Page 680 - Sports

Asian Cup showing has earned Indian football belief and respect, says Constantine

India may have missed a maiden qualification into the knockouts by a whisker, but former coach Stephen Constantine says the team's spirited showing in the Asian Cup football tournament has earned them respect, which they never had. Starting AFC's continental showpiece event with a stunning 4-1 demolition of Thailand, India's campaign ended in heartbreak, as Bahrain relied on a late penalty to emerge winners here on Monday night. One of the immediate repercussions was that a heartbroken Constantine announced his resignation. "We were unlucky, to concede a penalty in the 91st minute is heartbreaking. But it shows everybody in India that we are capable, we have belief which we never had, we have respect which we never had and we have the determination," Constantine told PTI. "It's there for everybody to see. I wish nothing but the best for players, for the Indian federation and for the fans who support us." This was Constantine's second stint with the Indian side after having been at the

Asiad teammates Diksha, Sifat among pro debutants to feature in Hero WGPT season-opener

A host of amateurs, including Asian Games teammates Diksha Dagar and Sifat Alag are among six of the seven players, who have recently turned pro, will figure in the first leg of the Tour at the Poona Club Golf Course here. The most prominent of the newcomers is southpaw Diksha, who also secured rights on the Ladies European Tour in the Qualifying School in Morocco. She will be joined by her Asian Games teammate Sifat Alag. The third member of the Asiad team, Ridhima Dilawari, who turned pro some months ago, is however absent this week. Other newly minted pros to be seen in action this week at the Rs 8 lakh event are Anousha Tripathi of Ahmedabad, Jyotsana Singh of Lucknow, Dolma Rawat of Delhi-NCR and Ananya Datar of Mumbai. The last of the new pros, Ishvari Prasanna of Bengaluru will not be playing this week. Another exciting name in the field, though still an amateur, is the hugely talented 15-year-old Pranavi Urs, who recently retained her Faldo Series India title. Urs will also ...

Tonight was an MS classic, says elated Kohli

India captain Virat Kohli called it an "MS classic" after Mahendra Singh Dhoni, with sixes that reminded of his heydays, hammered home the point that the finisher in him is still alive. Dhoni slammed an unbeaten 55 off 54 balls after Kohli laid the foundation for India's series-levelling six-wicket victory over Australia in the second ODI with a fluent century. "There is no doubt that he should be a part of this team. Tonight was MS classic. He calculates the game so well. He takes the game till the end, when only he knows what's going on in his mind, and he backs himself to hit those big shots at the end," Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony. Kohli could not take his team home this time but Dhoni and Dinesh Karthik (25 off 14) rose to the occasion with an unbeaten 57-run stand, helping India chase down a target of 299 with four balls to spare. "You look for little moments to pump you up, get into the zone, and that's what I was trying to do. I tried to stay as aware as

Rinku's aggressive ton guides UP to 340/7 against Saurashtra

Middle-order batsman Rinku Singh struck a fluent century to guide Uttar Pradesh to 340 for seven in their first innings on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy quarterfinal match against Saurashtra, here on Tuesday. Rinku made 150 off just 181 balls with the help of 19 boundaries to take Uttar Pradesh out of trouble after the hosts were reduced to 54 for 4 at one stage on the first day of the four-day match. Rinku stitched two crucial partnerships -- 145 runs for the fifth wicket with Priyam Garg (49) and 85 runs with Umesh Yadav for the sixth wicket -- to keep Uttar Pradesh afloat. Besides Rinku and Priyam, opener Madhav Kaushik (37), Saurabh Kumar (26 not out) and Shivam Mavi (28 not out) also made useful contributions with the bat. Left-arm orthodox bowler Dharmendrasinh Jadeja (3/111) was the most successful bowler for Saurashtra, while skipper Jaydev Unadkat (2/65) also chipped in with two wickets. Free from national duty, India's middle-order mainstay Cheteshwar Pujara is ...

Australian Open: Kei Nishikori progresses after Kamil Majchrzak retires

Japan's tennis player Kei Nishikori defeated Kamil Majchrzak of Poland to advance to the second round of the Australian Open at the Melbourne Park on Tuesday.After surviving a scare, Nishikori won the contest against Majchrzak 3-6, 6-7(6), 6-0, 6-2, 3-0 in a match that lasted nearly three hours.Nishikori, who is seeded ninth, lost the first two sets against his Polish opponent. But the game turned quickly as Majchrzak began to suffer cramps in his legs and hands and lost the third set before retiring in the fourth."I have to say he had it today. He was playing very well, better than I thought, I have to say. It was very unfortunate how we finished, but I will try to do my best for the next round," Australia Open quoted Nishikori, as saying."I was trying to play better every set, the second set playing better but he was still playing amazing tennis, forehand, backhand, serving really well today. I didn't do anything in the fourth set; he was hurt. I feel sorry for him," Nishikori ...

