SPORT SPORT | 05 SPORT | 07 Hamilton can New Surrey expectex a quicker coach Solanki car at Austrian glad of Kohli Grand Prix time

SATURDAY 20 JUNE 2020 Abbes wins Qatar Coupe de France des Chevaux Arabes Sheikh Abdullah’s colt extends unbeaten streak at QREC event

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Bred and owned by H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, all eyes were on the regally bred Abbes (FR) coming into the Qatar Coupe de France des Chevaux Arabes (Gr2 PA) spon- sored by the Qatar Racing and Southampton’s Nathan Redmond Equestrian Club (QREC). kneels in support of the Black The mile race, which brings Lives Matter campaign before together the most promising the match, yesterday. three-year-old Purebred Ara- bians in France, took place at La Teste de Buch, France on Thursday evening. Southampton Abbes, who is trained by Thomas Fourcy, was making thrash just his second career start in Abbes, who is trained by this race, having been an Thomas Fourcy, was making basement impressive winner on his maiden in Toulouse on May 11. just his second career start side Norwich There were six runners in this race, having been lining up in this race. Abbes an impressive winner on played up in the stalls prior to his maiden in Toulouse on REUTERS — NORWICH the gates opening, but broke May 11 . well nonetheless. Southampton hammered Settled towards the rear by bottom side Norwich City 3-0 after scoring twice in five minutes soon after the break and adding another late on in their Premier League game at Carrow Road yesterday. I have always Danny Ings, Stuart Arm- strong and Nathan Redmond thought very highly all netted as Saints kept up of Abbes, as I said jockey Olivier Peslier, the grey furlong from the line, leaving always thought very highly of quality and precocity, but phys- their strong record on the colt relaxed into his stride his rivals in his wake. He won Abbes, as I said to Alban de ically he is still changing so we road, notching a seventh away to Alban de Mieulle, despite the slow pace, though by one and a half lengths in Mieulle, who manages His have to do what is best for him. win of the season, and left who manages His always travelling on the bridle front of Alhafar (FR), trained by Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin He is a lovely model, and will Norwich on 21 points, five Highness Sheikh and Peslier clearly had plenty Elizabeth Bernard and ridden Khalifa Al Thani’s racing improve with age.” adrift of 19th-placed Aston in hand. Once in the straight, the by Jean-Bernard Eyquem for Al interests. He is a lovely colt who Bred at Haras du Grand Villa, who have a game in Abdullah bin Khalifa runners came into the middle Shaqab Racing. is still changing. I think that he Courgeon, Abbes is of a hand. Al Thani’s racing of the track. Majd’Or (FR) (Majd Al Arab is a bit sensitive about the stalls champion mare, Raqiyah, a Ings struck the bar in the The front runners began to x Case D’Or), in the colours of due to his immaturity as he is multiple PA Group winner in first half but made no mistake interests. He is a sprint and for a moment it Sheail bin Khalifa Al Kuwari, very easy at home. He just France, England and Qatar. He with a curling effort inside the lovely colt who is still looked as if they might have put also trained by Thomas Fourcy, needs experience. He will have is by one of the most exciting penalty area in the 49th changing: Thomas the race to bed. was further three quarters of a a quiet summer and we will young sires in France, TM Fred minute to open the scoring Abbes, however, showed he length behind third under Julien bring him back for the Autumn, Texas, who stands under the with his 16th league goal of the Fourcy was a different class when pro- Augé. once we have discussed with his banner of Al Shaqab Arabians season. ducing a second turn of foot one Fourcy commented: “I have connections. He has shown in France. Armstrong finished with an accurate shot in the 54th and Redmond put the seal on an impressive victory by the QRL’s The Lir Jet mid-table visitors with a fine wins Norfolk Stakes effort in the 79th minute. QBF sacks Gr2 at Royal Ascot national THE PENINSULA — DOHA The bay colt was team’s coach ridden to his second The Lir Jet (IRE) (Prince Of Lir straight victory by Panayiotis x Paper Dreams), in the Oisin Murphy, following QNA — DOHA colours of Qatar Racing an impressive win Limited (QRL), stayed The Lir Jet unbeaten landing the Norfolk on debut earlier this Qatar Basketball Federation came to snatch Stakes (Gr2) yesterday at month. (QBF) yesterday decided to victory by a Royal Ascot. dismiss the national team neck in the The bay colt was ridden to The pace was very coach Panayiotis due to poor final strides. his second straight victory by strong throughout results. Oisin Murphy, following an and The Lir Jet came The decision was taken impressive win on debut to snatch victory by during the QBF’s meeting earlier this month. The preco- a neck in the final headed by Ahmed Al Moftah. cious colt was the only capable The meeting was held in runner in the five-furlong race strides. accordance with the precau- for two-year-old following Dettori hits Royal Ascot landmark tionary measures set by the Golden Pal in the closing stages. he won at Yarmouth, he Ministry of Public Health for LONDON The pace was very strong broke the track record, but AFP — American raider Kimari in the the safety of all. throughout and The Lir Jet didn’t learn a lot. He had to Group One feature race the Secretary of the Federation came to snatch victory by a work today. He’s all speed. Frankie Dettori (pictured) Commonwealth Cup to Adam Ali Al Maliki said in a statement neck in the final strides. He’ll definitely get six [fur- brought up a landmark 70th Kirby on Golden Horde. after the meeting that the The Ranlo Investments longs], but I don’t know about Royal Ascot win 30 years to the Kimari’s trainer Wesley Cypriot coach did not achieve LLC-owned