Messi still awaits 700th goal as Barca blink first in La Liga title race Sunday, June 21, 2020 page 12

Zanardi in artificial coma after horrific head injuries in bike crash

AFP “Zanardi underwent a deli- when he crashed at 320kmh achieved a new Paralympic Milan cate neurosurgical interven- at Lausitzring while taking triathlon world record time tion and (was) subsequently part in a CART race. at the Ironman of Cervia, Ita- Ex-Formula One driver transferred to intensive care, But what could have been ly of 8 hours, 25 minutes and Alex Zanardi has been placed he has stable hemodynamic the end of the sports career 30 seconds. in an artificial coma, but re- and metabolic parameters,” for the former Lotus and Wil- It was a record which he mains “in a stable condition” the hospital said. liams Formula One driver achieved a few days after win- on Saturday after suffering “He remains intubated and from Bologna proved to be the ning two golds and a silver horrific head injuries in a crash supported by artificial ventila- start of another. medal at the world champion- while competing in a handbike tion while the neurological pic- gold medals on his handbike in Zanardi adapted to his ships in London. race in Italy. ture remains serious.” the 2012 and 2016 Paralympic prosthetic legs and was back “Alex is one of life’s truly Zanardi, who had both legs Neurosurgeon Giuseppe Games, and two silver medals, competing in the final race inspirational people and amputated in a motor racing Olivieri told the AGI news and multiple world champion- of the European Touring Car as we all know, a fighter accident almost 20 years ago agency that Zanardi’s condi- ship titles. Championship at Monza in through and through. Stay before going on to become a tion could stabilise “in a week On Saturday, news of the 2003 driving for BMW. strong and Forza Alex,” his Paralympic champion, was or 10 days. Then he can be Italian icon’s accident covered In addition to his Para- former Williams team wrote participating in the ‘Obiettivo awakened and evaluated”. the front pages of all three A file photo of former F1 driver and paracyclist, Italian Alex Zanardi lympic medals, Zanardi also on Twitter. tricolore’ relay race in Tuscany Zanardi was a former sports national dailies on a day during the 23rd Marathon of Rome in 2017. (AFP) competed in the gruelling “Alex has already had his on Friday when he lost control Grand Prix driver who twice when Serie A football returns Ironman triathlon in Hawaii share of bad luck, which he of his bike and crossed into the won the CART championship after a three-month coronavi- Prime Minister Giuseppe in Italian Charles Leclerc, the in October 2014. transcended with a mighty de- path of an oncoming truck. in the United States before rus-enforced absence. Conte wrote on Twitter: “Cour- Monegasque driver of the F1 He had been due to com- termination and spirit to win The 53-year-old Italian having both his legs ampu- “Alex’s drama,” headlined age Alex, don’t give up. All of Ferrari team. pete in the Paralympics in To- again,” said former F1 driver was airlifted to hospital in Sie- tated following an accident on the Gazzetta dello Sport. Italy is fighting with you.” kyo this summer before they Martin Brundle. na where he underwent emer- the Lausitzring track in Ger- “No Alex, no!” wrote Cor- “Fight as you know how ‘Truly inspirational’ were cancelled until next year. “Let’s hope he’s fine and gency surgery for serious facial many in 2001. rierre dello Sport, with Tutto- to do it, Alex. You are a very Zanardi’s life changed for- His most recent feat was this is nowhere near as seri- head injuries. He went on to win four sport headlining “Alex, Italy!” great man, courage,” tweeted ever on September 15, 2001 last September when he ous as it sounds from reports.”

