Page 866 - Sports
Sociedad end home drought with 2-1 win over Celta
Real Sociedad produced one of their most complete performances of the season in a 2-1 victory over struggling Celta that was also their first home win of the 2018-2019 LaLiga campaign.
Taking Australia tour very seriously: Ishant Sharma
After level-pegging the three-match Twenty20 International series against Australia, Indian pacer Ishant Sharma on Tuesday stated that his side is taking the tour very seriously ahead of the four-Test match series, starting December 6."The tour game is pretty serious for us because you can set a tone for the series. You get to know the conditions because you are playing here after a long time. It's an important game for everyone," Sharma told the reporters.When quizzed about having better batting and bowling line-up as compared to the Australian team, which doesn't include former skipper Steve Smith and David Warner over the ball-tampering scandal, Sharma said: "We don't really think about all these things but it always depends on the given day. In cricket whoever is playing for the country is good enough that's why they are representing the country. We don't take anyone lightly, we just go out and play."India's squad, besides Sharma, has four other pace bowlers - Mohammed Shami, ...
Had suspicion, so didn't allow Nirmala to run Asiad relays: AFI chief
Asian champion quarter-miler Nirmala Sheoran's failed dope test hasn't come as a surprise to the Athletics Federation of India with President Adille Sumariwala saying that she was kept out of the Asian Games relay events owing to her dubious whereabouts record. Apart from Sheoran, middle-distance runners Sanjivani Yadav, Jhuma Khatun, discus thrower Sandeep Kumari, shot putter Naveen have all tested positive for banned substances in tests conducted by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Sheoran, who came fourth in the women's 400m event of the Jakarta Asian Games earlier this year, has been provisionally suspended after tests conducted in the WADA's Montreal laboratory. This came after the same samples returned negative results in tests conducted by the National Dope Testing Labaratory (NDTL). Sheoran won her Asian Championships gold last year in Bhubaneswar. "Nirmala never attended any national camp before the Asian Games and that's why, we purposely didn't select her for either of .
Biggest opportunity for us, but not taking Australia lightly: Ishant
Bracing up for the "biggest opportunity" to win a maiden Test series Down Under, India's Ishant Sharma Tuesday also cautioned that Australia is good enough to cause problems, regardless of the turmoil in its cricket. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins in Adelaide on December 6, with the Indian team bedding in for preparations at the Sydney Cricket Ground and taking on Cricket Australia XI in a four-day tour game from Wednesday. "We don't really think about all these things. It depends on a given day. In cricket whoever is playing for the country is good enough. Till the time we get the results, we don't take anything lightly. "We are pretty motivated. The aim right now is to win the series and that is what everyone is focussing on. We don't even think of personal performances, just one aim, to win a series in Australia," said Sharma. India were whitewashed 4-0 when they were here the last time, though current captain Virat Kohli made his presence felt with plenty of runs. "The tour ...
Maria Sharapova to compete at Shenzhen Open
Ahead of the upcoming Shenzhen Open, the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has confirmed that five-time major champion Maria Sharapova will compete at the seventh edition of the tournament.Although the entire line-up of players will be announced in due course, tournament director Luiz Carvalho said: "This is an opportunity to let all fans of the Shenzhen Open know in advance that we are in for an exciting week of tennis at Shenzhen Longgang Sports Center," according to WTA.The deputy chairman of the Chinese Tennis Association, Liu Wenbin, said: "Every year, the Shenzhen Open grows and continues to be an exciting stop on the world tour as well as being a very important part of China's tennis development. From the tournament's first year when (Chinese tennis star) Li Na won the title, fans have greatly enjoyed seeing so many tremendous female players gracing our courts."Apart from Sharapova, 2017 French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko and former WTA World number four Caroline Garcia will ...
Harmanpreet extends association with Sydney Thunder for BBL
India's T20I skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has extended her association with Sydney Thunder while Smriti Mandhana has been signed up by Hobart Hurricanes for the fourth season of Women's Big Bash League. Harmanpreet was the top scorer for Thunder in the second season when she amassed 296 runs in 12 innings with a strike rate of 117 and an average of 59.20. Not surprisingly then, she was adjudged Thunder's Player of the Tournament. Mandhana, the vice-captain of India's T20 side has been signed by Hurricanes. The attacking opening batter previously appeared for Brisbane Heat in the WBBL 02 season. Having posted her maiden international hundred in an ODI against Australia at Blundstone Arena in 2016 in Tasmania, Smriti said she is looking forward to showcasing her talent for the new team. "I've heard from many players that the Hurricanes group is a great squad to be around and I can't wait to get to Tasmania for the matches," she said. Hurricanes' coach Salliann Briggs said he was delighted ..
