Page 290 - Sports

Federer back to third after Zverev's Munich knockout

Former world number one Roger Federer has returned to third in the ATP rankings released Monday, replacing Alexander Zverev after the reigning champion was knocked out of the Munich Open at the quarter-finals stage. Federer, who has won a record 20 Grand Slams, is making his return to clay at the Madrid Open this week after three years' absence. Elsewhere Stefanos Tsitsipas takes ninth spot from American John Isner following the Greek's victory at the Estoril Open. Novak Djokovic remains first ahead of Rafael Nadal to mark the Serb's 250th week as world number one, a record only bettered on four occasions in the past. ATP rankings as of May 6 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 11160 pts 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 7765 3. Roger Federer (SUI) 5590 (+1) 4. Alexander Zverev (GER) 5565 (-1) 5. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 5085 6. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 4115 7. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 3780 8. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 3225 9. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 3190 (+1) 10. John Isner (USA) 3085 (-1) 11. Marin Cilic (CRO) ...

Concussed Salah out of Liverpool's Champions League clash against Barcelona

Liverpool will be without top scorer Mohamed Salah for Tuesday's Champions League semi-final, second leg against Barcelona after manager Jurgen Klopp revealed he was concussed in a 3-2 win at Newcastle. The Egyptian was stretchered off at St James' Park on Saturday due to a head knock sustained as he challenged Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka for a high ball. "It's a concussion so that means he would not even be allowed to play. So that's it," said Klopp at his pre-match press conference on Monday. "He feels OK but it is not good enough from a medical point of view that is all. He's desperate (to play) everything but we cannot do it." Klopp will also be without Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino due to a groin injury as his side face the huge challenge of trying to overturn a 3-0 first leg deficit to make the Champions League final for a second consecutive season. "Two of the world's best strikers are not available tomorrow night and we have to score four goals against Barcelona ..

Spin sends South Africa Women tumbling in opening ODI against Pakistan

South Africa had a dreadful start to their three-match ICC Women's Championship (IWC) ODI series against Pakistan after slipping to a record, eight-wicket loss at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom on Monday.Batting first after losing the toss, the hosts were blown away for a poor 63 in 22.5 overs - their second lowest score ever in 50-over cricket - as an off-break bowler and former Pakistan captain Sana Mir claimed an incredible 4/11 in six overs of torture, one of which was a maiden.The visitors then made light work of the total as an unbeaten 34 off 43 balls, including seven fours by Javeria Khan led them to a lopsided win with a massive 212 balls to spare.It was one of the subcontinent nation's finest wins in ODI format and only the fourth time they had beaten South Africa in 19 attempts.The result was undoubtedly set up by Player of the Match, Mir's exceptional effort with the spin, while she was also aided by an almost equally brilliant effort from fellow slow bowler Nashra Sandhu, ..

Marathon man Kipchoge to again target two-hour barrier

Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge will again target the mythical two-hour marathon barrier in a special race to be held between late September and early October, likely in London. Kipchoge went close to smashing the barrier when he came in 25 seconds off the mark in a staged race around Italy's Monza race circuit in 2017. "Running the fastest ever marathon time of 2:00:25 was the proudest moment of my career," Kipchoge said. "To get another chance to break the magical two-hour mark is incredibly exciting. I always say that no human is limited, and I know that it is possible for me to break this barrier." Kipchoge, 34, last week won his fourth London marathon, has now won 11 of the 12 marathons he's contested and set a world record of 2:01:39 when winning the Berlin marathon in 2018. "I learnt a lot from my previous attempt and I truly believe that I can go 26 seconds faster than I did in Monza two years ago," he said. The venue for the "INEOS 1:59 Challenge" is still to be decided, with a number

Jyoti, Rashid to take part in PGTI Players tourney

Some of India's leading professional golfers such as Jyoti Randhawa, Rashid Khan, Chiragh Kumar, Honey Baisoya, Udayan Mane and Kshitij Naveed Kaul will be taking part in the TATA Steel PGTI Players Championship, starting at the Panchkula Golf Club here on Tuesday.

Imad Wasim moves to second place in T20I bowling rankings

After the one-off match against England, Pakistan left-arm spinner Imad Wasim has moved up to the second position in the ICC T20I bowling rankings, updated on Monday.The 30-year-old, who had topped the rankings two years ago, has leapfrogged leg-spinners Shadab Khan of Pakistan and Adil Rashid of England, after taking one for 24 during the match, which his side lost by seven wickets on Sunday. Shadab missed the match at Cardiff due to an illness while Rashid failed to grab a wicket. Left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Afridi is another one to advance in the rankings - from 50th to 47th position.Babar Azam has consolidated his position as the number one batsman after top-scoring in the match with 65, a knock that helped him gain 11 points and takes his tally to a career-best 896 rating points. Harris Sohail has also moved up in the list as his knock of 50 lifted him from 218th to 141st place.For England, Joe Root has moved up two places to 19th place among batsmen after scoring 47 and captain

Ness' personal acts no concern of mine or KXIP: Burman

Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) co-owner Ness Wadia's sentencing in Japan for possessing cannabis has raised questions on whether it will have any impact on the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise.

