Page 1208 - Sports
India A tour to England helped me prepare for Test debut: Pant
Young wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant has credited India 'A' stint in England this summer for his impressive showing on Test debut, saying it helped him to cope with pace and bounce at Trent Bridge. The 20-year-old made a confident start to his Test career at Trent Bridge, scoring an attacking 24 in the first innings and then taking seven catches, the latter a record for Indian keeping debutante. "Keeping in England is always difficult because the ball wobbles a lot behind the wicket. The thing is that I have been playing India-A cricket since last two-and-a-half months in England, so it has been helpful for me," Pant said after India beat England by 203 runs in third Test. "I am practicing in the nets on how to deal with that and it is working now," added Pant, who played for India A against England Lions and West Indies A before being named in the Test squad. During his debut Test, Pant spilled a few chances, particularly against Jasprit Bumrah, but he said it was owing to the ...
Top-ranked Halep brimming with confidence heading into US Open
Simona Halep, her number one ranking secure and a Grand Slam title on her resume, is riding high heading into the US Open but that doesn't mean she's taking anything for granted. "I don't feel the pressure," said the 26-year-old Romanian, whose intensity on the court hasn't always worked to her advantage. A victory in the French Open -- after disappointments in three Grand Slam finals -- confirmed for Halep that she had truly arrived at the top. "Inside myself something changed," she said. "I'm more relaxed. These two were my dreams -- to be number one in the world and to win a Grand Slam. Always I say number one in the world without a Grand Slam, you are not a real number one. "After the French Open, I really started to believe that I'm a real number one." That ranking isn't in jeopardy at the final Grand Slam of the year, but Halep is under no illusion as to how difficult it will be to claim a second major. "I can say I have a big chance for this tournament, but it's tough to say ...
Rested Rafa seeks second straight US Open title
World number one Rafael Nadal is feeling rested and ready as he looks to defend his US Open title. The Spaniard has put together back-to-back major crowns only at the French Open -- where he has won 11 of his 17 Grand Slam titles. A year ago at Flushing Meadows, he mowed down a men's field that was missing five of the top-ranked 11 men, with Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and 2016 US Open champion Stan Wawrinka among the injured absentees. His brutally one-sided victory over South African Kevin Anderson in his third Grand Slam final of the year gave him a second major of 2017 -- after two years in which he failed to reach a Slam final. "Last year has been a very special year after a couple of years," Nadal said Friday. "2015 was not a positive year in terms of level of tennis, 2016 I was playing good tennis but I got injured. "Had the chance to get back in 2017. Of course I won on clay, but then to win on hard again is something that means a lot to me, especially here in New York." This .
Nadal offers support for controversial Davis Cup overhaul
Spanish world number 1 Rafael Nadal has expressed support for the recent overhaul of the Davis Cup, men's tennis' premier international team competition.
Japan win first women's world under-20 title
Japan won their first Women's World Under-20 title with a 3-1 victory over Spain in the final. With favourites Germany and the United States -- who had won six of the last eight titles between them -- already eliminated, Japan made the most of their unexpected opportunity last night. Hinata Miyazawa gave them a 38th-minute lead before Saori Takarada (57) and Fuka Nagano (65) put the game beyond the reach of Spain who grabbed a late consolation through Candela Andujar. England defeated France 4-2 on a penalty shoot-out to finish third after their play-off had ended 1-1.
Rowers delight, two tennis medals and women's kabaddi defeat mark India's day (Roundup)
A best-ever haul in rowing, underlined by a gold medal, a title winning performance in men's doubles tennis and yet another historic defeat in kabaddi were the highlights of the Indian campaign at the 18th Asian Games on Friday.
Javelin thrower Annu cleared for Asian Games
Javelin thrower Annu Rani, who was initially dropped from the Asian Games team after a confirmatory trial, has been cleared by the selection committee of the Athletics Federation of India on the basis of her performance in the Railways Meet in Lucknow. Rani, who won a bronze in the 2014 Asiad, could not qualify for the Asian Games during the National Inter-State Championships in Guwahati in June but was given another chance by asking her to appear for a confirmatory trial on August 15 at the NIS Patiala. But in that confirmatory trial also, Rani could not touch the 59m mark set by the AFI for Asian Games qualification as she reportedly threw the spear to below 58m. The AFI announced her exclusion from the Asian Games team, along with that of 1500m runner Monika Chaudhary on August 17. Two days later (August 19), Rani threw 58.17m to win gold at the All India Rialways Athletics Championships in Lucknow. "Since 58.17m was not that far below from 59m which is the qualifying standard, the
Asiad 2018: Spirited Indian men's hockey team thrash Japan
Reigning Champions India continued their winning streak at the 18th Asian Games as the men's team notched up a spirited 8-0 victory against Japan in their third Pool A match here on Friday.
