WC 2022 ambassador tests positive
DOHA: An ambassador for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar has tested positive for the new coronavirus, the tournament’s organisers said. Retired Qatari midfielder Adel Khamis, 54, “was unfortunately diagnosed with the novel coronavirus, COVID-19,” the Supreme Committee for the organisation of the 2022 tournament wrote in a tweet on Thursday. “We wish a speedy to all those affected.” The number of confirmed infections among those involved in construction for 2022 facilities stands at eight across three stadium projects, but organisers have not given an updated toll since April 17. Work on Qatar’s World Cup stadiums and mega-projects linked to the tournament has continued apace despite tough social distancing rules to stem the spread of coronavirus among the largely migrant workforce. The supreme committee responsible for delivering the tournament said it “is reviewing the situation on a continuous basis and will take the necessary measures to protect the health and safety of all construction workers and direct staff”. (AFP)
Bertens crowned virtual champion
MADRID: Dutch No. 1 Kiki Bertens prevailed in the women’s final against French player Fiona Ferro 6-1 at the Mutua Madrid Open Virtual Pro on Thursday, giving her the online Madrid crown a year after she won the actual clay-court event. The online competition was held in the virtual Manolo Santana Stadium on PlayStation 4’s Tennis World Tour, reports Xinhua news agency. Bertens defeated Germany’s Angelique Kerber, Croatia’s Donna Vekic and Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard by identical 3-0 scores in round-robin play, before beating Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic in the quarterfinals 6-4, and Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki in the semifinals 7-5. “Once I got the message asking if I wanted to compete in this tournament, I said, ‘Of course,’ and I needed to get practicing on a PlayStation as soon as possible,” Bertens said to the media, “because once I’m doing something, I want to do it right. I’m feeling great. My first virtual tournament and getting the win is always nice!” Bertens and men’s champion Andy Murray were virtually presented with their 2020 trophies in a Zoom-style, boxed trophy ceremony, which also included tournament director Feliciano Lopez. Bertens and Murray each won 150,000 euros for their efforts, from which a portion will be donated to their peers who are suffering economically due to the tour’s hiatus. (IANS)
No cancellation of NBA: LeBron
NEW YORK: Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James has rubbished reports of executives and agents wanting the NBA season to be cancelled in the wake of coronavirus pandemic. It was being reported that NBA staff and player agents wanted to do away with the season which has been put on hold since March 11. James stated he and his team are ready to play and finish off the season as soon as it is safe to come out on the court again. “Saw reports about execs (executives) and agents wanting to cancel season?? That’s absolutely not true. Nobody I know saying anything like that,” James tweeted. “I am ready and our team is ready. Nobody should be cancelling anything,” he added. Liverpool footballer Virgil can Dijk took note of the post from James and replied with a strength/power emoji. He seemingly agreed with James’ suggestion that the NBA season shouldn’t be cancelled. (IANS)
Portuguese league to resume
LISBON: Portugal’s government says the country’s soccer league will be allowed to resume on May 30 following a stoppage forced by the coronavirus pandemic. Prime Minister António Costa included the announcement in Thursday’s presentation of his government’s plan to roll back lockdown measures. Costa said the resumption still depends on health authorities approving measures to make stadiums meet hygiene conditions. The games will be played without fans. Porto leads Benfica by one point at the top of the standings. (AP)
Gibbs to auction ‘special’ bat
JOHANNESBURG: Former South Africa opener Herschelle Gibbs has decided to auction his bat, with which he scored a match-winning 175 in the world record ODI chase against Australia in 2006, to raise funds for the fight against COVID-19 in his country. South Africa had chased down Australia’s mammoth 434 for four with one ball and one wicket remaining in the series deciding fifth ODI. “Supersport showing the #438 game . The bat I used that day will be up for auction to raise funds for covid. Kept it all these years,” Gibbs tweeted. In his 111-ball blitzkrieg, Gibbs smashed 21 fours and seven sixes. The now 46-year-old played 90 Tests, 248 ODIs and 23 T20 Internationals. Australia captain Ricky Ponting was the other century-maker in the game with 164 off 105 balls. (PTI)