Page 1109 - Sports
Sindhu, Srikanth enter China Open quarters
Star shuttlers P V Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth registered hard fought victories to enter the quarterfinals of their respective events at the USD 1 million China Open here on Thursday. Third seed Sindhu bounced back after losing a close first game to record a 21-23 21-13 21-18 win in her second round women's singles match against Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan. Srikanth's men's singles match against Suppanyu Avihingsanon too went down to the wire. The seventh seeded Indian won the first game comfortably but the Thai player levelled the match. The decider could have gone either way but Srikanth held his nerve to advance in the competition with a 21-12 15-21 24-22 win. However, India's campaign ended in the doubles and mixed doubles events. Ashwini Ponnappa and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy went down 14-21 11-21 against top seeds from China, Siwei Zheng and Huang Yaqiong in the round of 16. Sikki Reddy and Pranav Jerry Chopra also met a similar fate, losing 16-21 10-21 to sixth seeds ...
Himmat, Bhati star in Delhi's five-wicket win
Youngster Himmat Singh struck a half century under pressure after medium pacer Subodh Bhati's five for 24, as Delhi beat Saurashtra by five wickets in the opening group B encounter of Vijay Hazare Trophy Thursday. Gautam Gambhir also started his newest captaincy stint with a stroke-filled 62 off 48 balls as Delhi chased a target of 238 in 46 overs. Himmat (74 off 93 balls) and Lalit Yadav (36 off 54 balls) came together at 152 for five and batted sensibly to take the home team past the target. Himmat hit five fours and two sixes, including one into the second tier, off Kamlesh Makwana. It was skipper Gambhir, who started on a positive note and gave his team the required momentum, even as Unmukt Chand and Rishabh Pant were dismissed cheaply. In all, he hit 10 boundaries before being adjudged leg before off Makwana and there was a mini collapse before Himmat took the team to victory. In the morning when Saurashtra batted, they slumped from 222 for four to 237 all out, losing six wickets
Indian cyclists ready for Track Asia Cup
The Indian team is all set for the fifth edition of the Track Asia Cup, starting at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex here on Friday. The Indian team is optimistic to top the medals tally as junior cyclist Esow Alben, silver medallist of World Junior Cycling Championships and currently ranked World No. 1 (Keirin event), will lead the team and will give the challenge in sprint, team sprint and keirin events. Experienced senior cyclist Deborah Herold, who is taking part in sprint, team sprint and keirin event, will also be a key member in the team and will try to grab the gold. In the women's junior category, Asian Championships bronze medallist, Dannama Chichikhandi will try to give her best. It is pertinent to mention here that the Indian men's junior team comprising Esow of Andaman and Nicobar, Mayur Pawar of Maharashtra and James Singh of Manipur has a new continental cycling track record to its name in sprint event (46.070 seconds). India being the host is also allowed to get in an .
France and Belgium tie for leading FIFA classification
Current world champion France and Belgium shared the top spot of FIFA's ranking of men's national football teams issued on Thursday, something that has never happened before.
Herbalife Nutrition signs Manika Batra as sponsored athlete
Herbalife Nutrition has announced its association with Table Tennis star Manika Batra. During her association with the nutrition powerhouse, she will help spread awareness on healthy and active lifestyle.Speaking about the association, Ajay Khanna, Vice President, and Country Head, Herbalife Nutrition India said, "We are delighted to have Manika as our sponsored athlete and to be a part of her incredible journey. There is great synergy between our brand's ethos and values and Manika. She has won laurels for the country and is a source of inspiration for young sports enthusiasts in the country.""Herbalife Nutrition has always encouraged the importance of nutrition in the creation of a successful athlete. Through our association with Manika, we aim to reiterate our commitment to Making the country Healthier and Happier," he added.ManikaBatra said, "I have always believed that staying fit begins with eating healthy, dedication and being confident about yourself, and Herbalife Nutrition ..
Afghanistan opt to bat against Bangladesh
Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat against Bangladesh in a Group B match of Asia Cup here on Thursday. Teams: Afghanistan: Mohammad Shahzad(wicketkeeper), Ihsanullah Janat, Rahmat Shah, Asghar Afghan(captain), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Samiullah Shenwari, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Aftab Alam, Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Bangladesh: Liton Das(wicketkeeper), Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mohammad Mithun, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza(captain), Abu Hider Rony, Rubel Hossain.
