Page 643 - Sports
Asian Cup performance will have huge impact on Indian football, says Gurpreet
India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu feels the country's recent performance in the AFC Asian Cup will have a huge impact on Indian football. India began their campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over Thailand. But thereafter, the Blue Tigers bowed out in the first round after losing back-to-back matches against hosts UAE and Bahrain. "21 out of the 23 players in the team were playing at such a stage for the first time. Now, we want to take it from here. It is important for us to deliver at the big stages and we shall do so. The impact of the competition will be huge for Indian football," Gurpreet was quoted as saying by All India Football Federation's (AIFF) official website. "This team can go places if we remain united, and the game plan is in the right place. We are out of the tournament but we can certainly do more than we did," he added. The Indian football team and its fans were left heartbroken after it lost 0-1 to Bahrain by conceding in the final minutes. The result meant
Asian Cup impact will change Indian football, says Gurpreet
India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu feels that the impact of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 will be "huge for Indian football."
When you're not bowling at other end, there's something missing: Kuldeep tells Chahal
Like pacers, spinners too hunt in pairs and that's why Kuldeep Yadav feels the "pangs of separation" when spin twin Yuzvendra Chahal is not operating from the other end during India's limited-overs matches. Both the wrist spinners have so far played 36 ODIs each and will be key to India's chances in the World Cup in England starting May 30. In recent times, India once again tried the one wrist spinner-one finger spinner experiment but Ravindra Jadeja's failure to trouble the batsmen has again brought the focus back on the chinaman-classical leg spin duo. "When you don't play, I miss a lot of aspects," Kuldeep was seen telling Chahal during an interview conducted for the fun segment of 'bcci.tv'. "We understand each other's bowling and also the track. It's not always that we are bowling in tandem. There are times when you bowl earlier and I come in later, but we talk a lot about how the pitch is behaving and how the batsman is playing," Kuldeep, who picked up four wickets in India's ...
Copa America draw set for this week in Rio
The draw for the 2019 Copa America will take place here later this week when a special ceremony will take place to select the groups for the 12-team tournament.
Sindhu, Srikanth reach quarterfinals at Indonesia Masters
Star Indian shuttlers P V Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth looked in fine fettle, easing into Indonesia Masters' quarterfinal with straight-game triumphs over their respective opponents, here Thursday. Sindhu, seeded second, defeated local favourite Gregoria Mariska Tunjung 23-21, 21-7 in 37 minutes to make the last-eight stage of her season-opener, while eighth seed Srikanth recorded a clinical 21-14 21-9 win over Japan's Asian Games bronze medallist Kenta Nishimoto. The 23-year-old from Hyderabad, who had won silver medals at the Commonwealth Games, World Championship and Asian Games before clinching the World Tour Final title last year, is expected to take on Spain's Carolina Marin next. Srikanth, who had reached the quarterfinals at Malaysia Masters last week, will face either Indonesia's Asian Games champion Jonatan Christie or China's reigning All England champion Shi Yuqi. Sindhu, who had to pull out all stops against former Olympic champion Li Xuerui in the opening match, faced ...
Johan Botha retires from all forms of cricket
South Africa all-rounder Johan Botha announced retirement from all forms of cricket with immediate effect.The 36-year-old had been representing Hobart Hurricanes in Big Bash League, but had to cut his 19-year career in the wake of "wear and tear on his body and sheer physical fatigue", ICC reported.Botha, who started as a medium pacer, re-modelled his style to off-spin as his bowling actions were questioned. He had represented South Africa across all formats, including five games in the longest format, a number of matches for T20 franchises and captaining the Proteas in 21 games.At the 2011 World Cup, he was one of the stand-out performers from his side for maintaining an economy rate of 4.07 runs per over.The 2012 World T20, in which South Africa crashed out at group stage, saw Botha's international career come to an end as the off-spinner opted to take up the captaincy of South Australia, ruling him out of international contention.Botha played a total of 78 one day matches, scoring .
