Page 143 - Sports
Confident Indian women's hockey team ready for Uruguay challenge
A confident India, led by Rani Rampal, will look to finish at the top and make it to the qualification round for the Tokyo Olympics when they open their campaign against Uruguay in a pool A match of the FIH Women's Series Finals here Saturday. Ranked No.9 in the World, the Indian women's team will face Poland and Fiji in the subsequent matches in the tournament. Teams that finish at the top two in the tournament will make it to the Olympics qualifier to be held later this year. "Our only mission this year is to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the athletes are prepared for this challenge," said chief coach Sjoerd Marijne on the eve of their opening match. "We are a better experienced team now and the athletes know the importance of this tournament in which the winning team will be rewarded with 500 ranking points and that gives home advantage for the next round of qualification." Marijne said his team has prepared well for the tournament and finishing on the top is a realistic .
Australia look to continue winning run against SL (Preview)
After registering a nervy win against Pakistan, Australia will look to come out with a commanding performance when they meet Sri Lanka in their fifth World Cup encounter at the Kennington Oval on Saturday.
ABD probably didn't handle comeback plan well: Rassie van der Dussen
Rassie van der Dussen, the man who replaced A B de Villiers in South Africa's World Cup squad, is not surprised that the legend wanted to come out of retirement for the ongoing big event but feels the swashbuckler should have handled things better. Middle-order batsman der Dussen has appeared in 13 ODIs since making his debut in January this year. The selectors saw him as a replacement for de Villiers, who retired in May last year but expressed a desire to come back on the eve of South Africa's World Cup squad announcement in April. That request was turned down by Cricket South Africa, which had "pleaded" with him to not retire last year but didn't get the desired response at that time. "It's not necessarily the best question to ask to me because I am involved in it but had he not retired it definitely would have influenced me directly," der Dussen was quoted as saying by 'ESPNCricinfo'. "But you can't, on the day before the announcement and a team that's been working for something ...
John Wright is my favourite coach, a genuine friend: Ganguly
Former captain Sourav Ganguly has described John Wright as his favourite coach who was more of a friend to him during the New Zealander's stint with the Indian team. "My first oversees coach and my favourite coach so far," said Ganguly while talking about Wright, under whom India had reached the finals of the 2003 World Cup. "I met him first time in Kent, when Rahul (Dravid) came in and said he's our coach. I said, 'I'd love to work with him'. We have a great relationship, actually we're genuine friends. "We had a great world cup and he was responsible because there was some strong headed players in that side. As we grew together, we got better friend and he was more of a friend than a coach, he understood me and I understood him." In a video posted on the official Twitter handle of the Cricket World Cup, Ganguly and Wright -- part of the commentary team -- went down memory lane ahead of washout game between India and New Zealand at Trent Bridge Friday. Wright, who was India's first .
NZ coach encourages players to spend time with families during World Cup breaks
For some teams, accompanying families can be a distraction in a major tournament but not for New Zealand with head cricket coach Gary Stead encouraging players to spend time with their loved ones during breaks in the ongoing World Cup. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has banned families of cricketers from accompanying them during the World Cup, while partners and families of the Australian cricket team have also been kept away. However, table-toppers New Zealand have encouraged the families of the players to join the team on their travels in England and Wales. "I think it's important that you manage your breaks," Stead said when asked about families of players travelling with the team. The pace duo of Trent Boult and Tim Southee and opener Martin Guptill have been bringing their young kids on the flight. After a washout game against India, the Black Caps will next play against South Africa on June 19 and Stead said the players can now take a bit of time off with families. "Whilst we .
Warner can be leading run scorer in 2019 WC: Ponting
Australia assistant coach believes David Warner can end up becoming the leading run-getter in the ongoing World Cup if he continues to play like he did against Pakistan.
Play aggressively against Amir: Tendulkar's advice
Legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar has warned Virat Kohli's men to exercise caution against the Pakistani pace battery when the two teams meet in marquee World Cup clash on Sunday in Manchester.
