Page 748 - Sports
Race to Asian Tour card: Ahlawat leads 8 Indians into final round
Veer Ahlawat led eight Indians into the crucial fifth and final round of the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage on Saturday. Veer shot a fine three-under 68 to get to 11-under 273 and was Tied-18th after 72 holes. The top 70 and ties after the fourth round will play the fifth and final round, after which the Top-35 and ties will be ranked accordingly for 2019 starts. While Veer was the best Indian in T-18, the other Indians who squeezed into the Top-70 included Abhijit Chadha (67) and Chiragh Kumar (69) at 10-under and Tied-20th respectively. Aman Raj (68) fought back after a disappointing third round of 74, moving up to T-27th at nine-under, while Aadil Bedi (68) was eight-under and T-36th. Amardip Malik (67) also made a good move up to T-42nd at seven-under. Veer said, "I'm hitting it well and reading my putts right. I'm confident heading into the final round of Qualifying School. This is my third attempt at Qualifying School. "I'll be looking to apply my experience and ...
Manpreet wants to move on from hockey World Cup disappointment
It could have been a glorious year for the Indian men's hockey team but for their losses at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games where they finished fourth, settled for a bronze at the 18th Asian Games Jakarta-Palembang and exited the World Cup after a close 1-2 loss in the quarter-final.
Bancroft to return to BBL action after completion of ban
Banned for nine months for his involvement in the infamous sandpaper gate incident in South Africa, Australia opener Cameron Bancroft will finally return to action after being named in the Perth Scorchers squad for their Big Bash League (BBL) clash with Hobart Hurricanes in Launceston on Sunday.
Bittersweet day for Sri Lanka's prolific Mendis
Sri Lanka's young batting maestro Kusal Mendis cemented a stellar year Saturday by passing 1,000 runs in 2018 but the occasion was tempered by his untimely dismissal in the second Test against New Zealand. The 23-year-old was torn between celebrating being the second player behind India's run machine Virat Kohli to achieve the 1,000 milestone and ruing Sri Lanka's precarious position with a day remaining in the series deciding Test. Sri Lanka resumed the day at 24 for two with Mendis and skipper Dinesh Chandimal steeled to bat through all three sessions to give the tourists a chance to draw the match and series. Instead, after facing 147 deliveries he was out to a loose shot midway through the middle session and at stumps on day four Sri Lanka were 231 for six with their 660-run target out of sight. Of reaching 1,000 runs, Mendis said he was "really glad I was able to do it at 23, and I had challenged myself to get there in this last game." When he was out for 67, caught at extra ...
New Zealand spirits up as Mendis falls, Mathews injured
New Zealand were eyeing an historic victory as injury and a barrage of Neil Wagner bouncers left Sri Lanka in tatters at the close of day four of the second Test in Christchurch on Saturday. Sri Lanka were 231 for six at stumps, 429 runs short of their improbable 660-run target, with doubt whether the injured Angelo Mathews would return. At the crease were Dilruwan Perera on 22 and Suranga Lakmal on 16. Wagner, who had enjoyed little success in the series, broke through stubborn Sri Lankan resistance to have figures of three for 47. After rain ensured a drawn first Test in Wellington, a win in the Christchurch decider would give New Zealand a fourth consecutive series win for the first time after beating the West Indies, England and Pakistan earlier this year. Despite losing both openers in the first two overs of their second innings, Sri Lanka fought to stay in the game until short-ball specialist Wagner came into the frame. Skipper Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis produced stubborn
Bengal opt for turner in must-win match vs Delhi in Ranji Trophy
Hosts Bengal will bank on their spin resources when they face a spirited Delhi in a must-win Ranji Trophy group B fixture beginning at Eden Gardens Sunday. Bengal are placed fourth with 16 points, while Delhi (13) have climbed to seventh place after their nine-wicket win over Madhya Pradesh in the last round. With five teams from a combined group A and B set to make the quarters, it's a must-win match for both teams to keep their hopes alive. Unlike in the past when they used to put out green top, Bengal have opted for a turning track this time, possibly to negate the effect of Delhi pace duo of Navdeep Saini and Kulwant Kejroliya who gave them nightmares last season. The duo shared 13 wickets between them in two innings, as Delhi eliminated Bengal from the semifinals with an innings and 26 runs victory in Pune. The loss will be fresh in their minds as Bengal have reinforced their spin attack roping in uncapped leg-spinner Prayas Ray Barman who made headlines in the IPL auctions after
Dabang Delhi gear up for maiden PKL play-off (Preview)
After finishing third in Zone A with 11 wins in the group stage, Dabang Delhi is all set to carry on the momentum into the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season 6 play-offs when they take on a formidable Bengal Warriors in their first outing here on Sunday.
