Page 478 - Sports
Bhullar tied-3rd in Kenya Open, Chikka, Joshi assured of cut
Indian golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar followed up his first round of six-under 65 with a second round 70 to lie tied-third after 36 holes of the Magical Kenya Open presented by Absa on Friday. Bhullar trails the leader Louis De Jager (64-66) by five shots. Jack Singh Brar, the first round joint-leader, was lying second with rounds of 64-70. Sharing the third spot with Bhullar was the in-form Justin Harding (70-65) who is trying to get inside top-50 of world ranking to qualify for the Masters and Guido Migliozi of Italy, who had rounds of 67-68. Also moving up was S Chikkarangappa (70-69) and he was tied-12th, though some players were still on the course. Khalin Joshi (72-69) was also safe through to the weekend action at tied-33rd. However, Shubhankar Sharma, who defends his title in Malaysia next week, was outside the cut line after a first round three-over 74. He needs a low second round to make the cut, which is likely to fall at around one-over. Bhullar had an error-free six-under on ...
From Munich to Christchurch: When violence hit sports
The Bangladesh cricket team escaped unhurt and was not even the target but violence has been specifically directed at sportspersons in the past, leading to bloody repercussions. Here is a look at instances when sport, often a tool to propagate the idea of world peace, found itself caught in the crossfire. *1972 Munich Olympics: The most gruesome incident of targetted violence against sportsperons happened on September 5, 1972. Eleven Israeli athletes and coaches were taken hostage and eventually murdered by terrorists during a 16-hour ordeal, during which the world was witness to chilling images of athletes held captive on gunpoint. *1987 New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka (cricket): It was to be a three-Test tour but New Zealand abandoned it after just the first match when a bomb planted by separatists exploded near the team hotel in Colombo, killing 113 civilians. *2002 New Zealand tour of Pakistan (cricket): New Zealand's cricket team was touring Pakistan in 2002 when a bomb went off ...
Proud to be Real Madrid captain: Marcelo
Real Madrid and Brazil left back Marcelo Vieira has stressed the importance of being team captain at the Spanish powerhouse.
Real Madrid sign Eder Militao for 6 seasons
Real Madrid have announced the signing of Brazil defender Eder Militao on transfer from Porto for the next six seasons.
Barefoot Sports Quiz Festival to start on Saturday
The biggest sports quiz festival in India will be back in the capital this weekend.
It's always special to play for home team in IPL, says Ishant
Excited to play for his home team for the first time since IPL's inception, India pacer Ishant Sharma said it is always a "special" moment for him to be returning to the iconic Feroze Shah Kotla stadium from where his journey started. Having represented various teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Ishant will represent his home team Delhi Capitals in the season beginning March 23. In the past, Ishant, who plied his trade in Deccan Chargers, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Kninght Riders, Rising Pune Supergiants and Sunrisers Hyderabad. "For me, Kotla is something more than a ground. Right from the under-17 level, I have played all my matches here. I have a number of memories here," Ishant said in a video post on Instagram. "Not only for me, but for all those who represent Delhi, Kotla is a memory for them because it is where it all starts. It is from here that we went ahead to represent our country. The 30-year-old pacer was bought by Delhi Capitals for Rs 1.10 crore during the auctions
Minerva unsure of playing Super Cup's opening match
The future of the Super Cup, set to start in Bhubaneswar from Friday, is under a cloud as the opening match between Minerva Punjab FC and FC Pune City looks to be a non-starter with Minerva confirming as late as match-day morning that they are yet to decide on their participation in the 16-team tournament.
IPL: No Yo-Yo test for Chennai Super Kings players
The Yo-Yo test might be considered a must under the leadership of India skipper Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri, but M.S. Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings will not be performing the fitness test as they gear up for the rigours of the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Kotla is not just a ground for me: Ishant Sharma
Having represented various franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Ishant Sharma will be representing Delhi Capitals for the first time when the T20 extravaganza begins on March 23.
