Page 368 - Sports
Bayern's title hopes hit as Neuer out for two weeks with calf injury
Bayern Munich have suffered a blow to their league title hopes with club captain and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer out for the next two weeks with a calf injury. The defending Bundesliga champions confirmed Neuer, 33, will be sidelined for "around 14 days" after going off injured during Sunday's win over Fortuna Duesseldorf. With five league games left, leaders Bayern are just a point ahead of Borussia Dortmund with the Bavarian giants on course for a seventh straight league title. The injury-prone Neuer will miss at least their next two league games as reserve keeper Sven Ulreich steps up. Neuer picked up the injury early in the first half of Bayern's 4-1 win, pulling up after making an apparently innocuous pass. Head coach Niko Kovac has confirmed Neuer has the same calf problem which saw the shot-stopper miss two games earlier this month. He will definitely miss the league match at home to resurgent Werder Bremen on Saturday, as well as next Wednesday's away German Cup ...
'Plenty of homework' - Ferrari grope for answers as China challenge flops
Sebastian Vettel said Ferrari had much "homework" to do after a team orders controversy capped a disappointing weekend at the 1,000th Formula One grand prix in China. The Italian marque have shown superior straight-line speed this season, but Mercedes have taken first and second in all three races so far in a run that has surprised even championship leader Lewis Hamilton. The reigning world champion seized control of the drivers' standings with victory ahead of team-mate Valtteri Bottas in Shanghai on Sunday, while Ferrari's challenge dissolved behind them. Ferrari's Vettel was third but Charles Leclerc finished fifth after the 21-year-old rising star was controversially ordered to make way for his senior team-mate, a four-time world champion. Vettel bristled at questions over the team orders to Leclerc, but much of his frustration will stem from Ferrari's continuing inability to get the best out of their car. "In terms of calls from our pit wall today, the priority always lies within
Dani clinches Dutch Open International
India's Harsheel Dani recovered from a game down to get the better of Denmark's Mads Christophersen to clinch the Dutch International badminton title in Wateringen, The Netherlands. Dani, a former junior national champion, clinched his maiden crown of the season with a 15-21, 21-12, 21-13 victory over world no 149 Mads in a 47-minute clash. The 22-year-old, who was left on the sidelines for almost eight months last year due to an ankle injury, didn't drop a game on his way to the final but he found the going tough initially in the summit clash. Dani made simple errors in the opening game to concede the advantage to Mads but he got his bearing right in the second game and took the match to decider. "I made a slow start in the first game. I made too many mistakes from my end, plus the player had a different style of play but in the second and the third game I was very steady and kept rallying till I didn't get the chance to finish," Dani told PTI. "I'm improving step by step. It is an ..
Royals seek revenge against Kings XI Punjab (Preview)
With just two wins from seven games, Rajasthan Royals will be desperate for a win when they take on Kings XI Punjab at the I.S. Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Tuesday in order to keep their chances alive of making it to the playoffs in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League.
Inconsistent KXIP eye revival against rejuvenated RR
An inconsistent Kings XI Punjab will look to sort their bowling woes and regain the momentum when they host a rejuvenated Rajasthan Royals in an Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter here on Thursday. The R Ashwin led Kings XI slipped to number fifth spot after suffering back-to-back losses against Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore respectively. Overall, the hosts have registered four wins from eight matches. The bowling attack of Kings XI has been good only in patches. They failed to defend 197 against MI the other day with Kieron Pollard's knock of 31-ball 83 blowing them away. In their last game against RCB, Punjab's bowling again failed as they allowed the opposition overhaul the target of 173 with four balls to spare. Mohammad Shami, Andrew Tye and all-rounder Sam Curran bled too many runs to hurt the hosts and they will need to bowl a tight line to support their skipper R Ashwin, who has the ability to frustrate even top batsmen with his intelligent bowling. "We let
Sanjay Manjrekar, Aakash Chopra pick their India WC squad
Indian selection committee is all set to announce the national squad for the World Cup, but former cricketers have already picked their line-up for the marquee event to be held in England, starting May 30.Former batsmen Sanjay Manjrekar and Aakash Chopra took Twitter to share their expected 15-member squad.Ambati Rayudu, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant are the eye-catching inclusions who have found a place in both Manjrekar and Chopra's list.Moreover, Chopra wrote: "Pick 4 seamers. It's England. Rayudu over anyone who 'might' be successful. Pant over Shankar--latter isn't bowling so went for the better striker.""Note: Changed my mind on Shankar," Manjrekar pointed out.Earlier on Saturday, Virender Sehwag, who has played in three World Cups, picked his own squad for the event."My Team India for the 2019 World Cup. 7 players from the 2015 team, 8 replacements," Sehwag captioned the list tweeted.The seven players retained from the 2015 team include Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, MS
As overseas player you do have responsibility: Rabada
From playing the catching up game, Delhi Capitals suddenly tightened the screws on the Sunrisers Hyderabad unit during their Indian Premier League game at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium and the two men who did maximum damage were Keemo Paul and Kagiso Rabada. While Paul started the collapse by dismissing Jonny Bairstow, Rabada finished things with figures of 4/22.
