Ganus, the agency’s Russian Athletics. The agency the virtual Tour de France on The virtual race is being hosted An Austrian ski technician court that he provided these Austrian prosecutors had previ- head, denies the allegation, was conditionally reinstated Sunday, while Canadian Freddy on Zwift after the Covid-19 pan- testified against alleged German hormones to athletes such as ously looked into allegations casting it as part of a campaign in September 2018, but was Ovett edged a sprint finish in the demic forced the postponement doping mastermind Mark S. on former Austrian cross-country against Reichelt, but the investi- against his organisation that declared non-compliant late men’s race. Dropps rider Tacey, of the annual road race held in Monday in Innsbruck’s regional skiers Dominik Baldauf and Max gation was stopped last October he said hampers its anti-dop- last year after WADA found 19, timed her sprint to perfec- July until the end of August. court, which found him guilty Hauke, who were found guilty in due to lack of evidence that he ing push. Stanislav Pozdnya- Moscow had provided it with tion to get past Anna Henderson Ovett’s win was a first for Israel of sports fraud. The technician recent doping trials. had used illegal performance kov, head of Russia’s Olympic doctored laboratory data. (Sunweb) and Lauren Stephens Start-Up Nation in the Tour, albeit received a one-year prison The ski technician also testified enhancers. Mark S. is scheduled Committee, said an audit of It has since appealed (Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank) on the virtual version. His powerful sentence that was suspended on that Mark S. had provided him a to stand trial in September in anti-doping agency RUSADA’s against a four-year ban on the line. finish held off NTT’s Michael Val- probation. The 35-year old man doping substance for former Munich. fi nancial activity in 2018 and Russian athletes competing Silicon Valley Bank retain the gren and Mitchelton-Scott’s Nick confessed that he had sourced world champion downhill skier Meanwhile, Nordic skiing world 2019 had identifi ed several at major international sport- overall lead with Jos Lowden Schultz. NTT retained the overall growth hormones from Mark S. Hannes Reichelt. championship organisers are “signifi cant violations”. ing events under their fl ag as extending her team’s grip of the classification heading into the The German sports physician However, the technician said planning next year’s event in The new assertions com- punishment for that alteration polka dot jersey. The stage, the final weekend of racing next stands at the centre of an alleged he did not know whether the Oberstdorf, Germany, with all pounded corruption accusa- of laboratory data. fourth of six, was raced over week, culminating in traditional doping operation that was un- Austrian racer actually received fans allowed in and don’t expect tions aired against Ganus on The case will be heard at two 23km laps of a computer- fashion on a virtual Champs- covered during last year’s Nordic the substance, because it was a coronavirus-related cancella- social media last week, alleg- the Lausanne-based Court of generated course on the Zwift Elysées. skiing world delivered via a middleman tion. ing that he had misappropri- Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in ated the agency’s funds. November. Gulf Times Tuesday, July 14, 2020 7 FOOTBALL

SERIE A LA LIGA Sevilla on the cusp of Champions AC Milan eye Euro League qualifi cation