Bangla team's Indian support staff recalls NZ mosque horror: first gunshots, then a bloody carnage
The plan was to offer the Friday namaaz and then head for practice. But the Bangladesh players ended up praying for their own lives as they narrowly escaped a terror attack inside a mosque close to the Hagley Oval ground in New Zealand's Christchurch. The team bus was barely metres away from the scene of the carnage when the players first heard gunshots. Moments later they saw a woman collapse. Some of the players wanted to help the distressed woman, but just then they saw a horde of petrified worshippers pouring out of the mosque, some of them covered in blood. "We couldn't react initially. In such a horror situation, your brain automatically freezes as you are terrified. That's exactly happened to all of us," Bangladesh cricket team's Performance Analyst Shrinivas Chandrasekaran, who was in the bus, told PTI over telephone from the team hotel in Christchurch. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden later announced that 40 people were killed and more than 20 injured in the attack, ..
Lahiri two-under in darkness, leaves final putt for morning
Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri battled through darkness in which he could "barely see" and swirling winds to be two-under 70 in an unfinished opening round of the PLAYERS Championship here. Lahiri's playing partner and friend, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, had a very rough day despite a birdie start. He finished at 12-over 84 and ended his last three holes with a bogey, double bogey and triple bogey. "It was dark and I could barely see. It was windy and I did not want to take chances and fritter a shot," said the Indian, who was two-under through 17 holes. He had started on the 18th too but has left the final putt for the morning due to weather conditions. "They (greens) got dry quicker than I thought. I played last out in the afternoon two years ago and I just feel bad for the guys who are going out last tomorrow. It'll be near impossible on the greens," added the Indian, who will return at 9am (local time) Friday to complete his last hole before going back out at 9.35am for his second ...
Christchurch Test called off after shootings
The third Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh in Christchurch was called off on Friday after gunmen opened fire at two mosques in the city, with the police saying that there were "multiple fatalities".
Sreesanth ban issue will be taken up at CoA meeting: Vinod Rai
The life ban on S Sreesanth will be discussed when the Committee of Administrators running Indian cricket meets next after the Supreme Court asked the BCCI to reconsider the punishment handed to the pacer for his alleged involvement in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal. A bench comprising justices Ashok Bhushan and K M Joseph said the BCCI's disciplinary committee may reconsider, within three months, the quantum of punishment to be given to Sreesanth. The bench made it clear that the 36-year-old Sreesanth must be heard by the committee on the quantum of the punishment. "Yes, I have heard about the Supreme Court order. We will need to get the copy of the order. We will definitely take up the issue at the COA meeting," COA chief Vinod Rai told PTI. The COA is scheduled to meet on March 18 to discuss the anti-doping policy of the Board with the International Cricket Council officials. The issue of Sreesanth's ban might come up among the COA on that day. BCCI now has a new ombudsman in ...
Bangladesh cricketers escape shooting attack in NZ mosque, tour called off
The Bangladesh cricket team's tour of New Zealand was Friday called off after the players had a narrow escape from a shooting attack on a mosque here, described as an "unprecedented act of violence" by the country's Prime Minister Jacinda Arden. The attack on the Masjid Al Noor mosque in Hagley Park killed several people, the local media reported. The Bangladesh team, which was about to enter the mosque to offer prayers, escaped unscathed but the prevailing situation led to the authorities calling off the third and final Test match starting Saturday. The match was the tour finale for the visitors. "All members of the Bangladesh Cricket Team in Christchurch, New Zealand are safely back in the hotel following the incident of shooting in the city. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is in constant contact with the players and team management," the BCB said in a statement on its Twitter page. Bangladesh's Performance analyst Shrinivas Chandrasekeran, a Chennai-based ...
PSG outcast Rabiot suspended over night out
Paris Saint-Germain outcast Adrien Rabiot has been suspended until the end of the month for a reported outing to a nightclub after last week's Champions League loss to Manchester United. The French international midfielder is in open dispute with PSG and has not played since mid-December after failing to agree a new contract. According to French sports newspaper L'Equipe, Rabiot was punished for a nightclub visit after PSG were knocked out of the Champions League by United. But also for 'liking' a video posted on social media by former Man United player Patrice Evra celebrating the win in the stands at the Parc des Princes. "Adrien Rabiot has received a letter suspending him," a source told AFP. "I find unacceptable the attitude and lack of professionalism of a player like Adrien Rabiot towards the club, his teammates and the fans," PSG sporting director Antero Henrique said on RMC Sport, referring to the night out. "Remember up to June 30, 2019 he is part of our squad." Rabiot told ..
