Page 855 - Sports
Ronaldo-powered Juve ready to step on the gas in Florence
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has urged his side to step on the gas in December to tighten their grip on an eighth successive Serie A title before they turn their focus back to their Champions League pursuit in February. The Italian champions booked their ticket to the knockout rounds of the elite European competition with a game to spare this week with Cristiano Ronaldo setting up Mario Mandzukic to score the only goal against Valencia. Next up will be a trip to Tuscany side Fiorentina on Saturday, the first of six league games before the end of 2018, which includes home games against European rivals Inter Milan and Roma in Turin. "We have reached the first goal with Champions League qualification, now we must maintain the same energy throughout December," said Allegri. Juventus are eight points ahead of second-placed Napoli, who were held to a goalless draw against bottom club Chievo last weekend. But Allegri said: "We still have lots of matches to play, by dropping three ...
Prithvi Shaw ruled out of Adelaide Test due to ankle injury
Opening batsman Prithvi Shaw will not play the first Test against Australia in Adelaide next week against Cricket Australia XI (CA XI) at the Sydney Cricket Ground, owing to an injury in his left ankle.The 19-year-old batting prodigy sensation suffered the injury while attempting a catch at the boundary ropes on the third day of the practice match. Shaw was carried off the field and taken for a medical examination.The Mumbai batsman underwent scans on Friday morning and reports revealed a lateral ligament injury. He will undergo an intensive rehabilitation program to hasten the recovery and be available for selection at the earliest, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said in a statement.In the ongoing practice match, Shaw struck a fluent 66 against CA XI and was certain to open the batting for India in the Adelaide Test slated to be held on December 6.
Boxing on the ropes as IOC weighs Olympic future
Boxing's Olympic future came under the spotlight Friday as top officials decide whether to punish the sport's governing body, which is on the ropes over finances, judging and its controversial leader. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has made clear that boxing's future at the Tokyo 2020 Games could be facing a knockout blow amid serious concerns over governance at the International Boxing Association (AIBA). Boxing already incurred the IOC's wrath at the last Games in Rio, when all 36 officials and referees were suspended amid allegations of bout fixing. And relations have not been improved by the election earlier this month of Uzbek businessman Gafur Rakhimov, who has been linked to organised crime by the US Treasury Department. Rakhimov strenuously denies the allegations. President Thomas Bach confirmed Thursday the IOC's Executive Board would examine a report by AIBA on how they had cleaned up their act. But Bach said earlier this year that a previous report in April ...
Brave Combat Federation enters India with Brave 20
India takes a giant stride in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) with a global promotion stepping into the sub continent for the first time in the history of the sport. With an aim to unite the world through the sports of MMA, Asia's largest mixed martial arts organisation, Brave Combat Federation has announced its entry to India in association with Mercury Sports Entertainment.Brave's grand entry into the country will be flagged off with an action packed fight night, Brave 20 at Gachibowli Stadium, in Hyderabad on December 22.In a global first, Brave Combat Federation has expanded its format of fight nights, world over to a full blown league in India. The decision comes is in salience to the visionary promoter of this global outfit, His Highness Sheikh Khalid's commitment to cultivate the sport in India and nurture talent, given India's rich heritage in combat sports and the sheer strength of population. The fight night, 'Brave 20' in Hyderabad is a kick starter to a larger action plan.In ...
Modi attends 'Yoga for Peace' event in Argentina
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a "Yoga for Peace" event after his arrival here to participate in the G20 summit during which he will hold several bilateral meetings, said an official statement on Friday.
Uncertainty clouds Isco future as Real Madrid prepare
Santiago Solari called it a "sporting decision, nothing else" as if that made it better but he was only fanning the flames of what has become his first niggling problem at Real Madrid. If Isco was injured, his absence from even the substitutes' bench for the Champions League win over Roma on Tuesday would hardly have warranted a second look, but Solari's tactical choice pointed to something deeper. Solari had not picked him in any of his first five starting line-ups but three times brought him on, against Real Valladolid, Viktoria Plzen and Eibar. Then, at the Stadio Olimpico, Isco was not involved at all, instead sitting in the stands, dropped beneath the likes of 20-year-old Federico Valverde, 21-year-old Javi Sanchez and 22-year-old Dani Ceballos. Solari has demoted Keylor Navas fully below Thibaut Courtois in goal but Isco feels like the first marquee player to be significantly worse off under Madrid's new coach. He underwent an appendix operation towards the end of September but .
