Page 646 - Sports
Kerala will hope to turn tables on Vidharba in Ranji semifinal
: Kerala is in uncharted territory and will hope to turn the tables on the in-form defending champion Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy semifinal, beginning at the Krishnagiri stadium here Thursday. Having lost to Vidarbha in the quarterfinal last year, the home team will want to exact revenge, having made history by reaching the last four. Having got the better of Gujarat in a low-scoring semifinal at the same stadium, the Kerala team, coached by Dav Whatmore, who led Sri Lanka to the 50-overs World Cup victory, will look up to its bowlers to rise to the occasion again. Medium-pacers Basil Thampi and Sandeep Warrier fashioned Kerala's win over Gujarat and will be hoping for an encore. However, they will be up against a strong rival batting line-up, which includes the prolific veteran Wasim Jaffer, Akshay Wadkar, skipper Faiz Fazal and Sanjay Ramaswamy. Jaffer, with 969 runs, is second behind Sikkim's Milind Kumar on the season's run-scorers list and will be the key batsman ...
Australian Open: Djokovic cruises into semi-final as injured Nishikori retired
World number one Novak Djokovic on Wednesday cruised into the semi-final round of the ongoing Australian Open as his Japanese opponent Kei Nishikori retired in the second set of their quarters clash due to an injury.The duo played on the court for 52 minutes before the match was called off in the second set and the final scoreline reading 6-1, 4-1 in Djokovic's favour.The six times Australian Open champion won 51 points in the match, along with 25 service points, to continue his dominance over Nishikori.Maintaining a winning percentage of 85% in the first serve and 100% in the second, Djokovic was well on top of his game.The Serbian player smashed some backhand winners to put the Japanese player under pressure in his first service game. Nishikori tried making a comeback but ended up committing costly errors. As the 31-minute set ended in Djokovic's favour, Nishikori complained of a problem in his right thigh and received treatment for the same.In the second set, Djokovic clinched 16 ..
Asian Cup group stage elimination a setback, could have done better: Jeje
Indian football team striker Jeje Lalpekhlua Wednesday rued the country's crashing out of the ongoing Asian Cup and said it could have done better in the continental showpiece event. The Indian team was on the verge of booking a maiden knock-out round berth but conceded a gold via penalty at the fag end of the group match against Bahrain. India needed a draw to reach the Round of 16 but lost 0-1 to Bahrain to exit from the tournament. "We gave our 100 per cent in every match. But we could have done better. Not qualifying out of the group stages is a setback for us. But it shows anything can happen in football," Lalpekhlua said. "It was a very difficult match against Bahrain and it was unfortunate the way we lost. However, that is life in football, and the important part is the experience earned by the young players that will give dividends in future," he was quoted as saying by the official website of All India Football Federation. India outplayed Thailand 4-1 in the opening match to .
Sarfraz Ahmed hurled racist remarks at Proteas batsman: Pak media
Karachi (Pakistan), Jan 23 (ANI): Pakistan cricket team captain Sarfraz Ahmed was allegedly heard hurling racial remarks at the South African batsman Andile Phehlukwayo during their second one-day match of the ongoing five-match series at the Kingsmead Cricket Ground on Tuesday.The 31-year-old was picked up by the stump mic 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 wicket-keeper batsman could land in trouble if the International Cricket Council decides to conduct further investigation in the matter.Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar posted a video on his Twitter handle saying that such comments are not acceptable in Pakistan. He added that the comment might have come in the heat of the moment and the batsman should apologise for the same."Sarfraz must explain himself to Media & public regarding his comments to ...
New Zealand eves look to avenge recent losses to India (Preview)
Having recently lost to India consecutively in two top ICC tournaments, New Zealand will look to avenge the loss in the upcoming ICC Womens Championship series, that begins with the first of the three-match ODI rubber here on Thursday.