AFP behind Alaves, who have a supe- Madrid rior record head-to-head and a game in hand against Getafe last night. “We knew winning here return aft er draw evilla all-but secured would send out a strong mes- Champions League sage. We couldn’t do it but we Squalifi cation by beating don’t stop believing,” said Mal- relegation battlers Real lorca’s Antonio Raillo. Mallorca 2-0 on Sunday night. Leganes are also three points Lucas Ocampos scored a fi rst- behind Alaves but have a glim- half penalty before Youssef En- mer of hope after they scored with Napoli Nesyri added a second late on to one penalty and saved another move Sevilla nine points clear of in a battling 1-0 win over Valen- fi fth-placed Villarreal. cia. Javier Aguirre’s side have an 'When put in strong performances, it really boosts your confidence' With three games left and the equal head-to-head with Alaves superior head-to-head, Villarre- and are only two worse off on AFP al are not mathematically out of goal diff erence. Rome contention but they would have Leganes also had to play the to take maximum points and see last 36 minutes against Valen- Sevilla lose both of their remain- cia with 10 men after Jonathan C Milan kept their hopes of Eu- ing matches. Silva was sent off , shortly before ropean football alive on Sun- “Champions League qualifi ca- Leganes goalkeeper Pichu Cuel- Aday with a 2-2 draw at Napoli tion was our objective,” said Se- lar saved Dani Parejo’s spot-kick. that leaves them with a strong villa’s Fernando Reges. Ruben Perez had converted his chance of reaching the Europa League. “We are very close and now we own penalty in the fi rst half to Franck Kessie’s penalty 17 minutes just have some small steps left to give Leganes the lead and a vic- from time gave Milan a battling point in make it.” tory that keeps alive their slim Naples after Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Finishing in the top four would chances of avoiding the drop. Dries Mertens had put the hosts deserv- be an impressive achievement “A few weeks ago people would edly ahead with an hour gone. for Sevilla and their coach Julen never have dreamt we’d reach the The draw leaves Napoli in sixth place Lopetegui, who took over last last two games with a chance of and the fi nal Europa League spot, but year following his nightmares in staying up,” said Cuellar.”But as Gennaro Gattuso’s side have already charge of Spain and Real Madrid. we’ve never lost hope.” Valen- qualifi ed for the competition’s group Lopetegui, together with cia’s miserable season continues, stage by winning the Italian Cup, sev- sporting director Monchi, over- with the prospect even of Europa enth place currently off ers a place into the saw a dramatic overhaul of the League qualifi cation appearing qualifying rounds. fi rst team squad but change has increasingly remote. Milan, who are two points and one not come at the expense of con- They sit ninth, three points place behind Napoli, are favourites to take sistency for Sevilla, who are now behind Getafe in sixth, having the third spot in the Europa, although 13 matches unbeaten in La Liga. played a game more. Cadiz’s pro- eighth-placed Sassuolo look keen for They could even yet fi n- motion from Segunda was con- continental football despite being four ish third, given they sit level on fi rmed after third-placed Real points further back. points with Atletico Madrid. Zaragoza lost 4-2 at home to Real “When you get results and put in Defeat damages Real Mallorca’s Oviedo. Zaragoza’s defeat means strong performances against this kind fading hopes of avoiding relega- Cadiz are seven points clear, with of opponent, it really boosts your confi - tion. They remain three points two games left. dence,” said Milan coach Stefano Pioli. “We scored a great goal to take the lead, we fought back to equalise and a point is a good result.” AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie scores from a penalty against Napoli during the Serie A match on Sunday. Theo Hernandez gave the away side the lead against the run of play with 19 past David Opsina. lutely sure in the fi nal seconds with a after announcing their entire matchday minutes gone when he met Ante Rebic’s Earlier Sampdoria inched towards beautifully judged curling fi nish to spark squad had tested negative for coronavi- brilliant cross with a thumping volley, safety after they came from behind to jubilation in the stands between Ranieri rus a day after a positive result for a staff but Napoli responded brilliantly to go- win 3-1 at Udinese while their local rivals and club owner Massimo Ferrero. member. Danilo’s glancing header and a ing behind. They were deservedly level Genoa climbed out of the relegation zone Samp’s win came