Page 1495 - Sports
History favours Argentina over Group D rivals in World Cup
History favours Argentina in its upcoming clashes with Nigeria and Croatia in Group D at the FIFA World Cup in Russia while it will face Iceland for the first time on Saturday.
Shuttler Ajay Jayaram eases into US Open semis
Indian badminton shuttler Ajay Jayaram stormed into the semi-finals of the US Open Super 300 tournament after registering a comfortable straight-games victory over Heo Kwang Hee of South Korea in the last-eight match of the men's singles event here on Saturday.The former world number 13 Indian, who is on a comeback trail following a long injury lay-off, took just half an hour to sweep aside Heo Kwang Hee 21-18, 21-12 in a one-sided quarter-final clash.Earlier, Jayaram was tested in the opening two rounds of the tournaments against world No 368 Yun Kyu Lee and world No 31 Ygor Coelho respectively.While Jayaram clinched a hard-fought 26-24, 17-21,21-13 win over Yun Kyu in the first match, he was also stretched in the second round by Coelho before eventually overcoming his opponent 19-21, 21-12, 21-16 in the 50-minute men's singles clash.The Indian shuttler will now aim to book his place in the finals of the tournament when he crosses swords with Dutch star Mark Caljouw in the last-four .
Indian defender Lakra optimistic of team's chance at Hockey Champions Trophy
With the Indian men's hockey team preparing to leave for the Men's Hockey Champions Trophy Breda 2018 early next week, chief coach Harendra Singh tested his players with two back-to-back practice matches here at the Sports Authority of India, Bengaluru on Thursday and Friday."Playing these two matches at the same time as our first two matches at the Rabobank Men's Hockey Champions Trophy Breda 2018 is critical in terms of adjusting to the tournament match timings," stated the experienced Indian defender Birendra Lakra.The 18-member Indian team took on the remaining players who are rested for the Men's Hockey Champions Trophy Breda 2018 such as Rupinder Pal Singh, Kothajit Singh along with other players in the camp."We play Pakistan on the first day at 2pm local time followed by second match on the next day against Argentina at 12 noon local time. Therefore, by playing these two matches against the team of rest of the players in the camp, our bodies will get used to playing high ...
Indian hockey eves defeat Spain 3-2 in third match
The Indian women's hockey team registered their first win of the Spain Tour as they edged past the hosts 3-2 in their third game of the five-match series here at the Consejo Superior de Deportes Hockey Stadium last evening.The match saw Spain take an early lead through Maria Lopez in the third minute but the visitors fought back as they scored twice in four minutes to take a 2-1 lead.However, Lola Riera continued her fine goal-scoring form for the hosts, equalising in the 58th minute through a well-taken penalty corner and it looked like the two teams will play out their second consecutive draw.But it was Indian captain Rani, who popped up in the 59th minute to score a wonderful field goal and give her side a well deserved 3-2 win.World number 11 Spain started the match well as they were awarded two back-to-back penalty corners in the opening few minutes, the second of which was converted by Maria Lopez in the third minute.The hosts continued to test the Indian defence in the first ...
Rani Rampal's late strike hands India 3-2 win over Spain
Skipper Rani Rampal scored a late winner as Indian women's hockey team dished out a spirited performance to beat Spain 3-2 in the third game and register their first win of the five-match series at the Consejo Superior de Deportes Hockey Stadium here. By virtue of this win late last night, India and Spain are now tied 1-1 in the series. While Spain beat India 3-0 in the opener, the second game between the two sides finished 1-1. The fourth match of the series will be played later tonight. In last night's game, Spain took an early lead through Maria Lopez's strike from their second penalty corner in the third minute. The hosts continued to test the Indian defence in the first quarter and goalkeeper Savita was called into action soon when she made a fine reflex save to deny Spain. The Indians started to get into the game in the second quarter as both teams battled for possession. The visitors defended their lines well, keeping out Spain's third penalty corner in the 19th minute. World ..
Smith battles for Windies on soggy, slow going day
Devon Smith battled disciplined bowling and frequent stoppages for rain to compile an unbeaten half-century as the West Indies reached 118 for two in reply to Sri Lanka's first innings total of 253 on a truncated second day of the second Test at the Darren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia on Friday. Less than 43 overs were possible on a day of frequent interruptions but Smith took advantage of the opportunity to compile his first Test half-century since the opening match of the home series against England in Antigua in 2015. He resumes on the third morning, weather permitting, on 53 in partnership with Shai Hope. There has been much discussion through the region over the recall of the 36-year-old Grenadian three years after he played his last Test match. Following a double-failure in the first Test, notwithstanding a comprehensive 226-run victory for the home side in Trinidad, Smith would have been acutely aware of the attention he was attracting from critics questioning the wisdom of ...
