Page 359 - Sports
Female Iranian boxer 'to stay in France' after fight win
An Iranian woman, who became the country's first female boxer to win an international fight, intends to stay in France, her spokesperson said Wednesday, adding an arrest warrant had been issued against her. Sadaf Khadem and her trainer Mahyar Monshipour are currently in the French city of Poitiers, the spokesperson, who asked not to be named, said. Khadem, 24, had been due to return to Tehran, where she works as a fitness trainer, following Saturday's bout in the western town of Royan. Monshipour, who has double French and Iranian nationality, had been due to make a tour of Iran and give boxing classes. By taking on 25-year-old Anne Chauvin of France, Khadem defied rules in Iran prohibiting women from taking part in international boxing competitions. Bare-headed and wearing shorts, she also defied rules in Iran that female athletes should be covered in line with its Islamic laws governing women's dress. Khadem is accused of violating Iranian dress rules for women while her trainer is .
Miserly Sunrisers Hyderabad bowlers stop CSK at 132/5
Sunrisers Hyderabad bowled a nagging line and length to restrict Chennai Super Kings to 132 for five in their Indian Premier League match here Wednesday. Leading the side in the absence of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who was rested for the game because of back spasm, Suresh Raina opted to bat after the coin landed in his favour. But the decision did not work wonders for the visitors as the Sunrisers bowlers produced a disciplined effort to pick up five wickets for 22 runs. Opener Faf du Plessis top-scored with a 31-ball 45 and added 79 runs for the opening wicket with Shane Watson (31). CSK did not have much to cheer about after that as the hosts made a remarkable comeback. Ignored for the World Cup, Ambati Rayadu remained not out on 25 off 21 balls. While leg-spinner Rashid Khan was the most successful bowler with economical figures of 2/17 in four overs, seamers Bhuvneshwar Kumar (0/21) and Khaleel Ahmed (1/22) were also miserly. It was a quite beginning for CSK as Bhuvneshwar conceded ...
Chennaiyin FC notch up maiden win in AFC Cup, beat Nepal's Manang Marshyangdi 2-0
Chennaiyin FC notched up their maiden win in the AFC Cup with a 2-0 victory over Nepal's Manang Marshyangdi Club to move to the top of their group here on Wednesday. The match at the TransStadia Arena also saw the former Indian Super League champions scoring their first goal of the AFC Cup after their goal-less stalemate against I-League side Minerva Punjab in their opening Group E match here. After a scoreless opening 45 minutes, Chennaiyin's overseas players Chris Herd (51st) from Australia and Brazilian Mailson Veriato (53rd) scored early in the second half to secure all three points. Chennaiyin had their first sight on goal just after the five-minute mark but Jeje Lalpekhlua saw his effort from 10 yards deflected narrowly wide. Although the home side dominated the possession in the ensuing 25 minutes, they struggled to create clear-cut chances, but Mohammed Rafi shot just wide from the centre of the area after being picked out by Renthlei Laldinliana's low cross from the right ...
Cleared of doping charges, Kang named in 43-member India team for Asian C'ships
Javelin thrower Davinder Singh Kang, who has recently been cleared of doping charges by the Athletics Integrity Unit of the world governing body, made a dramatic return to the Indian team as he was named among 43 athletes for the Asian Championships starting in Doha on April 21. The 30-year-old Kang was handed a provisional suspension in 2017 after his urine samples returned positive for anabolic steroids. But he was recently cleared of doping charges by both the AIU and WADA after the National Dope Testing Laboratory here withdrew the adverse analytical finding issued to his urine sample. Kang, who has a personal best of 82.16m, did not touch the qualifying standard of 80.75m set by the Athletics Federation of India in any of the two events he took part this season after being cleared of the doping charges but has been named in the team in the last minute. He finished fifth with a throw of 79.31m in the Federation Cup in March while he managed 74.28m to win gold in the National ...