Call us the ‘asterisk Arsenal rocked by champions!’: Klopp ready for Liverpool title push

AFP according to some pun- late Brighton winner, London dits, who claim the ’s new normal of Liverpool can move with- matches behind closed doors in touching distance of the with more substitutes al- Premier League title when lowed has taken the shine off the runaway leaders face the leaders’ achievements. Watford rescue draw Everton on Sunday, while Klopp doesn’t care about the relegation battle will be those critics and, on the eve AFP in the spotlight in the first of Liverpool’s return, the London full weekend of top-flight German hit back. action since the coronavirus “Now I have had a lot of Arsenal’s hopes of qualify- outbreak. time to read. I had to Google ing for the Champions League Jurgen Klopp’s side will the word ‘asterisk’. I only suffered a fatal blow as Neal play for the first time since knew the word from a com- Maupay fired Brighton to a the Premier League was sus- ic!” Klopp said. last-gasp 2-1 win after Gun- pended in March over the “This is the most difficult ners keeper Bernd Leno was COVID-19 pandemic as the year and season to become stretchered off, while Watford title chasers make the short champions, 100 percent. It snatched a late 1-1 draw against trip to Merseyside rivals is an interrupted season, like Leicester on Saturday. Everton on Sunday. has never happened before. In the first full weekend of Liverpool, 22 points “Whoever will be cham- English top-flight matches since clear of second placed Man- pions, it will be historic be- the coronavirus shutdown in chester City, need two wins cause it is a year that we will March, Arsenal’s faint chances from their remaining nine never forget. of finishing in the top four fad- games to end their 30-year “Give us an asterisk, yes. ed further. Their cause wasn’t wait to be crowned English We cannot do a lot of things helped by the controversial in- champions. that we usually can do but in jury to Leno, whose screams If the Reds beat Everton, this specific case at least we echoed round the empty Amex they can wrap up the title can say this is really special. Stadium after he slid awkwardly with another victory against “That’s when he came to collect the ball Crystal Palace at on why we just inside his own penalty area. Wednesday. enjoy the The German seemed to twist Klopp’s men have not little as- his knee and was given oxygen been in action for 106 days terisk during several minutes of treat- and the Liverpool boss is re- there.” ment. Leno appeared frustrated lieved to return after talk the with Brighton forward Maupay, season might be declared shouting and pointing a finger null and void, which at him while being stretchered would have deprived to the tunnel. his team of the title Maupay had been the their superb season Brighton player challenging deserves. Leno for the ball when he fell. Liverpool had Already hit by injuries to Results been on course Granit Xhaka and Pablo Mari Brighton 2 (Lewis Dunk 75’, Brighton’s French striker (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s second to become the in their 3-0 defeat at Manches- goal during the English Premier League match against Arsenal on Saturday. (AFP) first English ter City on Wednesday, Leno’s Neal Maupay 90+5’) bt champions to departure was another blow to Arsenal (Nicolas Pepe 68’) ball on to Maupay and he kept guishing in ninth place, eight Brighton’s win moved be crowned in Gunners boss Mikel Arteta. Watford 1 (Craig Dawson his head for a fine finish. points adrift of the top four, them five points clear of the March after re- Nicolas Pepe put Arsenal 90+3’) vs Leicester City 1 Maupay took a post-match and may not even qualify for relegation zone. cording 27 wins ahead in the 68th minute with (Ben Chilwell 90’) swipe at the Gunners, saying: the Europa League. Arteta At a deserted Vicarage from 29 matches. a superb strike, the Ivory Coast “Some of their players need didn’t blame Maupay for Le- Road, Watford’s hopes of avoid- However, Liv- winger cutting in from the right West Ham 0 lost to Wolves 2 to learn what is humility, es- no’s injury, saying: “I think it ing relegation looked set to be erpool’s inevitable Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp. and curling into the far corner (Raul Jiminez 73’, Pedro Neto pecially one of them. He was was very unfortunate. I don’t dented by Ben Chilwell’s superb title will now come from the edge of the area. 84’) talking all game, he was say- think he wanted to hurt him, 90th minute strike. with an asterisk But Arsenal’s defensive ing bad things. but it is not looking good. But in a remarkable con- frailties were exposed seven “I don’t want to say because “It is unacceptable in the clusion, Hornets centre-back minutes later when Brighton clearance bounced off him. I could be in trouble. I just said way we lost the game. The fact Craig Dawson launched him- defender Lewis Dunk stabbed Adding insult to injury for that this is what happens when we missed so many chances self into an acrobatic effort home from close-range af- Arsenal, deep into stoppage- you talk too much on the pitch.” and we did not compete for the moments later to claim his ter Rob Holding’s attempted time Aaron Connolly helped the Arteta’s team are lan- second goal.” first goal for the club.

