Page 2227 - Sports
Sindhu, Saina to kickstart 3rd Premier Badminton League
An exciting battle will be on cards when Olympic medallists P V Sindhu and Saina Nehwal lock horns in the opening match between defending champions Chennai Smashers and Awadhe Warriors at the third edition of the Premier Badminton League here tomorrow. Less than a year ago it was Sindhu, who had led Chennai to a title triumph after an intense battle with Mumbai Rockets at New Delhi and the Indian ace will hope to begin the tournament on a positive note. Sindhu, currently ranked No 3 in the World, holds a 2-1 edge in her recent meetings against Saina, with her only loss coming in a riveting Senior National Championship finale held at Nagpur last month. It is not just a personal battle of the two Indian girls as they would also be looking to guide their respective teams to glory in a highly-competitve league that also features the world's top players including men's World No1 Viktor Axlesson (Denmark) and women's No1 Tai Tzu Ying (Taiwan). On the eve of the league opener, .
Khan leads at halfway mark after stunning fightback
Delhi's Rashid Khan was at 'home' as he bounced back from a double-bogey to shoot the second day's best score of five-under-67 and emerge leader at the Rs 1.5 crore McLeod Russel Tour Championship 2017. Dishing out flawless iron shots, the two-time Asian Tour winner started off with birdies on first four but stumbled on the seventh with a double bogey before bouncing back in style for a 10-under 134 after 36 holes to lead by one shot at halfway mark. "It's not my home yet but I've been coming here from 2005 and know the course well. You just have to be patient," Khan, eyeing a maiden title at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club, said after round two (67-67). "I got lucky on the last hole. I thought my approach will land beyond the green but fortunately for me it hit the flag." Bengaluru's Rahil Gangjee, the only golfer to be bogey- free through the first 36 holes, registered a 68 to occupy second place at nine-under-135. Overnight leader Shubhankar Sharma of Chandigarh dropped .
ISL: FC Goa will bank on strong attack against Pune City (Preview)
Ranko Popovics FC Pune City will have to put their best foot forward in order to stop high-flying FC Goa in the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season four clash at the Fatorda Stadium here on Saturday.
No pressure on ATK: Sheringham
They may have yet to win a home match this season but coach of two-time ISL champions ATK, Teddy Sheringham, today said they are not feeling any pressure on the eve of their game against Delhi Dynamos. ATK suffered a 1-4 defeat to Pune FC here in their last outing. Their first win of the season was on the road, against Mumbai City FC. "We haven't won on our home ground but this is our second game (here) and so no big pressure. We know we need to start winning on a regular basis if we are to achieve anything in this championship," the coach said. "It was fantastic to get a win finally after how we performed in our first four games. We worked harder and battled; we did what we had to do to win the game." Eugeneson Lyngdoh has been ruled out for the season after picking up an injury in their game against Jamshedpur FC and the coach said it would leave a big void. "We are always getting injuries so there are still injuries in our squad. I dont really want to tell the ...
Indore T20I: Lanka win toss, ask 'unchanged' India to bat first
Sri Lanka have won the toss and ask India to bat first in the penultimate second T20I of the three-match series between the two sides here at the Holkar International Stadium on Friday.Following the toss, Indian stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma said that toss doesn't matter and that what they do on the field really matters."Toss doesn't matter, what we do on the field matters. Cannot be overconfident," Sharma said.Sri Lanka skipper Thisara Perera, on the other hand, said, "Looks a small boundary, so we want to chase."As far as Playing XI is concerned, India are going with the same squad that clinched a 93-run win over the visitors in the first T20I in Cuttack to go 1-0 up in the series.Lanka, meanwhile, have opted for two changes in the squad. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Chaturanga de Silva have been roped in for Vishwa Fernando and Dasun Shanaka, respectively.Having already taken a lead with a win in first T20I, India will aim to clinch the three-match T20I series against Lanka.The ...
Real Madrid-Barca clash set to be key game of the season
Real Madrid entertain FC Barcelona in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Saturday lunchtime in what is arguably the most important game of the season so far for both sides.
Sri Lanka opt to field in second T20I
Sri Lanka skipper Thisara Perera won the toss and opted to field in the second T20 International against an unchanged India at the Holkar Stadium here on Friday.
Junior National Equestrian C'ship in Bhopal from tomorrow
German Warmblood breed horse named "Frenchman" is expected to become cynosure at the Junior National Equestrian Championship (JNEC) beginning here tomorrow. Frenchman, a robust horse worth Rs 75 lakh has recently won the FEI World Jumping Challenge Grand Finale organised by the Embassy International School in Bengaluru. Retired Lt. Col Sandeep Deewan, who owns the horse, rode Frenchman in the 120-130 cm category at Bengaluru. Deewan said, "Frenchman is worthy for an Olympic. I bought it from France. It is a German Warmblood breed horse. This breed has been developed for equestrian sports in Germany". A horse of this breed costs Rs 75 lakh in Europe, he claimed. He said he is hopeful that Frenchman like in Bengaluru would win the gold medal in the nine-day junior championship. "I am training Frenchman for Olympic and other international championships," he added. However, he said a good chemistry between a jockey and a horse brings victories in tournaments. Meanwhile, ...
