<p>Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios reacted after world no. 1 Novak Djokovic tested positive for COVID-19 after the completion of the first leg of much-talked-about Adria Tour, which took place in the Balkans last week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Djokovic follows Boran Coric and Grigor Dimitrov, who were tested positive after taking part in the Serbian’s Adria Tour.</p>

<p>The tennis event was central to heavy criticism as crowds were allowed with no social distancing norms in place. Players were seen embracing at nets with ball kids in the court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kyrgios took to social media platform Twitter to post a series of tweets in reaction to Djokovic being tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-novak-djokovics-adria-tour-comes-as-warning-for-sporting-world-307774" hreflang="en">Tennis: Novak Djokovic's Adria Tour comes as warning for sporting world</a></strong></p>

<p>As the news broke on social media, Kryrgios in his first tweet wrote: “Oh boy.” However, the Australian followed with another tweet where he posted a video in which the Djokovic and others are seen partying in a nightclub in Belgrade.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Oh boy. <a href="https://t.co/Cb1iuLSX9i">https://t.co/Cb1iuLSX9i</a></p>
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1275405253446266880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prayers up to all the players that have contracted Covid - 19. Don’t @ me for anything I’ve done that has been ‘irresponsible’ or classified as ‘stupidity’ - this takes the cake. <a href="https://t.co/lVligELgID">https://t.co/lVligELgID</a></p>
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1275408778087657473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem and Dimitrov were seen hitting a nightclub in Belgrade to celebrate the successful completion of the first leg of Adria Tour.</p>

<p>Kyrgios was one of the tennis stars to have raised his voice against the conduction of Adria Tour.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serbian-tennis-ace-novak-djokovic-tests-positive-for-covid-19-307966" hreflang="en">Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic tests positive for COVID-19</a></strong></p>

<p>“Boneheaded decision to go ahead with the ‘exhibition’ speedy recovery fellas, but that’s what happens when you disregard all protocols. This IS NOT A JOKE,” Kyrgios had earlier tweeted after Boran Coric tested positive for the dreaded virus.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️ Boneheaded decision to go ahead with the ‘exhibition’ speedy recovery fellas, but that’s what happens when you disregard all protocols. This IS NOT A JOKE. <a href="https://t.co/SUdxfijkbK">https://t.co/SUdxfijkbK</a></p>
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1274971571363344386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Kyrgios is also one of the players to have constantly questioned the motive behind scheduling the US Open later in the year.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Smh - people that live in the US of course are pushing the Open to go ahead 🤦🏽‍♂️ ‘Selfish’ I’ll get my hazmat suit ready for when I travel from Australia and then have to quarantine for 2 weeks on my return.</p>
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1272687984882577408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the latest results of elite players being tested COVID-19 positive, question remains whether the sport is ready to come back to life after a prolonged break.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios reacted after world no. 1 Novak Djokovic tested positive for COVID-19 after the completion of the first leg of much-talked-about Adria Tour, which took place in the Balkans last week.

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios reacted after world no. 1 Novak Djokovic tested positive for COVID-19 after the completion of the first leg of much-talked-about Adria Tour, which took place in the Balkans last week. Djokovic follows Boran Coric and Grigor Dimitrov, who were tested positive after taking part in the Serbian’s Adria Tour. The tennis event was central to heavy criticism as crowds were allowed with no social distancing norms in place. Players were seen embracing at nets with ball kids in the court. Kyrgios took to social media platform Twitter to post a series of tweets in reaction to Djokovic being tested positive for coronavirus. ALSO READ: Tennis: Novak Djokovic's Adria Tour comes as warning for sporting world As the news broke on social media, Kryrgios in his first tweet wrote: “Oh boy.” However, the Australian followed with another tweet where he posted a video in which the Djokovic and others are seen partying in a nightclub in Belgrade. Oh boy. https://t.co/Cb1iuLSX9i — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 23, 2020 × Prayers up to all the players that have contracted Covid - 19. Don’t @ me for anything I’ve done that has been ‘irresponsible’ or classified as ‘stupidity’ - this takes the cake. https://t.co/lVligELgID — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 23, 2020 × Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem and Dimitrov were seen hitting a nightclub in Belgrade to celebrate the successful completion of the first leg of Adria Tour. Kyrgios was one of the tennis stars to have raised his voice against the conduction of Adria Tour. ALSO READ: Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic tests positive for COVID-19 “Boneheaded decision to go ahead with the ‘exhibition’ speedy recovery fellas, but that’s what happens when you disregard all protocols. This IS NOT A JOKE,” Kyrgios had earlier tweeted after Boran Coric tested positive for the dreaded virus. 🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️ Boneheaded decision to go ahead with the ‘exhibition’ speedy recovery fellas, but that’s what happens when you disregard all protocols. This IS NOT A JOKE. https://t.co/SUdxfijkbK — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 22, 2020 × Kyrgios is also one of the players to have constantly questioned the motive behind scheduling the US Open later in the year. Smh - people that live in the US of course are pushing the Open to go ahead 🤦🏽‍♂️ ‘Selfish’ I’ll get my hazmat suit ready for when I travel from Australia and then have to quarantine for 2 weeks on my return. — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 16, 2020 × However, the latest results of elite players being tested COVID-19 positive, question remains whether the sport is ready to come back to life after a prolonged break.

Nick Kyrgios reacts as Novak Djokovic tests positive for COVID-19, posts video of tennis players partying after Adria Tour

<p>In another major blow to the tennis world, Serbian ace Novak Djokovic has tested positive for coronavirus. Djokovic's results follow after Boran Coric and Grigor Dimitrov following the completion of the first leg of Adria Tour last week in the Balkans.</p>

<h2><strong>Novak Djokovic tested positive for COVID-19</strong></h2>

<p>Djokovic's test results follow after Coric and Dimitrov were tested positive for COVID-19 after the completion of Serbian's Adria Tour last week. While crowds were allowed in the event as tennis resumed, social distancing norms were hardly followed in the Tour with players embracing each other at the net and ball kids on the court. The Adria Tour was called off earlier.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-novak-djokovics-adria-tour-comes-as-warning-for-sporting-world-307774" hreflang="en">Tennis: Novak Djokovic's Adria Tour comes as warning for sporting world</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Novak Djokovic's full statement:</strong></p>

<p><strong><img alt="Novak Djokovic COVID-19 statement" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="598b8123-0c83-4738-91c3-54d5e299dde3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/EbMlE3uU4AAjAWW.jpg" /></strong></p>

<p>While the likes of Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem and Dimitrov were seen hitting a nightclub in Belgrade to celebrate the successful completion of the first leg of Adria Tour, a backlash from the tennis fraternity followed. Nick Kyrgios, Alize Cornet and Noah Rubin had slammed the Serbian to host an open tennis event amid the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>“We are really sorry, we tried our best to respect all measures, and we did respect all measures imposed by the governments of Serbia and Croatia. From our side, we did all we could but Grigor is unfortunately positive. At this moment we are organising all medical services to check all people who have been in contact with Grigor, they will all be tested,” said Djorde Djokovic had said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With a mini outbreak of COVID-19 occurring in the tennis world following the Adria Tour, it remains to be seen whether it will affect the Grand Slams approaching in the tennis calendar.</p>


In another major blow to the tennis world, Serbian ace Novak Djokovic has tested positive for coronavirus. Djokovic's results follow after Boran Coric and Grigor Dimitrov following the completion of the first leg of Adria Tour last week in the Balkans.

In another major blow to the tennis world, Serbian ace Novak Djokovic has tested positive for coronavirus. Djokovic's results follow after Boran Coric and Grigor Dimitrov following the completion of the first leg of Adria Tour last week in the Balkans. Novak Djokovic tested positive for COVID-19 Djokovic's test results follow after Coric and Dimitrov were tested positive for COVID-19 after the completion of Serbian's Adria Tour last week. While crowds were allowed in the event as tennis resumed, social distancing norms were hardly followed in the Tour with players embracing each other at the net and ball kids on the court. The Adria Tour was called off earlier. ALSO READ: Tennis: Novak Djokovic's Adria Tour comes as warning for sporting world Novak Djokovic's full statement: While the likes of Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem and Dimitrov were seen hitting a nightclub in Belgrade to celebrate the successful completion of the first leg of Adria Tour, a backlash from the tennis fraternity followed. Nick Kyrgios, Alize Cornet and Noah Rubin had slammed the Serbian to host an open tennis event amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are really sorry, we tried our best to respect all measures, and we did respect all measures imposed by the governments of Serbia and Croatia. From our side, we did all we could but Grigor is unfortunately positive. At this moment we are organising all medical services to check all people who have been in contact with Grigor, they will all be tested,” said Djorde Djokovic had said. With a mini outbreak of COVID-19 occurring in the tennis world following the Adria Tour, it remains to be seen whether it will affect the Grand Slams approaching in the tennis calendar.

Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic tests positive for COVID-19

<p>Australia's cricketers must forge a leaner, tighter Test team to cope with the coronavirus-related job losses forced on the sport, captain Tim Paine said Tuesday.</p>

<p>Paine played down reports of tensions between the players and Cricket Australia but said the game's elite had to come to terms with cutbacks related to the pandemic.</p>

<p>That included losing long-time batting assistant Graeme Hick and other backroom staff when CA axed 40 jobs last week in a bid to save Aus$40 million (US$27.6 million).</p>

<p>With a blockbuster Test series against India set to go ahead during the home summer, Paine said the Australians needed to react fast if they are to reinforce their world number one status.</p>

<p>"Things are going to change, players and teams are going to have to adapt," he told reporters during a video press conference.</p>

<p>"We're seeing an opportunity for the team that can adapt first to these changes is going to get off to a good start in the next Test series and that's really important to us.</p>

<p>"We've certainly lost some good people throughout this period but the flip side of that is that it's a great opportunity to adapt quicker than anyone else, to help each other improve."</p>

<p>He said that involved players "doing that little bit extra" and pulling together.</p>

<p>"Players are going to have to be aligned with each other and find ways to get things done without the huge numbers of support staff that we've been lucky to have over the last number of years," he said.</p>

<p>Paine also had warm words for former Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts, who was shown the door last week amid widespread dissatisfaction over his handling of the coronavirus crisis.</p>

<p>"The support he gave me behind the scenes was brilliant," Paine said, adding that he had full confidence in the Cricket Australia board.</p>

<p>While eagerly anticipating the India series, Paine was also hopeful a one-off Test with minnows Afghanistan would still go ahead.</p>

<p>"Everyone's thoroughly looking forward to the challenge that India's going to bring," he said.</p>

<p>"Certainly Afghanistan will bring a different sort of challenge as well with their mystery spin, so fingers crossed for that."</p>


Australia's cricketers must forge a leaner, tighter Test team to cope with the coronavirus-related job losses forced on the sport, captain Tim Paine said Tuesday.

Australia's cricketers must forge a leaner, tighter Test team to cope with the coronavirus-related job losses forced on the sport, captain Tim Paine said Tuesday. Paine played down reports of tensions between the players and Cricket Australia but said the game's elite had to come to terms with cutbacks related to the pandemic. That included losing long-time batting assistant Graeme Hick and other backroom staff when CA axed 40 jobs last week in a bid to save Aus$40 million (US$27.6 million). With a blockbuster Test series against India set to go ahead during the home summer, Paine said the Australians needed to react fast if they are to reinforce their world number one status. "Things are going to change, players and teams are going to have to adapt," he told reporters during a video press conference. "We're seeing an opportunity for the team that can adapt first to these changes is going to get off to a good start in the next Test series and that's really important to us. "We've certainly lost some good people throughout this period but the flip side of that is that it's a great opportunity to adapt quicker than anyone else, to help each other improve." He said that involved players "doing that little bit extra" and pulling together. "Players are going to have to be aligned with each other and find ways to get things done without the huge numbers of support staff that we've been lucky to have over the last number of years," he said. Paine also had warm words for former Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts, who was shown the door last week amid widespread dissatisfaction over his handling of the coronavirus crisis. "The support he gave me behind the scenes was brilliant," Paine said, adding that he had full confidence in the Cricket Australia board. While eagerly anticipating the India series, Paine was also hopeful a one-off Test with minnows Afghanistan would still go ahead. "Everyone's thoroughly looking forward to the challenge that India's going to bring," he said. "Certainly Afghanistan will bring a different sort of challenge as well with their mystery spin, so fingers crossed for that."

Paine says Australia cricketers must adapt quickly after cutbacks

<p>Twenty-two Indian rowers have failed doping tests in a new blow to the country's battle against performance-enhancing drugs, officials said Tuesday.</p>

<p>The members of the national under-18 squad all tested positive for probenecid, a drug used to treat gout that is also a masking agent banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency.</p>

<p>The tests were carried out in July last year at a training camp.</p>

<p>Rowing Federation of India secretary general M.V. Sriram told AFP "there is an error somewhere" and vowed to defend the teenagers.</p>

<p>"We are very sure that it is from a supplement which is approved by the Sports Authority of India," he said.</p>

<p>"Though maybe in that particular batch there may have been some spiking which we were not aware of."</p>

<p>India's National Anti-Doping Agency director general, Navin Agarwal, told the Times of India newspaper that the rowing federation "needs to examine why such a large number of junior athletes were allowed to consume this substance in the camp".</p>

<p>Rowing is a growing sport in India, which won a quadruple sculls title at the 2018 Asian Games.</p>

<p>Indian weightlifting has also been hit by a series of doping scandals, while athletics has also been tainted in recent months. Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has called the incidents "very disturbing".</p>


Twenty-two Indian rowers have failed doping tests in a new blow to the country's battle against performance-enhancing drugs, officials said Tuesday. The members of the national under-18 squad all tested positive for probenecid, a drug used to treat gout that is also a masking agent banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Twenty-two Indian rowers have failed doping tests in a new blow to the country's battle against performance-enhancing drugs, officials said Tuesday. The members of the national under-18 squad all tested positive for probenecid, a drug used to treat gout that is also a masking agent banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency. The tests were carried out in July last year at a training camp. Rowing Federation of India secretary general M.V. Sriram told AFP "there is an error somewhere" and vowed to defend the teenagers. "We are very sure that it is from a supplement which is approved by the Sports Authority of India," he said. "Though maybe in that particular batch there may have been some spiking which we were not aware of." India's National Anti-Doping Agency director general, Navin Agarwal, told the Times of India newspaper that the rowing federation "needs to examine why such a large number of junior athletes were allowed to consume this substance in the camp". Rowing is a growing sport in India, which won a quadruple sculls title at the 2018 Asian Games. Indian weightlifting has also been hit by a series of doping scandals, while athletics has also been tainted in recent months. Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has called the incidents "very disturbing".

22 Indian rowers fail doping tests

<p>Indian Paralympic athletes Niranjan Mukundan and Devendra Jhajharia&nbsp;optimised Twitter’s latest test feature, voice Tweets, to share how they are turning the tables on COVID-19 limitations that have brought sports to a halt and disrupted their regular training sessions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Para-swimmer and former Junior World Champion, Niranjan Mukundan, whose swimming prowess is well-known to all, is choosing to swim with the current and look at the brighter side of this lockdown experience. He is eating healthy and training at home; focussing on strength and conditioning, weight workouts and cardio.</p>

<p>Commenting on the opportunity to share his experience using voice Tweets, Niranjan Mukundan said, “I love this new feature by Twitter. The voice Tweets will help everyone, especially the para-athletes. We have our own limitations when we have to type out a message. This feature is going to help us in expressing our views and words through our voice. It also lifts the barrier on the limited number of characters that we can capture in a Tweet. Kudos to Twitter for introducing this cool, new feature.”</p>

<p>Twitter recently introduced voice Tweets experiment to test a new way to start a conversation. On iOS, people can now Tweet with their voice by following a few simple steps: hit compose Tweet, record audio, and attach it to the Tweet, that’s it. This new test allows people to create a more human experience.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/TwitterIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TwitterIndia</a> in love with this new feature 😍. <a href="https://t.co/AZ9L25I7Ev">pic.twitter.com/AZ9L25I7Ev</a></p>
— Niranjan_Mukundan (@SwimmerNiranjan) <a href="https://twitter.com/SwimmerNiranjan/status/1275010431006851072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The two-time Paralympic gold medallist javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia&nbsp;also spoke about finding new ways to carry on. With limited access to the outdoors, he is reinventing his training sessions with the resources available to him at home. For instance, he is incorporating the use of makeshift equipment such as gas cylinders in his training regime. In his voice Tweet, the 38-year-old also recalled his 12-year-long wait for his second gold medal win at the Paralympics and added that he is all set to wait another year for Tokyo Olympics, which has been postponed.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/TwitterIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TwitterIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/mBm423S54G">pic.twitter.com/mBm423S54G</a></p>
— Devendra Jhajharia (@DevJhajharia) <a href="https://twitter.com/DevJhajharia/status/1275016663881015298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Indian Paralympic athletes Niranjan Mukundan and Devendra Jhajharia optimised Twitter’s latest test feature, voice Tweets, to share how they are turning the tables on COVID-19 limitations that have brought sports to a halt and disrupted their regular training sessions.

Indian Paralympic athletes Niranjan Mukundan and Devendra Jhajharia optimised Twitter’s latest test feature, voice Tweets, to share how they are turning the tables on COVID-19 limitations that have brought sports to a halt and disrupted their regular training sessions. Para-swimmer and former Junior World Champion, Niranjan Mukundan, whose swimming prowess is well-known to all, is choosing to swim with the current and look at the brighter side of this lockdown experience. He is eating healthy and training at home; focussing on strength and conditioning, weight workouts and cardio. Commenting on the opportunity to share his experience using voice Tweets, Niranjan Mukundan said, “I love this new feature by Twitter. The voice Tweets will help everyone, especially the para-athletes. We have our own limitations when we have to type out a message. This feature is going to help us in expressing our views and words through our voice. It also lifts the barrier on the limited number of characters that we can capture in a Tweet. Kudos to Twitter for introducing this cool, new feature.” Twitter recently introduced voice Tweets experiment to test a new way to start a conversation. On iOS, people can now Tweet with their voice by following a few simple steps: hit compose Tweet, record audio, and attach it to the Tweet, that’s it. This new test allows people to create a more human experience. @TwitterIndia in love with this new feature 😍. pic.twitter.com/AZ9L25I7Ev — Niranjan_Mukundan (@SwimmerNiranjan) June 22, 2020 × The two-time Paralympic gold medallist javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia also spoke about finding new ways to carry on. With limited access to the outdoors, he is reinventing his training sessions with the resources available to him at home. For instance, he is incorporating the use of makeshift equipment such as gas cylinders in his training regime. In his voice Tweet, the 38-year-old also recalled his 12-year-long wait for his second gold medal win at the Paralympics and added that he is all set to wait another year for Tokyo Olympics, which has been postponed. @TwitterIndia pic.twitter.com/mBm423S54G — Devendra Jhajharia (@DevJhajharia) June 22, 2020 ×

Paralympians share their lockdown-induced practice routines using the new voice Tweets feature

<p>Former India opener and a stalwart in the domestic circuit, Wasim Jaffer has been appointed head coach of Uttarakhand cricket team for the 2020-21 domestic season. Jaffer signed a one-year deal with the Uttarakhand side in what will be his first stint as the head coach of a team.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>An exciting and challenging opportunity for me: Wasim Jaffer</strong></h2>

<p>“It is an exciting and challenging opportunity for me, something very new. Even though I have done coaching in some capacity be it Bangladesh or somewhere else, but to be a head coach of a team it will bring fresh challenges for me,” Jaffer told WION’s Subhayan Chakraborty.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jaffer, who is the highest run-getter in the history of Ranji Trophy, had announced his retirement in March 2020 as he drew curtains on a career spanning over two decades.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Uttarakhand has a talented bunch of players spearheaded by Tanmay Srivastava and Unmukt Chand and Jaffer’s role will not only be to put strong results in the books but also to guide players with his immense experience in international and domestic cricket.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/west-indies-complete-isolation-period-in-england-all-set-for-practice-match-307909" hreflang="en">West Indies complete isolation period in England, all set for practice match</a></strong></p>

<p>“Both the things are important, it is part and parcel of a coach’s job. I have heard many good things about Uttarakhand and they have a talented bunch of players. In 2018-19 season, they played the quarter-finals against us (Vidarbha), so I know a bit about them. The facilities are really good there, something which I really look forward to.</p>

<p>In my opinion, the first thing a team needs for improvement is the structure. The structure has to be good, look at how Vidarbha has utilized the academy and indoor facilities. Similarly, Uttarakhand has a good structure to work with. I want to improve the players, the team and I am looking forward to passing on my experience and knowledge to make them a better unit,” Jaffer explained.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Wasim Jaffer " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="47f766d1-0154-415e-9e38-96fc597754ee" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_Hkg960617.jpg" /></p>

<p>Coaching requirements have changed with cricket evolving with each passing day. Now, T20 cricket is given as much importance as Test cricket was given back in the day, and with that comes immense responsibility for a coach. And Jaffer, who knows the modern cricket thoroughly, is eager to leave his mark in his first stint as coach.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>"You need to be prepared for all three formats" - Wasim Jaffer</strong></h2>

<p>“It all depends, nowadays you need to be prepared for all three formats. Different formats demand&nbsp;different skill-set and temperament. I believe, as a player, you need to play all three formats and as a coach, my role would be to provide them with inputs to play all three formats of the game. They need to be prepared for all three formats. Batsman needs to be ready for four-day cricket, one-dayers and T20 and this is the same for the bowlers as they need to vary their variations according to the demand of the game. All three formats demand different challenges and my job will be to give them the best possible platform for it. The most important thing is that our process needs to be on point, preparation needs to be good and the results will follow,” Jaffer signed off.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-womens-t20-world-cup-2020-most-watched-womens-cricket-event-in-history-307714" hreflang="en">ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 most watched women's cricket event in history</a></strong></p>

<p>Uttarakhand, who had reached the quarter-finals of the Ranji 2018-19 season, failed to qualify for the knockouts in the 2019-20 season from Group C but would be looking to make a mark under Jaffer’s tutelage.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Former India opener and a stalwart in the domestic circuit, Wasim Jaffer has been appointed head coach of Uttarakhand cricket team for the 2020-21 domestic season.