Russian GM Lugovsky stays ahead of pack in Chennai Open chess
: Grand Master Maxim Lugovskoy of Russia remained in the lead with 7.5 points after the eighth round in the 11th Chennai Open International Grand Master Chess tournament 2019 here Wednesday. Sharing the second spot with seven points was Levan Pantsulaia of Georgia. Further half a point behind at third place with 6.5 points were top seed Alexandr Predke, Ivan Popov, Andrei Deviatkin (all Russia), Luka Paichadze (Georgia), Girish A Koushik and N R Vignesh (both India). The top board game turned out to be a Queens Gambit Declined affair, where Kirill Stupak opened up his kingside for initiative. With both players castling long, the middle game piece play led them to a rook and minor piece ending. Overnight leader Lugovskoy played it safe, creating positional weakness into white territory. Kirill Stupak gave up when his position appeared falling apart, as he ran into his final seconds of play. The second board, saw top seed Predke settling for another draw, this time against .
All eyes on Pujara and Mayank in Saurashtra vs Karnataka Ranji semifinal
All eyes will be on prolific India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara and Mayank Agarwal in opposite sides when domestic powerhouses Saurashtra and Karnataka take on each other in the five-day Ranji Trophy semifinal starting here from Thursday. Pujara has been in supreme touch as he became India's highest run-getter with three centuries in their maiden Test series victory in Australia. Just after the Test series, Pujara played a crucial role in Saurashtra's quarterfinal match against Uttar Pradesh. He cracked an unbeaten 67 in the second innings to help Saurashtra defeat Uttar Pradesh by six wickets. The visiting team also has the likes of Sheldon Jackson in the middle order to provide the much-needed stability. For Karnataka batsman Agarwal, a good knock in the Ranji semifinals will help him cement his place in the Indian team. He scored 195 runs in three innings he played in Test series in Australia. The local lad had returned to India a few days before the start of ODI series against ...
I am back to my best, says World Cup contender Shami
Mohammed Shami has emerged as a strong contender for a World Cup spot and the in-form India pacer on Wednesday attributed his successful ODI comeback to his stellar Test performances over the last 12 months. Shami had earned a recall to the ODI squad in the home series against the West Indies in October. Following a brilliant run in the Tests and ODIs in Australia, he carried his form into the opening ODI in New Zealand, taking three wickets for 19 runs. The 28-year-old has overcome fitness and personal issues to give his best for India. "It has been a long journey. I played the 2015 World Cup, then got injured and it took me two years to recover. After the rehab, I made it to the 2016 World T20 squad. Then after a while, I got full confidence and felt like I was back on track," said Shami after becoming the fastest Indian to 100 wickets in ODIs. "You saw in 2018, I played regular Test cricket. The confidence level is very high, I am bowling with the same speed that I used to earlier.
Was on the verge of quitting weightlifting and job after doping charges: Sanjita
She is happy about the provisional suspension being lifted but Indian weightlifter Sanjita Chanu Wednesday said fighting dope charges, a battle that is not yet over, had left her so distraught that she was on the verge of quitting the sport. The two-time Commonwealth Games gold-medallist got a major reprieve from the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), which lifted the provisional suspension on her imposed last year for a failed dope test in 2017. The 25-year-old's final fate in the matter is yet to be announced by a hearing panel of the world body. "I am happy that the provisional suspension has been lifted and I am confident that a favourable decision is coming from the hearing panel of the IWF. But at the same time, I am distraught thinking about the mental trauma I went through," Sanjita told PTI from her home in Manipur. "I was so sad and helpless that I thought of quitting the sport. I told my parents that I will also resign from my job (of a senior TTE in Indian ...
Serena doesn't blame twisted ankle for loss to Pliskova
Serena Williams said her 4-6 6-4 5-7 loss to Karolina Pliskova in a quarter-final of the Australian Open on Wednesday was because her opponent played some incredible tennis and not because she twisted her ankle in the third set.
