Australia's cricketers will not back down in a bitter pay dispute, David Warner has warned amid fears their October tour of India is looming as a flashpoint.
     As the June 30 deadline for a new memorandum of understanding between Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers Association fast approaches, the Australia vice- captain insisted players won't budge on their demands.
     "Well from July 1, we're unemployed," Warner told Channel Nine late Sunday.
     "We've been threatened with that. We're hopeful there's going to be an agreement done, it's a sticky situation."
     CA has threatened not to pay contracted players beyond the expiry of their current financial deal at the end of the month if they do not accept a new offer, with the governing body determined to scrap revenue-sharing after 20 years.
     With a Test squad for an August tour of Bangladesh named last week, Warner was adamant that a lockout was possible.
     "From our point of view I want to play for ...

Players won't budge on pay demands: Warner

PTI Automatic

Brooks Koepka produced a back- nine birdie blitz to win the US Open, becoming the seventh consecutive first-time winner of a major with a record- equalling victory at Erin Hills by four strokes.
     The 27-year-old from Florida fired a five-under-par final round 67 to finish on 16 under for the tournament following a tense duel with compatriot Brian Harman that was settled on the home stretch at the rural Wisconsin course.
     Koepka's 16-under-par total equalled the record for the lowest winning under par total at a US Open set by Rory McIlroy at the 2011 championship.
     Third round leader Brian Harman, who had led by one-shot at the start of the round, finished second on 12 under after an even-par 72. He tied with Japanese world number four Hideki Matsuyama who shot a superb six-under-par 66.
     England's Tommy Fleetwood was alone in fourth place on 11 under after a level-par final round of 72.
     Harman and Koepka spent much of the round locked at the top of the ...

Brooks Koepka wins 117th US Open Championship

Boxing hall of famer Lennox Lewis won't be spending his money on the Floyd Mayweather- Conor McGregor fight, saying he "can't take it serious" because the outcome is too predictable.
     The former undisputed world heavyweight champion said the combination of Mayweather's boxing experience and hand speed will be too much to handle for McGregor, who has made him name as a mixed martial arts fighter.
     "It's ridiculous to me," Lewis told US sports broadcaster ESPN. "You are talking about one discipline where you can use only your hands and only a few can do it.
     "Every battle sport always starts with your hands, but they are two totally different sports."
     The fight is being held in the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and promoters are hoping to make millions off the pay- per-view sales. Scheduled as a 12-round boxing match with 10 ounce gloves, three-time world heavyweight champion Lewis says it won't go the distance.
     "I can't take it serious," Lewis said. "Mayweather is ..

Lewis slams Mayweather-McGregor as "ridiculous"

"Not just today, not just tomorrow, this day will be remembered in Pakistan for years to come," said a beaming Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed as he made a passionate plea to other nations to play international cricket in their country.
     No major cricketing nation has toured Pakistan since the terrorist attack on Sri Lanka team back in 2009.
     "It was a great achievement by the boys and full credit to them. Everyone will remember this achievement, not just for today or tomorrow but for a long, long time in Pakistan cricket. The boys were really motivated today. We came here as a number eight ranked team and won the tournament. Hope all nations now come and play cricket in Pakistan," Sarfraz said at the post-match press conference.
     "It is an unbelievable feeling which I can't describe at the moment though. I dedicate this win to the people of Pakistan."
     Sarfraz spoke about the benefits of Pakistan Super League (PSL).
     "We have had youngsters benefitting from PSL. ...

Hope teams will now come and play in Pakistan: Sarfraz

A sense of euphoria gripped Pakistan soon after the Greenshirts upstaged a strong Indian side in the Champions Trophy final at the Oval today.
     Massive traffic jams were witnessed as people came out on the roads in their cars and motorcycles, waving Pakistani flags and raising slogans, celebrating the big win.
     Young boys and girls, wearing the Pakistan jersey, were danced to the sound of Dhol while others distributed sweets and even resorted to aerial firing to express their delight.
     Around six people were reported injured after being hit by stray bullets in different parts of Karachi.
     Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif led the wave of congratulatory messages for the Pakistan team and captain, Sarfaraz Ahmed soon after the final ended.
     "The Pakistan team has done us proud and played very well to win the final. Congratulations to the team for winning the Champions Trophy," the premier said in a video statement.
     President Mamnoon Hussain, former Pakistan captain ..

