Page 676 - Sports
Nehwal, Srikanth make winning start to Malaysia Masters
Indian shuttlers Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth made a winning start to their campaign at the ongoing Malaysia Masters on Wednesday.While Nehwal defeated Deng Joy Xuan of Hong Kong 14-21, 21-18, 21-18 to move into the second round of the women's singles event, Srikanth eases past Honk Kong's Angus Ng Ka Long 21-17, 21-11 to advance further in the men's singles event of the tournament.Nehwal looked tentative in the initial stage of the match but soon made a comeback with a resilient attitude. Having lost the opening margin of seven points, the shuttler gave an impressive performance in the consecutive games to move further in the competition.For Srikanth, the battle was comparatively easy as he registered a dominating straight sets victory over his Hong Kong counterpart. Without showing any signs of weakness, the world number eight player maintained a firm grip on the match from start to end.Another Indian shuttler Parupalli Kashyap also made it to the second round of the Malaysia ..
That Viking feeling: Iceland 'thunderclap' takes Asian Cup by storm
The bone-shaking "Viking thunderclap" made famous by Iceland fans at Euro 2016 has become a smash hit in the most unlikely of places -- at the Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates. An expression of solidarity between supporters and players, the iconic slow chant -- accompanied by a single clap in unison -- has been adopted by fans of teams including China, India, Thailand, Lebanon and Iran. India captain Sunil Chhetri led his team of unlikely Vikings in a lusty thunderclap after the Blue Tigers thrashed Thailand 4-1 in Abu Dhabi. Chinese fans followed suit after their team's 2-1 win over Kyrgyzstan, and it has gathered pace since. "Nobody does it like we do of course -- but it's really cool that more countries are using it to support their team," Hilmar Jokull, vice chairman of Iceland's noisy Tolfan supporters group, told AFP. "We're just a tiny country in the middle of nowhere and we're not expecting anyone to copy us -- especially countries of more than a billion people. "The ...
Schwartzman pulls off tough win against Kudla in round 2 of Australia Open
Argentina's Diego Schwartzman picked up a hard-fought 6-4, 7-5, 3-6, 6-7 (6), 6-4 win against Denis Kudla of the United States to advance to the third round of the Australian Open here on Wednesday.
Chandimal hopes to emulate India success against Aussies
Sri Lanka skipper Dinesh Chandimal praised the India team for their recent performance against Australia in the recently-concluded Test series and hoped that his side would repeat the same while taking on the Tim Paine-led side in their upcoming two-Test series.Chandimal stressed on the need to strike a proper balance between bowling and batting. He said that India won the Test series against Australia because they had really good bowlers adding that he is expecting same sort of performance from his players, as well."We have done well in New Zealand in both Tests, especially in the second innings. We just want to start well whether bowling or batting. We learnt from that last series and guys have some game plans. If they can take it out to the middle it will give us a good start," ESPNcricinfo quoted Chandimal, as saying."Our fast bowlers are in good shape and if we can get more than 300 that will be great from the batting unit. The India bowling unit was really good, especially ...
Bowling attack makes India WC favourites along side England, says Gillespie
Former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie feels the current Indian bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah makes the team one of the favourites for the upcoming ICC World Cup, along side hosts England. "I think the Indian attack is well balanced. Bumrah has been rested for obvious reason but their attack is still quite good," Gillespie told PTI in an interview. "Everyone offers different things, and you add Bumrah to it, so they are well placed to mount a challenge for the World Cup. I think England are the obvious favourites, but India won't be far behind," he insisted. Gillespie singled out Bumrah for special praise and said the young right-arm pacer's unorthodox action makes him a different bowler from others. "I enjoy watching Bumrah bowl. He just ambles in but when he gets to the crease, he almost has a slingshot action. He bowls at good pace, hurries the batsmen up, and he can also change his pace a lot. He is a very fine bowler," the 43-year-old former pacer said. "His action ..
Australian Open: Caroline Wozniacki continues title defence with win over Johanna Larsson
Defending Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki on Wednesday made an easy task of Swedish veteran Johanna Larsson to continue her quest for the straight second title here at the Margaret Court Arena.The 28-year-old registered a decisive 6-1, 6-3 victory over her Swedish counterpart to win her second round clash of the ongoing tournament that lasted 66 minutes.The opening set was a complete cakewalk for the Denmark player as she did not break much sweat to get past Larsson. Grabbing the first break point of the match, she maintained a healthy 5-1 lead in the set and eventually sealed the game for herself.Larsson tried to overcome the opening set loss as she came back hard on her opponent. She saved three break points in the earlier stage to step ahead of Wozniacki but the Denmark player remained undaunted and broke the serve two games later to eventually emerge victorious.Up next, Wozniacki could face Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova if she managed to get past Rebecca Peterson
Tiafoe upsets Anderson in Australian Open 2nd round
American Frances Tiafoe recorded a surprise victory over fifth-seeded Kevin Anderson of South Africa 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 in the second round of the Australian Open tennis tournament.