I was looking to keep it simple and be consistent: Vijay Shankar
Vijay Shankar Wednesday said he was looking to "keep it simple and be consistent", amid surprises from certain quarters and a bit of sarcasm following his World Cup selection. In the words of chief national selector MSK Prasad, Shankar has been selected for the "three-dimensional qualities" he provides. He, in all probability, took the slot which was speculated to go to Ambati Rayudu before his dip in form in the home series against Australia last month. "I was trying to keep it really simple. Even when the IPL started, there was talk about selection but I was just looking to be consistent," Shankar said ahead of the IPL game between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings. "I felt really good, it's a dream for any cricketer to be part of a World Cup, but it's very important to stay in the present," he added. A day after Shankar's selection in India's 15-man squad left a few surprised, Rayudu tweeted that he has "ordered 3d glasses" to watch the World Cup. But Shankar seemed ...
Dimuth Karunaratne appointed as Sri Lanka's ODI captain
Sri Lanka's cricket board on Wednesday appointed Dimuth Karunaratne, as the captain of the Sri Lankan ODI team.This decision means that the left-handed batsman will be leading the side in the upcoming World Cup, International Cricket Council (ICC) reported.Most of the cricketing teams have been finalising their squads for the World Cup, but Sri Lanka was going through a turbulent time trying to figure out who can lead their team in England for the World Cup.Lasith Malinga, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal and Thisara Perera, have all helmed the reins of the side at various stages over the past two years.But with the mega tournament fast approaching, the selectors have gone for Karunaratne to lead the side.Karunaratne has not played a single ODI since the 2015 World Cup. The 30-year-old batsman has scored just 190 runs in 17 ODI's at an average below than 16.The left-handed Karunaratne recently led the Sri Lankan side to a historic Test series clean-sweep over South Africa. This series
Harbhajan Singh shares throwback post from his international debut match
Cricketers may not remember all their stats, but they very well remember their debut matches as they are given international caps for the very first time. Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh on Wednesday shared a similar picture remembering his international debut."21 years ago, 17 April 1998 I made my first appearance for India in a one-day cricket cap no 113, against New Zealand At Sharjah... Time fly yes it does.," Harbhajan posted on his Twitter account.The 38-year-old has been one of the finest spinners to come out of India, as he has taken a total of 417 wickets in the Test format, recording a haul-mark hattrick in the 2001 Test match against Australia in Kolkata.Harbhajan also scored two consecutive Test match centuries against New Zealand, showcasing his potential with the bat in hand. The player took part in a total of 103 Test matches.The spinner claimed 269 wickets in 236 matches in the ODI format and he was a key member of the World Cup winning team in 2011.He was exceptional
Malinga ousted, Karunaratne named Sri Lanka's ODI captain for World Cup
Veteran pacer Lasith Malinga was sacked as ODI skipper with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Wednesday naming Test captain Dimuth Karunaratne to lead the country at the 50 over World cup in England beginning May 30. The World cup squad will be announced Thursday, SLC said. "Karunaratne's appointment was ratified by the Minister of Telecommunications, Foreign Employment and Sports Honorable Harin Fernando," Sri Lanka Cricket said in a release. The 31-year-old Karunaratne, who didn't play a single ODI since the 2015 World Cup, has only featured in 17 ODIs and averages 15.83 with a high score of 60. He will replace Malinga, who had captained the team during the 0-5 loss to South Africa in the ODI series. Malinga, who led Sri Lanka to a World T20 trophy in 2014, had personal disagreements with the team management and certain senior players, which also soured his stint as captain. Karunaratne, a Test opener, forced himself into the ODI captaincy following his success in the Test arena. He led Sri ..