Former India opener and a stalwart in the domestic circuit, Wasim Jaffer has been appointed head coach of Uttarakhand cricket team for the 2020-21 domestic season. Jaffer signed a one-year deal with the Uttarakhand side in what will be his first stint as the head coach of a team. An exciting and challenging opportunity for me: Wasim Jaffer “It is an exciting and challenging opportunity for me, something very new. Even though I have done coaching in some capacity be it Bangladesh or somewhere else, but to be a head coach of a team it will bring fresh challenges for me,” Jaffer told WION’s Subhayan Chakraborty. Jaffer, who is the highest run-getter in the history of Ranji Trophy, had announced his retirement in March 2020 as he drew curtains on a career spanning over two decades. Uttarakhand has a talented bunch of players spearheaded by Tanmay Srivastava and Unmukt Chand and Jaffer’s role will not only be to put strong results in the books but also to guide players with his immense experience in international and domestic cricket. ALSO READ: West Indies complete isolation period in England, all set for practice match “Both the things are important, it is part and parcel of a coach’s job. I have heard many good things about Uttarakhand and they have a talented bunch of players. In 2018-19 season, they played the quarter-finals against us (Vidarbha), so I know a bit about them. The facilities are really good there, something which I really look forward to. In my opinion, the first thing a team needs for improvement is the structure. The structure has to be good, look at how Vidarbha has utilized the academy and indoor facilities. Similarly, Uttarakhand has a good structure to work with. I want to improve the players, the team and I am looking forward to passing on my experience and knowledge to make them a better unit,” Jaffer explained. Coaching requirements have changed with cricket evolving with each passing day. Now, T20 cricket is given as much importance as Test cricket was given back in the day, and with that comes immense responsibility for a coach. And Jaffer, who knows the modern cricket thoroughly, is eager to leave his mark in his first stint as coach. "You need to be prepared for all three formats" - Wasim Jaffer “It all depends, nowadays you need to be prepared for all three formats. Different formats demand different skill-set and temperament. I believe, as a player, you need to play all three formats and as a coach, my role would be to provide them with inputs to play all three formats of the game. They need to be prepared for all three formats. Batsman needs to be ready for four-day cricket, one-dayers and T20 and this is the same for the bowlers as they need to vary their variations according to the demand of the game. All three formats demand different challenges and my job will be to give them the best possible platform for it. The most important thing is that our process needs to be on point, preparation needs to be good and the results will follow,” Jaffer signed off. ALSO READ: ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 most watched women's cricket event in history Uttarakhand, who had reached the quarter-finals of the Ranji 2018-19 season, failed to qualify for the knockouts in the 2019-20 season from Group C but would be looking to make a mark under Jaffer’s tutelage.

'Exciting and challenging opportunity' - Wasim Jaffer on being appointed as Uttarakhand's head coach

<p>The West Indies cricket squad on Monday completed its 14-day isolation period in England and will gear up for the next month’s Test series against the Joe Root-led outfit by playing a three-day internal friendly match in Manchester.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Windies have been in quarantine at Manchester’s Old Trafford cricket ground and nearby hotel since arriving in the United Kingdom on June 9. The three-match Test series is set to be the first international contest post the COVID-19 pandemic break.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/an-innovative-and-unique-way-to-scout-fresh-talents-307903" hreflang="en">An innovative and unique way to scout fresh talents</a></strong></p>

<p>The West Indies will play its first warm-up match on Tuesday while England’s 30-man behind the closed doors training group will report at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton and will be tested for COVID-19 on arrival with the support staff.</p>

<p>England will then isolate themselves in the hotel at the ground while waiting for the results before starting practising for the Test series on Tuesday with half the group training in the morning and another half in the afternoon.<br />
England will also take part in a three-day practise match starting July 1 following which the squad for the first Test will be announced. The first of the three matches starting July 8 will be called “#raisethebat series” in tribute to the NHS and frontline workers of the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistans-haider-ali-haris-rauf-and-shadab-khan-tested-covid-19-positive-ahead-of-england-tour-307795" hreflang="en">Pakistan's Haider Ali, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan tested COVID-19 positive ahead of England tour</a></strong></p>

<p>England will also wear training kits with names of key workers who have been nominated by local cricket clubs. The people named on the shirts include teachers, doctors, nurses, carers, social workers and other crucial professions, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The West Indies cricket squad on Monday completed its 14-day isolation period in England and will gear up for the next month’s Test series against the Joe Root-led outfit by playing a three-day internal friendly match in Manchester.

The West Indies cricket squad on Monday completed its 14-day isolation period in England and will gear up for the next month’s Test series against the Joe Root-led outfit by playing a three-day internal friendly match in Manchester. The Windies have been in quarantine at Manchester’s Old Trafford cricket ground and nearby hotel since arriving in the United Kingdom on June 9. The three-match Test series is set to be the first international contest post the COVID-19 pandemic break. ALSO READ: An innovative and unique way to scout fresh talents The West Indies will play its first warm-up match on Tuesday while England’s 30-man behind the closed doors training group will report at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton and will be tested for COVID-19 on arrival with the support staff. England will then isolate themselves in the hotel at the ground while waiting for the results before starting practising for the Test series on Tuesday with half the group training in the morning and another half in the afternoon. England will also take part in a three-day practise match starting July 1 following which the squad for the first Test will be announced. The first of the three matches starting July 8 will be called “#raisethebat series” in tribute to the NHS and frontline workers of the COVID-19 pandemic. ALSO READ: Pakistan's Haider Ali, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan tested COVID-19 positive ahead of England tour England will also wear training kits with names of key workers who have been nominated by local cricket clubs. The people named on the shirts include teachers, doctors, nurses, carers, social workers and other crucial professions, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced.

West Indies complete isolation period in England, all set for practice match

<p>The coronavirus pandemic left the sporting world to a standstill for more than three months. While European football has seen light at the end of tunnel, other sports are also gearing up for resumption with new SOPs and health protocols in place. While international sports have the backing of strong finance and state-of-art facilities, there is still an uncertainty to how and when sports at semi-pro or amateur level will commence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With travel restrictions and social distancing guidelines in place, there is a huge question mark to how scouts will work following the resumption of semi-pro and amateur sports, where the talents are unearthed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>SPORT.VIDEO started its platform to provide the best quality video highlights and footages from matches at grass-root levels with an aim to provide user-created content where players and entities can themselves share their profiles and videos for the ease of the scouts and sports fanatics. However, the COVID-19 has brought a certain level of uncertainty with it in relation to the resumption of sports at school, colleges and semi-pro level.</p>

<h2><strong>"The sports industry has evolved during the COVID-19 period"</strong></h2>

<p>“The sports industry has evolved during the COVID-19 period. We at Sport.Video believe that with our easy and user-friendly broadcasting interface all the users, fans and players will have better access to their sports footage. The fans are and will be a bit sceptic to attend the games in person, given the stringent social distancing norms in place. Therefore, Sport.Video offers new opportunities to the content creators as well as to the community which is happy to follow the content. With almost zero costs the users can attract a large spectrum of their fans and engage with potential new ones as the content being produced by Sport.Video app can reach a larger audience viz social media sharing and increase the value of the sport in general,” Ashish Sharma, designated partner at SPORT VIDEO LLP told WION.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><script type="text/javascript" src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/iframe-resizer/4.2.10/iframeResizer.min.js"></script><iframe frameborder="0" onload="iFrameResize()" scrolling="no" src="https://sport.video/embed-highlight/hungary-zsirkretak-vs-neymar-jr-and-friends-904024124/87219e81-2f5f-4c2c-9fcf-d2171a0fb60c" style="width: 100%;"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>With no sporting event at the grass-root level, organisations providing videos and scouting help through their portals have been affected massively. However, with the sporting world easing up in Europe, people are coming back to normalcy with bigger value than ever before.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When asked what sort of impact has the shutdown brought with itself, Ashish said: “Of course, when the governments do not permit any sporting events and also the amateurs and semi-professionals are not venturing out due to the pandemic, it definitely reflects in the number of views and visitors. Sport.Video has been impacted like most businesses. Some of the major grass-root level tournaments in India have been cancelled for this year. Sports is making a comeback, especially in Europe, where we are already seeing and measuring that there is much more interest and visits on the platform, as people appreciate new digital platforms and understand that sport has a bigger value than ever before. We are definitely looking forward to this change to happen in India as well. The full automatization process on our platform allows any user to stream their games in real-time and in a very useful way. The users do not have to spend any money on broadcasting their games, especially when the clubs and sports entities do not have adequate budgets and resources.”</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><script type="text/javascript" src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/iframe-resizer/4.2.10/iframeResizer.min.js"></script><iframe frameborder="0" onload="iFrameResize()" scrolling="no" src="https://sport.video/embed-game/post-sv-u14w-vs-navax-ahtc-u14w-904037818/46fa166e-48b0-4b3e-95c4-28e946b46a5d" style="width: 100%;"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Travel restrictions may bring scouts to video platforms in a bid to unearth new talents and it could be a feasible way to spot a youngster than travelling everywhere during the time of the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The level of scouting will definitely increase in the near future. As the countries are still closed, the scouting agents will definitely use more content generated from online solutions than travel in person. It’s also a very cost-effective way as it saves time, money, energy etc. Sport.Video solution offers a valuable solution for all parties involved within the scouting process. Sports entities can easily: &nbsp;create their content; the players can share it on their profiles and work with the videos; the scouts can easily access them just by clicking on the link. Our mission is combined with presenting amateur and semi-pro athletes in the same way as the pros,” Ashish continued.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><script type="text/javascript" src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/iframe-resizer/4.2.10/iframeResizer.min.js"></script><iframe frameborder="0" onload="iFrameResize()" scrolling="no" src="https://sport.video/embed-game/after-eight-fc-vs-ketto-fc-431000004/v3a560357c-b2c1-433b-83fa-ade2680d3a66" style="width: 100%;"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>“The main goal of our platform is to support the amateur and semi-pro sport around the world. We do not provide only a real-time technology with almost zero costs to the user, but with our future developments, we are going to create a new sports broadcasting ecosystem with attractive features for B2B and B2C. On the other hand, we support each user by providing Sport.Video as a new communication tool and a revenue generator. Every user is able to use our premium features which engage with their viewers and fans,” he added.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><script type="text/javascript" src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/iframe-resizer/4.2.10/iframeResizer.min.js"></script><iframe frameborder="0" onload="iFrameResize()" scrolling="no" src="https://sport.video/embed-game/estonia-vs-russia-904026457/baea786a-8c53-4bc3-a9ad-66f6ecef02ef" style="width: 100%;"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>With sports starting to unlock itself in many countries with others following suit, it is likely that the new norm will bring the scouts and talent spotters to the video world as the world of sports continues to evolve.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The coronavirus pandemic left the sporting world to a standstill for more than three months. While European football has seen light at the end of tunnel, other sports are also gearing up for resumption with new SOPs and health protocols in place.

The coronavirus pandemic left the sporting world to a standstill for more than three months. While European football has seen light at the end of tunnel, other sports are also gearing up for resumption with new SOPs and health protocols in place. While international sports have the backing of strong finance and state-of-art facilities, there is still an uncertainty to how and when sports at semi-pro or amateur level will commence. With travel restrictions and social distancing guidelines in place, there is a huge question mark to how scouts will work following the resumption of semi-pro and amateur sports, where the talents are unearthed. SPORT.VIDEO started its platform to provide the best quality video highlights and footages from matches at grass-root levels with an aim to provide user-created content where players and entities can themselves share their profiles and videos for the ease of the scouts and sports fanatics. However, the COVID-19 has brought a certain level of uncertainty with it in relation to the resumption of sports at school, colleges and semi-pro level. "The sports industry has evolved during the COVID-19 period" “The sports industry has evolved during the COVID-19 period. We at Sport.Video believe that with our easy and user-friendly broadcasting interface all the users, fans and players will have better access to their sports footage. The fans are and will be a bit sceptic to attend the games in person, given the stringent social distancing norms in place. Therefore, Sport.Video offers new opportunities to the content creators as well as to the community which is happy to follow the content. With almost zero costs the users can attract a large spectrum of their fans and engage with potential new ones as the content being produced by Sport.Video app can reach a larger audience viz social media sharing and increase the value of the sport in general,” Ashish Sharma, designated partner at SPORT VIDEO LLP told WION. × With no sporting event at the grass-root level, organisations providing videos and scouting help through their portals have been affected massively. However, with the sporting world easing up in Europe, people are coming back to normalcy with bigger value than ever before. When asked what sort of impact has the shutdown brought with itself, Ashish said: “Of course, when the governments do not permit any sporting events and also the amateurs and semi-professionals are not venturing out due to the pandemic, it definitely reflects in the number of views and visitors. Sport.Video has been impacted like most businesses. Some of the major grass-root level tournaments in India have been cancelled for this year. Sports is making a comeback, especially in Europe, where we are already seeing and measuring that there is much more interest and visits on the platform, as people appreciate new digital platforms and understand that sport has a bigger value than ever before. We are definitely looking forward to this change to happen in India as well. The full automatization process on our platform allows any user to stream their games in real-time and in a very useful way. The users do not have to spend any money on broadcasting their games, especially when the clubs and sports entities do not have adequate budgets and resources.” × Travel restrictions may bring scouts to video platforms in a bid to unearth new talents and it could be a feasible way to spot a youngster than travelling everywhere during the time of the pandemic. “The level of scouting will definitely increase in the near future. As the countries are still closed, the scouting agents will definitely use more content generated from online solutions than travel in person. It’s also a very cost-effective way as it saves time, money, energy etc. Sport.Video solution offers a valuable solution for all parties involved within the scouting process. Sports entities can easily: create their content; the players can share it on their profiles and work with the videos; the scouts can easily access them just by clicking on the link. Our mission is combined with presenting amateur and semi-pro athletes in the same way as the pros,” Ashish continued. × “The main goal of our platform is to support the amateur and semi-pro sport around the world. We do not provide only a real-time technology with almost zero costs to the user, but with our future developments, we are going to create a new sports broadcasting ecosystem with attractive features for B2B and B2C. On the other hand, we support each user by providing Sport.Video as a new communication tool and a revenue generator. Every user is able to use our premium features which engage with their viewers and fans,” he added. × With sports starting to unlock itself in many countries with others following suit, it is likely that the new norm will bring the scouts and talent spotters to the video world as the world of sports continues to evolve.

An innovative and unique way to scout fresh talents

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/wwe-news">The Monday Night Raw</a> this week brought a lot of twists in the tale with Rey Mysterio making his much-awaited comeback to the red brand of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/wwe-news">WWE</a>. Mysterio was joined by his son, Dominik in a bid to hurt Seth Rollins’ eye but missed out on the plan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Dolph Ziggler also moved to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/wwe-news">Monday Night Raw</a> and will face the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/wwe-news">WWE</a> Champion, Drew McIntyre at the Extreme Rules in what will be a battle between the former tag-team partners. Ric Flair also appeared on RAW and called Randy Orton the best performer in WWE.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wwe-news-the-undertaker-announces-retirement-emotional-fans-wwe-superstars-pay-tribute-to-deadman-Undertaker-news-307609" hreflang="en">The Undertaker announces retirement; emotional fans, WWE Superstars pay tribute to 'Deadman'</a></strong></p>

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/wwe-news">WWE Raw</a> Results, June 22:</h2>

<p><strong>Street Profits vs Viking Raiders –</strong> With WWE Raw Tag Team titles on the line, Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins defeated the Viking Raiders in what could be termed as a perfect start to the show. While the four WWE Superstars were embracing each other after the match, Andrade and Angel Garza attacked the tag team champions hinting a possible match soon.</p>

<p><strong>Asuka vs Charlotte Flair –</strong> Asuka defeated Charlotte by pinfall as she continued her impeccable title run. Whether Charlotte will get another shot at the belt is to be seen.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>R-Truth vs Akira Tozawa – </strong>R-Truth’s title run came to an end with Tozawa winning the match for the 24/7 championship. It was Bobby Lashley who attacked Truth but interestingly, he attacked Tozawa’s Ninjas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Natalya vs Liv Morgan – </strong>Natalya finally turned heel after registering a win on Raw against Liv Morgan. Lana helped out Natalya by causing distraction in the final moments.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Sasha Banks and Bayley vs The IIconics –</strong> The IIconics failed to win the match while giving away another chance to win the Tag Team titles. Following the match, Asuka confirmed she would be defending her title against Sasha Banks.</p>

<p><strong>Apollo Crews vs Shelton Benjamin –</strong> Apollo Crews continues to cruise with another victory as he registered a clean win over Shelton Benjamin. Crews was attacked by Lashley after the match hinting a possible rivalry in future.</p>


The Monday Night Raw this week brought a lot of twists in the tale with Rey Mysterio making his much-awaited comeback to the red brand of the WWE. Mysterio was joined by his son, Dominik in a bid to hurt Seth Rollins’ eye but missed out on the plan.

The Monday Night Raw this week brought a lot of twists in the tale with Rey Mysterio making his much-awaited comeback to the red brand of the WWE. Mysterio was joined by his son, Dominik in a bid to hurt Seth Rollins’ eye but missed out on the plan. Meanwhile, Dolph Ziggler also moved to the Monday Night Raw and will face the WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre at the Extreme Rules in what will be a battle between the former tag-team partners. Ric Flair also appeared on RAW and called Randy Orton the best performer in WWE. ALSO READ: The Undertaker announces retirement; emotional fans, WWE Superstars pay tribute to 'Deadman' WWE Raw Results, June 22: Street Profits vs Viking Raiders – With WWE Raw Tag Team titles on the line, Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins defeated the Viking Raiders in what could be termed as a perfect start to the show. While the four WWE Superstars were embracing each other after the match, Andrade and Angel Garza attacked the tag team champions hinting a possible match soon. Asuka vs Charlotte Flair – Asuka defeated Charlotte by pinfall as she continued her impeccable title run. Whether Charlotte will get another shot at the belt is to be seen. R-Truth vs Akira Tozawa – R-Truth’s title run came to an end with Tozawa winning the match for the 24/7 championship. It was Bobby Lashley who attacked Truth but interestingly, he attacked Tozawa’s Ninjas. Natalya vs Liv Morgan – Natalya finally turned heel after registering a win on Raw against Liv Morgan. Lana helped out Natalya by causing distraction in the final moments. Sasha Banks and Bayley vs The IIconics – The IIconics failed to win the match while giving away another chance to win the Tag Team titles. Following the match, Asuka confirmed she would be defending her title against Sasha Banks. Apollo Crews vs Shelton Benjamin – Apollo Crews continues to cruise with another victory as he registered a clean win over Shelton Benjamin. Crews was attacked by Lashley after the match hinting a possible rivalry in future.

