Page 679 - Sports

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech to retire at end of season

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech announced on Tuesday that he will retire at the end of the season. The 36-year-old, who won four Premier League titles with Chelsea, revealed his decision on Twitter. He wrote: "This is my 20th season as a professional player and it is 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." The Czech, who arrived in the Premier League with Chelsea in 2004 and moved to Arsenal in 2015, added: "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 to hopefully win one more trophy this season, then I am looking forward to seeing what life holds for me off the pitch." Cech joined Arsenal in 2015 and has made 129 appearances for the Gunners after winning multiple trophies at rivals Chelsea. Signed from Rennes by Claudio Ranieri in 2004, Cech ..

Kohli terms Dhoni's knock as 'classic'

Calling it an "MS classic", India captain Virat Kohli on Tuesday firmly put his weight behind the under-fire former skipper, saying he will definitely be part of the team going ahead.

Shuttler Kashyap qualifies for Malaysia Masters

India's Parupalli Kashyap qualified for the Malaysia Masters 2019 after defeating Vladimir Malkov 21-12, 21-17 in straight games in the men's singles qualification round at the Axiata Arena here on Tuesday.

Osaka beats the bugs to power into Open second round

Japanese fourth seed Naomi Osaka overcame a nervous start and distraction from flying bugs to ease into the Australian Open second round Tuesday. The US Open champion downed Magda Linette of Poland 6-4, 6-2 in just under an hour to set up a meeting with Tamara Zidansek of Slovakia in the next round. "I felt really nervous walking onto the court but then when I started playing I just felt really happy and grateful that I'm able to play in front of such a great crowd," she said of her experience on Rod Laver Arena. The 21-year-old said she enjoyed the warm Australian conditions but had to call for a ballboy's help when a bug was fluttering on court as she prepared to serve for the match. "I'm not really that great at catching them, I'd accidentally squish it maybe, so it's probably not a good idea" she said. Osaka quickly put aside her brush with Australian wildlife and sealed the match with an ace. It was one of six aces she fired down during the match, declaring herself happy with the

Kerala strike back, reduce Gujarat to 97/4

: Kerala hit back to reduce Gujarat to 97 for 4 after being bowled out for 185 in 39.3 overs on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals here Tuesday. Gujarat won the toss and sent the host into bat and struck at regular intervals to take control. Opener Mohammed Azharudeen (17) was the first to go, bowled by Rush Kalaria. After a 23-run partnership, Kerala lost the wickets of P Rahul (26), Sijomon Joseph and Sachin Baby at the score of 52. Star batsman Sanju Samson, who has featured for India in T20 internationals, retired hurt, to dent Kerala's chances. Samson retired hurt on 17 after being hit on his hand. Medium-pacers Roosh Kalari (2 for 63) and C T Gaja (4 for 57) did most of the damage. Sandeep Warrier and Basil Thampi scalped two each to lead the Kerala fightback. Thampi struck a big blowwhen he dismissed Parthiv for 43 as Gujarat trails by 88 runs. Brief scores: Kerala 185 all out in 39.3 overs (Basil Thampi 37, P Rahul 26, Vinoop Sheela Manoharan 25, C T .

Team wants me to finish games batting at number six: Karthik

Dinesh Karthik says the Indian team management has identified the role of a finisher for him at number six even as he effusively praised former skipper MS Dhoni for showing that he can still put opposition under the pump when required. Chasing 299 in the second ODI against Australia, Karthik (25) played a key role in team's successful, yet, tight chase by putting on 57 runs for the unconquered fifth wicket with Dhoni (55). "I think Dhoni's been pretty solid this series. It was the kind of innings he's played over and over again. So it was great to watch him bat and finish off an innings. We know he can absorb pressure and release it back to the opponents when the time is right. That has always been his strength and today you saw the perfect example of that," Karthik said. "He knew his plans and I knew my plans and we were just complementing each other," he added. Dhoni had faced a lot of criticism for his slow knock in Sydney but today he hit two sixes in his 54-ball 55. "He doesn't ..

Djokovic follows Federer, Nadal into round 2 of Australian Open

World No 1 Novak Djokovic downed Mitchell Krueger of the US 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in the first round of the Australian Open here on Tuesday.