Desperate Sri Lanka face Warner storm in World Cup clash against Australia
After two washed out games, Sri Lanka will be desperate to come out all guns blazing but defending champion Australia's depth will be hard to beat when the two sides clash in a World Cup fixture here on Saturday. Sri Lanka have not played a match at the World Cup since June 4, forced to split points with Bangladesh and Pakistan following two washed out games. The island nation, who won the tournament back in 1996, stands fifth with just one win -- against minnows Afghanistan in a rain-hit match -- from four games. Defending champions Australia, on the other hand, have been simply unstoppable with their loss against India being the only blemish in an otherwise professional performance so far in the tournament. The five-time winners are placed second with three wins from four games. With two fifties and a hundred, David Warner has been simply outstanding, helping Australia post 300-plus scores in the last two matches. The opener hasn't yet looked his destructive best but the 107 off 111
Matt Prior to attempt to ride full Tour de France
Former England wicket-keeper batsman Matt Prior on Thursday informed that he would be attempting to ride the full Tour de France and said he would be attempting to do it one day ahead of the actual race.In the first tweet, Prior wrote: "Hi guys, you may or may not know but in just three weeks time I will be attempting to ride the FULL Tour de France route - 21 stages, 3500km over 3 weeks - just one day ahead of the actual race".The former England player mentioned that he hopes to raise money for charities through his attempt.In another tweet, Prior wrote, "This is the biggest physical challenge I have ever attempted and will hopefully be very worthwhile as we have set a target to raise PS300k for the chosen charities @Chance2Shine @DansTrust2012 & @ParkinsonsUK".Prior announced his retirement in 2015. His retirement came after an injury he endured in 2014.In 2014, Prior suffered from an Achilles injury and it had required him to undergo a surgery.Prior played 79 Test matches for
I believe in Imran's vision, India and Pak can be friendly neighbours: Asif Iqbal
As a captain, what Asif Iqbal liked about a young Imran Khan was his determination and he believes that the current Pakistan Prime Minister will certainly do his bit in improving bilateral ties with India at all levels. Imran played a lot of cricket under Iqbal's captaincy and the 76-year-old has seen how the former drive to achieve his goal. Not much has changed now that he is leading the nation, Iqbal feels. "If he believes in something, he will go all the way in achieving that goal. He believes that India and Pakistan can live as friendly neighbours. I think he will at least try his best and go all the way for peace...not just as cricketers but as Pakistanis, we believe in what he says," Iqbal, who has been living in London for decades now, told PTI during an exclusive interaction. "He is totally committed and that's what Pakistanis need economic prosperity, stability in the region. I am not qualified to comment since I don't know. This is what the media says," the veteran of 58 ..
Lee retirement leaves 'Super Dan' ploughing lonely Olympic furrow
Lee Chong Wei's tearful retirement was not just a sad conclusion to one of badminton's great careers, it also ended his remarkable rivalry with China's Lin Dan. The duo reigned over the sport for more than a decade and have only relinquished that hold in recent years as their powers waned. Both are well past their prime, but the Malaysian was forced to call it quits after being diagnosed last year with early stage nose cancer. An emotional Lee, who will be 37 in October, told a press conference on Thursday: "My plan to retire was originally after the (2020) Olympic Games. I made this decision due to my health." Lee, a triple Olympic and world silver medallist, had successful medical treatment but he has not trained since April and his hopes of making next summer's Tokyo Games were remote after his ranking tumbled. He was ranked a lowly 191 in the world this week. Badminton fans will be denied one last Olympic showdown between Lee and Lin, who is one year younger and almost certain to .
Recovering Dhawan hits the gym
Injured Indian batsman Shikhar Dhawan has hit the gym as he races against time to recover from a hairline fracture that has put him out of three World Cup matches. With a heavily bandaged left hand, Dhawan was seen doing lower body exercises in a short video posted by him on his Twitter page. "You can make these situations your nightmare or use it an opportunity to bounce back. Thank you for all the recovery messages from everyone," was the accompanying message from the star batsman. The 31-year-old picked up the injury during his match-winning hundred against Australia on Sunday. What was initially seen to be a swelling in his left thumb turned out to be a hairline fracture after closer examination. He was then ruled out of India's rained out game against New Zealand here on Thursday, the marquee clash against Pakistan on Sunday in Manchester and the match against Afghanistan on June 22. Young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh pant has been brought in as cover for him but he will only get
Morgan knows what Archer's going through ahead of West Indies reunion
England captain Eoin Morgan knows better than most the emotions Jofra Archer will experience when the fast bowler plays against his native West Indies for the first time. Dublin-born batsman Morgan, who switched allegiance from Ireland to England a decade ago, is set to lead the tournament hosts against the Caribbean side in a World Cup group match in Southampton on Friday. Barring a late injury, Morgan's team will include Barbados-born quick Archer, who only qualified for England earlier this year but whose ability to bowl at speeds of up to 95 mph now makes him a central figure as they chase a first 50-over World Cup title. Archer, whose father is English, could have been playing for the West Indies had he not been overlooked for the Under-19 World Cup four years ago. That fateful decision was to spark a chain of events that saw Archer joining Sussex and then begin the process of qualifying to play international cricket for England. Now he will be be up against plenty of familiar ...
Favorites Brazil must win even without Neymar, says Casemiro
Star forward Neymar's injury absence changes nothing for Brazil at the Copa America, midfielder Casemiro said on Thursday, insisting that the hosts must triumph come what may. Neymar will miss the South American showpiece after injuring ankle ligaments last week in the Selecao's penultimate warm-up friendly. His injury came as the Paris Saint-Germain forward faced accusations from a Brazilian model that he sexually assaulted her in a hotel in the French capital. "Regardless of the competition we're in, Brazil are favorites and must win," Casemiro said ahead of Friday's tournament opener against Bolivia in Sao Paulo. "Without a doubt, even without Neymar -- Brazil's main star -- we're still very strong," the Real Madrid player added. Brazil are aiming for a ninth Copa America success and have claimed victory on all four previous occasions as hosts: in 1919, 1922, 1949 and 1989. But they haven't lifted the trophy since 2007 when winning for a fourth time in five editions from 1997. "We .
