Page 425 - Sports

Miami Open: Federer downs Shapovalov, enters final

Switzerland's Roger Federer has advanced to the men's final of the Miami Open after defeating Canadian Denis Shapovalov 6-2, 6-4 in the semi-finals.

Over 10,000 fans join Eoin Morgan for World Cup Trophy Tour

Over 10,000 fans joined England skipper Eoin Morgan for the ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy Tour in Manchester for the first of three Super Saturdays.At the Exchange Square, Morgan was accompanied by former English players Sajid Mahmood and Ajmal Shahzad who played at the 2007 and 2011 editions, respectively."I think these events are extremely successful. For us, as players, they give us a great chance to go out and meet all the supporters regardless of what team you are going to support," ICC quoted Morgan, as saying."It is a great opportunity for the cricket supporters and lovers around the world to grow the game. When you look around and see the people today who have turned out, it is a real testament to the hard work the Cricket World Cup organising committee has put in," he said.The takeover of the city was enhanced as a wickets mural was revealed in Thomas Street and High Street, giving fans the chance to win tickets to the highly-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan, which

Warner looks to continue run riot as Sunrisers face RCB

David Warner will be keen to continue the good show on his road to redemption when a confident Sunrisers Hyderabad take on a struggling Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in an IPL game here on Sunday. Despite Sanju Samson scoring an unbeaten 102 not out, Warner (69 off 37 balls) helped Sunrisers chase down a mammoth 199-run target for an impressive five-wicket win, their first of the season, here on Friday night in a high-scoring contest against Rajasthan Royals. After the match, Warner claimed that it wasn't the easiest of wickets to bat on and praised Samson for his efforts. He, however, said the conditions could be different on Sunday as it would be an afternoon start. The Aussie opener would be looking to make the most of the early start and put runs on the board again. Besides Warner, Jonny Bairstow (45 off 28) and Vijay Shankar (35 off 15) batted well too. After Warner and Bairstow set up an ideal platform by adding 110 in the first 10 overs, Shankar continued in the same vein, .

Sarabjot, Esha add to India's gold haul at Asian Airgun C'ships

Sarabjot Singh and Esha Singh won the 10m Air Pistol men's and women's juniors events respectively, to bolster India's overall gold haul to eight at the end of day four of the 12th Asian Airgun Championships in Taoyuan, Taipei. Sarabjot also partnered Arjun Cheema and Vijayveer Sidhu to win the junior team gold. India have so far won eight gold, four silver and two bronze medals with two days of competition left. Sarabjot topped the qualifier with a score of 579 and then shot 237.8 in the final to beat Korean Kim Woojong, who shot 236.6. Vijayveer won bronze with a score of 217.5, while Arjun Cheema, the third Indian in the final, finished fourth. The Indian trio's combined qualification total of 1718 was way ahead of Taipei's 1699. Esha also topped her qualifying round with a score of 576 in the junior women's event and then shot 240.1 to win with consummate ease. Korea's Yun Seonjeong won silver with a score of 235, 5.1 behind Esha. Other Indian women shooters also made it to the ...

CSK's Willey pulls out of IPL

Chennai Super Kings all-rounder David Willey has pulled out of the ongoing Indian Premier League because of personal reasons. English cricket Willey, who played three matches for the Super Kings in 2018, was quoted by Yorkshire County Cricket Club website as saying that "unfortunately due to some family reasons, I've had to pull out of the IPL". "We are due for our second baby and my wife's had a bit of a tough time, so I'm having to make sure she's alright," he said. "It's a bit open-ended as to when I'll be available for Yorkshire, but hopefully I'll be available for the start of the 50-over competition," Willey added. He also said CSK were very understanding and supportive, adding it was not an easy decision for him to take. "Chennai were very understanding and very supportive, as have been Yorkshire. It's never an easy decision. But, nonetheless, it's the right decision," the 29-year old said. "I need to put my family first and cricket's secondary to that. We'll get that sorted ...

Chennaiyin overcome Mumbai City to progress to quarter-final

Chennaiyin booked their passage into the quarter-finals of the 2019 Hero Super Cup with a well-played 2-0 victory over fellow Indian Super League side Mumbai City at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.The match on Friday evening started on a cagey note with both sides battling it out in midfield with chances at a minimum during the opening exchanges. Raynier Fernandes of Mumbai City and Isaac Vanmalsawma of Chennaiyin caused the most danger with their pace and trickery.The first real opening of the game fell to striker Jeje for Chennaiyin. The forward picked up the ball near the edge of the box. With Lucian Goian standing up to him, he created a yard of space for himself before firing a left-footed shot which went wide of the far post.A few minutes later, Chennaiyin created another good opportunity to break the deadlock from a set-piece. Isaac's free-kick from just outside the box seemed to be heading for the back of the net, however, Ravi Kumar was at hand to prevent it.The Islanders

All eyes on the pitch as CSK take on Rajasthan Royals

The focus will be on the pitch, which came in for severe criticism after the IPL opener, when Chennai Super Kings take on Rajasthan Royals in their second home game here on Sunday. The tournament opener saw Royal Challengers Bangalore being shot out for 70, a target that CSK achieved in the 18th over to win by seven wickets. But the slowness of the track drew criticism from both the captains -- Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli. It will interesting to see how the pitch behaves tomorrow. Meanwhile, CSK has started the season with two straight wins and will look to keep the momentum going. After beating Bangalore, they rode on a team effort to prevail over Delhi Capitals in their second outing. Not known to make too many changes to the playing XI, it remains to be seen if CSK continue to play with just three overseas players, thereby keeping South Africa captain Faf du Plessis in the reserves. The Super Kings bowlers have delivered on both the occasions so far but same can't be said .

