Page 2117 - Sports
Djokovic beats Monfils for 15th time, advances in Australian Open
Serbian star Novak Djokovic on Thursday continued to dominate Frenchman Gael Monfils, defeating him for the 12th time in his career, in the second round of the Australian Open.
Golfers David, Gaurav qualify for National finals
Golfers David DSouza and Gaurav Sharma qualified for the Mercedes Trophy National finals, it was announced on Thursday.
Four Nations hockey: India lose to Belgium
The Indian men's hockey team received a 2-0 defeat from Belgium in the second match at the Four Nations Invitational Tournament here at the Blake Park on Thursday.Goals by Sebastien Dockier (8') and Victor Wegnez (34') ensured Belgium stayed on top of the game.Their first big attempt came in the 4th minute when Belgian forward swiftly smashed a reverse hit to the post but India's No.1 goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who is making a comeback from long injury haul, made an impressive save.Four minutes later, a circle penetration by Belgium saw Sebastien Dockier demonstrate a classic reverse hit to put the ball into the post leaving little chance for Sreejesh to save.The 1-0 lead in the 8th minute put India on the backfoot. In the 12th minute, however, India found a golden opportunity to equalise when forward Ramandeep Singh won the team the first PC of the match but the chance went begging, as the ball could not be stopped at the top of the D.Seven minutes into the second quarter, India's ...
Kohli grabs top ICC awards; named captain of world ODI, Test teams (Roundup)
India skipper Virat Kohli on Thursday swept the International Cricket Council (ICC) annual awards winning the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for being the World Cricketer of the Year 2017 as also being named ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year 2017 and the captain of both ICC Test and ODI teams.
Shenzhen to host WTA Finals for a decade
The season-ending WTA Finals will be hosted by Shenzhen, China for a decade, starting from 2019, the WTA announced on Thursday.Meanwhile, a record prize money of 14 million USD for the top eight singles players and top 8 doubles teams, double the previous prize, was also announced."It gives me great pleasure to announce that the dynamic city of Shenzhen has been chosen to host the WTA Finals, the WTA's crown jewel season finale, for the next decade," said Steve Simon, WTA CEO and Chairman in an official statement.The prestigious tournament, which features the top eight female players, has previously been held in Singapore, which took over from Istanbul.Shenzhen will be the 10th different city - and the second in Asia - to host the WTA Finals.There have been 21 different winners in the event's history with champions from 13 different nations including Serena Williams, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova and Maria Sharapova..
Australia Open: Goffin gets knocked out, del Potro advances
Belgian tennis player and seventh seed David Goffin was knocked out in the second round of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park on Thursday.Goffin had to face defeat from world number 59 Julien Benneteau.Goffin, an ATP Finals runner-up, managed to win only the first set as Frenchman Benneteau won 1-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-1 7-6 (7-4).Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro outplayed Karen Khachanov of Russia 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 6-7 (0-7) 6-4.The 12th seed will now lock horns with Czech player Tomaš Berdych on Saturday in the round of 32.Berdych, a two-time semi-finalist in Melbourne, reached the round three after beating Spain's Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 6-3 2-6 6-2 6-3.Meanwhile, fifth seed Dominic Thiem defeated American Denis Kudla 6-7 (6-8) 3-6 6-2 6-2 6-3.Thiem will now meet France's 26th seed Adrian Mannarino in round three.In another men's singles, the 13th seed, Sam Querrey of America faced a shocking defeat as he went down 6-4 7-6 (8-6) 4-6 6-2 against world number 80 Marton Fucsovics..
Man Utd set to make Sanchez highest-paid EPL player - reports
Manchester United are set to land Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal by making him the Premier League's highest paid player, according to several reports today. The Chilean striker would earn between 400,000 and 500,000 pounds ($555,000 and $690,000) a week before tax by moving to Old Trafford, according to The Sun, the Daily Telegraph and other newspapers. The 29-year-old's wage demands are said to have scared off Manchester City and Chelsea, leaving United as his main suitors. The Daily Telegraph reported that United have offered Sanchez a four-and-a-half-year contract and he would move for a 30 million transfer fee -- it is relatively low because he could leave for free at the end of the summer. The deal for the former Barcelona player would also likely involve a 20 million signing-on fee and a 10 million agent's fee. The Sun reports however that Arsenal could still refuse to allow Sanchez to leave if they do not find a replacement. However, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger at ..