WWE Raw Highlights and Results: Seth Rollins escapes Rey Mysterio, Dominik attack; Dolph Ziggler traded

<p>Liverpool will need favours from Manchester City to clinch a first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> title in 30 years this week after being held to a 0-0 draw by Everton in a Merseyside derby without the usual fervour behind closed doors on Sunday.</p>

<p>Everton came the closest to breaking the deadlock as Tom Davies struck the post and Alisson Becker saved from Dominic Calvert-Lewin to deny the Blues a first derby win in 10 years.</p>

<p>Liverpool remain well on course to win the league with a 23-point lead over City at the top of the table.</p>

<p>The Reds could clinch the title on home soil against Crystal Palace on Wednesday should Pep Guardiola's men drop points at home to Burnley on Monday.</p>

<p>However, if City beat the Clarets and Chelsea on Thursday, Liverpool's next chance will come when they travel to their closest challengers on July 2.</p>

<p>"Both teams showed they understand it is a derby even without fans," said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. "Intense, physical, all players were all in."</p>

<p>The visitors began a derby like no other in the unfamiliar surroundings of a Portakabin in the Goodison Park car park before making their entrance from the opposite end of the ground to their hosts as Everton's tight tunnel leaves little room for social distancing.</p>

<p>"Everyone didn't know really what to expect," said Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk. "It was just good to be back out there."</p>

<h2>- 'Bizarre' atmosphere -</h2>

<p>As with all matches since the Premier League's restart, players and officials took a knee prior to kick-off, but Liverpool's Sadio Mane was caught unaware as he made a brief dash down the wing before returning to join his teammates.</p>

<p>Another consistent feature during the first full weekend of Premier League action since March was a slow start as both sides adjusted to the new surroundings of empty stands.</p>

<p>"It was strange," said Calvert-Lewin. "Playing with no fans it was a little bit bizarre with a game of this magnitude. Normally the place is bouncing so it was hard to get used to at first."</p>

<p>Klopp left Mohamed Salah on the bench for the full 90 minutes due to a minor injury problem.</p>

<p>Without the Egyptian and Andy Robertson's positive runs from left-back, Liverpool lacked their usual dynamism as they struggled to break the hosts down.</p>

<p>"We didn't have enough chances for the possession we had," added Klopp. "We have to be more clear in the right moment."</p>

<p>Roberto Firmino dragged the Reds best chance of the game wide in the first half, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fabinho tested Jordan Pickford with free-kicks.</p>

<p>But the longer the game went on, it was Everton who looked the more likely side to score on the counter-attack.</p>

<p>Richarlison fired a warning shot as he blazed over after getting in behind.</p>

<p>Calvert-Lewin's improvised flick then forced Allison into a fine save and Davies's follow-up effort came back off the post.</p>

<p>Calvert-Lewin then headed just wide from the resulting corner and Allison stood tall to deny Richarlison again as Everton scented a first derby victory in 22 attempts.</p>

<p>"We had two or three opportunities to score. We were a little bit unlucky," said Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti.</p>

<p>But both had to settle for a point as Liverpool failed to win in the Premier League for only the third time this season.</p>


Liverpool will need favours from Manchester City to clinch a first Premier League title in 30 years this week after being held to a 0-0 draw by Everton in a Merseyside derby without the usual fervour behind closed doors on Sunday.

Liverpool will need favours from Manchester City to clinch a first Premier League title in 30 years this week after being held to a 0-0 draw by Everton in a Merseyside derby without the usual fervour behind closed doors on Sunday. Everton came the closest to breaking the deadlock as Tom Davies struck the post and Alisson Becker saved from Dominic Calvert-Lewin to deny the Blues a first derby win in 10 years. Liverpool remain well on course to win the league with a 23-point lead over City at the top of the table. The Reds could clinch the title on home soil against Crystal Palace on Wednesday should Pep Guardiola's men drop points at home to Burnley on Monday. However, if City beat the Clarets and Chelsea on Thursday, Liverpool's next chance will come when they travel to their closest challengers on July 2. "Both teams showed they understand it is a derby even without fans," said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. "Intense, physical, all players were all in." The visitors began a derby like no other in the unfamiliar surroundings of a Portakabin in the Goodison Park car park before making their entrance from the opposite end of the ground to their hosts as Everton's tight tunnel leaves little room for social distancing. "Everyone didn't know really what to expect," said Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk. "It was just good to be back out there." - 'Bizarre' atmosphere - As with all matches since the Premier League's restart, players and officials took a knee prior to kick-off, but Liverpool's Sadio Mane was caught unaware as he made a brief dash down the wing before returning to join his teammates. Another consistent feature during the first full weekend of Premier League action since March was a slow start as both sides adjusted to the new surroundings of empty stands. "It was strange," said Calvert-Lewin. "Playing with no fans it was a little bit bizarre with a game of this magnitude. Normally the place is bouncing so it was hard to get used to at first." Klopp left Mohamed Salah on the bench for the full 90 minutes due to a minor injury problem. Without the Egyptian and Andy Robertson's positive runs from left-back, Liverpool lacked their usual dynamism as they struggled to break the hosts down. "We didn't have enough chances for the possession we had," added Klopp. "We have to be more clear in the right moment." Roberto Firmino dragged the Reds best chance of the game wide in the first half, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fabinho tested Jordan Pickford with free-kicks. But the longer the game went on, it was Everton who looked the more likely side to score on the counter-attack. Richarlison fired a warning shot as he blazed over after getting in behind. Calvert-Lewin's improvised flick then forced Allison into a fine save and Davies's follow-up effort came back off the post. Calvert-Lewin then headed just wide from the resulting corner and Allison stood tall to deny Richarlison again as Everton scented a first derby victory in 22 attempts. "We had two or three opportunities to score. We were a little bit unlucky," said Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti. But both had to settle for a point as Liverpool failed to win in the Premier League for only the third time this season.

Liverpool look for Man City favours after derby deadlock

<p>Grigor Dimitrov said on Sunday he has tested positive for coronavirus after pulling out of an exhibition tournament which also featured world number one Novak Djokovic.</p>

<p>"I want to reach out and let my fans and friends know that I tested positive back in Monaco for Covid-19," world number 19 Dimitrov wrote on Instagram.</p>

<p>"I am so sorry for any harm I might have caused. I am back home now and recovering."</p>

<p>Last weekend, Dimitrov, 29, took part in the Adria Tour event in Belgrade with Djokovic, world number three Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev, ranked seven.</p>

<p>He also played in the second leg of the Balkans tournament in Zadar on Croatia's Adriatic coast on Saturday.</p>

<p>However, he withdrew after losing to Borna Coric, complaining of feeling unwell.</p>

<p>Later on Sunday, the final between Djokovic and Russia's Andrey Rublev was immediately cancelled as a precaution.</p>

<p>"This is the best possible decision. We have to take care about security of all involved," former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, the tournament director of the Zadar event, said in remarks quoted by local media.</p>

<p>"Those who were in contact with Grigor will be tested. I tested by chance three days ago and I'm negative."</p>

<p>Zverev and former US Open winner Marin Cilic were also in the Croatia line-up.</p>

<p>"I want to make sure anyone who has been in contact with me during these past days gets tested and takes the necessary precautions," added Dimitrov.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>- 'Novak took news very hard' -</h2>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Djokovic's brother Djordje, who is the overall tournament director, told Sportske Novosti daily paper online edition: "Novak? He took this news very hard. We undertook all the measures prescribed by the governments of Serbia and Croatia."</p>

<p>Bulgarian Dimitrov is a former world number three who was the ATP Tour Finals champion in 2017, one of his eight career titles.</p>

<p>The Adria Tour, organised to fill the gap in the virus-hit tennis calendar which has been on ice since mid-March, played out to a daily crowd of 4,000 fans at Djokovic's tennis centre on the banks of the Danube in Belgrade last week.</p>

<p>Dimitrov, Djokovic and Thiem, as well as the other players, were then seen partying at a packed Belgrade night spot.</p>

<p>Thiem has since travelled to the south of France to play in another exhibition tournament, the Ultimate Tennis Showdown in Nice.</p>

<p>On Sunday, tournament chief Patrick Mouratoglou, the coach of Serena Williams, tweeted a picture of Thiem undergoing a coronavirus test at the event being staged at his tennis academy.</p>

<p>The Adria Tour had already suffered an embarrassing setback when the planned Montenegro leg of the four-nation tournament was cancelled over coronavirus protocol rules.</p>

<p>Montenegro was due to be the third stop on June 27 and 28 after Croatia and before the conclusion in Bosnia.</p>

<p>But organisers said the visit to Montenegro had to be called off when it became apparent Serbia did not match strict health requirements.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, asked to comment on social distancing measures during the Belgrade leg, Djokovic said both Serbia and the region had been relatively successful in containing the virus.</p>

<p>"Of course you can criticise, you can also say this is dangerous or not, but it's not up to me to make the calls what is health-wise right or wrong," the 17-time Grand Slam winner told reporters, stressing he was acting in line with recommendations of the Serbian government.</p>

<p>Last week, the ATP and WTA said they were restarting their tours in August.</p>

<p>However, the US Open in New York will be played behind closed doors and under strict health protocols which Djokovic has described as "extreme" and "impossible".</p>

<p>The drama surrounding Dimitrov's test brought sympathy but also questions from fellow players.</p>

<p>"While watching images from the Adria Tour, I kind of felt that something was really wrong. Am I the only one? Is it a consequence of it? Get better soon Grigor," tweeted French player Alize Cornet.</p>

<p>Noah Rubin of the US added: "It's just not okay. Reckless and disappointing that they thought tennis deserved the risk."</p>


Grigor Dimitrov said on Sunday he has tested positive for coronavirus after pulling out of an exhibition tournament which also featured world number one Novak Djokovic.

Grigor Dimitrov said on Sunday he has tested positive for coronavirus after pulling out of an exhibition tournament which also featured world number one Novak Djokovic. "I want to reach out and let my fans and friends know that I tested positive back in Monaco for Covid-19," world number 19 Dimitrov wrote on Instagram. "I am so sorry for any harm I might have caused. I am back home now and recovering." Last weekend, Dimitrov, 29, took part in the Adria Tour event in Belgrade with Djokovic, world number three Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev, ranked seven. He also played in the second leg of the Balkans tournament in Zadar on Croatia's Adriatic coast on Saturday. However, he withdrew after losing to Borna Coric, complaining of feeling unwell. Later on Sunday, the final between Djokovic and Russia's Andrey Rublev was immediately cancelled as a precaution. "This is the best possible decision. We have to take care about security of all involved," former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, the tournament director of the Zadar event, said in remarks quoted by local media. "Those who were in contact with Grigor will be tested. I tested by chance three days ago and I'm negative." Zverev and former US Open winner Marin Cilic were also in the Croatia line-up. "I want to make sure anyone who has been in contact with me during these past days gets tested and takes the necessary precautions," added Dimitrov. - 'Novak took news very hard' - Djokovic's brother Djordje, who is the overall tournament director, told Sportske Novosti daily paper online edition: "Novak? He took this news very hard. We undertook all the measures prescribed by the governments of Serbia and Croatia." Bulgarian Dimitrov is a former world number three who was the ATP Tour Finals champion in 2017, one of his eight career titles. The Adria Tour, organised to fill the gap in the virus-hit tennis calendar which has been on ice since mid-March, played out to a daily crowd of 4,000 fans at Djokovic's tennis centre on the banks of the Danube in Belgrade last week. Dimitrov, Djokovic and Thiem, as well as the other players, were then seen partying at a packed Belgrade night spot. Thiem has since travelled to the south of France to play in another exhibition tournament, the Ultimate Tennis Showdown in Nice. On Sunday, tournament chief Patrick Mouratoglou, the coach of Serena Williams, tweeted a picture of Thiem undergoing a coronavirus test at the event being staged at his tennis academy. The Adria Tour had already suffered an embarrassing setback when the planned Montenegro leg of the four-nation tournament was cancelled over coronavirus protocol rules. Montenegro was due to be the third stop on June 27 and 28 after Croatia and before the conclusion in Bosnia. But organisers said the visit to Montenegro had to be called off when it became apparent Serbia did not match strict health requirements. Meanwhile, asked to comment on social distancing measures during the Belgrade leg, Djokovic said both Serbia and the region had been relatively successful in containing the virus. "Of course you can criticise, you can also say this is dangerous or not, but it's not up to me to make the calls what is health-wise right or wrong," the 17-time Grand Slam winner told reporters, stressing he was acting in line with recommendations of the Serbian government. Last week, the ATP and WTA said they were restarting their tours in August. However, the US Open in New York will be played behind closed doors and under strict health protocols which Djokovic has described as "extreme" and "impossible". The drama surrounding Dimitrov's test brought sympathy but also questions from fellow players. "While watching images from the Adria Tour, I kind of felt that something was really wrong. Am I the only one? Is it a consequence of it? Get better soon Grigor," tweeted French player Alize Cornet. Noah Rubin of the US added: "It's just not okay. Reckless and disappointing that they thought tennis deserved the risk."

'I'm so sorry': Dimitrov tests positive for coronavirus after playing in Djokovic event

<p>The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday confirmed three players – Haider Ali, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan – have tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of Pakistan’s tour to England. The players were asymptomatic until they were tested for coronavirus in Rawalpindi on Sunday.</p>

<p>The PCB medical panel is in touch with Ali, Haris and Shadab and the trio have been advised to go into self-isolation immediately. Whereas, Imad Wasim and Usman Shinwari were screened in Rawalpindi and the results have come negative. The duo will travel to Lahore on June 24.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-south-africa-announces-seven-coronavirus-cases-307776" hreflang="en">Cricket South Africa announces seven coronavirus cases</a></strong></p>

<p>All the other players and team officials, barring Cliffe Deacon, Shoaib Malik and Waqar Younis, underwent coronavirus tests at their respective centres in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar on Monday. The results are expected to come on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On June 12, PCB had announced an extended 29-man squad for the three Tests against England slated to be played in August and September.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-womens-t20-world-cup-2020-most-watched-womens-cricket-event-in-history-307714" hreflang="en">ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 most-watched women's cricket event in history</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan 29-player squad for England tour:</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Openers (4) –</strong> Abid Ali (Sindh, Lahore Qalandars), Fakhar Zaman (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Lahore Qalandars), Imam-ul-Haq (Balochistan, Peshawar Zalmi) and Shan Masood (Southern Punjab, Multan Sultans)</p>

<p><strong>Middle-order batsmen (9) – </strong>Azhar Ali (captain) (Central Punjab), Babar Azam (Test vice-captain and T20I captain) (Central Punjab, Karachi Kings), Asad Shafiq (Sindh, Multan Sultans), Fawad Alam (Sindh), <strong>Haider Ali (Northern, Peshawar Zalmi)</strong>, Iftikhar Ahmad (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Karachi Kings), Khushdil Shah (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Multan Sultans), Mohammad Hafeez (Southern Punjab, Lahore Qalandars) and Shoaib Malik (Southern Punjab, Peshawar Zalmi)</p>

<p><strong>Wicketkeepers (2) -</strong> Mohammad Rizwan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Karachi Kings) and Sarfaraz Ahmed (Sindh, Quetta Gladiators)</p>

<p><strong>Fast bowlers (10) –</strong> Faheem Ashraf (Central Punjab, Islamabad United), <strong>Haris Rauf (Northern, Lahore Qalandars),</strong> Imran Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Abbas (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Hasnain (Sindh, Quetta Gladiators), Naseem Shah (Central Punjab, Quetta Gladiators), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Northern, Lahore Qalandars), Sohail Khan (Sindh, Quetta Gladiators), Usman Shinwari (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Lahore Qalandars) and Wahab Riaz (Southern Punjab, Peshawar Zalmi)</p>

<p><strong>Spinners (4) – </strong>Imad Wasim (Northern, Karachi Kings), Kashif Bhatti (Sindh),<strong> Shadab Khan (Northern, Islamabad United)</strong> and Yasir Shah (Balochistan, Peshawar Zalmi).</p>


The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday confirmed three players – Haider Ali, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan – have tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of Pakistan’s tour to England.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday confirmed three players – Haider Ali, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan – have tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of Pakistan’s tour to England. The players were asymptomatic until they were tested for coronavirus in Rawalpindi on Sunday. The PCB medical panel is in touch with Ali, Haris and Shadab and the trio have been advised to go into self-isolation immediately. Whereas, Imad Wasim and Usman Shinwari were screened in Rawalpindi and the results have come negative. The duo will travel to Lahore on June 24. ALSO READ: Cricket South Africa announces seven coronavirus cases All the other players and team officials, barring Cliffe Deacon, Shoaib Malik and Waqar Younis, underwent coronavirus tests at their respective centres in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar on Monday. The results are expected to come on Tuesday. On June 12, PCB had announced an extended 29-man squad for the three Tests against England slated to be played in August and September. ALSO READ: ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 most-watched women's cricket event in history Pakistan 29-player squad for England tour: Openers (4) – Abid Ali (Sindh, Lahore Qalandars), Fakhar Zaman (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Lahore Qalandars), Imam-ul-Haq (Balochistan, Peshawar Zalmi) and Shan Masood (Southern Punjab, Multan Sultans) Middle-order batsmen (9) – Azhar Ali (captain) (Central Punjab), Babar Azam (Test vice-captain and T20I captain) (Central Punjab, Karachi Kings), Asad Shafiq (Sindh, Multan Sultans), Fawad Alam (Sindh), Haider Ali (Northern, Peshawar Zalmi), Iftikhar Ahmad (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Karachi Kings), Khushdil Shah (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Multan Sultans), Mohammad Hafeez (Southern Punjab, Lahore Qalandars) and Shoaib Malik (Southern Punjab, Peshawar Zalmi) Wicketkeepers (2) - Mohammad Rizwan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Karachi Kings) and Sarfaraz Ahmed (Sindh, Quetta Gladiators) Fast bowlers (10) – Faheem Ashraf (Central Punjab, Islamabad United), Haris Rauf (Northern, Lahore Qalandars), Imran Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Abbas (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Hasnain (Sindh, Quetta Gladiators), Naseem Shah (Central Punjab, Quetta Gladiators), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Northern, Lahore Qalandars), Sohail Khan (Sindh, Quetta Gladiators), Usman Shinwari (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Lahore Qalandars) and Wahab Riaz (Southern Punjab, Peshawar Zalmi) Spinners (4) – Imad Wasim (Northern, Karachi Kings), Kashif Bhatti (Sindh), Shadab Khan (Northern, Islamabad United) and Yasir Shah (Balochistan, Peshawar Zalmi).

Pakistan's Haider Ali, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan tested COVID-19 positive ahead of England tour

<p>Jose Mourinho strongly defended his record of getting the best from top strikers on Monday after criticism the Portuguese manager's style could see Harry Kane look for pastures new.</p>

<p>Kane played his first game for six months in Tottenham's 1-1 draw against Manchester United on Friday, but failed to get a single touch in the opposition box.</p>

<p>Mourinho's tactics were again in the spotlight as Spurs tried to hold onto a 1-0 lead for most of the second half before Bruno Fernandes's penalty secured a point for United.</p>

<p>Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson said he "worried" for Kane under Mourinho and a lack of trophies could also force the England captain to move on.</p>

<p>Mourinho addressed Merson personally during a videoconference ahead of Tuesday's clash with West Ham and reeled off a list of statistics detailing the scoring rates of Didier Drogba, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Diego Milito and Zlatan Ibrahimovic during his time in charge of Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan.</p>

<p>Kane scored seven goals in 10 games following Mourinho's appointment before tearing his hamstring on New Year's Day.</p>

<p>"Harry Kane has no problems at all to score goals in my team," said Mourinho.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Especially when he is fit, when is fresh, when he has routines of playing that's my message to somebody."</p>

<p>Mourinho was also criticised for leaving a visibly tiring Kane on the field for the full 90 minutes last week.</p>

<p>Spurs wilted in the final quarter as Mourinho made just two of five allotted substitution compared with United's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who used his full complement.</p>

<p>Mourinho bemoaned his lack of options from the bench, with Dele Alli suspended and Lucas Moura injured.</p>

<p>Alli and Lucas will be available for selection against West Ham and Mourinho is looking forward to having six attacking players to choose from for the first time as Tottenham boss.</p>

<p>"(Steven) Bergwijn and (Erik) Lamela, Lucas and Son (Heung-min), Dele and Harry, six attacking players, all different, all very good and it is the first time I have all of them available, which is the kind of problem which we coaches love."</p>


Jose Mourinho strongly defended his record of getting the best from top strikers on Monday after criticism the Portuguese manager's style could see Harry Kane look for pastures new.

