Page 537 - Sports
Chelsea's Kepa fined, apologises for League Cup final mutiny
Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has been fined a week's wages by the club after defying manager Maurizio Sarri and refusing to be substituted during the League Cup final on Sunday. "Although there was a misunderstanding, on reflection, I made a big mistake with how I handled the situation," Kepa said in a statement on Chelsea's website which announced the fine. The club simultaneously published a statement from Sarri in which the manager said the pair had spoken following the row, which occurred in extra time of the match which Manchester City won on penalties. "He has apologised to me, his team-mates and the club," said Sarri. "It is up to the club if they want to discipline him according to the club rules, but for me this matter is now closed." Sarri, who reacted furiously when Kepa refused to be substituted after needing treatment in the closing stages, said the incident had been a "misunderstanding". "There was a misunderstanding yesterday but (Kepa) realises he made a big ...
Aussie teen Georgia Wareham to play first international in home state
Member of the 2018 T20 World Cup champions, teen leg-spinner, Georgia Wareham, is set to play first international match in her home state Melbourne as Australia seek to clean sweep the one-day series against New Zealand at the Junction Oval on March 3.Australia, with an unassailable 2-0 lead, have retained their 20-year dominance in the Rose Bowl encounter with their other half of Trans-Tasman in the three-match series.The third game will present the 19-year-old a chance to don the green and gold in front of her family since making her international debut in September last year.Wareham is also one of the three who will line-up in the ground's first international game since the development of the park, alongside captain Meg Lanning and Elyse Villani."It is pretty special; I am going to have a few (members of) family around. With a Melbourne crowd, my first international game at Junction will be very cool. Anytime I get to pull on the green and gold is special, but doing it at home is a
Prithvi Shaw blitz in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
India opening batsman Prithvi Shaw returned to form with a blazing 47-ball 71, taking Mumbai to an easy six-wicket win against Goa during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy at Indore.In his knock, the 19-year-old smashed seven sixes and five boundaries as Mumbai chased down the target of 141 runs in just 18.2 overs on Monday.Goa opted to bat after winning the toss but could only post 140.In reply, Mumbai got off to a good start as the openers Shaw and Ajinkya Rahane put on a 95-run stand for the first wicket.On returning from a left ankle injury, Shaw had sprung a series of low scores, managing 10, eight and a golden duck in previous three matches of the ongoing tournament.Shaw was forced to miss series against West Indies and Australia.
Chinese table tennis goes on war footing for Tokyo 2020
Chinese table tennis has gone on a war footing for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, vowing to dock coaches their pay and demote them if they fail to keep the country at the pinnacle of the sport. China top the men's, women's and team world rankings, while the country has won all 12 gold medals on offer across the last three Olympics. But open dissent broke out in 2017 when three of China's top men pulled out of a home tournament in protest at the removal of head coach Liu Guoliang. The highly respected Liu has been back in favour since last autumn and this week labelled himself "commander-in-chief" as the Chinese Table Tennis Association laid out in stark terms its determination to clean up once more in Tokyo. Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, Liu -- now CTTA chairman -- deployed more militaristic bombast as he "vowed to advance and retreat with the team", according to state news agency Xinhua. A points-based system of rewards and punishments for coaches under Liu's new regime was "the .
Six Indians enter finals of Makran Cup boxing in Iran
Commonwealth Games silver-winning duo of Manish Kaushik (60kg) and Satish Kumar (+91kg) led the charge as six Indian boxers advanced to the finals of the Makran Cup in Chabahar, Iran. In the semifinal bouts held on Monday evening, the other boxers who made the finals were Deepak Singh (49kg), P Lalitha Prasad (52kg), Sanjeet ((91kg), and Manjeet Singh Panghal (75kg). Kaushik, a national champion, defeated Ashkan Reizai 4-1. He will fight it out with Danial Baksh Shah in the final on Wednesday. Tuesday is the official rest day at the tournament. Satish, who is also a former Asian Games bronze-medallist, got the better of Eeman Ramazan 5-0, and will face Mohammed Mlias in the summit clash. Deepak defeated Malek Ammari 5-0 and set up a clash with Jaafer Naseri in the final. Prasad out-punched Filipino Marvin Tobamo 5-0. In the final, he will square off against Omid Safa Ahmadi. Sanjeet, an India Open gold-medallist last year, blanked Pourya Amiri 5-0. He will fight for gold with Ehsan ...
India eye series-saving win over Australia
The focus remains firmly on the World Cup but India would also be desperate to ensure that a home series does not slip out of their grip when they take on Australia in the second and final T20 International here on Wednesday. India are 0-1 down after an inexplicably poor batting performance led to a three-wicket loss in the lung-opener in Visakhapatnam. The below-par 126 with the bat on Sunday denied bowlers a decent shot at securing a win even though the Jasprit Bumrah-led attack did all it could to keep the home team in the game till the final over of the match. India skipper Virat Kohli has already said that his squad composition for the World Cup in May-July is "more or less sorted" but has not ruled out rewarding standout performances over the course of two T20s and five ODIs. Considering the captain's current frame of mind, both K L Rahul and Rishabh Pant are likely to feature in most of the games against Australia. India rested opener Shikhar Dhawan to give game time to Rahul, .
