Page 1555 - Sports
Dembele gem caps France win over Italy
Ousmane Dembele scored a terrific goal in an impressive display for France as the World Cup contenders defeated Italy 3-1 in a friendly here. Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti grabbed the opening goal after eight minutes at the Allianz Riviera yesterday, converting a rebound from close range after Kylian Mbappe's volley was saved by Salvatore Sirigu. N'Golo Kante fired against the post from distance as Sirigu produced a fine fingertip save, but Antoine Griezmann added a second from the penalty spot following a foul on Lucas Hernandez by Rolando Mandragora. Italy cut the deficit before the break when Leonardo Bonucci alertly followed up after Hugo Lloris failed to deal with a powerful Mario Balotelli free-kick. Balotelli forced Lloris to save low with his foot within seconds of the restart after half-time, while Dembele rattled the crossbar moments later having burst past a pair of Italy defenders. But the Barcelona forward sealed victory on 63 minutes, curling a sublime first-time ..
Morocco into 2026 World Cup vote despite stadium, infrastructure fears
Morocco's bid for the 2026 World Cup was cleared to advance to a runoff vote against a bid from North America despite a FIFA evaluation report which classified the African bid's stadia, accommodation and transport as "high risk." A long-awaited report from FIFA inspectors made public yesterday left the US-Canada-Mexico bid as the clear front-runner after giving it a rating of four out of a possible five according to its criteria. Morocco received only 2.7 out of five, but advanced to the June 13 vote in Moscow despite red flags being raised over several critical components of the bid. A FIFA summary of the bid task force's findings warned that "the amount of new infrastructure required for the Morocco 2026 bid to become reality cannot be overstated." "The Bid Evaluation Task Force considers it its duty to emphasise the significant overall risk, on a compounded basis, of a bid that has so many facilities (from stadiums and training sites to major transport infrastructure and ...
French Open: Djokovic, Nishikori advance to fourth round
Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic and Japan's Kei Nishikori continued their rich vein of form as they progressed to the last round of 16 of the French Open here on Friday.Djokovic, who last won a Grand Slam title at the Roland Garros in 2016, overcame a spirited Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain, 6-4, 6-7 (6), 7-6 (4), 6-2.He will face another Spanish player Fernando Verdasco in the fourth round on Saturday.On the other hand, Nishikori, who is ranked 19th easily saw off Gilles Simon of France 6-1, 6-3 and will face Dominic Thiem of Austria on Friday.It may be noted that Nishikori progressed to the quarterfinals at the French Open twice, including last year.
Hero Intercontinental Cup: Five-star India ease past Chinese Taipei
Hosts India kick-started their Hero Intercontinental Cup campaign in sublime fashion thumping Chinese Taipei 5-0 in the opening match of the tournament at the Andheri Sports Complex here on Friday.A master-class performance from captain Sunil Chhetri proved to be the difference between the two sides as his hattrick, and a goal a piece by Udanta Singh and Pronoy Halder led India to an easy win over Chinese Taipei, in a match largely dominated by coach Stephen Constantine's men both in terms of possession and chances created, giving little to no room to play for the opponents.The attacking intent from India was there from the kick-off and an early build up in the first minute itself led Chinese Taipei to clear their lines, with signs of panic clearly showing in their defensive ranks.In the 3rd minute, Udanta Singh found Chhetri with a pass inside the box, but the latter shot inches wide of the goal as the team pressed for an early goal.It all came together in the 14th minute when Jeje ..
Intercontinental Cup: India thrash Chinese Taipei in opener
Skipper Sunil Chhetri struck a hat-trick as India demolished Chinese Taipei 5-0 in the inaugural match of the Intercontinental Cup football tournament here on Friday.
Cricket doesn't get affected with betting by Bollywood personality: Ex-BCCI official
Former head of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI's) anti-corruption unit Neeraj Kumar on Friday said that cricket does not get affected with any kind of betting by any Bollywood personality.His statement comes after Bollywood actor-producer Arbaaz Khan was summoned by the Thane police for questioning in the Indian Premier League betting scam on Friday."Cricket doesn't get affected with any kind of betting by a Bollywood personality via a bookie until and unless a cricketer is approached. it is just an offence under gambling act," Neeraj told ANI.The name of Arbaaz, brother of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, cropped up during the investigation of a bookie, Sonu Jalan, who was arrested by the police on Tuesday, according to police.
Australia win 4-0 over Czech Republic amid Cahill controversy
Australia on Friday routed the Czech Republic 4-0 in a tune-up friendly ahead of the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup as ageing Tim Cahill continued to be embroiled in controversy.