Kagiso Rabada shares injury update

South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada, who is currently suffering from a back injury, ensured that 'he is good, precautionary is all.'Rabada, keeping the forthcoming ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, was ruled out of Indian Premier League (IPL) owing to his back injury."Ipl was really fun! Extremely glad for the opportunity! Sad to leave but good to be home! Bittersweet. Regarding my back, I'm good - precautionary is all. Will be supporting the boys all the way! @delhicapitals," Rabada wrote in an Instagram post.The 23-year old is the highest wicket-taker in IPL with a wicket tally of 25 wickets, four wickets ahead of second-positioned Imran Tahir, in the league and interestingly, played the least amount of games, 12, compared to the top five players featuring in the list.Rabada's fitness is not the only concern for the Proteas as Dale Steyn also sustained a right shoulder injury. As a result of which Steyn too had to withdraw from IPL after featuring in just two matches.

'Good captain' Kohli always open to listen, says Vettori

Royal Challengers Bangalore coach Daniel Vettori has said that Virat Kohli is always open to listen, a quality which makes him such a 'good captain.'"When I used to speak to him or any other coaches [used to] speak to him, there is always a conversation around what you think is best, where can this work," ESPN Cricinfo quoted Vettori, as saying."It wouldn't always be a number-driven conversation. It would be around some intuition and understanding of the game. I think, ultimately, when you sold a compelling story to Virat, he was always on board, open to listen and that made him such a good captain," he said.Royal Challengers Bangalore did not qualify for this year's Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs although they did manage to win five matches out 14 matches after their penurious beginning which witnessed six back-to-back defeats.However, Kohli while thanking his fans for all the support they gave to his side ensured them that his team will do everything in the next season to turn

Vengsarkar says India have got 'fantastic chance' to lift WC

Former India skipper Dilip Vengsarkar believes that the Virat-Kohli led team has a "fantastic chance" to lift the upcoming World Cup, which begins on May 30 in United Kingdom. India begin their campaign against South Africa on June 5 at Southampton. "India has got a fantastic chance to win the World Cup. At-least last four they will go definitely. But the final, I can't predict to be honest. But we have got extreme potential and all the players are (in) good form," Vengsarkar told reporters here on Monday. Vengsarkar, who is the mentor of the T20 Mumbai League, was speaking after the organisers Mumbai Cricket Association announced its second season which will begin from May 14. League's ambassador Sachin Tendulkar and mentor Sunil Gavaskar were also present. Tendulkar too praised the League. "T20 Mumbai League is soon going to be a league that most of the players from across the nation will want to participate in. For so many years, the (way) Ranji Trophy team has played, if given a ..

Injured player turns coach, guides Ghosal and Chinappa to historic Asian success

With the national team without a head coach for more than a year, Indian stars Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa had to rely on injured teammate Harinder Pal Sandhu for coaching advice en route their historic triumph at the Asian Individual Squash Championship in Kuala Lumpur. Sandhu, who is an active player and Ghosal's best friend, was sitting courtside when the 10th-ranked Indian outplayed the reigning Asian Games champion Leo Au in straight games to become the first male from India to win the continental title on Sunday night. But this time, Sandhu was not sitting as a teammate but as the 'official' coach travelling with the squad. Though Sandhu, who is recovering from a serious back injury, did really well for a makeshift arrangement, national coach Cyrus Poncha did not travel with the team for one of the most important events of the year. However, the scenario is not new in Indian squash as the players had to bank on each other's advice during the Asian Games last year, creating

Dressing room unrest cost KKR playoff spot

Even as Kolkata Knight Riders failed to make the playoffs, by losing their must-win game against Mumbai Indians on Sunday, it was the manner of surrender that caught the eye bringing to the fore the feud within the team that cost them dear in this edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Last-gasp goal helps Kolhapur City beat Baroda Football Academy 4-3 in IWL match

Kamala Devi struck a last-gasp goal as Kolhapur City came back from two goals down to beat Baroda Football Academy 4-3 at the Guru Nanak Stadium here on Monday. Kamala scored the match winner in the injury time (90+3 minute) to give FC Kolhapur three points in a thrilling match. Kashmina scored two goals -- in the 45th and 62nd minutes -- while Pratiksha Mithari also found the target for Kolhapur in the 88th minute. For the Baroda side, an own goal from Kolhapur defender Ayomide Awawu Anibaba in the 28th minute gave them the lead before Mona (35th) and Heta Shukla (89th) found the target. It was Kolhapur who started as a batter side but Baroda got the break against the run of play. Baroda relied more on the counter and the inability of the Kolhapur defence to deal with an aerial ball led to the first goal. The ball bounced inside the Kolhapur area, and defender Ayomide Awawu Anibaba looped her header over the keeper and into the net for an own goal. Baroda then punished Kolhapur ...