Jose Mourinho strongly defended his record of getting the best from top strikers on Monday after criticism the Portuguese manager's style could see Harry Kane look for pastures new. Kane played his first game for six months in Tottenham's 1-1 draw against Manchester United on Friday, but failed to get a single touch in the opposition box. Mourinho's tactics were again in the spotlight as Spurs tried to hold onto a 1-0 lead for most of the second half before Bruno Fernandes's penalty secured a point for United. Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson said he "worried" for Kane under Mourinho and a lack of trophies could also force the England captain to move on. Mourinho addressed Merson personally during a videoconference ahead of Tuesday's clash with West Ham and reeled off a list of statistics detailing the scoring rates of Didier Drogba, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Diego Milito and Zlatan Ibrahimovic during his time in charge of Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan. Kane scored seven goals in 10 games following Mourinho's appointment before tearing his hamstring on New Year's Day. "Harry Kane has no problems at all to score goals in my team," said Mourinho. "Especially when he is fit, when is fresh, when he has routines of playing that's my message to somebody." Mourinho was also criticised for leaving a visibly tiring Kane on the field for the full 90 minutes last week. Spurs wilted in the final quarter as Mourinho made just two of five allotted substitution compared with United's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who used his full complement. Mourinho bemoaned his lack of options from the bench, with Dele Alli suspended and Lucas Moura injured. Alli and Lucas will be available for selection against West Ham and Mourinho is looking forward to having six attacking players to choose from for the first time as Tottenham boss. "(Steven) Bergwijn and (Erik) Lamela, Lucas and Son (Heung-min), Dele and Harry, six attacking players, all different, all very good and it is the first time I have all of them available, which is the kind of problem which we coaches love."

Mourinho insists Kane will thrive on his watch

<p>Cricket South Africa (CSA) revealed on Monday that seven people within the organisation had tested positive for coronavirus, raising questions over the sport's potential return to action in the country.</p>

<p>The acting chief executive of South African cricket's governing body, Jacques Faul, said more than 100 tests had been conducted within the organisation, and theu had included players and support staff.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The number of seven is actually quite low," said Faul, who added CSA's medical and ethical protocol prevented him from revealing the identity of those who had tested positive.</p>

<p>The announced cases of COVID-19 are likely to further delay the resumption of the sport in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A three-team event was scheduled for this coming Saturday involving 24 leading players. It was due to be South Africa's first televised sporting event since the country went into lockdown in March.</p>

<p>It was announced last Saturday the competition had been postponed because it had not yet been approved by the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Faul said on Monday CSA had been "a little ambitious" in announcing the date, especially as Centurion, where the match was due to be played, is considered a virus "hot spot".</p>

<p>Faul said no new date had yet been decided and it was possible the venue would be changed.</p>

<p>The news compounds a bad weekend for South African cricket after it emerged that CSA had been criticised by sports minister Nathi Mthethwa during a parliamentary briefing over the appointment of three white men –- Faul, director of cricket Graeme Smith and national team head coach Mark Boucher –- to key positions.</p>

<p>According to local media reports, Mthethwa said he felt "insulted" when CSA president Chris Nenzani told him the appointments had been made on merit.</p>


Cricket South Africa (CSA) revealed on Monday that seven people within the organisation had tested positive for coronavirus, raising questions over the sport's potential return to action in the country.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) revealed on Monday that seven people within the organisation had tested positive for coronavirus, raising questions over the sport's potential return to action in the country. The acting chief executive of South African cricket's governing body, Jacques Faul, said more than 100 tests had been conducted within the organisation, and theu had included players and support staff. "The number of seven is actually quite low," said Faul, who added CSA's medical and ethical protocol prevented him from revealing the identity of those who had tested positive. The announced cases of COVID-19 are likely to further delay the resumption of the sport in the country. A three-team event was scheduled for this coming Saturday involving 24 leading players. It was due to be South Africa's first televised sporting event since the country went into lockdown in March. It was announced last Saturday the competition had been postponed because it had not yet been approved by the government. Faul said on Monday CSA had been "a little ambitious" in announcing the date, especially as Centurion, where the match was due to be played, is considered a virus "hot spot". Faul said no new date had yet been decided and it was possible the venue would be changed. The news compounds a bad weekend for South African cricket after it emerged that CSA had been criticised by sports minister Nathi Mthethwa during a parliamentary briefing over the appointment of three white men –- Faul, director of cricket Graeme Smith and national team head coach Mark Boucher –- to key positions. According to local media reports, Mthethwa said he felt "insulted" when CSA president Chris Nenzani told him the appointments had been made on merit.

Cricket South Africa announces seven coronavirus cases

<p>Tennis world was back to life after successful completion of the first leg of Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour last week. Following the successful completion of the Adria Tour, elite tennis stars including Djokovic, Alexader Zverev, Dominic Thiem and Grigor Dimitrov were seen celebrating in a nightclub in Belgrade.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Tour was set-up by Djokovic in the Balkans to give fans a taste of what they were missing with the tennis season suspended.</p>

<p><img alt="Novak Djokovic" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7334806e-218e-441f-a358-7e549cc0c8ac" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1TG3NM.jpg" /></p>

<p>So no social distancing, players embracing at the net, ball kids on the courts – it was business as usual. Some would say it was an alternate reality that was pushing fate. The coronavirus has hit back with both Grigor Dimitrov and Borna Coric tested positive for the dreaded virus and the Tour has been called off.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/croatias-coric-tests-positive-for-covid-19-307688" hreflang="en">Croatia's Coric tests positive for COVID-19</a></strong></p>

<p>“We are really sorry, we tried our best to respect all measures, and we did respect all measures imposed by the governments of Serbia and Croatia. From our side, we did all we could but Grigor is unfortunately positive. At this moment we are organising all medical services to check all people who have been in contact with Grigor, they will all be tested,” said Djorde Djokovic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And those test results could spell trouble for Djokovic, who faced Coric on Saturday in the second lef of the Tour in Croatia. According to reports, Djokovic’s fitness trainer and coach have tested positive for COVID-19 as well.</p>

<p><img alt="Grigor Dimitrov" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fca6a497-1120-4bdb-9ca0-988848ce8b91" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1TG19G.jpg" /></p>

<p>Adding to the anxiety is a backlash against Djokovic who also heads the ATP player council with nick Keerios, Alize Cornet and Noah Rubin slamming the decision to cock a snook at the coronavirus.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️ Boneheaded decision to go ahead with the ‘exhibition’ speedy recovery fellas, but that’s what happens when you disregard all protocols. This IS NOT A JOKE. <a href="https://t.co/SUdxfijkbK">https://t.co/SUdxfijkbK</a></p>
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1274971571363344386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">These are the people I feel I am fighting against, which is why I don’t answer every tweet. Some don’t deserve responses. Wake up. <a href="https://t.co/htNIGoGUWk">pic.twitter.com/htNIGoGUWk</a></p>
— Noah Rubin (@Noahrubin33) <a href="https://twitter.com/Noahrubin33/status/1274877238836592642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://t.co/egVyfJAS6H">pic.twitter.com/egVyfJAS6H</a></p>
— Alexander Zverev (@AlexZverev) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexZverev/status/1275031791263535105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">While watching images from the Adria Tour, I kind of felt that something was really wrong... Am I the only one ? Is it a consequence of it ?<br />
Get better soon Grigor 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/GKfouQ5hwF">https://t.co/GKfouQ5hwF</a></p>
— Alize Cornet (@alizecornet) <a href="https://twitter.com/alizecornet/status/1274794894075334664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bulgarian-tennis-player-grigor-dimitrov-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-307575" hreflang="en">Bulgarian tennis player Grigor Dimitrov tests positive for coronavirus</a></strong></p>

<p>And it’s not just Djokovic who is facing the wrath of the pandemic. Serbian football champions Red Star Belgrade have announced that 5 players have tested positive for the virus. This comes 12 days after their match against Partizan Belgrade with over 16,000 fans in attendance.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Red Star Belgrade" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9158b103-0ca0-4b4f-980c-e09e746a9b58" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1T83EL.jpg" /></p>

<p>With cases declining, the Serbian government had relaxed lockdown measures in the country but clearly the decision to allow fans now seems ill-conceived</p>

<p>Whereas, New Zealand celebrated the end of the battle against the pandemic with 43,000 fans packing Eden Park in Auckland for a rugby game a few days ago.</p>

<p>And now fresh cases have emerged in the country again which have seen Jacinda Ardern’s government impose border controls again&nbsp;</p>

<p>With no vaccine in sight, the coronavirus cannot be wished away. And yet certain sporting bodies do not seem to have received the memo. Any event with large crowds is a magnet for the virus to strike again.</p>

<p>The German Bundesliga is nearing a month since resumption but strict protocols and social distancing have ensured no untoward incidents.</p>

<p>A ghostly silence has greeted television audiences who have tuned into the resumption of La Liga and the Premier League but if sport is to endure and battle back then empty stadiums are the new normal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is no time to play Russian roulette. The pandemic has just reminded us that it hasn’t thrown in the towel.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Tennis world was back to life after successful completion of the first leg of Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour last week. Following the successful completion of the Adria Tour, elite tennis stars including Djokovic, Alexader Zverev, Dominic Thiem and Grigor Dimitrov were seen celebrating in a nightclub in Belgrade.

Tennis world was back to life after successful completion of the first leg of Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour last week. Following the successful completion of the Adria Tour, elite tennis stars including Djokovic, Alexader Zverev, Dominic Thiem and Grigor Dimitrov were seen celebrating in a nightclub in Belgrade. The Tour was set-up by Djokovic in the Balkans to give fans a taste of what they were missing with the tennis season suspended. So no social distancing, players embracing at the net, ball kids on the courts – it was business as usual. Some would say it was an alternate reality that was pushing fate. The coronavirus has hit back with both Grigor Dimitrov and Borna Coric tested positive for the dreaded virus and the Tour has been called off. ALSO READ: Croatia's Coric tests positive for COVID-19 “We are really sorry, we tried our best to respect all measures, and we did respect all measures imposed by the governments of Serbia and Croatia. From our side, we did all we could but Grigor is unfortunately positive. At this moment we are organising all medical services to check all people who have been in contact with Grigor, they will all be tested,” said Djorde Djokovic. And those test results could spell trouble for Djokovic, who faced Coric on Saturday in the second lef of the Tour in Croatia. According to reports, Djokovic’s fitness trainer and coach have tested positive for COVID-19 as well. Adding to the anxiety is a backlash against Djokovic who also heads the ATP player council with nick Keerios, Alize Cornet and Noah Rubin slamming the decision to cock a snook at the coronavirus. 🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️ Boneheaded decision to go ahead with the ‘exhibition’ speedy recovery fellas, but that’s what happens when you disregard all protocols. This IS NOT A JOKE. https://t.co/SUdxfijkbK — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 22, 2020 × These are the people I feel I am fighting against, which is why I don’t answer every tweet. Some don’t deserve responses. Wake up. pic.twitter.com/htNIGoGUWk — Noah Rubin (@Noahrubin33) June 22, 2020 × pic.twitter.com/egVyfJAS6H — Alexander Zverev (@AlexZverev) June 22, 2020 × While watching images from the Adria Tour, I kind of felt that something was really wrong... Am I the only one ? Is it a consequence of it ? Get better soon Grigor 🙏 https://t.co/GKfouQ5hwF — Alize Cornet (@alizecornet) June 21, 2020 × ALSO READ: Bulgarian tennis player Grigor Dimitrov tests positive for coronavirus And it’s not just Djokovic who is facing the wrath of the pandemic. Serbian football champions Red Star Belgrade have announced that 5 players have tested positive for the virus. This comes 12 days after their match against Partizan Belgrade with over 16,000 fans in attendance. With cases declining, the Serbian government had relaxed lockdown measures in the country but clearly the decision to allow fans now seems ill-conceived Whereas, New Zealand celebrated the end of the battle against the pandemic with 43,000 fans packing Eden Park in Auckland for a rugby game a few days ago. And now fresh cases have emerged in the country again which have seen Jacinda Ardern’s government impose border controls again With no vaccine in sight, the coronavirus cannot be wished away. And yet certain sporting bodies do not seem to have received the memo. Any event with large crowds is a magnet for the virus to strike again. The German Bundesliga is nearing a month since resumption but strict protocols and social distancing have ensured no untoward incidents. A ghostly silence has greeted television audiences who have tuned into the resumption of La Liga and the Premier League but if sport is to endure and battle back then empty stadiums are the new normal. This is no time to play Russian roulette. The pandemic has just reminded us that it hasn’t thrown in the towel.

Tennis: Novak Djokovic's Adria Tour comes as warning for sporting world

<p>Cancer-stricken former India shooter Pournima Zanane has breathed her last aged 42 with country’s shooting fraternity, including Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra mourning the untimely death.</p>

<p>The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) licensed coach Zanane was suffering from cancer for the last two years while undergoing extensive treatment for it. As per ex India rifleman Joydeep Karmakar, Zanane almost recovered after receiving treatment for cancer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zanane had represented India at multiple ISSF World Cups, Asian Championships, Commonwealth Championships, among others, and was a renowned shooter in the fraternity. Zanane was a national record holder in 10m air rifle event and took to coaching later in her career. She was honoured with the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports award by the Maharashtra government.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-womens-t20-world-cup-2020-most-watched-womens-cricket-event-in-history-307714" hreflang="en">ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 most watched women's cricket event in history</a></strong></p>

<p>Zanane, who was diagnosed with cancer during the Nationals in Kerala a couple of years back and started her career in Mumbai before moving to Pune. The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) sent out condolence message after Zanane succumbed to the disease.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The National Rifle Association of India condoles the untimely sad demise of our international shooter and a coach - Ms Pournima Chinmoy Zanane, at a very young age.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aravinda-de-silva-urges-icc-bcci-slc-to-investigate-india-vs-sri-lanka-2011-world-cup-final-fixing-claims-307700" hreflang="en">Aravinda de Silva urges ICC, BCCI, SLC to investigate India vs Sri Lanka 2011 World Cup final fixing claims</a></strong></p>

<p>"Ms Pournima Zanane was an Air Rifle shooter and took part in many international competitions as Pournima Gawahne. At a later stage, she started coaching shooters and also coached the Sri Lankan team," the sport's apex body in the country said in a statement.</p>

<p>"RIP Pournima. You will be greatly missed," Bindra wrote on his twitter handle.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Deeply shocked and distressed by the news of untimely demise of an old friend Pournima Zanane. She was an international shooter and ISSF coach. Our friendship goes back to Junior team days.. But we will meet someday, somewhere again 😊 <a href="https://t.co/nRRNLZsRny">pic.twitter.com/nRRNLZsRny</a></p>
— Joydeep Karmakar OLY (@Joydeep709) <a href="https://twitter.com/Joydeep709/status/1274728268621582336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">RIP Pournima. You will be greatly missed.</p>
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) <a href="https://twitter.com/Abhinav_Bindra/status/1274729220690731008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"Deeply shocked and distressed by the news of untimely demise of an old friend Pournima Zanane. Our friendship goes back to Junior team days... But we will meet someday, somewhere again Smiling face with smiling eyes," Olympian Karmakar tweeted<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Cancer-stricken former India shooter Pournima Zanane has breathed her last aged 42 with country’s shooting fraternity, including Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra mourning the untimely death.

Cancer-stricken former India shooter Pournima Zanane has breathed her last aged 42 with country’s shooting fraternity, including Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra mourning the untimely death. The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) licensed coach Zanane was suffering from cancer for the last two years while undergoing extensive treatment for it. As per ex India rifleman Joydeep Karmakar, Zanane almost recovered after receiving treatment for cancer. Zanane had represented India at multiple ISSF World Cups, Asian Championships, Commonwealth Championships, among others, and was a renowned shooter in the fraternity. Zanane was a national record holder in 10m air rifle event and took to coaching later in her career. She was honoured with the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports award by the Maharashtra government. ALSO READ: ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 most watched women's cricket event in history Zanane, who was diagnosed with cancer during the Nationals in Kerala a couple of years back and started her career in Mumbai before moving to Pune. The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) sent out condolence message after Zanane succumbed to the disease. "The National Rifle Association of India condoles the untimely sad demise of our international shooter and a coach - Ms Pournima Chinmoy Zanane, at a very young age. ALSO READ: Aravinda de Silva urges ICC, BCCI, SLC to investigate India vs Sri Lanka 2011 World Cup final fixing claims "Ms Pournima Zanane was an Air Rifle shooter and took part in many international competitions as Pournima Gawahne. At a later stage, she started coaching shooters and also coached the Sri Lankan team," the sport's apex body in the country said in a statement. "RIP Pournima. You will be greatly missed," Bindra wrote on his twitter handle. Deeply shocked and distressed by the news of untimely demise of an old friend Pournima Zanane. She was an international shooter and ISSF coach. Our friendship goes back to Junior team days.. But we will meet someday, somewhere again 😊 pic.twitter.com/nRRNLZsRny — Joydeep Karmakar OLY (@Joydeep709) June 21, 2020 × RIP Pournima. You will be greatly missed. — Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) June 21, 2020 × "Deeply shocked and distressed by the news of untimely demise of an old friend Pournima Zanane. Our friendship goes back to Junior team days... But we will meet someday, somewhere again Smiling face with smiling eyes," Olympian Karmakar tweeted

Cancer-stricken former India shooter Pournima Zanane dies at 42

<p>The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced record viewing figures for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020, which became one of the most-watched women’s sporting event in the history with cricket continuing to set fresh benchmarks on and off the field.</p>

<p>The event had already racked up 1.1 billion video views through the ICC digital channels – 20 times the views from the previous editions in 2018 and 10 times the previous most successful women’s cricket event, the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2017.</p>

<p>The latest revelations make the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 the second most successful ICC event after the Men’s World Cup 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aravinda-de-silva-urges-icc-bcci-slc-to-investigate-india-vs-sri-lanka-2011-world-cup-final-fixing-claims-307700" hreflang="en">Aravinda de Silva urges ICC, BCCI, SLC to investigate India vs Sri Lanka 2011 World Cup final fixing claims</a></strong></p>

<p>In Australia, live viewing hours were 473 per cent higher than the 2018 tournament at 13.45m. The final between India and Australia recorded an average audience of 1.2m viewers, making the event the most watch women’s cricket match in Australian broadcast history.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India’s success in the tournament boosted audience interest with total viewership for the knockout phase recorded at 423 per cent higher than 2018. Live viewing hours shot up 152 per cent at 86.15m.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Whereas in South Africa, the live viewing hours were 647,000 – 40 per cent higher than in 2018. South Africa’s defeat to Australia was the most-watched match in the tournament with 39,000 average audiences.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-pakistan-cricketer-aaqib-javed-makes-fixing-revelations-says-lavish-cars-millions-were-offered-307662" hreflang="en">Former Pakistan cricketer Aaqib Javed makes fixing revelations, says 'lavish cars, millions were offered'</a></strong></p>

<p>In the UK, where time zone was a major challenge, the live viewing hours dropped only by eight per cent at 5.32m than the 2018 tournament, where England made it to the final.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney: “We are delighted with these outstanding global viewership numbers that demonstrate the power of women’s cricket to attract huge audiences across the globe. It reinforces our belief that there is a significant opportunity around the women’s game and collectively we must promote it further so more fans can enjoy it, more kids are inspired by it and sponsors and broadcasters want to be a part of it.”<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced record viewing figures for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020, which became one of the most-watched women’s sporting event in the history with cricket continuing to set fresh benchmarks on and off the field.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced record viewing figures for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020, which became one of the most-watched women’s sporting event in the history with cricket continuing to set fresh benchmarks on and off the field. The event had already racked up 1.1 billion video views through the ICC digital channels – 20 times the views from the previous editions in 2018 and 10 times the previous most successful women’s cricket event, the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2017. The latest revelations make the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 the second most successful ICC event after the Men’s World Cup 2019. ALSO READ: Aravinda de Silva urges ICC, BCCI, SLC to investigate India vs Sri Lanka 2011 World Cup final fixing claims In Australia, live viewing hours were 473 per cent higher than the 2018 tournament at 13.45m. The final between India and Australia recorded an average audience of 1.2m viewers, making the event the most watch women’s cricket match in Australian broadcast history. India’s success in the tournament boosted audience interest with total viewership for the knockout phase recorded at 423 per cent higher than 2018. Live viewing hours shot up 152 per cent at 86.15m. Whereas in South Africa, the live viewing hours were 647,000 – 40 per cent higher than in 2018. South Africa’s defeat to Australia was the most-watched match in the tournament with 39,000 average audiences. ALSO READ: Former Pakistan cricketer Aaqib Javed makes fixing revelations, says 'lavish cars, millions were offered' In the UK, where time zone was a major challenge, the live viewing hours dropped only by eight per cent at 5.32m than the 2018 tournament, where England made it to the final. ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney: “We are delighted with these outstanding global viewership numbers that demonstrate the power of women’s cricket to attract huge audiences across the globe. It reinforces our belief that there is a significant opportunity around the women’s game and collectively we must promote it further so more fans can enjoy it, more kids are inspired by it and sponsors and broadcasters want to be a part of it.”

ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 most watched women's cricket event in history

Croatia’s Borna Coric, who played in Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour exhibition tournament at the weekend, said on Monday he had tested positive for COVID-19. Coric’s positive test follows that of Grigor Dimitrov, who said on Sunday he had contracted the novel coronavirus.

Croatia’s Borna Coric, who played in Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour exhibition tournament at the weekend, said on Monday he had tested positive for COVID-19. Coric’s positive test follows that of Grigor Dimitrov, who said on Sunday he had contracted the novel coronavirus. Bulgarian Dimitrov also played in Djokovic’s event and the final in the Croatian coastal resort of Zadar was cancelled as a result. Organisers of other sports looking to resume from the coronavirus shutdown will be watching developments with some trepidation as they try to find the safest way of getting competition back underway. Coric, ranked No.33 in the world, revealed on Twitter that he had tested positive for COVID-19. “I want to make sure anyone who has been in contact with me during the last few days get tested,” the 23-year-old said. “I am really sorry for any harm I might have caused. I’m feeling well and don’t have any symptoms.” With international tennis suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, world number one Djokovic organised the Adria Tour as a charity event to be contested over four legs across the former Yugoslavia. Djokovic’s fitness coach Marco Panichi has also tested positive, Serbian daily Sportski Zurnal reported, quoting Croatia’s health institute. The tournament witnessed packed stands during the opening leg in Belgrade, players hugging at the net, posing for pictures together and dancing at clubs. With both Serbia and Croatia easing lockdown measures weeks before the event, players were not obliged to observe social distancing rules in either country. “It is recommended that anyone who has been in close contact for more than 10 minutes with the tennis player be advised to self-isolate for 14 days and to contact their doctor,” the event organisers said in a statement. Australian Nick Kyrgios asked on Twitter if Djokovic, Austrian Dominic Thiem and German Alexander Zverev had been tested following Dimitrov’s result. American tennis great Chris Evert has criticised the organisers for the lack of social-distancing, saying, “... total physical contact, no face masks, even the fans were without masks.. I don’t get it.”

Croatia's Coric tests positive for COVID-19

<p>World champion in 10-meter pistol shooting, Bobana Momcilovic-Velickovic died in Belgrade at the age of 31&nbsp;due to complication during the birth of her child. Momcilovic-Velickovic was suffering from preeclampsia, a rare syndrome which affects pregnant women and is characterized by constriction of blood vessels throughout the body and hypo-fusion of multiple organs.</p>

<p>Momcilovic-Velickovic had participated in two Olympics Games in London (2012) and Rio De Janeiro (2016). At the European Championships in Wroclaw in February 2020, Momcilovic-Vevilickovic won two of her eight continental titles individually and as a team.</p>

<p><strong>IN PHOTOS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-undertaker-retires-a-look-back-at-the-evolution-of-deadman-307633" hreflang="en">The Undertaker retires: A look back at the evolution of 'Deadman'</a></strong></p>

<p>As per reports, doctors fail to recognize the symptoms of rare syndrome related to birth complication. Velickovic was in a coma for the last 10 days from which she never recovered. Her baby is alive and healthy.</p>

<p>“It is with deepest sadness we learned that Bobana Momčilović Veličković, multiple European champion&nbsp;in shooting sport, passed away after a short and severe illness in Belgrade at the age of 31. Bobana Momčilović Veličković was born in Bor on January 25, 1990. She started practicing shooting at the age of nine in her hometown,” ISSF said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wwe-news-the-undertaker-announces-retirement-emotional-fans-wwe-superstars-pay-tribute-to-deadman-Undertaker-news-307609" hreflang="en">The Undertaker announces retirement; emotional fans, WWE Superstars pay tribute to 'Deadman'</a></strong></p>

<p>“In her last competition for the Serbian national team, at the European championship in the 10m Air Pistol event in Wroclaw 2020, she was dominant in the individual competition. She made a great contribution to winning the team title, and with these two gold medals, she became one of the most successful participants in the competition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Our most sincere condolences to Bobana’s family, friends and the shooting sport community of Serbia.”<br />
&nbsp;</p>


World champion in 10-meter pistol shooting, Bobana Momcilovic-Velickovic died in Belgrade at the age of 31 due to complication during the birth of her child. Momcilovic-Velickovic was suffering from preeclampsia, a rare syndrome which affects pregnant women and is characterized by constriction of blood vessels throughout the body and hypo-fusion of multiple organs.

World champion in 10-meter pistol shooting, Bobana Momcilovic-Velickovic died in Belgrade at the age of 31 due to complication during the birth of her child. Momcilovic-Velickovic was suffering from preeclampsia, a rare syndrome which affects pregnant women and is characterized by constriction of blood vessels throughout the body and hypo-fusion of multiple organs. Momcilovic-Velickovic had participated in two Olympics Games in London (2012) and Rio De Janeiro (2016). At the European Championships in Wroclaw in February 2020, Momcilovic-Vevilickovic won two of her eight continental titles individually and as a team. IN PHOTOS | The Undertaker retires: A look back at the evolution of 'Deadman' As per reports, doctors fail to recognize the symptoms of rare syndrome related to birth complication. Velickovic was in a coma for the last 10 days from which she never recovered. Her baby is alive and healthy. “It is with deepest sadness we learned that Bobana Momčilović Veličković, multiple European champion in shooting sport, passed away after a short and severe illness in Belgrade at the age of 31. Bobana Momčilović Veličković was born in Bor on January 25, 1990. She started practicing shooting at the age of nine in her hometown,” ISSF said in a statement. ALSO READ: The Undertaker announces retirement; emotional fans, WWE Superstars pay tribute to 'Deadman' “In her last competition for the Serbian national team, at the European championship in the 10m Air Pistol event in Wroclaw 2020, she was dominant in the individual competition. She made a great contribution to winning the team title, and with these two gold medals, she became one of the most successful participants in the competition. “Our most sincere condolences to Bobana’s family, friends and the shooting sport community of Serbia.”

World and European champion Bobana Momcilovic-Velickovic, 31, dies due to childbirth complication

<p>Former Pakistan medium-fast bowler Aaqib Javed has alleged that Saleem Parvez was behind several match-fixing incidents during his playing days while further alleging that Parvez used to introduce players to the bookies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Javed admitted that he was approached by Parvez to fix matches but said he didn’t play any part while choosing to raise his voice against corruption taking place in Pakistan cricket.</p>

<p>Javed’s career ended amid Pakistan’s match-fixing controversy at the age of just 25 with the former bowler claiming he was never allowed to make a comeback in the national side. The reason being not accepting a bribe to fix matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Pervez, who breathed his last in 2013, had admitted that he used to set-up meeting between bookies and players in the 90s.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wwe-news-the-undertaker-announces-retirement-emotional-fans-wwe-superstars-pay-tribute-to-deadman-Undertaker-news-307609" hreflang="en">The Undertaker announces retirement; emotional fans, WWE Superstars pay tribute to 'Deadman'</a></strong></p>

<p>Javed has now said that the players were offered millions of dollars and lavish cars to fix matches while being threatened for their careers if they didn’t comply.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>"I was also asked to fix matches" - Aaqib Javed</strong></h2>

<p>“Lavish cars and millions of rupees were handed over to cricketers. I was also asked to fix matches and was told that if I did not comply, my career would be finished,” Javed told a local Pakistan news channel earlier this week.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-bangladesh-skipper-mashrafe-mortaza-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-307364" hreflang="en">Former Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza tests positive for coronavirus</a></strong></p>

<p>“Players were approached with match-fixing offers through a former cricketer named Saleem Pervez”</p>

<p>“When I came to know about fixing, I took a strong stance and stood by it. I don’t regret the fact that it shortened my career as I strongly believe in my values. People tried to sideline me from tours because of my stance and would also reprimand those people who would talk to me,” said Javed.</p>

<p>Javed scalped 54 and 182 wickets in 22 Test and 162 ODI matches respectively for Pakistan.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Former Pakistan medium-fast bowler Aaqib Javed has alleged that Saleem Parvez was behind several match-fixing incidents during his playing days while further alleging that Parvez used to introduce players to the bookies.

Former Pakistan medium-fast bowler Aaqib Javed has alleged that Saleem Parvez was behind several match-fixing incidents during his playing days while further alleging that Parvez used to introduce players to the bookies. Javed admitted that he was approached by Parvez to fix matches but said he didn’t play any part while choosing to raise his voice against corruption taking place in Pakistan cricket. Javed’s career ended amid Pakistan’s match-fixing controversy at the age of just 25 with the former bowler claiming he was never allowed to make a comeback in the national side. The reason being not accepting a bribe to fix matches. Notably, Pervez, who breathed his last in 2013, had admitted that he used to set-up meeting between bookies and players in the 90s. ALSO READ: The Undertaker announces retirement; emotional fans, WWE Superstars pay tribute to 'Deadman' Javed has now said that the players were offered millions of dollars and lavish cars to fix matches while being threatened for their careers if they didn’t comply. "I was also asked to fix matches" - Aaqib Javed “Lavish cars and millions of rupees were handed over to cricketers. I was also asked to fix matches and was told that if I did not comply, my career would be finished,” Javed told a local Pakistan news channel earlier this week. ALSO READ: Former Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza tests positive for coronavirus “Players were approached with match-fixing offers through a former cricketer named Saleem Pervez” “When I came to know about fixing, I took a strong stance and stood by it. I don’t regret the fact that it shortened my career as I strongly believe in my values. People tried to sideline me from tours because of my stance and would also reprimand those people who would talk to me,” said Javed. Javed scalped 54 and 182 wickets in 22 Test and 162 ODI matches respectively for Pakistan.

Former Pakistan cricketer Aaqib Javed makes fixing revelations, says 'lavish cars, millions were offered'

<p>"There's nothing left for me to conquer or accomplish. The game has changed. It's time for new guys to come up. The time just seems right,” said an emotional Mark Callaway or The Undertaker as the legendary WWE Superstar announced his retirement during the final episode of his documentary ‘The Last Ride’.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Undertaker, aged 55, hanged his boots from in-ring action with a fitting tribute through his documentary ‘The Last Ride’ as arguably the greatest performer in WWE history completed a chapter lasting more than three decades.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"I did things my way, and I'm gonna leave my way."<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheLastRide?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheLastRide</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/undertaker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@undertaker</a> <a href="https://t.co/Qy0Qfxk3zL">pic.twitter.com/Qy0Qfxk3zL</a></p>
— WWE (@WWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1274872374043836416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-look-for-man-city-favours-after-derby-deadlock-307593" hreflang="en">Liverpool look for Man City favours after derby deadlock</a></strong></p>

<p>A historic Wrestlemania streak, epic matches, unforgettable moments and immense respect given by his colleagues and fans, The Undertaker will go down as the best character in the history of sports entertainment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even though, The Undertaker said that he would be ready to step in, in case of any emergency, but made it clear that his final ride is the “perfect ending” for his in-ring career.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tributes started to flow as soon as final episode of the documentary ‘Last Ride’ aired on Sunday where Mark Callaway or The Undertaker is seen reflecting on his career and his last match – &nbsp;Boneyard Match – against AJ Styles as he said he couldn’t have walked away with a better ending than this.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>If there was ever a perfect ending to a career, that right there was it: The Undertaker</strong></h2>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Still floored by the experience and reaction to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoneyardMatch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoneyardMatch</a> at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WrestleMania?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WrestleMania</a>.<br />
If it was the last time <a href="https://twitter.com/undertaker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@undertaker</a> laced up his boots, I’m honored it was against me. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheLastRide?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheLastRide</a> <a href="https://t.co/qzofoKEn2Q">https://t.co/qzofoKEn2Q</a></p>
— AJStyles.Org (@AJStylesOrg) <a href="https://twitter.com/AJStylesOrg/status/1274734807772278785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">You can never appreciate how long the road was until you’ve driven to the end. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheLastRide?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheLastRide</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WWENetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WWENetwork</a> <a href="https://t.co/JW3roilt9a">pic.twitter.com/JW3roilt9a</a></p>
— Undertaker (@undertaker) <a href="https://twitter.com/undertaker/status/1274706319438680064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThankYouTaker?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThankYouTaker</a> for... <a href="https://t.co/otUvugelL3">pic.twitter.com/otUvugelL3</a></p>
— WWE (@WWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1274801769982439426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you for making our childhood so cool. Thank you for the journeys you took us on. Thank you for growing with us, and evolving. Thank you for being larger than life. Thank you for everything you have given to wrestling. You will always be <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThePhenom?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThePhenom</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThankYouTaker?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThankYouTaker</a> 🙏🏻 <a href="https://t.co/UsWwOyEHWi">pic.twitter.com/UsWwOyEHWi</a></p>
— Mike Rome (Austin R) is playing last of us 2 😭 (@MikeRomeWWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeRomeWWE/status/1274836398944763918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"I believe I'm at a place now, post-Boneyard, which was a hellacious battle against one of the best in the business. Here you are, climbing on your motorcycle and taking off. There was a lot of thought and a lot of emotion, one of those being 'are you happy enough with that?' It was a powerful moment. You don't necessarily always get those,” said The Undertaker.</p>

<p>"If there was ever a perfect ending to a career, that right there was it. If Vince was in a pinch, would I come back? I guess time would only tell there. In case of emergency, break glass, you pull out The Undertaker. I would consider it. [But] at this point in my career, I have no desire to get back in the ring.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/klopp-relieved-to-escape-null-and-void-outcome-in-premier-league-307150" hreflang="en">Klopp relieved to escape 'null and void' outcome in Premier League</a></strong></p>

<p>"I'm at a point, it's time this cowboy really rides away. There's nothing left for me to conquer or accomplish. The game has changed. It's time for new guys to come up. The time just seems right. This documentary has helped me discover that and opened my eyes to the bigger picture and not judge myself as harshly these last few years. I can do more good outside the ring than I can inside. I'm finally at a place where I can accept that."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"I'm good to walk away ... when we started this whole thing, I wasn't."<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheLastRide?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheLastRide</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/undertaker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@undertaker</a> <a href="https://t.co/l5ovjfBkOK">pic.twitter.com/l5ovjfBkOK</a></p>
— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWENetwork/status/1274857477931237378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">ICONIC! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThankYouTaker?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThankYouTaker</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheLastRide?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheLastRide</a><br />
<br />
An absolutely incredible series 👏 <a href="https://t.co/txiImY2noM">https://t.co/txiImY2noM</a></p>
— Peyton Royce (@PeytonRoyceWWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeytonRoyceWWE/status/1274824419878350848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The <a href="https://twitter.com/undertaker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@undertaker</a> has some "thank you"s of his own to give.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThankYouTaker?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThankYouTaker</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheLastRide?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheLastRide</a> <a href="https://t.co/FPNvtnUzXI">pic.twitter.com/FPNvtnUzXI</a></p>
— WWE (@WWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1274870902489038850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Undertaker has remained one of the most loyal performers for the WWE and Vince McMahon and over the years, became a father-figure in the WWE circuit due to his experience, class and willingness to help others out.</p>

<p>Championship belts and historic achievements have been a part and parcel of a legendary ride which has enthralled fans for more than 30 years. Thank you Taker.</p>


"There's nothing left for me to conquer or accomplish. The game has changed. It's time for new guys to come up. The time just seems right,” said an emotional Mark Callaway or The Undertaker as the legendary WWE Superstar announced his retirement during the final episode of his documentary ‘The Last Ride’.

"There's nothing left for me to conquer or accomplish. The game has changed. It's time for new guys to come up. The time just seems right,” said an emotional Mark Callaway or The Undertaker as the legendary WWE Superstar announced his retirement during the final episode of his documentary ‘The Last Ride’. The Undertaker, aged 55, hanged his boots from in-ring action with a fitting tribute through his documentary ‘The Last Ride’ as arguably the greatest performer in WWE history completed a chapter lasting more than three decades. "I did things my way, and I'm gonna leave my way."#TheLastRide @undertaker pic.twitter.com/Qy0Qfxk3zL — WWE (@WWE) June 22, 2020 × ALSO READ: Liverpool look for Man City favours after derby deadlock A historic Wrestlemania streak, epic matches, unforgettable moments and immense respect given by his colleagues and fans, The Undertaker will go down as the best character in the history of sports entertainment. Even though, The Undertaker said that he would be ready to step in, in case of any emergency, but made it clear that his final ride is the “perfect ending” for his in-ring career. Tributes started to flow as soon as final episode of the documentary ‘Last Ride’ aired on Sunday where Mark Callaway or The Undertaker is seen reflecting on his career and his last match – Boneyard Match – against AJ Styles as he said he couldn’t have walked away with a better ending than this. If there was ever a perfect ending to a career, that right there was it: The Undertaker Still floored by the experience and reaction to the #BoneyardMatch at #WrestleMania. If it was the last time @undertaker laced up his boots, I’m honored it was against me. #TheLastRide https://t.co/qzofoKEn2Q — AJStyles.Org (@AJStylesOrg) June 21, 2020 × You can never appreciate how long the road was until you’ve driven to the end. #TheLastRide @WWENetwork pic.twitter.com/JW3roilt9a — Undertaker (@undertaker) June 21, 2020 × #ThankYouTaker for... pic.twitter.com/otUvugelL3 — WWE (@WWE) June 21, 2020 × Thank you for making our childhood so cool. Thank you for the journeys you took us on. Thank you for growing with us, and evolving. Thank you for being larger than life. Thank you for everything you have given to wrestling. You will always be #ThePhenom. #ThankYouTaker 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/UsWwOyEHWi — Mike Rome (Austin R) is playing last of us 2 😭 (@MikeRomeWWE) June 21, 2020 × "I believe I'm at a place now, post-Boneyard, which was a hellacious battle against one of the best in the business. Here you are, climbing on your motorcycle and taking off. There was a lot of thought and a lot of emotion, one of those being 'are you happy enough with that?' It was a powerful moment. You don't necessarily always get those,” said The Undertaker. "If there was ever a perfect ending to a career, that right there was it. If Vince was in a pinch, would I come back? I guess time would only tell there. In case of emergency, break glass, you pull out The Undertaker. I would consider it. [But] at this point in my career, I have no desire to get back in the ring. ALSO READ: Klopp relieved to escape 'null and void' outcome in Premier League "I'm at a point, it's time this cowboy really rides away. There's nothing left for me to conquer or accomplish. The game has changed. It's time for new guys to come up. The time just seems right. This documentary has helped me discover that and opened my eyes to the bigger picture and not judge myself as harshly these last few years. I can do more good outside the ring than I can inside. I'm finally at a place where I can accept that." "I'm good to walk away ... when we started this whole thing, I wasn't."#TheLastRide @undertaker pic.twitter.com/l5ovjfBkOK — WWE Network (@WWENetwork) June 22, 2020 × ICONIC! #ThankYouTaker #TheLastRide An absolutely incredible series 👏 https://t.co/txiImY2noM — Peyton Royce (@PeytonRoyceWWE) June 21, 2020 × The @undertaker has some "thank you"s of his own to give.#ThankYouTaker #TheLastRide pic.twitter.com/FPNvtnUzXI — WWE (@WWE) June 22, 2020 × The Undertaker has remained one of the most loyal performers for the WWE and Vince McMahon and over the years, became a father-figure in the WWE circuit due to his experience, class and willingness to help others out. Championship belts and historic achievements have been a part and parcel of a legendary ride which has enthralled fans for more than 30 years. Thank you Taker.

