Page 558 - Sports
Stalemate leaves Liverpool and Bayern plenty to play for
Liverpool's undermanned defence held out for a precious clean sheet but Bayern Munich will also be confident of progress to the Champions League quarter-finals after a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their last 16 tie at Anfield. Sadio Mane wasted the best chance for the hosts on Tuesday, when the Senegalese forward fired wide during an open first 45 minutes, but a cagey second half left it all to be decided when the sides meet again in Munich on March 13. Without the talismanic presence of Virgil van Dijk through suspension and the injured Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren, Liverpool were forced to name a make-shift central defence with Brazilian midfielder Fabinho moved back to partner Joel Matip. That unfamiliarity showed in the early stages as the hosts started nervously at the back. Matip breathed a sigh of relief when he turned Serge Gnabry's driven cross towards his own goal only for the ball to bounce to safety off Alisson Becker's chest. However, the Brazilian goalkeeper played his ...
Stricker to be named US 2020 Ryder Cup captain: reports
Steve Stricker will be named the captain of the US 2020 Ryder Cup team on Wednesday, according to multiple reports, becoming the first American in the role without a major title. ESPN and Wisconsin.golf reported that Stricker, a Wisconsin native whose home state will host the event next year at Whistling Straits, will be handed the post by the PGA of America. Stricker, 51, would become the 29th US captain and be charged with reclaiming the trophy from holders Europe after the Americans were routed 17 1/2-10 1/2 last September in France. The Europeans have won four of the past five Ryder Cups. Stricker was a member of the 2014 task force that revamped the US Ryder Cup program and has served as a vice-captain for the past three editions and served as the 2017 Presidents Cup captain when the hosts won over an International side at Liberty National. "It would be a huge honor and being right there in my home state would be super cool," Stricker said at the PGA Phoenix Open three weeks ...
World Cup 'firsts' still vivid for West Indies hero Lloyd
The children playing cricket in the unlikely setting of London's Trafalgar Square could have been forgiven for not knowing the identity of the grey-haired gentleman loping between the wickets. Yet even wearing a heavy coat to guard against the chill of an English winter morning, the tall, bespectacled and slightly stooping figure of Clive Lloyd was still instantly recognisable to generations of cricket fans. Lloyd was in London on Tuesday at an event marking 100 days until the start of the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales. But unlike all the England cricketers past and present also involved, including Nasser Hussain, Graeme Swann, Alastair Cook and James Anderson, Lloyd knows what it is be a World Cup-winner, having led West Indies to victories in Lord's finals in 1975 and 1979. The 1975 edition, the inaugural men's World Cup, saw West Indies captain Lloyd make a superb century during a 17-run win in the final against Australia. "It was the first World Cup -- they'll never be ...
Valverde finds positives as Barcelona draw blank in Lyon to leave tie open
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde shrugged off his team's struggles in front of goal after they were held to a 0-0 draw away at Lyon in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. The Spanish side had most of the chances at the Groupama Stadium on Tuesday, with Luis Suarez firing just wide in the second half, although it was Lyon who came the closest when Martin Terrier hit the bar early on. Lionel Messi and co. were once again left frustrated on the road at the business end of the competition, and have now gone six away matches without winning in the Champions League knockout rounds, scoring just a single goal in that time. It is a run that goes back three years. Desperate to end Real Madrid's recent European dominance, Barca must now finish the job when the teams meet again at the Camp Nou on March 13, but Lyon remain in the tie. Barcelona's form needs to improve between now and then, though -- they have drawn four of their last five matches in all, and have scored just ...
Taylor-made record as Black Caps flay Bangladesh attack
Ross Taylor became New Zealand's highest scoring one-day international batsman Wednesday as the Black Caps set Bangladesh an imposing 331 target to win the third one-dayer in Dunedin and avoid a series whitewash. Taylor scored 69 off 81 balls as the Black Caps cruised to 330 for six after losing the toss and being sent in to bat, with Henry Nicholls and Tom Latham also making half centuries. Mustafizur Rahman was the only Bangladesh bowler to take two wickets, but they came at a price as he conceded 93 runs from his 10 overs. Taylor's 47th ODI half-century took his career tally in the 50-over format to 8,026 runs, overtaking Stephen Fleming's 8,007. The 34-year-old, who made his ODI debut in 2006, reached his milestone in 203 innings with a superb average of 48.34. "I definitely would have taken that when I played my first match donkey's years ago," he said. "If you play long enough I guess these records come along but it's nice to set the bar for the next guy. "I'm still enjoying ...