Torino draw with Parma as Serie A restarts Up to 5,000 fans allowed in France stadiums

Rome: Torino and visiting Parma drew 1-1 Saturday in the first SerieA game since the season Paris: Up to 5,000 spectators will be allowed to attend sports events in was halted in early March amid the coronavirus pandemic. The game was rescheduled in late stadiums in France when they re-open on July 11, the French government an- February as contagion spread in Italy’s northern regions. Home Cameroon defender Nicolas nounced on Saturday. The limit applies to “big events, stadiums and concert Nkoulou headed in a corner on 15 minutes and Slovak Juraj Kucka drilled home an equalizer halls”, the government said, but it may be raised later in the summer. “A review on 31 at the empty Stadio Olimpico, where a minute of silence was observed to remember of the national epidemiological situation will be carried out in mid-July to decide the country’s more than 34,000 Covid-19 casualties. After celebrating with his team-mates, if it is possible to relax (the rules) in the second half of August,” it added in a Nkoulou kneeled in support of the anti-racism campaign triggered by the death of George statement. Although football’s Ligue 1 and 2 and rugby’s Top 14 league de- Floyd after his arrest in Minneapolis last month. Il Toro captain Andrea Belotti had a penalty cided to end their seasons in April after they were halted in March because of Quick read saved three minutes into the second half as the Turin side inched up to 28 points from 26 the coronavirus pandemic, the government’s decision means a crowd should Liverpool star Mohamed Salah with others during a training session games. They sit three points clear of the drop zone, while Parma are seventh on 36. (DPA) be able to attend football’s French Cup and League Cup finals. (AFP) at their West Derby base ahead of the encounter away at Everton on Sunday evening. (Pic: LiverpoolFC Twitter) 12 Sunday, June 21, 2020 Sports Bayern eye treble after Lewandowski claims German league goal record AFP ter when he got in behind the “It’s a shame he couldn’t Berlin Bremen defence and made it sign off with a goal after so 3-1 on 85 minutes for Mainz, much success here,” said Leip- Bayern Munich are eyeing the who will now stay up. zig coach Julian Nagelsmann. treble this season after Robert The result leaves Bremen Moenchengladbach Lewandowski claimed the re- second from bottom and two boosted their Champions cord for the most goals scored points from 16th place which League chances with a 3-1 by a foreigner in the triggers a relegation play-off. win at bottom side Pader- as the champions swept past To have any chance of born, who had defender Uwe Freiburg 3-1 on Saturday, while staying up, Bremen must beat Huenemeier sent off. Werder Bremen look set to be Cologne at home next week- Germany midfielder Lars relegated after losing at Mainz. end and hope 16th-placed Stindl scored a penalty, then Fortuna Duesseldorf, who grabbed a goal after winger Pat- wrapped up second place with a drew 1-1 with Augsburg on rick Herrmann gave Gladbach 2-0 win at RB Leipzig. Saturday, lose at mid-table an early lead. At a spectator-free Allianz Union Berlin. Leverkusen dropped to fifth, Arena, Joshua Kimmich gave two points behind Gladbach Bayern the lead before Lewan- Haaland secures second and three adrift of third-placed dowski scored twice before half- for Dortmund Leipzig, after their 2-0 defeat time to give him 33 league goals Bundesliga Results Erling Braut Haaland at Hertha Berlin, whose Brazil- this season and 48 times in all scored twice to seal Dortmund’s ian striker Matheus Cunha and competitions. Bayern Munich 3 (Kimmich 16, Lewandowski 24, 37) bt Freiburg 1 (Hoeler 33) win against third-placed Leip- former Watford forward Dodi The Poland striker’s tally RB Leipzig 0 lost to Borussia Dortmund 2 (Haaland 30, 90+3) zig and secure the Bundesliga Lukebakio both scored. beats the previous record of Hoffenheim 4 (Bebou 11, Kramaric 39, Dabbur 45+2, Baumgartner 68) bt Union Berlin 0 runners-up spot. Schalke are now 15 games 31 goals set by Gabon striker Fortuna Dusseldorf 1 (Hennings 26) vs Augsburg 1 (Niederlechner 10) Dortmund and Bayern have without a victory as David Wag- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Hertha Berlin 2 (Cunha 22, Lukebakio 54) bt Bayer Leverkusen 0 both qualified for next season’s ner’s side was hammered 4-1 in 2016/17 for Borussia Dort- Champions League, but two out at home by Wolfsburg, who Mainz 3 (Quaison 25, Boetius 30, Fernandes 85) bt Werder Bremen 1 (Osako 58) mund before he moved to pre- of Leipzig, Gladbach and Lev- stay sixth in the Europa League sent club Arsenal. Schalke 1 (Matondo 71) lost to Wolfsburg 4 (Weghorst 16, 56, Mbabu 59, Joao Victor 69) erkusen can still join them. places. The pressure was off Bayern Cologne 1 (Kainz 45-pen) vs 1 (Dost 72) Haaland now has 13 goals Schalke’s Welsh striker as they were crowned Bundes- Paderborn 1 (Michel 54) lost to Borussia Moenchengladbach 3 (Herrmann 4, Stindl in 14 league games since joining Rabbi Matondo scored his first liga champions for the eighth 55-pen, 73). from Red Bull Salzburg after he league goal since September, consecutive season in midweek. showed more lethal finishing but Wolfsburg striker Wout They are hunting the treble as from crosses by 17-year-old US Weghorst led the charge by they face Leverkusen in the Bayern Munich’s Polish forward Robert Lewandowski celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the German first division Bundes- midfielder Giovanni Reyna and scoring twice to leave him with German Cup final on July 4 and liga match against Freiburg in Munich on Saturday. (AFP) then . 