and Wesley A further. Prince of Lir won the day since he rode his first Ward also suffered frustration the desired results throughout Ward-trained Golden Pal Norfolk on soft ground, so winner at the historic meeting, earlier in the day as Golden Pal his tenure as coach of the (USA) (Uncle Mo x Lady that wasn’t a worry and he’s as Fanny Logan won the Hard- was collared close to the line by Qatari team, adding that the Shipman) was the runner-up won on fast ground so he’s wicke Stakes yesterday. Oisin Murphy on Lir Jet in the QBF will look for a new coach, under Andrea Atzeni. The M one of the lucky horses that The 49-year-old Italian, Norfolk Stakes. especially since the team is A R Blencowe-owned and goes on anything. whose first victory came on Fanny Logan was another participating in the qualifiers Andrew Balding-trained "He’s won a Group 2 now, MarkofDistinction in the Queen high profile win this week for for the Asian cup finals, and Imperial Force (IRE) so if he runs in another Group Anne Stakes, donated the signed He and his fellow jockeys the formidable pairing of Dettori plays in the fifth group with (Camacho x Cafetiere) was 2 he’d carry a penalty. I’d be saddlecloth with the number 70 are also to donate their riding and trainer John Gosden. Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. further three and a quarter inclined to aim him at some- on it to Ascot’s #StyledWith- fees today to Britain’s National Gosden and Dettori had col- The new coach will have a lengths behind in third under thing like the Prix Morny, but Thanks fundraising campaign, Health Service (NHS). lected a third successive Ascot difficult task as he will prepare James Doyle. we’ll speak to H E Sheikh supporting frontline workers Dettori, though, had to be Gold Cup on Thursday with the the team for a match in Doha Michael Bell, the winning Fahad and David Redvers and and those affected by COVID-19. happy with second best on remarkable Stradivarius. with Syria, before facing Saudi trainer, commented: “When come up with a plan.” Arabia in November 2020. SATURDAY 20 JUNE 2020 SPORT 05 Hamilton can expect a

Ian Poulter hits quicker car in Austria his tee shot on the 17th hole during REUTERS — LONDON Six times Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton can conducted a limited mileage the first round of expect a quicker car when the Formula One season the RBC Heritage test at Silverstone on golf tournament at Six times world champion finally starts in Austria next month, with Mercedes Wednesday with Canadian Harbour Town Golf Lewis Hamilton (pictured) can promising plenty of updates. Lance Stroll. Links. expect a quicker car when the “Jobs now take a lot longer, Formula One season finally The W11 car unveiled in February has yet to race, and we have to try and manage starts in Austria next month, with the season delayed since March by the COVID- that,” he added. with Mercedes promising plenty 19, and team technical director James Allison said Teams are already subject of updates. months’ worth of improvements were in the pipeline. to curfews during a race The W11 car unveiled in weekend, aimed at ensuring February has yet to race, with mechanics do not work through the season delayed since March Allison said that already felt technical director Andrew the night, which adds to the by the COVID-19 pandemic, and ‘desperately close’. Green. The new protocols come headache. They face eight races team technical director James He said Mercedes were into force when the season in 10 weekends once the Allison said months’ worth of ‘utterly paranoid’ about starts in Austria on July 5 and delayed season starts and Green improvementsents were in the ensuriensuringng thetheyy keptkept their Green told reportersreporters his team said drivers needed to be aware pipeline. ‘b‘balancealance anandd poise’ whilewhile waswas coming to terms witwithh tthehe of howhow longlong it coucouldld taketake to fixfix “There waswas tthehe wwholehole ooff blowingblowing away tthehe cocobwebsbwebs anandd new realityreality ofof everyteverythinghing takingtaking damagedamage fromfrom any practice January, thee whole rampingramping up to go racing.racing. moremore time.time. incidents.incidents. of February, MarcMarch,h, alla ll EightEight races in 10 weeweekends,kends, TheThe proceproceduresdures restrict tthehe “I“I suspect cchanginghanging an making thehe car all in Europe, have been numbernumber of mechanics and engi-engi- engineengine now will take quite some quicker in the scheduledscheduled initially with the neers workingworking on tthehe car time,”time,” saisaidd Green. Poulter shares wind tunnelel second part of the campaign yet together.together. Team members must “We can only have certain and also in toto bebe ffinalised.inalised. alsoalso wear protective equipment members of the crew working the design AllisonAllison expected Hamilton such as masks.masks. onon the car at any one time, and first-round lead depart- andand team-mateteam-mate VaValtteriltteri BBottasottas “It’s“It’s very differentdifferent andand it’s thatthat ddoesoes limitlimit thethe speespeedd in ments,” he to return stronglystrongly aafterfter tthehe blblowow going to bebe a reareall cchallengehallenge whichwhich you can ddoo a power unit said in a videoeo ofof going allall thethe way to Aus-Aus- going fforward,”orward,” change.change. at RBC Heritage on the Mercedesercedes tralia only for the seasonseason-- GreenGreen sasaidid afterafter “When we get into the real YouTube chachannelnnel openeropo ener to be cancelled in the teamteam meatmem at of the car, and centre AFP — WASHINGTON RBC HERITAGE SCORES yesterday. March.MaM rch. aroundaround tthehe power unit, “So we’veve ggotot quite a “It“It wiwillll bebe a sign ooff we’re probablyprobably lookinglooking 64 - Ian Poulter (ENG), Mark Hubbard Ian Poulter fired seven birdies, lot of ideas about howhow to theirtheir rresilienceesilience andand at, iinn some cases, iitt including a 31-footer at the 65 - Sebastian Munoz (COL), Viktor Hovland make it quicker...cker... our chachal-l- theirtheir comcompeti-peti- takingtaking twice as lonlong.”g.” 17th, to share the first-round (NOR), Michael Thompson, Webb Simpson, lenge now iiss to mamakeke sure tivenesstiveness to Haas F1 principalprincipal lead at the RBC Heritage at Dylan Frittelli (RSA), Brice Garnett, Ryan that that quarteruarter ofof a yearyear ofof see themthem GuentherGuenther Steiner totoldld seven-under par 74. Palmer developmentnt can getget off the reporters hhisis England’s Poulter and 66 - Matthew NeSmith, Jordan Spieth, Tony drawing boardsards andand onto thethe mecmechanicshanics anandd engi-engi- American Mark Hubbard set Finau, Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG), Erik van car as swiftlyy as possible. neersneers would be goinggoing the early pace at Harbour Town Rooyen (RSA), Mackenzie Hughes (CAN) “We hopepe to hhaveave a cchunkhunk throughthrough thethe protocolsprotocols Golf Links in Hilton Head 67 - Harris English, Patrick Rodgers, of that for tthehe ffirstirst race in bristlebristle at thethe ffactoryactory ratratherher Island, South Carolina, and a Vaughn Taylor, Daniel Berger, Brooks Austria, andd tthehe season thatthat backback to thathann a ttrackrack befobeforere raft of afternoon challengers Koepka, Rickie Fowler, Ernie Els (RSA), J.T. follows willl ofof coursecourse taketake as workwork ffullull of theythey flflewew to failed to get past them. Poston, Sepp Straka (AUT), Christiaan Bez- much of thee developmentdevelopment as the vim aandnd Austria.Austria.

Plenty came close however, uidenhout (RSA), Bryson DeChambeau, fast as we canan get it onto thethe car vigour thatthat is with seven players tied on six- Max Homa in turn.” necessarynecessary to be rirightght under 65 and another six on Mercedeses hhaveave wwonon tthehe llastast on it from the start,” hhee five-under par 66. six drivers’ anandd constructors’ said.said. “Any time you shoot seven- capping his round with a birdie championshipsips anandd were ffastestastest EngineEngine changeschanges coucouldld under par around this golf at nine. Former world number in pre-seasonon testing in Spain taketake twice as llongong ununderder new course, it’s obviously a pretty one Brooks Koepka and South in February.. measures solid day,” said Poulter, who African veteran Ernie Els were A seventhh titletitle fforor HamiHamiltonlton FormulaFormula One mecmechanicshanics won the last of his three US PGA among another big bunch on would equalal MicMichaelhael ScSchu-hu- ccouldould take twice as lolongng to Tour titles at the 2018 Houston 67. macher’s all-timel-time rrecord.ecord. chchangeange an engineengine underunder new Open. It was a “little bit of a The seasonson will startstart withwith measures to pprotectrotect them from “It’s very important being struggle” for world number one two races att Austria’s ReRedd BuBullll COVID-19 andand reliabilityreliability willwill bebe bogey-free. It’s a fiddly, testing, Rory McIlroy, whose one-over Ring on Julyly 5 andand 12.12. andand key,key, accordingaccording to RacingRacing PointPoint tricky golf course,” Poulter 72 left him with work to do to added of the par-71 layout. make the cut. Poulter said he needed to Second-ranked Jon Rahm NBA marks improve off the tee, but his of Spain carded a 71. London Marathon still looking to hold solid iron play included a 213- McIlroy, coming off a dis- yard five-iron to five feet for a appointing 74 in the final round Juneteenth as birdie at 18, and he didn’t miss at the Charles Schwab Chal- race on October 4, says Race Director a putt from within 10 feet. lenge, said there wasn’t much paid holiday The highlight for Hubbard, change from Sunday’s round REUTERS — LONDON Brasher added that they distance the event. “We have whose best PGA Tour finish was at Colonial. would be providing a further also been working with other NEW YORK a tie for second at the Houston “Just missing tee-shots,” REUTERS — London Marathon Race update on the status of the race mass participation event organ- Open earlier this season, was a the Northern Ireland star said, Director Hugh Brasher said on July 28. The marathon was isers in the UK, including the 10-foot eagle on the second “Didn’t get it in play enough to Juneteenth was a paid yesterday that organisers are initially postponed from its Great Run Company and hole. give myself looks at hitting it holiday for NBA employees working to ensure the original April 26 date due to the Human Race, to make recom- Colombia’s Sebastian close into greens.” for the first time in league rescheduled race is held on novel coronavirus outbreak. mendations to the UK gov- Munoz, Norway’s Viktor The tournament is the history yesterday. October 4 despite the cancel- “There has been much ernment on how mass partici- Hovland, South Africa’s Dylan second since the US PGA Tour Multiple teams also lation of September’s Great speculation that this means pation events can return.” Frittelli and Americans Webb resumed play after a 91-day afforded employees the day North Run due to the COVID-19 the 2020 Virgin Money Brasher also urged runners Simpson, Michael Thompson, hiatus due to the coronavirus off in recognition of the pandemic. London Marathon will also be to maintain their fitness goals Brice Garnett and Ryan Palmer pandemic. commemoration of the end The cancellation of the cancelled. However, it ahead of the event with 15 shared third on 65. Poulter gave his Twitter of slavery in the United annual half marathon had doesn’t,” Brasher said in an weeks to go before the race. Three-time major winner followers an inside glimpse of States dating back to June raised doubts about the London open letter to runners. “There is still plenty of time Jordan Spieth was the unlikely some of the tour’s health pro- 19, 1865. Marathon going ahead due to “The team at London Mar- to train and there is neither a leader of the group on five- tocols when he posted a video ESPN reported that