Page 690 - Sports
Federer to talk with Djokovic about ATP board woes
Roger Federer Sunday said he planned to speak to fellow big guns Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray about the future of ATP Tour chief Chris Kermode after reports of a move to oust him. Britain's Daily Telegraph said it had seen a strongly worded email sent out by ATP player council member Vasek Pospisil to players ranked between 50 and 100. It reportedly called for the workforce to "start acting and running like a business not like a bunch of scared kids ... we need a CEO that first and foremost represents OUR interests". The email added that "the governance structure of the ATP favours the interests of the tournaments and its (their) owners ... It's time for a change and it can be achieved by staying unified and demanding what we deserve for our hard work". The ATP board -- comprised of three tournament representatives and three player representatives -- is expected to vote on a possible renewal of Kermode's contract this month. He needs two of the three board members ...
'Legend' Murray can be proud of achievements - Federer
Roger Federer said Sunday he was shocked that tennis was to lose "legend" Andy Murray this year and the Scot should be "incredibly proud" of all he had achieved. Murray on Friday tearfully declared that his chronic hip injury had not been eased by surgery a year ago. He then emotionally revealed that he hoped to end his storied career at Wimbledon, but admitted the Australian Open may be his last event because the constant pain was so bad. "I was disappointed and sad, a little bit shocked, to know now that we're going to lose him at some point," Federer told reporters on the eve of the year's first Grand Slam. "But we're going to lose everybody at some point. It's just now that it's definite," he added, acknowledging that the era of the "Big Four" -- himself, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Murray was drawing inexorably to a close. "Of course, it hits us top guys hard because we know Andy very well. We like him. He doesn't have many enemies, to be quite honest," the world number ...
Saudi defeats Lebanon 2-0, qualifies for Asian Cup last-16
Saudi Arabia's national soccer team on Saturday qualified for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup knockout stage, having earned a 2-0 victory over Lebanon in their Group E second-round match at Al Maktoum Stadium in the United Arab Emirates city of Dubai.
Vijay Shankar to replace Pandya in Aus, Gill for NZ tour
Tamil Nadu all-rounder Vijay Shankar will replace suspended Hardik Pandya for India's ongoing ODI series in Australia while rookie Punjab opener Shubman Gill will be joining the national team during the limited over series in New Zealand. "Initially, the selectors had picked Mayank Agarwal for K L Rahul and Vijay Shankar for Pandya but it has been learnt that Agarwal is nursing a niggle. "That is why the team management has asked for only one replacement in Australia and that is Shankar. And Gill is being rewarded for his good show in Ranji Trophy and A-tours," a source close to the selection committee told PTI. Pandya and Rahul have been suspended pending an inquiry into their sexist comments on a TV show, ruling them out of the three-match ODI series against Australia. They have already return home from Australia as the BCCI suspended them Friday for their outrage-evoking comments on women, hours after the duo's on-field leader Virat Kohli expressed his disapproval. The 27-year-old
Tendulkar praises specially-abled, visually impaired athletes
Cricket icon and Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar Saturday said specially-abled and visually impaired athletes were the greatest examples of those making the impossible possible. Tendulkar was addressing a gathering at the 'Khasdar Krida Mahotsav' initiative of Union minister Nitin Gadkari in Nagpur. Tendulkar,citing an example of the 1990s when he participated in a cricket match for the visually impaired, said he tried playing with his eyes closed. "A lot of times, we say it is impossible but the word impossible also says that 'I'm possible'. Specially-abled and visually impaired athletes are the greatest examples of this," he said. "And this we realise when we spend time with these athletes. How much skill they have and how nicely their senses work and how much we can learn from them," he added. Tendulkar said one should appreciate and value what he or she had and progress in that. Praising Gadkari for the initiative, Tendulkar said "success is never guaranteed" and added
Khelo: Delhi & Haryana close on heels of Maharashtra
Delhi's judokas and swimmers and Haryana's wrestlers chased Maharashtra hard in the medals race as the battle for overall supremacy gathered momentum in the Khelo India Youth Games on Saturday. Maharashtra, who started the day with a lead of eight gold medals over second placed Delhi, now have 41 gold medals, having picked up nine on Saturday. They also have 33 silver and 42 bronze for a total of 116 medals, a media release issued here said. Maharashtra still hang on to the top position, while Delhi are on their heels with 33 gold, 23 silver and 27 bronze medals at a total of 83. Haryana have 29 gold, 29 silver and 32 bronze - total 90 medals. Of thetotal of 36 teams, from 29 states and 7 Union Territories, 28 have managed to get themselves on the medals tally. In the day, Haryana continued their domination in wrestling as they added eight more gold and took their tally from the sport to 24 as wrestling came to an end. Haryana's total picking from wrestling was 58 medals
Mayak Agarwal, Vijay Shankar to replace KL Rahul and Pandya
Mayank Agarwal and Vijay Shankar will replace suspended Lokesh Rahul and Hardik Pandya for the remainder of the ODI series against Australia. "Mayank Agarwal for KL Rahul and Vijay Shankar for Pandya are like-for-like replacements suggested by the selectors. They will be joining the team at the earliest," a senior BCCI official told PTI. Hardik Pandya and K L Rahul have been suspended pending an inquiry into their sexist comments on a TV show, ruling them out of the three-match ODI series against Australia. They will return home on the first available flight from Australia as the BCCI suspended them Friday for their outrage-evoking comments on women, hours after the duo's on-field leader Virat Kohli expressed his disapproval. This is the first time Agarwal has been included in India's limited-overs' squad. He made an impressive Test debut in the series against Australia, which India won 2-1, after being called in as a replacement for the injured Prithvi Shaw. In the three innings he .