Neymar begins assault on World Cup with injury woe behind him
For three months, a whole nation feared it might not happen, but Neymar will take to the field with his Brazilian teammates when they kick off their World Cup campaign against Switzerland tomorrow. The world's most expensive player appears to have recovered fully from the fractured foot that required an operation in March, with the only slight concern being his possible lack of match fitness. Since suffering the injury in Paris Saint-Germain's game against Marseille in late February, Neymar has managed just 129 minutes on the field. But those minutes came in Brazil's recent warm-up friendlies, with a goal from the bench against Croatia and then a brilliant strike in a win in Austria last weekend. "After three months, and having played just a game and a half, he is already playing at a high level. Nobody expected that. Not even him," Thiago Silva, a close friend of Neymar's and a club teammate at PSG, said in a report on Brazilian website Globoesporte. The 26-year-old, who saw his time
Ronaldo toasts new career mark after hat-trick against Spain
Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his delight at setting another record in his remarkable career as his hat-trick against Spain on Friday allowed him to become just the fourth player to score in four World Cups. "I am very happy, it's a nice personal record to have, one more in my career," said the Portugal captain, whose goals secured a 3-3 draw for the European champions in a remarkable World Cup Group B clash with neighbours Spain in Sochi. Ronaldo had twice put Portugal in front, and yet he was required to score a superb 88th-minute free-kick to grab a point after Spain had fought back brilliantly. The 33-year-old joins an elite cast of players who have scored in four World Cups, following in the footsteps of Pele and German duo Uwe Seeler and Miroslav Klose. But he added: "For me the most important thing is to emphasise what the team did against one of the favourites to win this World Cup. "It was a fair result, we are very happy because the game was about to finish and then we managed
Troubled Germany look to make World Cup statement against Mexico
Germany must shrug off a rocky World Cup build-up as they begin the defence of their title tomorrow against a vastly experienced Mexico side jolted by their own pre-tournament scandal. While Manuel Neuer finally won his lengthy fitness battle after more than eight months out, Mesut Ozil and Ilkay Gundogan were jeered by Germany fans in recent friendlies after posing for a photograph alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos said what is discussed on talk shows should not concern the players, adding: "We are here to play football." The form of Joachim Loew's side is another concern though, an unconvincing win over a Saudi Arabia outfit thrashed 5-0 in the World Cup opener represents Germany's lone victory since romping through qualifying with maximum points. "We need the greed, the fire -- it's part of what makes things go off with a bang sometimes in training and on the playing pitch. We will have to fight for every inch," said defender Jerome
Johnson leads Hoffman at US Open, Woods misses cut
Dustin Johnson took command of the US Open on Friday, firing a three-under-par 67 at Shinnecock Hills for a four-shot lead as the only player under par after 36 punishing holes. Shinnecock presented a different face as Thursday's gusting wind gave way to morning mist with stretches of wind-driven rain, followed by afternoon sunshine. Johnson was more than equal to all of it, his two-round total of four-under 136 putting him four ahead of Americans Charley Hoffman and Scott Piercy. "Dustin was in complete control of what he was doing," said his playing partner Tiger Woods, who missed the cut in his first US Open since 2015 as he added a two-over 72 to his opening 78 for a 10-over total of 150. "He's hitting the ball so flush and so solid," Woods said. "I know it's windy. It's blustery. It was raining early. But he's hitting right through it." After two birdies in his first nine holes, Johnson made his only bogey of the day at the first, unable to get up and down for par from a ...
Argentine coach says this won't be Messi's last World Cup
The 2018 World Cup in Russia will not be Lionel Messi's final appearance in the global tournament, Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli said here.
Women's hockey: Vandana Katariya hits 200-cap milestone
Indian women's hockey team's third match against Spain saw Indian forward Vandana Katariya touch the 200-international cap milestone.The 26-year-old forward has been an essential part of the Indian team since making her debut in 2009 with the senior squad aged just 17 at the FIH Champions Challenge II held in Kazan, Russia.Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Vandana forms an experienced attacking line for the Indian team alongside Captain Rani.She started off her career playing for the Railway Sports Promotion Board and made it to the Indian junior women's team in 2006.The versatile forward was the country's top scorer at the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup Women 2013 in Monchengladbach, Germany, where India won a bronze medal.The same year saw Vandana being a part of the team that won the bronze medal at the 8th Women's Asia Cup in Malaysia.The forward has since been a regular fixture in the national team, representing the country at the 3rd Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2013, where India won ..
