Page 1259 - Sports
India may host NBA pre-season game in Mumbai next year: NBA chief Adam Silver
In what could be a major boost for basketball in India, the country may host a pre-season NBA game in Mumbai next year, said the league's Commissioner Adam Silver. To promote the game in India, NBA in May 2017 had launched The NBA Academy, an elite basketball training center at Jaypee Greens Integrated Sports Complex in Greater Noida. NBA's initiative has been yielding desired results as 20 odd boys and girls from New Delhi and Bengaluru have represented India in the just-concluded Jr NBA World Championships that concluded here last night. "We had India represented here. We have an academy on the ground now. We are potentially looking to play a game in Mumbai, may be next year. It would be a pre-season game," Silver told PTI on the sidelines of the Jr NBA World Championships. "If we do a pre-season game, we can build time and our players and their families can spend time, learn about the country's culture, he said. The NBA chief said the organisation is determined to break the ...
Koepka makes incredible comeback from injury to major wins
Sitting on a couch watching the Masters on television with an injured left wrist, Brooks Koepka never dreamed he would win two majors this year, much less battle his boyhood idols. But the 28-year-old American did just that, defending his title at the US Open in June and taking his third major crown Sunday at the PGA Championship by two strokes over Tiger Woods. "When I look at what I've done in the past two months, it's incredible," Koepka said. "Looking where I was, sitting on my couch watching the Masters, to think I would do this, I would have laughed at you and told you there was no way, no chance. I can't even believe it." As impressive as his long drives was Koepka's coolness under pressure, a composure that has become a trademark. "When I show up to the majors I'm very focused, very disciplined," he said. "For some reason the majors get my attention. When you're firing at flags you have to be calm and focus on every shot." To battle Woods and 2013 Masters winner Adam Scott, an
Koepka holds off Woods to win 100th PGA Championship
Brooks Koepka held off dramatic challenges from Tiger Woods and Adam Scott in a thrilling back-nine battle Sunday to win the 100th PGA Championship. The 28-year-old two-time US Open champion sealed his third major title by firing a four-under-par 66 to finish 72 holes on 16-under 264, edging Woods by two strokes at Bellerive Country Club with Australia's Scott another shot adrift. "To do this is truly incredible," Koepka said. As Woods electrified spectators by displaying the form that made him a 14-time major champion, American rival Koepka stayed calm and persevered under intense pressure to claim the Wanamaker Trophy and a top prize of $1.98 million (1.73 million euros). "I heard all the roars when Tiger made his run," Koepka said. "It was fun. It made it enjoyable. "It's my focus. For some reason the majors get my attention. When you're firing at flags you have to be calm and focus on every shot." Deadlocked for the lead with Scott -- who began the back nine with three birdies in .
Battle lines drawn as tennis prepares for crunch Davis Cup vote
The most radical overhaul in the 118-year history of the Davis Cup could be given the green light on Thursday as the tennis world gathers in Florida to vote on sweeping reforms which have divided the sport. Delegates at the International Tennis Federation's annual meeting in Orlando will decide whether proposals pushed by federation chief David Haggerty are to be given the go-ahead. Haggerty's proposals will see the Davis Cup's sprawling existing format, stretched across the calendar year and played in all corners of the globe, condensed into a season-ending event played at a single, neutral venue. Haggerty told AFP in a recent interview the revamped tournament would enable the ITF and member federations to boost tennis's global development for years to come. The reforms have the backing of a $3 billion partnership from the Kosmos investment group, founded by Barcelona football star Gerard Pique, which in turn is supported by Japanese billionaire Hiroshi Mikitani. "The reforms will ...
Nadal downs Tsitsipas to win Toronto Masters
Rafael Nadal held off a late surge from birthday boy Stefanos Tsitsipas to claim the 80th title of his career with victory at the Toronto Masters on Sunday. Nadal overcame a second set fightback from Greek youngster Tsitsipas to claim a 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) victory in just under 1hr 45mins. The win gave the 32-year-old Spaniard a record-extending 33rd trophy at the elite Masters level as well as his 80th title. However Nadal later raised doubts about he would be chasing an 81st title at next week's event in Cincinnati, refusing to confirm that he would play the event as scheduled. "Will I play in Cincinnati? I can't answer to you right now," Nadal said. Earlier, a vocal crowd of local flag-waving Greek fans had sang Happy Birthday to the 20-year-old Tsitsipas as Nadal reflected on a successful campaign. "I feel I've improved every match, it's important to win even if you're not at your best," Nadal said as he prepares for the US Open later this month. "It's been almost 10 years (2010) since
Nadal withdraws from Cincinnati Masters
World number one Rafael Nadal on Sunday withdrew from next week's ATP Cincinnati Masters event as he prepares for this month's US Open. The 32-year-old scooped the 80th title of his career earlier Sunday with victory at the Toronto Masters. However the Spaniard said in a statement following the win that he had decided to adjust his schedule in order to preserve his fitness. "I am very sorry to announce that I won't be playing in Cincinnati this year," Nadal said. "No other reason than personally taking care of my body and trying to keep as healthy as I feel now. I am very thankful to my friend Andre Silva, Tournament Director of the Cincinnati tournament, who after speaking to him on the phone understood what I said to him and understands the situation. "I am sure the tournament will be a success and I wish him and his team all the best." The withdrawal leaves Roger Federer as the tournament's highest seed in second. The Swiss did not play Toronto in order to conserve his resources, ..