Be a part of Poker Sports League Season 2
The Poker Sports League has announced its trials. Trials will include drafts for pro, online and live qualifiers, and offers the entire poker player community, a golden chance to become a part of Season 2 of the league.Players can participate in these free poker tournaments in Bengaluru, Goa, Delhi and Mumbai. Anybody can earn leader board points by proving their poker skill over successive sessions. The first six qualifiers are counted towards a players leader board points, based on which, they will have a chance to make it to one of the 12 city/state based teams and their poker talent will be showcased on television.Poker Sports League (PSL), the world's first franchise based poker league is the brainchild of Amit Burman, Anuj Gupta and Pranav Bagai - which was established last year, with a mission to establish poker as a sport in the country.It is India's first professional poker league, which gives an opportunity to state level teams and all poker lovers to become a part of the .
ICC rankings: Kohli becomes 2nd Indian batsman to reach 900-point mark
Indian skipper Virat Kohli has become the second player of the country, after Sunil Gavaskar, to reach the 900-point mark in the latest International Cricket Council (ICC) Player Rankings for Test Batsmen, which were released following the conclusion of the Centurion Test.Gavaskar, one of the ICC Cricket Hall of Famers, had achieved the milestone in his 50th Test when he scored 13 and 221 at The Oval in 1979 to jump from 887 points to 916 points, which remained his career-best.Kohli, who recorded his 21st century at Centurion, got to the rare feat in his 65th Test after vaulting from 880 points to 900 points.Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid are the other two India batsmen who came close to the 900-point mark, but were unable to break the barrier. Tendulkar peaked to 898 points in 2002, while Dravid achieved 892 points in 2005.Kohli is only the 31st batsman in the history of Test cricket to reach 900 points. Don Bradman sits on top of the table with 961 points, followed by Steve Smith
Chelsea coach Conte criticises VAR system
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has come down heavily on the Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR) system saying it must be improved after his team narrowly overcame Norwich City in a dramatic FA Cup third round replay clash at the Stamford Bridge here.
NorthEast up for fight against table-toppers Chennaiyin
NorthEast United FC will not be short on motivation as they host table-toppers Chennaiyin FC in a bid to rescue their campaign in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) here tomorrow. NorthEast United FC have just seven points from their nine first leg matches and need a string of wins in the second half of their campaign to entertain any hopes of making it to the semi-final play-offs. New coach Avram Grant, formerly with Chelsea FC, has tried to inspire the team but they still suffered defeat in the last match against ATK at home. All is still not lost for NorthEast United and assistant coach Eelco Schattorie can see that his team is still up for a fight. "The overall atmosphere is fine. Players have the intention to do their job. They are motivated to do something together. Regarding the team gelling or getting tactics implemented, that always takes time, specially offensively. Defensively we dont have too many problems," Schattorie said during the pre-match media ...
Time for talks on players' welfare - Djokovic
Novak Djokovic has called for more consideration of players' welfare amid growing demands from extra tournaments yet no sign of shorter seasons to help their recovery. Djokovic, a 12-time Grand Slam champion who is also president of the ATP players' council, spoke after reaching the third round at the Australian Open in Melbourne today. "Our sport has become an industry, like most of the other global sports. It's more business than a sport," he said. "Of course, we're all blessed to have a great financial compensations, great lives. For sure, I'm very grateful for that. "(But) at the same time what is most important for us is our health and what happens after our career, after you're 30, 35. "There are many players that are struggling. They can't physically walk, run, jog, whatever. I mean, they're struggling some way or another." Djokovic said there was little indication that players were going to have any form of discussion with the sport's chiefs for a shorter ...
Sri Lanka sweat over Mathews fitness ahead of Bangladesh ODI
Skipper Angelo Mathews is doubtful for Sri Lanka's second one-day international in the tri-nation tournament in Bangladesh after the allrounder sustained a suspected injury today. Mathews, who was in action during Sri Lanka's opening loss to Zimbabwe on Wednesday, was under observation ahead of the crucial game against the hosts on Friday. "I think he had hurt his hamstring. We are not sure if it's hamstring or cramping and (we're) waiting for the specialist's verdict," batting coach Thilan Samaraweera told reporters in Dhaka. Middle-order batsman Dinesh Chandimal is expected to lead the side if Mathews is ruled out. Mathews, who returned as the team's limited-overs captain ahead of the tri-series, made a valiant 42 before the islanders went down to Zimbabwe by 12 runs. It was Sri Lanka's fourth defeat against the southern African side in the last six matches. The struggling team won only five of their 29 50-over matches in 2017. In a bid to re-build the Sri Lankan team ..
Pique extends Barcelona deal
Resurgent Barcelona were given a fresh boost today when key defender Gerard Pique signed a contract extension until 2022. Having recently lost Brazilian superstar Neymar in an aggressive contract buy out by Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona have put a 500 million euros ($611 million) buy out clause in Pique's new contract. "The club and the player have agreed terms on a new deal through to June 30, 2022. We will announce when the official signing will take place in a couple of days," Barcelona said on their website. The 30-year-old joined Barcelona from Manchester United in 2008 and has proved an increasingly steady presence as centre-back with the Catalans winning three Champions Leagues and six Spanish Liga titles during his tenure. The 6ft 4in (1.94m) Pique was part of the Spain side that won the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championships. Barcelona currently top the Spanish League with a nine points lead over Atletico Madrid, but are an impressive 19 points ...