Spain 3-3 Portugal: Spain held by Ronaldo heroics
The first blockbuster encounter in the FIFA World Cup 2018 between Iberian cousins - Spain and Portugal - lived up to the billing as the two shared six goals between them to produce a classic group stage thriller in Sochi.Despite having been rocked by the ousting of Julen Lopetegui on Wednesday, Spain's fortitude remained firm as they came back from a goal down twice through Diego Costa before a thunderous strike from full back Nacho established their lead.However, a stunning free kick from Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo completed his 51st career hattrick.The game got off to just the kind of electric start that was expected as the referee pointed to the penalty spot in less than three minutes after a challenge from Nacho left Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo floored inside the box.Portugal's captain and highest-ever goalscorer then made no mistake from 12 yards, sending David da Gea the wrong way to draw first blood. Ronaldo also became the first Portuguese in the history to
Ronaldo dazzles, Portugal draw 3-3 against impressive Spain
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick as Portugal and Spain drew a thrilling World Cup Group B game 3-3 in Sochi.
World Cup: All-time leading scorers
Following is a list of all-time leading World Cup scorers:
Ronaldo hits hat-trick as Portugal deny Spain in World Cup classic
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a stunning hat-trick as Portugal snatched a 3-3 draw with Spain in a World Cup classic here. Real Madrid star Ronaldo cashed in an 88th minute free-kick to snatch a point for Portugal after a second-half goal from Nacho put the Spaniards 3-2 ahead. Ronaldo's late equaliser capped a storming encounter yesterday which came after a chaotic few days which saw Spain coach Julen Lopetegui sacked and Fernando Hierro appointed as his replacement. Earlier, Ronaldo had twice put the European champions in front only for Diego Costa to bring Spain level on each occasion on a steamy night on Russia's Black Sea coast. But then Ronaldo stepped up to send his free-kick from 25 yards up over the wall and into the net, as the Iberian neighbours settled for a point apiece in this Group B encounter. It was a remarkable signal of intent from the current Ballon d'Or winner, who had never made a serious impact in any of his previous three World Cups, only managing to score one goal .
Ronaldo hat-trick as Portugal and Spain draw 3-3 in World Cup
Hat-trick hero Cristiano Ronaldo's sensational free-kick two minutes from time earned Portugal a 3-3 draw with Spain in a pulsating World Cup Group B encounter yesterday. Ronaldo had given Portugal a dream start winning and scoring a fourth minute penalty. Diego Costa levelled only for Ronaldo to put the 2016 European champions back in front just before half-time. Costa once again got Spain back level with Nacho scoring his first ever goal giving Spain the lead, only for Ronaldo's magical 88th minute set piece to earn Portugal a share of the spoils in Sochi.
FIFA WC 2018: Iran wins after Morocco's own goal
Iran beat Morocco in their World Cup Group B opener in St. Petersburg as Morocco substitute Aziz Bouhaddouz scored an own goal in stoppage time.Bouhaddouz, in the 95th minute, headed a free kick into his own net to gift Iran a 1-0 victory.Iran now have three points in their group.With this, Morocco are likely to be eliminated from the World Cup with Spain and Portugal still left on the slate.Morocco and Iran crossed swords for the first time in the World Cup in their Group B clash in St Petersburg.Meanwhile, it is Iran's second win in World Cup history and first since their victory over the United States (US) in France in 1998.The last time Morocco appeared in a World Cup was two decades ago in 1998, hosted by France.
Rahane lauds batsmen after win over Afghanistan
India's stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane praised his batsmen after India crushed Afghanistan by an innings and 262 runs on the second day of the one-off Test at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday.Afghanistan, playing the first-ever Test, were skittled out for 109 and 103 inside two sessions on day 2. India took 40 wickets on Friday after posting 474 in the first innings.Rahane, who captained India in regular skipper Virat Kohli's absence, heaped praises on his batting unit, especially openers Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay, who scored centuries in India's total."The way we played, especially batting, Shikhar (Dhawan), (Murali) Vijay, (Lokesh) Rahul and Hardik (Pandya). We did not take Afghanistan lightly. It was important for us to keep the basics and good habits," Rahane said at the post-match presser."Guys like Shikhar (Dhawan) and (Murali Vijay) got those hundreds, (KL) Rahul chipped in and (Hardik) Pandya was magnificent at the end. It was important for all of us to stick to our .
Bouhaddouz own goal hands Iran late victory over Morocco
Iran's players stormed the pitch at full-time as if they had won the World Cup rather than just their opening match after an own goal from Morocco's Aziz Bouhaddouz gifted them a dramatic 1-0 victory on Friday. Wasteful finishing looked to have consigned this compelling contest at the Saint Petersburg Stadium to a goalless draw but Bouhaddouz's mistake in injury-time means Iran emerge as the early challengers to Spain and Portugal in Group B. Iran coach Carlos Queiroz, once of Real Madrid and Manchester United, insisted the chaos that has engulfed Spain this week offered no boost to these teams' chances, but this victory certainly cranks the pressure up a notch. When Bouhaddouz nodded in at the near post, Iran's substitutes could not resist rushing onto the field and when the final whistle blew moments later they were sprinting over again in delight. Morocco should at least take heart from a blistering first half an hour, during which their zip and zest deemed them virtually ...