Disheartened Pak coach backs his team for future tours

Pakistan head Coach Mickey Arthur is extremely disappointed with his team's performance after getting whitewashed by South Africa in the recently-concluded Test series. The coach, however, backed his side for future tours.Arthur said that he is pretty clear about the way forward for the squad and has now got a better idea about the right team combination."We start our next Test series in September, and everybody goes into white-ball mode now. We're certainly a far better white-ball team at the minute than we are a Test unit, but we'll get there," ICC quoted Arthur, as saying."We've realized the brand we want to play. We've had a look at personnel, at who's going to fit in going forward. So I'm pretty clear on the way to go, and certainly come September, when the Test championship starts, we've certainly got a team that can play in all conditions, and we need to identify what those skill sets are," he added.On Monday, Pakistan lost the third and final test match against South Africa by

Kohli, Dhoni star in series-levelling win for India

M S Dhoni pulled off a tight finish for India just like old times to silence his critics after captain Virat Kohli laid the foundation for a series-levelling six-wicket win against Australia with his 39th ODI hundred here on Tuesday. Chase master Kohli could not take his team to the finishing line this time but Dhoni (55 off 54) and Dinesh Karthik (25 off 14) rose to the occasion with an unbeaten 57-run stand off 34 balls, taking India home with four balls to spare. Australia scored 298-8 after opting to bat. Man of the match Kohli was dismissed in the 44th over after making 104 off 112 balls with five fours and two sixes. Dhoni, who has been coping a lot of criticism for his waning finishing skills, turned back the clock and took India past the finish line with a final over six. The third and final ODI will be in Melbourne on Friday. India got off to a frantic start with Shikhar Dhawan hitting five boundaries in his 28-ball 32 runs. He put on 47 runs for the opening wicket with Rohit

2nd ODI: Kohli, Dhoni power India to series-levelling win

India rode on skipper Virat Kohli's century and stumper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's controlled fifty to beat Australia by six wickets in the second ODI and level the three-match ODI rubber 1-1 here on Tuesday.

Rivalry and revenge: Iran face Iraq at Asian Cup

One of football's great rivalries takes centre-stage at the Asian Cup on Wednesday when Iran play Iraq still smarting from their controversial exit four years ago. Iran played most of the classic 2015 quarter-final with 10 men after Mehrdad Pooladi's hotly disputed first-half dismissal but when it ended 3-3 after extra-time, Iraq edged the penalty shoot-out. Iran's protest that Iraq yielded an ineligible player was dismissed as Carlos Queiroz's three-time winners were sent packing from the tournament in Australia. Four years on from their clash in Canberra, Iran forward Saman Ghoddos said memories were still fresh as Team Melli take on Iraq in their final game of Group D. "Iraq are tough opponents and I think that this will be a revenge match for us," said Ghoddos, according to Iran's Varzesh3 website. "I've been waiting for this match ever since the last Asian Cup. We will win this match for the people." Football is one of the remaining points of contention between the Middle East ...

Spurs looking over their shoulders at top-four challengers, says Lloris

Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris admits his side are now looking over their shoulders at the teams chasing them in the race for the Premier League top four. Spurs have been considered title challengers after a superb run but two defeats in three games -- the latest to Manchester United on Sunday -- have seriously dented their chances of overhauling Liverpool or Manchester City. They are just a point ahead of fourth-placed Chelsea while defeat by United means they are only seven points better off than Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side and Arsenal. Despite Spurs being touted as possible champions a few weeks ago, the France goalkeeper says qualifying for the Champions League next season is the main goal. "We are still involved in four competitions but the main thing is to finish in the top four," he said. "We have said that from the beginning and we have not changed our mind. "Of course, everyone is talking about the teams in front of u, but it is important to keep an eye on the teams behind ...

Djokovic begins seventh Aussie Open title bid with romp

Novak Djokovic began his bid for a record seventh Australian Open title in easy fashion Tuesday, crushing 230th-ranked American Mitchell Krueger 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena. The world number one had reached the Australian Open second round for 13 consecutive years and that streak was never threatened by the qualifier, who was making his debut at Melbourne Park. Djokovic, appearing in his 300th Grand Slam match, did drop his second service game to go 1-2 behind in the first set but broke back immediately and went on to record his 259th match win in a major against a gritty but outclassed opponent. "Playing him for the first time I didn't know what to expect," said the Serbian top seed. "He was very competitive and I had to work hard. I enjoyed it, hope you did too," he said. Djokovic closed out last season magnificently, making an astonishing climb back from outside the world's top 20 in June, winning Wimbledon and the US Open on the way to reclaiming the number one ranking in ...

