Page 1420 - Sports

Hardik works on slower deliveries, Dhawan perfects countering bounce

All-rounder Hardik Pandya focussed on bowling variety of slower deliveries while senior opener Shikhar Dhawan tackled short-pitched throwdowns during Indian team's first practice session at the Old Trafford on the eve of their three-match T20 series against England. With Jasprit Bumrah being ruled out of the T20 series after sustaining a thumb injury in the first T20 International against Ireland, Bhuvneshwar Kumar will have to shoulder additional responsibility at the death overs. The Indian team management will therefore expect Hardik to be a bit more economical and hence try out more variations against the likes of Jason Roy, Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow. At the nets today, Hardik spent a considerable time bowling to Rohit Sharma. He was seen mixing slow off-cutters with usual length deliveries. The all-rounder from time to time sought feedback of the Indian vice-captain. Specialist pacers Umesh Yadav and Siddarth Kaul were honing their skills of blockhole deliveries. In a ...

Ronaldo's girlfriend bullied by trolls as Portugal exit World Cup

Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo's partner Georgina Rodriguez has been targeted by trolls after Portugal was ousted from the FIFA World Cup after losing to Uruguay in pre-quarterfinals.

Lahiri bounces back at Quicken Loans National

Anirban Lahiri bounced back from a disappointing second round with a strong 5-under that took him to Tied-25 from after the third round of the Quicken Loans National. Six birdies, three of them from over 16 feet, against one bogey, saw Lahiri card 65 and rise to 4-under 206 and give him a chance to register another good finish this week. Lahiri was T-9 last week at Travelers. Lahiri, who seemed to be having trouble on the greens has been much better last two weeks, though the second nine of the second round this week was an aberration with two doubles. Lahiri would be ruing the two double, but for which he may have been in strong contention on the TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm. Francesco Molinari (65) and Abraham Ancer (62) were in shared lead at 13-under, while Tiger Woods ran off four straight birdies and finished the front nine with seven consecutive one-putt greens. But after a 3-under front nine, he was one-over for the back nine. Woods was six shots behind, the seventh straight ...

France's Mbappe hailed as new global superstar

France players and the world's press hailed Kylian Mbappe as an emerging superstar after the 19-year-old eclipsed Lionel Messi in a match that felt like the passing of a torch to a new generation. Mbappe's speed and power ruthlessly exposed Argentina's defence in Kazan in a thrilling 4-3 victory on Saturday that re-established France among the World Cup favourites. As one number 10 trudged off -- the player wearing an Argentina shirt with Messi's name on -- another in the blue of France took the plaudits. "Move over, Messi, a new global superstar is born at the World Cup," was the headline in the Sunday Times in Britain. "In this game, the Messi was him," French sports daily L'Equipe said above a photograph of Mbappe celebrating. "He showed his talent to the world and overshadowed Lionel Messi." The double strike made the boy from the Paris suburbs the first teenager since a 17-year-old Pele to score twice in a World Cup game. The Brazilian legend tweeted: "Congratulations, @KMbappe.

Murray won't rule out Wimbledon withdrawal

Andy Murray is fighting to be fit for Wimbledon, but the former champion admits he could still be forced to pull out. Murray is scheduled to play in his first round tie against France's Benoit Paire on Tuesday. But the former world number one, who was crowned Wimbledon champion in 2013 and 2016, is making slow progress in his return from hip surgery in January. Murray has played just three matches since last year's Wimbledon, winning one of his three matches on grass at Queen's and Eastbourne over the last two weeks. The 31-year-old is encouraged by his improving performances and has been practicing at Wimbledon for the last few days. But he is still experiencing some discomfort on court and is far from the form that made him a three-time major winner. Asked if he could withdraw from Wimbledon, Murray told BBC Radio Five on Sunday: "Yes, it is still possible. I am taking it literally each day. Some days I feel better than others. "I have played three matches, which was great, the ...

Murray 'ready' for Wimbledon after hip injury

British tennis player Andy Murray, who was out of action for eleven months due to a hip injury, is all set to make a comeback in Wimbledon.The 31-year-old, who returned to the Queen's Club Championship two weeks ago, said that he was doubtful about his comeback but now he is ready for the Wimbledon challenge."I'm pumped. Four or five weeks ago, I didn't know whether I'd be capable of competing at a level I'd be happy with. I think the past couple of weeks have been beneficial. I don't think I played amazing in the matches, but I think I've done well, considering the opponents, the level of the guys that I've played against," Murray said.In his pre-Wimbledon season, the former world number one put in some impressive performance in the Fever-Tree Championship having pushed Australian Nick Kyrgios to a final-set tie-breaker before stumbling 2-6 7-6 (7-4) 7-5 against the Australian world number 21.He defeated Swiss player Stan Wawrinka 6-1, 6-3 in Nature Valley International Tournament ..

