Page 303 - Sports
CSA call back Rabada, to miss remainder of IPL
Injured Kagiso Rabada was on Friday ruled of the rest of the IPL after South Africa decided to call the pacer back as a precautionary measure ahead of the World Cup. Rabada had missed Delhi Capitals' last match against Chennai Super Kings due to stiff back and his unavailability is a severe blow to Delhi Capitals, who are striving to win their maiden IPL title. According to a statement from the Delhi Capitals, Rabada, the current Purple Cap holder, has been advised to return home by CSA. "It is indeed very hard for me to leave the Delhi Capitals at this stage of the tournament," said the 23-year-old Rabada, who took 25 wickets from 12 matches that he played this season. "But with the World Cup just a month away, a collective decision has been made for me in this regard. It's been a tremendous season for me with the Delhi Capitals, both on and off the field, and I truly believe that our team can win the trophy." Delhi Capitals' head coach Ricky Ponting termed the development as ...
From Zhang to Kuang: golf's remarkable journey in China
When Zhang Lianwei became the first Chinese player to win a European Tour event in 2003, 14-year-old Kuang Yang hadn't even been born. The pair, part of a record 45 home-grown players in this week's 25th Volvo China Open, illustrate just how far golf has come in the world's most populous nation. Veteran Zhang, who turned 54 on Thursday, only started playing when he was 20 because golf, then deemed a bourgeois pursuit, was banned in China under Mao Zedong. Zhang, the only man to have played in all 25 editions of the China Open, winning it in 2003, is now the daddy of Chinese pro golf, the precursor of a wave of young Chinese players hoping to make it big. Precocious amateur Kuang, 40 years his junior, is just one of a horde of teenagers tearing up Chinese fairways -- and he made an impressive debut with a first-round one-under par 71 on Thursday. "It's a different era and a different environment for these kids coming through now," a smiling Zhang told AFP after receiving a huge ...
Delhi Capitals eye big win in pursuit of 2nd place finish
Their play-off berth sealed, Delhi Capitals will aim for a big win against Rajasthan Royals to enhance their chances for a second-place finish when the two teams clash in their final IPL league match, here Saturday. The Capitals are already sweating over key pacer Kagiso Rabada's fitness as the South African pacer missed a game first time this season against Chennai Super Kings due to a stiff back on Wednesday. And in all likelyhood, Delhi will not risk playing Rabada on Saturday, when they are sure to compete in the Play-offs for the first time in seven years. A big win on Saturday will not only will boost Delhi's morale after the 80-run hammering at the hands of CSK but it could also propel the side to the second position in the eight-team standings. Delhi are currently sitting third with 16 points from 13 games, just behind Mumbai Indians (16 points) and table toppers CSK (18 points). A win against Rajasthan will enhance Delhi's chances of featuring in Qualifier 1, giving them two .
Xavi Hernandez to retire at end of season
FC Barcelona legend midfielder Xavi Hernandez has announced that he will retire at the end of the season to move into coaching.The Terrassa native in a statement said, "It has been a privilege to play until the age of 39. This 2018-19 season will be my last as a player, but I hope the future offers the chance to be a coach."Xavi further confirmed his intention to follow in the footsteps of Dutch footballer and coach Johan Cruyff."I like to see teams take the initiative on the field. To play attacking football, and to demonstrate the essence of what we all have loved since our infancy: possession-based football."Having scored 85 goals between 1998 to 2015, Xavi holds an all-time appearances record of 767 for FC Barcelona. He arrived at the club during the 1991-92 season for the under-12 team.Later on, La Masia became the place where he learned the fundamentals of midfield from Pep Guardiola, whom Xavi succeeded and became the backbone of Barcelona for almost two decades.Xavi went on to
DC look to seal top spot in playoff against RR (Preview)
Delhi Capitals return to the Feroz Shah Kotla to play their final group game of the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League in what has been a terrific season for them. Having already qualified for the playoffs, the last game against Rajasthan Royals will be all about winning and sealing one of the top two spots in the points table. A top two finish allows teams the leeway of getting an extra chance to stay alive in the tournament.