Minerva held by Abahani Dhaka 2-2 in AFC Cup match
Former I-League champions Minerva Punjab FC were held to a 2-2 draw by Abahani Dhaka of Bangladesh in their AFC Cup match here on Wednesday. Mahmoud Al Amnah (16th) and Sreyas Gopalan (42nd) scored for Minerva while Nabib Newas Jibon (20th) and Sunday Chizoba (48th) were on target for the home side in the Group E match at Bangabandhu National Stadium. Minerva Punjab made two changes to the playing eleven which played out a goal-less stalemate against Chennaiyin FC in their opening match with goalkeeper Bhaskar Roy and midfielder Harminder Singh being handed the starts. The Punjab-based side are still searching for their maiden win in the AFC Cup. Sunday Chizoba showed the home side's intent when he fired a shot just wide in the first minute itself but Minerva responded immediately with a powerful strike from Mahmoud Al Amnah which Abahani goalkeeper Shahidul Alam did well to tip it over. A touch of quality almost put Minerva in front when Al Amnah's deep cross from the right was ...
Back spasm rules out Dhoni, not leading CSK for first time since 2010
Struggling with back spasm, Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was Wednesday rested for their IPL clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, the first time he is not leading the yellow brigade since 2010. Suresh Raina was handed over the captaincy for the away game at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. "Dhoni wanted to take some rest, he'll be back in the next game," Raina said at the toss. The decision to rest the veteran was a precautionary measure. The two-time World Cup winning captain had suffered the injury against Kolkata Knight Riders and after that game, Dhoni had said, "It's a little tight right now but hopefully, it will get better". Ahead the match, Dhoni was seen warming up by playing some football before Raina walked out for the toss. This is only the fourth time Dhoni is not playing for Chennai Super Kings in the cash-rich league. Dhoni has been in good form for Chennai Super Kings in the 2019 IPL, leading the team's run chart with 230 runs from eight ...
Dimuth Karunaratne to lead Sri Lanka in World Cup
Opening batsman Dimuth Karunaratne has been appointed as the new ODI captain of Sri Lanka and will lead the side at the upcoming World Cup slated to be held in England and Wales from May 30.
Kerber out of Fed Cup play-off with infection
Reigning Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber will miss Germany's Fed Cup play-off tie against Latvia this weekend because of an illness, the German Tennis Federation confirmed Wednesday. Germany hope to retain their World Group status in an indoor hard-court play-off in Riga on Friday and Saturday, but they will have to do so without their star player. Kerber had been struggling to recover from a protracted bout of flu and confirmed that she was under doctor's orders not to play this weekend. "I am disappointed and sad to miss the Latvia tie," Kerber, ranked fifth in the world, said in a statement. "Even though I can't be there with them, I am in contact with the team and I am sure that the girls will triumph in the play-off." Team captain Jens Gerlach has nominated Mona Barthel, ranked 85 places below Kerber, as the replacement on the German team. "The whole team wishes Angie a quick recovery and we hope to see her on court again soon," said Gerlach.
Oblak signs new Atletico contract until 2023
Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak has signed a new contract until 2023, the club announced on Wednesday. Oblak's commitment comes as a boost to Atletico, with the 26-year-old establishing himself as one of the world's finest goalkeepers since joining the club in 2014. "Jan Oblak has extended his contract with Atletico Madrid until June 30, 2023," a club statement read. "The Slovenian player has signed his new contract that commits him to our club for four more seasons." Oblak's previous contract contained a release clause of 100 million euros, which is likely to have been increased, rather than removed, in his new deal. According to reports in the Spanish press, the adjusted release clause will be 120 million euros. But the likelihood of Oblak leaving this summer is reduced. According to Atletico's statement, Oblak said he was "very happy to sign a new contract and happy to be here." Oblak added: "I will always give my best to defend this shirt with everything I have and I will ...
Japan's Nishikori knocked out in Monte Carlo
Japan's Kei Nishikori lost his opening match of the clay season on Wednesday, with Asia's top player crashing to a 7-5, 6-4 defeat to Pierre-Hugues Herbert at the Monte Carlo Masters. Fifth seed Nishikori reached the final here last year but will lose a chunk of ranking points after he hit 25 unforced errors and just 14 winners in succumbing to Frenchman Herbert. Nishikori will now move on to Barcelona next week, where he owns two titles as he works on his clay form as the run-up to Roland Garros intensifies. Herbert, who overcame Fernando Verdasco in the first roud, struck 31 winners in his upset to avenge a three-set loss to Nishikori in Rotterdam earlier this season. "I'm very happy to finally beat Kei," the 49th-ranked Herbert said. "I was very confident with my defence. "I came to the match with good feelings after the first round." Nishikori lost the Monte Carlo final a year ago to 11-time champion Rafael Nadal.