Holding a baby, Shaw enjoys time off the field
Having led his side to two convincing wins in the ongoing ICC U-19 World Cup, India's young batting sensation Prithvi Shaw enjoyed time off the field by getting clicked with a baby. Impressed by his batting, former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop while commentating during India's game, said "that's Tendulkar" after Shaw launched into a front-foot drive. For his style and technique, Shaw has in recent times often drawn comparisons with the batting icon, who had followers across the cricketing world. During the match between South Africa and West Indies, a family of spectators asked the India skipper to hold and pose with their baby. Shaw, who has posted the photo on his Instagram account, seemed to be enjoying the well-earned rest after striking fifties in both of India's opening wins, but was happy to oblige.
Stokes court date clashes with T20 return
Ben Stokes's return to international cricket could be further delayed as he faces having to be in court the day he was due to play a T20 match in New Zealand, police revealed today. The talismanic 26-year-old has been included in the squad to play a triangular T20 tournament being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand in February but according to British media Avon and Somerset police have confirmed he is due in court on charges of affray on February 13, the same day England play New Zealand. Stokes was suspended from international duty by the ECB following his involvement in an incident outside a nightclub in September that reportedly left a man with a fractured eye socket. As a result, the Durham all-rounder missed the whole of England's 4-0 Ashes series defeat in Australia. Although England are currently involved in a one-day international series in Australia, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Wednesday Stokes was expected to return to the England ...
Djokovic calls for ATP Tour Finals to move around
Novak Djokovic called for the ATP Tour Finals to travel from their London base Thursday, saying they were a big asset that should be exploited more. In its current format, the elite season-ending tournament has been held in the British city since 2009. But with the announcement that Shenzhen in China will host the WTA Finals from 2019, with prize money doubled to $14 million, the Serb said it made sense for the men's event to also cash in. "I mean, that's a big success for WTA, for all the female players. They deserve it. No doubt about it," he said at the Australian Open. "When it comes down to World Tour Finals, for us and the ATP, London has been a great success for us." But Djokovic, who is president of the ATP Tour player council, added that it may be time for the event to now "travel". "Because it's just probably the biggest leverage that we have. I mean, outside Grand Slams, ATP is obviously not behind Grand Slams. This is the biggest event that ATP has," he ...
Billie Jean melts the ice queen Sharapova
Maria Sharapova says she has been inspired by Billie Jean King's story to change her ice queen act and be a positive influence for younger players. She admits her demeanour may have been selfish in the past, but says that could be about to change after being invited by King to the premier of the "Battle of the Sexes" movie. "Billie Jean invited me to the opening in LA. I went to see it. I enjoyed it," Sharapova said at the Australian Open on Thursday. "She taught me that my example ultimately is an example for the generation to come." Former Australian player Jelena Dokic claimed in a newspaper column Thursday that Sharapova had no friends on tour, swapped few encouraging words with younger players and her doping ban would not have increased her popularity in the locker room. "I think I realised that," said Sharapova. "It didn't come to me so fast. Tennis is a very selfish sport. You have a team around you that do everything just for you in order for you to win. "And ...
Pro Kabaddi Season VI set to start on October 19
Kabaddi will once again hog the limelight for 13 weeks when the sixth edition of the cash-rich Pro Kabaddi League gets underway on October 19. Mashal Sports Pvt. Ltd today announced that the sixth and seventh season of the Pro Kabaddi league will begin on October 19 this year and July 19, 2018 respectively, maintaining a duration of 13 weeks. In Season V, the league scaled unprecedented heights having expanded from 8 teams to 12 teams and conducting 138 matches over a duration of 13 weeks. Withstanding intense competition, Patna Pirates led by Pardeep Narwal beat Gujarat FortuneGiants to clinch the Championship title for the third consecutive time. Anupam Goswami, League Commissioner, VIVO Pro Kabaddi said, "The VIVO Pro Kabaddi Season VI window has been created to keep in mind adequate recovery time for the players post the Asian Games. "The advance window for Season VII will afford forward looking preparation for squad formation and commercial strategy." Season VI of ..
ICC U-19 WC: India look to continuing momentum against Zimbabwe (Preview)
Having already secured their quarter-finals berth in the ICC Under-19 cricket World Cup, a confident India will aim to continue their winning momentum when they face Zimbabwe in their final Group B tie here on Friday.