Pakistan celebrate big win over formidable India

Yash Aradhya and Ruhaan Alva stole the show in the opening round of the FMSCI National Rotax Max Karting Championship here at the Chicane Circuit, comfortably winning all their races over the weekend.
     Yash (Meco Racing) and Ruhaan (Birel Art), both from Bengaluru, picked up 89 points apiece to take the lead in the five-round championship.
     Both finished on pole in the qualifying rounds on Friday and set the pace by winning the two heats on Saturday as well. They rounded up their shows on Sunday too brilliantly, taking the pre-finals and finals.
     In Senior Max, Mumbai's Aaroh Ravindra (Rayo Racing) took advantage of the intense tussle between Manav Sharma (BPC Racing) and Nirmal Umashankar (Meco Racing) to jump to the top of the points table.
     Manav (Faridabad) and Umashankar (Chennai) won a heat each on Saturday to set up a Super Sunday. But the opening race of the day saw Umashankar suffering a 5-place penalty in the grid position for making contact with a driver ...

Yash, Ruhaan shine in National Karting opener

India captain Virat Kohli today defended his decision to bowl on a flat track and said a lucky reprieve for centurion Fakhar Zaman proved to be a costly one in the Champions Trophy final against Pakistan here today.
      "Small margins can be massive but we've only lost a game of cricket, we need to move forward and learn from our mistakes. The pitch was consistent throughout, we backed out strengths (to chase)," said Kohli after Pakistan outplayed India by 180 runs to win their maiden Champions Trophy.
      Zaman was batting on four when he edged one to MS Dhoni before the umpires checked that bowler Jasprit Bumhrah had overstepped.
      Kohli also said he backed his boys to chase in the title clash.
      "We can't take anyone lightly but they were more intense and passionate on the day. With the ball we could have had a few more wicket-taking opportunities.
     "We tried to do out best, but even with the ball, they were aggressive, we didn't show any resistance apart from ...

Small margins can me massive in this game: Virat Kohli

An inspired Pakistan hammered a blundering India by 180 runs to lift the ICC Champions Trophy, riding on a scintillating hundred from rookie opener Fakhar Zaman and a sensational bowling spell from Mohammad Amir.
     This is Pakistan's first ICC title triumph since their 2009 World Twenty20 win but more importantly it broke the jinx of not performing against India in big ticket matches.
     For a team that can't play international cricket at home due to security issues, the victory has far-reaching implications.
     If Zaman announced his arrival in international cricket with a match-defining knock, Pakistan cricket's 'enfant terrible' Amir finally managed to sing a redemption song that he has been longing for.
     It was a charged-up performance from Sarfraz Ahmed's underdog team with left-handed opener Zaman, after a lucky reprieve, scoring a pulsating 114 in their imposing 338 for 4.
     Amir (6-2-16-3) then tormented the Indian batsmen with a devastating first spell and ...

Pakistan sink India to lift maiden Champions Trophy

A dominant Pakistan spanked India by 180 runs in the summit clash of the Champions trophy, here today.
     Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman (114) hit his maiden ODI hundred after being caught off a no-ball in the innings' fourth over, bowled by Jasprit Bumrah.
     Azhar Ali (59), Mohammed Hafeez (57) and Babar Azam (46) also played solid to prop up the Pakistan innings as they put on board 338 for four.
     None of the Indian bowlers, except Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/44), could trouble the Pakistani batsmen after Virat Kohli opted to bowl even as the UP pacer was also taken to cleaners towards the end.
     Hardik Pandya (76) was the lone Indian batsman who put up some resistance before India folded for 158 in 30.3 overs.
     Mohammed Amir cleaned up the Indian top-order to pull the rug from under their feet, dismissing Rohit Sharma (0), Virat Kohli (5) and Shikhar Dhawan (21).
     Brief Scores:
     Pakistan : 338 for four in 50 overs. (Fakhar Zaman 114, Azhar Ali 59, Mohammed Hafeez 57, 

Pakistan defeat India by runs to lift Champions Trophy title

A clinical India demolished a hapless Pakistan 7-1 to register their third consecutive victory and seal a place in the quarter-finals of the Hockey World League Semi-Final, here today.
     It was a complete performance by the Indians who dominated their arch-rivals throughout the match to post a facile win and zoom to the top of Pool B ahead of The Netherlands.
     Dragflicker Harmanpreet Singh (13th minute, 33rd), Talwinder Singh (21st, 24th), Akashdeep Singh (47th, 59th) and Pradeep Mor (49th) scored for India at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, while Pakistan's consolation goal came from the stick of Muhammad Umar Bhutta (57th).
     The 7-1 win was also India's biggest over Pakistan, bettering the 7-4 effort against arch-rivals in 2003 Champions Trophy and 2010 Commonwealth Games.
     India are atop Pool B with three wins from as many games, just ahead of The Netherlands, who are placed second.
     Pakistan, on the other hand, are at the bottom of the pool after losing 

Clinical India maul Pakistan 7-1 HWL Semi-Final

Indian wrestlers today clinched three medals, including a gold by Sharvan, on the final day of the Junior Asian Championships here.
     On the last day of the competition, Sharvan bagged the yellow metal in men's 60kg freestyle category, beating Yones Aliakbar Emamichoghaei of Iran 9-2 in the final.
     Deepak Punia claimed the silver medal in the 84kg freestyle, while Karan settled for a bronze in 66kg freestyle.

