Page 1896 - Sports
Warner hits out at 'vile, disgusting' wife jibe
Australia vice-captain David Warner says he will always stick up for his family after claiming a "vile and disgusting" remark about his wife by South Africa's Quinton de Kock led to their ugly altercation. Both players were punished Wednesday for the bust-up during the opening Test in Durban, with Warner fined 75 percent of his match fee and De Kock 25 percent. They are free to play the second Test starting Friday in Port Elizabeth, although Warner was also given three demerit points, meaning he will be banned if he gets one more within the next year. Warner admitted he let his emotions take over after confronting the Proteas wicketkeeper/batsman as the players walked up a narrow staircase to the dressing rooms during the tea interval on Sunday. Footage was captured on CCTV and leaked, showing the Australian being restrained by his team-mates. Warner said he was used to taking flak from fans and opposition players, but claimed De Kock's remark crossed a line. "The other day I was ...
Serena Williams eager to hit with big guns again
Serena Williams is through taking baby steps on the comeback trail after the birth of her daughter Alexis Olympia in September. The 23-time Grand Slam singles winner is ramping up her return this week by playing in Indian Wells, her first WTA Tour event since she won the 2017 Australian Open. After a couple of exhibitions and a Davis Cup doubles match, Williams is eager to hit with the big guns as she opens her campaign on Thursday night against Zarina Diyas. "I'm ready to just jump in and get started and see what happens," the 36-year-old American told the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday. "Obviously I'm going to have a few hiccups, I would imagine, and I'm ready for that." Earlier this week she played one tiebreaker in an exhibition tournament in New York. In February she played a doubles rubber for the US Fed Cup team, and took part in another exhibition in Abu Dhabi in late December. Indian Wells features a star-studded women's field in a tournament that looks wide open. Many of ..
'Ross the Boss' desperate to play decider against England
Injured Black Cap Ross Taylor said today he was desperate to play in the one-day series decider against England, as pundits declared his unbeaten 181 the greatest ever limited-overs innings by a Kiwi batsman. Taylor overcame cramps and a severe thigh strain to bludgeon New Zealand to victory with a career-best performance in the fourth ODI in Hamilton yesterday. Grimacing with pain after every shot and limping between the wickets, he levelled the series 2-2 to set up a winner-takes-all clash in Christchurch on Saturday. Coach Mike Hesson was reluctant to risk Taylor in the crunch match if there was risk of long-term injury, and has called in rookie Mark Chapman as cover. "We need to know the extent of it and whether it's one of those injuries that can get worse, or whether you can grin and bear it, we're just not sure yet," Hesson told reporters. Taylor said he was keen to play and would be icing his injured thigh and resting with the intention of taking the field even if not fully ...
ISSF World Cup: Young Anish, Neeraj in line for rapid fire pistol final
Teenager Anish Bhanwala along with Neeraj Kumar were in line for making the final of men's 25m rapid fire pistol in the ISSF World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico. The 15-year-old Bhanwala, in his maiden senior World Cup outing, stood third after the first qualifying round of the event that includes three 2016 Olympic medallists. Anish, who recently equalled the world record in the event in the national trials, shot 294 out of 300 in the precision stage, to lie behind China's Rio bronze medallist Yuehong Li, who shot the same score to be in second place and France's Clement Bessaguet, last years New Delhi World Cup Finals silver medallist, who shot 295 to be on top of the qualifying ladder. Also in line for a final berth was Anish's senior teammate Neeraj Kumar, who shot 291 to lie in sixth place. The top six in the event at the end of the two qualifying stages, the precision stage and the rapid-fire stage, make it to the medal round. The rapid fire stage and the final are slated for ...
AIFF looking into Minerva FC's accusation against East Bengal's improper approach
All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Wednesday, in a statement, confirmed that they are looking into the matter of improper approach to the members of Minerva Football Club (FC) by a rival team, before the final day of the I-League."We have received a letter from Minerva Punjab Football Club highlighting approach to their players and officials from other participating teams in the Hero I-League. The case is presently being handled by AIFF Integrity officer who is doing a thorough investigation into the matter and necessary action will be taken as per the regulations.", read the AIFF statement.According to ESPN reports, the letter, which was addressed to AIFF CEO Kushal Das, I-League CEO Sunando Dhar accused goalkeeping coach of East Bengal (A Kolkata Football club), Abdul Siddiqui, of making an improper approach ahead of their match against Chennai City FC on March 2.The letter also includes accusations against other officials of East Bengal club, who called Rohit Ramesh, owner of
Afghanistan's Mohammad Shahzad suspended for next two matches
Afghan wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Shahzad on Wednesday was suspended for Afghanistan's upcoming two matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018.According to reports, the suspension came after his accumulated demerit points reached four within a 24-month period following his latest breach of the ICC Code of Conduct for which he received a 15 percent fine and one demerit point.During a match against Zimbabwe at the Bulawayo Athletic Club on Tuesday, Shahzad was found guilty of breaching Article 2.1.8, which related to "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an international match".As Shahzad had been fined 100 percent of his match fee and handed three demerit points in a Twenty20 International against the United Arab Emirates at the Dubai International Stadium on 12 December 2016, the addition of this one demerit point took him to the threshold of four demerit points, which, pursuant to article 7.6 of the Code, have now been ..