Saina second highest in first quarter earnings

London Olympics bronze medallist Saina Nehwal has the second highest earnings in women's singles in the first quarter of the new season. The 28-year-old from Hyderabad, a winner of the Indonesia Masters, semifinalist at Malaysia Masters and quarterfinalist at All England Championship, saw USD 36,825 added to her career earnings. Reigning All England Champion Chen Yufei (USD 86,325) of China holds the top position in the highest earnings list in women's singles, while Chinese Taipei's world no 1 Tai Tzu Ying is in third place with an earning of USD 36,100. Olympic silver medallist P V Sindhu, who crashed out in the opening round of the USD 1,000,000 All England Championship, will hope to improve her standing with a title win at the ongoing USD 350,000 India Open and grab a prize money of USD 24,500. In men's singles, Kento Momota, who cliched the German Open and the All England while finished runner-up at the Indonesia Masters, tops the list after adding USD 94,550 to his career ...

You destroyed my day, Sanju tells Warner

Sanju Samson's magnificent ton was overshadowed by David Warner's blistering half-century and the Indian batsman conceded that the Aussie spoilt his party. Samson's (102 not out) ton went in vein as Warner (69 off 37 balls) helped Sunrisers Hyderabad chase down a mammoth 199-run target to beat Rajasthan Royals by five wickets in an IPL match here on Friday night. After the match, Warner interviewed Samson, who said probably a total of 250 might have saved Royals from losing the game. "You destroyed my day. My 100 was not enough because of the way you batted. The way you started the innings we lost the game in the powerplay. We needed some 250 on the board with someone like you in the opposition. It was special," Samson told Warner. The 32-year-old Australian cricketer was all praise for Samson, saying he showed the way to bat on a tricky surface. "We didn't get off to a good start, a serious innings from Sanju and full credit to him. He came out and played really well. He allowed ...

Upbeat SRH start favourites against RCB (Preview)

Having registered their first win of the season on Friday night, Sunrisers Hyderabad will be high on confidence when they take on Virat Kohli's Royals Challengers Bangalore in Sunday's afternoon game at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

Fans here inspire me, they are amazing: Warner

Chasing 199 was never going to be easy for Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, but a brilliant display from David Warner and Jonny Bairstow at the top of the innings saw them cruise to a victory against Rajasthan Royals with an over to spare.

I have 5 different leg-spin variations: Rashid Khan

It looked like the match was going down to the wire before Sunrisers Hyderabad bowler Rashid Khan hit a four and a six off the last two balls off the 19th over from Jofra Archer to finish the game against Rajasthan Royals on Friday.

Golf phenom Li out of Augusta National Women's Amateur

Teenage golfer Lucy Li, the seventh-ranked amateur woman in the world, has withdrawn from the inaugural Augusta National Women's Amateur with an undisclosed injury. Tournament officials announced that Li, along with Alex Melton, have pulled out of the event, a 54-hole tournament whose final round will be played at Augusta National before Masters week. Li, 16, shot to prominence at the 2014 US Women's Open when she became the youngest player to qualify for the championship at the age of 11. In February, the US Golf Association ruled that she could keep her amateur status despite the fact that her appearance in an Apple Watch advertising campaign breached golf's rules on amateur status. The USGA said it took into account Li's age and the fact that she received no compensation in opting to issue a warning. Augusta National said that Americans Jessica Yuen and Kaylee Benton had accepted invitations to compete in the tournament.

Tiger, McIlroy advance to knockout showdown at WGC Match Play

Three-time tournament winner Tiger Woods rallied to defeat Patrick Cantlay 4&2, advancing to an electrifying knockout match against Rory McIlroy at the WGC-Match Play Championship. The 14-time major champion holed out from 82 yards for eagle at the par-4 13th in his fightback to book his duel with McIlroy, who beat England's Matthew Fitzpatrick 4&2 to finish an unbeaten group run. "It's exciting for the tournament. I'm sure it's going to be exciting for us," McIlroy said. "I feel good about my game. I'm going to stick with my game plan and not look at him until I have to near the end." A showdown of the world's 64 top-ranked golfers at Austin (Texas) Country Club featured three days of group matches to decide 16 players for weekend knockout matches that will determine a champion. Woods, seeded 13th, will meet fourth-seeded McIlroy of Northern Ireland in the round of 16 on Saturday morning. They have never met in a match-play test in Ryder Cup singles or WGC Match Play ...

