Page 627 - Sports

I-League: Real Kashmir throw title race open with win over Chennai City

I-League debutant Real Kashmir completed the double over Chennai City FC after beating the table-toppers 1-0 at the TRC Ground here on Monday.

Zaccheroni wary of 'outstanding' Qatar in Asian Cup semi

United Arab Emirates coach Alberto Zaccheroni indulged in some mind games Monday before the Asian Cup semi-finals, suggesting opponents Qatar were favourites to win. The Italian, who steered Japan to a record fourth title in 2011, sought to take the pressure off his players before Tuesday's politically charged clash in Abu Dhabi by highlighting the strengths of 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar. "They are an outstanding side who haven't conceded a goal yet in this tournament," said Zaccheroni, whose team stunned holders Australia 1-0 in the quarter-finals. "Their results even before the Asian Cup were excellent. They are solid in all departments but they have some dangerous individuals too. "They've been together for many years," noted the former AC Milan and Lazio boss before a game that will be bristling with regional tensions over the long-running Gulf blockade of Qatar. "That stability is a source of great strength for them." The winners of Monday's semi-final between Iran and Japan ...

Djokovic tightens grip on top of rankings; Federer slides

Novak Djokovic strengthened his grip at the top of the men's ATP tennis ranking Monday following his destruction of Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final. An outclassed Nadal, beaten in straight sets in just over two hours, held on to second spot in the rankings while Roger Federer slipped from third to six place. Federer, the defending champion, was eliminated in the round of 16 by Greek giant-killer Stefanos Tsitsipas. Alexander Zverev replaces Federer in third position ahead of Juan Martin Del Potro, fourth, who missed the Australian Open. Despite his early elimination in Melbourne, South African Kevin Anderson, a Wimbledon finalist last year, moved up a spot into fifth. Japan's Kei Nishikori, meanwhile, rises two places to seventh after reaching the quarter-finals in Melbourne. Tsitsipas, eliminated by Nadal in the semi-finals, jumped three places and is knocking on the door of the top 10 in 12th place. Latest ATP ranking: 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 10,955 pts 2. Rafael Nadal ...

Iraq footballers in probe over night out during Asia Cup

Iraq's football federation said Monday it was investigating whether national team players in Abu Dhabi for the Asian Cup this month snuck out of their hotel to party at a nightclub. Media reports have alleged that after their draw last week against Iran in the final group-stage match, some Iraqi players travelled to nearby Dubai for a night out. "We have decided to form a fact-finding committee over what was reported by different media and have invited all relevant parties to take part," the federation said in a statement. If the allegations prove to be correct, the federation would consider legal action for "defamation" and harming Iraq's reputation, its media head Mohammad Khalaf told AFP. Iraq were knocked out of the tournament with a 1-0 defeat to Qatar in the last 16. Last year, Iraqi national teams were embroiled in a string of age-fraud scandals. Adult players were found to have falsified ages on their passports to play on the under-16 squad, and the under-23 team also dropped

Gautam Gambhir picks his Indian squad for World Cup

Former cricketer and a member of the World Cup-winning team, Gautam Gambhir on Monday picked up the 15-member squad for the forthcoming ICC World Cup 2019, beginning on May 30.The left-handed batsman had most of the names on the expected lines. With the likes of wicketkeepers MS Dhoni and Dinesh Karthik in the team, Gambhir omitted Rishabh Pant from his predicted list.In the bowling unit, Gambhir picked Ravichandran Ashwin ahead of Ravindra Jadeja, who last featured in the Asia Cup after Hardik Pandya was ruled out due to an injury.The team also features cricketers Hardik Pandya, who returned to the ODI squad against New Zealand, and KL Rahul, who will join India A for ODI series against England Lions, following the lift of suspension which was imposed in the wake of their misogynistic remarks at a celebrity chat show Koffee with Karan.Gambhir's Indian squad for World Cup 2019: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, .

'China's Maradona' signs for Espanyol

Prolific forward Wu Lei, dubbed "the Chinese Maradona", has signed for struggling Espanyol in La Liga, the Spanish club and Shanghai SIPG said on Monday. The 27-year-old was top scorer in the Chinese Super League (CSL) last season, hitting 27 goals to play a major part in SIPG's maiden title success. "The new blue and white player will wear the number 24 on his shirt," Chinese-owned Espanyol, who are in the bottom third of La Liga, said in a statement. There was no immediate word on the size of the transfer fee. "SIPG still follows one basic principle: as long as it (the transfer) is beneficial to the player's career and the development of Chinese football, the club will fully support it," SIPG said in a statement. The move for the international Wu, China's best player, has been mooted for several days. Wu, who can play centrally or out wide, was previously linked with Chinese-owned Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League. But it is Barcelona-based Espanyol who have taken the ...

Davis Cup format like a shortened Grand Slam: Italy's Barazzutti

Former Italian tennis player Corrado Barazzutti, who is here as the non-playing captain of the country's team for the Davis Cup tie against India, on Monday joined the chorus against the tournament's new format, likening it to a shortened Grand Slam.