NBA the challenges faced by organ- athon Events has been looking need, nor should there be a under par 66, overcoming a of himself undergoing a nasal employees were invited to a isers in implementing social at the logistics... and coming up desire, to be at your peak fitness triple-bogey at his third hole, swab COVID-19 test on virtual screening of “John distancing protocols. with innovative ways to socially yet,” he added. the 12th, with eight birdies -- Wednesday -- calling it a Lewis: Good Trouble,” a film seven of them on his second “bizarre sensation.” chronicling Georgia Rep. John A file photo of London Marathon. nine. Poulter tested negative, as Lewis’ 60-plus years of social “It’s not a great feeling,” have all players, caddies and activism and legislative action Spieth said of finding himself officials for two straight weeks. including civil rights, voting three over through three holes “It’s a great start,” Poulter rights, gun control. after going right off the tee at said of the negative tests. The Golden State War- 12. “I don’t think the PGA Tour riors, Atlanta Hawks, New His ball hit a tree and ended would have expected that. York Knicks and Sacra- up out of bounds, but the “They definitely would mento Kings were among American was able to regroup, have expected a few people, the teams planning to rec- stringing together six birdies in certainly from as far and wide ognize Juneteenth formally a row from the second through as people are traveling to come in the community. the seventh holes before in and play golf.” MLB: Players Association counters with 70-game proposal

REUTERS — WASHINGTON in response to the 60-game meeting with a jointly framework that MLB officials developed framework that we The Major League Baseball reportedly thought both sides agreed could form the basis of Players Association offered a had agreed to earlier this an agreement and subject to counter proposal to the league We believe this offer week. conversations with our that includes a 70-game regular represents the basis Commissioner Rob Manfred respective constituents.” season and expanded play-offs for an agreement on had sounded optimistic fol- The union disagreed with in 2020 and 2021. lowing face-to-face talks Manfred’s assessment of the The schedule would run resumption of play: Tuesday with Clark in Phoenix. negotiations, however, with from July 19 through September Tony Clark The groundwork for a deal, many players saying that a 30. According to ESPN, the which would have made July 19 60-game season was too short. union’s latest offer also calls for or July 20 Opening Day fol- According to USA Today’s $50m in play-off bonuses, a “We believe this offer rep- lowing a three-week training Bob Nightengale, several 50/50 split of new postseason resents the basis for an camp, was set in Manfred’s owners were “incensed” by the television revenues in 2021, sal- agreement on resumption of opinion. terms in the 70-game proposal ary-advance forgiveness, use play,” MLBPA union chief Tony “At my request, Tony Clark by the MLBPA, which includes of a universal designated hitter Clark (pictured) said in a and I met for several hours in forgiving $170 million in upfront and a mutual waiver of the right statement. Phoenix,” Manfred said money players received before to file a grievance. The MLPA proposal comes Wednesday. “We left that May 24. 06 SPORT SATURDAY 20 JUNE 2020

Top tennis quotes this Wuhan Open ‘hugely symbolic’ week “I would like to con- gratulate the US Open on for coronavirus-scarred city their hard work and vision in getting to this point and for putting player safety at the centre of their plans. Hopefully the COVID-19 numbers and conditions around travel restrictions continue to improve in order to make the decision to play an easy one.” Petra Kvitova

“For the US Open we know ... athletes will most likely decide two to three weeks before. We are ready. The plan is ready. If the athletes are ready, we will be ready for them to come to New York, to train and compete in both events ... everything definitely is flexible.” US Open tournament director Stacey Allaster

“People that live in the US of course are pushing the Open to go ahead 'Selfish’. I'll get my hazmat This file photo taken on September 28, 2019 shows Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus (bottom) serving against Alison Riske of the US during their suit ready for when I travel singles final match at the Wuhan Open in Wuhan. Staging the Wuhan Open later this year in October 2020 will send a powerful message about from Australia and then the city’s recovery from coronavirus and have an impact that stretches beyond tennis, the tournament’s co-director says. have to quarantine for 2 weeks on my return,” AFP - SHANGHAI me one of the most stringent lockdowns in the world,” the recovery process has been so cautious and they Nick Kyrgios said the 62-year-old, speaking by telephone from still have so many protocols in place.” Staging the Wuhan Open later this year will send a Auckland. “I would be the very first person to put up my hand “It has been a truly col- powerful message about the city’s recovery from coro- “To come through that and then hold an interna- if I thought it was not safe to be going there,” she added. laborative effort and we navirus and have an impact that stretches beyond tional professional tennis event would be amazing for Like other WTA tournaments when the corona- hope to add more events to tennis, the tournament’s co-director said yesterday. morale and show the world the great job they’ve done virus-ravaged season resumes, starting at Italy’s the calendar as the situ- The central Chinese city was the original epicentre on recovery.” Palermo on August 3, Wuhan will have no spectators ation evolves. I would like of the pandemic and nearly 4,000 people died from Last year’s Wuhan Open had a nearly $3m prize under current guidelines. to recognise our tourna- the disease there before it spread worldwide. fund