Pak cricketers' photos removed from HPCA stadium in Dharamshala
In the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) has removed the photos of Pakistan cricketers from the picture gallery of its stadium here.Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, HPCA general manager HS Minhas said: "The reason is known to the entire nation. What our neighbour has done with us, our soldiers, it is neither acceptable now nor will ever be. No country will ever tolerate such things."HPCA is an international stadium where visitors come from across the globe."After this incident, we do not want the pictures of Pakistani cricketers to hang on our walls. So, we have vacated the place and there is no space for them as of now," Minhas said.Earlier, the Cricket Club in India at its Brabourne stadium in Mumbai covered the photograph of Imran Khan, while the pictures of Pak players have been removed from the stadiums in Mohali, and Jaipur as well.When asked whether they faced any obligation from the visitors, Minhas said: "Unfortunately yes, ...
South Africa's Philander ruled out of second Test
Opening bowler Vernon Philander has been ruled out of the second Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka starting at St George's Park on Thursday. South African coach Ottis Gibson said on Tuesday that Philander, who did not bowl in the second innings of Sri Lanka's one-wicket win in Durban last weekend, had a grade one hamstring tear, which would keep him out of action for 10 to 12 days. Gibson said uncapped all-rounder Wiaan Mulder would be considered as a "like for like" replacement, depending on conditions. Gibson defended South Africa's tactics during a world record last wicket winning stand of 78 between Kusal Perera, who made 153 not out, and number 11, Vishwa Fernando. "I didn't see that happening, to be honest," said Gibson of his team's defeat, "but credit has to go to them, particularly Perera. "I thought our tactics were spot on. We threw everything at him and he withstood all of that. We tried spin, we bowled over the wicket, we bowled around the wicket, we bounced him, we
Nelson's Column takes centre stage in 100 days-to-go World Cup celebrations
The Nelson's Column on Tuesday played a central role in marking the 100 days to go to the 2019 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, beginning May 30 in England and Wales.The famous monument in London's Trafalgar Square became part of a set of giant wickets, as the countdown until the 'world's greatest cricket celebration' officially began, ICC reported.An array of high-profile figures from the world of sport, governance, culture and entertainment - Minister for Sports Mims Davies, Alastair Cook, James Anderson, Graeme Swann, Nasser Hussain, Isa Guha, Rebecca Adlington and two-time World Cup winner Clive Lloyd - were in attendance as the 100-day Trophy Tour got underway.The unique celebration of cricket's 50-over World Cup highlighted the once-in-a-generation chance for cricket fans in England and Wales to see the world's greatest players in action this summer.On July 14, the winning captain will lift the coveted trophy, but first, fans across the country will get the chance to see it first ...
Now you can give suggestions for inclusion of new sports in
The Asian Games, a quadrennial multi-sport event organised by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), has launched a campaign titled #NextAtAsianGames. Its aim is to encourage people to suggest a sport they wish to see included in future editions of the continental Games, a media release said Tuesday. "People are invited to post their sport suggestions on their social media profiles on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter with the #NextAtAsianGames, and the sport(s) which receives maximum submissions will be considered to be included in the future Asian Games by OCA," the release said. The 2022 Asian Games will be held in Hangzhou in China from September 10 to 25. Hangzhou will be the third Chinese city to host these Games after Beijing (1990) and Guangzhou (2010). Fifty-eight sporting disciplines featured in the Asian Games 2018 in Jakarta-Palembang, including 10 new sports -- pencak silat, bridge, sambo, kurash, rollersports, ju-jitsu, rock-climbing, paragliding, jet-skiing and ..