Qatar blockade hits Asian Cup with UAE-only ticket giveaway

When the United Arab Emirates take on bitter Gulf rivals Qatar in the Asian Cup semi-finals on Tuesday, good luck spotting the Qatari fans. Not only are Qataris largely barred from UAE due to the ongoing Gulf blockade, but the hosts have gone to great lengths to make sure no pro-Qatar supporters sneak in. In a telling turn of events, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council has snapped up all remaining tickets to give away to "loyal UAE fans", it said in a tweet. Long queues formed as supporters waited for their free tickets, but only people holding Emirati identification were eligible. The move appears aimed at preventing a repeat of Qatar's last-16 game with Saudi Arabia, the UAE's staunch ally, when Omani fans turned up to cheer on the Maroons. It also highlights seething tensions between Qatar and UAE, one of a group of countries enforcing a diplomatic and transport blockade of the 2022 World Cup hosts for allegedly supporting terrorism -- a claim Doha denies. The result is that Abu Dhabi's ..

Triumphant Djokovic motivated by matching Federer's top 20

Novak Djokovic has designs on Roger Federer's 20 Grand Slam crowns after completing a record-breaking Australian Open victory. Djokovic won a record seventh Melbourne crown, 15th Grand Slam title and third in a row after Wimbledon and the US Open when he swatted aside Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 in a two-hour exhibition of tennis perfection on Sunday. The Serbian world number one said he was motivated to "have a shot" at Federer's record but conceded that it was "still far" away. "I am aware that making history of the sport that I truly love is something special. Of course, it motivates me," he told reporters after celebrating the demolition of his greatest rival in their 53rd meeting. "Playing Grand Slams, biggest ATP events, is my utmost priority," Djokovic added. It was the manner of victory that had many, including Djokovic, believing he can go on to match or possibly overtake Federer. At 31 years old, six years younger than Federer, he has time on his side. - 'It's still far' ...

Prajnesh, Ankita achieve career-best ranking

Indian tennis player Prajnesh Gunneswaran, who played his maiden Grand Slam main draw in Australia, and Singapore ITF title winner Ankita Raina on Monday achieved their career-best ranking. Prajnesh is now ranked 102 in the men's singles rankings with a jump of seven places while Ankita leapfrogged 35 places to a career-high 168 in the women's singles. The Chennai left-hander will spearhead India's challenge in the Davis Cup World Group Qualifiers against Italy in Kolkata this week while Ankita will lead country's challenge in Fed Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan next week. "I started the year on a good note, first in Australia and then a title and today a career-best rank, all this in one month. I am just feeling grateful to people who did not give up on me," said Ankita from Thailand. "This has given me a lot of belief that slowly and steadily, I will get to my goals," added Ankita, who is supported by ONGC and Sports Authority of Gujarat. The next best female singles player Karman Kaur ...

Hardik Pandya provides balance to team: Virat Kohli

Hardik Pandya provides a lot of balance to the team, Indian captain Virat Kohli said on Monday while backing his contribution in all three departments of cricket.Kohli complimented Pandya, who returned to the ODI squad following the lift of suspension which was imposed in the wake of his misogynistic remarks at a celebrity chat show Koffee with Karan, for the intensity with which the all-rounder bowled.With a seven-wicket victory in the third ODI, India have taken an unassailable 3-0 lead against hosts New Zealand."Good to have him back. He put his head down and focused on what he needed to do. You can tell from the way he bowled with the intensity straightaway picking two crucial wickets as well. He is in good head space, in the right kind of mind frame to perform for the team. I hope he keeps growing with this performance and builds onto this," Kohli said.When asked about the impact of Pandya controversy, the Indian captain said in such situations either one is finished or one ...

All district hqs will have astro turf football ground: Rio

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio Monday said to develop sports the state government would set up astro turf football ground and would also provide better sports infrastructure in all the district headquarters. The state government is working on strategic sports infrastructure development plan where every district will have quality sports facilities, Rio said after inaugurating the first astro turf football pitch at the Indira Gandhi stadium here. "We are engaging proven sports consultants for an infrastructure development plan," he said. The chief minister said that the Peoples Democratic Alliance (PDA) government has taken steps to bring back development of sports and games in the state. To begin with, Rio said the state government is partnering with Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools for a game development plan beginning with young footballers of Nagaland. "Interested and potential Under 16 footballers from all over Nagaland will get the opportunity to be part of the

Davis Cup: India no underdogs, we don't start as favourites: Italy's Barazzutti

Italy's non-playing captain Corrado Barazzutti said on Monday there are no underdogs in the Davis Cup and they will not start as favourites against India in the World Group qualifier tie starting here on Friday.

