Page 813 - Sports
Barcelona express worry about La Liga match in USA
Barcelona have withdrawn their wish to play a first ever La Liga game in the Unites States until all parties agree with the idea, the club announced. The Catalans are set to face Girona in Miami on January 29 but the Spanish football federation (RFEF), Spain's professional footballers' association as well as FIFA president Gianni Infantino have voiced their concerns. "The FC Barcelona Board of Directors have agreed to withdraw their disposal to play their game against Girona FC in Miami, after noting a lack of consensus over this proposal," a statement on their website read. "Barcelona were and remain willing to play a La Liga game in Miami, and accepted that income from the game would be shared amongst all Primera Division and Segunda Division clubs," it added. The two clubs had signed a formal request from the league sent to the Spanish football federation to allow the fixture at the Hard Rock Stadium, which would be the maiden game as part of a 15-year project to play more Spanish .
Koreas to hold talks over co-hosting 2032 Olympics
Sports officials from North and South Korea are set to meet and hold deliberations on Friday (December 14) on their joint bid to co-host the 2032 Summer Olympics and field joint teams for the quadrennial event and other international competitions.The meeting is slated to take place at the joint liaison office in the North Korean border city of Kaesong. South Korean Vice Sports Minister Roh Tae-kang will lead a delegation from its side, while his counterpart Vice Sports Minister Won Kil-u will head the North Korean side.The South Korean Unification Ministry on Monday said that the officials from the two Koreas would be meeting as a part of the follow-up of the inter-Korean agreement reached between President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at Pyongyang, Yonhap News Agency reported.During their third meeting in September, Moon and Kim had agreed to work together to co-host the 2032 Olympics and field joint teams for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and other major ...
EB rope in Dovale as Al Amna's replacement
East Bengal on Monday recruited former Bengaluru FC winger Antonio Rodriguez Dovale on loan from Cypriot First Division club Nea Salamis ahead of the I-League derby against Mohun Bagan on December 16. Dovale comes in as a replacement of injured Syrian midfielder Mahmoud Al Amna, who has been officially released by the club. The Spaniard had appeared in 13 ISL matches for the Blues and provided four assists. He scored a hat-trick in Bengaluru FC's AFC Cup qualifying match against Maldivian side TC Sports Club, helping them secure a place in the AFC Cup 2018 group stages. Dovale becomes the club's sixth foreigner after Borja Gomez, Johnny Acosta, Kassim Aidara, Enrique Esqueda and Jaime Santos Colado. The Kolkata-based club is currently sixth in the league table with nine points from six matches.
Akila Dananjay banned after found to have illegal bowling action
Sri Lanka spinner Akila Dananjay has been suspended from bowling with an immediate effect after his delivery action was found to be illegal by the International Council of Cricket (ICC).An independent assessment by ICC revealed that his deliveries exceeded the 15 degrees level of tolerance permitted under the regulations.An official statement by ICC read that, "In accordance with Article 11.1 of the ICC Regulations For The Review of Bowlers Reported with Suspect Illegal Bowling Actions, Dananjaya's international suspension will also be recognised and enforced by all National Cricket Federations for domestic cricket events played in their own jurisdiction.""However, according to Article 11.5 of the Regulations and with the consent of the Sri Lanka Cricket, Dananjaya may be able to bowl in domestic cricket events played under the auspices of the SLC (Sri Lanka Cricket)," the statement added.Dananjaya was reported with a suspect bowling action during the first Test against England, which
Hockey WC: France beat China in crossover to reach quarters round
France reached the quarter-final round of the ongoing Men's Hockey World Cup after defeating China 1-0 in their crossover clash here at the Kalinga Stadium on Monday.With this win, France have set up a quarters clash with Pool B topper Australia. It is for the first time that France have made it to the quarter-final of a Hockey World Cup.The match was tilted in favour of France right from the opening quarter as they made the most number of attacks with 55.50 per cent of ball possession in the first half. China, who have qualified for the first time in a hockey World Cup, seemed to be lacking some attacking attitude on the field. The defensive skills of the Chinese players were, however, sharp on the day as they deprived the French players of any goal till the first half of the match.In the crucial concluding half, both the teams were striving hard for the goal as a lead here would have put the other team under immense pressure. Showing some resilient efforts, French player Timothee ...
Hockey WC: England ease past NZ 2-0, to meet Argentina in quarters
England outclassed New Zealand 2-0 in the first crossover match of the Men's Hockey World Cup here at the Kalinga Stadium on Monday.