River president blasts Boca chief over final 'betrayal'
River Plate president Rodolfo D'Onofrio hit out at his Boca Juniors counterpart on Monday accusing his rival of "betrayal" following the postponement of the weekend's Copa Libertadores final due to an attack on the Boca team bus by River fans. In a humiliating weekend for South American football, the second leg of the final was postponed twice amid scenes of violence and confusion. The match had been scheduled for Saturday but the two presidents agreed to delay the continental showpiece by 24 hours after some Boca players suffered cuts from broken glass and the effects of smoke inhalation when their bus came under fire from River fans throwing sticks and stones and spraying pepper spray. Yet the game did not take place on Sunday either as Boca said they faced a "sporting disadvantage" due to their players' injuries and Boca president Daniel Angelici said he would petition competition organziers Conmebol to award the tie, and hence the trophy, to Boca. "I'm struggling to believe he ...
Real Madrid coach backs 'honest' Ramos
Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari defended captain Sergio Ramos on Monday after claims he gave an irregular doping sample after the Champions League final win over Juventus in 2017. According to German magazine Der Spiegel, Ramos failed to declare he had taken dexamethasone, a banned anti-inflammatory, ahead of the final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, in which Real beat Juventus 4-1. "Sergio Ramos is an honest man, a symbol not only of Real Madrid but of all Spanish football," Solari told a press conference ahead of Tuesday's Champions League game against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. "It's the duty of everyone to defend him including the press whose objective is to search for the truth," he said. "If we publish things which are not true, the profession of journalism loses its purpose." Ramos, 32, has dismissed anti-doping allegations against him as a "lie" and a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation. Both reigning three-time Champions League winners Real Madrid and ...
Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana to appear in Women's Big Bash League
Indian Women's Twenty20 captain and vice-captain, Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, are slated to play in the upcoming fourth season of the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL).Harmanpreet has extended her association with Sydney Thunder and will continue to represent them in the fourth season of the WBBL. She was the top scorer of her team in the second season as she amassed 296 runs in 12 innings with a batting strike rate (S/R) of 117 and an average of 59.20. She was also adjudged Thunder's Player of the Tournament.Meanwhile, Smriti, who previously appeared for Brisbane Heat in the second season, has been signed by Hobart Hurricanes for the upcoming edition. Having posted her maiden international hundred in an ODI against Australia at Blundstone Arena in 2016 in Tasmania, Smriti said she is looking forward to showcasing her talent for the new team."I've heard from many players that the Hurricanes group is a great squad to be around and I can't wait to get to Tasmania for the ...
Argentina's hooligans: the endless cycle of football
The embarrassing postponement of the Copa Libertadores final thrust Argentina's hooligan problem back into the spotlight, as well as society's acceptance that it is part of football fan culture, analysts say. Argentina President Mauricio Macri admitted there had been a "security failure" on Saturday when Boca Juniors' team bus came under attack from River Plate fans hurling pepper spray, stones and sticks. Windows on the bus were shattered with players suffering cuts and breathing difficulties from the pepper spray. The presidents of both clubs insist the violence was caused by just "10 or 15 misfits," but for sociologist Diego Murzi, hooligans -- or barra bravas -- are deeply entrenched in the country's football-related activities. "In Argentina there is a football culture in which violence is legitimate, and not just by the 'barras' but by everyone who takes part," said Murzi, a researcher at the University of San Martin. It was a weekend of shame for Argentine football that ...
PSG optimistic over fitness of Mbappe, Neymar for Liverpool showdown
It has been a month marred by off-field controversies for Paris Saint-Germain, but it is the fitness of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar that casts the longest shadow over the French club ahead of Wednesday's Champions League crunch clash against Liverpool. PSG go into the game at the Parc des Princes in third place in Group C, and a defeat against last season's runners-up, coupled with a win for Napoli at home to Red Star Belgrade, would condemn the Qatar-owned side to an early elimination. Such a prospect is unthinkable for a club with the ambitions of PSG, who are desperate to improve on consecutive exits from the Champions League in the last 16. Thomas Tuchel has won every domestic game since his appointment as coach in the summer, but PSG's results in Europe have been underwhelming, with a 3-2 defeat at Liverpool in September being followed by two draws against Napoli. Indeed, a 6-1 win over Red Star last month is the French side's only victory in their last seven Champions League ...
Kane, Icardi ready for Euro shoot-out
Tottenham's Harry Kane and Inter Milan's Mauro Icardi will stage a do-or-die duel as two of the most prolific strikers in the Champions League go head to head at Wembley on Wednesday. Both Kane and Icardi have humble origins after surviving rejection and self-doubt to reach the top. Now well established as talismanic figures for their clubs, these unlikely heroes have become two of the sport's hottest properties. Both have been linked with European champions Real Madrid this season and this week's vital clash between Tottenham and Inter provides another chance to celebrate their rags to riches rise and marvel at their predatory instincts. Born in Argentina, Icardi moved to Spain when he was nine and was one of the most sought-after players in Europe when Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Liverpool fought for the teenager's signature in 2007. Icardi eventually chose Barcelona, but his time with the Spanish giants went surprisingly sour. He never broke into the first team after being .
Argentina mulls law to curb soccer hooligans
After a Copa Libertadores final between Boca Juniors and River Plate had to be suspended twice, after a fan violence incident, Argentine President Mauricio Macri said he will introduce harsher laws to tackle hooliganism during games.
