Page 1469 - Sports
Former FIFA boss Blatter revels in visit to Putin
Sepp Blatter came to Moscow and saw Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin, defying FIFA's wish that its suspended former president's visit to the World Cup would attract little attention. Blatter says he went to see Russia's president after watching Portugal's 1-0 win over Morocco in Moscow on Wednesday - wearing the laminate fan ID card required for all people attending World Cup games in Russia. "We had small talks," Blatter, who converses with Putin in German, told reporters today. "We spoke about football and the good start of the competition, the good start of the team." The 82-year-old Blatter is serving a six-year ban from official football duties for financial misconduct during this 17-year rule. The terms of the ban, which runs until October 2021, meant Blatter was kept separate from is successor Gianni Infantino and other football officials at Luzhniki Stadium. Fulfilling a long-standing personal invitation from Putin to attend the World Cup, Blatter will travel to St. Petersburg to
Tvesa keeps lead; amateur Seher shoots superb 71 in Hero WPG Tour
Overnight leader Tvesa Malik weathered a rocky start to maintain her lead after two rounds of the seventh leg of Hero Women's Pro Golf Tour here today. Tvesa, who shot an even par 72 on first day, went 4-over 76 for the second day at the Prestige Golfshire course but her lead increased from one to two shots. Her total of 148 was two shots clear of second-placed amateur Seher Atwal (71), whose card was the first sub-par score of the event, and Amandeep Drall (77). Both Seher and Amandeep are 6-over 150. Smriti Mehra (75) and Asian Games-bound amateur Ridhima Dilawari (76) were Tied-4th at 151, while Gursimar Badwal (81) was sixth at 154. Neha Tripathi (76), amateur Pranavi Urs (80), Afshan Fatima (78) and Anisha Padukone (84) occupied the seventh to 10th places. In the final round tomorrow, Tvesa, looking for her second win of the season, will be in the lead group with Seher and Amandeep, while Smriti, Ridhima and Gursimar will be in the group ahead of them.
Amit, Gaurav in semis; Vikas loses in German boxing tourney
Commonwealth Games medallists Amit Panghal (49kg) and Gaurav Solanki (52kg) were among the three Indians boxers to enter the semifinals but Vikas Krishan (75kg) bowed out of the Chemistry Cup in Halle, Germany. Dheeraj Rangi (64kg) was the third Indian boxer to be assured of a medal after he defeated local hope Wladislaw Baryshnik 4-1. However, Vikas' campaign ended with a loss to Olympic champion Arlen Lopez of Cuba. In bouts held last last night, Amit defeated Germany's Christopher Goman 5-0, while Gaurav recorded a comprehensive win over Russia's Vadim Kudriakov by a similar margin. Amit, a silver-medallist from the CWG and a world championships quarterfinalist, has a tough one up next as he will be facing Cuba's Damian Arce Duarte, who got a bye in the opening round. Gaurav, who claimed a gold in the CWG, will be facing Ireland's Conor Quinn in his semifinal bout. However, CWG silver-medallist Manish Kaushik (60kg), bronze-medallist Naman Tanwar (91kg) and former Asian youth ...
Four Indians in semis of Mongolian boxing tourney
India were assured of four medals at the Ulaanbaatar Cup in Mongolia after four boxers from the country, including world and Asian silver-winner Sonia Lather (57kg), advanced to the semifinals today. Joining her in the last-four stage were Lovlina Borgohain (69kg), Himanshu Sharma (49kg) and Ashish (64kg). All the four boxers are guaranteed of at least a bronze medal each. However, world silver-medallist Sarjubala Devi (51kg) bowed out in the quarterfinal stage after losing a close bout to Mongolian Myagmardulam Nandinsetseg 1-4. Sonia produced an assured performance to defeat local favourite Myagmar Gundegmaa to make the last-four stage. Lovlina, a gold-medallist at the inaugural India Open earlier this year, was equally dominating in her 5-0 win over Thailand's Suchada Panich. It was a battle of straight punches between Sonia and Gundegmaa and the Indian was better by a few notches in her clean and impactful hits. Lovlina's rival put up a stronger resistance but lacked in ...
