france24--2020-08-15--Serena falls to 116th-ranked Rogers at US Open tuneup

Serena Williams suffered her first loss since 2012 to a rival outside the WTA 's top 100 , falling to fellow American Shelby Rogers in a Friday quarter-final at the Top Seed Open .
Rogers , ranked 116th , outlasted ninth-ranked Williams 1-6 , 6-4 , 7-6 ( 7/5 ) after two hours and seven minutes , finishing the 23-time Grand Slam champion with a service winner .
`` It 's every kid 's dream growing up to be able to do something like that , '' Rogers said .
`` Weird circumstances .
Weird surroundings .
But a win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Open hardcourt tuneup event at Lexington , Kentucky , is being staged in a quarantine bubble due to the COVID-19 pandemic that had kept Williams idle since a February Fed Cup appearance .
Top seed Williams had not lost to a player outside the top 100 since falling to France 's Virginie Razzano in the first round of the 2012 French Open .
Williams , who ousted sister Venus on Thursday , was playing matches to prepare for the US Open , which starts August 31 .
She will seek a seventh title @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Margaret Court 's all-time record of 24 Grand Slam crowns .
`` I have only good things to take , '' Williams said .
`` I can play a lot better . ''
Rogers reached her first WTA semi-final since Rio in 2016 .
She 'll face 63rd-ranked Swiss left-hander Jil Teichmann , who ousted American Catherine Bellis 6-2 , 6-4 .
The other semi-final will send American Jen Brady -- who ousted Czech Marie Bouzkova 6-1 , 6-2 -- against US teen Coco Gauff , who won 10 of the last 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ons Jabeur 4-6 , 6-4 , 6-1 .
A rain delay of two hours and 45 minutes postponed her match , but Williams showed no sign the wait had put the 38-year-old mother off her game .
Williams broke for a 2-0 lead by forcing an errant Rogers backhand , broke again in the sixth game when Rogers netted a forehand and held on a service winner to claim the opening set after only 26 minutes .
`` Definitely a little overwhelmed in the first with that pace , '' Rogers said of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tried to hit a few more volleys in the second , just hit one more ball . ''
Rogers , who never faced a break point in the last two sets , broke on her third chance in the last game of the second set when Williams netted a forehand .
Both players held serve into the tie-breaker , where Williams jumped ahead 3-1 , only to have Rogers run off four straight points , two on Serena 's serve , to seize the lead for good .
Williams netted a backhand to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saved the first with a service winner only to fall when Rogers answered with a service winner of her own .
Rogers , who will return to the WTA top 100 next week , was in her first quarter-final since May 2017 , due in part to a long absence after a 2018 left knee injury .

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Serena Williams suffered her first loss since 2012 to a rival outside the WTA's top 100, falling to fellow American Shelby Rogers in a Friday quarter-final at the Top Seed Open.
Rogers, ranked 116th, outlasted ninth-ranked Williams 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) after two hours and seven minutes, finishing the 23-time Grand Slam champion with a service winner.
"It's every kid's dream growing up to be able to do something like that," Rogers said. "Weird circumstances. Weird surroundings. But a win is a win."
The US Open hardcourt tuneup event at Lexington, Kentucky, is being staged in a quarantine bubble due to the COVID-19 pandemic that had kept Williams idle since a February Fed Cup appearance.
Top seed Williams had not lost to a player outside the top 100 since falling to France's Virginie Razzano in the first round of the 2012 French Open.
Williams, who ousted sister Venus on Thursday, was playing matches to prepare for the US Open, which starts August 31. She will seek a seventh title on the New York hardcourts to match Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 Grand Slam crowns.
"I have only good things to take," Williams said. "I can play a lot better."
Rogers reached her first WTA semi-final since Rio in 2016. She'll face 63rd-ranked Swiss left-hander Jil Teichmann, who ousted American Catherine Bellis 6-2, 6-4.
The other semi-final will send American Jen Brady -- who ousted Czech Marie Bouzkova 6-1, 6-2 -- against US teen Coco Gauff, who won 10 of the last 11 games to rally past Tunisian eighth seed Ons Jabeur 4-6, 6-4, 6-1.
A rain delay of two hours and 45 minutes postponed her match, but Williams showed no sign the wait had put the 38-year-old mother off her game.
Williams broke for a 2-0 lead by forcing an errant Rogers backhand, broke again in the sixth game when Rogers netted a forehand and held on a service winner to claim the opening set after only 26 minutes.
"Definitely a little overwhelmed in the first with that pace," Rogers said of Williams and her powerful serve. "Tried to hit a few more volleys in the second, just hit one more ball."
Rogers, who never faced a break point in the last two sets, broke on her third chance in the last game of the second set when Williams netted a forehand.
Both players held serve into the tie-breaker, where Williams jumped ahead 3-1, only to have Rogers run off four straight points, two on Serena's serve, to seize the lead for good.
Williams netted a backhand to give Rogers two match points, but saved the first with a service winner only to fall when Rogers answered with a service winner of her own.
Rogers, who will return to the WTA top 100 next week, was in her first quarter-final since May 2017, due in part to a long absence after a 2018 left knee injury.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-14--Miami's Jones stretchered off in NBA loss to Pacers

Miami forward Derrick Jones Jr. was stretchered off in a neck brace after a scary collision in the Heat 's 109-92 loss to Indiana on Friday -- a preview of their upcoming NBA playoff matchup .
With top players from both teams sitting out in anticipation of the first-round playoff series next week in the NBA 's quarantine bubble at Orlando , Doug McDermott led the Pacers with 23 points and point guard Malcom Brogdon added 16 .
Rookies Kendrick Nunn and Tyler Herro scored 23 and 16 points respectively for the Heat , who saw reserve forward Jones -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contest in February -- hit the court hard after crashing into Indiana 's 2.11m , 113kg Georgian center Goga Bitadze as he tried to round a screen .
Jones was on the floor for several minutes before he was placed on a stretcher with a neck brace .
Miami coach Erick Spoelstra said Jones would undergo further tests to determine the extent of shoulder and neck injuries , but in a positive sign was not reporting numbness in his extremities .
With the win on the final day of the NBA 's regular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the East from the Heat .
The two teams were already locked into a first-round encounter as the fourth and fifth seeds , and home court advantage for the higher seed carries little importance since the series will be played on the campus at Disney World with no fans in attendance as the league seeks to crown a champion after a coronavirus hiatus of more than four months .
Reigning champions Toronto , the second seeds in the East , closed out the regular season with a 117-109 victory over the Denver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 15 points and Spanish big man Marc Gasol added two points for Toronto , who also opted to rest stars Kyle Lowry , Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet .
Serge Ibaka and OG Anunoby also missed the game , with Raptors coach Nick Nurse saying both were still battling knee injuries .
Nuggets stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray played just 10 minutes apiece , Jokic scoring two points and Murray 11 with reserve point guard Monte Morris scoring 16 .

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Miami forward Derrick Jones Jr. was stretchered off in a neck brace after a scary collision in the Heat's 109-92 loss to Indiana on Friday -- a preview of their upcoming NBA playoff matchup.
With top players from both teams sitting out in anticipation of the first-round playoff series next week in the NBA's quarantine bubble at Orlando, Doug McDermott led the Pacers with 23 points and point guard Malcom Brogdon added 16.
Rookies Kendrick Nunn and Tyler Herro scored 23 and 16 points respectively for the Heat, who saw reserve forward Jones -- winner of All-Star weekend's slam dunk contest in February -- hit the court hard after crashing into Indiana's 2.11m, 113kg Georgian center Goga Bitadze as he tried to round a screen.
Jones was on the floor for several minutes before he was placed on a stretcher with a neck brace.
Miami coach Erick Spoelstra said Jones would undergo further tests to determine the extent of shoulder and neck injuries, but in a positive sign was not reporting numbness in his extremities.
With the win on the final day of the NBA's regular season, Indiana snatched the fourth seed in the East from the Heat.
The two teams were already locked into a first-round encounter as the fourth and fifth seeds, and home court advantage for the higher seed carries little importance since the series will be played on the campus at Disney World with no fans in attendance as the league seeks to crown a champion after a coronavirus hiatus of more than four months.
Reigning champions Toronto, the second seeds in the East, closed out the regular season with a 117-109 victory over the Denver Nuggets.
Norman Powell led the Raptors with 15 points and Spanish big man Marc Gasol added two points for Toronto, who also opted to rest stars Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet.
Serge Ibaka and OG Anunoby also missed the game, with Raptors coach Nick Nurse saying both were still battling knee injuries.
Nuggets stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray played just 10 minutes apiece, Jokic scoring two points and Murray 11 with reserve point guard Monte Morris scoring 16.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-14--Divac steps down as NBA Kings GM, Dumars takes charge

Vlade Divac stepped down as general manager of the NBA 's Sacramento Kings on Friday and Joe Dumars , another ex-player , was named to take his duties on an interim basis .
Divac , a 52-year-old Serbian , played in the NBA from 1989-2005 with the Kings , Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets while Dumars , 57 , was a two-time NBA champion playing for Detroit from 1985-1999 .
Dumars , who was named a special advisor to the Kings in June 2019 , will be executive vice president of basketball operations until a new general manager is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31-41 , going 3-5 in the COVID-19 quarantine bubble at Disney World in Orlando , Florida , and failing to qualify for the Western Conference playoffs for a 14th consecutive season .
`` This was a difficult decision , but we believe it is the best path ahead as we work to build a winning team that our loyal fans deserve , '' Kings owner Vivek Ranadive said .
`` Joe has become a trusted and valued advisor since joining the team last year and I 'm grateful to have him take on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the franchise . ''
Divac was given charge of the Kings ' basketball operations in March 2015 but the team never managed a winning campaign under his direction .
`` It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the general manager for the Kings , '' Divac said .
`` Sacramento and the Kings will always hold a special place in my heart and I wish them all the best moving forward . ''