Mahindra Racing's D'Ambrosio clinches Marrakesh race at Formula E Championships
Mahindra Racing's Jerome D'Ambrosio clinched the Marrakesh race at the Formula E Championships here Saturday. D'Ambrosio, who started at 10th, had a best timing of 1:22.366. He defended his lead, crossed the line in first, screaming down the radio, ecstatic with the first time he's taken the chequered flag in his Formula E career.
Banned Smith set to undergo surgery on Tuesday: Reports
Banned Australian batsman Steve Smith's return to international cricket could be delayed as he is set to undergo surgery on his injured elbow on Tuesday, according to reports. Smith suffered an elbow injury while playing for the Comilla Victorians in the Bangladesh Premier League. When Smith will actually return to cricket is unclear at this stage, though Cricket Australia confirmed on Saturday that the suspended batsman would go under the knife and he will wear a brace for six weeks. "Steve Smith will undergo surgery on Tuesday to repair a ligament in his right elbow. He is expected to wear a brace for six weeks before commencing rehabilitation. Return to play time frames will be clearer once the brace has been removed," a CA spokesperson was quoted as saying by 'Sydney Morning Herald' newspaper. The report said that the injury was not expected to have a major affect on his batting long term. Smith was banned for 12 months for his role in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa ...
Iran, Iraq power into Asian Cup knockout phase
Iran sank Vietnam and Iraq beat Yemen as the neighbours and arch-rivals powered into the Asian Cup round of 16 on Saturday ahead of their highly anticipated group decider next week. Sardar Azmoun struck both goals in Iran's 2-0 win in Abu Dhabi, while teenager Mohanad Ali's early solo strike kick-started Iraq's 3-0 victory in Sharjah. Iran and Iraq will meet in Dubai on Wednesday to decide who tops Group D in a repeat of their combustible quarter-final of 2015, which Iraq won on penalties. Iran, looking to end a 43-year title drought since last winning Asian football's most coveted prize, could have scored four or five but for some poor finishing in Abu Dhabi. "It's a pity our performance didn't produce a couple more goals," Iran coach Carlos Queiroz told reporters. "But winning is the best medicine in football. To win two games and score seven goals -- I have to praise my players because I am very demanding." Saman Ghoddos and Mehdi Taremi went close for Asia's top-ranked team before
Pakistan fight back in final South Africa Test
Duanne Olivier took his third five-wicket haul of the series before Pakistan's bowlers fought back on the second day of the third and final Test against South Africa on Saturday. Olivier grabbed took five wickets for 51 as South Africa gained a first innings lead of 77 at the Wanderers Stadium. But the hosts were unable to forge a position of dominance, struggling to 135 for five at the close, an overall lead of 212. Hashim Amla made a patient 42 not out off 90 balls against tight, disciplined bowling, while Quinton de Kock lifted the scoring rate late in the day by scoring 34 not out off 35 balls. The wickets were shared between four bowlers with medium-pacer Faheem Ashraf taking two for 19 -- with both his wickets coming in his first over -- to reduce South Africa to 45 for four. Fast bowler Olivier was twice involved in crucial breakthroughs as Pakistan were bowled out for 185 in their first innings. He ended an hour of frustration for South Africa when he took two wickets in four .