Nadal blows away Tsitsipas to lift Rogers Cup
17-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal produced a rich vein of form as he thrashed Greek teenager Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets to clinch his fourth Canadian Masters 1000 title at the Rogers Cup here in Toronto on Sunday.The world number one swept aside Tsitsipas 6-2, 7-6 in a thrilling summit clash of the men's singles event that lasted one hour and 41 minutes. With the win, Nadal clinched his 80th ATP World Tour title and fifth victory of the year.Heading into the clash, 19-year-old Tsitsipas-- who celebrated his birthday earlier in the day-- looked all set to upset another tennis giant but he failed to counter Nadal's steady and effective brand of tennis.Earlier, Tsitsipas had pulled off one surprise after the other as he humbled the likes of Dominic Thiem, Alexander Zverev and 13-time Grand slam champion Novak Djokovic in the previous three rounds. He also brushed aside Wimbledon runner-up Kevin Anderson to reach his maiden ATP Masters 1000 final in Toronto.With the ...
Kohli admits being outplayed by England after Lord's defeat
After suffering a crushing defeat at the hands of England in the second Test at the Lord's, Indian skipper Virat Kohli has admitted that his side deserved to lose the match as they were completely outplayed by the home side.Pacers James Anderson and Stuart Broad combined to take eight wickets as England crushed India by an innings and 159 runs on the fourth day of the second Test to take 2-0 lead in the five-match series here at the Lord's Cricket Ground on Sunday.Expressing disappointment over the loss, Kohli said that he is not at all proud of the way his side performed in the match, while admitting that the England team displayed their hard work and dedication throughout the game."Not proud of the way we've played. First time in the last five Tests that we've been outplayed. We deserved to lose this game, the way we went about things.," Kohli said in a post-match presentation.Kohli further didn't mince his words as he said the poor batting conditions could not be blamed for the ...
Wrestlers get 'Gold Luck' send-off ahead of Asian Games
The Indian contingent of wrestlers was accorded a warm send-off by the principal sponsors of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), wishing the grapplers 'Gold Luck' ahead of the upcoming Asian Games here at a city hotel on Sunday.Brij Bhushan Singh, president of WFI, said, "Wrestling has always given us a good number of medals. We are expecting our grapplers to make us proud once again. I am sure they will have a better harvest this time at Jakarta than they had at Incheon Games, four years ago. All my WFI team of officials and I wish them good luck."Talking about Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia, the president said, "Punia is the replacement of Yogeshwar Dutt for Olympics. The way he is being trained under the guidance of Yogeshwar Dutt, it is quite clear that Yogeshwar wants to live his dream by seeing Punia winning gold at Olympics."Speaking to ANI, Punia said, "He has trained well for Asian Games and ready to bring glory for the country. Yogeshwar Dutt is my mentor and he wants to
Lord's Test: Bowlers shine as England secure innings win over India
James Anderson and Stuart Broad joined forces to take eight wickets as England crushed India by an innings and 159 runs on the fourth day of the second Test here at the Lord's Cricket Ground on Sunday.Resuming at yesterday's score of 356-7, England added 39 runs in the morning session of the fourth day before declaring their first-innings at 396-7 in reply to the Virat Kohli-led side's lowly first-inning total of 107.Chris Woakes and Jonny Bairstow were the top scorers for the hosts as they contributed 137 and 93 runs, respectively. The duo also went on to stitch a huge partnership of 189 runs for the sixth wicket. Meanwhile, Sam Curran was the last batsman to dismiss with a brisk knock of 40, including four boundaries and a six.For India, Hardik Pandya was the most economical bowler as he finished with the figures of three for six, followed by Mohammad Shami who scalped three wickets for 96 runs. Ishant Sharma also chipped in with a wicket.In their second innings, the Kohli-led side .
England outplay India by innings & 159 run at Lord's
England bowled out India for 130 runs in the second innings to win the second Test by an innings and 159 runs on the fourth day of the play here on Sunday.
I will be fine in five days' time, says Kohli
India captain Virat Kohli batted with a lower back pain in the second Test against England but is confident of regaining full fitness ahead of the next game starting at Nottingham on August 18. India lost the second Test by an innings and 159 runs on day four at Lord's. Kohli could score just 17 from 29 deliveries before becoming Stuart Board's victim in the second innings which folded for 130 in 47 overs. "It is a lower back issue, coming up again and again, purely because of the workload and the number of matches I have been playing," Kohli said when asked if he batted with an injury which affected his movement on the crease. "It's five days to go. I am confident I will be fine in five days time with a bit of rehabilitation. I should be okay," he said. Indian batsmen capitulated once again and they were all at sea against the moving ball. James Anderson (4-23) once again toyed with the Indian batsmen, taking his match tally to nine, and equally effective was Stuart Broad (4-44). "I .