Chennai win toss, opt to bat vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stand-in skipper Suresh Raina won the toss and opted to bat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, here on Wednesday.
Diego Costa suspected of tax fraud in Spain: report
Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa is the latest star to fall foul of the Spanish authorities for possible non-payment of taxes on image rights, a Spanish newspaper reported on Wednesday. "The tax administration accuses the Atletico striker of fraud totalling 1.1 million euros related to taxes related to his image rights in 2014," daily newspaper El Mundo reported. Contacted by AFP, a spokesman for the tax office refused to comment. saying he could not comment on "specific taxpayer files". Two football superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have already paid substantial fines in Spain for the same offence. A third star, Neymar, is reportedly being investigated in Spain over his taxes. The tax office suspects the 30-year-old Costa "concealed income" from a sponsorship deal he signed with Adidas shortly before he joined Chelsea from Atletico in 2014. Costa, who has both Brazilian and Spanish citizenship, returned to Atletico in 2018. Spanish public prosecutors must decide ...
Archer given chance to stake World Cup claim
England chief selector Ed Smith is confident the call-up of uncapped all-rounder Jofra Archer will have no adverse affect on team morale in the run-up to the World Cup. Rising star Archer was included Wednesday in a 17-man squad for next month's one-day internationals against Ireland and Pakistan. The dynamic Barbados-born Archer was left out of the 15-man preliminary World Cup squad also announced by tournament hosts England. But he could have as many as six one-day internationals -- one against Ireland and five against Pakistan -- to stake his claim before England confirm their final World Cup squad on May 23. Sussex paceman Archer, 24, has an English father and holds a British passport. He completed a three-year qualification period on March 17 after the England and Wales Cricket Board changed its residency rules. Under the previous system, he would not have been eligible until the winter of 2022 after a seven-year residency. Archer and another Barbados-born Sussex player Chris ...
CSK opt to bat against Sunrisers Hyderabad
Chennai Super Kings won the toss and opted to bat against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League here Wednesday. Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been rested for the match as a precautionary measure after suffering back spasm, handing over CSK's captaincy to Suresh Raina. Sam Billings will keep wickets in the absence of Dhoni, while Karn Sharma came in the place of Mitchell Santner. Yusuf Pathan and Shahbaaz Nadeem returned for SRH. Teams: Sunrisers Hyderabad: David Warner, Jonny Bairstow, Kane Williamson, Vijay Shankar, Yusuf Pathan, Deepak Hooda, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Sandeep Sharma, Shahbaaz Nadeem Chennai Super Kings XI: Faf du Plessis, Shane Watson, Suresh Raina (Capt), Ambati Rayudu, Sam Billings, Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Karn Sharma, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Imran Tahir.
Happy DC don't have much of home advantage: Cutting
Mumbai Indians (MI) will take on Delhi Capitals (DC) on a low and slow Feroz Shah Kotla wicket on Thursday and with the home team also finding it difficult to adapt to the conditions, MI all-rounder Ben Cutting said it always helps when the away team starts on the same page as the home side.
Wrestler Bajrang regains world number one spot
Top Indian grappler Bajrang Punia regained the world number one spot in the men's 65kg freestyle category in the rankings issued by United World Wrestling on Wednesday. The 25-year-old Indian, who won gold in the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games as well as a silver in the World Championships last year, secured 58 ranking points ahead of Akhmed Chakaev of Russia, who has 21 points in his kitty. Bajrang, who is currently preparing for the Asian Wrestling Championship to be held in China from April 23, had first reached the world number one spot in November last year. He won a gold at the Dan Kolov-Nikola Petrov tournament in Bulgaria last month.