Edulji writes to Rai seeking extension for Powar, COA chief overrules it
COA chairman Vinod Rai has decided against his colleague Diana Edulji's call to scrap the selection process of the Indian women's team coach and continue with Ramesh Powar at least till the New Zealand tour beginning next month. In a letter to Rai, COA member Edulji said Powar should be given an extension at least till the New Zealand tour, considering he has the backing of T20 captain Harmanpreet Kaur and seasoned opener Smriti Mandhana. Rai, however, in his reply made it clear that scrapping the coach selection process is out of the question as the BCCI has already invited applications for the job. The application deadline ends on December 14 and Manoj Prabhakar, Herchelle Gibbs and Dimitri Mascarenhas are among the applicants. "Diana sent an email to Rai asking for extension of Powar as both Harmanpreet and Mandhana asked for it. She wanted the interview process to be scrapped," a BCCI official privy to development told PTI on conditions of anonymity. "However, Rai replied by ...
Dananjaya suspended from bowling over illegal action: ICC
Sri Lanka off-spinner Akila Dananjaya has been suspended from bowling in international cricket over an illegal action, the International Cricket Council announced on Monday. Dananjaya was reported over a suspect bowling action during last month's first Test of the England series in Sri Lanka, which the tourists won by 211 runs on their way to a 3-0 whitewash. He underwent an independent assessment of his bowling action on November 23 in Brisbane which revealed his deliveries exceeded the 15-degrees level of tolerance permitted under the regulations. "The International Cricket Council today announced that an independent assessment has found the bowling action of Sri Lanka's off-spinner Akila Dananjaya to be illegal and, as such he has been suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect," the ICC said in a statement. Dananjaya's suspension will be also enforced by all national cricket federations for domestic matches, though he may be able to play domestically in .
Iyer boost for Mumbai for Ranji match against Baroda
The depleted Mumbai batting line-up got a major boost in the form of seasoned Shreyas Iyer for their Elite Group A Ranji Trophy game against Baroda commencing here on December 14. Iyer is part of the India A squad that is touring New Zealand, but the third and final ODI will be played Tuesday at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui and hence he can return home in time for the crucial game against Baroda. The squad was announced by the Mumbai Cricket Association through their website. Former skipper and experienced batsman Suryakumar Yadav, who was having a tough time with the bat, has been dropped. The team will be led by Siddesh Lad. This season, Baroda have played five games. They have drawn three, won one and lost one. In the combined Group A and B standings, they are in the 5th spot with 13 points. On the other hand, 41-time champions Mumbai are languishing in the 16th spot with five points in their kitty. Mumbai squad: Siddesh Lad (Captain), Shreyas Iyer, Jay Bista, Aditya ...
Villarreal sack coach Calleja
Villarreal on Monday announced it had sacked coach Javier Calleja, with the Spanish club sitting three points above the relegation zone in the La Liga.
East Bengal rope in Dovale, release Al Amna
East Bengal on Monday announced the signing of Spanish attacking midfielder Antonio Rodriguez Dovale for the current 2018-19 I-League football season.
Kroos, Mariano partly rejoin Real Madrid training
Real Madrid's German midfielder Toni Kroos and Spanish forward Mariano on Monday participated in part of the team train ahead of Los Blancos' upcoming UEFA Champions League clash against CSKA Moscow.
France struggle past China 1-0 to enter quarterfinals, to play Australia on Wednesday
France eked out a narrow 1-0 win over debutants China in the second cross-over match to advance to the quarterfinals of the men's hockey World Cup here on Monday. The lone goal of the match came in 36th minute from the stick of Timothee Clement. France might be the lowest ranked team in the tournament at 20, but they had already shown the world that rankings hardly have any significance by stunning Olympic champions Argentina 5-3 in the pool stages. France will face two-time defending champions and world number 1 Australia in the second quarterfinal on Wednesday. The Frenchmen started on a bright note against world number 17 China and took the early initiative by earning four back-to-back penalty corners as early as in the second minute but wasted all the opportunities. China made a subdued start to the game and allowed France to dominate the possession, relying mostly on their counter-attacking ability to stun their opponents. In the 19th minute, a selfish play from Charles Masson ...