Neeraj undergoes elbow surgery, doubtful for Doha Worlds
Star Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has undergone an elbow surgery, raising doubts over his participation in the World Championships to be held in Doha from September 27 to October 6. Neeraj was operated by celebrated orthopaedic surgeon Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala at the Kokilaben Hospital. "Undergone elbow surgery in Mumbai by Dr.Dinshaw Pardiwala.Will require some months of rehabilitation before i can start back with throwing.Hoping to return stronger. Every setback is a setup for a comeback. God wants to bring you out better than you were before," Neeraj posted on his twitter handle on Friday. The 21-year-old developed pain in his elbow while practising at the NIS Patiala in April. Dr. Pardiwala is a renowned orthopaedic surgeon who has treated many sports stars like Sushil Kumar, Saina Nehwal, P V Sindhu, Yogeshwar Dutt, Vinesh Phogat, Akhil Kumar, H S Prannoy among others. The duration for which Neeraj will have to stay away from action is not yet clear but his chances of being .
Sunrisers eye Play-off berth in clash against RCB
Sunrisers Hyderabad would look to complete the unfinished business and seal their place in the IPL Play-offs when they clash with laggards Royal Challengers Bangalore, here Saturday. The defeat against Mumbai Indians via Super Over must be hurting but they need to shrug it off and add two points to take their tally to 14, good enough to stay in top-4. Despite their defeat against Mumbai on Thursday night, Hyderabad's net run rate is +0.653, which is superior to others in contention for the Play-offs. Even if Hyderabad lose their last match, they can still reach playoffs if Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab don't win more than one of their last two matches. In the absence of their batting mainstay David Warner, young Manish Pandey (71 off 47 balls) shouldered the responsibility pretty well in the last match against Mumbai as he pushed the match into the super over after he carted Hardik Pandya for a last-ball six to bring scores level. Mumbai Indians had scored 162 for five in .
Shame we couldn't win Super Over: Kane Williamson
After conceding a heart-wrenching defeat to Mumbai Indians in an intense Indian Premier League (IPL), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain Kane Williamson said it was a shame that they couldn't end on the winning side.
Spinners changed the game for us: Rohit Sharma
Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma believes it was his spinners who changed the game which the hosts won in the Super Over against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), here on Thursday.
'No tension' as Smith and Warner back in Aussie colours: Langer
Steve Smith and David Warner have been welcomed back to the Australian team with "no tension", coach Justin Langer said Friday, with the World Cup offering another opportunity for redemption. The duo returned to the national side for a World Cup training camp Friday in Brisbane after serving year-long bans for their part in the "sandpapergate" scandal in Cape Town that rocked cricket. "There is no tension," a smiling Langer told reporters. "They're back in the team now. They've been selected, which is brilliant." The duo have enjoyed a solid comeback in the Twenty20 IPL, with Warner in blistering form, topping the competition batting rankings with 692 runs from 12 innings. Langer acknowledged there would need to be some adjustments for the former team leaders, but said the team would be boosted by their experience. "When you come from the titled position of captain then there is going to be a certain degree of humility that comes with that," he said. "One of our really strong values ..