Favourites Bertens, Kontaveit stumble in second round of Australian Open
Dutch Kiki Bertens and Estonia's Anett Kontaveit stumbled in the second round of the Australian Open on Wednesday, losing to Russia's Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich respectively.
Wozniacki beats Larsson at Australian Open
Defending Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki defeated Sweden's Johanna Larsson in straight sets to notch up her ninth straight win at this venue.
Verdasco first Spaniard in Oz Open third round
Spain's Fernando Verdasco defeated Radu Albot of Moldova 6-1, 7-6(2), 6-2 to become the first Spaniard in the third round of the Australian Open tennis tournament.
Pope doesn't fancy his chances for England's World Cup squad
The newest 'boy' in English cricket, 21-year-old Ollie Pope is more or less clear that he does not see himself in the scheme of things when the England team is selected for the upcoming World Cup to be played shortly in his home country.
Australian Open: Federer beats Evans in second round
Swiss tennis maestro Roger Federer on Wednesday defeated Dan Evans of United Kingdom to enter the third round of the men's singles event at the ongoing Australian Open.The 37-year-old registered a comprehensive 7-6, 7-6, 6-3 victory over the British qualifier in a tight contest.Chasing his seventh title in the Melbourne Park, Federer was tested by Evans on the court as the Briton was not willing to give in easily. Playing attacking shots, Evans had almost clinched the opening set while serving at 5-4 in the tie break round. Federer, however, won the set with the help of two forehand volleys and survived the opening scare.The second set also witnessed a grueling contest between the two players, but this time, it was Federer who got better off Evans and maintained a healthy 2-0 lead in the match.The final set proved to be a cakewalk for the twenty times Grand Slam champion as Evans failed to pose much competition and lost with a margin of three points.After the match, Federer praised ...
India's men's doubles challenge ends in single day
Country's challenge at the men's doubles event of the Australian Open came crashing down in a single day with three pairs featuring Indians suffered first round defeats, here Wednesday. The 15th seeded Indian team of Rohan Bopanna and Divij Sharan, who began their partnership with a bang in Pune, lost 1-6 6-4 5-7 to the unseeded Spanish pair of Pablo Carreno Busta and Guillermo Garcia-Lopez. It is second straight first round defeat for the new Indian team on the tour after their triumph at the Tata Open Maharsahtra. Last week, they had lost the round of 16 at the Sydney International. Competing in his 24th Australian Open, veteran Leander Paes and his partner Miguel Angel Reyes-Varela saved a few match points but eventually fell 5-7 6-7(4) to American-Kiwi combo of Austin Krajicek and Artem Sitak. Also making the first round exit was Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and his partner Nicholas Monroe, who lost 6-4 6-7(8) 5-7 to Kevin Krawietz and Nikola Mektic after fighting hard for two hours and
Federer battles into Australian Open third round
Defending champion Roger Federer reached the Australian Open third round for a 20th straight year Wednesday but was made to battle hard by Britain's Dan Evans before winning 7-6 (7/5) 7-6 (7/3) 6-3. The ageless 20-time Grand Slam champion, who is gunning for a record seventh Melbourne Park title and third in a row, had breezed past Denis Istomin in the first round, but was given a much tougher examination by the world number 189. "I think if I could have pulled away early in the match it might have been different," said the 37-year-old Swiss master who needed 2hr 35min to get past his 28-year-old opponent. Evans, whose ranking plummeted from a career-high 41 after he was slapped with a year-long ban for testing positive to cocaine in April 2017, played almost flawless tennis to stave off a set point on his way to forcing a first set tie-break. He even had the temerity to lead 5-3 in the breaker before Federer stepped up a gear and reeled off the next four points with a cry of "Come ...
Indian football federation expresses gratitude to departing coach Constantine
All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Praful Patel thanked national coach Stephen Constantine for his contribution to Indian football.Constantine, who had taken over as the head coach of the senior men's Indian national team in February 2015, announced his decision step down after India bowed out of the ongoing AFC Asian Cup.In his statement, Patel said, "It's been a wonderful journey. We have travelled a long distance together, and the world has seen it all. I would like to wish Stephen all the very best for the future, and thank him for all his efforts and contribution towards Indian Football."AIFF general secretary Kushal Das also thanked Constantine for guiding the Indian team through a critical phase."We respect and accept his decision. I would like to thank Stephen for guiding us through a very critical phase in Indian Football. Under his guidance, we witnessed some of the most successful days in Indian football in recent times. It's time for Indian Football to enter a .