after Genoa had curling eff ort from Roberto Soriano had 14 minutes later thanks to a fi zzing free- with a 2-0 win over SPAL that left their moved themselves out of the drop zone Bologna two ahead within 16 minutes at kick delivery from Lorenzo Insigne which opponents on the brink of the drop. with a simple win over sorry SPAL, who the Ennio Tardini stadium. Gianluigi Donnarumma patted out to Di Claudio Ranieri’s Samp are 14th on 35 are staring demotion in the face after their However Jasmin Kurtic pulled one back Lorenzo, who tapped home. points, six ahead of third-from-bottom fi fth defeat in six since top fl ight football for the hosts in the 93rd minute and 10th- Mertens put the hosts ahead on the Lecce following their goalless draw at returned in Italy. placed Bologna were left stunned two hour mark when he met Jose Callejon’s Cagliari, after a gutsy display at the Dacia Davide Nicola’s Genoa are a point minutes later when Roberto Inglese prod- low cross with a shot that was defl ected Arena. Fabio Quagliarella volleyed Samp ahead of 18th-placed Lecce and four be- ded home from a few yards out to salvage past Donnarumma by Alessio Romagnoli. level in fi rst half stoppage time of his fi rst hind Torino in 16th ahead of their trip to the unlikeliest of points for Parma, who From there it looked like there would appearance since the league restart and Inter Milan. SPAL are rooted to the bot- stay 12th. only be one winner but they were giv- Federico Bonazzoli put the away side in tom of the league on 19 points, 11 behind Their match wasn’t the only one to fea- en the perfect chance to equalise when the lead with a spectacular bicycle kick six Genoa with six matches remaining. ture a last gasp equaliser, as Patrick Cu- Nikola Maksimovic brought down Giaco- minutes from the end after Udinese twice Elsewhere Parma came back from two trone scored in the 96th minute to give mo Bonaventura in the area. Kessie made went close. goals down to draw 2-2 at home with Bo- Fiorentina a 1-1 draw at home to Hellas no mistake from the spot, rifl ing his fi nish Manolo Gabbiadini then made abso- logna thanks to two stoppage time goals Verona.

FOCUS Champions League returns on beIN Sports starting August 7 eIN Sports, the global sports The Union of European Football As- of football (7 August to 23 August). A to- and beIN SPORTS HD14 for French; as channel, is set to welcome the sociation (UEFA) decided that the most tal of 11 matches will be played in just 16 well as beIN Sports’ 4K channel – provid- breturn of the UEFA Champions prestigious European club football com- days – with the quarter-fi nals, semi-fi - ing viewers with exhilarating trilingual League starting from Friday, Au- petition (the UEFA Champions League) nals and fi nal all played in Portugal and in coverage. Each game will also be avail- gust 7 with a host of much-anticipated will safely resume starting from August single-leg fi xtures. Four matches remain able with an option for enhanced audio live games for viewers to enjoy exclusively 7 – after it was put on hold following the in the round of 16 second leg of the UEFA atmosphere. across the Middle East and North Africa Covid-19 global pandemic. Champions League. beIN guests and talent will include leg- (MENA), as well as the chance to watch In a completely new format, viewers beIN SPORTS’ main studio coverage ends Mohamed Aboutrika, Wael Gomaa; heavyweights Real Madrid, Barcelona, and fans will get to see the best teams in for the UEFA Champions League will be Algerian Lakhdar Berriche; Tunisian Tar- Sevilla’s midfielder Olivier Torres (right) vies for the ball with Real Juventus and Paris Saint Germain in ac- Europe competing against each other on beIN Sports HD1 and HD2 for Arabic; iq Dhiab; former Moroccan football star Mallorca’s forward Aridai Cabrera during the La Liga match at the tion competing for the coveted trophy. over 90 minutes in just over two weeks beIN Sports HD11 and HD12 for English; Yousef Chippo; and many others. Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville. (AFP)