Williams calls for fair treatment over doping test

Serena Williams demanded fair treatment from US doping chiefs after the former Wimbledon champion was subjected to a series of tests in June. Williams arrived at Wimbledon this week on the heels of a report that she was unhappy at excessive targeting from US Anti-Doping Agency drug testers. A Deadspin article revealed Williams' anger about an unannounced test in June where the tester refused to leave her Florida house. The tester visited outside Williams' specified 'whereabouts window' and found her not at home. No athlete is obliged to comply with a testing visit if it is not made during the 60-minute window for which the athlete identifies their whereabouts in advance each day. The incident was made public after WTA chief Steve Simon was overheard leaving a message on Williams' answerphone at an airport. Williams, preparing for the start of Wimbledon on Monday, admitted she was disappointed the story had gone public. But the seven-time Wimbledon champion also made it clear she ...

Nadal hopes ' good result' ahead of Wimbledon

Rafael Nadal, who has recently clinched his eleventh Roland Garros title in Paris, has said that he is hopeful ahead of the Wimbledon and looking forward to "good results"."Expectations are always high. I am not here to play the tournament. I am here to try to have a good result, of course. But it's true that on the other hand, it's one of these events that you arrive here and you really don't have the previous feeling of how you feel, how you are playing, how you are not playing," Nadal said.The two times Wimbledon champion, who has not played any grass-court event before heading into the championship, said that Wimbledon is an event where you find the confidence during the tournament."Even with three matches, you arrive here and you really don't know very well. It's an event that you need to find your confidence during the tournament and during the practice the week before," Nadal said."When I arrive to Roland Garros, I know more or less if I am playing well or if I am not playing ..

Zaman career best 61 underpins Pakistan

Pakistan cruised to a 74-run win Sunday over their hosts in the opening match of the Zimbabwe Twenty20 Tri-Series. A career best 61 from opening batsman Fakhar Zaman, and a late flurry of boundaries from Asif Ali and veteran batsman Shoaib Malik set up Pakistan's imposing 182 for 4. In reply, Zimbabwe mustered just 108 all out, with the wickets shared around by Pakistan's bowling attack. Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Khan, Mohammad Hafeez and Hasan Ali picked up two apiece. Zaman's efforts were vital to Pakistan's total. He kept Pakistan steady through the first half of their innings while Zimbabwe, having opted to bowl first, chipped away at the other end with regular strikes. With Mohammad Hafeez, Hussain Talat, and captain Sarfraz Ahmed all falling cheapy, Pakistan were helped by Zaman's fluent scoring at the other end, and he brought up his second T20I half century from 33 deliveries with a flick through square leg in the 13th over. Zaman appeared settled at the crease, but two overs ...

No information on Cavani's injury, says Uruguay coach

The coaching staff of Uruguays national football team have not yet been informed abot the seriousness of the injury received by Edinson Cavani during the second round game against Portugal, head coach Oscar Tabarez told reporters.

We played well, deserved more: Ronaldo

Portugal captain and star striker Cristiano Ronaldo has said that his team played well in the FIFA World Cup and deserved something more out of the tournament.The comment came after Portuguese were knocked out of the World Cup by Uruguay in the eliminating round."We must congratulate Uruguay because they are the national team that are in the quarter-final. I think we played a good game and maybe we deserved more, but in football, the ones that score the most goals win and they scored two, so congratulations," Marca.com quoted Ronaldo, as saying."We leave with our heads held high. As the captain of Portugal, I know how hard we have worked and we must be proud of the team," he added.The Portugal skipper further said that he is happy with kind of efforts put in by the players and asserted that this team will continue to win in the future."We go with our heads held high and we are sure that this team will continue to win things," he said."This team will continue to be one of the best in ..

England would find Sweden tough at World Cup: Eriksson

Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has tipped Gareth Southgate's team to beat Colombia in the World Cup last 16 but said his native Sweden would be tough opponents if they meet in the quarter-finals. Eriksson -- who coached England to two successive World Cup quarter-finals, in 2002 and 2006 -- said he was impressed with the job Southgate is doing with his young team in Russia. England face Colombia on Tuesday in Moscow after finishing second in their group behind Belgium, while the Swedes play Switzerland in Saint Petersburg earlier the same day. Eriksson believes Sweden, who topped Group F after beating Mexico in their final match, may not be playing scintillating football but says they are tough to score against. "When you come down to the last-16, it is always difficult, and it should be difficult," Eriksson told the BBC on Sunday. "I think England will beat Colombia, then I hope they will meet Sweden. "I know that everyone wants to avoid Brazil, and maybe rightly, but I ..