Final Ireland-Afghanistan T20 abandoned
The final Twenty20 international between Ireland and Afghanistan today was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to a wet outfield. Heavy overnight rain saturated the ground at Bready Cricket Club, near Belfast, and that led the umpires to call off the match before the toss was due to take place. Afghanistan had already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series after wins by 16 runs and 81 runs on Monday and Wednesday respectively. The teams, now both full Test nations, will meet again in a three-match one-day international series in Belfast next week.
You ripper! Weightlifter Aljumaili bags Iraq's first gold of the Games
Safaa Aljumaili stole the weightlifting show today, ripping off his shirt and screaming in wild celebration after a dramatic last-gasp lift secured Iraq's first gold of the Asian Games. It was Iraq's first medal of any colour at the 18th Asiad and was greeted with jubilant scenes at the Jakarta International Expo arena. As Aljumaili roared in delight he was joined by an Iraqi team official who kissed the platform several times in thanks. Aljumaili had already failed with the 202kg he needed for gold but somehow managed to lock out his arms on the final lift of the 85kg competition to pip South Korea's brave Jang Yeon-hak by just 1kg. Jang was left with silver after collapsing on his final 197kg attempt and being stretchered away wearing an oxygen mask. He recovered in time to collect his silver medal. "I hyperventilated," he told AFP. "I knew Aljumaili had a strong clean and jerk and I knew if I didn't make it he would probably win." The 2017 Asian Junior Championship gold medallist ..
French World Cup captain Lloris charged with drink-driving
France's World Cup-winning captain Hugo Lloris has been charged with drink-driving after the Tottenham keeper was stopped by police in the early hours of Friday morning. Just weeks after playing a key role in France's World Cup glory, Lloris's reputation has been tarnished by his late-night antics. Lloris was pulled over in a routine stop at 2:20 am (0120 GMT) in Gloucester Place, central London. The 31-year-old was reported to have failed a roadside breathalyser test and has been released on bail to appear at Westminster magistrates' court next month. After spending seven hours in a cell, Lloris, a married father of two, returned home on foot and refused to answer questions from reporters. "A man has been charged following a routine patrol stop in Gloucester Place, W1," a Metropolitan Police spokesperson told AFP. "Hugo Lloris, 31, of East Finchley, was charged with drink driving on Friday, 24 August. "He has been bailed to return to Westminster magistrates' court on Tuesday, 11 ...
Japan swim queen Ikee scoops record sixth Asian Games gold
Japan's golden girl Rikako Ikee stormed to a record sixth Asian Games swimming title today, marking a handful of other firsts for good measure. Competing for elbow room on the final evening, China's colossus Sun Yang crushed the men's 1,500m to finish with a fab four individual freestyle titles in Jakarta. Japan and China finished with 19 swimming gold medals each after a titanic struggle over six days, with the Japanese shading the overall medal count by 52 to 50. But Ikee stole the show by edging the 50m freestyle sprint by a fingertip from China's Liu Xiang, clocking 24.53 seconds to become the first woman in any sport to scoop six gold medals at a single Games. The 18-year-old allowed herself a rare display of emotion, raising a fist as she soaked up the applause of her besotted Japanese fans before shedding a few tears as the enormity of her achievement sank in. "I really hate losing, I probably won that more through sheer willpower," said Ikee, who had already snaffled gold in ..
Following is the schedule of Indian contingent on the seventh day of the Asian Games ...
Following is the schedule of Indian contingent on the seventh day of the Asian Games tomorrow. ATHLETICS: Men's High Jump Qualification: 9am IST B Chethan Men's 400m Qualification: 9:40am IST Mohd. Anas Yahiya, Rajiv Arokia Women's Hammer Throw Final: 5:10pm IST Sarita Singh Men's Long Jump Qualification: 5:15pm IST M Sreeshankar Women's 100m Qualification: 6pm IST Dutee Chand Men's Shot Put Final: 6:30pm IST Tajinderpal Singh Toor Women's 10,000m Final: 6:30pm IST Suriya Longanathan, Sanjivani Baburao Jadhav Women's 400m Qualification: 7:05pm IST Hima Das, Nirmala Sheoran Men's 400m Semifinal: 7:15pm IST ARCHERY: Starts 8am IST Recurve Women's Team 1/8 Eliminations: India vs Mongolia Recurve Men's Team 1/8 Eliminations: India vs Vietnam BADMINTON: Starts at 11:30am IST Women's Doubles Quarterfinals: Ashwini Ponnappa/N Sikki Reddy vs Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan (China) Women's Singles Round of 16: Saina Nehwal vs Fitriani (Indonesia). Women's Singles Round of 16: P V Sindhu vs Tunjung ...