Liverpool face Everton test as Spurs play Arsenal on derby day
Liverpool face a derby clash against Everton as they lick their Champions League wounds while Tottenham travel to Arsenal with a spring in their step on a weekend of big-city derbies. Jurgen Klopp's team lost 2-1 to Paris Saint-Germain in midweek, meaning their bid to reach the knockout stages in Europe will go to the last game against Napoli, while Spurs face the daunting task of beating Barcelona to progress. But both clubs will have to put their continental ambitions to one side as they attempt to stay on the coat-tails of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in the Premier League. Chelsea take on Fulham and one of their former managers in another London derby but Claudio Ranieri's side will travel the short distance to Stamford Bridge with new-found confidence after arresting a run of six Premier League defeats. Jose Mourinho's misfiring Manchester United play Southampton away after edging past Swiss side Young Boys into the Champions League knockout phase. AFP Sports picks out some ..
Shaw injures ankle, taken to hospital for scans
Indian opener Prithvi Shaw was carried off the field after landing on and rolling over his left ankle while fielding on day three of the tour game against Cricket Australia XI at the Sydney Cricket Ground here Friday. The incident happened in the 15th over of Cricket Australia XI's innings, when Max Bryant latched on to Ravichandran Ashwin's delivery and hit him for six at midwicket. Shaw managed to get under the ball and catch it, but spilled the chance whilst tumbling over the ropes. In the process, he injured his ankle. Shaw was visibly in pain and didn't get up immediately. He was carried off the field by two members of the Indian support staff without putting any further pressure on his ankle. "The medical team is assessing Prithvi Shaw at the moment. He hurt his left ankle while attempting to take a catch at the boundary ropes. Shaw is being taken to the hospital for scans," read an update from the BCCI. Shaw, who made a dream debut in the home series against the West Indies, ...
Talks on fugitive economic offenders, global economy at G20: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently in Argentina to attend the G20 summit, on Thursday said that issues pertaining to fugitive offenders and global economy, which are of major concern to the entire world, will be discussed in the summit.While addressing the 'Yoga for Peace' event here on Thursday, Prime Minister Modi said, "In G20 summit many issues will be discussed such as global economy, sustainable development, climate change, and fugitive economic offenders. These are in the interest of the entire world and not just India and Argentina."Speaking on the cultural connection between India and Argentina, Prime Minister Modi mentioned how football legend Diego Maradona's name is used in phrases in India."If Argentina is interested in India's philosophy, art, music and dance, there are millions of fans of the Argentine football stars in India. Maradona's name is used as a proverb in India," he said.Talking about the event, the Prime Minister, emphasising the benefits of ...
Yoga connecting India, Argentina: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday said yoga is bridging the vast distance between Argentina and India, and connecting their people. Addressing participants at a yoga event, he said the practice is India's gift to the world for health and peace. "I arrived here just a few hours ago after travelling over 15,000 kilometers in more than 24 hours. And because of your love and enthusiasm, I did not feel at all that I am outside India," the prime minister said in Hindi. Praising the organisers of the "Yoga for Peace" event, he said it's hard to think of a better name. "Yoga keeps both your body and mind healthy. It strengthens your body and keeps your mind at peace," he said. The prime minister said if the mind is at peace, there would be peace in family, society, country and the world as well. "Yoga is India's gift to the world for health, wellness and peace. It connects us with wellness and happiness. "Yoga is bridging the vast distance between India and Argentina. It is connecting the
ECB's endorses playing condition for their 100-ball cricket format
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has endorsed the playing condition for its new short-format competition which will be a 100-ball game per side.Giving out the details about the rules endorsed, ECB confirmed that there would be a change of end after every 10 balls in the format."Each innings to be 100 balls, a change of end after every 10 balls and an individual bowler able to deliver either five or 10 consecutive balls with a maximum of 20 per game" ESPNcricinfo quoted ECB, as stating.Confirming the decision, ECB's chief executive Tom Harrison said that that the game has made a huge progress in the current year and the strategies that are being laid out will give the whole game clear priorities."The game has made huge progress this year, through collaboration, constructive debate and a volume of detailed discussion. The outcomes for all of this combined work are vital for the growth and sustainability of cricket, at all levels, in England and Wales," Harrison said."The ...
We won against Spain but did not play our best game: Gonzalo Peillat
Star Argentine drag-flicker Gonzalo Peillat has stated that though they have defeated Spain in their first Pool A league match of the ongoing Men's Hockey World Cup, they did not play their best game on the day.The 26-year-old pointed out that they were rushing too much while attacking the opposition on the field. This is something they need to change while playing their upcoming matches of the prestigious tournament, he continued.Speaking to ANI, Peillat said, "I think for the first game it was okay. We did not play our best but it is quite okay for the moment. We were rushing a little bit while attacking. I think we need to take care of that in the upcoming game."Talking about the performance of Spain in the match, Peillat said that they played a "really good game." He, however, added that since they have faced Spain in the quarter-final of the 2016 Rio Olympics, it was easy to make adjustments."I think they played a really good game. They were right in the circle trying to score a .