Fantastic to see youngsters get to play pro football: Dravid
Former Indian skipper Rahul Dravid has said that he feels fantastic to see youngsters getting a chance to play professional football alongwith some former international stars in the Indian Super League (ISL).Yesterday, Bengaluru FC, the new entrant in Indian Super League, suffered the second consecutive defeat at the fortress.The result notwithstanding, support for the Blues at home has been phenomenal, and the presence of Rahul 'The Wall' Dravid at Sree Kanteeravaa Stadium further adds to the 'fans' strength of the club.Dravid, who was recently revealed as the club's Brand Ambassador, attended his first ISL match and was impressed with the fan following the club and ISL has generated, terming it as 'fantastic' for Indian football."It's great to see a lot of the young players coming through the academies and so many young Indian players are getting to play the game professionally at the highest level with so many international stars. I think it's fantastic for Indian football and ...
Delhi, Vidarbha face off in Ranji's final showdown
In a dramatic semi-final match, Vidarbha registered a five-run victory over the eight-time champions Karnataka to reach the Ranji final for the first time.In the final showdown, Vidarbha will face Delhi, who will play a Ranji final after ten years.The semi-final of Thursday was medium pacer Rajneesh Gurbani's day, as the 24-year-old single-handedly stopped Karnataka, by claiming seven wickets and bowling out the champions for 192, six short of the 198-run victory target.The five day Ranji match finished with him taking 12 of the 20 Karnataka wickets in both the innings.Talking to ANI, Gurbani said, "We are happy that we won the high pressure game against mighty Karnataka. However, our aim has not been fulfilled yet as we have to still play the finals. We are all geared up for the match."Vidarbha skipper Faiz Fazal who could not contribute much with bat in the semifinal, but has led the way for his side throughout the campaign also expressed hi excitement for the finals."I am not going
I-League: Gokulam Kerala FC registers first win of season
Gokulam Kerala FC posted their first win of the Hero I-League, getting the better of Indian Arrows 2-0, here in Ambedkar Stadium.The two goals for the visitors were scored by Ghanian Daniel Addo and Syrian Khaled Alsaleh.In the first half, Gokulam Kerala FC were the more attacking and even looked the side more in control of the game even though possession was split equally.The initial enterprise was shown by the Indian Arrows. In the 8th minute, the self-driven Aniket Jadhav first cut in from the left to play the ball to Abhishek Halder near the top of the box, but his feeble left footer lacked direction. A minute later, he again broke through from the left beating Provat Lakra for pace but could not get the critical pass in.Then almost against the run of play, Kerala's Ghanian centre-back, Daniel Addo jumped high above everyone, off a Rohit Mirza corner from the left flank in the 11th minute, to drill a header into the Arrows net. The Arrows defence could certainly have been more ...
Not taking anything for granted: Vijender
His unbeaten run notwithstanding, Indian boxing star Vijender Singh is not taking anything for granted as he gears up to defend his WBO Asia Pacific and Oriental titles against Ghana's Ernest Amuzu here tomorrow. The 32-year-old would be squaring off against Amuzu in a Super Middleweight clash. "It is a matter of just one good punch and the bout is decided. Many a times we have seen that lower-ranked boxers defeat their much higher-rated rivals. I am not taking anything easy," Vijender said on the eve of the fight. "It is often said that everything is fair in love and war this bout is also like a war. If his morale is down I would be happy," he added. Vijender also spoke about being challenged by British star Amir Khan despite the fact that the two boxers are in altogether different weight categories. Khan competes in the light welterweight division and his decision of jumping to even welterweight had ended in a knockout loss. Vijender, on the other hand, is placed even ..
Confident Goa look to seal pole position
An in-form FC Goa will look to consolidate their position at the top when they host FC Pune City in an Indian Super League match at the Nehru Stadium here tomorrow. The top three teams -- FC Goa, Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC -- have 12 points each but Goa are at the top of the table owing to better goal difference. FC Goa have played attacking football, scoring a staggering 10 goals in their last two matches, with their midfield and forwards performing like a well-oiled machine. The duo of Ferran Corominas and Manuel Lanzarote have been lethal, scoring 13 goals in between them. Corominas has scored nine goals, including two hat-trick this season. Pune City, sitting fifth, have strikers like Marcelino and Alfaro, who are destructive up front and it remains to be seen how the rival defence tackles them. Pune coach Ranko Popovic believes it is going to be a great challenge for his defenders to stop the duo of Corominas and Lanzarote. Pune City will miss striker Baljit ...