We don't depend on a few to take us over the line: Rohit
Not depending on specific individuals and handling the pressure situations with aplomb has been key to Mumbai Indians' Play-off journey, an elated skipper Rohit Sharma said. Mumbai Indians sealed their place in the Play-offs with a Super Over win over Sunrisers Hyderabad. They still have a game in hand. "It's a good positive for us to qualify with one game to spare. In 2017, when we won the trophy, we qualified with two games in hand. As a team what we have done well is that we have handled the pressure situations well," said Rohit. "A lot guys have put their hand up and taken the responsibility which is why we don't have anyone, barring Quinton (de Kock), in the top five (of the highet run scorers). It's not about one or two individuals. "If you want to win the tournament everyone needs to do well. That's the hallmark of this team, whether it is (leggie) Rahul Chahar or Quinton. We don't believe in individuals to win the game on their own. We want everyone to chip in and take us over
Pandey should bat at number three: Nabi
In the absence of big-hitting David Warner and Jonny Bairstow, the number three batting slot is best suited for Manish Pandey says his Sunrisers Hyderabad teammate Mohammed Nabi. Batting at number three, Pandey scored an unbeaten 71 off 47 balls as he hit a last-ball six to help SRH tie the match with Mumbai Indians on Thursday, though the visitors lost the game in Super Over. "I think No. 3 is a good position for him. Over the last few games, he has consistently performed. It's very good for the team as well because Bairstow and Warner have gone back home. Pandey has come and added strength," said Nabi at the post match press conference. Nabi said in spite of their best efforts Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga were difficult to score off with their yorker-length deliveries. Nabi and Pandey added 49 runs in SRH chase. "We tried to hit big ones, but they bowled brilliantly. The ball was reversing with Malinga and Bumrah. And they bowled brilliant yorkers as well. I thought we'll go ...
Niranjan Mukundan qualifies for World Para Swimming C'ships
Born with a medical condition - spina bifida, Indian para-swimmer Niranjan Mukundan has qualified for World Para Swimming Championships, scheduled to be held in London this year, after winning a gold medal in the 200m Individual Medley and a silver in the 50m Butterfly category at the World Series 2019 in Brazil.Mukundan, who has undergone 17 major surgeries since birth, took up swimming as part of acqua therapy to strengthen his legs and have a normal life. In an exclusive interview with ANI, the player said, "Once I got into the water, I felt like a fish. I started swimming a lot and tapping the hands in the water. I think that is how I started swimming. Kids usually take 15-20 days to learn but I learned in 10 days so that motivated me and got me into water sport.""It was around 2003 when I had just started. Six months down the lane, one of the coaches named John Christopher spotted me and said this kid has more potential and should put into para swimming. I took part in my first ..
Liverpool must dig deep to keep Man City title fight alive
Liverpool must lift themselves after being floored by a Lionel Messi masterclass in Barcelona if they are to take the Premier League title race against a relentless Manchester City into the final weekend of the season. Jurgen Klopp's men face a tricky trip to Newcastle on Saturday, two days before Pep Guardiola's City host Leicester, with just one point separating the pair. Below them, Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United remain in the hunt to secure the remaining two top-four places despite stuttering form. And at the bottom of the table, Cardiff's Premier League future is hanging by a thread as they prepare to host Crystal Palace. AFP Sports looks at the state of play in the Premier League ahead of the penultimate weekend of the competition. The title race ============== It is advantage City in arguably the greatest Premier League title race in history with neither side having dropped points for two months. Defending champions City, after 12 straight wins, are on 92 ...
'In no-man's land': Federer taking 'baby steps' on clay return
Roger Federer returns to clay court tennis for the first time in three years at Madrid next week, admitting it feels like a journey into "no-man's land". The 37-year-old last tested his ability on European dirt at the Rome Masters in 2016, before opting to concentrate on the world's hard surfaces and grass courts which have yielded the majority of his 101 titles. But with his career in its twilight, the Swiss has decided to re-enter a realm of tennis for so long dominated by rival Rafael Nadal -- and Madrid seems the logical venue. Federer has won two of his 11 clay titles in the Spanish capital where the high altitude helps him negate the traditionally pedestrian pace of the dusty surface. "I'm very excited. It's a good challenge, a good test. Confidence, I don't know, it's in no-man's land. I have to start from scratch," said Federer after winning his most recent title in Miami. His long-term aim this spring is Roland Garros where he was champion in 2009 and where he has been a ...