Boxer Nikhat wins gold at 70th Strandja International
Boxer Nikhat Zareen kicked off her 2019 season on a high note, winning the 51kg Gold at the 70th Strandja Memorial International tournament, here on Tuesday.
Hafeez injures himself, Butt named his replacement in PSL side
Senior Pakistan batsman Muhammad Hafeez has injured himself while playing for his Pakistan Super League side and former Test captain Salman Butt, who served a five-year ban for spot-fixing, was on Tuesday named his replacement. The 38-year-old Hafeez fractured his right thumb while trying to take a catch of his own bowling in a match of the PSL while captaining the Lahore franchise. Hafeez has now been advised to undergo surgery either in Dubai or London and he has been released by his franchise, which announced Butt as his replacement. Hefeez's participation in the upcoming World Cup may also be in doubt. "Hafeez's participation in the One-day series against Australia in UAE and even the World Cup is now in doubt as early indications are that he will require six to eight weeks to recover from his injury," a source in the Pakistan Cricket Board said. Butt told PTI he was delighted with his call-up as he had been part of the players draft for the last three years but was not picked. "I
Pakistan shooters not taking part in New Delhi World Cup
Pakistan will not participate in the shooting World Cup in New Delhi after a top official of the national federation confirmed Tuesday that its marksmen had not been issued visas by the Indian High Commission. The Pulwama terror attack, which killed 40 CRPF personnel, had cast a doubt on Pakistan shooters' participation in the season-opening International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup in the Indian capital. "We were supposed to fly out by Wednesday morning as the championship begins from Thursday but we were not issued visas today so the visit is as good as off," Pakistan's National Rifle Shooting Federation (NSRF) President Razi Ahmed told PTI. "I was a bit worried about getting the visas after the Pulwama incident and our fears have come true. It is disappointing that our shooters will not get a chance to try to qualify for the Olympic Games," Razi said. A source in the federation confirmed that one of the shooters was also a Pakistan Navy Personnel. Razi said air ...
Ronaldo enjoying himself at Juventus, says Antic
Radomir Antic of Serbia, former coach of Spain's top teams Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Barcelona, said Cristiano Ronaldo was feeling relaxed after joining Juventus last summer.
Calicut Heroes defeat U Mumba Volley, reach final
: Calicut Heroes defeated U Mumba Volley 3-0 (15-12, 15-9, 16-14) in the semifinal of the inaugural Pro Volleyball League here Friday and become the first team to reach the final. Skipper Jerome Vinith led the scoring for Calicut with 12 points (10 spikes and 2 serves) whereas Vinit Kumar was the leading scorer for U Mumba with 7 points (4 spikes and 3 blocks). The first set started with Calicut taking the early advantage with a 4-2 lead. Calicut entered the first Technical Time Out (TTO) with a two-point advantage at 8-6. U Mumba called for a Super Point at 6-9 and successfully converted the same with a Pankaj Sharma spike taking U Mumba within a points distance. They soon levelled the score at 10-10, Calicut now called for a Super Point and converted as Sharma misdirected his spike. The score stood at 12-10 in Calicuts favour. Calicut emerged on top as Vinit Kumars second service error handed them the set. The second set saw a close tussle in the initial stages before .
Dhakshineswar Suresh causes upset
: Local lad Dhakshineswar Suresh upset seventh-seeded Jayesh Pungliya of Maharashtra 6-3, 6-2 in the first round of the MCC-SR Subramaniam Memorial AITA men's tennis championship at the MCC courts here Tuesday. The tall and lanky Suresh served with precision and returned consistently with depth and power to register a comfortable win over his rival. Top seed Niki K Poonacha of Andhra Pradesh quelled the mid-match fightback of Yugal Bansal (Delhi) to post a 6-0, 4-6, 6-4 win to advance to the second round. In an exciting encounter, Shivam Dalmia of Delhi edged out PC Vignesh of Andhra Pradesh in a third set tie break 8-6 to move into the next round. Results: Mens Singles (1st round): Niki K Poonacha beat Yugal Bansal 6-0, 4-6, 6-4; Ajay Malik (Haryana) beat Sahil Gaware (Mah) 6-3, 3-6, 6-3; Shivam Dalmia beat P C Vignesh (AP) 6-7(5), 6-1, 7-6(6); Dalwinder Singh (S-8) (Punjab) beat Jatin Dahiya (Del) 6-3, 6-2. Prithvi Sekhar (TN) beat Paramveer Singh Bajwa (Punjab) 7-5, ..