Maharashtra Open: Bopanna-Nedunchezhiyan set to defend men's doubles title
Defending champions Rohan Bopanna and Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan will headline the main draw of the men's double event for the inaugural edition of the ATP 250 World Tour tournament, which is to be held from December 30 to January 6, 2018 at the Mhalunge Balewadi Stadium, Pune.The Maharashtra Open, which has replaced Chennai Open as India's only ATP World Tour event, will also see the 2017 edition's runners-up pair of Purav Raja and Divij Sharan playing with new partners in Leander Paes and American Scott Lipsky, respectively.Bopanna, ranked 18 in the world, has won 17 doubles titles so far in his career.The 36-year-old claimed his maiden Grand Slam glory earlier this year, after winning the 2017 French Open Mixed Doubles with Gabriela Dabrowski.Bopanna and Nedunchezhiyan had formed a lethal combination to edge past Sharan and Raja earlier this year to win the Chennai Open title.Until this victory, Jeevan had tasted just three doubles Challengers titles over the last two years. The duo ...
PWL-3: Top wrestlers walk ramp with dance moves
Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik walked the ramp while CWG gold winner and showstopper Geeta Phogat showed her dancing prowess by grooving to Dangal's title song days ahead of Pro Wrestling League 3. Walking the ramp and dancing alongside Sakshi were Olympic medallists Helen Maroulis and Marwa Amri along with Commonwealth Games medallist Tayla Ford and U23 world champion Bajrang Punia. While Geeta grooved on the beats of Dangal, Olympic and world champion Maroulis danced on Deewani Mastani followed by other Indian and international stars. Gracing the ramp with musical moves, Olympic and world champion Maroulis said, "I am glad to be a part of Pro Wrestling League. It is very famous worldwide and it gives the much needed platform to the players. I am eagerly looking forward to be a part of Season 3." Sakshi added, "I have never experienced such thing in life ever. PWL is certainly the best platform for all the wrestlers as it is not only about wrestling but other ...
Top India hockey stars sign up with TSD Corp
National hockey team skipper Manpreet Singh along with star players SV Sunil and Mandeep Singh have recently signed with the digital management company TSD Corporation Ltd (TSD). TSD's stable of cricketers also includes Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virender Sehwag. Manpreet Singh said:"I couldn't get a better team than TSD to manage our Digital Identity. They are doing a great job and making it easier for us to connect with our fans. It's great to be associated with TSD & Circle of Sports." According to Ishan Yadav Mahal, Digital Head at TSD:"We have been managing the Digital Mandate of various Indian Cricketers for a very long time, but we have always wanted hockey to become a rage on Social & Digital Media as well. "We have started with the Indian captain of the Indian Hockey Team followed by the other key players of the national Hockey Team. Couldn't get a better start than this for TSD & Circle of Sports. Looking forward to a long term relationship with them ...
I-League: Gokulam defeat Arrows to register first win of season
Gokulam Kerala FC posted their first win of the 11th Hero I-League, getting the better of Indian Arrows 2-0 in the Ambedkar Stadium here on Friday.
SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS AT 1730HRS
The following are PTI's top/expected sports stories at 5:30 pm: STORIES IN THE PIPELINE INDORE - Report of 2nd T20 International between India and Sri Lanka CHENNAI - Report of ISL match between Chennaiyin FC vs Kerala Blasters COIMBATORE - Report of I-League match Chennai City vs East Bengal THIRUVANANTHPURAM - National shooting Championship for rifle and pistol.
Gokulam Kerala FC post 2-0 win over Indian Arrows in I-League
Gokulam Kerala FC posted their first win of the 11th Hero I-League, getting the better of Indian Arrows 2-0 at the Ambedkar Stadium here today. Ghanian Daniel Addo (11th minute) and Syrian Khaled Alsaleh (64th) scored for the visitors, while the Arrows produced a spirited performance but failed to post any goals. In the first half, Gokulam Kerala FC were the more attacking and even looked more in control even though possession was split equally. The initial enterprise was shown by the Indian Arrows. In the 8th minute, the self-driven and pacy Aniket Jadhav first cut in from the left to play the ball to Abhishek Halder near the top of the box, but his feeble left footer lacked direction. A minute later, he again broke through from the left beating Provat Lakra for pace but could not get the critical pass in. Then almost against the run of play, Kerala's Ghanian centre-back, Daniel Addo jumped high above everyone, off a Rohit Mirza corner from the left flank in the 11th ...
CSK plans cricket academy
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be launching a cricket academy in the middle of next year in an effort to hone the skills of youngsters. The hugely popular IPL franchise, which will be returning to the League after serving a two-year suspension, is planning the academy, CSK's whole-time director K George John said here. He also said the franchise's support staff could be roped in to help out at the academy. Meanwhile, the fourth edition of Junior Super Kings inter-school T20 Championship, a state-wide event, will begin in the city on December 26. Under the first phase, matches will be held in Chennai and seven other districts, the organisers said here today. The final phase for the winners from six districts (Madurai and Tirunelveli to be taken as one district) and the winner and runner-up from Chennai will be held in Tirunelveli from January 7, 2018. India cricketer Abhinav Mukund, who was present at the launch, said such tournaments provide a good platform for young ...