Belgium join France atop FIFA rankings
Belgium have joined world champions France as joint leaders of the FIFA world rankings released Thursday, the first time in the table's 25-year history that top spot has been shared. Belgium have notched up a pair of wins, including victory over Iceland in the inaugural Nations League competition to bring them level with the French, the team who beat them in the World Cup semi-finals. The only other change in the top 10 sees Denmark (10th, down one place) slip below Spain (9th, unchanged). Outside of the top ten, two Nations League wins for Ukraine (29th, up six) over Czech Republic (47th, down three) and Slovakia (26th, unchanged) means that they are the month's biggest movers, while Germany (12th, up three) have started to edge back towards a single-figure ranking after their World Cup debacle. FIFA world rankings as of September 20 1=. Belgium (+1) 1,729 pts 1=. France 1,729 3. Brazil 1,663 4. Croatia 1,634 5. Uruguay 1,632 6. England 1,612 7. Portugal 1,606 8. Switzerland 1,598 9.
Mourinho upbeat as Pogba points way for Man Utd in Europe
With Paul Pogba putting his stamp on games and Jose Mourinho in an upbeat mood, the atmosphere around Manchester United is markedly more relaxed than it was just a few weeks ago. United's 3-0 win over Young Boys in the Champions League in Bern on Wednesday was not completely straightforward, with the visitors on the back foot before Pogba emerged to score twice in the final 10 minutes of the first half. But Mourinho's side ended up thoroughly deserving their victory against a team that had won nine out of 10 games this season and were determined to impress on their Champions League group-stage debut. Pogba's decisive contribution while wearing the captain's armband also stretched to an assist for Anthony Martial's third goal in the second half, and his performance came after he stood out on his 100th appearance for the club in last Saturday's 2-1 victory at Watford. "If someone asks me to do that again, I don't think it'll go where it did," admitted Pogba of his terrific opening goal .
Mum's the word as Azarenka storms into Tokyo quarters
Former world number one Victoria Azarenka thrashed Australian Ashleigh Barty 6-4, 6-2 to reach the Pan Pacific Open quarter-finals Thursday as she seeks a return to the top after giving birth in late 2016. The Belarusian, who slipped further down the rankings as a result of a lengthy custody battle over baby Leo, will face either top seed Caroline Wozniacki, who is chasing a hat-trick of Tokyo titles, or Italy's Camila Giorgi in the last eight. Wildcard Azarenka, currently 63rd on the women's WTA rankings, broke for 4-3 with a dipping backhand and clinched the opening set with a fizzing pass that landed on Barty's shoelaces, forcing the seventh seed to dump a forehand into the net. Azarenka raced to a 4-1 lead in the second set and the two-time Australian Open champion delivered the coup de grace by jamming up Barty with a vicious kick serve into the ribcage on her second match point. "That makes me feel a little old, but I'm happy to be here," said Azarenka, 29, when informed she had
Boxing federation to host AIBA 2-star coaches course from October 20
The Boxing Federation of India will host an International Boxing Association (AIBA) 2-star course for coaches in Rohtak from October 20 to 28. The course for coaches will be followed by an examination, clearing which will make the participants eligible for seconding at AIBA events. Seconding involves in-ring coaching during the two one-minute breaks in a bout. "The last AIBA 2-star Coach Course was hosted by the Indonesian Boxing Federation in the city of Manado in July 7-15 just before the Jakarta Asian Games which was a great success," an official in the international federation told PTI. The course fee is USD 150 per participant and must be paid to the Boxing Federation of India by October 17. These payments are required to be forwarded to AIBA by October 24. "Current certified and active AIBA 1-star Coaches, who have done an AIBA 1-Star Coach Certification Course and the corresponding certification course, are eligible to take part in the upcoming 2-star AIBA Coach Course," the ...
WB govt encourages youth to participate in sports: Mamata
On International Day of University Sport, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said that her government has always encouraged the youth to participate in sports. She said her government has been organising several sporting tournaments to bring people of the backward regions of the state into the mainstream. "Today is International Day of University Sport. Our govt has always encouraged the youth to participate in sports. We organise the Jangalmahal Cup, Himal-Terai-Dooars Sports Festivals & Sundarban Cup with the aim of bringing people of backward regions into the mainstream," Banerjee tweeted on Thursday. The International Day of University Sport, officially endorsed by the United Nations Education, Science and Culture Organisation (UNESCO), is celebrated globally every year on this day.