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Vlade Divac stepped down as general manager of the NBA's Sacramento Kings on Friday and Joe Dumars, another ex-player, was named to take his duties on an interim basis.
Divac, a 52-year-old Serbian, played in the NBA from 1989-2005 with the Kings, Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets while Dumars, 57, was a two-time NBA champion playing for Detroit from 1985-1999.
Dumars, who was named a special advisor to the Kings in June 2019, will be executive vice president of basketball operations until a new general manager is named.
The Kings finished the season 31-41, going 3-5 in the COVID-19 quarantine bubble at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and failing to qualify for the Western Conference playoffs for a 14th consecutive season.
"This was a difficult decision, but we believe it is the best path ahead as we work to build a winning team that our loyal fans deserve," Kings owner Vivek Ranadive said.
"Joe has become a trusted and valued advisor since joining the team last year and I'm grateful to have him take on this role at an important time for the franchise."
Divac was given charge of the Kings' basketball operations in March 2015 but the team never managed a winning campaign under his direction.
"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the general manager for the Kings," Divac said. "Sacramento and the Kings will always hold a special place in my heart and I wish them all the best moving forward."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-14--Taiwan finalizes $62bn purchase of F-16 jets from Lockheed Martin

Taiwan 's new contract with Lockheed Martin , which the Pentagon said is for an initial delivery order of 90 F-16 fighter jets , allows the self-ruled island to modernize its defenses Taiwan finalized the purchase of F-16 fighter jets from US aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin on Friday , a source confirmed to AFP , in a $ 62 billion , 10-year deal sure to anger Beijing .
Underscoring the sensitivity of the transaction , the Pentagon announced the contract without specifying the buyer , but a source familiar with the matter confirmed to AFP that it was Taiwan .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of its territory , last year obtained the green light from Washington for the purchase of 66 new generation F-16s , which will allow it to modernize its defenses .
Taiwan already has a fleet of F-16s purchased in 1992 .
The new contract , which the Pentagon said is for an initial delivery order of 90 jets , provides for more modern aircraft with the newest technology and weaponry .
Beijing insists that Taiwan -- an island of 23 million people that has been self-ruled since 1949 -- is part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with force if Taipei ever formally moves towards declaring independence .
Washington , which switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979 , remains Taiwan 's most powerful ally and its main supplier of arms .
The Lockheed contract comes as Beijing flexes its political muscle in Hong Kong , imposing a sweeping security law on the international business hub , a move that has caused concern in Taiwan .
It also comes two days after a visit to Taiwan by the highest-level US delegation since 1979 , provoking fury from Beijing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ severely strained over issues from trade to military and security issues , human rights and the coronavirus pandemic .

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Taiwan finalized the purchase of F-16 fighter jets from US aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin on Friday, a source confirmed to AFP, in a $62 billion, 10-year deal sure to anger Beijing.
Underscoring the sensitivity of the transaction, the Pentagon announced the contract without specifying the buyer, but a source familiar with the matter confirmed to AFP that it was Taiwan.
The self-ruled island, which China considers part of its territory, last year obtained the green light from Washington for the purchase of 66 new generation F-16s, which will allow it to modernize its defenses.
Taiwan already has a fleet of F-16s purchased in 1992.
The new contract, which the Pentagon said is for an initial delivery order of 90 jets, provides for more modern aircraft with the newest technology and weaponry.
Beijing insists that Taiwan -- an island of 23 million people that has been self-ruled since 1949 -- is part of its territory and has vowed to respond with force if Taipei ever formally moves towards declaring independence.
Washington, which switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979, remains Taiwan's most powerful ally and its main supplier of arms.
The Lockheed contract comes as Beijing flexes its political muscle in Hong Kong, imposing a sweeping security law on the international business hub, a move that has caused concern in Taiwan.
It also comes two days after a visit to Taiwan by the highest-level US delegation since 1979, provoking fury from Beijing, with ties between the two superpowers severely strained over issues from trade to military and security issues, human rights and the coronavirus pandemic.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-14--Horschel, Kim among leaders at log-jammed Wyndham Championship

Billy Horschel fired a six-under par 64 on Friday to join a four-way tie atop a jammed leaderboard at the US PGA Tour 's Wyndham Championship .
Horschel , chasing a sixth tour title and his first since the 2018 Zurich Classic of New Orleans , hit 13 of 14 fairways and 16 of 18 greens in regulation to finish 36 holes on 10-under par 130 -- tied with former Wyndham champion Kim Si-woo of South Korea and Americans Tom Hoge and Talor Gooch .
Kim , who notched the first of his two tour titles at the 2016 Wyndham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 65 .
Gooch also posted a 65 while Hoge followed up a first-round 62 with a 68 .
Harold Varner , who shared the overnight lead with Hoge and Canadian Roger Sloan , carded a 69 to join a group on 131 that also included Ireland 's Shane Lowry ( 63 ) , Harris English ( 67 ) , Andrew Landry ( 65 ) and Doc Redman ( 64 ) .
Sloan was among another seven players a further stroke back on 132 -- with a total of 25 players within three strokes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Greensboro , North Carolina .
Horschel , who out-dueled Rory McIlroy in the final round of the 2014 Tour Championship to claim that year 's FedEx Cup playoff crown , said work on his game over the past two years was paying off in the final event before this season 's tour playoffs begin .
`` I just put the ball in the fairway , which is a big key , '' he said .
`` If you can put the ball in the fairway around here you can be aggressive to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of scoreable clubs into it .
`` I do n't think I made a lot of putts , '' added Horschel , whose longest birdie putt was a 16-footer at the sixth -- his 15th hole of the day .
That followed two-foot birdies at the fourth and fifth and he capped his round with a seven-foot birdie at the ninth .
`` I hit a lot of close shots and easy birdies .
I twas a really nice , solid round of golf -- effortless 64 . ''
Kim also teed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nine holes before a birdie from the fringe at the first .
He followed a bogey at the second with birdies at four , five and six and capped his round with birdies at eight and nine .
He did n't miss a putt from within 10 feet .
After thunderstorms halted play early on Thursday , tournament officials were bracing for more bad weather on Saturday , with tee times moved up in hopes of completing the third round before storms arrived .
Despite the wealth of low scores on the rain-softened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make the cut included world number seven Brooks Koepka and England 's 17th-ranked Justin Rose .

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Billy Horschel fired a six-under par 64 on Friday to join a four-way tie atop a jammed leaderboard at the US PGA Tour's Wyndham Championship.
Horschel, chasing a sixth tour title and his first since the 2018 Zurich Classic of New Orleans, hit 13 of 14 fairways and 16 of 18 greens in regulation to finish 36 holes on 10-under par 130 -- tied with former Wyndham champion Kim Si-woo of South Korea and Americans Tom Hoge and Talor Gooch.
Kim, who notched the first of his two tour titles at the 2016 Wyndham, had six birdies in his five-under 65. Gooch also posted a 65 while Hoge followed up a first-round 62 with a 68.
Harold Varner, who shared the overnight lead with Hoge and Canadian Roger Sloan, carded a 69 to join a group on 131 that also included Ireland's Shane Lowry (63), Harris English (67), Andrew Landry (65) and Doc Redman (64).
Sloan was among another seven players a further stroke back on 132 -- with a total of 25 players within three strokes of the lead at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Horschel, who out-dueled Rory McIlroy in the final round of the 2014 Tour Championship to claim that year's FedEx Cup playoff crown, said work on his game over the past two years was paying off in the final event before this season's tour playoffs begin.
"I just put the ball in the fairway, which is a big key," he said. "If you can put the ball in the fairway around here you can be aggressive to these pins. You've got a lot of scoreable clubs into it.
"I don't think I made a lot of putts," added Horschel, whose longest birdie putt was a 16-footer at the sixth -- his 15th hole of the day. That followed two-foot birdies at the fourth and fifth and he capped his round with a seven-foot birdie at the ninth.
"I hit a lot of close shots and easy birdies. I twas a really nice, solid round of golf -- effortless 64."
Kim also teed off on 10 and parred his first nine holes before a birdie from the fringe at the first.
He followed a bogey at the second with birdies at four, five and six and capped his round with birdies at eight and nine. He didn't miss a putt from within 10 feet.
After thunderstorms halted play early on Thursday, tournament officials were bracing for more bad weather on Saturday, with tee times moved up in hopes of completing the third round before storms arrived.
Despite the wealth of low scores on the rain-softened course, well-known names who failed to make the cut included world number seven Brooks Koepka and England's 17th-ranked Justin Rose.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-14--Andretti tops Indy 500 speeds on eve of qualifying weekend

Marco Andretti , with only two IndyCar triumphs over 15 seasons , drove Friday 's best Indianapolis 500 practice lap , seizing bragging rights on the eve of qualifying for the August 23 race .
The 33-year-old grandson of auto racing legend Mario Andretti and son of team owner Michael Andretti went around the famed 2 1/2-mile ( 4km ) Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval in 38.5454 seconds at 233.491 mph ( 375.767 km/hr ) in his Honda-powered Dallara .
It was the fastest lap on the `` Fast Friday '' qualifying eve since `` Flying Dutchman '' Arie Luyendyk went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will try for the fastest four-lap qualifying average Saturday to claim a spot in the 33-car field , with the fastest nine advancing to a Sunday shootout to decide pole position and the order of the front three rows .
`` We do n't need to find more speed .
We need to find four laps , '' Andretti said .
`` It 's just about balance now .
We have the speed .
Now we need to tie it together to be flat ( out ) for four . ''
Andretti 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tires and their grip over the warmup and four laps of qualifying .
`` For 16 miles is a long time , '' said Andretti .
`` It 's only two minutes but it feels like ages for the drivers . ''
The only Indy 500 victory by the Andretti family came by Mario in 1969 , but Marco marks the third generation to seek a victory on the Indy oval .
Marco Andretti has driven in 236 IndyCar races since making his series debut in 2006 , winning only at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season and the 2011 Iowa 250 .
His most recent podium finish was third at Fontana , California , in 2015 .
In 14 Indy 500 starts , Andretti has reached the podium four times , taking second in his 2006 debut and third in 2008 , 2010 and 2014 .
His near-miss 14 years ago at age 19 was the biggest heartbreaker as he lost to fellow American Sam Hornish by 0.0635 of a second , what remains the third-closest finish in Indy 500 history .
Andretti seized the lead with three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outside of the first turn .
Hornish challenged him over the last two laps , passing on the closing straightaway about 450 feet from the finish line and winning by just over a car length .
American Conor Daly , yet to win in his seven-year IndyCar career , was second on 232.337 mph with New Zealand 's Scott Dixon , the season points leader , third on 232.290 mph .
Dixon won the first three races of a COVID-19 disrupted season that saw the Indy 500 moved from its usual late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ middle of the series calendar .
Defending champion Simon Pagenaud of France ranked 23rd among the 33 cars that practiced Friday with a top speed of 230.189 mph from 28 laps .
Spain 's Fernando Alonso , a two-time Formula One champion who crashed Thursday but was unhurt , was 25th on 229.788 mph after 52 laps .