In next FTP cycle, India to play 203 Int'l games with 51 Tests
World cricket's most marketable team India will once again play the maximum number of international matches across three formats -- 203 in the next five-year Futures & Programme Cycle (2018-2023). In this period, India is expected to play 51 Test matches, 83 ODIs and a record 69 T20 Internationals. India's number of matches is significantly more than second-placed West Indies (186 matches) and third-placed England at 175. However, contrary to popular perception, India will play the second highest number of Tests (England top the list with 59 games) , which is four more than Australia, who are third with 47 games in longest format. However in ODIs and T20s, India are playing more games with West Indies playing 75 ODIs and 68 T20Is respectively. "While FTP is now a bi-partite agreement but ICC also pitched in with their inputs while setting up the calender. All those who thought that BCCI will ignore Test cricket should be relieved that we are playing more than 50 Tests in next ...
Spanish police arrest 6 athletes accused of doping
Six athletes have been arrested in Spain on suspicion of doping, Spanish police said on Thursday.
Srikanth, Prannoy slip in BWF ranking
Indian shuttlers Kidambi Srikanth and H S Prannoy today slipped three and five places to be placed at the seventh and 13th spots respectively in the latest BWF world ranking. Srikanth, who had clinched the silver at the Commonwealth Games, has not played in any tournament since participating at the Asia championship in April, while Prannoy had decided to not defend his US Open title and it seemed to have affected their ranking. In women's singles, P V Sindhu and Saina Nehwal continued to remain static at the third and 10th spot respectively. 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Parupalli Kashyap, who had reached the finals at US Open last year, meanwhile, crashed out of the top 50 after he couldn't play at the tournament following an injury. He is now at 51st position. Former world no 13 Ajay Jayaram, who had slipped out of the top 100 after missing in action due to a long injury lay-off following a hamstring injury, was rewarded for his semifinal finish at the US Open. He jumped 39
Pakistan cricketer tests positive for prohibited substance
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that a prominent cricketer has tested positive for a prohibited substance but refused to reveal the name as per International Cricket Council (ICC) rules.
Ex-Spain captain Casillas rejects criticism of David de Gea's performance
Former Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who captained the national team to its World Cup win in 2010, defended David de Gea, his successor between the posts, from critics of his performance in Russia so far and said he would be a crucial feature in the starting XI in games to come.
Europeans look down on Central American teams: Tejada
Panama forward Luis Tejada on Thursday said Europeans usually looked down on Central American teams, referring to their upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup clash against England.
World Cup superstitions putting a spell on players
Some players believe World Cup success is earned through exercise, diet and endless practice drills -- others are convinced it's a matter of wearing lucky underwear. Players and coaches can be a superstitious bunch and often have a ritual or item of clothing they believe is a charm that has contributed to a winning run. They range from former Colombian keeper Rene Higuita's insistence on wearing blue underpants to current German striker Mario Gomez's habit of only using the far-left urinal to relieve himself before a match. Gomez's Germany teammate Julian Draxler gives himself a spritz of scent before a big match. "Sometimes my teammates ask me if I'm not right in the head," the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder said. "Every player has a ritual before a match and I usually hold my bag in my locker and I throw on two or three sprays of perfume. It gives me a feeling of happiness." Sports psychologist Dan Abrahams, author of the book "Soccer Tough", said so many match-day factors are ...
England's Kane mirrors Maradona in his passion
England captain Harry Kane displays the same level of passion as Diego Maradona, the man who singlehandedly destroyed English hopes in the 1986 World Cup, Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino says. Kane's double on Monday secured England a 2-1 win over Tunisia in their World Cup opener to put Gareth Southgate's side in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages. Pochettino, who Kane has flourished under since the Argentinian took over at the helm in 2014, told The Sun on Thursday the striker sets as inspirational an example as Maradona did. "I think of Diego Maradona, Ossie Ardiles, players like this, who I know loved being away with their country," said 46-year-old Pochettino. "It is something special and Harry has created that with England. "He loves Tottenham -- but he has a real passion with England also." Maradona remains a controversial figure in England due to his 'Hand of God' goal in the 1986 quarter-final -- he added a sublime second to see his country to .