Two held over suspected betting activity in MSL match
Two people were arrested over suspected betting activity during the Mzansi Super League (MSL) match between Durban Heat and Jozi Stars at the Kingsmead Cricket Ground, Durban. They were, however, released on bail after being charged with trespassing.The arrest, which is the second such incident at an MSL game, happened when the two were reportedly watching the match from a hospitality suite at the ground. The duo arrested was reportedly banned by the Cricket South Africa (CSA) from attending any matches.The pair, which is represented by attorney Roy Singh, was released on R500 (USD 35) bail each, ESPNcricinfo reported. CSA chief executive Thabang Moroe said that they are constantly monitoring the suspicious activities in the stadium and are taking action against those whose actions are found to be unusual.He further said that match-fixers use people posing as fans to provide them with the live data and the received information is then used for illegal betting."The protocols included ..
Retiring an option as Robben, 34, confirms imminent Bayern
Arjen Robben says he may retire in June after confirming he will quit Bayern Munich when his contract with the defending Bundesliga champions expires. Robben, who turns 35 in January, confirmed in Monday's edition of magazine Kicker that he will quit the Bavarian giants at the end of the season: "that's a fact". "Of course it's a big step, which you don't just make in one day. "I thought about it a lot and it feels good that it's now out, also for the fans and the club. "It was the right point in time." Having missed the last two games with a thigh injury, Robben could make his return when Bayern face Ajax away in the Champions League on Wednesday. Both teams are through to the last 16 and Bayern need only a point in Amsterdam to win Group E. Robben also missed Saturday's 3-0 league win at home to Nuremberg which left Bayern third in the table and nine points behind Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund. Bayern's senior bosses are planning a squad clear-out for next season and Robben .
Hope India, Pakistan will regain glory in hockey: Pak envoy
Pakistan High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood on Monday said organising events like Men's Hockey World Cup in the subcontinent would help India and Pakistan regain the past glory in the sport.
Prithvi Shaw resumes running ahead of Perth Test
Young Indian batsman Prithvi Shaw on Monday started running in his quest to regain fitness ahead of the second Test against Australia at Perth beginning Friday. Shaw, 19, had missed the opening Test after injuring his ankle while fielding during the practice game against Cricket Australia XI late last month. The 19-year-old from Mumbai, wearing a protective brace on his left ankle, was seen jogging around the Adelaide Oval before the start of the fifth and final day of the first Test here. Shaw, who had scored a century on debut against the West Indies in October, had leapt to take a catch at the deep mid-wicket boundary when he twisted his ankle. He is unlikely to make it to the second Test in Perth but might return to the squad for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne beginning December 26. "With youth on his side there might just be a case where he might recover quicker," Indian coach Ravi Shastri had said last week. "We'll make a call as and when we get closer to Perth," he ...
Hockey WC: England secure quarters berth after beating Kiwis in crossover clash
England secured a quarter-final berth after registering a 2-0 victory over New Zealand in the first crossover clash of the ongoing Men's Hockey World Cup here at the Kalinga Stadium on Monday.In the must-win game, both the teams fought a cut-to-cut battle on the field as they deprived each other of any point despite making several penetrations in the circle area. With 51 per cent ball possession in the first half, England were clearly holding the ground.With first quarter gone without a goal being scored, the deadlock was finally broken in the 25th minute of the match when England smashed the first goal of the match. English skipper Phil Roper dribbled past three defenders on the right to create a scoring opportunity. He made a cutting pass from the baseline to Will Calnan who, in the end, made a smooth finish.The game was blown open as both the teams missed a couple of opportunities after the first goal. At the end of the first half, England were leading 2-0 in the match. The second .
Ganguly lauds India's win, says series will be competitive
Lauding India's 31-run victory over Australia in the first Test in Adelaide, former captain Sourav Ganguly on Monday predicted the series will be a hard-fought one and all four rubbers will yield results.
BBL 2018-19: Chris Lynn appointed as captain of Brisbane Heat
Australian big-hitter Chris Lynn has been appointed as the captain of the Brisbane Heat ahead of the upcoming eighth edition of the Big Bash League (BBL).The 28-year-old was at the helm of Brisbane Heat for the 2015-16 edition of the BBL as well when he finished as the player of the tournament. The team had, however, ended at the bottom of the table. Lynn had also led the Queensland's campaign in the JLT one-day cup earlier this season when they made it to the semi-finals.The left-hand batsman said that he enjoyed his previous stints as captain and is looking forward to the upcoming season of the BBL."I really enjoyed the experience I had as Heat captain previously and likewise with Queensland. Leadership is something I have enjoyed since I was a young bloke starting out and I'm confident I am ready to handle it in the BBL, "ESPNcricinfo quoted Lynn, as saying."We have got a settled squad with talent to burn and I can't wait to get into the season and have a go," he added.Former ...