Pune, Bengaluru play goalless draw in ISL semi-final first leg
FC Pune City and Bengaluru FC left themselves with everything to do in the return clash as they remained goalless in the first-leg semi-final of the Indian Super League at Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium here on Wednesday.
Warner fined by ICC for breach of conduct
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has charged Australia vice-captain David Warner with 75 percent of his match fee for breaching the code of conduct in a highly-charged first test against South Africa in Durban."Warner was found to have breached Article 2.2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to 'conduct that brings the game into disrepute,' following an altercation with Quinton de Kock on Sunday near the team dressing rooms, which was captured on CCTV," the ICC said in a statement.In addition, three demerit points have been added to Warner's disciplinary record, for whom it was the first offence since the introduction of the revised code in September 2016.Level 2 breaches carry a fine of 50 to 100 percent of the match fee and/or up to two suspension points, equating to three or four demerit points.Warner admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees and,
Sultan Azlan Shah Cup: Indian Men's Hockey team beat Malaysia
The Indian Men's Hockey Team on Wednesday beat hosts Malaysia 5-1 here at the 27th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2018 keeping their hopes alive to play in the final.India registered their first win of the tournament with splendid goals from Shilanand Lakra (10'), Gurjant Singh (42', 57'), Sumit Kumar (48') and Ramandeep Singh (51').Faizal Saari (33') was the lone goal scorer for the home team.Coming into the match after a stunning 2-1 win against Olympic Champions Argentina, Malaysia were quick to get off the blocks, attacking India's circle with their front runner Faizal Saari attempting the team's first shot on goal.Shilanand Lakra scored India's opening goal in the 10thminute. The new entrant in the Indian team did exceptionally well to pick up a baseline pass from Gurjant Singh to tap it over the Malaysian goalkeeper fetching India 1-0 lead.The following minutes saw Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera stay busy at the post as he made some brilliant saves. It was Faizal Saari's second attempt .
Bengaluru, Pune play out goalless draw in first leg of semifinal
League table toppers Bengaluru FC and fourth-placed FC Pune City played out a listless goalless draw in the first leg semi-final of the Indian Super League match at the Shiv Chhatrapati sports complex here today. In what was the third encounter between the two sides this season, both teams more so the visitors adopted the caution first attitude leading to a match that provided very little goalmouth thrills to the 9000-strong crowd. The second leg will be hosted by BFC on March 11 where Pune need only a draw to go through to the final with the away goal rule in operation in the semifinals. BFC, the only side this season to have beaten all other teams and coming into the first leg semifinal unbeaten over their last eight games, started cautiously and adequately soaked up the initial pressure exerted by Pune City. The home team had the better of the exchanges in the first 15 minutes and also had a good chance to go ahead early on. A lovely, long chip from well inside his territory by ..
RCA, Rajasthan Royals sign venue agreement at SMS Stadium
After a gap of four years, the Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Stadium here will again bask under the floodlights and echo with the sounds of claps and cheer as the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) and Rajasthan Royals signed a venue agreement on Wednesday for hosting the 2018 edition of the VIVO Indian Premier League (IPL).
Afghanistan batsman Shahzad suspended for two matches
Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Shahzad was today suspended for Afghanistans next two matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier after his accumulated demerit points reached four within a 24-month period following his latest breach of the Code of Conduct. For his latest offence, he received a 15 per cent fine and one demerit point. During a thrilling match against Zimbabwe at the Bulawayo Athletic Club on Tuesday, Shahzad was found guilty of breaching Article 2.1.8, which relates to abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an international match. As Shahzad had been fined 100 per cent of his match fee and handed three demerit points in a Twenty20 International against the United Arab Emirates at the Dubai International Stadium on December 12, 2016, the addition of this one demerit point took him to the threshold of four demerit points, which, pursuant to article 7.6 of the Code, have now been converted into two suspension ...