Petr Cech announces retirement from professional football
Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech announced that he would be retiring from professional football at the end of the current season.The 36-year-old, who had signed his first professional contract 20 years ago, was of the view that it was the right time to retire. He further stated that he would be aiming for one more trophy for Arsenal by the end of the season before looking forward to what life has to offer "off the pitch"."This is my 20th season as a professional player and it has been 20 years since I signed my first professional contract, so it feels like the right time to announce that I will retire at the end of this season," Cech tweeted."Having played 15 years in the Premier League, and won every single trophy possible, I feel like I have achieved everything I set out to achieve. I will continue to work hard at Arsenal and hopefully win one more trophy this season, then I am looking forward to seeing what life holds for me off the pitch," read another tweet.Petr Cech was signed by ...
Darren Bravo makes Windies comeback for England Test
Left-hand batsman Darren Bravo has made a comeback in the West Indies Test squad as they announced a team for the first clash of their upcoming three-match series against England.The 29-year-old, who played his last Test in October 2016, is likely to give an edge to the West Indies batting order that struggled during their recently-concluded Bangladesh Test series which they lost 0-2.West Indies' chairman of selectors Courtney Brown said that the team needs to pick themselves up after the Bangladesh loss and move ahead. While maintaining that England series is going to be tough, Brown said that the home turf has been their strong point."After a difficult Test Series in Bangladesh late last year the opportunity presents itself for our team to pick itself up. Although a tough series against England is anticipated, home turf has always been a place where our team has made strides," ESPNcricinfo quoted Brown, as saying.The squad also include the name of Caribbean quick bowler Alzarri ...
Chelsea face UEFA investigation over racial chants during Europa League
London-based football club Chelsea will face UEFA investigation following allegations of racial chanting during a Europa League match against MOL Vidi in December, last year.Chelsea's supporters are alleged to have slurred racial chants at MOL Vidi FC during the match held in Hungary which ended in a draw.Addressing the issue at that time, the club had termed the incident as "abhorrent" while adding that those involved in the incident have "shamed the club"."Antisemitism and any other kind of race-related or religious hatred is abhorrent to this club and the overwhelming majority of our fans. It has no place at Chelsea or in any of our communities. We have stated this loud and clear on many occasions from the owner, the board, coaches and players," goal.com quoted the club, as saying."Any individuals that can't summon the brainpower to comprehend this simple message and are found to have shamed the club by using antisemitic or racist words or actions will face the strongest possible ..
Khelo India Youth Games: Devika, Laxmi enter boxing semis
Local pugilists Devika Ghorpade and Laxmi Patil stormed into the semifinals of the girls under-17 boxing event at the ongoing Khelo India Youth Games on Tuesday.In the pinweight (46kg) class, Devika outboxed Goa's Aarti Chouhan 5-0 while Laxmi prevailed over Ayushi Awasthi of Madhya Pradesh in the light-fly (48kg) class. In the same class, Manipur's Tingmila Doungel got a walk-over after her opponent Anchal Singh (Uttar Pradesh) was found overweight.Devika, who won a silver medal at the National School Games last year, is aiming to win gold in her maiden Khelo India Games."The major hurdle is Haryana's Rinku and we will face one other in the semifinals. I am preparing myself for that bout," Devika said.Rinku beat statemate Rajni 5-0. The other semifinal will be between Assam's Priyanka Borah and Haryana's Tamanna.Maharashtra's Prajkta Shinde, who beat Mudrika Gururani (Uttarakhand) in the light bantam (52kg) class on the first day, went down fighting to Assam's Saraswati Boro 2-3. ...
Khelo India Youth Games: K'taka swimmer Nataraj bags 7th gold
Karnataka swimmer Srihari Nataraj emerged as the most prolific gold medallist as he added two more medals on Tuesday to reach a total of seven at the ongoing Khelo India Youth Games.Nataraj was a comfortable winner in both 50m backstroke and 100m freestyle. He faced no challenge in winning the 50m backstroke (Boys U-21) in 26.16 seconds with Goa's Xavier D'Souza (26.74) more than half a second behind him. Haryana's Vedant Seth (27.14) was third.The Karnataka swimmer won his second individual gold of the day in the 100m freestyle clocking 52.37 seconds. He again finished way ahead of D'Souza (53.15) and Maharashtra's Aaron Fernandes (54.11).Delhi's Swadesh Mondal, who started the day with four gold medals already in his bag, added a fifth by winning the 200m breaststroke in the Boys U-17 event in 2:26.91.With SP Likith picking five medals, the Karnataka duo was the most decorated gold medallists of the Games. Karnataka won a total of 21 swimming gold, 13 silver and 13 bronze, taking ..