SPOTLIGHT ROUND-UP Le Havre win good preparation Bournemouth boss Howe admits things for cup fi nals: PSG’s Draxler looked bleak against Leicester City

Reuters ven Bournemouth man- game was his last international Paris ager Eddie Howe said match. he feared the worst for E AURIER’S BROTHER SHOT his side’s Premier League aris St Germain showed the right attitude survival hopes when they trailed DEAD IN TOULOUSE in their 9-0 friendly victory over second- Leicester City 1-0 at the Vitality The younger brother of Tot- Ptier Le Havre on Sunday as they prepare Stadium on Sunday. tenham defender Serge Aurier for important cup games, according to Jamie Vardy’s goal after the was killed in a shooting in winger Julian Draxler. PSG returned to action kind of rank bad defending that Toulouse yesterday, with the for the fi rst time in four months following the had typifi ed Bournemouth’s Premier League team confi rming Covid-19 stoppage and trounced Le Havre in a season looked like condemning earlier French media reports on game played in front of 5,000 spectators. Bournemouth to an eighth defeat the incident. The match served as ideal preparation for the in 10 games. Instead, a remark- dire straights. “It was almost the club said on Sunday. Suurbier, When emergency services ar- French champions, who are set to face St Etienne able second-half turnaround situation was as bleak as it could who won three European cham- rived at 0300 GMT, the 26-year- and Olympique Lyonnais in domestic cup fi nals helped by a Leicester collapse be, we had to fi nd something, no pionships with the legendary old was injured in the abdomen this month before their Champions League quar- saw Junior Stanislas equalise fear,” Howe said. “We did that Ajax side of the same decade, and he later died in hospital, the ter-fi nal against Atalanta in August. from the penalty spot and Do- right from the off , and it vastly had been in hospital since suf- fi re service said. A source close “It wasn’t a normal match for us because we minic Solanke score either side improved our performance. So fering a cerebral haemorrhage in to the investigation said the haven’t played for such a long time. I think eve- of a Jonny Evans own goal to give pleased with the players because April. Suurbier was an attacking gunman had fl ed. rybody is happy to be back on the pitch,” Draxler the home side a 4-1 win. when everything looked like it full-back whose role epito- The victim was Christopher said. “We put in a serious performance which is Had Bournemouth lost, they was conspiring against us, we mised the “Total Football” style Aurier, who plays for French key with the important weeks that lie ahead of would have probably needed found something from some- pioneered by the Ajax and Dutch fi fth-division team Toulouse us,” the German added. three victories from their last where. Against the odds, we national sides during his heyday. Rodeo. “It’s not easy after a long period of time but three games to have any chance showed great qualities, which With Ajax from 1964 to 1977 he He came through the youth everyone is here with the right attitude. We are of staying up, and one of those has always been the hallmark of won three European Cups and academy at Lens like his older back in training tomorrow to prepare for the two is at Manchester City. Instead the team and the club.” seven national titles. brother, an Ivorian international fi nals and the Champions League. We don’t have they are now only three points He later played for Schalke 04, and former Paris Saint-Germain a lot of time but we will continue to work hard.” adrift of Watford and West Ham DUTCH 70S LEGEND WIM FC Metz, Sparta and a number full-back, but failed to break Manager Thomas Tuchel was delighted with United, who are just above the SUURBIER DIES, AGED 75 of American clubs. Suurbier was through at the highest level. the result but admitted there would be sterner is to continue on Friday. We will take it step by drop zone and face each other on Netherlands and Ajax defender also part of the Dutch sides that “We are supporting Serge at this tests to come. “The team played well in a great at- step but it was a great start.” Friday. Wim