Wasn't mentally prepared when I failed Yo-Yo test: Shami

The last 12 months have been a rollercoaster ride for India pacer Mohammed Shami. From being dropped from the Test team for failing a fitness test in June 2018 to breaking into India's squad for the upcoming World Cup on the basis of sheer performance, life has had its share of ups and downs for Shami. But the fast bowler doesn't believe in complaining.

India has a fantastic chance to win the World Cup: Dilip Vengsarkar

Mainintaining that India has a fantastic chance to win the upcoming cricket World Cup, former cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar on Monday asserted that the country would definitely make it to the last four in the tournament."India has a fantastic chance to win the World Cup. They will definitely go to the last four but the final I cannot predict, to be honest with you. I think we have excellent potential. All the players are good and are in form. So I wish them all the success," he told reporters.Vengsarkar was Chairman of selectors of the Indian team in between 2006 and 2008.He said the upcoming Mumbai Premier League will prove a good opportunity for youngsters to prove themselves as the inaugural season of the tournament acted as a"I think it's an excellent opportunity for all the players. 160 players will be seen in action. We had a good first season. It's an outstanding platform and all the matches of the second season will be telecast live."Some of the players who did well in the .

Rahul one of best openers I've batted with: Gayle

Heaping praises on his Kings XI Punjab teammate K.L. Rahul, swashbuckling West Indies opener Chris Gayle has said that the Indian batsman was one of the best opening partners he has had in his career.

Misplaced coffee cup in latest 'GoT' episode brews hilarious reactions on Twitter

It was a takeaway coffee cup placed on Daenerys Targaryen's table that created a stir and woke up fans during an otherwise dull episode of "Game of Thrones". "GoT" followers flooded the social media after watching "The Last of the Starks", the fourth chapter of the show's final season, when they saw a misplaced takeaway cup in a celebratory scene when the heroes gathered to celebrate their victory at the Battle of Winterfell. At almost four chapters down and two more to go, the show's regular viewers were probably off snoozing when some of them caught a break as a cup found its way in the cold Winterfell. Fans said the takeaway cup had no business to be in the epic fantasy show, set in a fictitious medieval era, where the characters are shown drinking wine from silver goblets and ale from mammoth's horn. Many went on Twitter to solve the curious case of the takeaway cup. Some said it was proof that even the Dragon Queen is living on coffee to claim the coveted Iron Throne. "Even the ..

Shantha Rangaswamy, Shubhangi Kulkarni bat for widening base before full-fledged Women's IPL

New Delhi [India], May 6 (ANI): Yesteryear all-rounders Shantha Rangaswamy and Shubhangi Kulkarni have lauded BCCI for staging Women's T20 Challenger, but stressed the need for widening the base to conduct a full-fledged IPL-style league.The crowd presence at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai during the one-off exhibition last year was thin, partly because the game had a 2 pm (IST) start. Now, in its second year, the tournament will commence at 7:30 pm except the second game, which will start at 3:30 pm. Three teams will square up against each other in a round-robin league, with all the games to be hosted at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur.In an exclusive interaction with ANI, Indian women cricket's first captain Rangaswamy said: "After the ICC Women's World Cup 2017, the expectancy level has increased. We need to appreciate the move of all those who have planned this but a lot of preparatory work that needs to be done has still not seen the light of the day. When you write a novel... you write

Warner, Smith help Australia edge New Zealand

David Warner hit a quickfire 39 and Steve Smith 22 Monday in their first appearance for Australia since a major ball-tampering scandal as the home team edged a second-string New Zealand by one wicket in a practice match. The Australians were set a target of 216 at Allan Border Field in Brisbane as they warm up for their World Cup defence, and scraped home with 10 balls to spare thanks to a tail-end rescue act. They have now won nine one-dayers in a row, although this was an unofficial game and not counted as a full international. Skipper Aaron Finch continued his rich vein of form with a measured 52, but fellow opener Usman Khawaja fell cheaply -- bringing Warner to the crease, to warm applause from the crowd. He survived a dropped catch on nought before clicking into gear and turning on the form that saw him average 69.20 in 12 innings in the Indian Premier League. Warner hammered 39 off 43 balls before falling to leg-spinner Todd Astle attempting a reverse sweep. That brought out ..

Grunting doesn't cause distraction effect in tennis: Study

Grunting may not make it harder to predict the tennis ball's trajectory by masking the sound of the racket striking the ball, according to a study. Exceeding noise levels of 100 decibels, the grunting sounds produced by some tennis players when hitting the ball are on par with motorbikes or chainsaws, said researchers from Friedrich Schiller University in Germany. While fans react to these impressive exhalations with either annoyance or amusement, the habit has also been a source of intense debate among professionals, they said. For instance, American tennis star Serena Williams has said that she is not bothered by opponents grunting in the heat of the competition. In contrast, former world number one Martina Navratilova has complained that grunting masks the sound of the racket striking the ball, making it -- unfairly -- harder to predict the ball's trajectory, researchers said. In the study published in PLoS ONE journal, researchers conducted a series of experiments in which ...