16 goals this season. are among the favourites for the Haaland has 44 goals in 39 Union Berlin, who were Champions League, which re- “I hope we can keep it that where we will try to get as far Bundesliga last December. and Jean-Paul Boetius handed games for Dortmund and Salz- fined by the German league sumes in August. way for a long time to come. as possible.” Flick rotated his At the foot of the table, the hosts a comfortable lead, burg this season. for breaking social-distancing “If you have confidence, “We still have a lot to do. squad with New Zealand mid- Bremen are set to be relegated before Japan striker Yuya Osa- Germany striker Timo rules for an impromptu party that’s a plus point you can un- The interim goal is to be suc- fielder Sarpreet Singh given for the first time in 40 years af- ko gave Bremen hope by mak- Werner, who joins Chelsea with their fans in the stadium derpin with victories,” said head cessful in the cup. his first start after becom- ter they slumped to a 3-1 defeat ing it 2-1 with half an hour left. next month, failed to add to his car park after their survival was coach Hansi Flick after Bayern’s “And then there’s another ing the first player of Indian at Mainz. Swiss substitute Edimilson 26 league goals, second only to confirmed on Tuesday, crashed 15th straight win. goal (the Champions League), origin to appear in the Forwards Robin Quaison Fernandes settled the mat- Lewandowski. 4-0 at Hoffenheim. Cavani to leave PSG before Al Rayyan train ahead of QSL resumption at Al Rayyan Stadium CL last eight: reports AFP his current contract up. The Ligue 1 term was de- Paris French broadcaster RMC clared over in April due to the Sport and Spanish newspaper coronavirus pandemic with the Paris Saint-Germain’s all- Marca also claimed Belgium capital city outfit named cham- time record scorer Edinson Ca- left-back will pions for a third year running. vani will leave the club ahead also quit the side on June 30. Cavani’s place in the side of the return of the Champions The Parisians are through came under threat following the League, media reports claimed to the quarter-finals ofE urope’s arrival of Mauro Icardi on loan on Saturday. elite club competition, which from Inter Milan at the start of Earlier this month it was an- is set to be played to a finish in the season. PSG recently made nounced Uruguay striker Cava- August. Icardi’s move permanent but ni, 33, who has 200 goals to his They must also still play the the financial position of the Qa- name since joining PSG in 2013, finals this summer of the French tar-owned club has been seri- The Al Rayyan football team began training ahead of Qatar Stars League resumption at Al Rayyan Stadium, FIFA World Cup 2022 venue, on will depart the Parc de Princes Cup, against Saint-Etienne, and ously weakened by the decision Saturday. QSL will resume from July 24 after the forced virus break. at the end of the campaign with the League Cup, against Lyon. to end the domestic term early. Barcelona blink first in title race with Sevilla draw Pique pessimistic over his side’s La Liga title bid DPA utes from the end, his side’s Barcelona best chance of the game. AFP dad on Sunday and above them “This result leaves us in Madrid due to their superior record Barcelona blinked first in a position where we’re no head-to-head. La Liga’s title run-in with a longer just depending on Gerard Pique said La Liga’s “Seeing what we’ve done 0-0 draw at Sevilla on Friday ourselves,” said a despond- title race is Real Madrid’s to in the last two rounds, it’s go- night. ent Pique. lose after Barcelona were held ing to be very difficult to win The defending champi- “I think it will be difficult to a goalless draw against Se- this league,” said a despondent ons, now three points clear at to win the league now. We villa on Friday. Barca’s first Pique afterwards. From what the top of La Liga, could not will do everything possible, slip-up since returning from I’ve seen, it’s very hard to see record their third win from but Real Madrid will prob- the three-month hiatus hands Real Madrid dropping points.” three matches since the sea- ably drop few points.” Sevilla, Madrid the chance to regain top Sevilla, in third, and Valen- son resumed after the three- third, moved three clear of spot this weekend. cia, in eighth, always looked ca- month suspension because of fourth-place Atletico Madrid. After their emphatic 3-0 pable of shifting the dynamic at the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier, a sublime late free win over Valencia on Thurs- the top of