Rajasthan Royals launch online coaching community
Rajasthan Royals launch online coaching community
Smith, Warner named among 20 contracted Aussie players
Returning after a year long ban, Steve Smith and David Warner are among 20 centrally-contracted players for Cricket Australia 2019-20, announced on Monday.Pacemen James Pattinson and Nathan Coulter-Nile and spinner Adam Zampa, who were all kept out last year, have won their contracts back. Marcus Harris, who made his Test debut against India in December last year, has also been included.Pattinson last played in February 2016, before recurring stress fracture that kept him on the sidelines. The 28-year-old underwent surgery and returned to guide his domestic side Victoria regain the Sheffield Shield title. He has made his case stronger to feature in the Ashes in England later this year.Meanwhile, Mitchell Marsh, who was named Test vice-captain last year before falling out from all formats, has been left out of the contract. Ashton Agar, Matthew Renshaw, Kane Richardson and Billy Stanlake are also the unlucky ones to make the cut."We believe the 2019-20 contract list provides us with a .
Smith, Warner return as Australia announce WC squad
Former skipper Steve Smith and deputy David Warner have walked their way back into the Australian team as the national selectors announced the squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup in England and Wales.
We believe the IPL title is never too far: Iyer
After Delhi Capitals committed hara-kiri against Kings XI Punjab, it was their turn to enjoy the show as Sunrisers Hyderabad lost 8 wickets for just 15 runs against them at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium to lose a game that was in the bag after David Warner and Jonny Bairstow put them off to a flyer.
Prajnesh rises to career-high ranking of 80
Continuing his good run, India's Prajnesh Gunneswaran achieved a career-high ranking of 80 in the latest ATP rankings released Monday. The 29-year-old from Chennai, who broke into the top 100 in February this year, improved two places to become the sixth highest in terms of singles ranking in the history of Indian tennis. Prajnesh had reached the third round of Indian Wells in his maiden appearance at an ATP Masters event. He had also made it to the third round of an ATP 1000 Tournament for the first time in his career at the BNP Paribas Open early this year. He had also entered the main draw of Miami Open to rise to 81 last month. Another Indian Ramkumar Ramanathan dropped 16 spots to slip out of the top 150. He is now at the 157th position.
Garin becomes first Chilean ATP champion in a decade
Christian Garin claimed his first ATP title on Sunday, weathering a solid challenge from Casper Ruud to post a three-set win in the final of the US Men's Clay Court Championships. The 22-year-old Garin, who is part of the ATP's next generation of stars, beat Ruud 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 6-3 and becomes the first Chilean to win an ATP Tour title since Fernando Gonzalez in 2009. "Casper is a great player I am sure we will play many more finals against each other," said Garin, who improved his clay court record to 11-3 in 2019. "This is my favourite tournament now and I hope to come back next year." Garin also won their only previous career meeting last month in Sao Paulo, Brazil and earned his first title in just his 11th career tournament. Not only did Garin pick up the winner's check Sunday but he will play in his first French Open next month in Paris. Garin reached the final by defeating American Sam Querrey 7-6 (7/2), 6-2. But his road to the final wasn't easy. He was pushed to three sets ..
Woods wins Masters - what they're saying
US President Donald Trump and former president Barack Obama were among those joining a chorus of congratulations Sunday to Tiger Woods after the US superstar ended an 11-year major title drought with a Masters victory. "Congratulations to @TigerWoods," tweeted Trump, who played a round of golf with Woods just this year. "A truly Great Champion!" "Congratulations, Tiger!" former president Obama tweeted. "To come back and win the Masters after all the highs and lows is a testament to excellence, grit, and determination." Woods persevered on a tense back nine at Augusta National, winning by one stroke after birdies at 13, 15 and 16. "I am literally in tears watching @TigerWoods this is Greatness like no other," tweeted 23-time Grand Slam tennis champion Serena Williams. "Knowing all you have been through physically to come back and do what you just did today? Wow Congrats a million times! I am so inspired thank you buddy." "A big BIG congratulations to @TigerWoods for winning the ...
Tiger wins 15th major title with spectacular Masters victory
Tiger Woods completed an epic comeback from career-threatening injury and scandal by winning the 83rd Masters on Sunday, capturing his 15th major title with an unprecedented back-nine rally. Ending an 11-year major drought, the 43-year-old American superstar -- who underwent spinal fusion surgery in 2017 due to chronic back pain -- seized his first major title since the 2008 US Open. "It's overwhelming just because of what has transpired," Woods said. "I could barely walk. Couldn't sleep. Couldn't walk. Couldn't do anything. "To have the opportunity to come back, it's one of the biggest wins I've ever had for sure." Winning a fifth Masters title, and his first since 2005, cemented a fairytale comeback to the pinnacle of golf for Woods, whose career imploded after a 2009 sex scandal and nagging knee and back injuries that required a total of seven surgeries. "It's overwhelming just because of what has transpired," Wood said. "I was just lucky to be playing again." With fans chanting ...