Pouille seals spot in last 4 of Australian Open with 4-set victory vs Raonic
Frances Lucas Pouille defeated Canadas Milos Raonic 7-6, 6-3, 6-7, 6-4 here on Wednesday to move on to the semi-finals of the Australian Open.
Indian eves aim to script history, battle for ODI series Down Under
India when compared to hosts New Zealand, are a team that has evolved off late. The teams have got their share of experience and with it, India have proved themselves as they are number three in the world, a position ahead of their opponents. India managed only one win when they last visited New Zealand in 2006, the first time the teams had ever played a bilateral ODI series in the Kiwi-land. Now 13 years later, the only remaining players who can link to the tour of 2006 are India's two greatest cricketers Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami, and New Zealand's most successful player down the years, Suzie Bates. The year 2018 was full of extremes for the teams. India enjoyed the series win in South Africa and Sri Lanka, and faced devastating loss in the Asia Cup and the World T20 semi-final, which promises new hope in 2019. New Zealand, on the other hand, have become inconsistent. They have a point to prove to themselves and the rest of the world following their poor results in world ...
None better than Harendra as India coach: Sandeep Singh
Former captain Sandeep Singh on Wednesday slammed the frequent change of coaches in Indian hockey, asserting that there was none better for the job than the recently-removed Harendra Singh. Harendra was sacked as India coach earlier this month following a disappointing 2018 and offered another stint with the junior squad. He became the sixth coach to be sacked in as many years. "You can't be changing coaches this frequently. The crucial Olympic qualifier (FIH Series Finals in June) is ahead of us and we should not be experimenting too much. I don't think I have worked with a better coach than Harendra sir," Sandeep said at the launch of Flickers Brothers hockey academy, his joint venture with brother Bikramjeet. "There are a few coaches (in India) who can coach at the highest level and Harendra paaji is one of them. He should have been given more time. "Any new coach takes about six months to adjust to the system and players also need time to understand his methods. The team doesn't .
adidas India is all Set to Celebrate Future Tennis Champions
/ -- adidas, today announced the launch of adidas Creators Tennis Open in India. Aligned to the brand philosophy, adidas continues to encourage and nurture grassroots Tennis in India by bolstering budding tennis players to show and test their skills with the best in the league. The Tennis tournament will deliver a brand new and inspiring concept enabling young tennis players to participate and learn under the guidance of ace Tennis coach, Aditya Sachdeva. adidas Creators Tennis Open will be held from 24th January-27th January, 2019 in New Delhi. adidas believes in the power of an athlete's imagination and creativity to make a difference in their game, life and world. adidas Creators Tennis Open will offer an authentic yet enthralling experience to young tennis players and enthusiasts. The four-day tournament will be organised at the Panchsheel Club in New Delhi with close to 250 participants and players between 08yrs-16yrs and men's singles and doubles. Speaking on adidas' commitment
One of our most balanced performances: Kohli
India skipper Virat Kohli said their 8-wicket win over New Zealand in the first contest of the five-match ODI rubber here was one of their "most balanced" performances.
Pouille beats Raonic to reach first Slam semi-final
Lucas Pouille became the first Frenchman to reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open since Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in 2010 when he stunned Canada's 16th seed Milos Raonic on Wednesday. Pouille, the 28th seed, fought back from a break down in the first set to win 7-6 (7/4), 6-3, 6-7 (2/7), 6-4 and reach the last four of a Slam for the first time. The 24-year-old had never won a match at Melbourne Park before this year but will on Friday face either Novak Djokovic or Kei Nishikori for a place in the final. Pouille recently recruited 2006 Melbourne Park champion Amelie Mauresmo to his team after a splitting with long-time coach Emmanuel Planque in the off-season. But the world number 31 came into Melbourne in poor form: he had lost all three of his singles matches at the Hopman Cup and suffered a first-round exit at the Sydney International. "I'm very happy," Pouille said. "I was trying to forget the start of the year. "I just kept working hard. All the matches I decided to take step by ..