Young cricketer dies during practice

A 21-year-old cricketer collapsed on the field during a warm up session and died due to a possible cardiac arrest here on Tuesday, officials said.

Manu Sawhney unveiled as new ICC CEO

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday announced the appointment of Manu Sawhney as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Kohli, Dhoni lead India to series-levelling win in Adelaide

Skipper Virat Kohli struck a century and MS Dhoni an unbeaten fifty as India beat Australia by six wickets in the second One-day international to level the series 1-1, here Tuesday. Chasing a challenging 299 to win, India overhauled the target with four balls to spare. The series-deciding ODI will be played in Melbourne on Friday. Brief Scores: Australia: 298 for 9 in 50 overs (Shaun Marsh 131, Glenn Maxwell 48; Bhuvneshwar 4/45). India: 299 for four in 49.2 overs.

Kolkata cricketer dies on the field

Promising all-rounder Aniket Sharma on Tuesday collapsed on a cricket field and died moments later owing to a possible cardiac arrest, hospital officials said. Aniket, 21, from Paikpara Club, was brought dead to RG Kar Medical Hospital. He is survived by his mother and father. A southpaw, who could also bowl right-arm off spin, Aniket joined the club last year and according to his coach was a fine talent. "He was a good cricketer. He was a brilliant team man and a good fielder too. We are shocked to say the least," his coach said. "We were all there on the field, warming up. He wanted to play football for some time. But before that, while warming up he suddenly collapsed on the field and we rushed him to the hospital," a teammate said. Aniket's club Paikpara were scheduled to take on Milan Samiti in a Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) First Division League match. "We are trying to postpone the match which is scheduled for tomorrow. This is a very unfortunate incident and we are ...

Sousa beats Pella to reach Australian Open 2nd round

Portuguese Joao Sousa on Tuesday progressed to the second round of the Australian Open by beating Argentine Guido Pella 7-6(2), 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4.

Pogba credits Solsjkaer for putting smile back on his face

French midfielder Paul Pogba says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's arrival as interim manager at Manchester United has not only sparked his return to form but also put a smile back on his face. The 26-year-old -- an integral figure in France's World Cup triumph last year -- has shown the sort of form that United paid a club record 89 million (USD114.5 million) in 2016 since Solskjaer arrived last month to replace the sacked Jose Mourinho. Pogba's relationship with the volatile Mourinho had been pretty much toxic all season -- having already degenerated in the previous campaign -- and he found himself relegated to the substitutes bench. "Before the coach (Solskjaer) arrived I was in the shadows, on the bench, and I accepted that," he said after the impressive 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. "It is a pleasure to play again. Now I am always smiling." Solskjaer, who The Sun reported on Tuesday is in pole position to get the job permanently as he has impressed the board and has the ...

Hero's Mena continues strong show, maintains overall 13th spot in Dakar Rally

Continuing his good run, Hero MotorSports' Oriol Mena finished the seventh stage in the 13th spot, retaining his 13th position in the overall rankings at the 41st Dakar Rally here. Mena put up yet another solid performance and pushed hard in the initial part of the stage but then eased off a bit as the conditions turned very windy and dusty due to storms in the desert on Monday. Another Hero rider, Joaquim Rodrigues, who received a 40-minute penalty late in the evening on Sunday for missing a waypoint during stage 6, also ran steadily and finished at 11th position. This enabled the Portugese to climb up a couple of positions from his post-penalty position of 26th overnight, to finish at 24th position in the overall rankings. Battling the dust, wind and poor visibility, Rodrigues exercised caution to avoid unnecessary mistakes and brought home a fine stage finish. Showing exemplary sportsmanship he stopped to help Michael Metge from Sherco TVS, who had run out of fuel just before the ..

Konta beats Tomljanovic in tie-break at Australian Open

Former Australian Open semi-finalist Johanna Konta advanced to the second round of the Australian Open after beating Ajla Tomljanovic in a tie-break on Tuesday.

Khelo India Youth Games: Shashi Chopra enters boxing quarters

Former world youth champion Shashi Chopra won a close battle against current champion Sakshi Choudhary to advance into the quarter-final round of the Under-21 feather-weight section (57kg) at the ongoing Khelo India Youth Games boxing competition on Monday.Interestingly, both Shashi and Sakshi represent Haryana. While Shashi is from Hissar, Sakshi belongs to Bhiwani. Their styles are also quite similar.According to Haryana coach Vikram Dhull, the fight amongst these potential gold medallists should have been the final.Shashi, being the more experienced and taller than her opponent, boxed like a pro right from the first round, while Sakshi tried to overpower her with speed and aggression. However, in the end, it was the former champion who moved into the quarter-finals with a 3-2 verdict."It definitely should have been a final. Of course, I took it like a final, in fact, I play every match like a final," said Shashi, who won gold at the World Youth Boxing Championship in Guwahati in ...