Mumbai Rockets to face Bengaluru Raptors in PBL final
Mumbai Rockets ended the title defence of Hyderabad Hunters to set up a summit clash against Bengaluru Raptors at the Premier Badminton League Season 4 here Saturday. Mumbai Trump Sameer Verma played a brilliant match before Anders Antonsen finished off what was a dominant 4-2 win for the two-time runners-up at the Kanteerava Indoor Stadium. Mumbai will hope to be third time lucky in the final on Sunday after losses to the Delhi Acers and the Chennai Smashers in the first two seasons. The Rockets looked the better of the two teams for most part of the tie, racing ahead to 4-0 before P V Sindhu could finally open the Hunters' account. It was, however, only a matter of time before Mumbai wrapped it up. The superb Sameer was not bothered by the fact that he had lost his last BWF showdown to World No. 35 Mark Caljouw. Asserting his supremacy right from the start, the Mumbai shuttler raced ahead to 8-2 before the Dutchman could not even settle into the match. Staying very calm, Verma ...
Khelo swimming: Kalyani hogs limelight
UnheraldedKalyani Saxena swam to gold and glory in the U-21 women's 400 medley,earningthe first swimminggoldfor Gujarat inthe Khelo India Youth Gameshere Saturday. For a third successive day, action in the pool was dominated by swimmers fromMaharashtra, Delhi and Karnataka who between them shared 21 of the 33 medals at stake. Maharashtra claimed seven medals (four gold, three silver), Delhi eight (three gold, three silver and two bronze) andKarnataka bagged six (two gold, silver and bronze), a media release issued here said. Kalyani made light of the opposition and finished in 5:27.28 to even ease up her pace before the others could touch the finish pad. Tamil Nadu'sSanjay Jayakrishnan, winner of a bronze in the boys U-17 1500m freestyle Friday, gave his state the first gold of theday as he pipped the fancied Anurag Singhof Delhi in the 400m freestyle. Bhavika Dugar, winner of 400m girls U-21 freestyle, closed the third day's proceedingin the pool with her second ...
Khelo Badminton: Maha shuttlers in hunt for three gold medals
Hosts Maharashtra lined up a shot at three gold medals from the Khelo India Youth Games badminton court with impressive performances in the semi-finals here on Saturday. Nagpur's Malvika Bansod produced a dominant performance to beat Tamil Nadus Nivetha Muthukumar 21-12, 21-13 and reach the girls U-21 singles final. She will meet top seed Aakarshi Kashyapof Chhatisgarh in the gold medal clash, a media release issued here said. In the boys event, it will be a clash for top honours betweenMaharashtra's Aman Farogh Sanjay, the number one seed, and Rahul Bhardwaj of Karnataka. In a third success for the host state on the day, Arya Deshpande and Ananya Phadke defeated Navdha Mangalam and Sonali Singh of UP and will take on Rajasthan's Sakshi Asrani and Ankushka Mehta in the girls doubles final, it said. In the boy's semis, Aman had to battle to get past Priyanshu Rajwat of Madhya Pradesh. The Maharashtra lad won the first set 21-13 comprehensively, but was error-prone in the ..
Khelo: TN jumpers Aravinth and Sherin win golds
Tamil Nadu long jumper Sherin Abdul Gafoor's happiness knew no bounds while breaching the six-metre mark in a major competition as she struck gold at the Khelo India Youth Games here Saturday. Eighteen-year-old Sherin's quest for personal best met with success on a warm afternoon at these Games. The 18-year-old Aravinth Ezhilarasan doubled Tamil Nadu's delight by winning the men's under-21 triple jump gold with a 15.45m effort, a media release issued here said. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh won three golds in track and field competitions today, through Rebi Pal (girls under-21 3000m), Vipin Kumar (boys under-17 hammer throw), and Anamika Das (girls under-21 shot put). Rebi Pal's victory was creditable as it came against the formidable Maharashtra runner Poonam Sonune, a South Asian under-20 champion over 1500m and fourth in the 3000m at the Asian Junior Championships last year. Maharashtra's pole vaulter Deepak Yadav was not challenged by the competition but improved his ...