Real Kashmir beat Chennai City 1-0 for second time to remain in title hunt

Real Kashmir upstaged Chennai City FC for the second time, clinching a 1-0 victory over the table-toppers in freezing conditions to leave the I-League title race wide open here Monday. Ivorian striker Gnohere Krizo struck in the 81st minute to extend Real Kashmir's unbeaten run to 10 matches and send the home supporters, who braved the near freezing temperature at the TRC ground, into wild celebrations. With three points from Monday's win, the Srinagar-based I-League debutants joined Churchill Brothers at the second spot with 28 points each from 14 matches and narrowed down the gap with leaders Chennai (30 points from 14 matches) to just two points. Real Kashmir dominated throughout the match with a lot of shots at the opposition goal while Chennai had far fewer attempts. The woodwork also denied the 'Snow Leopards' another goal towards the end. After the match, Real Kashmir head coach David Robertson said, "This was a tough match for us since we were fighting against the league ...

Dhoni misses 3rd ODI against NZ due to hamstring strain

Former India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was forced to skip the third ODI against New Zealand due to a hamstring strain, only the third such instance in his illustrious limited-overs career. The last time Dhoni missed a one-dayer due to injury was six years ago against during a 2013 tri-series in the West Indies. Known for his good fitness levels, Dhoni has overall missed only five ODIs in the last 14 years. Troubled by his hamstring, Dhoni had missed three matches in 2013 and also skipped one match each against Ireland and South Africa in 2007 due to viral fever. The 37-year-old had won the man of the series award in the recent three-match ODI series against Australia, his first in almost eight years for scoring three half-centuries -- 51, 55 not out and 87 not out. He continued in the same vein in the ongoing series against New Zealand, scoring an unbeaten 33-ball 48 to take India to 324-4 in the second ODI here.

India not underdog, it will be tough match: Italy captain Barazzutti

Italy's non-playing captain Corrado Barazzutti on Monday predicted a tough match against India, insisting that the hosts were not underdogs despite having lower-ranked players compared to his team. World No 18 Marco Cecchinato will lead Italy's challenge, while they have two others inside top-60. India's top-ranked Prajnesh Gunneswaran on the other hand is world number 102. "In Davis Cup, the ranking is only important for the draws on who plays first and who plays second. But everything changes once you step on the courts. No one are underdogs I think. It will be a tough match," Barazzutti told reporters after their first practice session on grass courts of the Calcutta South Club. On head-to-head count, Italy lead India 4-1. India won the last time they played in Kolkata, in 1985. India opted to host formidable Italy on grass on February 1 and 2 on grass courts, considering that the visitors have tough hard and clay court players. The winner of the tie will qualify for the inaugural .

Italy captain Barazzutti slams new Davis Cup format

Italy's Davis Cup winning team member Corrado Barazzutti on Monday said the radical changes made to the tournament's format was akin to tweaking a Grand Slam. Now team's non-playing captain Barazzutti was part of the Italy team that won its first and only Davis Cup title in 1976 with a 4-1 win over Chile. The 119-year-old premier competition has undergone some drastic changes this year with World Group Finals taking place at a single venue. A total of 18 teams will gather in Madrid to decide the champion as the home and away format has been done away with for the Finals. All matches will be best-of three sets instead of the previous best-of five as the International Tennis Federation (ITF) believes the format would be more attractive. "It's looking like changing a Slam. Can you change a Grand Slam into best of three and you play inside one week only. You think it's the same!"," Barazzutti said on the sidelines of his side's first practice session ahead of their Qualifiers against ...

Tata Steel Masters: Anand finishes joint third after drawing with Gujrathi

Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand had to be content with a joint third place finish following a draw with compatriot Vidit Gujrathi in the 13th and final round of the Tata Steel Masters here. With three victories, a lone loss against winner Magnus Carlsen of Norway and nine draws, Anand ended the event on 7.5 points and will add six points to his existing rating. He is now sixth in world rankings. Carlsen expectedly won the event after drawing rather easily with Anish Giri of Holland in the final round. Leading by a half point over Giri, Carlsen started the day with black pieces and went for his recent pet Sveshnikov Sicilian. Giri admitted he had not looked so deep and at one point sacrificed an exchange to spice things up. Carlsen, who scored 9 points, thought if anyone was better it was black but simply chose a safer option to close the event. This was Carlsen's seventh victory in the super tournament. Anand has won this event five times earlier. The second place went to ..

Real Kashmir beat Chennai City FC 1-0

Real Kashmir upstaged Chennai City FC for the second time and kept themselves in title contention with a 1-0 victory over the table-toppers in a crucial I-League match here Monday. Ivorian striker Gnohere Krizo struck in the 81st minute to send the home supporters who braved the near freezing temperature at the TRC ground into wild celebrations. Real Kashmir dominated throughout the match with a lot of shots at the opposition goal while Chennai had far fewer attempts at the home side goal. Real Kashmir had defeated Chennai with the same margin in the first leg in Coimbatore in December last. With Monday's win, Real Kashmir joined Churchill Brothers at second spot with 28 points each from 14 matches. Chennai are still on top of the league table with 30 points from 14 matches.

Ajax lose at Feyenoord and suffer major blow in title race

Ajax suffered a humiliating 2-6 defeat at Feyenoord to lose ground in the Dutch championship race.