Page 1700 - Sports

Verona staring at relegation after loss to Genoa

Genoa defeated Hellas Verona 3-1 here to further dim the visiting club's hopes of avoiding relegation from the Serie A.

Porto thrash Setubal to reclaim top spot

FC Porto demolished Vitória Setubal 5-1 here to reclaim first place in the top division of the Portugal football league with three matches left in the season.

Birthday wishes pour in for 'master blaster' Sachin Tendulkar

Warm birthday wishes poured in for legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar from every corner of the world as the 'God of Cricket' turned 45 today.From former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif to star boxer Vijender Singh all took to their official Twitter handles to wish the master blaster on his special day.Posting a picture of him with the former opener, Kaif recalled 2003 World Cup match against Pakistan in Centurion, where Tendulkar displayed 'focus and intensity'."Centurion 2003 was one of the best days in my life.Not just because we beat Pakistan in a WC match but because I got to witness from a distance of just 22 yards,a display of focus,intensity & genius. What a man, your glory will be unsurpassed @sachin_rt paaji #HappyBirthdaySachin," he wrote.Former cricketer VVS Laxman also wished Tendulkar on his birthday, while adding that he would always remain an inspiration for many for his brilliant contribution to the game.Laxman wrote, "Happy Birthday dear @sachin_rt . You ..

Rivzi's silver opens India's account at ISSF World Cup

Shahzar Rizvi today clinched India's first medal at the ongoing ISSF World Cup here, winning a silver in the 10m air pistol event. Rizvi, who had won the gold medal in his first appearance in the ISSF World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico in March, fell short by just 0.2 points this time. He bagged the silver medal in the intriguing contest, scoring 239.8. Russia's Artem Chernousov clinched the gold medal with a final score of 240 while the bronze went to Bulgaria's Samuil Donkov who shot a total score of 217.1. After Indian shooters drew a blank on the first two days, the onus was on Rizvi and Commonwealth Games medallists Jitu Rai and Om Prakash Mitharval to end the country's medal drought. Rizvi qualified for the final as the sixth best shooter with a score of 582. However, it was disappointment for both Mitharval and Rai as both of them failed to make it to the final round. While Mitharval finished 11th with a score of 581, Rai was further behind on the 38th spot with a disappointing ..

Need one win to set ball rolling, says disappointed Plunkett

Down but not out. That's what pacer Liam Plunkett tried to convey while summing up the mood in the Delhi Daredevils camp after suffering yet another loss in the Indian Premier League. Delhi Daredevils came agonisingly close to breaking their run of reverses, only to lose by four runs to Kings XI Punjab at the Ferozeshah Kotla last night. "It was really disappointing to lose such a close game. I think we should have won this match. It is really frustrating for all of us," Plunkett said at the post-match press conference. "It was a match we could have won... We are really disappointed." Having lost five out of their six matches, bottom-placed Daredevils host Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday. "We will still believe in ourselves and we know we can win. It is a matter of one win to set the ball rolling. I think we can do it in our next match," said Plunkett. Drafted in for the injured Khagiso Rabada, the Englishman made instant impression on his IPL debut, returning with impressive figures .

India win 8th South Asian Judo Championship

India have clinched the title of team champion in the 8th series of South Asian Judo Championship here last evening.In the men's team category, India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 3-2 in the finals to claim the title. Under the women's team category, India thrashed hosts Nepal 5-0 to seal the title.India ended their campaign in the tournament with a total of 12 Gold medals and three Bronze medals."The Asian Games are ahead of us which is to be held in Indonesia, we are now giving all our strength for it. We will be practicing hard and well for it," gold-medallist Anita Chanu told ANI.In the event which was held in Army Physical Training Center, Lagankhel, Nepal stood second with two Gold medals, seven Silver and 13 Bronze medals in total.Pakistan finished at the third spot with two Gold, four Silver and three Bronze medals.While Sri Lanka bagged three Silver and six Bronze, Bangladesh took away two Silver and two Bronze. Bhutan, on the other hand, settled for just one Bronze medal ...

FIFA force pace on $25B Club World Cup, global league plan

FIFA is forcing the pace on talks over a USD 25 billion offer to revamp the Club World Cup and create a global national team competition. FIFA President Gianni Infantino is seeking an urgent meeting in the next week with leaders of the six continental governing bodies, following his hosting of invited officials from some of Europe's top clubs. That session was held last Friday, the world soccer body said on Monday. The European Club Association has strongly opposed FIFA's hope for a four-yearly club tournament starting in 2021, which could rival the UEFA-organized Champions League. UEFA has also been sceptical of the Club World Cup expansion plan, and last year also proposed a Global Nations League to develop from its European version which kicks off in September. However, a similar worldwide project is tied into the FIFA-controlled USD 25 billion, 12-year offer from a Japanese-led consortium including investors from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. FIFA ..