and a high-quality field, with world number one Significant hurdles still lie ahead if Wuhan is to see ments’ efforts to operate But the annual Wuhan Open is now pencilled in for Ashleigh Barty losing in the semi-finals to eventual tennis in October. during these challenging October 19-25 after the WTA (Women’s Tennis Asso- champion Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus. China is now experiencing a fresh outbreak of infec- times, as well as our players ciation) this week released its provisional calendar for But just a few months later Wuhan’s 11 million tions in Beijing and the ATP Japan Open scheduled for who will be competing the rest of the year. people were subjected to a harsh lockdown that lasted October was cancelled on Thursday over fears of a under tough conditions.” The schedule “is conditioned on several key factors” 76 days and put the city in the global spotlight for all second wave. ATP chief Andrea including player safety, government approvals and the wrong reasons. As part of measures to prevent imported corona- Gaudenzi relaxation of travel restrictions, the WTA said. At Perry, a former player who was New Zealand’s virus cases, China has indefinitely closed its borders to present, most foreign nationals are barred from entering number one, hopes that staging the tournament for a most foreigners. International air travel is also badly “Ultimately, I really China. seventh year can help change perceptions. disrupted. cannot wait to return to Wuhan Open co-director Brenda Perry said the But she can understand why some players may have For all tournaments, from Wuhan to Roland Garros New York and play the US tournament will not go ahead if overseas players cannot reservations about signing up for the tournament, even and the US Open, officials are keeping their fingers Open 2020. I feel like the come, and that a final decision will be made around though Wuhan is now largely back to normal. crossed. USTA is going to do a really early August. “We probably need to educate, to be honest, what “The tournament is four months from now and if good job of ensuring eve- But she added: “I’m thrilled for all my colleagues is the reality in Wuhan compared to other cities around you think back four months, to February, and what has rything is amazing and eve- and friends in Wuhan, and what this will mean to the the world,” said Perry, who gave assurances that changed and happened for better and worse round the rything is perfect and eve- city and the people of the city. Wuhan’s tough anti-virus measures have made it a world,” said Perry. ryone is safe.” “It’s hugely symbolic of overcoming a hugely chal- safe place to visit. “Four months is still a long time for things to change Serena Williams lenging moment. They went through what seemed to “They’ve followed such a stringent lockdown and and know what’s going to happen.” 'Big Three' rivalry Tennis Australia, IPC WhatWWhatat RRogeroogeer aandndd RRafaafa offer Alcott support great promotion areaarre ddodoinginng isi eepic.pip cc. BothBBootthh ofof thesethhesese guysgguuysys REUTERS - SYDNEY areaarre llelegends:eggeenndds: NovakNovak for sport: Djokovic Tennis Australia offered their support to Dylan Alcott DjDjokovicokovic over his disappointment at the wheelchair events being REUTERS - BELGRADE good for tennis in generalgeneraal aandndn aalsolsl o cut from the US Open while the International Paral- for the upcomingg ggenerations.eneratioons. ympic Committee (IPC) urged the Grand Slam’s organ- Novak Djokovic still feels inspired by Roger “Hopefully wewe givegig vee a ppositiveositivve isers to reconsider their decision. Federer and Rafa Nadal, the men’s world example and inspirepiri e youngeryoyounngeger guysguys Australian Alcott, who has won 10 Grand Slam number one tennis player has said, adding to be the best theyey caccann poppossiblyosss ibblyly wheelchair singles titles including two at Flushing that the rivalry between the so-called ‘Big be.” Meadows, on Thursday slammed organisers for cutting Three’ is a great promotion for the sport. Djokovic hass ppreviouslyrer viv ouslly his events from the Aug. 31-Sept 13 tournament, The “GOAT” (greatest of all time) debate said he believes hehe willwiw ll wwinin describing it as “disgusting discrimination”. in men’s tennis has divided opinions in the the most Grand Slamam titlestitltles “Dylan Alcott is a tre- last decade and still remains a hot topic as and become tthehee mendous ambassador for the triumvirate continue to dominate the longest-reigningingn tennis and has done a field, sharing the last 13 Grand Slam titles world number onee byby huge amount for our among them. the time he retires.s.s sport both here and Federer, who will be 39 in August, leads “I like to haveavev around the world,” the race with 20 Grand Slam singles titles, with the long-term goalsala s Tennis Australia Spaniard Nadal close on his heels with 19. and be devoted toto chief executive Djokovic is three behind the Swiss with them. But at thee Craig Tiley said of 17 majors under his belt and is the youngest same time have the Paralympic of the trio - at 33 he is a year younger than my daily goals, champion yes- Nadal. daily routines, the terday. “We “What Roger and Rafa are doing is epic. weekly routines, understand how Both of these guys are legends,” the Serb told the season goals disappointed he is Tennis Channel. “They do inspire me and I and understandd at not being able to have said this millions of times and I will say what is best for mmee compete at the US Open it again. They made me the player I am today. and my team,” hee ssaid.aiidd. this year and we look forward They still continue to inspire me and motivate “I love this sport.sppoortt. I’mI’mm to seeing him back on the court soon.” me to be even better. very passionate andand deddevotedvov ted IPC President Andrew Parsons said they recog- “I think these rivalries that we have are to it. As long as therehere is tthathat flairflaiir nised the