'It's about mentality' -- Son fighting fatigue in Asian Cup bid
South Korea's Son Heung-min said he was blocking out thoughts of being tired as he slogs it out at the Asian Cup on the back of a frantic spell of football in recent months. The World Cup, Asian Games and Premier League have all taken their toll, and talk of fatigue drew a rueful look from Son after South Korea were taken to extra time in their 2-1 last-16 win over Bahrain. "It's about mentality I think," the Tottenham Hotspur player said, grimacing and rubbing the back of his head. "If you think you're tired, you get tired. "After the game I feel tired of course but still I try to recover as quickly as possible and play again. In three days I can recover. "It's the same when I'm playing with Tottenham as well. I have to recover as quick as possible and look forward to play." Coach Paulo Bento has voiced concerns over the condition of his captain, who is leading South Korea's charge for a first Asian Cup title in 59 years. Before arriving in the United Arab Emirates, Son, 26, played ..
Saina wins; Praneeth, Subhankar lose in Indonesia Masters
India's Saina Nehwal struggled her way into the second round but compatriots B Sai Praneeth and Subhankar Dey failed to cross the opening hurdle at the USD 350,000 Indonesia Masters here Wednesday. Eighth seeded Saina, who had reached the semifinals last week at the Malaysia Masters, recovered from a first-game loss to secure a 7-21 21-16 21-11 win over local hope Dinar Dyah Ayustine, ranked 50th. It was Saina's third win over Ayustine. The 28-year-old from Hyderabad will next face another Indonesian Fitriani Fitriani, against whom she has a 4-0 head-to-head record. National champions Manu Attri and B Sumeeth Reddy also dished out a fighting game to notch up a 14-21 21-19 21-15 win over Denmark's Mads Pieler Kolding and Niclas Nohr in the men's doubles. In the men's singles, 2017 Singapore Open champion Praneeth was sent packing 12-21 16-21 by Olympic champion Chen Long of China in 40 minutes, while Subhankar, who had won his maiden title at SaarLorLux Open in Germany last year, ...
Australia name two debutants for first Sri Lanka Test
Australia have named debutants Kurtis Patterson and Jhye Richardson and recalled opener Joe Burns for the first Test against Sri Lanka beginning in Brisbane on Thursday. Patterson scored centuries in both innings playing for the Cricket Australia XI against Sri Lanka in Hobart last week, prompting selectors to call him into the squad. The 25-year-old has scored 3,813 first-class runs for New South Wales at an average of 41.00 and will bat at number six. West Australian fast bowler Richardson, who was impressive in the ODI series against India, comes in for the injured Josh Hazlewood. Selectors resisted the temptation to blood 20-year-old batsman Will Pucovski, who many are touting as the next Ricky Ponting, opting instead for the experienced Burns. Burns, 29, played his last Test against South Africa in April last year but has three Test centuries to his name. Australia: Tim Paine (capt), Marcus Harris, Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Kurtis Patterson, Pat .
Halep's reign as world number one over
Petra Kvitova's surging win over Ashleigh Barty to make the Australian Open semi-finals ensured Simona Halep's reign as world number one is over, not that the Romanian is bothered. The Czech star overtook Halep's points total, while Naomi Osaka and Karolina Pliskova also have a mathematical shot at assuming the mantle when the new rankings come out next week. Entering the opening Grand Slam of the year, 11 players had a chance to hold the top spot, but that has now been whittled down. Of the three in the running, only Pliskova has been there before, in 2017 when she became the first Czech women to do so. To do so again she must win the title on Saturday. Halep held the number one ranking for 48 weeks, but after her loss to Serena Williams in round four, she said it wasn't her priority. "The main goal is just to play as good as I can every match, to win every match I play, so the ranking doesn't really matter," she said. "End of the year is more important, the ranking, so I will not ...