Suurbier, a key member lost in the 1974 and 1978 World diffi cult time and we ask that mosphere. It’s fantastic, we’re happy as it’s a great PSG were crowned Ligue 1 champions in April A sixth successive top-fl ight of the 1970s Dutch squad who Cup fi nals, to West Germany and the privacy of the player and his start. No goals conceded and lots of goals scored, after the season was abandoned due to the pan- season remains a possibility, played in two World Cup fi nals, Argentina. He ended his career family is respected,” London club it’s a good starting point,” he said. “The challenge demic. even if Bournemouth are still in died at the age of 75, his former with 60 caps. The Argentina Tottenham said in a statement. Tuesday, July 14, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Argentina star Mascherano to feature on @GA4Good Instagram Live rgentina football star Javier Last week, former Ajax and Nether- Mascherano will be the spe- Javier Mascherano. lands star Anouk Hoogendijk, who is Acial guest on Thursday’s @ also a WorldCoaches ambassador, spoke GA4Good Instagram Live at about gender equality, as well as her ex- 9pm Doha time (GMT +3). The current periences in football, on @GA4good. Estudiantes player will talk about the Hoogendijk detailed her dream and de- discipline and drive which has helped termination as a youngster to play for him win a host of major honours during Ajax – despite the lack of a women’s his glittering football career. team at the time. She said: “Because of After making his name in the Eng- my dream, I trained so hard and in 2012 lish Premier League with West Ham Ajax started a women’s team, so I was United and Liverpool, Mascherano the fi rst one who signed for Ajax!” joined Spanish giants Barcelona, where Generation Amazing will also con- he won fi ve La Liga championships and tinue its collaboration with the Qatar two UEFA Champions League titles. Children’s Museum on @GA4Good, He also won 147 caps for Argentina and providing young audiences with helped his nation reach the 2014 FIFA sports-themed arts and crafts sessions World Cup fi nal, where they lost 1-0 to and live physical activities throughout Germany. the summer holidays. Mascherano is the latest star to ap- A Supreme Committee for Deliv- pear on @GA4good since the pro- ery & Legacy (SC) social and legacy gramme launched its online series. Former Netherlands striker Pierre van Hooijdonk will be interviewed on programme, Generation Amazing has Previous guests were Xavi Hernandez, @GA4Good at 4pm Doha time tomorrow. reached 500,000 benefi ciaries world- Samuel Eto’o, Cafu, Tim Cahill and wide and aims to positively impact 1 others. All the star chats can be viewed I am sure that both our youth partici- important work that Pierre van Hooij- million people via its football for devel- on the programme’s Instagram page. WorldCoaches ambassador will talk dominant player for club and country, pants and general audiences can take so donk has been doing as a WorldCoach- opment training sessions by 2022. Ahead of Mascherano’s appearance, about his motivations in football. has done some tremendous and admi- much from his incredible experience. es ambassador. Again, this is a cause Follow @GA4Good on Instagram, former NAC Breda, Nottingham For- Generation Amazing Programmes rable charitable work with NGOs off We are thrilled about hosting him this close to Generation Amazing. He does a Facebook and Twitter, tag @GA4Good est and Netherlands striker, Pierre van Director, Nasser al-Khori, said: “Javier the pitch as well. This kind of commit- week to explore these topics and more.” brilliant job of reaching youth through and use the #GALive hashtag for a Hooijdonk will be interviewed on @ Mascherano is such a prominent fi gure ment to the community is a crucial part Al-Khori added: “It will also be in- football coaching, so we are very ex- chance to win exclusive signed mer- GA4Good at 4pm Doha tomorrow. The in football who, in addition to being a of what Generation Amazing does and teresting for youth to hear about the cited about the line-up.” chandise from the football stars.