Khelo wrestling: Haryana dominate with 8 more golds
Haryana once again emphasised their position as a wrestling powerhouse by emerging as the top team at the Khelo India Youth Games here on Saturday. Haryana had an incredible haul of 24 golds, which was more than all the others put together. In all Haryana won 58 medals, which also included 16 silver and 18 bronze, a media release issued here said. Hosts Maharashtra clinched total 26 medals (four gold, eight silver and 14 bronze), but were placed third as Delhi bagged more gold medals (eight gold, five silver and six bronze) in their 19-medal tally. Haryana coach Vijender praised his wards for their contribution for the state. "We were missing top wrestling stars like Anshu and Sonam. Moreover, World sub-junior silver medallist Meenakshi and Asian cadet gold medallist Akash Dahiya weren't at their best. Yet we managed to grab so many medals. It shows the depth and talent in our state," he said. The best encounter of the day was between Uttar Pradesh's Payal Sharma and ...
Maha, Bengaluru HA in QFs
Maharashtra, Sashastra Seema Bal, Central Secretariat and Bengaluru HA entered the quarter-finals of the Arise Steel 9th Hockey India Senior Men's hockey championship 'B' Division here Saturday. In Pool A, Hockey Maharashtra beat Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy 2-1 with goals from Rahul Sander (27th minute) and Pratap Shinde (60th minute). Himanshu Sanik had equalised for MP Hockey Academy in the 54th minute through a field goal. Shinde's goal helped Maharashtra win and enter the quarter-finals as topper of Pool 'A'. In Pool 'B', Jharkhand trounced Andaman & Nicobar 18-0 while in a Pool 'C' game, Sahastra Seema Bal edged out Jammu and Kashmir 3-2 to reach the last eight. In Pool 'D', Bengaluru HA rode on Harish Mutagar's hat-trick (22nd, 23rd, 30th minute) to score a 8-2 win over Andhra. It was the third win for Bengaluru. Both Bengaluru and Chhattisgarh secured 10 points each (3 wins and a draw) but the former advanced on the basis of better goal difference. Results: ..
Momen downs compatriot Dessouky in epic battle to win title
Top seed and world number 4 Tarek Momen Saturday clinched the title in the USD 70,000 CCI International JSW Indian Squash Circuit here after subduing fellow Egyptian Fares Dessouky 3-2 in a pulsating final. Momen got the better of his fourth-seeded compatriot after a prolonged battle lasting 80 minutes, coming out triumphant with a 11-7, 7-11, 12-10, 10-12, 11-7 scoreline. The title-triumph fetched Momen, who had beaten India's Ramit Tandon in the semi final on Friday, USD 12,183, while Dessouky, who has returned to pro squash after a 14-month absence due to a knee injury, received the runner-up prize of USD 7,695. Dessouky, who overcame Englishman and former world number 1 James Willstrop in the other semi final, fought tooth and nail against the fancied Momen, but the latter held off his challenge with determination to emerge champion. Momen, in fact, saved three game-balls in the fourth game to catch his rival at 10-all before Dessauky, whose career highest ranking ...
Khelo Hockey: Haryana, Punjab to contest U-17 boys final
Haryana take on Punjab in the boys Under-17 Khelo India Youth Games hockey final to be played here on January 14. In Saturday's semi-finals, Punjab were fortunate to get past a formidable Odisha unit on the strength of a 6-5 tie-breaker decision after the team were locked 2-2 at full time, a media release issued here said. In the other semi-final, the Haryana boys found the target twice in the space of a few minutes to subdue a plucky Uttar Pradesh side 3-2. Odisha can consider themselves unfortunate to not have got the better of Punjab on the day as for long spells they held sway over the game. The losing side dominated all aspects of the game and even led twice but were unable to get past the Punjab defence when it was most needed, especially as their target man Bikash Kujur missed what could have been the decider by inches. In the tie-break, Odisha came up short, much to their dismay even as the Punjab boys celebrated. In the other game, favourites Haryana and Uttar ..
Sardar double sends Iran into Asian Cup knockouts
Sardar Azmoun struck twice as Iran sank Vietnam 2-0 on Saturday to reach the last 16 of the Asian Cup and set a new group-stage win record. Iran, looking to end a 43-year title drought since last winning Asian football's most coveted prize, could have scored four or five but for some poor finishing in Abu Dhabi. "It's a pity our performance didn't produce a couple more goals," Iran coach Carlos Queiroz told reporters. "But winning is the best medicine in football. To win two games and score seven goals -- I have to praise my players because I am very demanding." Saman Ghoddos and Mehdi Taremi went close for Asia's top-ranked team before Azmoun rose to head home a Ghoddos cross after 38 minutes. The Rubin Kazan forward lashed in his third goal of the tournament from the edge of the box 20 minutes from time to give Iran a ninth successive first-round victory dating back to 2007. Co-favourites with South Korea to lift the Asian Cup, Iran crushed war-torn Yemen 5-0 in their opening Group .