Shikhar will be in plaster for couple of weeks: Kohli
After the match between India and New Zealand got abandoned due to rain on Thursday, the Men in Blue's skipper Virat Kohli provided an injury update about opener Shikhar Dhawan."Shikhar will be in a plaster for a couple of weeks, we'll assess and see. Hopefully, he'll be available for the latter half and the semi-finals. He's motivated, we wanted to keep him back," Kohli said at the post-match ceremony.Dhawan got hit between the index finger and thumb during India's match World Cup match against Australia on June 9. The opener went on to play a match-winning knock of 117 runs.After the match, the player went to Leeds for scans and soon after BCCI released an update saying, "Team India opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan is presently under the observation of the BCCI medical team. The team management has decided that Dhawan will continue to be in England and his progress will be monitored."As standby for the injured Dhawan, wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant was flown to England.India is ...
Wright was more of a friend than coach: Ganguly
"He was more of a friend than a coach to me," said ex-Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly while talking about former coach John Wright.
Norway Chess: Anand out of contention after losing to Caruana
Five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand's chances of a top three finish ended after he went down fighting to Fabiano Caruana of United States in the Armageddon game at the Altibox Norway chess here. The Indian slipped to joint seventh place in ranking with just two rounds to go in one of the strongest event of the year. Anand had to hold himself with black and he survived many anxious and nearly catastrophic positions under the normal time control to force a draw under the Classical game. Caruana went to the extent of calling it "embarrassing", as the American was close to being on top for several moves but still the victory deserted him. However in the tiebreaker, which is the new world order in Chess to make it a decisive sport in every game played, the native Italian turned American was spot on in the Italian opening. Anand could not get the counterplay he is famous for and a systematic attack led to a complete collapse on the king side. That left Anand with only six points with
Juventus to name Sarri as new coach on Friday - reports
Juventus are ready to name Maurizio Sarri as their new coach on Friday after agreeing a compensation deal with Chelsea, Italian media reported. Sky Sport Italia claimed that a sum of 3.5 million euros has been agreed with the money earmarked for the English Premier League club to use to bring former player Frank Lampard into the Stamford Bridge hot-seat from second-tier Derby County. Sarri will be free to sign a three-year deal with Italian champions Juventus, said the reports. Sarri has been an uncomfortable fit with fans at Stamford Bridge and despite winning the Europa League and finishing third in the Premier League, there is a perception the chain-smoking coach is unwilling to adapt tactics when things go wrong. He had been widely linked with Juventus, who are seeking a successor to Massimiliano Allegri. Sarri succeeded Antonio Conte as Chelsea manager last summer after spending three years at Napoli. The 60-year-old enjoyed a tremendous start at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea went ..
Zverev stunned by Brown in grass-court opener
World number five Alexander Zverev made a poor start to the grass-court season as he was dumped out of the Stuttgart ATP event by fellow German Dustin Brown. The top seed, who lost to Novak Djokovic in the French Open quarter-finals last week, was beaten 6-4, 6-7 (3/7), 6-3 by the 170th-ranked Brown. The 34-year-old Brown, who famously knocked out Rafael Nadal in the second round of Wimbledon four years ago, saved 13 of 14 break points as he claimed only his fifth-ever win over a top-10 player. Zverev, 22, has never won an ATP title on grass, while Brown will face Canadian teenager Felix Auger-Aliassime in his first top-level quarter-final since February 2017. "I am very, very happy," Brown told www.atptour.com. "I didn't have a good grass-court swing last year and just wanted to come and play very good tennis. Stuttgart is a little bit at altitude and I think that helped my game. "I've won three very good matches, two in qualifying and one against John Millman. The court played a ...
Maradona leaves Mexican club Dorados
Diego Maradona has resigned as coach of Mexican second-division club Dorados for health reasons, his lawyer said Thursday, after nine tumultuous months in the job for the Argentine football legend. Maradona, 58, "has decided not to continue in his position as manager of Dorados. Under his doctors' advice, he will be devoting time to his health and will undergo two operations: for his shoulder and his knee," lawyer Matias Morla wrote on Twitter. "We thank the entire Dorados family and will continue the dream together in the future," he added. Maradona took the coaching job at Dorados, who are based in the western state of Sinaloa, in September 2018 -- amusing skeptics who questioned why the 1986 World Cup champion, who has publicly battled various addictions, would move to a place better known for drug cartels than football. But he answered his critics by coaching the struggling club to back-to-back finals appearances that brought them tantalizingly close -- but not quite -- to their ..