India blank Chinese Taipei 5-0 in tournament opener
Captain Sunil Chhetri led from the front with a hat-trick as hosts India flexed their muscles and outplayed Chinese Taipei 5-0 to begin their campaign on a rousing note in the four-nation Intercontinental Cup here tonight. Chhetri, India's all-time highest scorer, led by example once again, scoring in the 14th, 34th and 62nd minute of the opener at the Mumbai Football Arena. The India skipper's team-mate at Bengaluru FC, Udanta Singh, netted the other goal in the 48th minute, in what was a thoroughly dominant display by Stephen Constantine's men. While Pronay Halder completed the rout of Chinese Taipei by finding the back of the net with his 78th minute long ranger from the edge of the box. Such was India's dominance -- they enjoyed 67 percent possession -- that their goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu remained a spectator for a major part of the game. India started on the offensive straightaway and were rewarded for their attacking intent when Jeje Lalpekhlua forwarded a through ball ..
Karthik in line to replace Wriddhiman for Afghanistan Test
Dinesh Karthik is likely to get a shot at Test redemption -- as a replacement for the injured wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha -- for the one-off historic encounter against Afghanistan in Bengaluru from June 14. According to sources close to the selection committee, MSK Prasad and Co are looking at the England tour, where Karthik could make the cut in the longest format also. It must be mentioned that Karthik was a surprise success when he played Test cricket in England in 2007. He had three half-centuries -- 60 at Lord's, 77 at Nottingham and 91 at the Oval. Karthik had last played a Test match way back in 2010 against Bangladesh but has had a prolific first-class record with 27 hundreds and over 9000 runs. In 23 Tests for India, he has scored 1000 runs with a hundred and seven half-centuries.
Rashid's 19-year-old body has 30-year-old mind: Simmons
His lack of experience will not stand in Rashid Khan's road to success in the longest format as he has a "30-year-old mind in a 19-year-old body", feels Afghanistan coach Phil Simmons. World's premier T20 bowler will be making his Test debut against India having created a reputation for troubling the best in white ball cricket. However with only four first-class matches under his belt, it could be difficult against a top quality side like India. Talking about Rashid, the former West Indies opener spoke about the leg-break bowler's maturity beyond years. Rashid is all of 19 but he has got the mind of a 30-year-old. He knows exactly what is expected of him. But yes, Mujeeb (17 years) is younger but we will have to see how he copes up with it, Simmons said during an interaction today. In Test cricket, patience will be paramount and Simmons expects that Rashid will replicate his first-class performance against Ireland during the upcoming Test match. It is about them (Rashid and Mujeeb) .
Southgate backs 'strong' Sterling to survive tattoo row
England manager Gareth Southgate insists Raheem Sterling does not deserve to be hounded after the controversy caused by his tattoo of an M16 assault rifle. Manchester City striker Sterling, 23, posted a picture of himself training with his England team-mates with a tattoo of the rifle on the winger's right calf clearly visible. Lucy Cope, who founded Mothers Against Guns after her son Damian was shot dead outside a club in July 2012, said the depiction was "totally unacceptable". Sterling said the unfinished tattoo served as a reminder of his vow never to touch guns after his father was shot to death in his native Jamaica when he was just two years old. Southgate was asked whether he had spoken to Sterling about the need for England stars to be beyond reproach given the potential for influencing impressionable children who idolise them. But Southgate fully backed Sterling and expects his player to cope with the row. "He knows he's got our support, he understands how some people have ..
Russia to sign 4-year anti-doping agreement with IOC
The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) intends to sign an agreement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on measures against violations of anti-doping regulations for the next four years, ROC President Stanislav Pozdnyakov said on Friday.
Over 22,500 tickets sold for Russia-Turkey football friendly
Over 22,500 tickets have already been sold for a friendly football match between the national teams of Russia and Turkey on June 4 here, only 10 days ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, a Russian Football Union (RFU) official said on Friday.
Djokovic into last 16 at Slam for 43rd time
Former champion Novak Djokovic claimed a hardfought 6-4, 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 victory over a grieving Roberto Bautista Agut today to book his spot in the French Open fourth round. The 31-year-old former world number one struggled at times on Suzanne Lenglen court, but eventually came through the four-set battle in three hours and 48 minutes with 13th seed Bautista Agut. He has now made the last 16 of a Slam for the 43rd time, tying Jimmy Connors on the all-time list. Bautista Agut was playing in Paris despite the death of his mother last week. Djokovic, seeded 20 after struggling to find his best form since returning from an elbow injury, will take on Fernando Verdasco for a last-eight place after the Spaniard knocked out fourth seed Grigor Dimitrov. The Serbian has also reached the second week at Roland Garros for the last nine years in a row. "Fours hours for the match, I'm a bit tired, Bautista Agut plays with too much patience for me, but I'm very happy to have won the ...