Icardi debacle weighs heavy on Inter before crunch Milan derby
Mauro Icardi's ongoing contract dispute with Inter Milan shows no sign of abating as the Italian team crashed out of the Europa League in his absence on Thursday before this weekend's key derby showdown against city rival's AC Milan at the San Siro. Both sides are battling for Champions League football next season with Gennaro Gattuso's AC Milan in third, one point ahead of Inter, who occupy the final elite European qualifying spot. Icardi's dramatic injury-time winner snatched a 1-0 win for Inter Milan in the reverse fixture last October. But the Argentine -- joint top scorer in Serie A last season with 29 goals -- has not played since February 9 amid a contract dispute which resulted in him being stripped of the captain's armband. The 26-year-old, who has scored 15 goals for the club this season, has complained of a knee injury but the club say a scan has not revealed any new injury. In his absence Inter have won two of four league games, and crashed out of the Europa League on ...
Guardiola stays coy as City aim to advance quadruple bid
Pep Guardiola remains coy about Manchester City's chances of winning the quadruple, but his side face Swansea in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday standing just 16 games away from a clean sweep of all four major trophies. Guardiola's team moved closer to the unprecedented silverware haul on Tuesday as they advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals with a 7-0 demolition of Schalke in the last 16, second leg. City have already won the League Cup, beating Chelsea in last month's final, but that has not quenched Guardiola's thirst for more success. A victory at second-tier Swansea would see City move into the FA Cup semi-finals, with the Premier League title race set to go down to the wire. City are one point clear of second-placed Liverpool and although the reigning champions would be knocked off top spot if the Reds win at Fulham on Sunday, they will have a game in hand. In a bid to keep the pressure off his players, Guardiola has tried to talk down the possibility of City ...
Final Test match between New Zealand and Bangladesh called off
The final Test match between New Zealand and Bangladesh has been called off at Christchurch after a mass shooting at a nearby mosque today, New Zealand cricket said.The team was en route to the mosque for offering prayers at the time of the attack but managed to escape to nearby Hagley Oval.The attack was described by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern as "one of New Zealand's darkest days"."Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by the shocking situation in Christchurch. A joint decision between NZC and the @BCBtigers has been made to cancel the Hagley Oval Test. Again both teams and support staff groups are safe," the BlackCaps, the official Twitter handle of New Zealand cricket, said."Entire team got saved from active shooters!!! Frightening experience and please keep us in your prayers," Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh opening batsman tweeted."All members of the Bangladesh Cricket Team in Christchurch, New Zealand are safely back in the ...
Williamson ruled out of third Test match against Bangladesh
New Zealand's skipper Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the third Test match against Bangladesh as he failed to recover from a left pectoral muscle injury he sustained in the second Test match.The head coach of Kiwis, Gary Stead, confirmed today that Williamson would be replaced by right-hand uncapped batsman Will Young. "Kane is obviously a really important player for us, and with the nature of the injury, we could not be sure he would not aggravate it, he is improving every day and will continue his rehabilitation as planned," International Cricket Council (ICC) quoted Stead as saying."Will has been waiting in the wings for a while now, and he will get a great opportunity batting at number three in a settled line-up," Stead added.Williamson sustained the injury while fielding on the third day of the second Test and he was struggling when he came out to bat the next day.The skipper did not take any part in the field on the fifth day and was taken to the hospital instead.New ...
'Nothing better than getting someone out', says Neil Wagner
New Zealand pacer Neil Wagner is riding on an all-time high as he has reached the number five position in the ICC Test bowler rankings after an impressive performance in the second Test match against Bangladesh.Speaking about his feat, the pacer opined that getting someone out is the "best feeling" for him as he looks to go after wickets in each game."You are gonna laugh about this but there is nothing better for me than bowling someone out or even getting them lbw, If you can beat the bat and question it, then you have done something special. My way of getting my wickets is a lot different. One thing, I do like the way I get my wickets, it is very team related, and brings the team together. The guys have to take the catches, so I feel I am part of a unit, rather than just a bowler doing an individual skill," ESPN Cricinfo quoted Wagner as saying.The 33-year old said that he always wanted to be a swing bowler. "When I started to play, I tried to be a very good swing bowler if not the .