Walcott downs Newcastle to boost under-fire Allardyce

Theo Walcott did his best to boost Sam Allardyce's approval rating as the Everton winger clinched a 1-0 win against Newcastle United in the Premier League here. Allardyce has been under fire for Everton's dour style of play since he was hired in November and fans called for his dismissal following a draw at struggling Swansea City in their previous match. The pressure on the former England manager was increased by his own club last week when Everton took the curious decision to send a survey to a group of supporters asking them to rate his performance on a scale of zero to 10. Toffees chairman Bill Kenwright apologised for a gaffe that added to the perception Allardyce is on borrowed time with Everton. Against that troubled backdrop, Allardyce -- who has lifted Everton away from the relegation zone in his brief reign -- couldn't afford to see his side's winless run extend to four matches against the club that sacked him 10 years ago. Walcott yesterday ensured Allardyce wouldn't hear .

FIFA subjects 2026 Morocco World Cup bid to fresh scrutiny

Morocco's World Cup bid is facing fresh scrutiny this week with the arrival of another delegation from FIFA after an initial task force found deficiencies in the proposals for the 2026 tournament. In a downbeat conclusion to the visit by the inspectors last week, Morocco's bid leader acknowledged it had to improve the quality of the submission made to FIFA in March because inadequacies were identified by football's governing body. The previously unplanned second inspection of Morocco is an indication of the more rigorous process introduced by FIFA following criticism in 2010 that World Cups were awarded to the riskiest nations in 2018 (Russia) and 2022 (Qatar). There will also be closer scrutiny of human rights of the bidders before the vote on June 13 when Morocco is currently due to be taking on a joint challenge from the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Associated Press revealed last week Morocco did not declare its anti-LGBT law to FIFA in the human rights risk assessment ...

Argentine Biglia's World Cup in doubt after back injury

AC Milan midfielder Lucas Biglia could miss the World Cup this summer with Argentina after suffering a severe back injury during the Italian club's defeat to Benevento at the weekend. The 32-year-old was forced off the pitch after 72 minutes in Milan's shock defeat to 10-man Benevento and the club confirmed Biglia has fractured two vertebrae in his back. "AC Milan inform that Lucas Biglia reported a severe lumbar trauma due to an injury during Saturday's match against Benevento," the club said in a statement. "The player has undergone medical examinations that highlighted a fracture of the transverse processes of the first two lumbar vertebrae. A detailed prognosis will be issued in the coming days upon completion of all medical tests." The former Anderlecht midfielder moved to the San Siro this season on a 17-million-euro deal after four years with Serie A rivals Lazio.

Hopeful of more India-Bangladesh cricket series in new FTP: BCB

There are chances that India might host Bangladesh more in future with the isuue of a greater number of bilateral series between the two set to be discussed when Future Tours Programme (FTP) for 2019-2023 is confirmed here during the on-going five-day International Cricket Council (ICC) meet.

IPL '18: Punjab stun Delhi in last-ball thriller

In another thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) game this season, the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) floored the Delhi Daredevils (DD) in a closely-fought, last-ball thriller, here at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium on Monday.After being asked to bat first, the KXIP scored a modest 143 runs for the loss of eight wickets.Karun Nair (34) top-scored for the KXIP, after a Chris Gayle-less Kings XI Punjab struggled against DD's pace attack and kept on losing wickets at regular intervals.Liam Plunkett knocked three wickets, while Trent Boult and Avesh Khan picked up three wickets each.Delhi, in response, got off to a disastrous start as they lost three wickets in the first six overs, itself.Shreyas Iyer (57) steadied the pace of the innings after his team lost quick wickets.The team fell short by 4 runs in the final over, after 17-year-old mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman picked up the wicket of Shreyas Iyer on the last ball.With DD needing five off the final delivery, Mujeeb speared the ball flat ...

After howlers, umpires told to be more vigilant

Taking strong exception to a few umpiring howlers in the ongoing IPL, the league's chairman Rajiv Shukla is learnt to have told match referees to speak to umpires about staying more vigilant during matches. "These things do happen sometimes but still the IPL chairman has spoken to match referees and asked them to speak to the umpires," a source close to Shukla said on the sidelines of the match between Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Daredevils tonight. The match between Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad saw a seven-ball over two weeks ago. There was a clear no ball bowled during the game between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, but it escaped the umpire's attention. To minimise errors, the umpires have apparently been advised to take the help of technology, if needed. Another official involved with the Indian Premier League said nobody is "infallible".