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Marco Andretti, with only two IndyCar triumphs over 15 seasons, drove Friday's best Indianapolis 500 practice lap, seizing bragging rights on the eve of qualifying for the August 23 race.
The 33-year-old grandson of auto racing legend Mario Andretti and son of team owner Michael Andretti went around the famed 2 1/2-mile (4km) Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval in 38.5454 seconds at 233.491 mph (375.767 km/hr) in his Honda-powered Dallara.
It was the fastest lap on the "Fast Friday" qualifying eve since "Flying Dutchman" Arie Luyendyk went 239.260 mph in 1996.
Every car will try for the fastest four-lap qualifying average Saturday to claim a spot in the 33-car field, with the fastest nine advancing to a Sunday shootout to decide pole position and the order of the front three rows.
"We don't need to find more speed. We need to find four laps," Andretti said.
"It's just about balance now. We have the speed. Now we need to tie it together to be flat (out) for four."
Andretti's major concern will be the weight upon the tires and their grip over the warmup and four laps of qualifying.
"For 16 miles is a long time," said Andretti. "It's only two minutes but it feels like ages for the drivers."
The only Indy 500 victory by the Andretti family came by Mario in 1969, but Marco marks the third generation to seek a victory on the Indy oval.
Marco Andretti has driven in 236 IndyCar races since making his series debut in 2006, winning only at the Grand Prix of Sonoma in his debut season and the 2011 Iowa 250. His most recent podium finish was third at Fontana, California, in 2015.
In 14 Indy 500 starts, Andretti has reached the podium four times, taking second in his 2006 debut and third in 2008, 2010 and 2014.
His near-miss 14 years ago at age 19 was the biggest heartbreaker as he lost to fellow American Sam Hornish by 0.0635 of a second, what remains the third-closest finish in Indy 500 history.
Andretti seized the lead with three laps remaining after passing father Michael on the outside of the first turn. Hornish challenged him over the last two laps, passing on the closing straightaway about 450 feet from the finish line and winning by just over a car length.
American Conor Daly, yet to win in his seven-year IndyCar career, was second on 232.337 mph with New Zealand's Scott Dixon, the season points leader, third on 232.290 mph.
Dixon won the first three races of a COVID-19 disrupted season that saw the Indy 500 moved from its usual late May spot to August, in the middle of the series calendar.
Defending champion Simon Pagenaud of France ranked 23rd among the 33 cars that practiced Friday with a top speed of 230.189 mph from 28 laps.
Spain's Fernando Alonso, a two-time Formula One champion who crashed Thursday but was unhurt, was 25th on 229.788 mph after 52 laps.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-14--Israel-UAE deal a Trump coup, but his sights are set on Iran

US President Donald Trump lost his bid to have the arms embargo on Iran extended at the UN The Israel-UAE agreement gives the United States a rare diplomatic success in the Middle East -- but it is Iran which President Donald Trump has in his sights , with a strategy that now shifts to the United Nations .
The White House has lavished praise on a foreign policy coup which was sorely needed by a president seeking re-election in November who has little to show on the diplomatic front .
`` This is a dramatic breakthrough that will make the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiator Jared Kushner told CBS .
`` It means less American troops will have to be over there . ''
Under the US-brokered agreement , the United Arab Emirates and Israel agreed on Thursday to establish full diplomatic ties , making the monarchy just the third Arab country to recognize the Jewish state , following Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994 .
`` Assuming the deal works , it 's the first time Israel has established normalized relations with any Gulf nation and for that reason it 's significant , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who served as Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiator in Democratic and Republican administrations .
But , Miller cautioned , `` do n't blow this out of proportion .
`` I do n't buy that it 's on the same level of magnitude or accomplishment as Egypt or Jordan , '' said Miller , now a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace .
`` This is the UAE we 're talking about .
This is not the Arab world 's most powerful nation like Egypt .
This is n't even a country that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Barbara Slavin of the Atlantic Council , another Washington think-tank , described the agreement as a `` good move '' but `` not earthshaking in view of the covert ties the two countries have had for a very long time . ''
Since taking office , Trump has pledged to apply his self-proclaimed deal-making skills to resolving the intractable Israeli-Palestinian conflict .
He charged Kushner , his son-in-law , with the daunting task of hammering out Middle East peace .
But the Palestinians have refused to play along with an administration seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US president 's `` Vision for Peace '' unveiled in January .
Miller said the Israel-UAE normalization agreement does little to advance Trump 's `` vision '' of overall Middle East peace .
What 's more , he added , `` the administration 's motivation has nothing to do with Israeli-Palestinian peace . ''
`` It 's about domestic policy , '' Miller said .
`` This is about making the president look good , demonstrating some measure of competency and fulfilling at least some degree of what the administration claimed it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make peace between Israel and the Arab world . ''
Above all , Miller said , `` it helps give rise to the image that there is an anti-Iran coalition . ''
`` But I 'm not sure that 's going to get very far , '' he continued , unless Trump can get other Arab countries such as Morocco , Bahrain and Oman to sign on .
Trump has made it clear that his main objective in the Middle East is neutralizing Iran .
He has called on several occasions for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ East nations , an alliance which has failed to come together .
Since unilaterally repudiating the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 , Trump has also found himself isolated by other Western countries when it comes to the Islamic Republic .
This isolation came to the fore at the United Nations on Friday when the Security Council rejected a US resolution to extend an arms embargo on Iran that is due to expire in October .
China and Russia had intended to veto the resolution even if it did pass .
After the defeat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force the Security Council to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran which were lifted in 2015 as part of the nuclear deal .
Washington has threatened to use a contested argument that it remains a `` participant '' in the nuclear deal -- the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action -- despite its withdrawal .
And if UN sanctions are not extended , the argument goes , the United States can force their return if it sees Iran as being in violation of the JCPOA 's terms .
Slavin said that is unlikely to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a weak and legally dubious position on that and this proto-normalization between the UAE and Israel will have zero effect , '' she said .

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The Israel-UAE agreement gives the United States a rare diplomatic success in the Middle East -- but it is Iran which President Donald Trump has in his sights, with a strategy that now shifts to the United Nations.
The White House has lavished praise on a foreign policy coup which was sorely needed by a president seeking re-election in November who has little to show on the diplomatic front.
"This is a dramatic breakthrough that will make the Middle East safer," chief US negotiator Jared Kushner told CBS. "It means less American troops will have to be over there."
Under the US-brokered agreement, the United Arab Emirates and Israel agreed on Thursday to establish full diplomatic ties, making the monarchy just the third Arab country to recognize the Jewish state, following Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994.
"Assuming the deal works, it's the first time Israel has established normalized relations with any Gulf nation and for that reason it's significant," said Aaron David Miller, a former diplomat who served as Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiator in Democratic and Republican administrations.
But, Miller cautioned, "don't blow this out of proportion.
"I don't buy that it's on the same level of magnitude or accomplishment as Egypt or Jordan," said Miller, now a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
"This is the UAE we're talking about. This is not the Arab world's most powerful nation like Egypt. This isn't even a country that has a contiguous border with Israel."
Barbara Slavin of the Atlantic Council, another Washington think-tank, described the agreement as a "good move" but "not earthshaking in view of the covert ties the two countries have had for a very long time."
- 'Vision for Peace' -
Since taking office, Trump has pledged to apply his self-proclaimed deal-making skills to resolving the intractable Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
He charged Kushner, his son-in-law, with the daunting task of hammering out Middle East peace.
But the Palestinians have refused to play along with an administration seen as staunchly pro-Israel, and rejected the US president's "Vision for Peace" unveiled in January.
Miller said the Israel-UAE normalization agreement does little to advance Trump's "vision" of overall Middle East peace.
What's more, he added, "the administration's motivation has nothing to do with Israeli-Palestinian peace."
"It's about domestic policy," Miller said. "This is about making the president look good, demonstrating some measure of competency and fulfilling at least some degree of what the administration claimed it would do from the beginning -- which is to make peace between Israel and the Arab world."
Above all, Miller said, "it helps give rise to the image that there is an anti-Iran coalition."
"But I'm not sure that's going to get very far," he continued, unless Trump can get other Arab countries such as Morocco, Bahrain and Oman to sign on.
Trump has made it clear that his main objective in the Middle East is neutralizing Iran.
He has called on several occasions for the creation of a NATO of Middle East nations, an alliance which has failed to come together.
Since unilaterally repudiating the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, Trump has also found himself isolated by other Western countries when it comes to the Islamic Republic.
This isolation came to the fore at the United Nations on Friday when the Security Council rejected a US resolution to extend an arms embargo on Iran that is due to expire in October.
China and Russia had intended to veto the resolution even if it did pass.
After the defeat, the United States may try to force the Security Council to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran which were lifted in 2015 as part of the nuclear deal.
Washington has threatened to use a contested argument that it remains a "participant" in the nuclear deal -- the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action -- despite its withdrawal.
And if UN sanctions are not extended, the argument goes, the United States can force their return if it sees Iran as being in violation of the JCPOA's terms.
Slavin said that is unlikely to get very far.
"The US is in a weak and legally dubious position on that and this proto-normalization between the UAE and Israel will have zero effect," she said.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-14--UN Security Council rejects Iran arms embargo extension: US

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , seen here in March 2020 , is pushing the UN Security Council to extend an arms embargo on Iran The United Nations Security Council has rejected a US resolution to extend an Iranian arms embargo , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Friday , in a move with repercussions for the Iran nuclear deal .
`` The Security Council 's failure to act decisively in defense of international peace and security is inexcusable , '' Pompeo said in a statement ahead of the council announcing the results of the vote .
The US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Security Council since President Donald Trump pulled it out of the Iranian nuclear deal in May 2018 .
Washington was not expected to receive nine votes in favor , removing the need for Russia and China to wield their vetoes which they had indicated they were prepared to do .
The embargo on conventional arms is due to expire on October 18 under the terms of a resolution that blessed the Iran nuclear deal , signed in July 2015 and officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then US president Barack Obama , Iran committed to curtailing its nuclear activities for sanctions relief and other benefits .
Since Trump pulled out and slapped unilateral sanctions on Iran under a campaign of `` maximum pressure , '' Tehran has since taken small but escalating steps away from compliance with the nuclear accord as it presses for sanctions relief .
European allies of the United States -- who , along with Russia and China , signed the deal with Iran -- have voiced support for extending the conventional arms embargo but their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The US text , rejected by the Security Council and seen by AFP , effectively called for an indefinite extension of the embargo on Iran .
Diplomats feared that the resolution would threaten the nuclear agreement .
Iran says it has the right to self-defense and that a continuation of the ban would mean an end to the nuclear deal .
The United States has threatened to try to force a return of UN sanctions if it is not extended by using a controversial technique called `` snapback . ''
Pompeo has offered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains a `` participant '' in the nuclear accord as it was listed in the 2015 resolution -- and therefore can force a return to sanctions if it sees Iran as being in violation of its terms .
European allies have been skeptical on whether Washington can force sanctions and warn that the attempt may delegitimize the Security Council .
Experts say a `` snapback '' could plunge the Council into one of its greatest ever diplomatic crises .