Indian wrestlers bag three medals at Jr Asian C'ship

The eight top teams of the world will be vying for a winner's prize of USD 660,000 in the ICC Women's World Cup, which will be held in the United Kingdom from June 24 to July 23.
     The ICC had earlier in May announced that the total prize money for the tournament would be USD 2 million, 10 times of the amount at stake in the 2013 edition.
      The prize money filters down the ladder with the runner-up winning USD 330,000 and the losing semifinalists getting USD 165,000 each. Teams exiting at the group stage will get USD 30,000 each while each win in the group stage will earn a side USD 20,000.
     The teams will get to tune up for the pinnacle tournament with the warm-up matches which commence tomorrow with host England taking on Sri Lanka in Chesterfield and India playing New Zealand in Derbyshire.

Women's World Cup winner to get USD 660,000 prize money

India hockey team today wore black arm bands during its match against Pakistan at the Hero Hockey World League Semi-Final to condole the deaths of martyrs in the recent attacks on the Indian army.
     The Indian team support staff also wore the black arm bands.
     India eventually thrashed Pakistan 7-1 in this match.
     The hockey fraternity in India has always been vocal about the pride and respect it has for the Indian soldiers and always condemned such barbaric acts.
     The players have often taken to social media to show their condolences for the martyrs of the country. In fact, PR Sreejesh had dedicated the team's victory at the 2016 Asian Champions Trophy to the soldiers, where they beat Pakistan in the final.
     "The players of the Indian hockey teams have always shown tremendous belief and support for the Indian Armed Forces who guard the safety of our nation. They are proud of the nation's soldiers and are often inspired by their dedication and sacrifice," said Mohd .

India hockey team players wear black arm bands

Rookie opener Fakhar Zaman cashed in on a lucky reprieve to hit a scintillating hundred, guiding Pakistan to an imposing 338 for four as Virat Kohli's decision to bowl first proved costly for India in ICC Champions Trophy final here today.
     Playing his first ODI tournament, the 27-year-old left- hander got a "life" when he was batting on four as Jasprit Bumrah overstepped despite MS Dhoni taking a simple catch behind the stumps.
     Zaman made full use of the opportunity to punish the Indian attack on a day when it mattered most.
     His 114 off 106 balls had 12 fours and three big sixes with the maiden ton coming off only 92 balls.
      Along with senior pro Azhar Ali (58 off 71 balls), Zaman set the platform with a 128-run partnership for the opening wicket and consolidated it further with a whirlwind 72 off 63 balls with Babar Azam (46 off 52).
     By the time Ravindra Jadeja took a well-judged catch off Hardik Pandya to remove Zaman, the team's total had reached 200.
      

Zaman fires Pakistan to 338/4

India need to knock down a stiff 339-run target to retain the Champions Trophy title as Pakistan put on a splendid batting display to score 338 for four in the summit clash, here today.
     Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman (114) hit his maiden ODI hundred after being caught off a no-ball in the innings' fourth over, bowled by Jasprit Bumrah.
     Azhar Ali (59), Mohammed Hafeez (57) and Babar Azam (46) also played solid to prop up the Pakistan innings.
     None of the Indian bowlers, except Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/44), could trouble the Pakistani batsmen after Virat Kohli opted to bowl even as the UP pacer was also taken to cleaners towards the end.
     Brief Scores:
     Pakistan : 338 for four in 50 overs. (Fakhar Zaman 114, Azhar Ali 59, Mohammed Hafeez 57, Babar Azam 46; Bhuvneshwar Kumar 1/44).

Pakistan set India 339-run target in Champions Trophy final

Indian golfer Aditi Ashok stayed on course for her best finish of the season as she held on to the tied 18th position with a three-under 66 in the third round of the Meijer LPGA Classic here.
     With three birdies against one bogey, Aditi, is just two shots away from a possible Top-10 finish.
     On Saturday, the par-five fifth hole was converted to a par-three due to standing water after torrential rain blew through the Grand Rapids area overnight Friday and into Saturday morning.
     With the par for the day being reduced to 69, she was five-under 64 for the round and Aditi had a 66, which was three-under.
     Despite a two-hour rain delay it was Lexi Thompson who took best advantage of the soft course conditions and once again heads into a final round with a chance at winning.
     Thompson lost in a playoff a week ago at the Manulife LPGA Classic, and made six birdies and just one bogey for a five-under 64.
     Thompson leads by one over a myriad of golfers including Sung ...

