US Open restrictions make participation risky, says Thiem
New York: Austrian World No.3 Dominic Thiem said that the restrictions that are in place for players in this year’s US Open makes it extremely risky to participate in the Grand Slam.The US Open is set to be held from August 31 to September 13 amid a slew of restrictions on player movements and the number of people that accompany them to the venue and on court.”Three or four people must be allowed. It would be extremely risky to travel without your own physio. You need a coach on-site,” Thiem said in an interview with Krone.Earlier World No.1 Novak Djokovic had said that he is undecided on whether he wants to participate in the US Open or not this year. Djokovic said that the upsurge in cases in the US does not spell well for the US Open.”I still haven’t decided whether I will play in the US Open. The upsurge in registered Covid-19 cases in the US and New York in particular are not playing into the event’s hands,” he said. (IANS)
Chicago Marathon cancelled
New York: The Chicago Marathon, scheduled to be held on October 11 this year, has been cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”The 2020 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, October 11, and race weekend activities have been cancelled by event organisers and the City of Chicago in response to the ongoing public health concerns brought on by the coronavirus pandemic,” organisers said in a statement.”Registered participants for the 2020 Chicago Marathon and International Chicago 5K will have the option to receive a refund for their entry or to defer their place and entry fee to a future race (2021, 2022 or 2023),” the statement added.In June, the New York City Marathon, which was set to take place on November 1, was also cancelled due to health and safety concerns amid the global coronavirus pandemic. (IANS)
Barcelona sign Gustavo Maia
Rio de Janeiro: Barcelona have exercised an option to sign teenage forward Gustavo Maia from Brazil’s Sao Paulo, according to media reports in the South American country.The Catalan club paid one million euros ($1.1 million) to acquire the right of first refusal for Maia in March, following the 19-year-old’s impressive performances for Sao Paulo’s under-20 team, writes Xinhua news agency.According to Globo Esporte, Barcelona agreed to pay 3.5 million euros ahead of a July 15 deadline to proceed with the deal.Former Athletico Paranaense goalkeeper Neto is currently the only other Brazilian in Barcelona’s squad following the June departure of midfielder Arthur to Juventus. (IANS)