Leipzig holds Hoffenheim, stays on course for Champions League
A goal from defender and captain Willi Orban one minute before the end allowed Leipzig to salvage a 1-1 draw against Hoffenheim in an electric Bundesliga duel here.
Aizawl deal massive blow to Bengal's title chances
Quess East Bengal's hope of winning their maiden I-League title took a serious dent as they shared the spoils in a highly entertaining 1-1 draw with Aizawl FC at the VYBK Stadium in Kolkata.Man of the Match Zikahi Dodoz drew first blood for Aizawl in the 23rd minute, while Enrioque Esqueda restored parity for Bengal in the 65th minute through a delicious cross from substitute Samad Mallick on Monday.Aizawl's Kareem Nurain was given the marching orders for dissent after receiving a yellow card that was given to him for his foul on Jobby Justin in the 70th minute.Bengal are now placed second, sharing the position with debutants Real Kashmir FC in the 12th I-League points table with 33 points, seven short of league toppers Chennai City FC.As expected, Bengal nursing their ambition for a title win started on an attacking note. Jobby Justin along with Esqueda, and Jamie Santos made some threatening moves.Aizawl kept trying to create opportunities but were unable to breach into Bengal's ...
Rain prevents third ODI between Windies and England
The third One-Day International between West Indies and England was abandoned without a ball being bowled as rainfall prevented the match at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada.The Caribbean side had impressively levelled the series at 1-1 with a win in the second ODI by 26 runs before going into the game on Monday.The players, though, did not get onto the field, the toss did take place. England, who had opted to bowl after winning the toss, made two changes in the side that lost the second game. Ben Stokes was rested and replaced by Alex Hales, while Chris Woakes was due to come for Tom Curran.However, it became clear that the rain would deny the play.West Indies and England will continue the five-match series at the same venue as the sides will meet for the fourth ODI on February 27.
Handscomb wants to don gloves in ODIs, ready to work on fitness
A surprise selection in the first T20I, Australia's Peter Handscomb says he wants to don the gloves in ODIs too and is willing to work on his fitness to manage the workload of wicket-keeping and batting in the middle order. Handscomb was picked ahead of regular wicket-keeper Alex Carey in the first T20I against India at Visakhapatnam, giving a boost to his hopes of making Australia's World Cup squad. "I can keep and all, I just need to make sure I'm fit enough and strong enough that if we keep first in a 50-over game I can still go out there and bat at four or five and make sure I'm still running hard between the wickets and doing everything right by the team," Handscomb said. Carey is likely to be back in the team for the five-match ODI series but Handscomb wants to continue donning the gloves during rest of the tour if given a chance. "T20 is not too bad, it's sort of over and done with pretty quickly. One-dayers can be a bit tougher. Especially in India with a bit of heat and up to
Sarri mess for Chelsea as Kepa row overshadows Spurs clash
All eyes will be on the Chelsea team sheet at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday as the fall-out from Maurizio Sarri's astonishing row with Kepa Arrizabalaga threatens to cause further damage in a crucial London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. Chelsea boss Sarri was furious when Blues goalkeeper Kepa refused to be substituted after needing treatment in the closing stages of Sunday's League Cup final against Manchester City. Chelsea eventually lost 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw, but that blow paled in comparison to the problems caused by Kepa's rebellious behaviour and Sarri's raging response on the Wembley touchline. Sarri was already fighting to avoid the sack amid reports the Italian has lost the backing of his players due to his stubborn tactics, dull training methods and habit of publicly criticising them. The sight of Kepa staging a mutiny in the middle of Chelsea's biggest game of the season laid bare the problems Sarri has been struggling to resolve. He tried to regain ...
Guardiola forced to juggle at Man City after Fernandinho blow
Manchester City bagged the first silverware of the season by winning the League Cup final against Chelsea but manager Pep Guardiola will be cautious about the midweek league encounter with his predecessor Manuel Pellegrini. Mid-table West Ham are the visitors to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday as City return to league action following their penalty shootout win at Wembley. But celebrations after a highly satisfactory Sunday afternoon for Guardiola, with title rivals Liverpool only managing to pick up a point in a draw at Manchester United, were muted by the post-match news from the City dressing room. Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho (groin) and central defender Aymeric Laporte (hamstring) both collected injuries at Wembley that Guardiola said would sideline them for several weeks. Even allowing for the depth of a City squad assembled for vast sums, it would be hard to pick two less replaceable performers for the manager to lose at such a pivotal stage of the campaign, with his side ..