the table, with Madrid Second-place Real Ma- kick from Oscar Rodriguez day, Zinedine Zidane’s side will capitalising to climb back to the drid can now level Barcelona earned Leganes a 1-1 draw move level on points with the summit for the first time since on 65 points if they beat Real with Mallorca in a battle at Catalans if they beat Real Socie- they beat Barcelona on March 1. Sociedad on Sunday, leaving the bottom of La Liga on Fri- eight games remaining for day, while Villarreal climbed each side. to seventh with a 1-0 win over If Madrid win them all, Granada. they will be champions. Salva Sevilla sent Mallor- It’s a girl for golfer Michelle Luis Suarez made his first ca ahead at Son Moix with a start since undergoing knee free kick as the island side bid Wie and husband West surgery in January, while Li- Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi reacts after missing a goal opportunity during the Spanish to beat their relegation rivals onel Messi was chasing his league match against Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in Seville on Friday. (AFP) and get out of the drop zone. AFP 700th career goal for club However, Real Madrid Washington and country. loanee Oscar’s brilliant 87th The firsthalf saw few Real unaffected by Barca blip, says Zidane minute leveller ensured Le- Former US Women’s Open chances created and tempers ganes, 20th, got a draw, with champion Michelle Wie is the quickly rose, with Barcelona AFP the run-in. the hosts staying 18th, a point LPGA’s latest golf-mom, an- captain Messi lucky to avoid Madrid “Nothing changes,” said Zidane in a from safety. nouncing the birth of daughter, a booking for shoving Diego press conference on Saturday. “People Gerard Moreno’s expertly Kenna, on Instagram on Satur- Carlos in the chest. Zinedine Zidane insists nothing has can say one thing or another but what in- finished 11th-minute goal day. “Kenna baby, I have wait- Sevilla burst into life after changed in La Liga’s title race despite terests me is the game tomorrow. I have split the sides in Granada, ed my entire life to meet you,” the break with Marc-Andre Barcelona handing Real Madrid the my opinions but I am not going to say earning Villarreal their third Wie wrote, adding a picture ter Stegen making fine saves chance to go top of the table if they beat them because the same could hap- one-goal win in three league of herself cuddling the infant, from Lucas Ocampos and for- Real Sociedad on Sunday. pen or the complete opposite. matches since football re- whose full name is Makenna Michelle Wie and daughter Kenna. mer Barcelona forward Mu- Barca’s goalless draw away at Se- “Everyone can give their sumed. Kamalei Yoona West. “Your nir El Haddadi. villa on Friday means Madrid will move opinion but we are thinking of the The victory leaves Vil- daddy and I love you more than couple married in August. Tomas Vaclik tipped a above them with a win at Anoeta this next match. It’s what engages us larreal only two points be- any words can describe ...” Wie, a five-time LPGA Messi free kick behind for a weekend due to a superior record head and nothing else.” hind Atletico, fourth, having Wie and her husband, winner, hasn’t competed on corner in the second half but to head. Madrid have beaten Eibar and played an extra game. Jonnie West -- son of NBA tour since missing the cut by Quique Setien’s side strug- After his team’s slip-up, Gerard Valencia since the return from the three- legend Jerry West and an ex- a wide margin in the Women’s gled to create clear opportu- Pique admitted it would be “very difficult month suspension and Karim Benzema Real Madrid’s French coach ecutive for the NBA Golden PGA Championship in June nities. to win this league” and said Real Madrid has continued his excellent season by Zinedine Zidane during the match State Warriors -- announced 2019, when she was still strug- Suarez fired Jordi Alba’s might not drop any more points during taking his tally to 21 goals in 38 games. between Real Madrid and Valen- in January that they were ex- gling with her right wrist in cross inches over two min- cia on Thursday. (AFP) pecting their first child. The the wake of surgery. Sports Sunday, June 21, 2020 13 Aspire holds virtual meeting with parents of next gen student athletes Tribune News Network emy would day have any ques- Doha tions or issues to be clarified. Aspire Academy offers a Aspire Academy held a vir- vibrant educational environ- tual induction meeting on ment and inter-cultural expe- Zoom with the parents of rience to develop student-ath- the 70 new student-athletes, letes’ academic and sporting selected to attend the Acad- potential. Through person- emy in the new academic year alised learning and training 2020/2021 on full scholar- using modern technology, ships. This is going to be one the Academy also develops of the largest batches of young responsible learners and in- talent to ever join Aspire spires every student-athlete to Academy since its establish- make valuable contributions ment in 2004. to the global community. Their formal enrollment Aspire Academy stu- follows three stages of in- dent-athletes