IPL: Punjab pip Delhi by four runs in nail-biting contest

Kings XI Punjab pipped Delhi Daredevils by four runs in the 22nd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) here at the Feroz Shah Kotla Cricket stadium on Monday.

Kings XI Punjab prevail as DD continue to lose

Kings XI Punjab emerged winner by four runs as embattled Delhi Daredevils' woeful run of form in the Indian Premier League continued despite a change in venue and many changes in the team here today. A heavily-rejigged Daredevils produced a much-improved bowling performance to restrict Kings XI Punjab to 143 for eight but the visitors staged a strong comeback to stop Delhi at 139 for eight. Shreyas Iyer tried his bit with 57 off 45 balls, but that was not enough, as the trio of Ankit Rajpoot, Andrew Tye and Mujeeb ur Rahman picked up two wickets apiece to derail Daredevils' chase. The hosts were off to a brisk start with the highly-talented Prithvi Shaw eking out a few boundaries, including one fine shot through point. But, while going for one too many, the youngster lost his wicket to pacer Ankit Rajpoot, who bowled with fire to return figures of 2/23 in four overs. Rajpoot followed that up by claiming the big fish Glenn Maxwell (12), and the Daredevils' chase seemed to be ...

Pakistan hockey hero seeks heart transplant in India

Pakistan's World Cup winning field hockey goalkeeper Mansoor Ahmed today reached out to India for help in securing a heart transplant -- despite years of breaking his rivals' "hearts on the field". The 49-year-old has been suffering for weeks from complications stemming from a pacemaker and stents implanted in his heart. Ahmed has been a sporting icon in Pakistan since helping the country win the 1994 World Cup in Sydney with his penalty stroke push against the Netherlands in the final. "I may have broken a lot of Indian hearts on the field of play by beating India in the Indira Gandhi Cup (1989) and in other events but that was sport," Ahmed told AFP. "Now I need a heart transplant in India and for that I need support from the Indian government." India-Pakistan ties, including sports and cultural contacts, plummeted after the 2008 militant attacks in Mumbai, which New Delhi blamed on Pakistani militant groups. Despite the strained ties, Pakistanis are eligible to apply for medical ...

IPL: Delhi restrict Punjab to 143

A disciplined bowling effort by Delhi Daredevils (DD) restricted Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) to a paltry 143/8 in the Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium here on Monday.

Army sailors bagged seven spots for Asian Sailing C'ship

Army Yachting Node (AYN) sailors bagged seven out of the possible eight spots for Asian Sailing Championship (ASC) to be held from June 24 to 30 in Indonesia. The trials were conducted for 470, Laser Standard, RSX and 49er class of boats in Senior category. In Laser Standard, Vishnu Sarvanan and Mohit Saini were selected, Atul Lande and CHS Reddy and Ayaz Shaikh and Mahesh Yadav made it in 470 (Pair), while in RSX (Windsurf) Jerome Kumar and Manpreet Singh were selected. In 49er (Pair), Narender Singh and SR Rout made it to the team. Yachting Association of India's (YAI) selection trial for selecting the best two teams for representing the country in Asian Games were held at Chennai from April 17 to 22. The best sailor in each class at ASC will represent the country in Asian Games. AYN sailors are assured to represent the country in minimum three categories (470, Laser standard and RSX).

Delhi Daredevils restrict KXIP to 143/8

A heavily-rejigged Delhi Daredevils produced a much-improved bowling performance to restrict Kings XI Punjab to 143 for eight in their Indian Premier League match here today. Opting to field after winning the toss, Delhi Daredevils quickly snuffed out the wicket of Aaron Finch through Avesh Khan. Entering the game as a beleaguered unit, the bottom-placed Daredevils made as many as five changes, including handing out IPL debuts to Liam Plunkett and the young Prithvi Shaw. And what a debut it turned out to be for Plunkett, who returned terrific figures of 3/17 in his full quota of four overs. Trent Boult (2/21) and Avesh Khan (2/36) had two wickets apiece. KIXP batsmen got the starts but could not go to make big scores, with Karun Nair emerging as the top-scorer with 34 off 32 balls. The move to make many changes worked as the hosts managed to keep the in-form Kings XI Punjab to a modest total. The rampaging Chris Gayle was forced to sit out the game due to a sore back and his absence ..

Real Betis' Gimenez out for three weeks due to injury

Real Betis goalkeeper Dani Gimenez is to be sidelined for around three weeks after suffering a right leg injury over the weekend, the Spanish club said on Monday.