Arunachal's women's team all out for 14 in U-23 match

The Arunachal Pradesh women's U-23 side faced embarrassment Tuesday as it was bowled out for only 14 runs in a Twenty20 match against Himachal Pradesh here. Himachal completed the victory formality with all 10 wickets to spare in the BCCI-organised women's league and knockout U-23 T20 tournament. Opting to bat first, Arunachal Pradesh's innings lasted 11 overs, in which they managed just 14 runs on the board after losing wickets at regular intervals. As many as seven Arunachal batsman failed to open their account. Prachi Chauhan was the most successful bowler for Himachal, finishing the innings with figures of four wickets for just one run. Himachal knocked off the runs in 1.2 overs. Incidentally, China were also bundled out for 14 runs in an international women's T20 match against UAE on Sunday.

Chennai lad crowned world's second youngest grand master

: Tamil Nadu lad D Gukesh Tuesday became the second youngest Grand Master in the world and the youngest Indian to achieve the feat at 12 years, seven months and 17 days, erasing the mark set by his state-mate R Praggnanandhaa in June last year. He achieved his third and final GM norm at the ongoing 17th Delhi International Open Chess tournament in Delhi after beating compatriot D K Sharma in the ninth round. Gukesh becomes India's 59th Grand Master. Ukraine's Sergey Karjakin remains the youngest-ever GM, having achieved the feat at the age of 12 years and seven months in 2002. In December last, the Chennai boy had narrowly missed on the record when he lost his third round game against GM Daniele Vocaturo of Italy at the Sunway Sitges International in Barcelona. Gukesh, however, recovered and he put that setback behind him to beat and has now beaten the record held by his friend Praggnanandhaa, who was 12 years and 10 months old when he became Indias youngest GM. The ...

Djokovic begins 7th Australian Open title campaign with straight-set win

World number one Novak Djokovic started his campaign at the Australian Open with a thumping win over Mitchell Krueger of the USA at the Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday.The six-time former champion defeated his American counterpart 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in the match that lasted two hours and three minutes to advance to the second round of the tournament.Having lost his first service game in the third game, Djokovic bounced back to dominate the American player. From that, the Serbian star didn't look back and won five straight games from 3-3 in the first set to 2-0 in the second set, and went on to break for a 4-1 advantage.Krueger saved break points in his first two service games, including five in the third game to keep his chances alive. However, Djokovic got fired up and won five straight games."Playing Krueger for the first time, I didn't really know what to expect. I did my homework, tried to do some research on him, but it was quite tricky and quite different playing him. It was a very ...

Karnataka grab 1st day honours, bowl Rajasthan out for 224

Karnataka grabbed honours on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy quarterfinal, bowling out formidable Rajasthan for 224 in their first innings at the Chinnaswamy Stadium here Tuesday. At stumps, Karnataka were 12 without loss in five overs with openers Ravikumar Samarth and Dega Nischal batting on seven and five, respectively. The day also saw a couple of bad decisions by the umpires. Robin Bist's leg before dismissal came despite the ball climbing up and Rajesh Bishnoi was lucky to survive off K Gowtham. Sent into bat, none of the batsmen made any significant contributions, except for skipper Mahipal Lomror (50) and Rajesh Bishnoi (79) hitting fifties batting lower down the order. All the bowlers were among the wickets, barring Ronit More. Gowtham and Abhimanyu Mithun bagged three wickets each to emerge as highest wicket-takers. Rajasthan began their innings poorly by loosing opener Amitkumar Gautam with just 18 runs on the board. Chetan Bist and Lomror consolidated, but the former

60 women boxers to be part of national camp

India's top women boxers, including six-time world champion M C Mary Kom, are among 60 pugilists short-listed for the national camp, which began at the IG Stadium here Tuesday. The World Championships and the 2020 Tokyo probable will also be short-listed from here. The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has also rewarded pugilists who were among the medals and showed promise at the recently-concluded third Elite Women's National Boxing Championships at Vijayanagar, Karnataka. The campers also include the World Youth gold medallists, Nitu (48kg) and Sakshi (57Kg) and 2017 bronze medallist, Astha Pawa, (75kg) as they were elevated from youth division to senior camp for the first time. The selected 60 comprise a mix of young as well as experienced boxers. S Kalaivani of Tamil Nadu, Himani Pant of Uttarakhand, Rinki Sharma of Uttar Pradesh, Manju of Madhya Pradesh, Sohini of Chandigarh, Monika of Himachal and Lalita of Rajasthan are some of those who have been rewarded as BFI also looks at .

Langer praises chase master Kohli, says his balance is unbelievable

Australia coach Justin Langer compared Virat Kohli with Sachin Tendulkar and said the Indian captain's balance while playing 360 degree shots in all formats of the game is "unbelievable". After his 39th ODI hundred helped India to a series' levelling win in Adelaide, Langer heaped praise on Kohli, saying the India skipper is currently having the same impact on international cricket as Tendulkar. "I would like to have them both in my team. Sachin was an incredible cricketer. I used to watch him and it was like he was meditating. He was so calm and that's why his record is peerless," Langer said after Australia's six-wicket loss in the second ODI here. "Virat is doing the same thing. He is so calm and so competitive, and technically his balance is unbelievable. For him to play 360-degree shots in all formats of the game, his balance is unbelievable." Langer said it is a blessing in disguise for the young Australian cricketers to play against class players like Kohli and Mahendra Singh ..