are developed tensive physical and psycho- Aspire Academy School Principal Jassem Al Jaber Director of Student Affairs Abdulaziz Al Jadeea Director of Housing Abdullah Al Afifi through a comprehensive logical trials in talent identi- athlete portfolio management fication in schools and at the process, whereby coaches, Academy’s facilities. Impress- es Manager, Mohammed Essa with a brief opening speech stressed the importance of a global outlook and an un- and how the students manage educators, support staff, ing Aspire scouts during this Al Thawadi, Head of Team of Al Jedaia, Student Affairs trust between the Academy derstanding that you have to to cope with relatively longer service providers and man- process, the talented 10 and Coordinators, representing Services Manager, who wel- and the student athletes’ fam- work hard to pursue what you school days compared to nor- agement personnel actively 11-year-old boys were recog- the sports department, Fa- comed the parents of the new ilies, adding: “We need you want to achieve.” mal schools. The parents were cooperate to create an inte- nised for their efforts during had Al Shammari, Head of students by saying: “We are to work with us to help your The meeting continued assured that their kids will be grated long-term athlete de- the whole selection process. Feeder Teams Administra- incredibly excited to welcome sons to reach their full poten- with a brief introduction of cared for very well while re- velopment programme based During this virtual meet- tion, representing the foot- these boys into the Academy. tial. Being at Aspire Academy the different departments ceiving the highest education on specific and measurable ing on Wednesday, the par- ball Department, Abdallah Al It is a great achievement to be will not only provide them and explained the process of and professional trainings. performance outcomes. Pro- ents were welcomed by Acade- Afifi, Dormitory Manager, and offered a place here and they with the perfect balance be- the kids’ enrollment at the The main speakers also an- gressive development, rig- my officials,including Jassem Roula Mattar, Senior Nurse in should all be tremendously tween academics and sports, academy. The speakers also swered parents’ questions and orous adherence to duty-of- Al Jaber, Aspire Academy charge, representing the As- proud of such an achieve- but also make them grounded talked about the experience concerns, indicating the doors care and a fun and interactive School Principal, Abdulaziz Al pire Health Center. ment.” men who respect others. They of balancing sports training are always open for direct day learning environment are all Jedaia, Student Affairs Servic- The induction event began Principal Al Jaber then will travel the world, building and an academic education, to day contact with the acad- core to these efforts.

Mortaza, two other Ex-US Open champ Simpson Bangladesi cricketers test COVID-19 positive

storms into RBC Heritage lead Agencies DHAKA AFP Leading scores taken a long, methodical ap- Washington Leading second-round scores on proach to gaining strength and Former captain Mashrafe Friday in the US PGA Tour RBC distance without compromising Mortaza and two other Bang- Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links Webb Simpson fired nine bird- in Hilton Head Island, South any aspect of his game. ladesh cricketers, Nazmul ies in fashioning a six-under par Carolina (USA unless noted, par- “I set out on a journey three Islam and Nafees Iqbal have 65 on Friday for a one-stroke 71): years ago to get stronger, hit it tested positive for the dreaded 130 - Webb Simpson 65-65 lead midway through the US 131 - Bryson DeChambeau 67-64, further, but do it a lot slower coronavirus. PGA Tour RBC Heritage. Corey Conners (CAN) 68-63 than Bryson,” he noted. “But The 36-year-old Mortaza Simpson said distance con- 132 - Ryan Palmer 65-67, Matthew he’s made it look easy and was reportedly unwell for the Fitzpatrick (ENG) 66-66 trol was the key to his second 133 - Abraham Ancer (MEX) 69-64, seamless.” last couple of days and tested Former captain straight six-under effort at Har- Jhonattan Vegas (VEN) 70-63, Conners joined DeCham- positive for the contagious dis- Mashrafe Mortaza: Recovering bour Town Golf Links in Hilton Matthew NeSmith 66-67, Brooks beau on 131 after a “stress-free” ease on Saturday. He is cur- in self-isolation at home. Koepka 67-66, Ian Poulter (ENG) Head Island, South Carolina, 64-69 63 that featured eight birdies rently in self-isolation at his where his 12-under total of 130 134 - Mackenzie Hughes (CAN) without a bogey. residence in Dhaka. The 28-year-old left-arm put him one clear of American 66-68, Dustin Johnson 68-66, Dylan It was a further stroke back Mortaza, who plays only spinner Islam, who was in- Frittelli (RSA) 65-69, Tyler Duncan Bryson DeChambeau and Ca- 71-63, Sam Ryder 69-65, Wyndham to American Ryan Palmer, who ODIs and had stepped down volved in distributing food nadian Corey Conners. Clark 68-66, Sebastian Munoz posted a 67, and England’s Mat- from captaincy earlier this year, and other supplies in his (COL) 