Ronaldo still has a lot to give to football, says Santos

Portugal coach Fernando Santos has lamented the elimination of his team in the second round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, while expressing his wish that the reigning European champions continue to be led by Cristiano Ronaldo, "who still has a lot to give to football".

Malaysia Open: Lee Chong, Tai Tzu win singles titles

Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei and Taiwan's Tai Tzu-ying bagged the men's and women's singles title respectively in the Malaysian Open badminton tournament here on Sunday.

James Rodriguez suffers calf injury, doubtful for England match

Colombian attacking midfielder James Rodriguez has suffered a right calf injury and is doubtful for their FIFA World Cup pre-quarterfinal against England on Tuesday.

Lee nets historic win in Malaysia Open over Momota

Malaysian veteran Lee Chong Wei beat young Japanese shuttler Kento Momota 21-17 23-21 today to grab the Malaysia Open title for a historic 12th time. The home favourite Lee executed a sensational attack strategy that left the rising star Momota confused and flat footed. In the women's singles final, top seed Tai Tzu Ying from Taiwan saw off China's He Bingjiao 22-20, 21-11. Lee, 35, triumphed in 71-minutes to avenge his defeat to Momota, 23, in the semi-finals of the Asian Championships in April. The defeat brought an abrupt end to Momota's 21-match winning streak. "There was some pressure for me to win this tournament," Lee told reporters. "Now I have won the Malaysia Open for the 12th time. I hope this will encourage me to do well at the world championships and Asian Games." The world number six Lee left Momota hapless with his sharp overhead drives to take the opening game 21-17 in 30 minutes backed by a raucous home crowd. At times during the game Momota was left bewildered. But ..

Irfan Pathan holds cricket selections in Kashmir

Indian fast bowler Irfan Pathan, who has been appointed mentor-cum-coach of Jammu and Kashmir cricket team, conducted selection camps for the young cricketers in north, south, and central Kashmir here on Sunday.The 33-year-old will also be looking after the final selections in Srinagar.Talking about his role in the state cricket, Pathan said that along with representing senior cricket team he will also be mentoring the young talents of the state."I am here for representing the senior cricket team. I will be mentoring the kids and will play as well. Hundred selected kids have come here from various districts and fifty more will be joining soon," Pathan said.The left-arm bowler expressed his delight over meeting the kids here and said that he enjoyed interacting with the kids.He further said that what these kids lack is experience and knowledge of fitness and if they properly follow the process suggested then Jammu and Kashmir cricket will reach greater heights.Commenting on the ...

Argentina shouldn't look for blame, they need to look for solutions (Analysis)

A curse on the songwriters Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber for that song 'Don't cry for me Argentina' from their hit musical 'Evita'. That song has been one of the recurring themes of the World Cup as Argentina limped through the group stage with a draw against Iceland, a 0-3 defeat to Croatia and a 2-1 win over Nigeria, and it got another airing on Saturday as they crashed out of the World Cup following a 3-4 defeat to France.

Krunal, Chahar to replace injured Washington, Bumrah in Indian team for T20 series against England

All-rounder Krunal Pandya and medium pacer Deepak Chahar earned their maiden call up in the Indian squad to replace injured Washington Sundar and Jasprit Bumrah for the three-match Twenty20 series against England, starting Tuesday at Manchester. Whiler Krunal and Deepak were included just for the T20 series, left-arm spinner Axar Patel has been named as Washington's replacement for the three-match ODI series that starts at Nottingham on June 12. Incidentally, Krunal and and his brother Hardik Pandya will be the the third brother duo to represent India after Mohinder Amarnath and Surinder Amarnath and Pathan brothers -- Irfan and Yusuf. "The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named Krunal Pandya as Washington Sundar's replacement in India's T20I side and Axar Patel in the ODI side for the upcoming limited-overs series against England," BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary said in a statement. Sundar has been ruled out of the entire limited overs series against England after ...

Zaman career best 61 bolsters Pakistan

A career best 61 from opening batsman Fakhar Zaman set up Pakistan's imposing 182 for 4 in their tri-series opener against hosts Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club on Sunday. Zaman's efforts were boosted by a late flurry of boundaries from Asif Ali and veteran batsman Shoaib Malik, who put on an unbroken 62 for the fifth wicket at the death. Zaman kept Pakistan steady through the first half of their innings while Zimbabwe, having opted to bowl first, chipped away at the other end with regular strikes. Mohammad Hafeez, recalled to the Pakistan national team after his bowling action was cleared last month, made just seven runs -- including a six --before splicing a big shot down the ground to be excellently caught by new Zimbabwe captain Hamilton Masakadza, backpedalling from mid off. Medium pacer Chamu Chibhabha had Hussain Talat caught behind for a scratchy 10, and when Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed popped a simple catch into the covers off spinner Tendai Chisoro, Pakistan were 78 for ...