Washington (AFP) –
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The United Nations Security Council has rejected a US resolution to extend an Iranian arms embargo, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Friday, in a move with repercussions for the Iran nuclear deal.
"The Security Council's failure to act decisively in defense of international peace and security is inexcusable," Pompeo said in a statement ahead of the council announcing the results of the vote.
The US has become increasingly isolated over Iran at the Security Council since President Donald Trump pulled it out of the Iranian nuclear deal in May 2018.
Washington was not expected to receive nine votes in favor, removing the need for Russia and China to wield their vetoes which they had indicated they were prepared to do.
The embargo on conventional arms is due to expire on October 18 under the terms of a resolution that blessed the Iran nuclear deal, signed in July 2015 and officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Under the deal, negotiated by then US president Barack Obama, Iran committed to curtailing its nuclear activities for sanctions relief and other benefits.
Since Trump pulled out and slapped unilateral sanctions on Iran under a campaign of "maximum pressure," Tehran has since taken small but escalating steps away from compliance with the nuclear accord as it presses for sanctions relief.
European allies of the United States -- who, along with Russia and China, signed the deal with Iran -- have voiced support for extending the conventional arms embargo but their priority is to preserve the JCPOA.
The US text, rejected by the Security Council and seen by AFP, effectively called for an indefinite extension of the embargo on Iran.
Diplomats feared that the resolution would threaten the nuclear agreement.
Iran says it has the right to self-defense and that a continuation of the ban would mean an end to the nuclear deal.
The United States has threatened to try to force a return of UN sanctions if it is not extended by using a controversial technique called "snapback."
Pompeo has offered the contested argument that the United States remains a "participant" in the nuclear accord as it was listed in the 2015 resolution -- and therefore can force a return to sanctions if it sees Iran as being in violation of its terms.
European allies have been skeptical on whether Washington can force sanctions and warn that the attempt may delegitimize the Security Council.
Experts say a "snapback" could plunge the Council into one of its greatest ever diplomatic crises.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-14--Barcelona coach Setien says 'too soon' to discuss future after horror defeat

Barcelona 's embattled coach Quique Setien offered no indication that he would resign in the immediate aftermath of Friday 's 8-2 Champions League humiliation at the hands of Bayern Munich , as club president Josep Maria Bartomeu promised to `` take decisions '' in the coming days .
`` It 's too soon to think about whether or not I will continue , '' Setien said .
`` It does n't depend on me .
There needs to be a wider reflection , taking into account the situation and the importance of this defeat which is so painful . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Camp Nou in the wake of the defeat , the worst in Barcelona 's distinguished European history .
Setien was already under huge pressure , despite only being appointed as the successor to Ernesto Valverde in January , with Barcelona having relinquished the Spanish title on his watch , finishing second to Real Madrid in La Liga .
They were hoping to make up for a disappointing domestic campaign in the 'Final Eight ' in Lisbon but were instead utterly outclassed by Bayern at the Estadio da Luz .
Speaking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` Now is not the time for decisions , it is the time to apologise to the members , the Barcelona fans , because it was not a good day for them . ''
`` We are hurting , but once we get to next week we will start making decisions . ''
Setien called the defeat `` tremendously painful '' and hinted that he knew what was coming .
`` I am aware of what such a defeat means .
I think what happens today needs to be analysed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` The credibility of a coach is diminished when this happens , clearly .
That is obvious , but that does not bother me right now . ''

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Barcelona's embattled coach Quique Setien offered no indication that he would resign in the immediate aftermath of Friday's 8-2 Champions League humiliation at the hands of Bayern Munich, as club president Josep Maria Bartomeu promised to "take decisions" in the coming days.
"It's too soon to think about whether or not I will continue," Setien said. "It doesn't depend on me. There needs to be a wider reflection, taking into account the situation and the importance of this defeat which is so painful."
Defender Gerard Pique called for sweeping changes at the Camp Nou in the wake of the defeat, the worst in Barcelona's distinguished European history.
Setien was already under huge pressure, despite only being appointed as the successor to Ernesto Valverde in January, with Barcelona having relinquished the Spanish title on his watch, finishing second to Real Madrid in La Liga.
They were hoping to make up for a disappointing domestic campaign in the 'Final Eight' in Lisbon but were instead utterly outclassed by Bayern at the Estadio da Luz.
Speaking to Spanish television station Movistar Plus, Bartomeu said: "Now is not the time for decisions, it is the time to apologise to the members, the Barcelona fans, because it was not a good day for them."
"We are hurting, but once we get to next week we will start making decisions."
Setien called the defeat "tremendously painful" and hinted that he knew what was coming.
"I am aware of what such a defeat means. I think what happens today needs to be analysed with a bit more perspective," he said.
"The credibility of a coach is diminished when this happens, clearly. That is obvious, but that does not bother me right now."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-14--Who said what after Bayern Munich humiliated Barcelona in Champions League

Barcelona fans look glum as they watch the game in a Lisbon bar Who said what after Bayern Munich humiliated Barcelona 8-2 in the Champions League quarter-finals on Friday : '' When we played against Brazil we were not as in control as we were tonight .
Against Brazil , it happened , we were good , we wanted here to play like we have done the last few weeks . ''
-- Thomas Mueller , who scored two of Bayern 's goals , on comparisons with Germany 's famous 7-1 rout of Brazil at the 2014 World Cup '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barcelona , but this is an unbelievable result .
It 's hard to comprehend . ''
`` We have hit rock bottom .
This is not the first , nor the second , nor the third time .
We are not on the right path . ''
`` Tonight was unacceptable for Barcelona .
It was a disgrace . ''
`` It 's a very difficult night , the defeat is very hard for the supporters , the players ... We are sorry for everyone .
We have not lived up to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a disaster . ''
`` In the end , I really must pay the team a huge compliment as the way they played , the attitude is top .
To maintain this spirit for 90 minutes is impressive . ''
`` Unbelievable , I was a bit ashamed how I celebrated that goal as it was 99 % down to him , world class . ''
-- Kimmich paying tribute to Alphonso Davies who created the opportunity

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Who said what after Bayern Munich humiliated Barcelona 8-2 in the Champions League quarter-finals on Friday:
"When we played against Brazil we were not as in control as we were tonight. Against Brazil, it happened, we were good, we wanted here to play like we have done the last few weeks."
-- Thomas Mueller, who scored two of Bayern's goals, on comparisons with Germany's famous 7-1 rout of Brazil at the 2014 World Cup
"We knew it is never easy against Barcelona, but this is an unbelievable result. It's hard to comprehend."
-- Joshua Kimmich, who scored Bayern's fifth goal
"We have hit rock bottom. This is not the first, nor the second, nor the third time. We are not on the right path."
-- Barcelona defender Gerard Pique
"Tonight was unacceptable for Barcelona. It was a disgrace."
-- Pique again
"It's a very difficult night, the defeat is very hard for the supporters, the players ... We are sorry for everyone. We have not lived up to the club that we are. It was a disaster."
-- Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu
"In the end, I really must pay the team a huge compliment as the way they played, the attitude is top. To maintain this spirit for 90 minutes is impressive."
-- Bayern coach Hansi Flick
"Unbelievable, I was a bit ashamed how I celebrated that goal as it was 99% down to him, world class."
-- Kimmich paying tribute to Alphonso Davies who created the opportunity
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-14--Ugandan record-setter Cheptegei flying in face of coronavirus

Uganda 's Joshua Cheptegei spent much of his coronavirus-induced lockdown painting a primary school and helping out in his grandparents ' vegetable patch in his homeland .
But a relatively quick easing down on restrictions by the Ugandan government in June meant Cheptegei could get serious with his training under coach Addy Ruiter , and on Friday , he showed how successful that had been .
Metronomic pacing and perfect conditions at the Stade Louis II saw the 23-year-old light up the Monaco Diamond League , the first regular top-flight international one-day meet since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ethiopian legend Kenenisa Bekele 's 16-year-old world record time over the 5,000m as he clocked an astonishing 12min 35.35sec .
`` I 've learned that anything is possible , if you have the right mindset and believe , '' the Ugandan said .
`` I really thank Kenenisa so much for inspiring me when I started running .
He has always been a big inspiration and motivation to me .
`` This record is a special moment for me and I like to thank Kenenisa for his inspiration . ''
Remarkably , Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearance since February , when he smashed the world 5km road record , also in Monaco .
Those two world records in a COVID-hit season followed an outstanding 2019 when he secured not only the world cross country title in Denmark , but also the world 10,000m title at the Doha world championships .
Cheptegei took more than 22 seconds off his personal best as he averaged 61-second laps over the 5,000m , staged in front of a masked crowd limited to 5,000 because of virus-related health and safety restrictions .
Paced through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2:31.87 at 1000m ) and Matthew Ramsden ( 5:03.77 at 2000m ) , Cheptegei hit the front at halfway and continued the metronomic pace , passing through 3000m in 7:35.14 and then upping the pace slightly with a 2:30 fourth kilometre .
He was then out on his own , but managed a final effort of 59.64sec over the final lap to guarantee himself a record that could stand for some time to come .
`` I think Monaco is a special place and it 's one of these places where I could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cheptegei , who spurned his usual European base for his home in Kapchorwa , Uganda , for the pandemic lockdown .
`` It was both good and bad , '' he said .
`` It allowed me to spend more time with my family , but at the same time we are missing the sport so much .
`` I did some gardening at my grandparents ' house .
But mainly , I worked at my school in town .
It 's a primary school , and I worked on some renovations there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` About two months ago , the government relaxed the lockdown , '' he said .
`` At first , we had individual training but we could quickly train in small groups .
`` I honestly really missed competing .
It 's something I love doing , it 's in my blood . ''