Chelsea's Abramovich has received Israeli citizenship: Israeli ambassador
Chelsea football club's Russian owner Roman Abramovich has received Israeli citizenship and is now living there, Israel's ambassador to Russia Gary Koren confirmed today. "He has completed the process as far as I know and has moved and is living in Israel and has received an Israeli passport," Koren said in a Russian-language interview with the Echo of Moscow radio station. Previously Israeli media reported that the Jewish billionaire had flown into Israel and received a national identity card. Asked if the 51-year-old Abramovich is now Israel's richest man, Koren said: "Well probably, I don't have such a list." The Israeli diplomat stressed that Abramovich will receive a warm welcome, adding that he hopes the Russian will "invest at least part of his riches in our economy." "Maybe he will support Israeli football because in fact it's in a pitiful state," Koren said, citing Chelsea's success and adding wistfully: "If only we had a football team at such a level." The announcement came .
Zverev overcomes Dzumhur to reach French Open pre-quarters
Germany's Alexander Zverev lived up to his world No.3 billing with a come-from-behind 6-2, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6(7-3), 7-5 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina's world No. 29 Damir Dzumhur in a French Open third round thriller here on Friday.
England stars to get security talk ahead of World Cup
England's World Cup stars will be given a briefing by security experts on how to stay safe from hackers during the tournament in Russia. Gareth Southgate's players and his coaching staff will get advice from GCHQ's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) on how to keep their mobile devices secure. "We continue to receive security advice from all relevant authorities," an FA spokesman said today. Russian hackers have wreaked havoc with global cyber-attacks in recent years. Technology is likely to play a big part in the England players' downtime during the tournament, with smartphones, tablets, laptops and games consoles expected to be among the devices making the trip. Several members of Southgate's squad, including captain Harry Kane and Dele Alli, are well-known players of online games such as Fortnite. The NCSC has already issued advice to supporters travelling to Russia for the tournament, urging fans to take as few devices as possible and to ensure those they do take with them are ..
Czech mate as Aussies warm up for World Cup with 4-0 win
Hertha Berlin winger Mathew Leckie struck twice as Australia warmed up for the World Cup in Russia with a 4-0 rout of the Czech Republic today. Leckie put the Socceroos ahead just after the half-hour and doubled their lead eight minutes after the restart of the match played in Sankt Poelten in Austria. Urawa Diamonds striker Andrew Nabbout put the match beyond reach for the Czechs with a goal in the 72nd minute. The Czechs' misery was compounded when Slavia Prague defender Jakub Jugas put into his own net 10 minutes from the final whistle. Australia, set to make their fifth World Cup appearance in Russia four years after failing to get out of the group stage at Brazil 2014, face tournament favourites France in their opener on June 16 in Kazan. Coach Bert van Marwijk's men also face Peru and Denmark in Group C.
Lahiri shoots 1-under as Sharma struggles as do top stars
Anirban Lahiri carded 1-Under 71 in the first round to finish on tied 36th after first round of the Memorial Tournament hosted by Jack Nicklaus, here today. But India's other challenger Shubhankar Sharma had a disastrous 4-over for the day and is likely to miss the cut. Hideki Matsuyama jumped from the middle of the pack to a share of the lead with a superb display in the middle of the round as he reeled off four straight birdies and then holed out with a wedge from 130 yards on the 17th hole for an eagle that sent him to a 7-under 65. He shares the lead with 19-year-old Joaquin Niemann of Chile and Abraham Ancer of Mexico. Tiger Woods has a disappointing start but improved as the round progresses. Woods three-putted from 25 feet to fall to 3 over with five holes to play. He bounced back with three straight birdies -- two of them on par 5s on the front nine -- and got up-and-down from 62 yards on the ninth hole for a hard grinding 72. Woods is playing the Memorial for the first time ..
Day of defeats for India at French Open
In an extremely disappointing day for India at the French Open, Yuki Bhambri, Divij Sharan and Rohan Bopanna bowed out of different events on an all-defeat day for the country at the clay court Grand Slam, here. First up was the pair of Yuki and Sharan in the men's doubles second round but the second seeds Oliver Marach and Mate Pavic prevailed over the Indians with a 7-5 6-3 win. Yuki, playing at French Open for the first time in his career, had already lost his singles, so his challenge ended at the second major of the year without much success. Sharan again took court for the mixed doubles, teaming up with Japan's Shuko Aoyama, but they frittered away a one-set advantage to lose 6-2 3-6 5-10 to Katarina Srebotnik and Santiago Gonzalez in the first round. Bopanna, who was defending his mixed doubles title, and his partner Timea Babos suffered a tame 2-6 3-6 defeat against John Peers and Shuai Zhang. Last year Bopanna had won his maiden Grand Slam trophy with Canada's Gabriela ...