Warner fined 75 per cent of match fee
Australia vice-captain David Warner has been fined 75 per cent of his match fee for breaching Level 2 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the fourth day of the first Test against South Africa in Durban, International Cricket Council announced on Wednesday.
Shubhankar, Chawrasia, Lahiri favourites at Indian Open (Preview)
India's new golfing star Shubhankar Sharma, S.S.P. Chawrasia and Anirban Lahiri will be among the favourites when the $1.75 million Hero Indian Open begins at the DLF Golf and Country Club here on Thursday.
Australia's Warner fined but cleared for second S.Africa Test
Australia vice-captain David Warner is free to play in the second Test against South Africa after he accepted an ICC charge of bringing the game into disrepute today. Cricket's world body fined Warner 75 per cent of his match fee for an altercation with South African wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock in the first Test this week. CCTV footage showed him apparently turning on De Kock as the players walked up a staircase during the tea break in the fourth day of the match here. The footage shows Warner being restrained by teammates Usman Khawaja and Nathan Lyon before being persuaded to go into the dressing room by Australia captain Steve Smith. By accepting a level two offence, Warner was hit with three demerit points and fined but avoided a one-Test ban. De Kock was also charged by the ICC but is contesting and will have a hearing later today. After a feisty game that saw Australia take a 1-0 lead in the four-Test series, visiting off-spinner Nathan Lyon was also fined 15 per cent of his ..
Hockey: India outplay Malaysia in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup
A brilliant performance helped India outplay Malaysia 5-1 on Wednesday to keep the chances alive to play in the final of the 27th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
India maul Malaysia 5-1 to stay afloat in Azlan Shah Cup
Dishing out their best show, India mauled hosts Malaysia 5-1 to earn an outside chance of qualifying for the final of the Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament, here. India scored through Shilanand Lakra (10th minute), Gurjant Singh (42nd, 57th), Sumit Kumar (48th) and Ramandeep Singh (51st) to register their first full three points in the tournament and keep themselves afloat. Faizal Saari (33rd) was the lone goal scorer for the home team. With this convincing victory, India has managed to keep alive their final hopes, but it will depend on favourable results from the last round robin fixtures scheduled for Friday. World champions Australia today defeated Ireland 4-1 to already seal their place in the final with four wins from as many matches, but barring Ireland all four other teams are in with a chance to qualify for the summit clash. Australia are leading the points table with 12 points ahead of second-placed and Olympic champions Argentina (7 points), Malaysia (6), England (5) and ...
Shankar betters national record at Federation Cup
Tejaswin Shankar set a new national record in the mens high jump scaling 2.28 metres at the Run Adam Federation Cup athletics championships here on Wednesday.
Delhi high jumper smashes national record to book CWG ticket
Delhi youngster Tejaswin Shankar smashed his own national record to claim the high jump gold as three athletes booked their Commonwealth Games berths on the third and penultimate day of the 22nd Federation Cup National Senior Championships here today. The 19-year-old Shankar sailed over the bar at 2.28m to marginally improve his own national mark of 2.26m which he achieved in Coimbatore in 2016 during the Junior National Championships. In the process, he breached the Athletics Federation of India qualifying standards of 2.25m for the upcoming Commonwealth Games. Shankar had earlier cleared 2.28m at a collegiate event in the USA but today's mark was his first at an Athletics Federation of India event. Shankar did not begin well in the competition as he fluffed his first jump at 2.10m but made amends later to steadily cross 2.14m, 2.18m and 2.25m. He then cleared 2.28m in his very first attempt to set the national record. With the rhythm going, Shankar, who is currently studying at the .
Bagan eye win and favourable results from other games to lift I-League title
Former champions Mohun Bagan are in with a great chance to lift the Hero I-League title once again here tomorrow, provided they beat Gokulam Kerala FC and wait for favourable results from other matches of the intriguing final day of the tournament. A few weeks ago, Minerva Punjab were comfortably occupying the top of the league table but the race for ultimate glory has turned on its head and all of the top four teams on the table now have a genuine shot at clinching the trophy. The top four teams are separated by just three points and Mohun Bagan are third with 30 points from 17 games. The Kolkata-based club have the same points tally as their rivals East Bengal but boast a better head-to-head record. Above Bagan are NEROCA FC (31 points) and Minerva (32 points). A win at the EMS Corporation Stadium tomorrow and a win for the Churchill Brothers FC Goa against Minerva is enough for the Mariners to seal their second I-League title in four years. On the other hand, a win for NEROCA FC ...