Mandhana, Rodrigues, Indian spinners crumple Kiwi women; take early series lead
Belligerent Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and Indian spinners choked out a weakened New Zealand with relentless accuracy, ensuring a convincing nine-wicket victory in the first one-day international (ODI) of the three-match series at the McLean Park in Napier on Thursday.India dominated New Zealand in every department as they produced a masterclass of adapting to unusual conditions to wrap up the host for 192 within 49 overs.Openers Mandhana and Rodrigues displayed classy batting with some vintage shots, including 18 boundaries shared between them and three sixes by Mandhana in the run-chase. The duo stitched a 190-run partnership for the first wicket and in the process, Mandhana completed her fourth century in the format while Rodrigues registered her highest ODI score of 81.In an attempt to finish off the match with a six, Mandhana (105) gave a simple catch to Amelia Kerr off Lea Tahuhu delivery. With Rodrigues (81*) and Deepti Sharma in the middle, a wide ball off Hannah Rowe .
Goals by Cavani, Di Maria qualify PSG for French Cup Round of 16
Goals by Uruguayan Edinson Cavani and Argentinian Angel di Maria gave defending champions Paris Saint-Germain a 2-0 victory over Strasbourg, qualifying them for the Round of 16 in the French Cup.
Osaka edges Pliskova to set up Open final with Kvitova
Fourth seed Naomi Osaka outgunned Karolina Pliskova Thursday to set up an Australian Open final against Czech eighth seed Petra Kvitova. The 21-year-old Japanese star overcame the seventh seed 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 to reach a second straight Grand Slam decider after her breakthrough triumph over Serena Williams at last year's US Open. Osaka started strongly to take the first set as the match began with the roof of Rod Laver Arena closed amid sweltering temperatures exceeding 36 degrees Celsius (96.8 Farenheit). But Pliskova, who ousted American great Williams with an epic comeback to make the semi-finals on Wednesday, roared back in the second before Osaka edged past her in the third. "I expected it, I expected a really hard battle," Osaka said of Pliskova's attempt to come back from a set and a break down. "I just told myself to regroup in the third set and try as hard as I could no matter what, and I managed to win." She said her win at Flushing Meadows helped settle her nerves against the .
Australia rookie Richardson rips through Sri Lanka
Newcomer Jhye Richardson took three wickets as Australia had Sri Lanka in huge trouble at 122 for eight at the dinner break on the opening day of their day-night Test in Brisbane on Thursday. The 22-year-old West Australian bowled with real pace and found just enough movement to trouble the Sri Lankans, who struggled to come to terms with the bouncy Gabba wicket despite winning the toss and choosing to bat. Richardson, who only came into the side after Josh Hazlewood was ruled out with injury, had figures of 3-26 to lead an impressive Australian display with the ball. The only Sri Lankan batsman to show any resistance was wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella, who was not out 42 at the break after a combination of resolute defence with some audacious attacking shots. Sri Lankan captain Dinesh Chandimal had elected to bat first on a hot and humid Brisbane afternoon but the visitors were forced to battle hard against the Australian attack. The Sri Lankans moved the score along to 26 before ...
Red-hot Kvitova makes Open final to prove doubters wrong
Petra Kvitova said she had proved the doubters wrong Thursday by reaching her maiden Australian Open final and the first in a Grand Slam since a knife attack derailed her career. The two-time Wimbledon champion stormed past debutant Danielle Collins 7-6 (7/2), 6-0 in their semi-final after the closure of the roof in searing Melbourne heat gave the Czech a boost. Collins was matching Kvitova until play was interrupted late in the first set while the roof on Rod Laver Arena was closed as the temperature soared past 36 degrees Celsius (96.8 Farenheit). Czech eighth seed Kvitova said until then she was struggling to find her best form. "I'm really glad that it (form) came in the tie-break and in the second set," she said. "I think I was happier than the fans when the roof closed, I like to play indoors and I think that helped me a little bit." Collins, who had a dream run to make the final four on her Australian debut, became flustered after Kvitova won a first-set tie-breaker and her ...
