Chinese football re-enters virus ‘bubbles’

SHANGHAI: Chinese Super League teams are returning to two secure “bubbles” designed to keep out the coronavirus, with the second half of the disrupted season starting on Friday.

The first part of the campaign saw the players confined to one hotel in Suzhou and one in Dalian for 10 weeks, allowed out only to train and play matches.

The strict measures, which meant no mixing with the outside world or seeing their families, were a success with no reported infections among players, coaches or support staff.

The second half of the season is shorter, ending on November 12, and takes place once more in Suzhou and Dalian.

The 16 teams will play two-legged knockout matches instead of the usual home-and-away formula in the revamped competition.

Former champions Shanghai SIPG, home to Brazilian stars Oscar and Hulk, clash with rivals Shanghai Shenhua on Sunday in the most eye-catching fixture of the restart.

Clubs are again doing their utmost to keep players entertained while in isolation.

Fabio Cannavaro’s Guangzhou Evergrande, the reigning champions, were pictured shipping at least one mahjong table to Suzhou, where the championship will be decided.