Digest

SOCCER

Walker faces City probe after lockdown violation

Kyle Walker

Kyle Walker is facing disciplinary action from Manchester City after the England defender allegedly broke coronavirus lockdown conditions by hosting a party, even though he has advised the public to stay at home.

The 29-year-old Walker has apologized after The Sun newspaper reported that he invited two women to his flat on Tuesday. On Wednesday Walker posted on social media, urging the public to follow government guidelines on social distancing.

"I want to apologize to my family, friends, football club, supporters and the public for letting them down," Walker said.

"There are heroes out there making a vital difference to society at the moment and I have been keen to help support and highlight their amazing sacrifices and life-saving work over the past week."

Walker is the second high-profile Premier League player to have been caught flouting government guidelines after Aston Villa's Jack Grealish.

Luizao laments Brazil's center-forward dearth

Brazil World Cup winner Luizao has bemoaned a perceived lack of center-forwards in the South American country, saying a dependence on so-called second-strikers is hurting the Selecao's fortunes.

Brazil has a rich tradition of central strikers but, according to Luizao, the five-time world champion has not had a reliable No 9 since Adriano ended his international career in 2010.

"I follow the youth teams and there is a lack of center-forwards coming through the ranks," Luizao was quoted by the UOL news service on Sunday.

He said Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus and Liverpool's Roberto Firmino cannot be considered out-and-out strikers.

"Brazil doesn't have a center-forward right now," said Luizao, who was a member of Luiz Felipe Scolari's squad that won the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

"We don't have a striker and it's something that we really miss," he added. "Gabriel Jesus and Firmino didn't start their careers as center-forwards. They have adapted. I also see Gabigol (Gabriel Barbosa) as a second striker, not a 9. He is similar to Edmundo in that regard."

MOTOR SPORTS

McLaren boss warns F1 teams could disappear

Zak Brown

Formula One is in "a very fragile state" due to the coronavirus crisis and risks losing some of its 10 teams unless some big changes are made, McLaren boss Zak Brown warned on Sunday.

The season has yet to start, with two races－including the showcase Monaco Grand Prix in May－canceled and six postponed so far.

The sport has endeavored to help teams by postponing a major technical rule change from 2021 to 2022 and agreeing the same cars will be used next year. However, Brown says more changes are needed.

"Could I see－through what is going on right now in the world if we don't tackle this situation head-on very aggressively－two teams disappearing? Yeah," the American told the BBC.

"In fact, I could see four teams disappearing if this isn't handled the right way."

Brown said the economic and health situation meant it should not be assumed anyone would be lining up to take over any struggling teams.

BASKETBALL

Hotly tipped Hagans will enter NBA draft

Kentucky point guard Ashton Hagans will enter this year's NBA draft and forego his final two seasons of eligibility.

He said on Sunday the "time is now" to pursue his dream of playing professionally.

The 6-foot-3 Hagans was named Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year as a freshman and became one of the country's best point guards this past season.

However, his time at Kentucky ended in controversy as he argued with forward Nick Richards and coach John Calipari and reportedly refused to re-enter in the second half of a home loss to Tennessee. Calipari downplayed the incident afterward.

Hagans then requested time away from the team for personal reasons and did not travel to the season finale at Florida. He was expected to return for the Wildcats at the SEC Tournament in Nashville, but that event and the NCAA Tournament were canceled last month because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Hagans said in a statement on Sunday he was disappointed not to be able to pursue a national title but added that he understands why.

TENNIS

Sabatini doubts that pro tours will resume

Gabriela Sa batini

Argentine great Gabriela Sabatini has cast doubt over whether the professional tennis circuit will resume this year amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Sabatini said the sport must address other priorities before restarting its packed international calendar, possibly in 2021.

"In the coming months I think it will be difficult to hold any sporting event," Sabatini told the Subidos a la Red podcast, published on Sunday.

"I have my doubts that something can be done this year in tennis," added the 49-year-old, who retired in 1996 after a career that included the 1990 US Open title and 11 Grand Slam singles semifinal appearances.

The professional tennis season was suspended in mid-March, in line with recommendations from the World Health Organization.

Tennis governing bodies, the ATP and WTA, have since announced that the recess will extend until at least June 7.

ATHLETICS

Ndiku hoping to make most of Tokyo delay

Kenya's world indoor 3,000-meter champion Caleb Ndiku is hoping the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics due to the coronavirus pandemic could work to his advantage.

Ndiku, who won silver at the 2015 Beijing world championships, saw his Olympic debut at Rio 2106 end in tears. The 28-year-old was devastated when a back problem and left leg injury saw him almost walk to the finish line in Rio to finish 18th in the 5,000m race.

Ndiku had initially hoped to bounce back immediately, but has since been battling to save his career and only returned to action in 2020. Now the Tokyo postponement gives him renewed hope of fulfilling his Olympic dream.

"I was not certain if I would return to form and make the Kenya team. But now that they have pushed back the Games by a year, I have high hopes, it will do me a great deal and a chance to rectify my mistakes four years ago and win a medal at the Olympics, which is the only one missing from my collection," Ndiku said on Sunday.

Xinhua - Agencies