Blatter says England should host World Cup
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter said Thursday he believes the World Cup should return to England when Europe next gets its turn to host the tournament. Blatter has arrived in Moscow to attend matches at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin despite being banned from the game for alleged corruption during his 17 years at the head of world football. The Swiss denied his presence at the World Cup would embarrass his successor, Gianni Infantino. "We have good contacts with Mr Infantino. He should not be embarrassed because I am going to watch some matches," Blatter told reporters. "I am not here to mix sport and politics." Blatter, 82, said he had dined with Putin on Wednesday and congratulated him on Russia's organisation. "I dined with Mr Putin. You have to congratulate Russia for the organisation of the World Cup, and naturally the head of state himself." Blatter oversaw the FIFA process which led to the awarding of this World Cup to Russia and, more controversially, ...
Hazzard says Belgium needs Lukaku to come up vs Tunisia
After helping his side to a 3-0 triumph over Panama, Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku may have been one of the heroes of the World Cup first round group games but that didn't stop him coming in for criticism from Belgium captain Eden Hazzard.
Panama's Luis Ovalle says Los Canaleros ready to take on England
Anything is possible in the Panama-England clash in the FIFA World Cup, Panama defender Luis Ovalle said on Thursday.
Brazil take on Costa Rica in must win World Cup clash (Preview)
Neymar and Brazil will need to step up their game when they take on Costa Rica in a must win Group E FIFA World Cup clash here on Friday.
Coimbatore set to host second round of Racing Nationals this weekend
Packed and quality grids will feature the second round of the MRF MMSC National Racing Championship commencing at the Kari Motor Speedway here this weekend which will also witness the opening round of the Volkswagen Ameo Cup.
Indian players yet to get retainership fees, Secy awaits General Body nod
India's top cricketers are yet to receive their revised salaries despite having signed their central contracts back on March 5, an issue that is likely to dominate the Special General Meeting of the BCCI, scheduled here tomorrow in defiance of the Committee of Administrators (COA). The players leave for the nearly three-month long tour of UK (Ireland and England) on June 23 and the officials will be gathered here tomorrow trying to thrash out a way forward at the SGM, which has set out a 10-point agenda for the meet. "Yes, the contracts are with me. If the House approves the revised pay structure tomorrow, I will sign it. In case they don't, my hands are tied. Any policy decision needs approval of General Body and I can't break the law," BCCI's acting secretary Chaudhary told PTI today. The Supreme Court-appointed COA has already made it clear that it does not approve of the meeting and has barred paid office-bearers from attending it. But the delayed payment to players is an issue ...
Ahmed Shehzad fails dope test, risks suspension
Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad has failed a dope test and risks a minimum suspension of three to six months for violating the anti-doping laws. Shehzad, 26, who has played 13 Tests, 81 ODIs and 57 T20 internationals, will face an inquiry committee formed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). "He has tested positive in the initial test but the process has to be completed before we can make any official statements," a reliable source in the board told PTI. The source confirmed Shehzad had tested positive for a dope test taken during the Pakistan Cup one-day tournament held in April-May in Faisalabad. The PCB confirmed the development in a tweet but refrained from identifying the player. In February 2016, the International Cricket Council had banned Pakistan's leg-spinner Yasir Shah for three months after he had failed a dope test and pleaded guilty to the charge. The PCB source said that as per the WADA and ICC anti-doping regulations, random dope tests were carried out regularly in ...
India firm favourites in inaugural Kabaddi Masters Dubai
Giants India will start firm favourites when they lock horns with arch-rivals Pakistan in the opening game of the inaugural six-nation 'Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018' here tomorrow. The tournament will provide an excellent opportunity for Asian countries India, Pakistan, Iran and Korea to get battle-ready for the Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang, starting August 18. India are the defending champions and have won gold in every edition of the tournament since the sport was inducted in the main roster in the 1990 Asiad. "Asian Games will once again have Iran, Pakistan, and Korea among other teams and this tournament will be like a semi-final. It will be a good opportunity for preparation," India coach Srinivas Reddy said. India are clubbed with Pakistan and newcomers Kenya in group A, while group B features Iran, Republic of Korea and Argentina with top two teams making the semifinals. 'Flying raider' Ajay Thakur will lead India's challenge after returning at the helm at the expense of .