Palestinian FA boss gets 12-month 'match' ban over Messi comments
FIFA today hit the Palestinian Football Association chief with a year-long "match" ban after he called for protests against Lionel Messi over plans for Argentina to play Israel in Jerusalem. FIFA sanctioned PFA president Jibril Rajoub for breaching codes against "inciting hatred and violence... following media statements he gave calling on football fans to target the Argentinian Football Association and burn jerseys and pictures of Lionel Messi." Responding to the FIFA statement, Rajoub told AFP that the decision was "unfair" and said he would launch an appeal. Rajoub had demanded that Barcelona star Messi not take part in the pre-World Cup friendly against Israel scheduled for June 9 and called on fans to burn shirts bearing his name if he did. He told a June 3 press conference that Messi "has tens of millions of fans in the Arab and Muslim countries... we ask everyone to burn their shirts which bear his name and posters (with his image)". Under the sanction, Rajoub can remain in ...
Tvesa wins 12th leg of the Hero womens Pro Tour
Tvesa Malik erased a four-shot deficit on the final day and eventually outwitted overnight leader Amandeep Drall in the play off to win the 12th leg of the Hero womens Pro Tour here today. Tvesa (72), who won the fourth leg, started the final round three shots adrift off the leader Amandeep (75). Playing in the final grouping alongside Amandeep and Sonam, Tvesa birdied the first and 13th hole and dropped strokes at second, sixth and 10th hole. But overnight leader Amandeep hit a rough patch on the final day, dropping strokes at 2nd, 10th, 12th, 13th and 16th holes with a lone birdie at 7th to card 75. Amandeep's poor run in the final round helped Tvesa as she caught up with the overnight leader at four-over 220 and went into a play-off. The first play-off saw both dropping bogeys, while they parred in the second play-off. In the third play-off, Tvesa managed to held her nerves and won as the play-off was on hole number two. Sonam Chugh (79), who was two behind the leader and lying ...
Chennaiyin FC to play friendly against MIFA on Sept 4
Indian Super League champions Chennaiyin FC will play a pre-season friendly against Malaysian Indian Football Association at Kuala Lumpur on September 4. Plans to hold the match were announced at a press meet in Kuala Lumpur by members of the two teams, said a release here. MIFA currently competes in the Malaysian Premier League, the second tier of Malaysian football, and finished third in the 2018 season. "We are excited to play a pre-season friendly against a team that is doing great things for the Malaysian-Indian populace here. We are looking forward to a very tough and exciting contest on September 4," Chennaiyin FC head coach John Gregory said. CFC and MIFA are also in talks for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will make friendlies between both sides an annual affair, with a friendly match also likely to be played in Chennai in 2019.
Shorey shores up India Blue after India Red makes 316
Delhi batsman Dhruv Shorey (86 batting) held firm as India Blue struggled to 183 for 5 in reply to India Red's first innings total of 316 on day two of the Duleep Trophy match at the NPR College ground here today. Shorey, who played for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL earlier this year, showed he could grind it out in the longer version too as he negotiated a hard-working India Red bowling attack to lead the Blue's fightback after the team had slipped to 18 for 3. Paceman Rajneesh Gurbani, who starred in Vidarbha's maiden Ranji Trophy triumph last season, took two of the first three wickets to fall to peg India Blue back. He dismissed Bengal left-hander Abhishek Raman (26 balls, 2X4) in the sixth over and later sent back the talented Anmolpreet Singh (1) to leave India Blue at 18 for 3. In between J&K off-spinner Parvez Rasool castled skipper Faiz Fazal for 1. Shorey and Andhra batsman Ricky Bhui (41, 5X4, 1X6) put on 112 runs for the fourth wicket in an enterprising ..
India inch closer to semis with convincing win over Japan in Asiad hockey
Defending champions India continued their goal-scoring spree and spanked Japan 80 to register their third consecutive win in the men's hockey competition at the Asian Games, here today. The holders have so far scored 51 goals in three matches after demolishing Indonesia 17-0 and registering a record 26-0 win over Hong Kong China in their previous two Pool A games. Drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh (17th, 37th minutes) and Mandeep Singh (32nd, 56th) struck twice while SV Sunil (7th), Dilpreet Singh (12th), Akashdeep Singh (45th) and Vivek Sagar Prasad (47th) also registered their names in the score sheet. India conceded only one penalty corner in the 48th minute of the match but Japan, ranked 16th, wasted the opportunity. World no. 5 India will next play Korea, ranked 14th, on Sunday before completing their pool engagement against Sri Lanka. "I am not happy with the scoreline. We missed a lot of chances and that is not acceptable in a tournament like this," said India's chief coach ...
Krunal Pandya targets 2019 World Cup squad
Yet to make his India debut, Krunal Pandya has his eyes on being part of the 2019 World Cup squad, to be played in England and Wales.
Bayliss hints at playing Bairstow as specialist batter in 4th Test
England head coach Trevor Bayliss on Friday said that wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow, who broke his finger in the third Test, might play the upcoming match against India as a specialist batsman.