The Undertaker announces retirement; emotional fans, WWE Superstars pay tribute to 'Deadman'

<p>Paris Saint-Germain are still optimistic they can win the Champions League for the first time when the tournament is played out in Lisbon in August, even if the coronavirus crisis has left the Qatar-owned club apparently weakened both on the field and off it.</p>

<p>The decision to bring an early end to the French season in late April, with more than a quarter of matches unplayed, did not prevent PSG from being crowned Ligue 1 champions for the third year running, but it was hardly how they wanted things to end.</p>

<p>Without having had the chance to celebrate, the Parisians return to training on Monday, over three months after their last game, the 2-0 defeat of Borussia Dortmund in their Champions League last 16, second leg.</p>

<p>Their players have since spent months confined at home before having some time to take a holiday.</p>

<p>PSG's rivals in England, Spain, Germany and Italy are back playing again. In contrast, Neymar returned to France last weekend after three months in Brazil and headed straight to join teammates Marco Verratti, Angel Di Maria, Leandro Paredes and Marquinhos in the glitzy Mediterranean resort of Saint-Tropez.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe posted photos of himself on Instagram along the coast in Monaco.</p>

<p>They return this week to a club having to deal with the financial consequences of the pandemic and the early end to the season, with the resulting losses of ticketing and broadcast revenue.</p>

<p>Within PSG, it is estimated they stand to lose over 200 million euros ($224m), an enormous hit even for a club ranked the fifth-richest in the world in the latest Deloitte Football Money League.</p>

<h2>- Old heads move on -</h2>

<p>That will probably ensure there are no headline-grabbing transfers coming soon, although they recently made Argentine striker Mauro Icardi's loan move from Inter Milan permanent for a reported fee of up to 58 million euros.</p>

<p>The financial situation has also helped make up the mind of sporting director Leonardo over the futures of Thiago Silva and Edinson Cavani, two of the biggest figures of the Qatar era whose contracts expire this month and will not be retained.</p>

<p>"Maybe we are making a mistake, I don't know, there is never a perfect moment," Leonardo told Le Journal du Dimanche.</p>

<p>It is hoped Brazilian defender Silva, the club captain, can be persuaded to stay to feature in the Champions League latter stages, but club record goal-scorer Cavani has reportedly opted to walk away at the end of June.</p>

<p>The exodus will not stop there.</p>

<p>Right-back Thomas Meunier, reportedly bound for Dortmund, will not stick around. Highly talented 18-year-old defender Tanguy Kouassi is expected to sign for Bayern Munich.</p>

<p>However, the prospects of either Mbappe or Neymar leaving appear less than slim, given the financial challenges faced by PSG's European rivals.</p>

<p>"He is the future of PSG. That is what everyone wants. Ideally we would extend his contract," Leonardo said of Mbappe.</p>

<p>What Mbappe and PSG want now is the Champions League, and after years of underachievement in Europe they are targeting glory when the competition is played out in a "final eight" straight knockout format in Lisbon.</p>

<h2>- 'More difficult' -</h2>

<p>However, between now and a quarter-final somewhere between August 12 and 15, Thomas Tuchel's team will only have two competitive games, with the French Cup final against Saint-Etienne and League Cup final against Lyon both set to go ahead in late July.</p>

<p>"We have felt good ever since the season began. Unfortunately, we know what happened with the coronavirus and everything had to stop," Di Maria told sports daily L'Equipe.</p>

<p>"The other major leagues are restarting. That must not be an excuse but it does make things more difficult for us," he added.</p>

<p>Like Lyon, PSG are therefore completely out of step with their Champions League rivals, although that could still work to their advantage.</p>

<p>For example, Spanish and English clubs will have completed an exhausting dash to get their seasons finished in late July.</p>

<p>Perhaps Mbappe, Neymar and their teammates will be fresher than ever and therefore primed to go on and win the final in Lisbon on August 23.</p>


Paris Saint-Germain are still optimistic they can win the Champions League for the first time when the tournament is played out in Lisbon in August, even if the coronavirus crisis has left the Qatar-owned club apparently weakened both on the field and off it.

Paris Saint-Germain are still optimistic they can win the Champions League for the first time when the tournament is played out in Lisbon in August, even if the coronavirus crisis has left the Qatar-owned club apparently weakened both on the field and off it. The decision to bring an early end to the French season in late April, with more than a quarter of matches unplayed, did not prevent PSG from being crowned Ligue 1 champions for the third year running, but it was hardly how they wanted things to end. Without having had the chance to celebrate, the Parisians return to training on Monday, over three months after their last game, the 2-0 defeat of Borussia Dortmund in their Champions League last 16, second leg. Their players have since spent months confined at home before having some time to take a holiday. PSG's rivals in England, Spain, Germany and Italy are back playing again. In contrast, Neymar returned to France last weekend after three months in Brazil and headed straight to join teammates Marco Verratti, Angel Di Maria, Leandro Paredes and Marquinhos in the glitzy Mediterranean resort of Saint-Tropez. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe posted photos of himself on Instagram along the coast in Monaco. They return this week to a club having to deal with the financial consequences of the pandemic and the early end to the season, with the resulting losses of ticketing and broadcast revenue. Within PSG, it is estimated they stand to lose over 200 million euros ($224m), an enormous hit even for a club ranked the fifth-richest in the world in the latest Deloitte Football Money League. - Old heads move on - That will probably ensure there are no headline-grabbing transfers coming soon, although they recently made Argentine striker Mauro Icardi's loan move from Inter Milan permanent for a reported fee of up to 58 million euros. The financial situation has also helped make up the mind of sporting director Leonardo over the futures of Thiago Silva and Edinson Cavani, two of the biggest figures of the Qatar era whose contracts expire this month and will not be retained. "Maybe we are making a mistake, I don't know, there is never a perfect moment," Leonardo told Le Journal du Dimanche. It is hoped Brazilian defender Silva, the club captain, can be persuaded to stay to feature in the Champions League latter stages, but club record goal-scorer Cavani has reportedly opted to walk away at the end of June. The exodus will not stop there. Right-back Thomas Meunier, reportedly bound for Dortmund, will not stick around. Highly talented 18-year-old defender Tanguy Kouassi is expected to sign for Bayern Munich. However, the prospects of either Mbappe or Neymar leaving appear less than slim, given the financial challenges faced by PSG's European rivals. "He is the future of PSG. That is what everyone wants. Ideally we would extend his contract," Leonardo said of Mbappe. What Mbappe and PSG want now is the Champions League, and after years of underachievement in Europe they are targeting glory when the competition is played out in a "final eight" straight knockout format in Lisbon. - 'More difficult' - However, between now and a quarter-final somewhere between August 12 and 15, Thomas Tuchel's team will only have two competitive games, with the French Cup final against Saint-Etienne and League Cup final against Lyon both set to go ahead in late July. "We have felt good ever since the season began. Unfortunately, we know what happened with the coronavirus and everything had to stop," Di Maria told sports daily L'Equipe. "The other major leagues are restarting. That must not be an excuse but it does make things more difficult for us," he added. Like Lyon, PSG are therefore completely out of step with their Champions League rivals, although that could still work to their advantage. For example, Spanish and English clubs will have completed an exhausting dash to get their seasons finished in late July. Perhaps Mbappe, Neymar and their teammates will be fresher than ever and therefore primed to go on and win the final in Lisbon on August 23.

PSG re-emerge weakened but with eyes fixed on Champions League prize

<p>Vladimir Kramnik has been one of the greatest chess players in the world. Having achieved the Grandmaster norms in 1992, he became the youngest world number one in January 1996 and held the record for 14 years until Magnus Carlsen took the spot in January 2010.</p>

<p>Kramnik was also hailed for helping unify the chess world when he faced Veselin Topalov in the World Chess Championship 2006. He defeated Topalov to become the undisputed World Champion.</p>

<p>After announcing his professional retirement in January 2019, he shifted his focus to development projects particularly related to chess education for children.</p>

<p>International Master and Woman Grandmaster Tania Sachdev recently got Kramnik into an exclusive chat to ask him about his career and his mental approach to the game for an episode of the Mind Behind series. The Mind Behind is a cross-discipline series about the lives and careers of professionals across multiple streams. The series developed by Red Bull Media House features actors, chefs, comedians, dancers, filmmakers, musicians, sports personalities and many others, as part of exclusive one-on-one interviews.</p>

<p>Read on to know some interesting points revealed by Kramnik during the interview with Red Bull Athlete Tania Sachdev.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CBigm7uKEjk/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CBigm7uKEjk/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CBigm7uKEjk/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CBigm7uKEjk/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Retired Grandmaster and World Chess Champion Vladimir Kramnik speaks with International Master @taniasachdev on the latest episode of The Mind Behind. Kramnik discusses his career, mental approach to the game, his match-ups with chess great Garry Kasparov, and more. #TheMindBehind #Chess #RedBullIndia</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/redbullindia/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Red Bull India</a> (@redbullindia) on <time datetime="2020-06-17T14:17:22+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jun 17, 2020 at 7:17am PDT</time></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>Beating Kasparov – an unexpected surprise</h2>

<p>Vladimir Kramnik beat chess legend Garry Kasparov in 2000 to become the Classical World Champion. In 2006, he beat Veselin Topalov to become the undisputed World Champion. He boasts three gold medals and three individual medals at Chess Olympiads. He is also tied-eight with Viswanathan Anand for all-time best chess ratings at 2817. Yet, when he looks back at his successful career, he thinks it was better than he expected because he did not think he had the talent to be the best. Kramnik says that he would have been happy being an average Grandmaster and that his world champion achievement was beyond expectations.</p>

<h2>Never be afraid of your opponent. Strong players can sense the fear</h2>

<p>While he says playing a chess great like Garry Kasparov – who was considered unbeatable in his prime – was an interesting challenge, Kramnik says that he was never afraid of going up against the best. He attributes this to his personality and a logically-strong mind. Kramnik says he doesn’t think like a sportsperson, so he doesn’t fear his opponent because it makes no sense to him intellectually, and this gave him a psychological edge over Kasparov. While Kramnik says he always respects his opponents, he says if he were to face world champion Magnus Carlsen today, he would not be afraid and give it his best.</p>

<p><img alt="Vladimir Kramnik" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6bde2d40-c927-49f0-be16-81c53020a40a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_Par7538920.jpg" /></p>

<h2><strong>The accidental Karpov impact</strong></h2>

<p>When Kramnik was five years old, his father introduced him to chess. Seeing his interest in the game, his father gifted him a book on Anatoly Karpov’s best games. Kramnik studied this book day-and-night for a whole year, which became the foundation of his chess knowledge. He attributes his positional style of play to these learnings from Karpov’s book. Later, he studied in a chess school established by Mikhail Botvinnik, where he polished up his chess skills and went on to have a successful career.</p>

<h2>A predictable style of play can make one a target</h2>

<p>Kramnik faced Kasparov for the world championship in a best-of-16- match. Kramnik won the match with two wins, 13 draws and no losses – inflicting Kasparov’s first-ever world championship defeat. While Kasparov is often considered one of the greatest players of all time, Kramnik has been following his style of play since childhood and says he was able to predict everything that Kasparov would do in their match. Kramnik says that while most believe and see Kasparov’s style as experimental, for Kramnik it was predictable. Kramnik knew the choices that Kasparov would make over the board, the openings, and the positions he would aim for. Kramnik says Kasparov strictly follows patterns of play and that made him easy to read during their championship match.</p>

<h2>Karpov-Kasparov world championship match 1984: an epic title battle</h2>

<p>While Kramnik has been part of some interesting world championship matches against the likes of Garry Kasparov, Peter Leko, Veselin Topalov and Viswanathan Anand, he most enjoyed watching Kasparov versus Anatoly Karpov in 1984. Kramnik was 12 years old when this match was started and intently studying to become a professional chess player. The world championship match started in 1984 as a first-to-six-wins format but was abandoned without result. It was restarted as a best-of-24 match in 1985, and eventually won by Kasparov. Kramnik says he remembers the first match of 1984 as his favourite because he travelled to Moscow to watch it in the Hall of Columns – the first time he travelled out of his region – and was very impressed by the grandeur of the occasion. It steeled his resolve to become a professional chess player.</p>

<p><em>(Courtesy: Red Bull)</em></p>


Vladimir Kramnik has been one of the greatest chess players in the world. Having achieved the Grandmaster norms in 1992, he became the youngest world number one in January 1996 and held the record for 14 years until Magnus Carlsen took the spot in January 2010.

Vladimir Kramnik has been one of the greatest chess players in the world. Having achieved the Grandmaster norms in 1992, he became the youngest world number one in January 1996 and held the record for 14 years until Magnus Carlsen took the spot in January 2010. Kramnik was also hailed for helping unify the chess world when he faced Veselin Topalov in the World Chess Championship 2006. He defeated Topalov to become the undisputed World Champion. After announcing his professional retirement in January 2019, he shifted his focus to development projects particularly related to chess education for children. International Master and Woman Grandmaster Tania Sachdev recently got Kramnik into an exclusive chat to ask him about his career and his mental approach to the game for an episode of the Mind Behind series. The Mind Behind is a cross-discipline series about the lives and careers of professionals across multiple streams. The series developed by Red Bull Media House features actors, chefs, comedians, dancers, filmmakers, musicians, sports personalities and many others, as part of exclusive one-on-one interviews. Read on to know some interesting points revealed by Kramnik during the interview with Red Bull Athlete Tania Sachdev. View this post on Instagram Retired Grandmaster and World Chess Champion Vladimir Kramnik speaks with International Master @taniasachdev on the latest episode of The Mind Behind. Kramnik discusses his career, mental approach to the game, his match-ups with chess great Garry Kasparov, and more. #TheMindBehind #Chess #RedBullIndia A post shared by Red Bull India (@redbullindia) on Jun 17, 2020 at 7:17am PDT × Beating Kasparov – an unexpected surprise Vladimir Kramnik beat chess legend Garry Kasparov in 2000 to become the Classical World Champion. In 2006, he beat Veselin Topalov to become the undisputed World Champion. He boasts three gold medals and three individual medals at Chess Olympiads. He is also tied-eight with Viswanathan Anand for all-time best chess ratings at 2817. Yet, when he looks back at his successful career, he thinks it was better than he expected because he did not think he had the talent to be the best. Kramnik says that he would have been happy being an average Grandmaster and that his world champion achievement was beyond expectations. Never be afraid of your opponent. Strong players can sense the fear While he says playing a chess great like Garry Kasparov – who was considered unbeatable in his prime – was an interesting challenge, Kramnik says that he was never afraid of going up against the best. He attributes this to his personality and a logically-strong mind. Kramnik says he doesn’t think like a sportsperson, so he doesn’t fear his opponent because it makes no sense to him intellectually, and this gave him a psychological edge over Kasparov. While Kramnik says he always respects his opponents, he says if he were to face world champion Magnus Carlsen today, he would not be afraid and give it his best. The accidental Karpov impact When Kramnik was five years old, his father introduced him to chess. Seeing his interest in the game, his father gifted him a book on Anatoly Karpov’s best games. Kramnik studied this book day-and-night for a whole year, which became the foundation of his chess knowledge. He attributes his positional style of play to these learnings from Karpov’s book. Later, he studied in a chess school established by Mikhail Botvinnik, where he polished up his chess skills and went on to have a successful career. A predictable style of play can make one a target Kramnik faced Kasparov for the world championship in a best-of-16- match. Kramnik won the match with two wins, 13 draws and no losses – inflicting Kasparov’s first-ever world championship defeat. While Kasparov is often considered one of the greatest players of all time, Kramnik has been following his style of play since childhood and says he was able to predict everything that Kasparov would do in their match. Kramnik says that while most believe and see Kasparov’s style as experimental, for Kramnik it was predictable. Kramnik knew the choices that Kasparov would make over the board, the openings, and the positions he would aim for. Kramnik says Kasparov strictly follows patterns of play and that made him easy to read during their championship match. Karpov-Kasparov world championship match 1984: an epic title battle While Kramnik has been part of some interesting world championship matches against the likes of Garry Kasparov, Peter Leko, Veselin Topalov and Viswanathan Anand, he most enjoyed watching Kasparov versus Anatoly Karpov in 1984. Kramnik was 12 years old when this match was started and intently studying to become a professional chess player. The world championship match started in 1984 as a first-to-six-wins format but was abandoned without result. It was restarted as a best-of-24 match in 1985, and eventually won by Kasparov. Kramnik says he remembers the first match of 1984 as his favourite because he travelled to Moscow to watch it in the Hall of Columns – the first time he travelled out of his region – and was very impressed by the grandeur of the occasion. It steeled his resolve to become a professional chess player. (Courtesy: Red Bull)

What Tania Sachdev discovered about Vladimir Kramnik on The Mind Behind

<p>World number one Novak Djokovic appeared to row back on scepticism over plans to stage the US Open, saying on Thursday he was "extremely happy" the Grand Slam had escaped the coronavirus cull which claimed Wimbledon and much of the season.</p>

<p>Djokovic had initially voiced unease over the United States Tennis Association's intention to keep the event starting on August 31 at Flushing Meadows despite New York being the hardest-hit city by the US coronavirus crisis.</p>

<p>He described health protocols as "extreme" and "impossible".</p>

<p>However, organisers will have been encouraged by the positive noises coming from the three-time US Open champion on Thursday.</p>

<p>"I'm extremely happy and excited to see that all the tournaments, especially Grand Slams, are organising their events," the Serb said in reference also to the French Open, rescheduled now to start in late September.</p>

<p>"I think that a lot of people were sceptical, especially for the US events considering what the US went through as a country during this pandemic," the 17-time Grand Slam winner told Eurosport's Tennis Legends podcast.</p>

<p>"So a lot of people, including myself, were quite sceptical on whether it would happen or not.</p>

<p>"We are very glad that it is happening, of course, and it is very important that we provide opportunities, we provide jobs, we provide opportunities for players to compete.</p>

<p>"Because at the end of the day, this is what we do! As tennis professionals we love the sport; we are passionate about it. We miss competing and travelling and, at the end of the day, we miss being on tour. So I think this is very positive news."</p>

<p>The 33-year-old said he hoped the stringent restrictions including the existing ban on South American players travelling to compete would be eased before the Grand Slam gets underway.</p>

<p>"Let's hope that in the next two months some of those restrictions will loosen up a bit and that we will have a great, great tournament."</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>- 'Perpetuating my unemployment' -</h2>

<p>This month Djokovic had said that most players he had spoken to had "a rather negative view" about playing in New York, and predicted some would instead switch to the delayed clay court season.</p>

<p>A number of other players have also expressed doubts over the US Open including defending champion Rafael Nadal who said that he would not take part if the event was taking place now.</p>

<p>Women's world number one Ashleigh Barty as well as Wimbledon champion Simona Halep have also expressed reservations.</p>

<p>The US Open will be played without fans in attendance while strict health protocols will be in place.</p>

<p>However, there has been anger at the decision to drop qualifying from the tournament.</p>

<p>"Cheers to ATP and US Open for further perpetuating my unemployment," tweeted world number 195 Mitchell Krueger of the United States.</p>

<p>Sachia Vickery, the women's world number 158, tweeted: "What a slap in the face to all the players in qualifying that won’t even have a chance to compete and who literally depend on the money from grand slams to survive."</p>

<p>Wary of the fall-out, the USTA said $6.6 million will be put aside as compensation for those affected by missing out on the 128-player main draw.</p>

<p>There was also anger too at the decision not to stage a wheelchair tournament at the US Open this year.</p>

<p>"Massively disappointed to find out on Twitter this morning that the @usopen plan on cutting wheelchair tennis from this years tournament," tweeted Paralympic champion Gordon Reid, who is also a four-time doubles winner in New York.</p>

<p>"The wheelchair players have had ZERO communication or consultation from either the ITF or the Grand Slam around this decision."</p>

<p>International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons added: "The decision has left a lot of the athlete community rightly upset and angered".</p>


World number one Novak Djokovic appeared to row back on scepticism over plans to stage the US Open, saying on Thursday he was "extremely happy" the Grand Slam had escaped the coronavirus cull which claimed Wimbledon and much of the season.