Sindhu enters quarters of Indonesia Masters
Star Indian shuttler P V Sindhu advanced to the Indonesia Masters' quarterfinal after clinching a straight-game triumph over local favourite Gregoria Mariska Tunjung here Thursday. Sindhu, seeded second, defeated Tunjung 23-21, 21-7 in 37 minutes to make the last-eight stage of her season-opener. The Indian faced some competition in the opening game but completely dominated the second to keep her unbeaten record against Tunjung intact.
Marauding Mandhana, teen star Rodrigues guide India women to easy win over NZ
The in-form Smriti Mandhana and teen sensation Jemimah Rodrigues hammered New Zealand's clueless bowling attack to steer India to an emphatic nine-wicket triumph in the opening ODI of a three-match series here Thursday. The 22-year-old Mandhana (105) and the 18-year-old Rodrigues (81 not out) put together a batting masterclass after the bowlers did the job for India by bundling out New Zealand for a below-par 192. Competing in their first series after the furore that followed the team's T20 World Cup exit in the semifinals last year, the Indians produced a thoroughly clinical performance to eke out the comfortable victory in 33 overs. While Mandhana, fresh from winning the ICC women's cricketer of the year award, slammed her fourth ODI hundred, Rodrigues notched up her maiden international half century. "I think it's great to start the series with a win and wonderful to see openers get an over 100-run partnership. I think lot of girls do look up to Mandhana. She had a great 2018 and ..
Australia take upper hand at tea in first Sri Lanka Test
Australia had the upper hand at tea on the opening day of the day-night Test at the Gabba as Sri Lanka crawled to 54 for three at the first break. After Sri Lankan captain Dinesh Chandimal won the toss and elected to bat on a hot and humid Brisbane afternoon, the visitors were forced to battle hard against the Australian attack. Kusal Mendis was on 14 at the break alongside Roshan Mendis, who was yet to score. Sri Lanka's openers had weathered the early storm from the Australian pace attack, although Lahiru Thirimanne, playing his first Test since 2017, looked uncomfortable at times. At 17 for no wicket, umpire Richard Illingworth adjudged him lbw to Mitchell Starc, but the Sri Lankans reviewed the decision and ball-tracking showed the delivery missing leg stump, denying Starc his 200th Test wicket. The Sri Lankans moved the score along before Thirimanne on 12 tried to drive Pat Cummins, only to edge a comfortable catch to Marnus Labuschagne at third slip. Debutant Jhye Richardson ...
Spain tour will be good indicator ahead of Olympic Qualifiers: Rani
Indian women's hockey team skipper Rani Thursday said their Spanish tour will help "understand where we stand" ahead of the Olympic Qualifiers, slated to be held later this year. The tour opener will be played in Murcia. "It will be a challenging tour no doubt but our team has made a lot of improvement in the past two years and we see this as a great opportunity to understand where we stand ahead of the Olympic Qualifying events this year," stated Rani. The Indian team will play four matches against Spain between January 26 to January 31 followed by two games against Ireland on February 2 and 3. "We have quite a few youngsters who have been given a chance to show their potential against strong teams. It is important to have a larger pool of players with good international exposure ahead of important tournaments this year," she added. Rani believes her team will carry confidence from its impressive performances last year, which helped India move up the FIH world rankings. "Though we ...
Sun-strike halt: Napier Mayor asks India, NZ cricketers to toughen up
Cricketers from India and New Zealand should be tough enough to deal with a "bit of sun in their eyes", said Napier's Mayor Bill Dalton and wondered if players would have walk off if a similar situation arose in India. The first ODI between India and New Zealand here on Wednesday was halted for about half an hour due to players being blinded by a setting sun, a bizarre first in international cricket which is otherwise no stranger to rain-related interruptions. "I wonder if in India they go off the field because they have sun in their eyes," Dalton was quoted as saying by 'stuff.co.nz'. "To be absolutely honest with you, my view is that these guys are sportsmen who play outside. If they get a bit of sun in their eyes that's part of the game. It's an outdoor sport and they've got to toughen up... It's all a bit weird to me," he added. New Zealand Cricket spokesman Richard Boock said there was no immediate remedy in sight for the problem. "It's something we need to have a talk about and .