Constantine thanks players, AIFF after resignation

Indian football team coach Stephen Constantine on Monday took to social media to thank the federation and players for their support during his four-year stint.

Finding future talent is key component of SAI's plans at Khelo

Teams of talent spotters have been at work at various venues of the Khelo India Youth Games being held here. The talent spotters have been brought in by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in relays to track performances in their assigned events and present a shortlist of those found worthy of following on a long-term basis, a media release said on Tuesday. One of the stated aims of the Khelo India is to use the Youth Games as a resource base. With the government having set up the Target Olympics scheme, these Games are being looked at as a feeder for the larger pool that is looking at the 2020 Olympic Tokyo Games and beyond. "Our target is to find 495 prospects from these Games. Towards that, we will be bringing in about 150 scouts as and when their particular sport is being played," A K Bansal, head of the SAI's talent identification programme, was quoted as saying in the release. The work is being done at two levels, first through the Talent Screening Committee (TSC)

Former world number 1 Azarenka bows out of Australian Open

Germany's Laura Siegemund ousted former world number one and two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka on Tuesday to advance to the second round of the Australian Open.

Adelaide ODI: India beat Australia, level series

India defeated Australia by six wickets in the second one-day international (ODI) at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday to level the three-match series 1-1.Chasing a target of 299, India openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma contributed 47 runs for the first wicket. However, on a fuller delivery from Jason Behrendorff, Dhawan's (32) entertaining knock came to an end.Sharing the crease with the Hitman, skipper Virat Kohli walked in and continued ticking the scoreboard. Rohit (43) played a crucial 54-run partnership with Kohli before getting caught at the deep forward square by Peter Handscomb.The skipper then built a 59-run stand with Ambati Rayudu for the third wicket. However, Rayudu (24) played a poor shot to deep mid-wicket and Marcus Stoinis took an easy catch.With Kohli and former skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the middle, the duo put together 82 runs for the fourth wicket.Kohli hammered 104 runs off 112 balls, which marked his 39th ODI century and 24th in run chase before giving a .

Sachin, Sehwag hail India's series-levelling win

Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar led the congratulatory wishes for skipper Virat Kohli and his predecessor Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who starred in India's 6-wicket series-levelling win in the second One-day International at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday.

Amit Shah visits Jagannath temple, upcoming stadium site

BJP chief Amit Shah Tuesday visited the famous Lord Jagannath temple here with his family members and also reviewed the progress of an upcoming cricket stadium in Motera area. Shah, who has been in his home state since Monday, visited the Jagannath temple in Jamalpur area of the city and performed 'puja'. "On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, Shah and his family members performed 'puja' at the temple. They also offered grass to a cow and gifted clothes to seers. Shah visits the temple during Makar Sankranti every year," temple trustee Mahendra Jha said. From the temple, Shah went to Motera area in the city, where the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA), headed by him, is constructing a new cricket stadium. He reviewed the progress of the facility, which is being touted as the "world's biggest cricket stadium" once completed. The foundation stone for this stadium was laid in January 2017. "Shah, accompanied by GCA vice president Parimal Nathwani, reviewed the ...

Sartaj Singh wins 3-position gold in tight finish at Khelo

Sartaj Singh from Punjab hung on to his lead by the skin of his teeth to beat a charge by National Junior Champion Aishwarya Pratap Singh Tomar of Madhya Pradesh and won the gold medal in the 50m 3-position rifle competition in the Khelo India Youth Games here on Tuesday. The 16-year-old from Patiala, shot 447.2 in the final, riding on the lead he had opened up with 151.7 in kneeling and 150.5 in prone. When they shot the standing series, Aishwarya Pratap Singh Tomar, a World Junior Championship finalist last year, started to slowly bridge the 3.3-point gap with the leader, a media release said. Son of a tissue culture farmer, Sartaj was aware that his lead had dwindled to 0.6 points when only the two of them were left in the fray. The Madhya Pradesh lad shot 9.6 and Sartaj responded with a 9.1 that was enough to fetch him gold. Meanwhile Telangana's 13-year-old Esha Singh and Maharashtra's Harshada Nithave won the girls under-17 and under-21 10m air pistol gold medals ..