World number one Novak Djokovic appeared to row back on scepticism over plans to stage the US Open, saying on Thursday he was "extremely happy" the Grand Slam had escaped the coronavirus cull which claimed Wimbledon and much of the season. Djokovic had initially voiced unease over the United States Tennis Association's intention to keep the event starting on August 31 at Flushing Meadows despite New York being the hardest-hit city by the US coronavirus crisis. He described health protocols as "extreme" and "impossible". However, organisers will have been encouraged by the positive noises coming from the three-time US Open champion on Thursday. "I'm extremely happy and excited to see that all the tournaments, especially Grand Slams, are organising their events," the Serb said in reference also to the French Open, rescheduled now to start in late September. "I think that a lot of people were sceptical, especially for the US events considering what the US went through as a country during this pandemic," the 17-time Grand Slam winner told Eurosport's Tennis Legends podcast. "So a lot of people, including myself, were quite sceptical on whether it would happen or not. "We are very glad that it is happening, of course, and it is very important that we provide opportunities, we provide jobs, we provide opportunities for players to compete. "Because at the end of the day, this is what we do! As tennis professionals we love the sport; we are passionate about it. We miss competing and travelling and, at the end of the day, we miss being on tour. So I think this is very positive news." The 33-year-old said he hoped the stringent restrictions including the existing ban on South American players travelling to compete would be eased before the Grand Slam gets underway. "Let's hope that in the next two months some of those restrictions will loosen up a bit and that we will have a great, great tournament." - 'Perpetuating my unemployment' - This month Djokovic had said that most players he had spoken to had "a rather negative view" about playing in New York, and predicted some would instead switch to the delayed clay court season. A number of other players have also expressed doubts over the US Open including defending champion Rafael Nadal who said that he would not take part if the event was taking place now. Women's world number one Ashleigh Barty as well as Wimbledon champion Simona Halep have also expressed reservations. The US Open will be played without fans in attendance while strict health protocols will be in place. However, there has been anger at the decision to drop qualifying from the tournament. "Cheers to ATP and US Open for further perpetuating my unemployment," tweeted world number 195 Mitchell Krueger of the United States. Sachia Vickery, the women's world number 158, tweeted: "What a slap in the face to all the players in qualifying that won’t even have a chance to compete and who literally depend on the money from grand slams to survive." Wary of the fall-out, the USTA said $6.6 million will be put aside as compensation for those affected by missing out on the 128-player main draw. There was also anger too at the decision not to stage a wheelchair tournament at the US Open this year. "Massively disappointed to find out on Twitter this morning that the @usopen plan on cutting wheelchair tennis from this years tournament," tweeted Paralympic champion Gordon Reid, who is also a four-time doubles winner in New York. "The wheelchair players have had ZERO communication or consultation from either the ITF or the Grand Slam around this decision." International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons added: "The decision has left a lot of the athlete community rightly upset and angered".

Djokovic puts positive spin on US Open plan

<p>Juventus's Serie A supremacy faces a stiff test with the champions just one point ahead of Lazio as the Italian league kicks off again this weekend following a three-month shutdown.</p>

<p>A return had looked unthinkable back in April as Italy counted their daily coronavirus deaths in the hundreds for nearly 35,000 victims in the country.</p>

<p>But the situation has improved with strict health protocols in place and all matches being played behind closed doors.</p>

<p>Four postponed games will take place first this weekend involving teams at the epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak.</p>

<p>Atalanta host Sassuolo in Bergamo on Sunday, and Inter Milan are at home against Sampdoria.</p>

<p>On Saturday, Torino host Parma and Cagliari travel to Hellas Verona.</p>

<p>Next week all teams will have 12 games left to play with Juventus at Bologna on Monday, and Lazio travelling to Atalanta on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Maurizio Sarri's Juventus fell in the Italian Cup final to Napoli on penalties midweek, having also lost the Italian SuperCup to Lazio in December.</p>

<p>"Ronaldo, (Paulo) Dybala and our great soloists lack that little bit of brilliance, but I consider it quite normal in this period," said Sarri.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I didn't say anything to the players, we were all very angry and disappointed and I think it's better to be silent right now."</p>

<p>Sarri's woes have been compounded with Brazilian defender Alex Sandro tearing a knee ligament against Napoli and Sami Khedira picking up a potentially serious tendon problem.</p>

<p>Argentine forward Gonzalo Higuain and captain Giorgio Chiellini are also not yet at full fitness.</p>

<h2>- Ronaldo effect -</h2>

<p>Juventus will be counting on their top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo to react after suffering two defeats in a final for the first time in his career, and missing a penalty in the Italian Cup semi-final.</p>

<p>Lazio's Ciro Immobile has scored 27 goals this season, six more than Ronaldo, as the in-form Romans target their third Scudetto and first in two decades.</p>

<p>Simone Inzaghi's side have already beaten Juventus twice this season, in the Italian SuperCup final and 3-1 in the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.</p>

<p>The top two teams will meet in Turin on July 20.</p>

<p>Inter Milan are third, nine points behind Juventus. Inter lost to Lazio (2-1) and Juventus (2-0) just before the suspension.</p>

<p>"If I have to find a positive part of this crisis, it's that I've had time to focus and try to find different areas in which the team can improve," said coach Antonio Conte.</p>

<p>Atalanta occupy the final Champions League berth, three points ahead of Roma, with Napoli sixth a further six points back.</p>

<h2>- Maths madness -</h2>

<p>While the championship resumes the question remains of what happens in the case of another suspension.</p>

<p>Plan B provides for play-offs, the format of which remains to be defined.</p>

<p>A final decision could open the way to use a complicated algorithm devised by the federation to establish the final ranking.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Who would qualify for the Champions League or the Europa League? Who would go to Serie B?&nbsp;</p>

<p>Very simple: PF = PT + (MPc x NPc) + (MPt x NPt)!&nbsp;</p>

<p>This formula means that the total points will be calculated taking into account those obtained at the time of the interruption, plus a simulation based on the average points taken at home and away multiplied by the number of matches still to play.</p>

<p>Got it?</p>

<p>It was even considered at one point to take into account the number of goals scored home and away, for an even more intimidating formula: PF = PT + 0,90 x [(MPc x NPc ) + (MPt x NPt)] + 0,10 x (iag x Δr).</p>

<p>"This is madness. We are at the 'Normale' of Pisa," said FIGC president Gabriele Gravina, referring to the prestigious Tuscan university, which has given Italy three Nobel Prize winners and two Presidents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But one sticking point was cleared up Thursday with the Italian government agreeing to ease quarantine restrictions in the case of a positive test with only the infected person isolated.</p>

<p>The squad and staff will be closely monitored and a quick test performed on the whole team on match day, boosting hopes that the championship will be concluded.</p>

<p>Fixtures (all times GMT):</p>

<p>Saturday&nbsp;</p>

<p>Torino v Parma (1730), Verona v Cagliari (1945)</p>

<p>Sunday</p>

<p>Atalanta v Sassuolo (1730), Inter Milan v Sampdoria (1945)</p>

<p>Monday</p>

<p>Lecce v AC Milan (1730), Fiorentina v Brescia (1730), Bologna v Juventus (1945)</p>

<p>Tuesday</p>

<p>SPAL v Cagliari (1730), Verona v Napoli (1730), Torino v Udinese (1845), Genoa v Parma (1945)</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wednesday</p>

<p>Inter Milan v Sassuolo (1730), Atalanta v Lazio (1945), Rome v Sampdoria (1945)</p>


Juventus's Serie A supremacy faces a stiff test with the champions just one point ahead of Lazio as the Italian league kicks off again this weekend following a three-month shutdown.

Juventus's Serie A supremacy faces a stiff test with the champions just one point ahead of Lazio as the Italian league kicks off again this weekend following a three-month shutdown. A return had looked unthinkable back in April as Italy counted their daily coronavirus deaths in the hundreds for nearly 35,000 victims in the country. But the situation has improved with strict health protocols in place and all matches being played behind closed doors. Four postponed games will take place first this weekend involving teams at the epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak. Atalanta host Sassuolo in Bergamo on Sunday, and Inter Milan are at home against Sampdoria. On Saturday, Torino host Parma and Cagliari travel to Hellas Verona. Next week all teams will have 12 games left to play with Juventus at Bologna on Monday, and Lazio travelling to Atalanta on Wednesday. Maurizio Sarri's Juventus fell in the Italian Cup final to Napoli on penalties midweek, having also lost the Italian SuperCup to Lazio in December. "Ronaldo, (Paulo) Dybala and our great soloists lack that little bit of brilliance, but I consider it quite normal in this period," said Sarri. "I didn't say anything to the players, we were all very angry and disappointed and I think it's better to be silent right now." Sarri's woes have been compounded with Brazilian defender Alex Sandro tearing a knee ligament against Napoli and Sami Khedira picking up a potentially serious tendon problem. Argentine forward Gonzalo Higuain and captain Giorgio Chiellini are also not yet at full fitness. - Ronaldo effect - Juventus will be counting on their top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo to react after suffering two defeats in a final for the first time in his career, and missing a penalty in the Italian Cup semi-final. Lazio's Ciro Immobile has scored 27 goals this season, six more than Ronaldo, as the in-form Romans target their third Scudetto and first in two decades. Simone Inzaghi's side have already beaten Juventus twice this season, in the Italian SuperCup final and 3-1 in the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The top two teams will meet in Turin on July 20. Inter Milan are third, nine points behind Juventus. Inter lost to Lazio (2-1) and Juventus (2-0) just before the suspension. "If I have to find a positive part of this crisis, it's that I've had time to focus and try to find different areas in which the team can improve," said coach Antonio Conte. Atalanta occupy the final Champions League berth, three points ahead of Roma, with Napoli sixth a further six points back. - Maths madness - While the championship resumes the question remains of what happens in the case of another suspension. Plan B provides for play-offs, the format of which remains to be defined. A final decision could open the way to use a complicated algorithm devised by the federation to establish the final ranking. Who would qualify for the Champions League or the Europa League? Who would go to Serie B? Very simple: PF = PT + (MPc x NPc) + (MPt x NPt)! This formula means that the total points will be calculated taking into account those obtained at the time of the interruption, plus a simulation based on the average points taken at home and away multiplied by the number of matches still to play. Got it? It was even considered at one point to take into account the number of goals scored home and away, for an even more intimidating formula: PF = PT + 0,90 x [(MPc x NPc ) + (MPt x NPt)] + 0,10 x (iag x Δr). "This is madness. We are at the 'Normale' of Pisa," said FIGC president Gabriele Gravina, referring to the prestigious Tuscan university, which has given Italy three Nobel Prize winners and two Presidents. But one sticking point was cleared up Thursday with the Italian government agreeing to ease quarantine restrictions in the case of a positive test with only the infected person isolated. The squad and staff will be closely monitored and a quick test performed on the whole team on match day, boosting hopes that the championship will be concluded. Fixtures (all times GMT): Saturday Torino v Parma (1730), Verona v Cagliari (1945) Sunday Atalanta v Sassuolo (1730), Inter Milan v Sampdoria (1945) Monday Lecce v AC Milan (1730), Fiorentina v Brescia (1730), Bologna v Juventus (1945) Tuesday SPAL v Cagliari (1730), Verona v Napoli (1730), Torino v Udinese (1845), Genoa v Parma (1945) Wednesday Inter Milan v Sassuolo (1730), Atalanta v Lazio (1945), Rome v Sampdoria (1945)

Juventus supremacy under threat as Serie A returns

<p>Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho is hoping to exact revenge on former employers Manchester United, while Liverpool aim to move within one win of the title as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a>'s return kicks up a gear across a four-day weekend of action.</p>

<p>The English top flight got its first taste of empty stands and strict hygiene protocols on Wednesday as Aston Villa's goalless draw with Sheffield United and Manchester City's 3-0 victory over Arsenal restarted the campaign.</p>

<p>Despite the muted atmosphere, there remains plenty to play for at both ends of the table with the clash between Tottenham and United pivotal in the battle for Champions League qualification.</p>

<p>Both sit outside the top four with nine games remaining. However, United's position in fifth could be good enough to secure a return to the Champions League if Manchester City's appeal against a two-season ban from European competition is unsuccessful.</p>

<p>Spurs could prove to be the biggest winners of the three-month lockdown.</p>

<p>Before the break, Mourinho claimed he could not wait for the season to finish as injuries to Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, Moussa Sissoko and Steven Bergwijn appeared to have ended their campaigns.</p>

<p>All four are now fit again and victory would lift Tottenham to within one point of the club that sacked Mourinho in December 2018.</p>

<p>"The reality is we are now in a better position to where we were before," said Mourinho.</p>

<p>"We got Harry and Sonny back, the players with the best stats in terms of scoring and assists. They give us this kind of attacking power."</p>

<p>United were the form side in the league prior to the lockdown.</p>

<p>Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men are unbeaten in 11 games but also benefited from the break as Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba return from long-term injuries.</p>

<p>Rashford has made waves for his power off the field with a campaign to provide vulnerable children with food vouchers forcing a British government U-turn.</p>

<p>But the England international is desperate to get back on more familiar ground after being sidelined by a back injury since January.</p>

<p>"It's been a long time, but I think I needed it," Rashford told Sky Sports.</p>

<p>"Within my body I definitely feel confident again and ready to play games. The timing has worked out well for me."</p>

<p>Solskjaer said Pogba is "raring to go" after an injury-ravaged season and could be paired with January signing Bruno Fernandes in the United midfield for the first time.</p>

<h2>- Liverpool excitement building -</h2>

<p>City's victory over Arsenal means Liverpool cannot seal a first league title in 30 years against Everton on Sunday, much to the blue side of Merseyside's relief.</p>

<p>Jurgen Klopp's men are just two wins away from the historic feat and victory at Goodison Park will allow them the chance to win the league on home soil when Crystal Palace visit Anfield on Wednesday.</p>

<p>"You can feel it," said Klopp of the excitement building around his side's return. "I feel the intensity everywhere."</p>

<p>The match will take place in Liverpool despite fears over fans congregating outside both stadiums in the city. Goodison and Anfield are separated by less than a mile.</p>

<p>Klopp has urged his supporters to be "the best stay at home fans in the world".</p>

<p>The earliest Liverpool could now be crowned champions is on Monday should the Reds win and City lose at home to Burnley.</p>

<p>At the other end of the table, Norwich, Villa and Bournemouth sit in the relegation zone, but just three points separate second-bottom Villa from Brighton in 15th.</p>

<p>Rock-bottom Norwich can ramp up the pressure on those above them even more should they close to within three points of safety in the first match of the weekend against Southampton.</p>

<p>Friday (all times GMT)</p>

<p>Norwich v Southampton (1700), Tottenham v Manchester United (1915)</p>

<p>Saturday</p>

<p>Watford v Leicester (1130), Brighton v Arsenal (1400), West Ham v Wolves (1630), Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (1845)</p>

<p>Sunday</p>

<p>Newcastle v Sheffield United (1300), Aston Villa v Chelsea (1515), Everton v Liverpool (1800)</p>


Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho is hoping to exact revenge on former employers Manchester United, while Liverpool aim to move within one win of the title as the Premier League's return kicks up a gear across a four-day weekend of action.

Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho is hoping to exact revenge on former employers Manchester United, while Liverpool aim to move within one win of the title as the Premier League's return kicks up a gear across a four-day weekend of action. The English top flight got its first taste of empty stands and strict hygiene protocols on Wednesday as Aston Villa's goalless draw with Sheffield United and Manchester City's 3-0 victory over Arsenal restarted the campaign. Despite the muted atmosphere, there remains plenty to play for at both ends of the table with the clash between Tottenham and United pivotal in the battle for Champions League qualification. Both sit outside the top four with nine games remaining. However, United's position in fifth could be good enough to secure a return to the Champions League if Manchester City's appeal against a two-season ban from European competition is unsuccessful. Spurs could prove to be the biggest winners of the three-month lockdown. Before the break, Mourinho claimed he could not wait for the season to finish as injuries to Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, Moussa Sissoko and Steven Bergwijn appeared to have ended their campaigns. All four are now fit again and victory would lift Tottenham to within one point of the club that sacked Mourinho in December 2018. "The reality is we are now in a better position to where we were before," said Mourinho. "We got Harry and Sonny back, the players with the best stats in terms of scoring and assists. They give us this kind of attacking power." United were the form side in the league prior to the lockdown. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men are unbeaten in 11 games but also benefited from the break as Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba return from long-term injuries. Rashford has made waves for his power off the field with a campaign to provide vulnerable children with food vouchers forcing a British government U-turn. But the England international is desperate to get back on more familiar ground after being sidelined by a back injury since January. "It's been a long time, but I think I needed it," Rashford told Sky Sports. "Within my body I definitely feel confident again and ready to play games. The timing has worked out well for me." Solskjaer said Pogba is "raring to go" after an injury-ravaged season and could be paired with January signing Bruno Fernandes in the United midfield for the first time. - Liverpool excitement building - City's victory over Arsenal means Liverpool cannot seal a first league title in 30 years against Everton on Sunday, much to the blue side of Merseyside's relief. Jurgen Klopp's men are just two wins away from the historic feat and victory at Goodison Park will allow them the chance to win the league on home soil when Crystal Palace visit Anfield on Wednesday. "You can feel it," said Klopp of the excitement building around his side's return. "I feel the intensity everywhere." The match will take place in Liverpool despite fears over fans congregating outside both stadiums in the city. Goodison and Anfield are separated by less than a mile. Klopp has urged his supporters to be "the best stay at home fans in the world". The earliest Liverpool could now be crowned champions is on Monday should the Reds win and City lose at home to Burnley. At the other end of the table, Norwich, Villa and Bournemouth sit in the relegation zone, but just three points separate second-bottom Villa from Brighton in 15th. Rock-bottom Norwich can ramp up the pressure on those above them even more should they close to within three points of safety in the first match of the weekend against Southampton. Friday (all times GMT) Norwich v Southampton (1700), Tottenham v Manchester United (1915) Saturday Watford v Leicester (1130), Brighton v Arsenal (1400), West Ham v Wolves (1630), Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (1845) Sunday Newcastle v Sheffield United (1300), Aston Villa v Chelsea (1515), Everton v Liverpool (1800)

Mourinho meets familiar foes Man Utd as Liverpool resume title hunt

<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to organise a six-week camp for its elite cricketers somewhere in July and speculations have started whether Mahendra Singh Dhoni will make the cut or not. The BCCI is looking for a safe time and venue for the camp after the third week of July and in case if it is not possible then players will join their respective IPL camps later in the year.</p>

<p>While Dhoni is not in the central contracts list, a few players from outside the pool is expected to feature in the camp. Former chief selector MSK Prasad is of the view that Dhoni should feature in the camp if the preparation is for the T20 World Cup, otherwise players like KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson are there for the bilaterals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I don't know whether T20 World Cup is happening or not. If it is happening and you are just looking at the camp as a pre-cursor to the tournament, then MS should definitely be there. If it's a case of bilaterals, then you already have KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson," Prasad told PTI.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/after-2011-world-cup-final-fixing-allegation-sri-lankan-government-launches-probe-307111" hreflang="en">After 2011 World Cup final fixing allegation, Sri Lankan government launches probe</a></strong></p>

<p>Former Indian pacer Ashish Nehra said that if Dhoni wants to be there in the camp then he should be there, no questions asked.</p>

<p>"If I was a national selector, MS Dhoni will be in my team but the bigger question is that whether he wants to play or not. It's what Dhoni wants at the end of the day," Nehra said.</p>

<p>Whereas Harbhajan Singh has said that he wants to see youngsters take part in the camp while mentioning the likes of Ravi Bishnoi, Yashasvi Jaiswal and in-form Suryakumar Yadav.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chinese-sponsorship-in-ipl-helps-indian-economy-not-other-way-around-bcci-treasurer-arun-dhumal-307090" hreflang="en">Chinese sponsorship in IPL helps Indian economy, not other way around: BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal</a></strong></p>

<p>"I would like to see Suryakumar Yadav, the young U-19 leg-spinner (Ravi Bishnoi) and Yashasvi Jaiswal in that camp.</p>

<p>They should get a chance to interact with the senior players. No one deserves it more than Surya, who should be in that T20 team," Harbhajan said.</p>

<p>Deep Dasgupta, on the other hand, feels that Dhoni cannot be ruled out of the World Cup even if he is not there in the camp while adding everything depends on how the former Indian captain performs in the IPL.</p>

<p>"I mean if Dhoni is a part of that camp, it will be six weeks with the next batch of keepers who can pick his brains. Yes, if he is not a part of that camp, I would still not rule him out if he has a good IPL. Say he bats at No 4 for CSK and gets 500 runs, can you ignore him then?" questioned Dasgupta.</p>

<p>A senior official privy to selection matter is of the view that he would be very surprised if Dhoni is picked for the upcoming camp.</p>

<p>"He hasn't played for one year. You haven't seen in what shape he is right now. He is not in central contracts and he wasn't even picked for the T20s against West Indies last year. Still if he is called for a camp, it will be surprising," the official said.</p>