Monaco (AFP) –
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Uganda's Joshua Cheptegei spent much of his coronavirus-induced lockdown painting a primary school and helping out in his grandparents' vegetable patch in his homeland.
But a relatively quick easing down on restrictions by the Ugandan government in June meant Cheptegei could get serious with his training under coach Addy Ruiter, and on Friday, he showed how successful that had been.
Metronomic pacing and perfect conditions at the Stade Louis II saw the 23-year-old light up the Monaco Diamond League, the first regular top-flight international one-day meet since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cheptegei wiped almost two seconds off Ethiopian legend Kenenisa Bekele's 16-year-old world record time over the 5,000m as he clocked an astonishing 12min 35.35sec.
"I've learned that anything is possible, if you have the right mindset and believe," the Ugandan said.
"I really thank Kenenisa so much for inspiring me when I started running. He has always been a big inspiration and motivation to me.
"This record is a special moment for me and I like to thank Kenenisa for his inspiration."
Remarkably, Friday's outing was Cheptegei's first competitive appearance since February, when he smashed the world 5km road record, also in Monaco.
Those two world records in a COVID-hit season followed an outstanding 2019 when he secured not only the world cross country title in Denmark, but also the world 10,000m title at the Doha world championships.
- Metronomic pacing -
Cheptegei took more than 22 seconds off his personal best as he averaged 61-second laps over the 5,000m, staged in front of a masked crowd limited to 5,000 because of virus-related health and safety restrictions.
Paced through the early stages by Roy Hoornweg (2:31.87 at 1000m) and Matthew Ramsden (5:03.77 at 2000m), Cheptegei hit the front at halfway and continued the metronomic pace, passing through 3000m in 7:35.14 and then upping the pace slightly with a 2:30 fourth kilometre.
He was then out on his own, but managed a final effort of 59.64sec over the final lap to guarantee himself a record that could stand for some time to come.
"I think Monaco is a special place and it's one of these places where I could break the world record," said Cheptegei, who spurned his usual European base for his home in Kapchorwa, Uganda, for the pandemic lockdown.
"It was both good and bad," he said. "It allowed me to spend more time with my family, but at the same time we are missing the sport so much.
"I did some gardening at my grandparents' house. But mainly, I worked at my school in town. It's a primary school, and I worked on some renovations there, like painting the walls."
Uganda, Cheptegei added, didn't have many positive COVID-19 cases.
"About two months ago, the government relaxed the lockdown," he said. "At first, we had individual training but we could quickly train in small groups.
"I honestly really missed competing. It's something I love doing, it's in my blood."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-14--Record flop Coutinho rubs salt into Barca wounds

Philippe Coutinho came off the bench to score twice and set up a goal against his parent club Barcelona Philippe Coutinho 's late two-goal cameo against Barcelona in Bayern Munich 's jaw-dropping 8-2 quarter-final victory Friday inflicted further misery on a club that splashed out a record 160 million euros ( $ 189.5 million ) to sign the Brazilian in January 2018 .
Coutinho set up Robert Lewandowski and then netted the final two goals himself to put the seal on a remarkable Bayern display which saw them become the first team in the modern Champions League era to score @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Albeit against a dispirited Barca defence , Coutinho 's thrilling 15-minute performance will be all the more galling for his parent club after a disappointing 18 months in Catalonia following his trumpeted move from Liverpool .
`` For someone like Philippe to come on and score two goals shows what quality we have in the squad , '' said Bayern forward Thomas Mueller , as Barca conceded eight goals for the first time since losing to Sevilla 8-0 in the 1946 Spanish Cup .
An underwhelming return of 21 goals in 76 games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club 's record transfer , out on loan to Bayern this season as the forward sought to reboot a floundering career .
The 28-year-old has shown glimpses of his former self in Germany but again struggled at times for consistency , while an ankle injury has limited him to just a handful of substitute appearances since the season resumed following the coronavirus lockdown in May .
Bayern turned down a 120 million-euro option to buy Coutinho and the playmaker is set to return to Barca , perhaps only briefly , after club chairman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ champions would not be extending his stay .
Rummenigge said on Tuesday that because of the coronavirus pandemic Bayern Munich `` can not make any further investments of this magnitude in these difficult economic times , which are also difficult for us . ''
Coutinho has been linked with a return to the Premier League this summer , and with Barca `` hitting rock bottom '' according to defender Gerard Pique , they could well cut their losses with the Brazil international to free up funds to pursue Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez @

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Philippe Coutinho's late two-goal cameo against Barcelona in Bayern Munich's jaw-dropping 8-2 quarter-final victory Friday inflicted further misery on a club that splashed out a record 160 million euros ($189.5 million) to sign the Brazilian in January 2018.
Coutinho set up Robert Lewandowski and then netted the final two goals himself to put the seal on a remarkable Bayern display which saw them become the first team in the modern Champions League era to score eight goals in a knockout match.
Albeit against a dispirited Barca defence, Coutinho's thrilling 15-minute performance will be all the more galling for his parent club after a disappointing 18 months in Catalonia following his trumpeted move from Liverpool.
"For someone like Philippe to come on and score two goals shows what quality we have in the squad," said Bayern forward Thomas Mueller, as Barca conceded eight goals for the first time since losing to Sevilla 8-0 in the 1946 Spanish Cup.
An underwhelming return of 21 goals in 76 games prompted Barca to ship Coutinho, the club's record transfer, out on loan to Bayern this season as the forward sought to reboot a floundering career.
The 28-year-old has shown glimpses of his former self in Germany but again struggled at times for consistency, while an ankle injury has limited him to just a handful of substitute appearances since the season resumed following the coronavirus lockdown in May.
Bayern turned down a 120 million-euro option to buy Coutinho and the playmaker is set to return to Barca, perhaps only briefly, after club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said this week the German champions would not be extending his stay.
Rummenigge said on Tuesday that because of the coronavirus pandemic Bayern Munich "cannot make any further investments of this magnitude in these difficult economic times, which are also difficult for us."
Coutinho has been linked with a return to the Premier League this summer, and with Barca "hitting rock bottom" according to defender Gerard Pique, they could well cut their losses with the Brazil international to free up funds to pursue Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-14--US developing coronavirus strain for human 'challenge' trials

US government scientists are considering deliberately infecting volunteers with a strain of the new coronavirus in order to test vaccines more quickly US scientists are developing a strain of the coronavirus that could be used to deliberately infect volunteers in so-called `` challenge studies , '' a government agency said Friday .
The work is preliminary and the government is continuing to prioritize randomized clinical trials of vaccine candidates , the National Institute for Allergies and Infectious Diseases ( NIAID ) said .
Several of these have entered their final stages , including the vaccines developed by Moderna , Pfizer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` begun efforts to manufacture a strain that could be used to develop a human challenge model , if needed , '' it said in a statement .
In normal clinical trials , volunteers receive either a medicine or a placebo and their health is then followed over the course of months of years .
Scientists look for how well the vaccine or treatment worked when the person was naturally exposed to the pathogen .
A quicker way to test whether a drug works is by deliberately infecting volunteers , as has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ malaria , typhoid , dengue fever , and cholera .
In the US , advocacy groups like 1DaySooner support challenge studies for COVID-19 , but the subject is controversial because of how serious the disease can be and because its effects are n't fully understood .
NIAID said it would probably reach a decision toward the end of 2020 , when the late-stage clinical trials that are underway start reporting their results .
This would help it determine whether challenge studies are needed , safe and ethical , it added .
David Diemert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's vaccine trial research unit who is overseeing a trial of Moderna 's vaccine in the US capital , told AFP he did not think challenge trials were appropriate for COVID-19 .
`` I think they 're a critical tool , but only under the right circumstances , '' he said .
Diemert is himself leading a challenge trial into a hookworm vaccine .
But he said that for COVID-19 , `` we do n't have a very clear understanding of who is at risk of developing severe disease and we have no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they do develop severe disease . ''
There 's also enough widespread community transmission in the US -- the worst hit country in the world with 5.3 million confirmed cases -- to mean challenge trials are not necessary , he added .