PSG title party delayed again after historic thumping at Lille
Paris Saint-Germain missed the chance to seal their sixth Ligue 1 title in seven years for the second week running on Sunday after a 5-1 hammering at Lille, their biggest league defeat in 10 years. Thomas Tuchel's side could have been crowned champions in record-equalling time last weekend but failed to beat Strasbourg, and they fell short again on Sunday despite needing just a point in a match that saw them have to play with 10 men for 54 minutes and lose both captain Thiago Silva and Thomas Meunier to injury. The loss was PSG's worst domestic defeat since going down 4-0 at Bordeaux in 2009, and the first time they had conceded five goals in the league since another 5-1 defeat at Sedan way back in 2000. However, they are still 17 points clear of second-placed Lille and if they win at Nantes on Wednesday they will still win the league with six matches to spare. "We are going to be champions, but you have to lose in the right way," said Kylian Mbappe, who had two goals ruled out for ...
Smith, Warner return, Finch to lead Aussie WC squad
Steve Smith and David Warner have been included in the Aaron Finch-led Australia squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, announced on Monday.The 50-over tournament will take place in England and Wales from May 30 to July 14. Australia will open its World Cup title defence against Afghanistan at the Bristol County Ground on June 1.The return of Smith and Warner has strengthened the batting line-up of the title defenders. However, the inclusion of big hitters has led to the dropping of in-form batsman Peter Handscomb and Ashton Turner."Steve Smith and David Warner come back into the squad. Both are world class players and it has been pleasing to see them produce some good form in the IPL. Given the depth of talent and competition for spots there were a number of tough calls we had to make to settle on our squad of 15," Chairman of Selectors, Trevor Hohns said."Unfortunately, from the recent squad which toured India and the UAE, Peter Handscomb, Ashton Turner and Kane Richardson have ..
Koulibaly scores twice as Napoli delay Juventus' title celebrations
Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly bagged a brace as Napoli beat Chievo 3-1 to delay Juventus' bid to win Serie A and condemn the Verona side to relegation. Juventus -- who lost 2-1 at SPAL on Saturday as they focused on next week's Champions League game against Ajax -- needed just a point to seal an eighth consecutive Serie A title. They would have if Carlo Ancelotti's second-placed Napoli failed to beat Chievo, and it would have been a new record of winning with six games to spare. But towering Senegalese defender Koulibaly scored either side of Arkadiusz Milik's strike for his first league goals this season to put Napoli 17 points behind Juventus. Massimiliano Allegri's side will have to wait at least until next weekend at home against Fiorentina to seal the Scudetto with a record-equalling five matches remaining. "This victory takes a bit of weight off our shoulders," said Ancelotti, ahead of next week's Europa League quarter-final, return leg game against Arsenal where they ...
Sunk cost of Sanchez holding Man Utd back
Manchester United travel to Barcelona on Tuesday needing another miraculous Champions League fightback from a 1-0 first-leg defeat on home soil to make the semi-finals. The return of the club's highest earner from a six-week injury layoff to make the voyage to Catalonia in such circumstances should be a source of inspiration. However, it is symptomatic of Alexis Sanchez's decline in 16 months at United that the Chilean makes his comeback behind Marcus Rashford, Romelu Lukaku, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's pecking order. Sanchez signed reportedly the most lucrative contract in Premier League history when joining from Arsenal last January, earning close to ?400,000 ($520,000) a week plus a series of bonuses. Unfortunately for the Red Devils, there has not been much cause for bonus payments as Sanchez has scored just five goals in 41 appearances for the club and only twice so far in his first full season at Old Trafford. Sanchez left Barcelona for the ...
Juve's old guard bidding to finish job against Ajax kids
Cristiano Ronaldo will spearhead Juventus' old guard as they look to finish the job on Tuesday against Ajax's impressive young guns in a quarter-final clash between two sides desperate to end years of Champions League heartbreak. Juventus have the edge on away goals thanks to Ronaldo's 125th Champions League goal in a 1-1 draw in Amsterdam, but Ajax's David Neres ensured the teams will start on a knife-edge in Turin in a repeat of the 1973 and 1996 finals. Juventus have put their bid to wrap up an eighth consecutive Serie A title on the back burner as they focus on their European ambitions. Massimiliano Allegri lined out with a young squad against lowly SPAL on Saturday and the champions fell to a 2-1 defeat when a point would have sufficed for another Scudetto. "The Scudetto will come sooner or later," said Allegri, whose side hold a 17-point lead on second-placed Napoli with six games left. "If we had put all our starters in, it would have been easier to win it, but there is the ...