I-League telecast row: Seven clubs form new body
Seven I-League clubs, including defending champions Minerva Punjab, will meet here Sunday to discuss their future course of action after the All India Football Federation decided to cut down the number of matches to be telecast live. Under this body -- I-League (Private) Clubs Association-- the teams have joined hands to fight against what they called the "injustice" by the AIFF. The AIFF has recently announced that the broadcasters would cut down on the TV coverage to just 31 matches of the remaining 61 in the season. While Mohun Bagan are the only side who could see all of their matches shown on TV, defending champions Minerva were the worst-hit, and Real Kashmir will be partially affected. Terming the initiative #SaveILeagueSaveIndianFootball, the clubs in a statement said this was an effort to "make our voices heard and in an attempt to mobilise the entire football community to fight the injustice being meted out to the Top Division Football League of the country." Spearheading ...
Pakistan coach reprimanded for showing dissent
Pakistan cricket team coach Mickey Arthur has received an official warning and one demerit point for breaching the International Cricket Council (ICC) Code of Conduct during the third day's play of their recently-concluded first Test of the ongoing three-match series against South Africa at Centurion on Friday.Arthur was found to have violated Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to 'showing dissent at an umpire's decision during an international match'.The incident happened in the ninth over of South Africa's second innings when Arthur, after TV umpire Joel Wilson had decided in favour of Dean Elgar, entered the TV umpire's room and expressed dissent at Wilson's decision by first questioning him and then storming out of the room.After the match, the Pakistan coach admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee David Boon. As such, there was no need for a formal hearing.The charge was laid by third ...
SAFF C'ship: Women's team coach summons 32 players for preparatory camp
National women's football team coach Maymol Rocky has summoned a total of 32 players for a training camp which is a part of the preparation for the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship, and also the second round of the AFC Olympic Qualifiers.The coach said that they are looking for players who are not only technically skilled but aggressive and determined as well."We have called up a number of new names. I look forward to seeing what they have to offer to the team. We were looking to bring in players who are not only technically skilled but are also aggressive and determined. We have scouted extensively before zeroing down on the names," she said.Maymol also thanked All India Football Federation (AIFF) for organising the camp, stating its duration is ideal for the team's preparation."This is the first time we are having such a long camp, and with three-and-a-half months of the training period. I feel we can build a strong and cohesive side. I would like to thank the ...
We aim to overcome all adversities in Asian Cup: Anirudh Thapa
India central midfield football player Anirudh Thapa said that the team would be looking to overcome all their adversities while participating in the upcoming AFC Asian Cup beginning January 5.Terming the UAE team as the toughest team in their group, the 20-year-old said that India possess a lot of quality players who are all set to take the challenge."I like to attack and play forward. It is my job to help others score. I like to have the ball at my feet and create chances. Everybody wants to score goals. I am no different but my first priority is to help the forwards. UAE will be the toughest team in our group as they are hosts. They possess a lot of quality. Thailand and Bahrain will also present their own set of challenges. But we are ready for it. We need to play united as a team, and aim to overcome the adversity," Thapa said.In the international friendly against Jordan, which ended in a goalless draw, Thapa played the role of a striker and he totally relished it."Playing as a ..
