Page 2208 - Sports
Atletico Nacional eyeing Shanghai Shenhua midfielder Moreno
Colombia's Atletico Nacional have confirmed their interest in signing Shanghai Shenhua midfielder Giovanni Moreno as they aim to bolster their squad for the 2018 season.
Cook's record double ton puts England in control
Alastair Cook reeled off a record-breaking double century to put England in full command of the fourth Ashes Test with a formidable 164-run innings lead in Melbourne, here today. The stoic opener emphatically bounced back after a lean run of scores to finish the day unconquered on 244 off 409 balls. At the close, England were 491 for nine. Along the way, Cook surpassed the highest score by a visiting batsman in a Test match at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground, bettering the 208 by West Indian great Viv Richards in 1984. He earlier bettered Wally Hammond's 200 set back in 1928 as the highest Test score at the MCG by an Englishman. Cook's fifth double-century in 151 Test matches also catapulted him above West Indian Brian Lara to become the sixth highest run-getter in Test cricket with 11,956. Australia, who already have won back the Ashes with an unassailable 3-0 lead, looked unable to stop the flow of runs in the final session as Stuart Broad supported Cook to take ..
Melbourne, Dec 28 (AFP) Scoreboard at the close on day
Scoreboard at the close on day three in the fourth Ashes Test between Australia and England, here today: Australia first innings 327 England first innings (overnight 192-2) A. Cook not out 244 M. Stoneman c and b Lyon 15 J. Vince lbw Hazlewood 17 J. Root c Lyon b Cummins 61 D. Malan lbw b Hazlewood 14 J. Bairstow c Paine b Lyon 22 M. Ali c S. Marsh b Lyon 20 C. Woakes c Paine b Cummins 26 T. Curran c Paine b Hazlewood 4 S. Broad c Khawaja b Cummins 56 J. Anderson not out 0 Extras (b4, lb5, nb3) 12 Total (9 wickets; 144 overs) 491 Fall of wickets: 1-35, 2-80, 3-218, 4-246, 5-279, 6-307, 7-366, 8-373, 9-473. Bowling: Hazlewood 30-5-95-3, Bird 30-5-108-0 (3nb), Lyon 42-9-109-3, Cummins 29-1-117-3, M. Marsh 12-1-42-0, Smith 1-0 -11-0.
Struggling Delhi take on confident Mumbai in an ISL game
Struggling Delhi Dynamos will strive hard and hope for a turnaround in their fortunes when they take on a confident-looking Mumbai City FC in an Indian Super League game, here tomorrow. Delhi are on the horns of a horror run since their lone victory against FC Pune City in their season-opening away game on November 22. They have lost five games on the trot since then, three of those at home, and are currently lying at the bottom of the points table. An come tomorrow, Delhi would be eager to arrest the streak and add to their meagre point tally of three. The hosts, on the other hand, had a hiccup in their last home game losing to ATK but then travelled to Guwahati to put it across NorthEast United FC. They also have a chance to go to the number two slot on the table if they win at the Mumbai Football Arena in suburban Andheri. Mumbai have won three out of seven games and drawn one and their tally of 10 has left them currently in the middle of the table, but a victory ...
Nadal withdraws from Brisbane International, plans Melbourne comeback
World number one Rafael Nadal has pulled out from the Brisbane International, but said he will participate in the Australian Open.Last month, Nadal had announced the withdrawal from the ATP World Tour Finals citing a knee injury after he was defeated by Belgium's David Goffin in the opening match.The injury had also forced him out of Paris Masters in November.The Spaniard was scheduled to return to court in the season-opening Brisbane International starting on January 1, but the injury forced him to pull out, reports the Guardian.The Spaniard took to Twitter on Thursday to say, "I am sorry to announce I won't be coming to Brisbane this year. My intention was to play but I am still not ready after last year's long season and the late start of my preparation."Nadal had reached the semi-finals in Brisbane early this year before claiming his first grand slam final in two-and-a-half years at the Australian Open."I had a great time there and it was a great start to the month I spent in ...
AC Milan claim spot in Coppa Italia semis
Patrick Cutrone's overtime goal gave AC Milan a 1-0 victory over Inter Milan in the quarterfinals of the Coppa Italia.
Man City extend streak with win over Newcastle
Manchester City extended their English Premier League record-winning streak to 18 with a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United.
Boca Juniors sign right-back Buffarini
Boca Juniors have signed Argentine right-back Julio Buffarini from Brazil's Sao Paulo as they reinforce their squad for the 2018 Copa Libertadores.
Uruguayan striker Abreu signs for world record 26th club
Former Uruguay international striker Sebastian "Loco" Abreu has set a world record by signing for his 26th professional club.