Sarfaraz Ahmed apologises for racial comments against Proteas batsman
Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed apologised for making racial remarks at South African batsman Andile Phehlukwayo during the second ODI in Durban. The 31-year-old was picked up by the stump mic on January 22, saying: "Hey black [man], where is your mother sitting? What prayer did you get her to say for you today?" (Abay kaalay, teri ammi aaj kahan baitheen hain? Kya parhwa ke aya hai aaj tu?), Dawn reported.The Pakistan captain took Twitter to extend his "sincere apologies"."I wish to extend my sincere apologies to any person who may have taken offence from my expression of frustration which was unfortunately caught by the stump mic during yesterday's game against SA. My words were not directed towards anyone in particular and I certainly had no intention of upsetting anyone. I did not even mean for my words to be heard, understood or communicated to the opposing team or the cricket fans. I have in the past and will continue in future to appreciate the camaraderie of my fellow ...
Barcelona left with mountain to climb after cup defeat by Sevilla
Barcelona's hopes of winning a fifth consecutive Copa del Rey were dented on Wednesday as they were beaten 2-0 by Sevilla in the first leg of the quarter-finals. Lionel Messi was rested and Luis Suarez left on the bench as Kevin-Prince Boateng made his debut for Barca in a match that Sevilla might even have been disappointed not to win by more. Even so, Pablo Sarabia and Wissam Ben Yedder each scored in the second half at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan to leave their opponents facing an uphill task if they are to rescue next week's second leg. "We played a great game, it's a shame it doesn't settle the tie," said Sevilla coach Pablo Machin. "In Barcelona, anything can happen. They have turned around bigger defeats than this." Ben Yedder celebrated his goal by unveiling a t-shirt in support of Argentine striker Emiliano Sala, the player who is feared to have died in a plane crash on his way to join new club Cardiff City in Wales. "Para mi hermano fuerza E. Sala", the message read, meaning, .
Real Madrid take top spot from Man Utd in 'money league'
Real Madrid have knocked Manchester United off the top of Deloitte's Football Money League, but the Premier League still flexed its financial muscle, with all of England's 'Big Six' featuring in the top 10 for the first time. The Deloitte list ranked clubs on how much money they earn from broadcasting, commercial deals and match-day revenues during the 2017-18 season. United had spent the last two years in first place in the financial charts, but they have slipped to third behind European champions Real and Spanish giants Barcelona. Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Paris St Germain, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham make up the rest of the top 10. Dan Jones, the report's author and a partner in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, said: "European football remains a bull market. "We have seen Real Madrid shatter records, becoming the first club to break the three-quarters of a billion euro mark and claim a record twelfth Money League title in the process." After winning a ...
Chelsea sign Higuain to ignite spluttering attack
Chelsea signed Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain on loan from Juventus until the end of the season as boss Maurizio Sarri looks to ignite his spluttering attack. Higuain will be reunited with Sarri, who managed the 31-year-old at Napoli and made him his top target in the January transfer window. After spending the first half of the season in a disappointing loan spell at AC Milan, Higuain admitted he was keen to move to Stamford Bridge. "When the opportunity to join Chelsea presented itself I had to take it," he told Chelsea's website. "It's a team I've always liked that has a lot of history, a wonderful stadium and they play in the Premier League, a league I've always wanted to play in. "I now hope I can give back that trust Chelsea have shown me out on the pitch. I can't wait to start and I hope to adapt as soon as possible." Higuain had scored just once in his last 12 appearances for AC Milan. But the former Real Madrid star, who will wear Chelsea's number nine shirt, is expected ..