McIlroy shares lead at Wells Fargo Championship
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy is back in his comfort zone at the Wells Fargo Championship, firing a five-under 66 on Thursday to grab a share of the first-round lead with Joel Dahmen. McIlroy earned his first career USPGA Tour victory at the Quail Hollow golf course in 2010, and is the only two-time winner of the event. After shooting even par on the front nine, McIlroy surged up the leaderboard on the back nine in Charlotte, North Carolina in five-under 31 with the help of five birdies over a seven-hole stretch. The golf course "went through different iterations since we started coming here, but every time they tweak something here or there, you know, it's still sort of the same place and it really fits my eye," McIlroy said. "I think it's the purest golf course we play all year in terms of preparation and how manicured it is. "It just has a really nice feel about it. I've always felt comfortable here. I've obviously got good memories." McIlroy finished tied for 21st at The ...
Sad for Semenya, IAAF's wrong policy on hyperandrogenism caused her loss: Dutee Chand
Having been through a humiliating gender row, Indian sprinter Dutee Chand Thursday said she feels sad for South African Olympic champion Caster Semenya, blaming her loss in the Court of Arbitration (CAS) on the "wrong" policies of athletics' world governing body. Dutee, who fought and won a long legal battle over her own hyperandrogenism or elevated levels of male sex hormones, said the South African star athlete is suffering due to IAAF's stance. "As soon as I heard the news I felt sad for Semenya. My mind went back to those nearly two years which were my worst days when I did not know what to do. But Semenya has been facing this for quite a long time (since 2009) and so it is not a sudden thing. I think and hope she will be able to face this better than me," Dutee, who competes in 100m and 200m events, told PTI. On Wednesday, the Court of Arbitration (CAS) for Sport in Lausanne dismissed Semenya's appeal against International Association of Athletics Federation's (IAAF) rules which .
AIFF selection committee lists 35 probables for preliminary coaching
All India Football Federation's (AIFF) selection committee held a meeting on Thursday and listed 35 probables who have been summoned for preliminary coaching camp for India's FIFA Women's U-17 World Cup India 2020 campaign.The probables have been asked to report to Goa from May 2 under former India International Alex Ambrose, as the Coach.Ambrose, was earlier in charge as the head coach of India U-19 National Team last year.The selection committee held a meeting following the conclusion of the Junior Girls National Football Championship 2019-20 and the committee analysed the performances of the scouted probables from the tournament.The list of 35 probables is as follows:Goalkeepers: Tanu, Thoudam Devi, Adrija Sarkhel, Manisha, Manju Ganju.Defenders: Purnima Kumari, Phanjoubam Devi, Sudha Tirkey, Antrika, Kritina Devi, Nisha, Daisy Crasto, Naketa, Kamna, Vaishnavi Chandrakant.Midfielders: Martina, Aveka Singh, Priyanka Devi, Astam Orain, Anju, Poonam, Salomi Minj, Drishti Pant, ...
Now a mobile game called 'Kaun Banega Pradhan Mantri'
In keeping with the election season, Reliance Entertainment's Zapak in association with Zhakaas Games has launched a 'Kaun Banega Pradhan Mantri' mobile game in the midst of the Lok Sabha elections.
Antonio Lopez Habas appointed as new ATK head coach
Indian Super League (ISL) two-time champions, Atletico de Kolkata (ATK), appointed Antonio Lopez Habas as their new head coach on Thursday for the upcoming edition of the ISL."I am very proud to be the head coach of ATK. I have always had the feeling that I will be back to train the team. I am sure that with the support of the fans, and us working together, we will get the recognition and the results that the club deserves," goal.com quoted Habas as saying."Success will be achieved when we aspire to compete hard and add to the professional growth of the club. Many thanks to ATK for showing their confidence in me yet again," he added.Habas makes his return to ATK after a gap of three seasons. He had earlier left the club in 2015 after helming the club's managerial duties for the first two seasons of the league, goal.com reported."I am glad to welcome back our new head coach, Antonio Lopez Habas to the ATK family. I wish him all the best to carry our two-time championship legacy ...