challenges for organisers to host sports events great promotion for our sport. They are really in me I am going to keepkkeep ggoing.”oiing.”” Novak Djokovic amid the pandemic but that they were ‘disappointed’ at the US Open’s decision. “Such challenges should not be used as an excuse to discriminate against a group of players and not offer Learning while not earning: Bellis hails WTA University inclusive competition for all,” Parsons said in a statement. “(The) decision... has left a lot of the athlete NEW YORK - MUMBAI gain new skills and knowledge. The Bellis, a former junior number says Bellis, who returned to tennis community rightly upset and angered,” adding that it platform is tailor-made for profes- one, was 15 when she earned a in November and reached the could undo years of work to promote and showcase The online educational platform sional players and include financial wild card into the main draw of third round at the 2020 Australian wheelchair tennis. launched by the Women’s Tennis coaching by certified specialists, the 2014 US Open and made a Open. Parsons also said he was grateful that the Interna- Association in March has been a guided fitness classes and lead- splash with a victory over 12th After choosing to turn pro tional Tennis Federation was in discussions with organ- boon for American Catherine ‘CiCi’ ership inspiration from Billie Jean seed Dominika Cibulkova. instead of going to college on a isers to find a solution. US Open organisers have also Bellis, who feels the resources have King among others. Her career started building scholarship, a decision she calls eliminated the mixed doubles and juniors competi- been “extremely” helpful for the “The WTA University is momentum and she was named “one of the hardest”, Bellis tions, while reducing the number of teams in men’s players during the tour’s COVID-19 incredible and has been such an the WTA’s Newcomer of the Year enrolled herself in an online bach- and women’s doubles events by half in a bid to cut the shutdown. amazing resource during this in 2017, during which she also elor’s degree program during the number of players at the tournament for health reasons. The tennis season screeched to time,” Bellis, 21, said in an email reached a career-high ranking of injury break. With New York still reporting hundreds of a halt in early March, leaving those interview. 35. But multiple surgeries to fix She has also made the most of COVID-19 cases each day, the tournament will be the solely dependent on tournament “It has been extremely helpful problems in her right arm forced courses on the WTA University first Grand Slam staged without fans. Tennis Australia winnings in financial crisis. While for the players during this time to her to sit out for 20 months during platform, which has had more said they were optimistic of running a full programme the governing bodies built a players learn about things off the court for 2018 and 2019 and she was told than 150 players enrol. at January’s Australian Open. relief package, the WTA and its real-world situations. There are a she might never play again. “The business courses “In terms of our plans for the Australian Open ... long-time technology partner SAP ton of mental health courses that “I considered quitting because attracted me the most,” she said. we’re optimistic about having an AO in January with also expedited the rollout of the can help players deal with mental of the injuries, yes, but my love for “I will be able to easily incorporate all the events and all the players,” Tiley added. WTA University to help the athletes challenges.” the game pushed me through,” them into my business classes.” SATURDAY 20 JUNE 2020 SPORT 07 Dutch football legend Ronald de Boer appears on Generation Amazing Instagram Live

QNA - DOHA global pandemic. The former Marketing & Communications participants, as well as the many Ajax, Barcelona, Rangers, Al Director, Moza Al Mohannadi, people tuning in worldwide.” Dutch football legend Ronald de Rayyan, and Al Shamal said: “Ronald de Boer is well The live chat was the latest Boer (pictured right) appeared midfielder spoke about his club respected as a great midfielder in a series of interviews with on this week’s Generation and international experiences of his time, so we were football legends. Previous guests Amazing Instagram Live to and shared advice on developing extremely excited to have him have included Xavi Hernandez, discuss his football career and positive affirmations during join us for this online session. He Cafu, and Samuel Eto’o. The the importance of staying adverse times. had some invaluable insight to series has been organized to positive during the ongoing Generation Amazing’s share with our youth engage the Generation Amazing community during the pandemic. Commenting further about this week’s schedule, Generation Amazing Programs Director, Nasser Al Khori, said: “This week was very interesting for youth and families. In addition to our inclusion. It was led by Gener- communication, teamwork, and chat with Ronald de Boer, we ation Amazing Master Coach, leadership. were also treated to the first in Michael Richardson, and Qatar Generation Amazing is the a new series of ability-friendly Foundation Senior SEN/ASD Qatar 2022 social and legacy live workout sessions held in Football Specialist, program aimed at positively collaboration with our partners Ryan Moignard, who pre- impacting youth and under- at Qatar Foundation. Families sented an introductory talk on privileged communities using will be able to enjoy these ses- exercises that people of all abil- football for development. So far, sions over the coming weeks.” ities can do. The ongoing activity the program has reached This week’s ability-friendly is intended to help everyone 500,000 people in Qatar and session centered on the core keep active at home while globally and is aiming to reach Generation Amazing value of teaching key life skills including 1 million people by 2022.