65-69, Tony Finau 66-68, Simpson and DeChambeau Ernie Els (RSA) 67-67, Michael thew Fitzpatrick signed for a 66. is the second high-profile crick- hometown Narayanganj - one were a study in contrasts play- Thompson 65-69, Erik van Rooyen Former world number one eter to get infected by the dis- of the worst-hit areas in Bang- ing in the same group. (RSA) 66-68 Brooks Koepka carded a 66 to ease. Last week, former Paki- ladesh - also tested positive 135 - Danny Lee (NZL) 68-67, DeChambeau is cutting an Andrew Landry 68-67, Jason Dufner head a group on 133 that also stan captain Shahid Afridi had for COVID-19, according to impressive figure after using the 69-66, Alex Noren (SWE) 69-66, included overnight co-leader tested positive for COVID-19. Daily Star newspaper. coronavirus hiatus to add about Sergio Garcia (ESP) 70-65, Tyrrell Ian Poulter of England (69), “Today my Covid-19 re- The same newspaper also 20 pounds (9kg) in a quest for Hatton 71-64 Venezuela’s Jhonattan Vegas sults came as positive. Every- reported that former Bangla- more strength and speed that (63), Mexico’s Abraham An- one please pray for my quick desh cricketer Nafees Iqbal, he launched late last year. Webb Simpson of the United States plays his shot from the first tee during the second round of the RBC cer (64) and American Matthew recovery,” Mortaza, who has who is the elder brother of ODI He said the narrow Harbour Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina on Friday. (AFP) NeSmith (67). played 36 Tests, 220 ODIs captain , has test- Town layout didn’t allow him to and 54 T20Is for Bangladesh, ed positive for coronavirus. make the most of his newfound Watney first coronavirus infection since PGA Tour return Close call for McIlroy wrote on his Facebook page Nafees himself confirmed power, but he still grabbed eight First COVID-19 positive on Saturday evening. that he has contracted the birdies in a seven-under par 64 Berlin: The PGA Tour has registered its first corona- ter a break of around three months due to the global -World number one Rory McIl- “The number of infected deadly virus and is currently in for 131. virus case since golf returned from suspension with pandemic. The five-timeT our winner Watney travelled roy rallied afer a disappointing has now crossed one lakh. We home isolation in , “It’s just this golf course, it’s the US player Nick Watney testing positive. privately to the event and test negative on arrival. first-round 72 with a bogey-free all have to become more care- according to the report. so difficult to try to fit into these Watney, 39, had his positive test revealed on After feeling symptoms he consulted a doctor and 65 that saw him make the cut ful. Let’s all stay at home, and Iqbal, a right-handed open- tight areas where, if you miss Friday, before the second day of the RBC Heritage at then tested positive. Watney played on Thursday’s with a stroke to spare. not get out unless it is neces- ing batsman, made his debut it offline, like I did last week a Hilton Head, South Carolina, the second tournament first round with compatriots Vaughn Taylor and Luke The tournament is the sec- sary. I am abiding by the proto- for Bangladesh in 2003 but has couple times on a couple holes, held since the resumption of play. List, who have not withdrawn from the tournament. ond since the US PGA Tour col at home. Rather than panic, been out of the national reckon- I’ll be blocked out,” DeCham- After the positive test Watney withdrew from the “A total of 369 individuals (players, caddies, resumed after a three-month we need to raise awareness ing since 2006. beau said. competition and must now self-isolate for at least essential personnel) underwent on-site testing prior break caused by the coronavirus about corona.” The 34-year-old played 11 10 days, according to the PGA Tour health protocol. to the start of the tournament, with zero positive re- pandemic. Mortaza, who is also a Tests and 16 ODIs for Bangla- Superb finish Golf only resumed last week in the United States af- sults,” the PGA Tour said in a statement. (DPA) Officials announced that member of Bangladesh par- desh, scoring 518 and 309 runs Six of DeChambeau’s bird- US veteran Nick Watney had liament, was quite active with respectively. ies came in his last nine holes, withdrawn from the tourna- his philanthropic activities Last month, Bangladesh’s but he missed a five-foot birdie ish. of use my skills of distance con- said Simpson, the 2012 US ment on Friday after becoming amid the pandemic, lending a development coach and former putt at his final hole, the ninth, “It’s very satisfying knowing trol and shot shape to pick me Open champion. the first player since competi- helping hand to the people in first-class cricketer Ashiqur where Simpson rolled in a six- I’m not near as long as some of back up when I’m 40 yards or “I would like to hit it fur- tion resumed to test positive for his hometown and constitu- Rahman had tested positive for footer to cap a birdie-birdie fin- these guys and I’m able to kind 30 yards behind these guys,” ther,” added Simpson, who has COVID-19. ency Narail. the dreaded virus.