Need to get over World Cup disappointment and focus on Olympics: Manpreet
India need to get over the disappointment of a quarterfinal exit from the men's hockey World Cup and focus on the challenge of qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, said skipper Manpreet Singh Saturday. It was a disappointing year for India with the men's team failing to live up to the expectations in all the three big ticket events -- the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and the World Cup. The men's team will now begin the season with the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia in March and will also be preparing for the Olympic Qualifiers. "It is now important for us to move on from the disappointments of 2018. There are always lessons we learn from every tournament we play regardless of how the result went and this time too, we will meet as a unit when we report for National Camp in February and discuss on the areas that need improvement," he said. India were expected to defend their Asian Games title and directly qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but they could only manage a ...
National team performing excellently under Constantine: AIFF
The All India Football Federation has not ruled out giving another contract extension to head coach Stephen Constantine after the Asian Cup in January, saying the national team has been "performing excellently" under him. Terming some media reports which claimed that the AIFF is parting ways with Constantine after the January 5-February 1 Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates as baseless, the national federation said it was focussing on the performance of the team in continental showpiece event. "It is completely baseless. We are completely focused on AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 and the team has been performing excellently under Stephen Constantine having risen to 97 from 173 in the FIFA ranking within less than 4 years," AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das said in the statement. "We all are focused on the massive tournament right now and we'll only sit together to discuss this once his contract ends on 31st January 2019," he added. The 56-year-old Constantine was brought back as head coach .
AIFF rubbishes media reports on Constantine axing after Asian Cup
Reacting to reports that Indian football team coach Stephen Constantine will be shown the door once his contract expires in March, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) said on Saturday that those discussions will only take place after the Asian Cup.
Seven I-League clubs to meet in aftermath of telecast row
Aggrieved by the lack of coverage after the revised I-League telecast schedule, seven I-League clubs will meet under the banner of I-League (Private) Clubs Association here to 'mobilise the entire football community to fight the injustice'.
PHF secretary Shahbaz Ahmed resigns
Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Shahbaz Ahmed has resigned in disgust over the step motherly treatment being meted out to the national sport in the country. "When the government and ministry of inter-provincial coordination don't have either the time or funds for our national game than I also don't have time for hockey," Shahbaz said on Saturday while submitting his resignation at the PHF's Working Congress meeting. The meeting was called to take stock of Pakistan's dismal show in the recent World Cup in India where it didn't win a single match. Pakistan's lacklustre performance at Bhubaneswar has already seen the resignations of the head coach, coaches and manager. Shahbaz, a celebrated name in world hockey and a former captain, said since becoming the secretary he has always stressed on the need to have a proper system in place to generate funds or else the sport would not survive or improve. "What is the use of my spending time in the PHF when in these last three years ..
New coach takes charge of Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad began preparing here for their January 6 La Liga match against Real Madrid at the first practice since Imanol Alguacil was named as coach.
Nadal to skip 3rd-place match at Mubadala
Spanish tennis great Rafael Nadal has said that he will skip the match for third place at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship as a precaution.
Juventus' Cuadrado has successful knee surgery
Juventus announced that forward Juan Guillermo Cuadrado underwent a successful surgery for an injury to his left knee.
Australian batsmen need to learn from Kohli: Hick
Disappointed at Australia's abject surrender in the first innings, batting coach Graeme Hick has asked his batsmen to show more intent and learn the art of pacing innings from India skipper Virat Kohli. After the hosts were bundled out for a meagre 151 in 66.5 overs on day three of the third Test, Hick stressed on the need to develop awareness of the game and gave the example of Kohli's first innings 204-ball 82-run knock. "We spoke about how Kohli went about it. We knew (Cheteshwar) Pujara, even Kohli, one of the most explosive batters, got to 20 off 25, 26 balls, then the rest of his innings took whatever it was," Hick said on SEN Radio on Saturday. "For the best player in the world to change his innings and play like that, if you can't be on the same field as him and watch him and learn from what he is doing, then you are in the wrong space. "There are certainly thing our players can take out of that. It takes a lot of discipline, a lot of patience and, on top of that, you have got