Aditi in sight of best finish of the season

India ace shuttler Kidambi Srikanth today said the Indonesia Super Series Premier triumph is a much-needed boost for him ahead of the World Championship.
     Srikanth cliched his third Super Series title (two Super Series Premier and one Super Series) after laying claim to the USD 1,000,000 Indonesia Super Series Premier men's singles crown with a straight-game victory over Japanese Kazumasa Sakai in the final here today.
     "I think it was a fantastic game for me. I started off really well in the first game but he was playing well in the second game, leading 11-6 at the break and fighting it out. But overall, I think my game was going great, my attack was going well for me," Srikanth said.
     "It is a much needed win for me. After losing the finals at Singapore Open, to reach another final here was a good thing for me. It has been a while since I won a super series tournament," he added.
     World No. 22 Srikanth, who had reached the finals at Singapore Open in April, ...

This win is a much-needed boost ahead of World C'ship:Srikanth

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today congratulated shuttler Kidambi Srikanth after he clinched his second Super Series Premier title by lifting the Indonesia Open men's singles trophy in Jakarta.
     World No.22 Srikanth, who had reached the finals at Singapore Open in April, outclassed Japanese qualifier Kazumasa Sakai 21-11 21-19 in just 37 minutes in the final.
     "Congratulations @srikidambi! We are extremely delighted on your victory in the Indonesia Open Super Series tournament," Modi wrote in his twitter handle.
     Badminton Association of India (BAI) president Himanta Biswa Sarma also congratulated Srikanth on his achievement and announced a financial reward for the shuttler.
     "Congrats @srikidambi on your superb win at #IndonesiaSSP Finals. You've made us all proud. Glad to announce Re 5 lakh award from @BAI_Media," Sarma tweeted.
     India cricketer Virender Sehwag also took to the social media platform to shower his praise on Srikanth.
     "Congratulations Kidambi .

PM congratulates Srikanth on Indonesia Open triumph

Rashid Khan (70) and SSP Chawrasia (72) were unable to find their rhythm on the final day and ended tied sixth and tied 15th respectively at the Queen's Cup here today.
     As Rashid finally found his first Top-10 of 2017, Malaysia's Nicholas Fung overcame nerves to secure a maiden Asian Tour title at the Queen's Cup and dedicated the career breakthrough to his father.
     The 27-year-old Fung, who was the overnight leader, courageously holed a four-foot par putt on the 18th hole at Santiburi Samui Country Club for a closing four-under-par 67 and a one-stroke triumph over Thailand's Jazz Janewattananond.
     Chawrasia, who was tied third at midway stage despite signing a four for a three in second round, was tied 15th, the same as Rahil Gangjee, who got his first Top-10 since Macau Open last October. Gangjee had eight missed cuts in last 10 starts.
     Chiragh Kumar (70) was tied 31st, while Sujjan Singh (74) was tied 42nd. Jeev Milkha Singh carded the best Indian cards on Sunday .

Rashid sixth, Chawrasia, Gangjee 15th in Queens Cup

Andy Murray says he has only a couple of years left at the top of men's tennis, but the world number one has no intention of relaxing just yet as he sets his sights on a third Wimbledon title.
     While Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have defied the ageing process to win Grand Slams into their 30s, Murray believes that is the exception rather than the norm.
     With that in mind, the 30-year-old knows he must maximise his chances of adding to his haul of three Grand Slam crowns while he is at his peak.
     "My coach, Ivan Lendl, was still competitive at the top until he was about 32 but, generally, over the past 20 to 30 years, normally by early 30s is when players have struggled to stay at the top," Murray told the BBC.
     "I know some of the players have been doing really well until their mid-30s recently, but that might not be the case with me.
     "Maybe the next couple of years are the last few where I have a chance to compete for the majors and the biggest tournaments."
   

Murray in spotlight as Wimbledon looms

Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth clinched his third Super Series title, lifting the Indonesia Open men's singles trophy with a straight-game victory over Japanese qualifier Kazumasa Sakai in the finals here today.
     World No.22 Srikanth, who had reached the finals at Singapore Open in April, outclassed Sakai, ranked 47th, 21-11 21-19 in just 37 minutes to take home a cheque of USD 75,000.
     "He was playing well, especially in the second game and I think for me coming back from 6-11 down and make it 13-13 was the turning point," said Srikanth, who had clinched the 2014 China Super Series Premier and 2015 India Super Series.
     "My coach will have a special place in my heart as after he came, I reached the finals at Singapore and to win this tournament, which is considered the biggest tournament. I want to thank all the fans who have been rooting for me all this week," he added.
     Srikanth played a patient game and didn't allow his opponent to engage in any fast-paced rally. .

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