Washington (AFP) –
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US scientists are developing a strain of the coronavirus that could be used to deliberately infect volunteers in so-called "challenge studies," a government agency said Friday.
The work is preliminary and the government is continuing to prioritize randomized clinical trials of vaccine candidates, the National Institute for Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) said.
Several of these have entered their final stages, including the vaccines developed by Moderna, Pfizer and AstraZeneca.
But NIAID has nonetheless "begun efforts to manufacture a strain that could be used to develop a human challenge model, if needed," it said in a statement.
In normal clinical trials, volunteers receive either a medicine or a placebo and their health is then followed over the course of months of years.
Scientists look for how well the vaccine or treatment worked when the person was naturally exposed to the pathogen.
A quicker way to test whether a drug works is by deliberately infecting volunteers, as has been done in the past for influenza, malaria, typhoid, dengue fever, and cholera.
In the US, advocacy groups like 1DaySooner support challenge studies for COVID-19, but the subject is controversial because of how serious the disease can be and because its effects aren't fully understood.
NIAID said it would probably reach a decision toward the end of 2020, when the late-stage clinical trials that are underway start reporting their results.
This would help it determine whether challenge studies are needed, safe and ethical, it added.
David Diemert, the director of George Washington University's vaccine trial research unit who is overseeing a trial of Moderna's vaccine in the US capital, told AFP he did not think challenge trials were appropriate for COVID-19.
"I think they're a critical tool, but only under the right circumstances," he said.
Diemert is himself leading a challenge trial into a hookworm vaccine.
But he said that for COVID-19, "we don't have a very clear understanding of who is at risk of developing severe disease and we have no treatment that is guaranteed to cure someone if they do develop severe disease."
There's also enough widespread community transmission in the US -- the worst hit country in the world with 5.3 million confirmed cases -- to mean challenge trials are not necessary, he added.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-14--'Hard to comprehend': Brutal Bayern hit eight past Barcelona

A merciless Bayern Munich inflicted a humiliating , record defeat on Barcelona on Friday , recording a scarcely believable 8-2 victory in their Champions League quarter-final in Lisbon to leave Lionel Messi forlorn and surely hastening in the end of an era in Catalonia .
Thomas Mueller scored twice either side of goals from Ivan Perisic and Serge Gnabry in a stunning opening 31 minutes at an empty Estadio da Luz , with a David Alaba own-goal having briefly brought Barcelona back level .
Luis Suarez pulled it back to 4-2 at one point in the second half , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kimmich getting Bayern 's fifth before three more goals in the final stages , one for the prolific Robert Lewandowski and two for substitute Philippe Coutinho .
That was the really humiliating part for the beaten side , with Coutinho on loan in Bavaria from Barcelona , who spent 160 million euros on signing the Brazilian in 2018 but never got the best out of him .
`` We knew it is never easy against Barcelona , but this is an unbelievable result , '' said Kimmich .
`` It 's hard to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worst European defeat and the worst of Messi 's career .
The game was eerily reminiscent of Germany 's 7-1 destruction of Brazil in the 2014 World Cup , a game in which Mueller also played and scored .
Germany went on to win that World Cup and Bayern look a good bet to win this Champions League , although they will surely face a sterner test in the semi-final regardless of whether it is against Manchester City or Lyon .
`` In the 7-1 win in Brazil we did n't have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were good but tonight the way we dominated the game was brutal , '' said Mueller .
This was Bayern 's 19th consecutive victory in all competitions , and a 28th game unbeaten for Hansi Flick 's side .
They have now scored 39 goals in nine Champions League outings this season .
But the story of this game is Barcelona 's remarkable capitulation and the question is what happens to them now .
Messi was 27 when they last won the Champions League in 2015 .
He is 33 now and this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he needs to finally leave the Camp Nou if he is to win it again .
Barca have just about been here before : They were torn apart by Bayern in the 2013 semi-finals , losing 7-0 on aggregate , but this was eight goals in 90 minutes .
And with an ageing team featuring six players aged 31 or older , this has to be the end of an era .
`` I do n't know how to label it , '' said Gerard Pique .
`` The club needs changes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the players or coach , but structurally the club needs all sorts of changes . ''
Coach Quique Setien will certainly not survive .
His team , having already come second to Real Madrid in La Liga , simply could not cope with Bayern 's pressing .
Bayern went ahead in the fourth minute as Mueller controlled a ball in from the left by Perisic and played a one-two with Lewandowski to scuff a shot low past compatriot Marc-Andre ter Stegen .
They did leave themselves open at the back and parity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stop Jordi Alba 's cross , sliced the ball over Manuel Neuer and into his own net .
For a very brief spell Barca were even on top , as Neuer saved from Suarez and a Messi cross came back off the far upright .
But Bayern , suffocating their opponents with their pressing , went back in front midway through the first half .
Gnabry won back possession on the edge of the final third before feeding Perisic , who fired past Ter Stegen and into the far corner .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 10-minute spell .
Leon Goretzka 's deft touch over the top took out Clement Lenglet and Gnabry drilled home to make it 3-1 .
Then Mueller stole in front of Lenglet to turn in Kimmich 's delivery from the right for 4-1 .
Suarez briefly gave Barca something to cling to as he controlled Alba 's assist , bodyswerved away from Jerome Boateng and fired home .
Yet there would be no comeback , as Kimmich converted Bayern 's fifth following a remarkable assist by Alphonso Davies , and then Lewandowski headed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six .
As Barcelona collapsed , Coutinho made it seven in the 85th minute at the end of a move started when Messi was robbed of possession and then had time to score another in the 88th minute .

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A merciless Bayern Munich inflicted a humiliating, record defeat on Barcelona on Friday, recording a scarcely believable 8-2 victory in their Champions League quarter-final in Lisbon to leave Lionel Messi forlorn and surely hastening in the end of an era in Catalonia.
Thomas Mueller scored twice either side of goals from Ivan Perisic and Serge Gnabry in a stunning opening 31 minutes at an empty Estadio da Luz, with a David Alaba own-goal having briefly brought Barcelona back level.
Luis Suarez pulled it back to 4-2 at one point in the second half, but Barcelona then caved in, with Joshua Kimmich getting Bayern's fifth before three more goals in the final stages, one for the prolific Robert Lewandowski and two for substitute Philippe Coutinho.
That was the really humiliating part for the beaten side, with Coutinho on loan in Bavaria from Barcelona, who spent 160 million euros on signing the Brazilian in 2018 but never got the best out of him.
"We knew it is never easy against Barcelona, but this is an unbelievable result," said Kimmich. "It's hard to comprehend."
It is Barcelona's worst European defeat and the worst of Messi's career. The game was eerily reminiscent of Germany's 7-1 destruction of Brazil in the 2014 World Cup, a game in which Mueller also played and scored.
Germany went on to win that World Cup and Bayern look a good bet to win this Champions League, although they will surely face a sterner test in the semi-final regardless of whether it is against Manchester City or Lyon.
"In the 7-1 win in Brazil we didn't have the same amount of control. Yes we were good but tonight the way we dominated the game was brutal," said Mueller.
This was Bayern's 19th consecutive victory in all competitions, and a 28th game unbeaten for Hansi Flick's side. They have now scored 39 goals in nine Champions League outings this season.
- End of an era -
But the story of this game is Barcelona's remarkable capitulation and the question is what happens to them now.
Messi was 27 when they last won the Champions League in 2015. He is 33 now and this game may make up his mind that he needs to finally leave the Camp Nou if he is to win it again.
Barca have just about been here before: They were torn apart by Bayern in the 2013 semi-finals, losing 7-0 on aggregate, but this was eight goals in 90 minutes.
And with an ageing team featuring six players aged 31 or older, this has to be the end of an era.
"I don't know how to label it," said Gerard Pique.
"The club needs changes. I'm not talking about the level of the players or coach, but structurally the club needs all sorts of changes."
Coach Quique Setien will certainly not survive. His team, having already come second to Real Madrid in La Liga, simply could not cope with Bayern's pressing.
Bayern went ahead in the fourth minute as Mueller controlled a ball in from the left by Perisic and played a one-two with Lewandowski to scuff a shot low past compatriot Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
They did leave themselves open at the back and parity was restored when Alaba, in attempting to stop Jordi Alba's cross, sliced the ball over Manuel Neuer and into his own net.
For a very brief spell Barca were even on top, as Neuer saved from Suarez and a Messi cross came back off the far upright.
But Bayern, suffocating their opponents with their pressing, went back in front midway through the first half. Gnabry won back possession on the edge of the final third before feeding Perisic, who fired past Ter Stegen and into the far corner.
That was the first of three goals in a 10-minute spell.
Leon Goretzka's deft touch over the top took out Clement Lenglet and Gnabry drilled home to make it 3-1. Then Mueller stole in front of Lenglet to turn in Kimmich's delivery from the right for 4-1.
Suarez briefly gave Barca something to cling to as he controlled Alba's assist, bodyswerved away from Jerome Boateng and fired home.
Yet there would be no comeback, as Kimmich converted Bayern's fifth following a remarkable assist by Alphonso Davies, and then Lewandowski headed in Coutinho's cross to make it six.
As Barcelona collapsed, Coutinho made it seven in the 85th minute at the end of a move started when Messi was robbed of possession and then had time to score another in the 88th minute.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-15--Afghan women's rights trailblazer survives gun attack

Trailblazing Afghan women 's rights campaigner Fawzia Koofi , a member of the negotiating team that will hold peace talks with the Taliban , has been wounded in a gun attack near Kabul , officials said Saturday .
Gunmen opened fire on Koofi , 45 , and her sister on Friday when they were returning from a meeting in the province of Parwan near the capital , interior ministry spokesman Tariq Arian told AFP .
Koofi , a former member of parliament and strong critic of the Taliban , was shot in her right hand , he said , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Taliban denied they were involved in the attack on Koofi .
The attack drew strong condemnation from Afghanistan 's President Ashraf Ghani -- who described it as a `` cowardly attack '' , according to his spokesman Sediq Seddiqi .
Abdullah Abdullah , who heads the national reconciliation council , called on Afghan authorities to bring `` the perpetrators of the attack to justice '' .
The chief of Afghanistan 's Independent Human Rights Commission , Shaharzad Akbar , also condemned the `` horrific attack '' .
`` Worrying pattern of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in peace process , '' she wrote on Twitter .
In recent months , there have been gun attacks against human rights activists and prosecutors in Kabul .
Koofi survived a previous assassination attempt in 2010 , when gunmen fired at her as she was returning to the capital after an International Women 's Day event .
She was among the few women in a pan-Afghan delegation that held several rounds of unofficial dialogue with the Taliban in 2019 .
That dialogue came alongside separate negotiations between the Islamist militants and the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the signing of an agreement between the two in February this year .
At the time , Koofi told AFP how she had received threats previously from militants just for wearing nail polish .
Koofi is now one of four women negotiators in the Afghan team that will hold direct talks with the Taliban in the coming days .
`` I think this time we are going for serious talks , '' she told AFP this week .
`` There is a sense of pride ... but in the meantime , it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to really make sure that you are perfect in many ways . ''
Koofi , a widow and mother of two daughters , was the first girl in her family to attend school .
Her education was interrupted when she was forced out of medical college in 1996 as the Taliban stormed to power .
It was only after the US-led invasion in 2001 that she rose to prominence as a politician and in 2005 , became the first woman to serve as the deputy speaker of Afghanistan 's parliament .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days , aimed at ending the conflict that has ravaged Afghanistan for almost two decades .
Afghan authorities are currently releasing from jails some 400 Taliban militants , fulfilling a key demand from the insurgent group for any talks .
But the release has raised widespread international concern as some of those militants are accused of killing scores of people including foreigners in deadly attacks .