Australia’s Ellyse Perry celebrates taking the of The 29-year-old says no rivalry among bowlers England’s Sarah Taylor during the third at the Spitfire Ground, Canterbury, Britain, in this file photo India’s current pace attack taken on July 7, 2019. ‘the best’ in history: Shami

AFP & IANS - NEW DELHI Gambhir explained why Jadeja is the best fielder in world India fast bowler Mohammed . Shami (pictured) has claimed “I think, in world cricket, they may have the best pace there is no better fielder than attack in Test history, brushing Jadeja, an overall fielder. Maybe aside the feared West Indies he doesn't field at slip and gully, quicks of the 1970s and 1980s. but no one is better than him in Shami, Ishant Sharma, throwing. Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav “No one covers the outfield and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have like him. Put him at point or become leaders of the Indian cover, you can get him to field attack, which has traditionally anywhere. No one has a safer relied on spinners. pair of hands than him. “You and everyone else in Ravindra Jadeja, probably is the the world will agree to this -- best fielder in world cricket." that no team has ever had five South African fielding great Australia is ready for a woman fast bowlers together as a Jonty Rhodes earlier rated package,” Shami said in an Jadeja among the best fielders online chat for ESPNcricinfo. in the world, saying the Indian to run the game: Ellyse Perry “Not just now, in the history all-rounder has great com- of cricket, this might be the best mitment and anticipation skill. fast-bowling unit in the world,” Shami said he is normally “Jaddu has taken some fan- REUTERS - MELBOURNE reporters in a video call World Cup on home he added. happy to let two other bowlers tastic catches. The key is he is yesterday. soil in March only days before When reminded of the West start with the new ball. very committed. He is very Australian cricket is ripe for a “I know Chris (Matthews) the coronavirus suspended all Indies pace packs of the 1970s “We support each other good at anticipating the ball woman to run the board for the was in discussions for the last domestic cricket. and 1980s, Shami said India still whether we’re getting also,” Rhodes told veteran India first time and has excellent round of hiring for the role. Fears the women’s game has fast bowlers waiting on the or not,” he said. batsman Suresh Raina during candidates within easy reach, “I don’t think it’s something might be diminished as part of sidelines to take over. Shami battled weight issues, an Instagram Live chat. according to star all-rounder that’s new. a cost-cutting restructure to “We have a bowler on the injury and a legal quarrel with Asked to name the best Ellyse Perry. “We’ve got a number of deal with the impact of bench who can work up speeds his estranged wife before fielders in the world at the Cricket Australia (CA) have women working in high exec- COVID-19 were allayed this of 145-48 kph (over 90mph),” making a comeback in the moment, the 50-year old, who appointed Nick Hockley as utive roles in Cricket Australia, week, with the board con- said Shami, who has 180 Indian team that reached the changed the definition of interim CEO to replace Kevin Belinda Clark and Steph Bel- firming the full summer wickets from 49 Tests. 2019 World Cup semi-finals. fielding, said: "I love to watch Roberts, who resigned this trame to name a couple.” schedule would be retained in The 29-year-old, who has He took 14 wickets in four AB (de Villiers) or week after months of criticism Both Clark and Beltrame are the 2020-21 season. come back a more potent games at the World Cup, fielding. (Martin) Guptill is over his leadership, but the long-time staffers at CA, with The Australian men’s team bowler from a career-threat- including a match-winning there. Jaddu. Also Michael board will conduct a global former Australia captain Clark lost batting coach Graeme Hick ening knee injury, said there hat-trick. Bevan, he had excellent speed. search for a permanent boss. running community cricket and among 40 redundancies was no rivalry for the new ball Shami also took 13 wickets Also Jaddu has great speed on Perry suggested recruiters Beltrame the broadcasting and announced this week, but Perry between the Indian bowlers. during India’s 3-0 home Test the field.” need only look as far as commercial portfolio in the confirmed the women’s pro- “We surround Virat Kohli sweep over South Africa last Rhodes had also lavished Western Australia Cricket Asso- executive team. gramme had kept all its staff. and ask him to make the year. praise on 2011 ODI World Cup ciation boss Christina Mat- “They are absolutely pivotal “We’ve been incredibly for- decision,” Shami said of the Meanwhile former opener winner Raina, who himself is a thews, or at senior women in in the way that we operate. So, tunate in that sense,” said the support for the Indian captain. Gautam Gambhir believes that brilliant fielder. head office, for a long-term yeah, I think there’s some really 29-year-old. “But he normally says, Ravindra Jadeja is one of the “You remind me of me. I