Wie eyes number one spot after return from wrist surgery
Michelle Wie believes a rebuilt wrist and a remodelled swing can power her to the top of golf's world rankings for the first time as she sets out to defend her title at "Asia's Major" this week. "Being number one in the world is the most important thing to me," said the 29-year-old American ahead of the $1.5 million HSBC Women's World Championship in Singapore which begins on Thursday and features the world's top 20 players. A year ago Singapore's Sentosa Golf Club was the scene of one of Wie's greatest triumphs, but she ended the season undergoing surgery on a painful wrist that caused her to withdraw during the British Open in August. Wie had been battling arthritis in both wrists and since the operation last October has reconfigured her swing to limit the pain and prevent long-term damage. "Definitely after surgery, it's taken me a long road to be here today," Wie said. "I am using a little bit more wrist than I did last year but substantially less than I have before, but it's all .
Darren Bravo pays tribute to soon-to-be-retired Chris Gayle
West Indies cricketer Darren Bravo hailed soon-to-be-retired batsman Chris Gayle as "hero to the young players" and termed his playing experience with the swashbuckling batsman as "priceless".Recently, Gayle announced that he would retire from the one-day international cricket (ODI) after the World Cup which is slated to be held in England and Wales, later this year."He's definitely a hero to the young players. Not even a hero; he's a legend. The experience of having Chris in the dressing room is priceless. He puts a smile on each and every player's face. And, as you can see when we go out there, we really enjoy our cricket," ICC quoted Bravo, as saying."If you look at the stats, he's achieved a lot at the international level. He's a special player. We're really happy to have him," he added.Bravo said that Gayle is still an asset for the team and is the one who always helps the youngster with their game."He's getting on a bit in age, but he's still striking the ball nicely, so that is
Odisha Govt launches 5 high-performance centres to promote sports
In a bid to promote sports and sports culture in Odisha, the state government on Monday launched five high -performance centres in the presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and sporting professionals like Anil Kumble and Pullela Gopichand.This includes some international level badminton, athletics, weightlifting, and football centres.Speaking after the launch Naveen Patnaik dedicated the centres to the "sports loving people of Odisha" and termed the day as "historic" for sports."Today is a historic day for sports development in Odisha. As a state that's passionate about sports, we understand how beneficial the opening of these high-performance centres is going to be for sportspeople as well as the nation," Patnaik said."I am delighted to dedicate these centres to the sports loving people of Odisha," he added.The chief minister also felicitated 162 outstanding state sportspersons, who bought accolades for Odisha, with cash awards. These sportspersons belong to different categories .
AB de Villiers signs up with Middlesex for T20 blast
Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers has joined Middlesex County Cricket Club and is all set for the county season in the upcoming T20 Blast cricket tournament.The 35-year-old will be available for the first seven group games of the Middlesex and for the later stages, as well, if the team made it to the knockout stage.De Villiers expressed delight over the opportunity and said that he is looking forward to the "great experience"."I have always wanted to play county cricket. Playing at Lord's is always a wonderful privilege, and I'm looking forward to the match at Richmond, a beautiful ground in south-west London. That will be a great experience," ESPNcricinfo quoted de Villiers, as saying.Middlesex coach Stuart Law said that de Villiers inclusion in the team will prove to be beneficial for the team."It's a great opportunity for some of our younger players to pick the brain of one of the best players to have graced the game of cricket and for the support staff to work with him
Real Madrid's Vinicius praises Messi ahead of Clasicos
Real Madrid's Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr praised Barcelona's Argentine Lionel Messi as an exceptional player, but not a figure to be afraid of.
Odisha gets five new sports centres
To promote sports like badminton, athletics, weightlifting and football, the Odisha government launched five high-performance centres at Kalinga Stadium, here on Monday.
Andre Russell replaces injured Kemar Roach for England series
All-rounder Andre Russell has made a comeback to the West Indies squad as he replaced injured Kemar Roach for the fourth and fifth ODI of the ongoing five-match series against England.Roach has been sidelined from the series owing to a stress reaction in the back.Russell is also having some issues with his knee but chief selector Courtney Browne believes that his batting abilities could prove to be an asset for the team."We are well aware that although Andre's bowling may be limited due to a knee problem, his tremendous batting ability to power the ball in the back end of the game will be an asset to the team," ESPNcricinfo quoted Browne, as saying.The right-hand batsman, who is currently participating in the Pakistan Super League, is slated to join the team on Monday.Russell has been out of action from the ODI cricket as his last one-day match was against Bangladesh in July, last year.West Indies and England will play their fourth ODI on February 27 in Grenada followed by the final ..
Colin Ingram becomes first foreign centurion in PSL
South Africa's Colin Ingram has become the first foreign player to play a centurion knock in the ongoing fourth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).The Karachi Kings player played an unbeaten knock of 127 off 59 balls, that included 12 fours and eight sixes, in a match against Quetta Gladiators to achieve the feat.With the fabulous innings, Colin also surpassed Sharjeel Khan to become the leading individual scorer of in the PSL history.After the match, the left-hand batsman said that he just had the target in his mind while playing and was trying his best to keep the momentum going."To be honest, I wasn't thinking of my own scores I was just looking at the runs and balls and trying to squash those and trying to come close and close. Probably at a stage when (Mohammad) Nawaz was bowling and I thought that this is good time to take it on and fortunately it came off and that got momentum going," ICC quoted Colin, as saying."My dad used to tell me as a kid 'its never a good time to