Kabul (AFP) –
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Trailblazing Afghan women's rights campaigner Fawzia Koofi, a member of the negotiating team that will hold peace talks with the Taliban, has been wounded in a gun attack near Kabul, officials said Saturday.
Gunmen opened fire on Koofi, 45, and her sister on Friday when they were returning from a meeting in the province of Parwan near the capital, interior ministry spokesman Tariq Arian told AFP.
Koofi, a former member of parliament and strong critic of the Taliban, was shot in her right hand, he said, adding that she was in a stable condition.
The Taliban denied they were involved in the attack on Koofi.
The attack drew strong condemnation from Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani -- who described it as a "cowardly attack", according to his spokesman Sediq Seddiqi.
Abdullah Abdullah, who heads the national reconciliation council, called on Afghan authorities to bring "the perpetrators of the attack to justice".
The chief of Afghanistan's Independent Human Rights Commission, Shaharzad Akbar, also condemned the "horrific attack".
"Worrying pattern of targeted attacks that can negatively impact confidence in peace process," she wrote on Twitter.
In recent months, there have been gun attacks against human rights activists and prosecutors in Kabul.
Koofi survived a previous assassination attempt in 2010, when gunmen fired at her as she was returning to the capital after an International Women's Day event.
She was among the few women in a pan-Afghan delegation that held several rounds of unofficial dialogue with the Taliban in 2019.
That dialogue came alongside separate negotiations between the Islamist militants and the United States in Qatar which finally led to the signing of an agreement between the two in February this year.
At the time, Koofi told AFP how she had received threats previously from militants just for wearing nail polish.
- Pride and stress -
Koofi is now one of four women negotiators in the Afghan team that will hold direct talks with the Taliban in the coming days.
"I think this time we are going for serious talks," she told AFP this week.
"There is a sense of pride... but in the meantime, it's a lot of stress.
"You have to really make sure that you are perfect in many ways."
Koofi, a widow and mother of two daughters, was the first girl in her family to attend school.
Her education was interrupted when she was forced out of medical college in 1996 as the Taliban stormed to power.
It was only after the US-led invasion in 2001 that she rose to prominence as a politician and in 2005, became the first woman to serve as the deputy speaker of Afghanistan's parliament.
The talks with the Taliban are expected within days, aimed at ending the conflict that has ravaged Afghanistan for almost two decades.
Afghan authorities are currently releasing from jails some 400 Taliban militants, fulfilling a key demand from the insurgent group for any talks.
But the release has raised widespread international concern as some of those militants are accused of killing scores of people including foreigners in deadly attacks.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-15--Hartley had enough of being 'governed' by England coach Jones

Former England captain Dylan Hartley said on Saturday he had no regrets watching England play in last year 's Rugby World Cup final comparing coach Eddie Jones 's regime to `` brutal dance marathons in the Great Depression of the 1920s . ''
The 34-year-old New Zealand-born former hooker enjoyed some good times under Jones who somewhat controversially appointed him his first skipper when he took over following the 2015 World Cup debacle .
Hartley led England to the 2016 Six Nations Grand Slam , a 3-0 series victory over Jones 's former side Australia and the 2017 Six Nations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successive Grand Slams beating them in the final match .
However , a knee injury eventually saw the 97-times capped Hartley miss out on last year 's World Cup but he told The Daily Telegraph he did not feel any sadness even when England lined-up for the national anthems with South Africa in the final .
The Springboks eased to a 32-12 victory in Japan .
`` I 'd had enough of being governed by Eddie , '' he said .
`` Playing for England felt a bit like taking part in one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Great Depression of the 1920s , where penniless couples kept going until they collapsed . ''
Hartley said in his biography Jones delivered the news he would not be selected for the World Cup in typically blunt fashion on the phone .
The former Northampton Saints front-rower , who qualified to play for England due to his English mother , said he felt like a `` piece of meat that had been thrown in the bin because it was past it 's sell by date . ''
`` Even by the standards of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the treadmill , which make the recipient 's balls tighten and the brain melt , this phone call was brutal , '' Hartley wrote in his new book .
`` He was effectively ending my England career with three words . ''
However , Hartley no shrinking violet himself with a poor disciplinary record , said he owes Jones a huge amount .
`` He ( Jones ) did n't revive my career .
He gave me a career , '' Hartley said , who made his Test debut in 2008 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that . ''
Hartley does not spare the governing bodies either accusing them of treating players like `` widgets . ''
`` My generation of players have been crash dummies for a sport in transition from semi-professionalism , '' said Hartley , England 's third most capped player .
`` It 's being reshaped , subtly but relentlessly , by money men , geo-politicians , talking heads and television executives .
`` They treat us as warm bodies , human widgets . ''

London (AFP) –
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Former England captain Dylan Hartley said on Saturday he had no regrets watching England play in last year's Rugby World Cup final comparing coach Eddie Jones's regime to "brutal dance marathons in the Great Depression of the 1920s."
The 34-year-old New Zealand-born former hooker enjoyed some good times under Jones who somewhat controversially appointed him his first skipper when he took over following the 2015 World Cup debacle.
Hartley led England to the 2016 Six Nations Grand Slam, a 3-0 series victory over Jones's former side Australia and the 2017 Six Nations title -- Ireland dashed their hopes of successive Grand Slams beating them in the final match.
However, a knee injury eventually saw the 97-times capped Hartley miss out on last year's World Cup but he told The Daily Telegraph he did not feel any sadness even when England lined-up for the national anthems with South Africa in the final.
The Springboks eased to a 32-12 victory in Japan.
"I'd had enough of being governed by Eddie," he said.
"Playing for England felt a bit like taking part in one of those brutal dance marathons in the Great Depression of the 1920s, where penniless couples kept going until they collapsed."
Hartley said in his biography Jones delivered the news he would not be selected for the World Cup in typically blunt fashion on the phone.
The former Northampton Saints front-rower, who qualified to play for England due to his English mother, said he felt like a "piece of meat that had been thrown in the bin because it was past it's sell by date."
"You're f****d, mate," said Jones.
"Even by the standards of the 6am texts he delivers while running on the treadmill, which make the recipient's balls tighten and the brain melt, this phone call was brutal," Hartley wrote in his new book.
"He was effectively ending my England career with three words."
However, Hartley no shrinking violet himself with a poor disciplinary record, said he owes Jones a huge amount.
"He (Jones) didn't revive my career. He gave me a career," Hartley said, who made his Test debut in 2008.
"I had a shit career before that."
Hartley does not spare the governing bodies either accusing them of treating players like "widgets."
"My generation of players have been crash dummies for a sport in transition from semi-professionalism," said Hartley, England's third most capped player.
"It's being reshaped, subtly but relentlessly, by money men, geo-politicians, talking heads and television executives.
"They treat us as warm bodies, human widgets."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-15--US envoy calls for 'transparent, credible' Beirut blast probe

US envoy David Hale ( 3-R ) and the US ambassador to Lebanon , Dorothy Shea ( 2-R ) , tour the site of last week 's massive explosion that hit the port of the Lebanese capital Beirut US envoy David Hale called Saturday for a `` transparent and credible '' probe into the monster blast at Beirut 's port , as FBI investigators headed for Lebanon .
`` We need to make sure there is a thorough and transparent , credible investigation , '' Hale said , while touring the blast site on the final day of a visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can never go back to an era in which anything goes at the port or the borders of Lebanon . ''
A huge stock of hazardous material abandoned in a warehouse at the port in the heart of the capital exploded on August 4 , killing 177 people and devastating swathes of Beirut .
The hundreds of tonnes of ammonium nitrate had been left unsecured for several years , despite repeated warnings of the dangers it posed .
`` Every state , every sovereign state , controls its ports and its borders thoroughly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for political affairs .
`` I imagine all Lebanese would like ... not to have the anything goes atmosphere . ''
The disaster led to demands at home and abroad for an international investigation , calls that have been rebuffed by Lebanon 's political leaders , widely accused of negligence that led to the explosion .
`` The FBI is arriving this weekend and they will be playing their role at the invitation of the Lebanese , '' Hale said , adding they would help determine `` what led to the circumstances of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group Hezbollah stands accused of wielding great influence over Beirut 's port and border posts .
The explosion reignited claims that Hezbollah , which is designated by Washington as a terrorist group , stored arms at the blast site .
The movement 's chief Hassan Nasrallah on Friday strongly denied the charges .
`` We have nothing in the port : not an arms depot , nor a missile depot nor missiles nor rifles nor bombs nor bullets nor ( ammonium ) nitrate , '' he insisted .
Many Lebanese blame the blast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lebanon 's ruling class -- consisting largely of ex- warlords from its 1975-1990 civil war .
The FBI personnel are to join other international experts already on the ground , including from France which has launched its own probe .
Lebanese authorities too have opened an enquiry , despite Skepticism at home over the credibility of a state-led investigation .
Public prosecutor Ghassan Oueidat has filed lawsuits against 21 suspects over the blast , 19 of whom are already in custody .
Judge Fadi Sawan , who was appointed Friday to lead investigations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .

Beirut (AFP) –
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US envoy David Hale called Saturday for a "transparent and credible" probe into the monster blast at Beirut's port, as FBI investigators headed for Lebanon.
"We need to make sure there is a thorough and transparent, credible investigation," Hale said, while touring the blast site on the final day of a visit to the crisis-hit country.
"We can never go back to an era in which anything goes at the port or the borders of Lebanon."
A huge stock of hazardous material abandoned in a warehouse at the port in the heart of the capital exploded on August 4, killing 177 people and devastating swathes of Beirut.
The hundreds of tonnes of ammonium nitrate had been left unsecured for several years, despite repeated warnings of the dangers it posed.
"Every state, every sovereign state, controls its ports and its borders thoroughly," said Hale, US undersecretary for political affairs.
"I imagine all Lebanese would like... not to have the anything goes atmosphere."
The disaster led to demands at home and abroad for an international investigation, calls that have been rebuffed by Lebanon's political leaders, widely accused of negligence that led to the explosion.
"The FBI is arriving this weekend and they will be playing their role at the invitation of the Lebanese," Hale said, adding they would help determine "what led to the circumstances of this explosion".
The powerful Shiite group Hezbollah stands accused of wielding great influence over Beirut's port and border posts.
The explosion reignited claims that Hezbollah, which is designated by Washington as a terrorist group, stored arms at the blast site.
The movement's chief Hassan Nasrallah on Friday strongly denied the charges.
"We have nothing in the port: not an arms depot, nor a missile depot nor missiles nor rifles nor bombs nor bullets nor (ammonium) nitrate," he insisted.
Many Lebanese blame the blast on decades of corruption and negligence by Lebanon's ruling class -- consisting largely of ex- warlords from its 1975-1990 civil war.
The FBI personnel are to join other international experts already on the ground, including from France which has launched its own probe.
Lebanese authorities too have opened an enquiry, despite Skepticism at home over the credibility of a state-led investigation.
Public prosecutor Ghassan Oueidat has filed lawsuits against 21 suspects over the blast, 19 of whom are already in custody.
Judge Fadi Sawan, who was appointed Friday to lead investigations, is to start interrogating suspects next week.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-15--Hamilton tops Bottas as Mercedes dominate final practice

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton outpaced team-mate Valtteri Bottas to top the times as Mercedes dominated Saturday morning ’ s third and final practice at this weekend ’ s Spanish Grand Prix .
The two ‘ black arrows ’ were separated by one-tenth of a second with Max Verstappen third , for Red Bull , half a second behind them .
Local hope Carlos Sainz was a strong fourth for McLaren ahead of Sergio Perez , back in action for Racing Point after missing two race weekends with Covid-19 .
Charles Leclerc maintained his progress with Ferrari in sixth place ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lance Stroll in the second Racing Point , Alex Albon in the second Red Bull and Daniel Ricciardo of Renault .
Four-time champion Sebastian Vettel was down in 12th for Ferrari as he continued to battle for form after a torrid start to the season .
On a hot morning at the Circuit de Catalunya , there was little early action in the dazzling sunshine and both Mercedes and Red Bull delayed their entry until midway through the hour .
As the early runners set their times , the air temperature was 29 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grosjean was soon busy lapping following overnight work on his Haas car , the American team having broken curfew to install engine components .
Sainz was also running new power unit parts in his McLaren .
Mercedes joined the fray with 30 minutes remaining and Bottas immediately topped the times ahead of six-time champion Hamilton with Verstappen going third when Red Bull sent him out .
Significantly , the Dutchman was only one-tenth off the Finn ’ s fastest lap and very close to Hamilton ’ s pace – a clear signal that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – before Sainz split the two Mercedes men with 20 minutes remaining .
Ten minutes later , Mercedes took softs and Hamilton restored a more familiar ‘ black arrows ’ one-two to the top of the times , the Briton outpacing his team-mate by just one-tenth .
The session ended abruptly with a red flag with two minutes remaining when Esteban Ocon swerved and crashed in his Renault as he moved to avoid Kevin Magnussen ’ s decelerating Haas exiting Turn Two .
The Frenchman , who was unhurt and walked away , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s slowdown in front of him , prompting calls for a minimum lap time to be introduced to prevent similar incidents .

Barcelona (AFP) –
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Championship leader Lewis Hamilton outpaced team-mate Valtteri Bottas to top the times as Mercedes dominated Saturday morning’s third and final practice at this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.
The two ‘black arrows’ were separated by one-tenth of a second with Max Verstappen third, for Red Bull, half a second behind them.
Local hope Carlos Sainz was a strong fourth for McLaren ahead of Sergio Perez, back in action for Racing Point after missing two race weekends with Covid-19.
Charles Leclerc maintained his progress with Ferrari in sixth place ahead of Pierre Gasly of Alpha Tauri, Lance Stroll in the second Racing Point, Alex Albon in the second Red Bull and Daniel Ricciardo of Renault.
Four-time champion Sebastian Vettel was down in 12th for Ferrari as he continued to battle for form after a torrid start to the season.
On a hot morning at the Circuit de Catalunya, there was little early action in the dazzling sunshine and both Mercedes and Red Bull delayed their entry until midway through the hour.
As the early runners set their times, the air temperature was 29 degrees and the track was 43. Grosjean was soon busy lapping following overnight work on his Haas car, the American team having broken curfew to install engine components.
Sainz was also running new power unit parts in his McLaren.
Mercedes joined the fray with 30 minutes remaining and Bottas immediately topped the times ahead of six-time champion Hamilton with Verstappen going third when Red Bull sent him out.
Significantly, the Dutchman was only one-tenth off the Finn’s fastest lap and very close to Hamilton’s pace – a clear signal that Red Bull were likely to be competitive – before Sainz split the two Mercedes men with 20 minutes remaining.
Ten minutes later, Mercedes took softs and Hamilton restored a more familiar ‘black arrows’ one-two to the top of the times, the Briton outpacing his team-mate by just one-tenth.
The session ended abruptly with a red flag with two minutes remaining when Esteban Ocon swerved and crashed in his Renault as he moved to avoid Kevin Magnussen’s decelerating Haas exiting Turn Two.
The Frenchman, who was unhurt and walked away, appeared to be surprised by the Dane’s slowdown in front of him, prompting calls for a minimum lap time to be introduced to prevent similar incidents.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-15--Rain causes fresh delay to England-Pakistan 2nd Test

Nothing doing - The covers are on as rain delays the start of the third day 's play in the second Test between England and Pakistan at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on Saturday Rain delayed the scheduled 11:00 am local time ( 1000 GMT ) start of the third day 's play in the second Test between England and Pakistan at Southampton on Saturday .
This was the latest interruption in a match plagued by stoppages for rain and bad light .
Pakistan are currently 223-9 in their first innings after winning the toss following a second day where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rizwan had batted with huge skill and resolve in overcast , swing-friendly conditions , to be 60 not out on what was Pakistan 's Independence Day .
In partnership with dogged tailender Mohammad Abbas ( two off 20 balls ) , the wicketkeeper had shepherded Pakistan past 200 in a ninth-wicket stand of 39 after the pair had come together with the team struggling at 176-8 .
This was Rizwan 's second fifty in eight career Tests following his 95 against Australia in Brisbane in November .
Pakistan were also indebted to opener @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Azam ( 47 ) for painstaking innings when the conditions were stacked against them .
Meanwhile in-form paceman Stuart Broad became the first England bowler since off-spinner Graeme Swann 11 years ago to take at least three wickets in seven consecutive Test innings thanks to a return of 3-56 in 25 overs .
Broad has taken 25 wickets in four Test so far this season at a misery average of 12.88 .

Southampton (United Kingdom) (AFP) –
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Rain delayed the scheduled 11:00 am local time (1000 GMT) start of the third day's play in the second Test between England and Pakistan at Southampton on Saturday.
This was the latest interruption in a match plagued by stoppages for rain and bad light.
Pakistan are currently 223-9 in their first innings after winning the toss following a second day where only 40 overs were possible.
Mohammad Rizwan had batted with huge skill and resolve in overcast, swing-friendly conditions, to be 60 not out on what was Pakistan's Independence Day.
In partnership with dogged tailender Mohammad Abbas (two off 20 balls), the wicketkeeper had shepherded Pakistan past 200 in a ninth-wicket stand of 39 after the pair had come together with the team struggling at 176-8.
This was Rizwan's second fifty in eight career Tests following his 95 against Australia in Brisbane in November.
Pakistan were also indebted to opener Abid Ali (60) and Babar Azam (47) for painstaking innings when the conditions were stacked against them.
Meanwhile in-form paceman Stuart Broad became the first England bowler since off-spinner Graeme Swann 11 years ago to take at least three wickets in seven consecutive Test innings thanks to a return of 3-56 in 25 overs.
Broad has taken 25 wickets in four Test so far this season at a misery average of 12.88.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-15--'Eternally proud' former Scotland skipper Barclay retires

Former Scotland captain John Barclay announced his retirement as a player on Saturday saying he is `` eternally proud '' to have skippered both his country and Welsh region the Scarlets .
The 33-year-old Hong Kong-born backrow forward -- capped 76 times and who appeared at three World Cups -- explained his decision saying `` you know when you know . ''
Barclay had been without a club since leaving Edinburgh earlier this year -- he retired from Test rugby after last year 's Rugby World Cup when Scotland exited in the pool stage .
`` When you know , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a post on Instagram .
`` I never wanted to get to the point where I was playing for the sake of it .
`` Physically I could have kept going for a little while , but at nowhere near the level I wanted .
`` The body has had enough , and the mind is ready to move on to the next step . ''
Barclay , who won the 2017 Pro12 title with the Scarlets , played in the 2007 , 2011 and 2019 World Cups and his high point as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25-18 victory over England .
It was the Scots ' first win over their opponents in a decade .
`` To get capped was beyond my wildest dream as a kid growing up , '' he said .
`` To be able to go on and captain Scotland and Scarlets is something I will be eternally proud and grateful of .
`` Knowing I wont get the chance to run out with the team does leave a tinge of sadness , but I was a supporter before I was a player , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

Edinburgh (AFP) –
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Former Scotland captain John Barclay announced his retirement as a player on Saturday saying he is "eternally proud" to have skippered both his country and Welsh region the Scarlets.
The 33-year-old Hong Kong-born backrow forward -- capped 76 times and who appeared at three World Cups -- explained his decision saying "you know when you know."
Barclay had been without a club since leaving Edinburgh earlier this year -- he retired from Test rugby after last year's Rugby World Cup when Scotland exited in the pool stage.
"When you know, you know," Barclay said in a post on Instagram.
"I never wanted to get to the point where I was playing for the sake of it.
"Physically I could have kept going for a little while, but at nowhere near the level I wanted.
"The body has had enough, and the mind is ready to move on to the next step."
Barclay, who won the 2017 Pro12 title with the Scarlets, played in the 2007, 2011 and 2019 World Cups and his high point as captain came with the 2018 Calcutta Cup 25-18 victory over England.
It was the Scots' first win over their opponents in a decade.
"To get capped was beyond my wildest dream as a kid growing up," he said.
"To be able to go on and captain Scotland and Scarlets is something I will be eternally proud and grateful of.
"Knowing I wont get the chance to run out with the team does leave a tinge of sadness, but I was a supporter before I was a player, and I will be a fervent supporter again."
pi/iwd
© 2020 AFP