I am capable of winning an ATP title: Yuki
A combination of talent and confidence is quintessential to thrive in the demanding professional circuit and Yuki Bhambri is full of both as he avowed that he is capable of winning an ATP World Tour title. Yuki broke into top-100 in 2015 but injury halted his progress further. He did not play many big events in the 2017 season but the 25-year-old Delhi lad ended the year strongly by winning the Pune Challenger and finishing a semi-finalist at the Bengaluru Open. The 2017 season also brought the biggest win of Bhambri's career when he scalped world number 22 Frenchman Gael Monfils at the Citi Open, where he reached the quarter-finals after qualifying for the ATP 500 event. Winning five matches in a row is what he needs to grab a title on the ATP World tour. "The key is to play as much possible and play bigger tournaments. I had a few quarter-finals (on ATP World Tour). You have to focus on every match (to win title) whether it's an ATP or a Challenger or an ITF Futures. ..
I want to see myself as world no 1 next season, says Sindhu
Olympic silver medallist P V Sindhu is eyeing the world no 1 position next season but said she will not lose her sleep over rankings as consistent performances will automatically earn her the numero uno spot. Sindhu had achieved a career-best ranking of world no 2 for about two months in the later half of the season. "I want to see myself as world no 1 in the upcoming season. I am at 3 now and it depends on tournaments, if you play well, you will automatically get the ranking. So I am not thinking much about the rankings. I just have to play well and I know I will automatically be there," said Sindhu, who guided Chennai Smashers to a 4-3 win over Mumbai Rockets in PBL last night. The 22-year-old clinched titles at Syed Modi GPG, India Open, Korea Open, besides finishing second at World championship, Hong Kong Open and Dubai Super Series Finals this season. Sindhu feels the duration of matches in women's singles have increased after her epic World Championship final ...
Double ton in sight as Cook grinds England into lead
Alastair Cook neared a double century as he profited on his second drop by Steve Smith to guide England to a 33-run innings lead on day three of the fourth Ashes Test today. The veteran opener, back in the runs after a lean run, had a let-off on 153 to reach 173 not out at tea in Melbourne, with England 360 for six. Batting partner Chris Woakes (26) put the tourists in front with a single off Nathan Lyon 40 minutes before the break as England ratcheted up the pressure on Australia, who have already secured the series with an unassailable 3-0 lead. Smith, who dropped Cook on 66 in the slips on Wednesday, put down the former England skipper for the second time in a sharp right-handed chance at square leg off Pat Cummins to continue his misery. Smith was reported to be suffering from a stomach complaint, similar to one that inflicted Cummins on Wednesday, and which took the skipper briefly from the field early in the day. But it was all about Cook as he scored 150 or more ..
Rajinikanth meets fans, gets photographed with them in Chennai
Superstar Rajinikanth on Thursday met his fans for the third day of his six-day long fans meet-and-greet programme in Chennai where the fan club is getting an opportunity to take a photograph with their matinee idol.His six-day long fans meet-and-greet programme began on December 26 in Raghvendra Kalyana Mandpam here.Rajinikanth is holding such a meeting for the second time this year. He had earlier met his fans in May and clicked pictures with them which fuelled intense speculation about his entry into politics with remarks like this: "If God wills it, I will enter politics tomorrow"..On the opening day of a six-day-long photo session with followers, the Tamil superstar said he was hesitant to enter politics since he knew its dynamics."I am not saying that I will come to politics...I will announce my stand on entering politics on 31 December," Rajinikanth said.The actor met nearly a thousand fans from different districts of the state on the third day of the six-day fan interaction ...
Brazil's road to redemption faces Euro resistance in Russia
A rejuvenated Brazil looking to heal the wounds of home soil humiliation four years ago will lead the South American charge for the World Cup in 2018, but a slew of European powerhouses stand in the way of redemption in Russia. Germany thrashed Brazil 7-1 en route to becoming world champions four years ago and will also be comfortable with their surroundings, having added the Confederations Cup to their honours list in Russia earlier this year. That latest feat was achieved despite leaving a host of their World Cup winners at home to rest ahead of the challenge to become the first side to retain the trophy since Brazil in 1962. "We have an eye on the entire course of the tournament until the final, as our main goal is winning the World Cup title again," admitted former Germany striker Oliver Bierhoff, who is in charge of his country's logistical preparations for the tournament. There won't just be national pride and prestige at stake for the German players, as each ...
Nadal pulls out of Brisbane, but says yes to Australian Open
World No.1 Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the Brisbane International with a knee injury, but said he still intends to play in next month's Australian Open. The Spaniard, who hasn't played since losing to David Goffin at the World Tour Finals in London, was scheduled to start his season in Brisbane this weekend, but said he would now not be coming. "I am sorry to announce I won't be coming to Brisbane this year," Nadal said on Twitter today. "My intention was to play but I am still not ready after last year's long season and the late start of my preparation." But Nadal said he still planned to play in the year's opening Grand Slam tournament, starting in Melbourne on January 15. "I will be seeing my Aussie fans when I land on the 4th (of January) in Melbourne and start there my preparation for the Australian Open," he added. Reports casting doubt over Nadal's recovery from an injury to his right knee surfaced last week when he pulled out of an exhibition in Abu Dhabi ...