Dananjaya skittles out S. Africa as Sri Lanka win one-day finale
Akila Dananjaya claimed six scalps and picked up widespread tributes as Sri Lanka hammered South Africa by 178 runs in the final one-day international on Sunday. While the result did not stop South Africa taking the series 3-2, Dananjaya's performance established the pint-sized 24-year-old as one of the most threatening spinners on the international circuit. Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews hit 97 off 97 balls as his side made 299 for eight off their 50 overs. Dananjaya then ripped through the South Africa batting lineup as they aimed for the biggest target score taken on by a visiting country at Colombo's R. Premadasa stadium. The tourists were all out for 121 two balls short of 25 overs. Dananjaya, who took six for 29, became one of just four spin bowlers with two six-wicket hauls in one-day internationals. South African skipper Quinton de Kock made 54, with seven fours and a six, before he was bowled by Dananjaya. "Akila knows what he's doing with the ball. It's hard to take on ...
India suffer embarrassing loss in second Test
India suffered an embarrassing 159-run innings defeat in the second Test against England after yet another batting failure on day four at Lord's, leaving the struggling visitors 0-2 behind in the five-match series. Indian batsmen failed to learn from their mistakes and were all at sea against the moving ball as the second innings folded up for 130 in 47 overs. James Anderson (4-23) once again toyed with the opposition, taking his match tally to nine, and equally effective was Stuart Broad (4-44). England, who resumed at overnight 356 for six, declared their first innings at 396 for seven earlier today with Chris Woakes staying unbeaten on 137. The Indian batsmen let the team down also in the first Test but the away side at least put up a fight. Here at the 'Home of Cricket', the Virat Kohli-led unit showed no semblance of a fight, bringing back the haunted memories of the previous series in 2014 and 2011. With the rain threat looming large over the remainder of the game, India needed .
Scoreboard on the fourth day of the second Test between India and England here today.
Scoreboard on the fourth day of the second Test between India and England here today. India 1st Innings: 107 all out England 1st Innings: 396 for 7 declared India 2nd Innings Murali Vijay c Bairstow b Anderson 0 Lokesh Rahul lbw b Anderson 10 Cheteshwar Pujara b Broad 17 Ajinkya Rahane c Jennings b Broad 13 Virat Kohli c Pope b Broad 17 Hardik Pandya lbw b Woakes 26 Dinesh Karthik lbw b Broad 0 Ravichandran Ashwin not out 33 Kuldeep Yadav b Anderson 0 Mohammed Shami lbw b Anderson 0 Ishant Sharma c Pope b Woakes 2 Extras: (B-6 LB-6) 12 Total: (All out in 47 overs) 130 Fall of Wickets: 0/1 13/2 35/3 50/4 61/5 61/6 116/7 121/8 125/9 Bowling: James Anderson 12-5-23-4, Stuart Broad 16-6-44-4, Chris Woakes 10-2-24-2, Sam Curran 9-1-27-0.
England beat India by an innings & 159 run in 2nd Test
England bowled out India for 130 runs in the second innings to win the second Test by an innings and 159 runs on the fourth day of the play on Sunday.
Valencia sign Atletico forward Gameiro
Valencia CF on Sunday announced that they have reached an agreement to sign French forward Kevin Gameiro from their La Liga rival Atletico Madrid.
England beat India by an innings and 159 runs
England beat India by an innings and 159 runs in the second Test here today to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Brief Scores: India: 107 and 130 all out in 47 overs (R Ashwin 33 not out; James Anderson 4/23, Stuart Broad 4/44). England: 396/7 decl in 88.1 overs (Chris Woakes 137 not out, Jonny Bairstow 93; Hardik Pandya 3/66, Mohammed Shami 3/96).
Liverpool begin EPL season with 4-0 rout of West Ham
Liverpool FC began their 2018/2019 English Premier League (EPL) football season in an overwhelming fashion, crushing West Ham United FC 4-0 at the Anfield stadium here on Sunday.
Dutta elected vice president of South West Asian Football Federation
All India Football Federation senior vice president Subrata Dutta was today elected as a vice president of the newly formed South West Asian Football Federation during its General Assembly in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Dutta was elected to the post for a four-year term in the polls of the regional football body. "I believe my election as vice president of SWAFF will be good for Indian football. I am happy to be part of the SWAFF as vice president," Dutta told PTI. "The SWAFF has promised to give the AIFF USD 500000 for the development of Indian football and India will be taking part in the SWAFF Cup and play against the likes of Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain," he added. Dutta said SWAFF president Adel Ezzat, who heads the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, will visit India either on August 30 or 31 to meet his AIFF counterpart Praful Patel and find out how the new football body can help the country in the development of the sport. He said there is a high possibility of India playing Saudi .