We appeal AIFF to postpone Feb 28 Srinagar match but will go if 'forced' to: East Bengal
East Bengal Tuesday once again appealed the All India Football Federation to postpone their I-League match against Real Kashmir in the wake of Pulwama terror attack but ruled out defying the national governing body if it sticks to the schedule. East Bengal said they will travel to Srinagar for their match against Real Kashmir on February 28 if "forced" to do so by the AIFF. The club said it will not take the legal route. "We are appealing to AIFF to consider this on humanitarian grounds. A team who is in the title race cannot play under such circumstances. We will not take any legal steps. If they force us, we will play in that case," East Bengal official Debabrata Sarkar told reporters. Sarkar said in reply to their letter sent on February 15, the AIFF has said it won't postpone the match further. "We are not here to fight with AIFF. We want to save football and footballers. If something happens to the players it will be a very bad advertisement for Indian football. But if AIFF ...
East Bengal to travel to Srinagar if AIFF insisted, says official
City football giants East Bengal here on Tuesday said they were ready to travel to Srinagar for the potentially title-deciding match against Real Kashmir FC if "forced" to do so by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), but would still request it to put off the game to a later date.
Amit, Nikhat, Meena Kumari strike gold at Strandja Memorial Boxing
Asian Games gold-medallist Amit Panghal (49kg) Tuesday claimed a second successive gold at the Strandja Memorial Tournament, in which India's women boxers also scripted history with a couple of maiden top finishes in Sofia, Bulgaria. The Armyman from Haryana pulled off a dominating 5-0 triumph over Kazakhstan's Temirtas Zhussupov, who was left with a bleeding forehead at the end of the final bout. Former junior world champion Nikhat Zareen and Meena Kumari Devi became the first set of Indian women boxers to notch up gold medals at the prestigious tournament, which is into its 70th edition. In all, India signed off with three gold, a silver, and three bronze medals in this edition of the event, which marks the beginning of the European boxing calendar. Zareen, a multiple-time national medallist, claimed a 5-0 win in the 51kg category finals against Filipino Irish Magno, while Devi got the better of Aira Villegas 3-2, also from the Philippines, in the bantamweight (54kg) summit ...
Cook confident England can end World Cup drought
Alastair Cook believes England can end decades of World Cup disappointment with a triumph on home soil this year. England have never won the men's World Cup, but with 100 days to go until the start of the latest edition, a team captained by Eoin Morgan are top of the 50-over world rankings. Former England skipper Cook, who retired from international cricket last year as the country's highest Test run-scorer and most-capped player, said there were several reasons why Morgan's men could go one better than the England teams that lost in the 1979, 1987 and 1992 finals. "They're a very settled side, they've got 15 players pretty much nailed on for that squad," Cook told AFP at a World Cup event in London's Trafalgar Square on Tuesday. "Everyone knows their role, they're very comfortable in their role, they've got a lot of strength in depth, they seem to have a lot of options covered and they're an exciting team to watch. "They are a brilliant one-day side." Cook never played in a World ...
Hamilton Masakadza to lead Zimbabwe in all three formats
Hamilton Masakadza has been retained as Zimbabwe's skipper in all three formats, with Peter Moor named as his deputy for the 2019-20 season.The top-order batsman Masakadza led his side to a Test victory in Bangladesh and helped draw the two-match series last year.He averaged 22.34 in 26 ODI innings last year and accumulated 581 runs, including two half-centuries. In the longest format, Masakadza scored 139 runs from four innings in 2018, averaging 34.75 with one half-century.Moor, the wicket-keeper batsman, scored 321 runs in 16 ODI innings last year, including one half-century. He amassed 159 runs from four Test innings in 2018 at an average of 53 with two fifties.In addition, Dilip Chouhan has been appointed as the manager of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe A and Zimbabwe's U-19 side.