Cook bats on as England edge closer to innings lead
Alastair Cook built on his century to put England within 63 runs of Australia's first innings on the third day of the fourth Ashes Test, here today. The 151-Test opener, resuming on an overnight 104, took his score to 134 off 244 balls at lunch with Jonny Bairstow on 16 and the tourists 264 for four. It is Cook's 32nd Test century and his first Ashes ton for almost seven years, and follows an underwhelming six previous innings in this series. At 3-0 down after three Tests, the Ashes urn is already lost to Australia, but England are chasing a face-saving win in the showpiece Boxing Day Test. Cook was England's main hope of getting a crucial innings lead on a slow Melbourne Cricket Ground pitch after the dismissals of captain Joe Root and Dawid Malan in the first session. Root yet again failed to convert his half-century into a big score when he top-edged a hook shot off Pat Cummins to Nathan Lyon at deep square leg. The England captain reached his third half-century of the
Sterling sparkles as City claim 18th successive win
Manchester City surged 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League as Raheem Sterling fired the runaway leaders to a 1-0 win at Newcastle. Pep Guardiola's side look certain to lift the title after extending their Premier League record winning streak to 18 matches. Sterling's 31st minute goal yesterday ensured City took advantage of second placed Manchester United's costly draw with Burnley on Tuesday. The only club in Europe's five biggest leagues to have had a longer winning run is Bayern Munich, who earned 19 consecutive victories under Guardiola in 2013-14. City can equal Bayern's mark in their next match at Crystal Palace on December 31. Unbeaten City have also won a record-equalling 11 successive away matches in the English top-flight, a total matched only by Chelsea in 2008. Only Everton have prevented City from collecting maximum points this season, and ultra-defensive Newcastle, who for long spells had 11 men behind the ball, rarely looked like adding their .
West Indies' Pollard out of T20s for 'personal reasons'
The West Indies have suffered a further setback on their New Zealand tour today with team officials confirming premier all-rounder Kieron Pollard had pulled out of the Twenty20 matches for "personal reasons". It is the second change for the tourists, who have already had to replace the injured Ronsford Beaton. The West Indies have yet to win a match in New Zealand, having lost both Tests inside four days and been comprehensively outplayed in the three one-day internationals. "Left-handed batsman Shimron Hetmyer will replace all- rounder Kieron Pollard, who is unavailable due to personal reasons," Cricket West Indies said in a statement. "Left-arm fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell will replace pacer Ronsford Beaton, who has been forced to return home with a side strain." However, despite New Zealand dominating the Tests and ODIs, coach Mike Hesson expected the West Indies to provide tough opposition in the Twenty20s, the format in which they are world champions. "They're ...
Anushka joins Virat as Team India leaves for South Africa series
Seems like the newly-wed Indian skipper Virat Kohli and actress Anushka Sharma will have their first new-year together post marriage in South Africa.After hosting the second and a grand reception in Mumbai, the 'Phillauri' actress left with her husband and his team for the upcoming series in South Africa.The couple was spotted at the Mumbai International airport late Wednesday night with the other cricketers.While the captain of the Indian cricket team sported a casual look in the Team India tracksuit, Anushka looked gorgeous in a black and white jumpsuit and black jacket.On that note, the U-19 Indian team was also spotted departing from the Mumbai International airport for their next series.Virat and Anushka tied the knots on December 11 in a dreamy destination of Italy.The couple made a formal announcement of the same on their social media accounts by posting, "Today we have promised each other to be bound in love forever. We are truly blessed to share the news with you. This ...
Russia's Dy PM Vitaly Mutko resigns as chairman of World Cup organising committee
Russia's deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko, has resigned from his role as the 2018 World Cup organising committee's chairman less than six months before the tournament begins in the country.Mutko will be replaced by Alexei Sorokin, who is Russia 2018 chief executive and has also take his place on the FIFA council, reports The Guardian.Mutko's resignation comes a few days after informing that he is suspending his role as president of the Russian Football Union."I have decided to file the claim in the CAS tomorrow," The Straits Times quoted Mutko as saying.According to local Russian media, Vitaly Mutko announced the suspension from his post during Russia's RFS football federation executive board meeting.Mutko's announcement comes after he was banned for life from the Olympics this month by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over allegations that Russia created a "state-sponsored doping program."The deputy prime minister had been banned from the Rio 2016 Games. This month he was .