FOOTBALL ESPORT Al-Khelaifi triumphs at TCR Europe Simracing Series Man City’s Euro ties for cutting the chicanes. By Sports Reporter Doha Behind al-Khelaifi , Gilles Mag- nus (Comtoyou Racing) and Teddy Clairet completed the MMF Racing’s podium, having received minor Abdullah al- penalties: 10-seconds for the ban quashed QKhelaifi was de- Belgian and 20 for the French. clared winner of the Al-Khelaifi had started in fi fth leg of the Touring Car Rac- pole position after he fi nished ing (TCR) Europe Simracing Se- 12th in the fi rst race, with re- ries yesterday. The Qatari driver verse grid applied for the sec- had fi nished seventh after suf- ond race. He led for three laps fering a crash while leading the and looked good for a podium on appeal race, set at the virtual Autodro- fi nish but with three laps to go mo Nazionale Monza in Italy on in the 10-lap race, al-Khelaifi Wednesday. suff ered a crash. City were accused of deliberately inflating the value of income But after a review of the While al-Khelaifi recovered race, Race Director declared cost ten seconds each. and managed to fi nish seventh, AFP over 12 years ago, City’s fortunes al-Khelaifi as the winner, while Daniel Nagy (BRC Racing, as luck would have it he was Lausanne have been transformed. From imposing penalties to nearly Hyundai i30 N) was dropped adjudged the winner impudent perennially living in the shadow all competitors, especially for from fi rst to fourth, having col- behaviour of other resulted in a of local rivals Manchester Unit- track limits infringements that lected three 10-second penal- deluge of penalties. anchester City are ed, they have won 11 trophies in free to play Champi- nine years, including four Pre- Mons League football mier League titles. next season after the More silverware could come Court of Arbitration for Sport before the end of the season as yesterday lifted a two-season Guardiola’s side face Arsenal in ban from European competitions the FA Cup semi-fi nals on Sat- imposed by UEFA. The Premier urday before restarting their League club were punished in Champions League campaign in February over “serious breaches” August, holding a 2-1 lead over of fi nancial fair play (FFP) regu- Real Madrid from the fi rst leg of lations but immediately contest- their last-16 tie. ed the ban. On Saturday, they secured City were accused of delib- qualifi cation for next season’s erately infl ating the value of in- Champions League for a 10th come from sponsors with links consecutive season with a 5-0 to the Abu Dhabi United Group, win at Brighton. “We deserve to also owned by City owner Sheikh be there because we won it on the Mansour, to avoid falling foul of pitch,” said Guardiola ahead of FFP rules between 2012 and 2016. the ruling. QMMF Racing’s Abdullah al-Khelaifi in action at Touring Car Racing (TCR) Europe Simracing Series. European football’s governing City’s victory in court will body UEFA launched an inves- raise fresh questions over how tigation after German magazine eff ectively UEFA can police FFP. QNB STARS LEAGUE Der Spiegel published a series FFP, which limits clubs to not of leaked e-mails in 2018. The losing more than 30mn euros Court of Arbitration for Sport over a three-year period, with (CAS) found that City had failed exceptions for some costs such as We are in a good position for top to co-operate with UEFA author- youth development and women’s ities but said the club “did not teams, has helped drive down disguise equity funding as spon- debt levels in European football. four fi nish: Al Arabi’s Lasogga sorship contributions”. “Over the last few years, Fi- ierre-Michel Lasogga is The court found that “most nancial Fair Play has played a a towering presence in of the alleged breaches reported signifi cant role in protecting the Al Arabi frontline. (Reuters) P by the adjudicatory chamber of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. clubs and helping them become The 28-year-old tall the CFCB (UEFA Club Financial fi nancially sustainable and UEFA German forward, who joined Control Body) were either not es- football’s governing body said in ceipts and extra sponsorship rev- and ECA (European Club As- the QNB Stars League side at tablished or time-barred”. An in- a statement. enue from Europe’s premier club sociation) remain committed to the start of 2019-20 season, has itial fi ne of 30mn euros ($34mn, City, who have been owned competition added to that tally. its principles,” UEFA’s statement played a signifi cant role in The £27mn) has been reduced to by Sheikh Mansour since 2008, “Whilst Manchester City and added. Dream Team’s good run that 10mn euros. UEFA recognised were fi ned 60mn euros in 2014 its legal advisers are yet to review The ruling also has ramifi ca- saw them occupy fi fth position in a statement that many of the for a previous breach of FFP the full ruling by the Court of tions for the end to the Premier in the table with 24 points from allegations fell outside the fi