<p><em>(Inputs from PTI)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to organise a six-week camp for its elite cricketers somewhere in July and speculations have started whether Mahendra Singh Dhoni will make the cut or not.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to organise a six-week camp for its elite cricketers somewhere in July and speculations have started whether Mahendra Singh Dhoni will make the cut or not. The BCCI is looking for a safe time and venue for the camp after the third week of July and in case if it is not possible then players will join their respective IPL camps later in the year. While Dhoni is not in the central contracts list, a few players from outside the pool is expected to feature in the camp. Former chief selector MSK Prasad is of the view that Dhoni should feature in the camp if the preparation is for the T20 World Cup, otherwise players like KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson are there for the bilaterals. "I don't know whether T20 World Cup is happening or not. If it is happening and you are just looking at the camp as a pre-cursor to the tournament, then MS should definitely be there. If it's a case of bilaterals, then you already have KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson," Prasad told PTI. ALSO READ: After 2011 World Cup final fixing allegation, Sri Lankan government launches probe Former Indian pacer Ashish Nehra said that if Dhoni wants to be there in the camp then he should be there, no questions asked. "If I was a national selector, MS Dhoni will be in my team but the bigger question is that whether he wants to play or not. It's what Dhoni wants at the end of the day," Nehra said. Whereas Harbhajan Singh has said that he wants to see youngsters take part in the camp while mentioning the likes of Ravi Bishnoi, Yashasvi Jaiswal and in-form Suryakumar Yadav. ALSO READ: Chinese sponsorship in IPL helps Indian economy, not other way around: BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal "I would like to see Suryakumar Yadav, the young U-19 leg-spinner (Ravi Bishnoi) and Yashasvi Jaiswal in that camp. They should get a chance to interact with the senior players. No one deserves it more than Surya, who should be in that T20 team," Harbhajan said. Deep Dasgupta, on the other hand, feels that Dhoni cannot be ruled out of the World Cup even if he is not there in the camp while adding everything depends on how the former Indian captain performs in the IPL. "I mean if Dhoni is a part of that camp, it will be six weeks with the next batch of keepers who can pick his brains. Yes, if he is not a part of that camp, I would still not rule him out if he has a good IPL. Say he bats at No 4 for CSK and gets 500 runs, can you ignore him then?" questioned Dasgupta. A senior official privy to selection matter is of the view that he would be very surprised if Dhoni is picked for the upcoming camp. "He hasn't played for one year. You haven't seen in what shape he is right now. He is not in central contracts and he wasn't even picked for the T20s against West Indies last year. Still if he is called for a camp, it will be surprising," the official said. (Inputs from PTI)

MS Dhoni for India training camp post lockdown? Experts left divided

<p>Brazilian forward Neymar must pay 6.7 million euros to Barcelona, a court-ordered on Friday after the Paris Saint-Germain winger’s case against his former employer was dismissed. Neymar had sued Barcelona for 43.6 million euros that he claimed was due for various bonuses after sealing a world-record deal with PSG.</p>

<p>However, the judge dismissed Neymar’s case and favoured Barca, who also had sued their former player for breach of contract. Neymar has five days to appeal the verdict.</p>

<p>Neymar joined Barcelona in 2013 before signing a five-year extension in 2016 which included renewal bonus worth 43.6 million euros with 14 million paid up front. The remaining 29 million euros were due to be paid on August 1, 2017, but the Brazilian forward left Barcelona on August 3 after PSG activated striker’s 222 million euro release clause. Barca, at that time, refused to pay Neymar the remaining bonus as the Blaugrana insisted that terms of the contract were broken.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pep-guardiola-confirms-leroy-sane-will-not-extend-contract-with-man-city-307120" hreflang="en">Pep Guardiola confirms Leroy Sane will not extend contract with Man City</a></strong></p>

<p>"We express our satisfaction with the verdict announced today," Barcelona said in a statement.</p>

<p>"The ruling has fully dismissed the player's claim for payment of €43.6m, and has accepted a large part of the defence presented by FC Barcelona, as a result of which the player must return €6.7m to the club.</p>

<p>"Since the player's representative is entitled to appeal this decision, the club shall continue to fervently defend its legitimate interests."</p>

<p>However, despite the dispute between the two, both the club and player have been eager on a re-union. Neymar was close to signing for Barca last summer but an agreement couldn’t be reached.</p>

<p>Neymar’s return has been supported by Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, with whom the Brazilian formed a devastating trio upfront for Barca.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/solskjaer-challenges-pogba-to-show-leadership-for-man-utd-307126" hreflang="en">Solskjaer challenges Pogba to show leadership for Man Utd</a></strong></p>

<p>"I've said it many times, as a footballer Ney is one of the best in the world and I would love for him to return," Messi said in an interview with Barcelona newspaper Mundo Deportivo in February.</p>

<p>"He was always happy, he had fun both on and off the pitch. He brought a special sense of joy to the dressing room."<br />
Messi added: "He is eager to return, he was always regretful. He tried a lot to come back and that would be the first step in trying to get him here."<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Brazilian forward Neymar must pay 6.7 million euros to Barcelona, a court-ordered on Friday after the Paris Saint-Germain winger’s case against his former employer was dismissed.

Brazilian forward Neymar must pay 6.7 million euros to Barcelona, a court-ordered on Friday after the Paris Saint-Germain winger’s case against his former employer was dismissed. Neymar had sued Barcelona for 43.6 million euros that he claimed was due for various bonuses after sealing a world-record deal with PSG. However, the judge dismissed Neymar’s case and favoured Barca, who also had sued their former player for breach of contract. Neymar has five days to appeal the verdict. Neymar joined Barcelona in 2013 before signing a five-year extension in 2016 which included renewal bonus worth 43.6 million euros with 14 million paid up front. The remaining 29 million euros were due to be paid on August 1, 2017, but the Brazilian forward left Barcelona on August 3 after PSG activated striker’s 222 million euro release clause. Barca, at that time, refused to pay Neymar the remaining bonus as the Blaugrana insisted that terms of the contract were broken. ALSO READ: Pep Guardiola confirms Leroy Sane will not extend contract with Man City "We express our satisfaction with the verdict announced today," Barcelona said in a statement. "The ruling has fully dismissed the player's claim for payment of €43.6m, and has accepted a large part of the defence presented by FC Barcelona, as a result of which the player must return €6.7m to the club. "Since the player's representative is entitled to appeal this decision, the club shall continue to fervently defend its legitimate interests." However, despite the dispute between the two, both the club and player have been eager on a re-union. Neymar was close to signing for Barca last summer but an agreement couldn’t be reached. Neymar’s return has been supported by Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, with whom the Brazilian formed a devastating trio upfront for Barca. ALSO READ: Solskjaer challenges Pogba to show leadership for Man Utd "I've said it many times, as a footballer Ney is one of the best in the world and I would love for him to return," Messi said in an interview with Barcelona newspaper Mundo Deportivo in February. "He was always happy, he had fun both on and off the pitch. He brought a special sense of joy to the dressing room." Messi added: "He is eager to return, he was always regretful. He tried a lot to come back and that would be the first step in trying to get him here."

Neymar ordered to pay 6.7 million euros to Barcelona

<p>Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has challenged Paul Pogba to show leadership at Manchester United as the midfielder seeks to put a wretched season behind him.</p>

<p>The World Cup winner has managed just eight appearances in all competitions due to foot and ankle problems and has not played since December.</p>

<p>United's record signing could make his long-awaited return when their Premier League campaign resumes at Tottenham on Friday, where Pogba would face former boss Jose Mourinho.</p>

<p>United manager Solskjaer said he was confident that Pogba, linked with a move away from Old Trafford earlier this season, would recover his best form.</p>

<p>"Paul is one of the best midfielders in the world, so of course we expect him to gradually improve as he gets more and more game time," he said.</p>

<p>"I don't know if it's 45 minutes this time, is it 60, is it... so gradually over these next few months we can work him up back to his best.</p>

<p>"Paul has had a very, very good career. Of course he is a World Cup winner and we want to have that leadership on the pitch as well."</p>

<p>United's midfield has improved markedly since the 27-year-old last played due to the January arrival of Bruno Fernandes, and the potential of the pair playing together is an intriguing prospect.</p>

<p>The three-month coronavirus suspension has also allowed England international Marcus Rashford to recover from his back injury.</p>

<p>United are unbeaten in 11 matches and pushing for Champions League qualification as well as FA Cup and Europa League glory.</p>

<p>The Norwegian manager said the break had been good for Mason Greenwood, 18, who has scored 12 goals in 36 appearances during his breakthrough season.</p>

<p>"Sometimes earlier on you could see he was a kid," he said.</p>

<p>"Now in training he can use his strength better and he has done really well over the three or four weeks we have been training now."</p>


Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has challenged Paul Pogba to show leadership at Manchester United as the midfielder seeks to put a wretched season behind him. The World Cup winner has managed just eight appearances in all competitions due to foot and ankle problems and has not played since December.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has challenged Paul Pogba to show leadership at Manchester United as the midfielder seeks to put a wretched season behind him. The World Cup winner has managed just eight appearances in all competitions due to foot and ankle problems and has not played since December. United's record signing could make his long-awaited return when their Premier League campaign resumes at Tottenham on Friday, where Pogba would face former boss Jose Mourinho. United manager Solskjaer said he was confident that Pogba, linked with a move away from Old Trafford earlier this season, would recover his best form. "Paul is one of the best midfielders in the world, so of course we expect him to gradually improve as he gets more and more game time," he said. "I don't know if it's 45 minutes this time, is it 60, is it... so gradually over these next few months we can work him up back to his best. "Paul has had a very, very good career. Of course he is a World Cup winner and we want to have that leadership on the pitch as well." United's midfield has improved markedly since the 27-year-old last played due to the January arrival of Bruno Fernandes, and the potential of the pair playing together is an intriguing prospect. The three-month coronavirus suspension has also allowed England international Marcus Rashford to recover from his back injury. United are unbeaten in 11 matches and pushing for Champions League qualification as well as FA Cup and Europa League glory. The Norwegian manager said the break had been good for Mason Greenwood, 18, who has scored 12 goals in 36 appearances during his breakthrough season. "Sometimes earlier on you could see he was a kid," he said. "Now in training he can use his strength better and he has done really well over the three or four weeks we have been training now."

Solskjaer challenges Pogba to show leadership for Man Utd

<p>Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Leroy Sane has rejected the opportunity to extend his current contract and would leave for another club in this summer transfer window or at the end of his contract in 2021. Reportedly, Bayern Munich are the front-runners to sign the German winger and have already agreed on personal terms with the winger.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Guardiola, during the pre-match press conference ahead of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> match against Burnley, said that he is disappointed that Sane has opted to part ways but he respects his decision and will help him till the last day of his stay with the Blues. The former Barcelona manager added that Sane wants another adventure of his career and it is fine with him.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chinese-super-league-resumption-in-doubt-after-beijing-covid-19-outbreak-307079" hreflang="en">Chinese Super League resumption in doubt after Beijing COVID-19 outbreak</a></strong></p>

<h2>"If Sane wants to leave, it is going to happen this summer or at the end of the contract"</h2>

<p>"I’m disappointed of course. When we make an offer to a player, it is because we want him. We tried before the injury, we tried after and it was rejected. I said many time we want players who want to play with this club and commit,” Guardiola said on Friday.</p>

<p>"To try to achieve our targets but of course we respect him. He’s an incredibly nice guy. I love him so much. I have nothing against him but he decided he wants another adventure for his career. When this happens, we are going to help him until the last day.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mourinho-meets-familiar-foes-man-utd-as-liverpool-resume-title-hunt-307013" hreflang="en">Mourinho meets familiar foes Man Utd as Liverpool resume title hunt</a></strong></p>

<p>"If he wants to leave, it is going to happen this summer or at the end of the contract. I think everybody knows and if at the end of this season an agreement can be found he will leave, if not he will leave at the end of his contract."</p>

<p>With UEFA announcing that the ‘Final-8’ of Champions League will be finished in Lisbon, Portugal, fresh doubts have risen on the pending second-leg of the match between Man City and Real Madrid. However, Guardiola said they would prefer to play in their home ground but are ready to adapt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We would love to play in the Etihad as normal but I think UEFA would rather [play in Lisbon] for health and security reasons so we are going to adapt."</p>

<p>"We are going to adapt to what UEFA says. It is an extraordinary situation around the world, not just football. When the PL said we have to do it, we have to do it. If UEFA says that for health and security reasons, we are going to do it."<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Leroy Sane has rejected the opportunity to extend his current contract and would leave for another club in this summer transfer window or at the end of his contract in 2021.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Leroy Sane has rejected the opportunity to extend his current contract and would leave for another club in this summer transfer window or at the end of his contract in 2021. Reportedly, Bayern Munich are the front-runners to sign the German winger and have already agreed on personal terms with the winger. Guardiola, during the pre-match press conference ahead of the Premier League match against Burnley, said that he is disappointed that Sane has opted to part ways but he respects his decision and will help him till the last day of his stay with the Blues. The former Barcelona manager added that Sane wants another adventure of his career and it is fine with him. ALSO READ: Chinese Super League resumption in doubt after Beijing COVID-19 outbreak "If Sane wants to leave, it is going to happen this summer or at the end of the contract" "I’m disappointed of course. When we make an offer to a player, it is because we want him. We tried before the injury, we tried after and it was rejected. I said many time we want players who want to play with this club and commit,” Guardiola said on Friday. "To try to achieve our targets but of course we respect him. He’s an incredibly nice guy. I love him so much. I have nothing against him but he decided he wants another adventure for his career. When this happens, we are going to help him until the last day. ALSO READ: Mourinho meets familiar foes Man Utd as Liverpool resume title hunt "If he wants to leave, it is going to happen this summer or at the end of the contract. I think everybody knows and if at the end of this season an agreement can be found he will leave, if not he will leave at the end of his contract." With UEFA announcing that the ‘Final-8’ of Champions League will be finished in Lisbon, Portugal, fresh doubts have risen on the pending second-leg of the match between Man City and Real Madrid. However, Guardiola said they would prefer to play in their home ground but are ready to adapt. "We would love to play in the Etihad as normal but I think UEFA would rather [play in Lisbon] for health and security reasons so we are going to adapt." "We are going to adapt to what UEFA says. It is an extraordinary situation around the world, not just football. When the PL said we have to do it, we have to do it. If UEFA says that for health and security reasons, we are going to do it."

Pep Guardiola confirms Leroy Sane will not extend contract with Man City

<p>Former Sri Lankan sports minister Mahindanda Aluthgamage created a huge controversy as he claimed that the ICC World Cup 2011 final was “fixed”. Aluthgamage was Sri Lanka’s sports minister back then and alleged that the national team’s defeat to India in the final of 2011 World Cup was fixed by “certain parties”. Reacting to the allegation, Sri Lanka’s sports ministry has ordered an investigation and asked for a progress report every two weeks.</p>

<p>Sports Minister of Sri Lanka, Dullas Alahapperuma has order investigation and sports secretary, KADS Ruwanchandra, on Alahapperuma’s directive, has&nbsp;complained to the ministry’s investigation unit.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/was-2011-world-cup-final-fixed-kumar-sangakkara-mahela-jayawardene-respond-to-shocking-claims-by-former-sri-lanka-sports-minister-306812" hreflang="en">Was 2011 World Cup final fixed? Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene respond to shocking claims by former Sri Lanka sports minister</a></strong></p>

<p>Aluthgamage has alleged that Sri Lanka “sold” the game to India, however, the claim has been ridiculed by former Sri Lankan captains Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, both part of the match, as the duo demanded evidence from him.</p>

<p>In an interview with local TV channel ‘Sirasa’, Aluthgamage alleged that the 2011 World Cup final was “fixed”. India were handed 275 runs to win and claimed the coveted trophy courtest Gautam Gambhir’s 97 and skipper MS Dhoni’s unbeaten 91.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-2011-final-was-fixed-former-sri-lanka-sports-minister-comes-up-with-shocking-claim-306797" hreflang="en">'World Cup 2011 final was fixed': Former Sri Lanka Sports Minister comes up with shocking claim</a></strong></p>

<p>"Today I am telling you that we sold the 2011 world cup, I said this when I was the sports minister," Aluthgamage, who was the sports minister at the time, said.</p>

<p>"As a country I do not want to announce this. I can't exactly remember if it was 2011 or 2012. But we were to win that game," added the politician, who was the state minister of power in the current caretaker government which is in-charge until the election to be held on August 5.</p>

<p>"He needs to take his 'evidence' to the ICC and the Anti corruption and Security Unit so the claims can be investigated thoroughly," he tweeted.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He needs to take his “evidence” to the ICC and the Anti corruption and Security Unit so the claims can be investigated throughly <a href="https://t.co/51w2J5Jtpc">https://t.co/51w2J5Jtpc</a></p>
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) <a href="https://twitter.com/KumarSanga2/status/1273578234718957568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jayawardene, who scored a century in that game, ridiculed the charge.</p>

<p>"Is the elections around the corner...like the circus has started...names and evidence?" he asked in a tweet.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Is the elections around the corner 🤔Looks like the circus has started 🤡 names and evidence? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SLpolitics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SLpolitics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICC</a> <a href="https://t.co/bA4FxdqXhu">https://t.co/bA4FxdqXhu</a></p>
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) <a href="https://twitter.com/MahelaJay/status/1273518778941411328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Aluthgamage said that he wouldn’t bring players into the debate while adding "certain parties were."</p>

<p>Both Aluthgamage and the then president Mahinda Rajapaksa were in the guest list at the final played in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Earlier, former World Cup-winning skipper Arjuna Ranatunga had also called for a probe on the alleged match-fixing in the 2011 World Cup final.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Former Sri Lankan sports minister Mahindanda Aluthgamage created a huge controversy as he claimed that the ICC World Cup 2011 final was “fixed”. Aluthgamage was Sri Lanka’s sports minister back then and alleged that the national team’s defeat to India in the final of 2011 World Cup was fixed by “certain parties”.

Former Sri Lankan sports minister Mahindanda Aluthgamage created a huge controversy as he claimed that the ICC World Cup 2011 final was “fixed”. Aluthgamage was Sri Lanka’s sports minister back then and alleged that the national team’s defeat to India in the final of 2011 World Cup was fixed by “certain parties”. Reacting to the allegation, Sri Lanka’s sports ministry has ordered an investigation and asked for a progress report every two weeks. Sports Minister of Sri Lanka, Dullas Alahapperuma has order investigation and sports secretary, KADS Ruwanchandra, on Alahapperuma’s directive, has complained to the ministry’s investigation unit. ALSO READ: Was 2011 World Cup final fixed? Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene respond to shocking claims by former Sri Lanka sports minister Aluthgamage has alleged that Sri Lanka “sold” the game to India, however, the claim has been ridiculed by former Sri Lankan captains Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, both part of the match, as the duo demanded evidence from him. In an interview with local TV channel ‘Sirasa’, Aluthgamage alleged that the 2011 World Cup final was “fixed”. India were handed 275 runs to win and claimed the coveted trophy courtest Gautam Gambhir’s 97 and skipper MS Dhoni’s unbeaten 91. ALSO READ: 'World Cup 2011 final was fixed': Former Sri Lanka Sports Minister comes up with shocking claim "Today I am telling you that we sold the 2011 world cup, I said this when I was the sports minister," Aluthgamage, who was the sports minister at the time, said. "As a country I do not want to announce this. I can't exactly remember if it was 2011 or 2012. But we were to win that game," added the politician, who was the state minister of power in the current caretaker government which is in-charge until the election to be held on August 5. "He needs to take his 'evidence' to the ICC and the Anti corruption and Security Unit so the claims can be investigated thoroughly," he tweeted. He needs to take his “evidence” to the ICC and the Anti corruption and Security Unit so the claims can be investigated throughly https://t.co/51w2J5Jtpc — Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) June 18, 2020 × Jayawardene, who scored a century in that game, ridiculed the charge. "Is the elections around the corner...like the circus has started...names and evidence?" he asked in a tweet. Is the elections around the corner 🤔Looks like the circus has started 🤡 names and evidence? #SLpolitics #ICC https://t.co/bA4FxdqXhu — Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) June 18, 2020 × Aluthgamage said that he wouldn’t bring players into the debate while adding "certain parties were." Both Aluthgamage and the then president Mahinda Rajapaksa were in the guest list at the final played in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Earlier, former World Cup-winning skipper Arjuna Ranatunga had also called for a probe on the alleged match-fixing in the 2011 World Cup final.

After 2011 World Cup final fixing allegation, Sri Lankan government launches probe

sports-news

Sports News, News on Sports News, stories on Sports News, articles on Sports News, Sports News stories at Wion, Sports News news, Sports News latest news

sports news