Nando Parrado defies the odds New Surrey coach Solanki to benefit from to make Royal Ascot history time spent with Virat Kohli in IPL AFP mer India boss Gary Kirsten at classified as “Cape Coloured”. AFP London the Royal Challengers Banga- Solanki said he was unsure London lore in the IPL. if his promotion constituted a New Surrey coach Vikram The 44-year-old, whose “watershed moment”, saying Nando Parrado became the Solanki said working with Surrey squad contains sev- while he abhorred racism and longest priced winner in the Virat Kohli in the Indian Pre- eral England internationals felt sympathy for anyone dis- history of Royal Ascot on Sat- mier League had given him including Rory Burns, Ollie criminated against, it had not urday when he won the Coven- an insight into the mindset Pope, Ben Foakes and the Cur- been an issue in his career. try Stakes at 150/1. of ’s “superstars” as he ran brothers, said his experi- “There certainly is a great The Clive Cox-trained prepared to take up the reins ence with Kohli had showed degree of movement through- winner - named after one at the Oval. him how top players deal with out the world,” said Solanki, of the survivors of the 1972 Former England batsman pressure. who made 54 limited-overs plane crash in the Andes Solanki, who finished his play- “Just to see how people re- international appearances for that was the subject of a ing career with Surrey before act to pressure situations, the England. best-selling book and subse- joining their backroom staff, likes of Virat... gave me an in- Surrey coach Vikram Solanki. Solanki, however, was at quent film - powered home Jockey Adam Kirby rides Nando Parrado to victory in the Coventry succeeds Australia’s Michael sight into the superstars of the a loss to explain why he was under Adam Kirby. Stakes on day five of the Royal Ascot horse racing meet, in Ascot, Di Venuto at the London- game,” he said. believed to be the first Brit- Cox said he had persuaded west of London, on Saturday. The races are taking place behind based club. debate about the lack of non- ish Asian head coach at one of the owners Marie and Paul ‘closed doors’ due to the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic. (AFP) He is set to start his new Rare honour white players and coaches in England’s 18 first-classcoun - McCartan to run him after they post next week when group Solanki, born in India, but English cricket. ties. had doubts earlier in the week. our thoughts on him, so I am good trainer,” said Kirby. training resumes. The coro- brought up in England, is be- Solanki started his career “I couldn’t possibly answer “Not a shock at all!” said delighted.” “We (Cox and him) have navirus pandemic has delayed lieved to be the first British being coached at Worcester- that. I’ve not been party to any Cox. “He is a lovely horse. I did Kirby, who teamed up with fired a lot of live bullets in the the start of the English domes- Asian head coach of a first- shire by Basil D’Oliveira. of the decisions that appoint back him! Cox to win the Group One race and I am very pleased to tic season until August at the class county. The former Test batsman coaches. I couldn’t tell you. “So we are very happy... I Commonwealth Cup on Fri- have the race won now. earliest. The worldwide Black Lives was rejected by the apart- “But at Surrey, with the don’t know what price I got yet. day, said he too thought the “It is no fluke he won today Last year Solanki worked Matter protests sparked by heid government of his native numerous programmes to en- “When I saw the price, it price was crazy. on the front end and toughed with star batsman Kohli when the death of George Floyd in South Africa for an England courage involvement of people was a little bit of an insult to “Nando Parrado has a very it out, I am pleased for him.” an assistant coach under for- the United States has led to a tour in 1968 because he was from different backgrounds, I