Once bested by his 'Arjuna', 'Dronacharya' Kuttappa comes out of shadows
He is the 'Dronacharya' who was bested by his 'Arjuna' before becoming his guiding force. C A Kuttappa -- the sole Dronacharya awardee in Indian boxing this year -- is a "sought-after" man in the national camp and the "crucial role" he played in Vijender Singh becoming India's first Olympic medallist in the sport is a tale in itself. "Do write that I beat him in 2003 at a national competition," laughed Vijender when PTI reached out to him for his thoughts on the 39-year-old Armyman being named one of the Dronacharya awardees of 2018. "On a more serious note, he is brilliant. A man of integrity, he took care of me, he was there for me when I needed him and I can never forget that. I don't think there is anyone in Indian boxing who can question his merit," said Vijender, who plies his trade in the professional circuit now but remains an icon in Indian amateur boxing too. The man himself is in slight disbelief, which is understandable, given the many ups and downs he went through as a ...
Anderson, Piscotty lead Oakland Athletics to 10-0 win over Los Angeles Angels
Starter Brett Anderson pitched more than six innings and outfielder Stephen Piscotty hit a three-run homer as the Oakland Athletics thrashed the Los Angeles Angels 10-0.
Manchester City suffer shock home defeat to Lyon in Champions League opener
French Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyon stunned English champions Manchester City 2-1 in their UEFA Champions League group F match at the Etihad stadium in Manchester.
Hardik, Axar & Shardul ruled out of Asia Cup
Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Shardul Thakur have been ruled out of the ongoing Asia Cup 2018 owing to injuries, the BCCI announced on Thursday.
India's injury woes compounded as Axar, Shardul join Hardik in Asia Cup pull-out list
The Indian cricket team's injury woes were compounded on Thursday with spinner Axar Patel and speedster Shardul Thakur ruled out of the ongoing Asia Cup here, joining all-rounder Hardik Pandya in the casualty list. Pandya was also ruled out of the tournament with an acute back injury he suffered against Pakistan on Wednesday. The en masse rule-out has led to growing concerns in the BCCI about injury management by the team's support staff. Deepak Chahar has replaced Pandya in the squad, Ravindra Jadeja will come in for Axar, while Siddharth Kaul will be flown in as reinforcement for Shardul, the BCCI confirmed on Thursday. Pandya is undergoing treatment and assessment by the Board's medical team. Left-arm spinner Axar injured his left index finger while fielding in the same game against Pakistan. He was sent for scans and the results showed that he had a tendon tear. Right-arm pacer Shardul experienced right hip and groin soreness after the game against Hong Kong. Chahar, Jadeja and ...
Independiente, River see goalless draw in Copa Libertadores match
The goalkeepers Martin Campana, from Independiente, and Franco Armani, from River Plate, were responsible for the goalless draw of their respective teams in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores, played here.
Bayern has good start in Champions League, beats Benfica 2-0
German football club Bayern Munich won their first match of the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League season against Portugal's Benfica 2-0 in Lisbon.
Sampdoria hold Fiorentina 1-1 in postponed match
Sampdoria and Fiorentina battled to a 1-1 draw in a Serie A match originally set for last month that was postponed after the August 14 collapse of Genova's Morandi Bridge, which left 43 people dead and dozens more injured.
Buoyant India take on gritty Bangladesh
Pakistan pummelled, India will look to up the ante against Bangladesh, who have a penchant for playing the party poopers, in their opening Super Four encounter of the Asia Cup here Friday. For India, the worry will be the team combination as Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the tournament owing to back spasms, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar might be rested after back-to-back games against Hong Kong and Pakistan. Left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed may come in place of Bhuvneshwar but it is still not clear as to who would be Pandya's replacement. Deepak Chahar is flying in as the replacement player but it is unlikely that he will be drafted straightaway into the playing XI. Manish Pandey can add batting depth and looks a possible addition in the middle-order, while Kedar Jadhav's off breaks are more than handy, and he is expected to take care of Pandya's quota of overs. Openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan were amongst the runs in the first two matches while Ambati Rayudu and Dinesh Karthik ...