Tottenham present Liverpool's toughest hurdle towards title push

Liverpool face arguably the toughest challenge remaining in their quest to end nearly three decades without a Premier League title when a Tottenham side with their own desperate need for points visit Anfield on Sunday. Jurgen Klopp's men hold a two-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, but have played one game more meaning they need the champions to slip up at some point in their remaining eight games. However, City face a brutal April schedule as they bid to complete a historic quadruple of trophies and still have to travel to local rivals Manchester United, as well as hosting Tottenham themselves Tricky trips to Southampton, Cardiff and Newcastle, who are all battling for survival, await Liverpool but the majority of their seven remaining games are at fortress Anfield, where they have dropped just four points all season. "They are unbeaten in the Premier League at Anfield, it is going to be a massive challenge," admitted Spurs boss Mauricio ...

England sensation Hudson-Odoi eyes Chelsea spotlight

For a player who has yet to start a Premier League game, rising Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi has attracted an awful lot of hype this season. That spotlight only grew brighter after his outstanding performances for England during the international break. However, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri is as convinced by the 18-year-old's performances as a substitute against the Czech Republic and on his full international debut against Montenegro. Sarri is weighing up whether to name the winger in his starting line-up for Chelsea's Premier League visit to struggling Cardiff on Sunday. But Sarri remains guarded in his praise of a young player who has become the focus of a significant number of Chelsea's supporters. And it would surprise no-one if the Italian refused to bow to popular pressure and again named the youngster on the bench. What is becoming increasingly clear, however, is that Sarri's handling of a player who has already attracted bids from Bayern ...

Federer ready for Isner shoot-out for Miami crown

Roger Federer is gearing up for a Miami Open final shootout with John Isner on Sunday after blowing away young-gun Denis Shapovalov in straight sets. Federer produced a 6-2, 6-4 masterclass at Hard Rock Stadium to leave up-and-coming star Shapovalov, who grew up idolizing the Swiss, chasing shadows during a difficult first set. The Swiss was superb in dismantling the 19 year-old's game, but knows with huge serving Isner lying in wait in what will be the former world number one's 50th ATP Masters final, the key will be to defuse the reigning Miami Open champion's monster service game. Isner used it to great effect in his 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/4) win over Shapovalov's friend and compatriot Felix Auger-Aliassime earlier in the day, smashing down 21 aces. He'll be looking for more of the same against 20 time Grand Slam champion Federer. "Playing a big server like John is like being in a penalty shootout in soccer, but I enjoy it," said number four seed Federer who coped brilliantly with Kevin

Australia claim narrow win despite Abid's debut hundred

Australia pulled off a sensational last-over, six-run win despite a debut hundred by Pakistan's Abid Ali and second career century by Mohammad Rizwan in the fourth one-day international in Dubai on Friday. Needing 278 to win, Pakistan were brought close to their target by Ali's 112 and Rizwan's 104 but in the end the twin hundreds were in vain as they failed to score a required 17 off Marcus Stoinis's last over. The win gives Australia a 4-0 lead with the last match also in Dubai on Sunday. Glenn Maxwell missed a second career hundred by just two runs, Usman Khawaja scored 62 and Alex Carey 55 as Australia posted 277-7 in their 50 overs. Ali and Rizwan had put Pakistan on course for victory with a 144-run third-wicket stand but once Ali departed off leg-spinner Adam Zampa in the 42nd over, the innings wilted under the pressure of 60 runs in the last 8.5 overs. Umar Akmal and debutant Saad Ali fell for seven each to paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile who finished with 3-53 while Stoinis had ..

Australia beat Pakistan by six runs in fourth ODI

Australia beat Pakistan by six runs in the fourth one-day international despite hundreds from Abid Ali and Mohammad Rizwan in Dubai on Friday. Glenn Maxwell (98), Usman Khawaja (62) and Alex Carey (55) guided Australia to 277-7 in their 50 overs after they were sent into bat. Pakistan finished on 271-8 in their 50 overs with Ali scoring 112 on ODI debut and Rizwan 104. Australia lead the five-match series 4-0. Brief Scores: Australia 277-7; Pakistan 271-8 in 50 overs.

Chennaiyin beat Mumbai City to progress to the quarters of Super Cup

Chennaiyin booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2019 Hero Super Cup with a clinical 2-0 win over Mumbai City FC at the Kalinga Stadium here Friday. CK Vineeth opened the scoring for Chennaiyin with a brilliant long-range curler in the 42nd minute. Jeje Lalepkhlua almost instantly doubled the lead with a well-worked goal. Mumbai City were toothless in attack as they failed to break down Chennaiyin's defence. The match started on a cagey note with both sides battling it out in the midfield. Raynier Fernandes of Mumbai City and Isaac Vanmalsawma of Chennaiyin caused the most danger with their pace and trickery. However, the first real opening of the game would fall to striker Jeje for Chennaiyin. The forward picked up the ball near the edge of the box. With Lucian Goian standing up to him, he created a yard of space for himself before firing a left-footed shot which went wide of the far post. A few minutes later, Chennaiyin had another good opportunity to break the deadlock ...