Hockey World Cup: Holiday for educational institutions in Bhubaneswar tomorrow
In the view of the opening ceremony of Men's Hockey World Cup here, Odisha government has declared holiday for all educational institutions in Bhubaneswar on November 27.The state government has also announced holiday for all banks, financial institutions, government offices across the state after 1:30 pm tomorrow.All the arrangements have been made in Odisha's capital city for the 14th edition of Men's Hockey World Cup that is to be played from November 28 to December 16 at Kalinga Stadium.A total of 16 countries are participating in this tournament, which include- Belgium, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia, England, the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, Ireland, China, Pakistan, Malaysia, South Africa and Spain.Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has met captains of all 16 teams in front of Mukteshwar Gate in Bhubaneswar and wished them success.
Maha Snooker Selection: Pherwani sails into pre-quarters
Sparsh Pherwani, winner of the first leg, scored his 3rd successive win defeating Nikhil Saigal of Khar Gymkhana by a narrow 3-2 margin in a Group-A match of the snooker competition of the BSAM Maharashtra State Senior Snooker & Billiards Selection (leg-2) Championship. Pherwani defeated Saigal 41-67, 55-44, 31-62, 64-38 and 62-43. In another match of the same group, Bombay Gymkhanas billiards marker Sanjay Gamre got the better of JVPGs Sanjiv Shah 3-2 (62-8, 52-60, 48-34, 28-63 and 60-18) for his second win. Pherwani, who represents the Cricket Club of India, with an all-win record topped the group, while Gamre was second and they both have qualified for the pre-quarter-finals. Results - Group-A: Sparsh Pherwani (CCI) beat Nikhil Saigal (Khar Gym) 3-2 (41-67, 55-44, 31-62, 64-38, 62-43); Sanjay Gamre (Bombay Gym) beat Sanjiv Shah (JVPG) 3-2 (62-8, 52-60, 48-34, 28-63, 60-18). Group-C: Sagar Desai (NSCI) beat Viren Sharma (Pune) 3-2 (76-52, 13-68, 56-36, 34-56, ...
PKL: Thalaivas defeat Titans 31-25 in thrilling contest
Tamil Thalaivas returned to winning ways with a 31-25 victory over Telugu Titans in a high-voltage Pro Kabaddi League clash here on Monday.
PKL: Thalaivas beat Titans 31-35 in thrilling contest
Tamil Thalaivas returned to winning ways with a 31-25 victory over Telugu Titans in a high voltage Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) clash at the Shree Chhatrapati Shivaji Sports Complex here on Monday.
ISL: Udanta's goal guides Bengaluru FC to win over Delhi Dynamos
Udanta Singh paid a perfect tribute to his idol Sunil Chhetri on the occasion of his captains 150th game for the club, as the young Manipuri lad scripted Bengaluru FCs solitary goal win over Delhi Dynamos in an Indian Super League (ISL) tie at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Monday.
Udanta's late strike helps Bengaluru FC beat Dynamos 1-0
A late strike from Udanta Singh helped Bengaluru FC beat Delhi Dynamos by a solitary goal and top the Indian Super League table here Monday. The home side survived onslaughts from Delhi Dynamos before Udanta struck the lone goal in the 87th minute to win the match for his captain Sunil Chhetri who was playing the 150th game for the club. Bengaluru FC are now on the top of the ISL table with 19 points from seven games, while it seemed all but over for Delhi Dynamos as they remained rooted at the bottom without registering a win from nine games. Bengaluru FC started with four foreigners in the absence of the injured Miku and suspended Dimas Delgado. Erik Paartalu recovered in time to be named on the bench. The first opportunity fell for the home team when Chhetri latched onto a long ball. However, Pritam Kotal recovered well to cover him off with the advancing Albino Gomes clearing the ball. Delhi completey dominated the first half but failed to find the goal. Bengaluru goalkeeper ...
Tamil Thalaivas beat Telugu Titans 31-25 in PKL 6
Manjeet Chhillar shone bright as Tamil Thalaivas notched up a 31-25 win over Telugu Titans in a Pro Kabaddi League season 6 match here on Monday. Manjeet Chhillar had a brilliant game in defence as he scored seven points and was ably supported by Ajay Thakur who chipped in with 7 raid points. Rahul Chaudhari scored six points for Titans but didn't get enough support. Ajay and Rahul got their respective teams up and running with a raid point in the first minute. Chaudhari got two more raid points to give Telugu Titans 3-2 lead after three minutes. Sukesh Hegde then came up with a super raid in the 10th minute to level the match at 8-8 for Tamil Thalaivas. Tamil Thalaivas ramped up the pressure with an all out in the 13th minute, extending their lead to 13-9. At the end of the first half they led 18-11 as Telugu Titans faded away after a strong start. Rahul revived Telugu Titans with two more successful raids as they trailed 15-19 after 23 minutes. Tami Thalaivas forced a super tackle .