ve- regulations. City welcomed yes- Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the League season. With just six 17 matches ahead of the tourna- year time limit in its own regu- terday’s decision, which will have club welcomes the implications points separating third from sev- ment’s resumption on 24th July, lations. “UEFA notes that the huge ramifi cations for the club’s of today’s ruling as a validation enth, many sides were hoping for following a long break forced by CAS panel found that there was fi nances and potentially the fu- of the club’s position and the City’s ban to be upheld, which the spread of coronavirus. insuffi cient conclusive evidence ture of manager Pep Guardiola body of evidence that it was able would have meant fi fth place Lasogga, who has donned to uphold all of the CFCB’s con- and star players such as Kevin De to present,” City said in a state- was good enough to qualify for the German national Under-21 clusions in this specifi c case and Bruyne and Raheem Sterling. ment. “The club wishes to thank the Champions League. Instead, team jersey on 11 occasions, that many of the alleged breaches The club made 93mn euros the panel members for their dili- Chelsea, Leicester, Manches- spoke to qsl.qa. Excerpts: were time-barred due to the fi ve- from UEFA prize money and TV gence and the due process that ter United, Wolves and Sheffi eld year time period foreseen in the rights alone from last season’s they administered.” United are now vying for two How are you gearing up for Pierre-Michel Lasogga (left) joined Al Arabi earlier this year. UEFA regulations,” European Champions League, with gate re- Since Sheikh Mansour’s take- places in the top four. the resumption of 2019-20 football season? changed scenario? What’s your team’s target for I think the Qatar Stars League I think none of us has had this the remainder of the season? FOCUS (QSL) has prepared everything scenario before, so it was a new As I said before, we still have very well for the restart. We situation for all of us. But I think the target to be among the top had a 14 days of hotel quar- it’s really good to know that the four and want to fi nish the sea- antine time for every football season will resume at the end of son very well. QEF organises lecture on necessary professional and the hygiene July. For myself and my team- standards at the hotel and at the mates, it’s good to have a target What do you say about your training ground are very high. like this and prepare very well fi rst season in Qatar? precautions to confront coronavirus Players keeping safe distance for the season’s last games. I’m very happy that I decided between themselves is very im- to come to Qatar. My family also QNA The federation announced the resumption Longines Hathab Tour 10th leg will now portant. Al Arabi still have a good feels very comfortable here. Doha of sporting activities in August by complet- take place on August 7 and 8, Tour 11 on Au- chance of fi nishing among Football culture here is diff erent ing the remaining Longines Hathab — Qatar gust 14 and 15, and the Tour 12 fi nale over Can you elaborate on your the top four in QNB Stars than that in Europe, but I can Equestrian Tour in its third season, after it three days on August 27, 28, and 29. All Tours training schedule? League… feel it growing day by day. My atar Equestrian Federation (QEF), was stopped last March due to the spread of will be held at the Qatar Equestrian Federa- The training schedule has in- Yes, of course. We’re still in a teammates made it very easy for in co-operation with Aspetar, or- the Covid-19 pandemic. tion, and will feature only the showjumping variably been like how we pre- good position to fi ght for a place me and I felt like being at home Qganised an awareness lecture aimed The third season of Longines Hathab start- (Individual and Teams) discipline. pare for a season. But during in the top four. Especially when very quickly. I’m glad that, in at educating the federation’s staff ed in October 2019, and its competitions were Dressage and Future Riders competition, quarantine, it was a good change you look at our match schedule, my fi rst season, we’re still in on ways to take the necessary precautions scheduled to end in April of this year, but they which were a part of the earlier legs, will not to have it two times daily. then you’ll see that our next the race for the top-four posi- to confront the coronavirus (Covid-19), in were suspended after Tour 9, in line with na- be taking place. For the health and safety of matches are against tough com- tion, and are in the semi-fi nals preparation for the return of regular eques- tional health and preventive measures to pre- equestrian fans, the respective tours will be Individually and team-wise, petitors, so we’ve everything in of both Amir Cup and Ooredoo trian activities. vent the spread of the virus. held without spectators in the arena. how do you cope with the our own hands. Cup, so the going isn’t bad.