Telangana teenager pips big names Manu, Heena
Telangana teenager Esha Singh prevailed over big names such as Manu Bhaker and Heena Sidhu to win three gold at the 62nd National Shooting Championships here Thursday. Esha upstaged quality fields on her way to sweeping the women's air pistol events. Esha won the Women's, Youth Women's and Junior Women's 10m Air Pistol competitions, leaving behind the likes of Heena, Manu and Shweta Singh in the process. Esha shot 241.0 in the Women's final to leave behind Youth Olympic games champion Manu who finished with 238.9. Shweta, representing ONGC, won bronze with a score of 217.2. Esha qualified seventh in the eight-woman finals field with a score of 573 in qualification. Manu topped with 578 and the final had such names as champion shooter Heena, former junior world champion Yashaswani Singh Deswal and India international Shri Nivetha among others. Esha made full use of her good form with a virtuoso performance in the Youth Women's and Junior Women's events and also got the better of Manu.
Bengal stun Bengaluru in PKL clash
Bengal Warriors staged a remarkable comeback to stun Zone B leaders Bengaluru Bulls 44-37 in an exciting Pro Kabaddi League clash here on Thursday.
Shuttler Lakshya Sen impresses at Tata Open
Budding shuttler Lakshya Sen was impressive at the Tata Open Indian International Challenge as he cruised past his first round and pre-quarter round opponents here Thursday. Sen, seeded second for the tournament, won the round 1 match against Hong Kong's Chan Yan Chak 21-18, 21-15 and went on to defeat compatriot Daniel Farid in the pre-quarters in straight sets 219, 2117, said a media release issued here. Meanwhile, in the mixed doubles section, Sumeeth Reddy and Puja Dandu were through to the quarter-finals, beating Gaurav Deswal and Tapaswini Samantarey 21-14 21-17.
Bhullar shoots 69, lies 10th in Australian PGA
Gaganjeet Bhullar, who partnered Anirban Lahiri and finished tied 10 at the World Cup in Melbourne last week, opened with a three-under 68 that put him in tied 10th place in the Australian PGA Championship. Bhullar was three shots behind Australian duo Jake McLeod and Matt Jaeger, who shot 66 apiece at RACV Royal Pines Resort. Australian Dimitrios Papadatos and Korean Eom Jaewoong were tied-third with 67 each, while European Tour Members Adrian Otaegui and Jason Scrivener were among the five players at 68 and Tied-fifth alongside World Number 21 Marc Leishman, Mathew Goggin and Douglas Klein. Bhullar, starting from the tenth, had a terrible bogey-bogey start, but he quickly made up with four birdies in a span of five holes from 12th to the 16th to turn in two-under. On the second nine, he birdied sixth and ninth, but dropped a shot on eighth in his card of 68.
Ponting says Khawaja will outscore Kohli, predicts Australian win
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting Thursday boldly stated that Usman Khawaja will outscore Virat Kohli and backed the hosts to prevail over an optimistic Indian team eyeing its first Test series win Down Under. Speaking to cricket.com.au, the former Test skipper said the Queenslander will not only be the leading run scorer against India, but also the player of the series. "He's on top of his game, his record in Australia is outstanding," Ponting said of Khawaja. "As much of a threat that the Indian fast bowlers might pose, I think he's got a game that can cope with it here in Australia. I'm going with him to be the leading run scorer and man of the series." The four-Test series starts in Adelaide on December 6. Ponting has tipped a 2-1 series result in favour of the home side for the four-match Test campaign while suggesting Khawaja and Josh Hazlewood will be the two standout performers. Kohli's four centuries and 692 runs at 86.50 on India's last Test tour to Australia four ...
KL Rahul should bat more responsibly, says Bangar
Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar feels KL Rahul should play responsibly being an experienced player of the side.
ISL: Chennaiyin FC play goalless draw vs Kerala Blasters
The Southern derby between Chennaiyin FC and Kerala Blasters ended in a hard-fought goalless stalemate as both teams now face bleak play-off chances in the ongoing edition of the Indian Super League (ISL).
AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open: Chikkarangappa hits 64 to share joint lead
India's S Chikkarangappa had a brilliant opening day as he hit 64 to share the joint lead with Victor Perez in the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open Thursday. Chikka birdied two of his final three holes to finish the day on eight under along with Perez, while Jaco Van Zyl hit 65 to stay one shot off the leaders. Perez had a hat trick of birdies during the back nine as he shot 32 to end on a high. He had birdies on the 13th, 16th and 18th hole. Van Zyl had Masahiro Kawamura and Kurt Kityama for company with rounds of 65 while Englishman Lee Slattery was two strokes behind him at 67. Defending champion Daniel Fritteli started off with a 69 along with Ernie Els for company. The 25-year-old Chikkarangappa was brilliant from tee to green throughout the day, which led to a bogey-free round at the Four Seasons Golf Club. Chikkarangappa's confidence is sky-high after making adjustments to his swing. The Indian golfer, who was victorious at an event on his local circuit recently, is determined to ...