solution. strong representation,” said “I know from a player and ‘Don’t get me involved in all best fielders in the world. know how hard fields are in “I think Cricket Australia Perry. staffing perspective, we feel this; you decide among your- Speaking on Star Sports India and I have always have has been ready for a female Australia’s peerless very grateful given everything selves, I don’t have an issue’. show, Cricket Connected, been a big fan (of you),” he said. CEO for a long time,” Perry told women’s team won the that’s been going on.” Surrey coach Solanki glad of Kohli time Labuschangne signs new Glamorgan deal AFP - LONDON contributed to South Africa’s decades of sporting isolation. New Surrey coach (pictured) said Solanki said he was unsure if his promotion AFP - LONDON working with Virat Kohli in the Indian Premier constituted a “watershed moment”, saying while League had given him an insight into the mindset he abhorred racism and felt sympathy for anyone Australia batsman Marnus Labuschagne has of cricket’s “superstars” as he prepared to take up discriminated against, it had not been an issue in extended his contract with Glamorgan until the the reins at . his career. end of the 2022 season, the Welsh county Former England batsman Solanki, who fin- “There certainly is a great degree of movement announced yesterday. ished his playing career with Surrey before joining throughout the world,” said Solanki, who made Labuschagne had initially signed a two-year their backroom staff, succeeds Australia’s Michael 54 limited-overs international appearances for deal that encompassed both the 2020 and 2021 Di Venuto at the London-based club. England. seasons but with the current campaign delayed by He is set to start his new post next week when Domestically, he played 325 first-class games the coronavirus, it has been agreed that he won’t group training resumes. with a further 484 white ball appearances, scoring return to Cardiff this term. The coronavirus pandemic has delayed the over 31,000 runs in all formats. “It was an easy decision to extend my contract start of the English domestic season until August Further to his coaching and playing careers, for another year and commit to Glamorgan and at the earliest. players at Surrey CCC and will be looking to Solanki has also acted as Chairman (2009-2012) Wales long term,” Labuschagne, 25, told Glamor- Last year Solanki worked with star batsman compete in all formats – both in any competitions and – in 2012 – interim Chief Executive of the gan’s website. Kohli when an assistant coach under former India that are able to be staged this summer and in the Professional Cricketers’ Association. “I was gutted not to be returning to Glamorgan boss Gary Kirsten at the Royal Challengers Ban- future.” He is also President of the Federation of Inter- for the 2020 season after I loved my first year here, galore in the IPL. Solanki, born in India, but brought up in national Cricketers’ Associations (FICA), a role he so I’m delighted to be recommitting myself to the The 44-year-old, whose Surrey squad con- England, is believed to be the first has held since 2017. club for the next couple of years. tains several England internationals including Rory head coach of a first-class county. Solanki, however, was at a loss to explain why “I loved my first year at the club and the Burns, , and the Curran The worldwide Black Lives Matter protests he was believed to be the first British Asian head dressing-room environment and I’m looking brothers, said his experience with Kohli had sparked by the death of George Floyd in the United coach at one of England’s 18 first-class counties. forward to playing cricket with them again.” showed him how top players deal with pressure. States has led to a debate about the lack of non- “I couldn’t possibly answer that. I’ve not been Labuschagne scored 1,114 County Champi- “Just to see how people react to pressure sit- white players and coaches in English cricket. party to any of the decisions that appoint coaches. onship runs at an average of over 65 last season, uations, the likes of Virat... gave me an insight into Solanki started his career being coached at I couldn’t tell you. But at Surrey, with the numerous including five centuries and five half-centuries. the superstars of the game,” he said. Worcestershire by Basil D’Oliveira. programmes to encourage involvement of people His Glamorgan form helped him gain a place in “I’d like to acknowledging the outstanding con- The former Test batsman was rejected by the from different backgrounds, I consider it as some- Australia’s team for the 2019 Ashes series, during tribution of Michael Di Venuto during his time at apartheid government of his native South Africa thing that’s ongoing. which he scored 353 runs at an average of 50.42 after the Club. I am now really excited to be taking over for an England tour in 1968 because he was clas- “If this (his appointment) accelerates all those becoming ’s first concussion substitute as Head Coach. We have a very talented group of sified as “Cape Coloured” -- an incident that matters, then great.” when he replaced star batsman Steve Smith at Lord’s.