Page 886 - Sports
Rain washes out 3rd day's play in TN-Andhra Ranji match
Rain played spoilsport washing out proceedings on the third day of the Ranji Trophy Elite Group 'B' match between Tamil Nadu and Andhra here Thursday. Play was called off at 3 p.m owing to a steady drizzle. Tamil Nadu had reached 122 for 3 in 50 overs at stumps on day two in reply to Andhra's first innings score of 216. Only 140 runs were scored from around 60 overs of play yesterday before bad light intervened. With an entire day's play being lost, chances of Tamil Nadu forcing an outright win look bleak. The visiting team will be aiming to obtain the first innings lead and three points. Tamil Nadu has two points from two games as the first innings was not completed in both. Brief scores (End of Day 3): Andhra 216 all out in 89.5 overs (Girinath Reddy 86 not out, Jyothisaikrishna 58, M Mohammed 4 for 70, T Natarajan 3 for 36, Sai Kishore 3 for 29) vs Tamil Nadu 122 for 3 in 50 overs (M Kaushik Gandhi 38). At Indore: Punjab 293 all out in 84.4 overs (Jiwanjot Singh 124, .
Ranji: Rajasthan's fightback continues against Jharkhand
Rajasthan, who conceded the first -innings lead to hosts Jharkhand, made a splendid comeback in their second essay in their Elite Group C Ranji Trophy match Thursday. Rajasthan, who were bundled out for 100 in the first innings and conceded the lead, made up for the mistakes in the second outing, as they put on 379 on the board to leave Jharkhand with a challenging victory chase. Jharkhand, bowled out for 152 in their first innings, were 24 for no loss at stumps on day three and required 304 more for an outright win on the final day. Ashok Menaria, who hit a stroke-filled 125 off 325 balls, led Rajasthan's fight back in the second innings, while Rajesh Bishnoi Jr chipped in with a gritty 82 off 145-balls. Menaria hit 19 boundaries, while Bishnoi Jr smashed 13 fours as the duo frustrated the Jharkhand bowlers at the JSCA Stadium here. Rajasthan had resumed the day at 127 for 4 before Jharkhand were set a daunting 328-run target. At Guwahati, Odisha ticked all the boxes to .
'United' India can lift hockey World Cup after 43 years, says Ajitpal
A united India, "on and off the field", has the capability to recreate history and lift the men's hockey World Cup after 43 years, feels the country's lone World Cup-winning captain Ajitpal Singh. India's only World Cup triumph came in the third edition of the championships way back in 1975, after a 2-1 win over Pakistan at Kuala Lumpur. Since then the eight-time Olympic champions' best performance at the World Cup was fifth-place finishes at the 1982 and 1994 editions. But this time around Ajitpal has high hopes from Harendra Singh's brigade and feels the world ranked fifth Indian team can do wonders if they play to its potential and remain united throughout the event. "Our team is looking sharper, more combined, fitter. They have now learnt how top handle hockey on turf. But the team which plays together can achieve anything," Ajitpal said on the sidelines of the release of a curated coffee table book titled 'The Illustrated History of Indian Hockey: A Saga of Triumph, Pain and ...
Unbeaten India face confident England in World T20 semis (Preview)
High on confidence after remaining unbeaten in the ongoing ICC women's World T20 so far, an in-form India are looking to avenge their ICC 50-over World Cup final loss to England when they face off in the second semi-final at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium here on Friday.
ISL: NEUFC keen to break home jinx as Kerala come calling (Preview)
NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) have been impressive in the Indian Super League with 11 points from their first six matches and they will aim to continue the momentum when they face Kerala Blasters FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here on Friday.
Tvesa shoots 69, takes five-shot lead in 16th leg of Hero WPG Tour
A brilliant four-under 30 on the front nine saw Tvesa Malik open up a massive five shot lead at the end of the second round of the 16th leg of the Hero Women's Pro Golf Tour here Thursday. Tvesa was the only player to get into red numbers despite dropping three bogeys on the back nine after four birdies in the first half at The Palms Golf Club and Resort. Her 69 took her tally to one-under 139, five shots ahead of Smriti Mehra (71-73). Smriti also had a good front nine with three birdies against one bogey, but could not maintain the tempo on the back nine, where she had five bogeys including two on the last two holes. She is currently four-over 144. Ridhima Dilawari, still in the nascent stages of her pro career, shot 72 to make up for her first round 75 and is lying third at seven-over 147. Amandeep Drall (75-74) is lying sole fourth at nine-over 149. Tvesa, who has won three times this season and leads the Order of Merit by a comfortable margin, opened with a birdie on the Par-5 ...
Ootam downs Shah to make main draw of snookerchampionship
Nikhil Ootam rallied to down Sanjiv Shah 3-2 in the third and final qualifying round match of the BSAM Maharashtra State Senior SnookerSelection (leg-2) Championship Thursday. Ootam started brightly in the all-Mumbai clash by taking the first frame, but surrendered the next two as Shah opened up a 2-1 lead at the Bombay Gymkhana here. However, Ootam showed strong fighting spirit and won the fourth to level scores before winning a tight fifth to seal his victory and claim a place in the main draw. Karan Mangat also progressed to the main round as he got the better of Marzdi Kalyaniwala 3-2 (46-28, 15-65, 55-48, 47-51, 60-14) in another third round match. Results: Snooker qualifying (Round-3): Karan Mangat (BPGC) beat Marzdi Kalyaniwala (Bombay Gym) 3-2 (46-28, 15-65, 55-48, 47-51, 60-14); Sanjay Gamre (Bombay Gym) beat Shahyan Razmi (Elphinstone CC) 3-0 (64-46, 63-23, 68-35); Nikhil Ootam (CCI) beat Sanjiv Shah (JVPG) 3-2 (41-32, 36-61, 13-58, 66-25, 54-40); Gaurav ...
Learn from successful Australian cricketers: Prez Kovind to Oz businessmen eying India
With India and Australia in the midst of a gripping season of cricket, President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday said Australian businesses looking to invest in the country should take a cue from Aussie cricketers who have made it big in India. Addressing a business summit in Sydney on the eve of the second India-Australia 20-20 match in Melbourne, Kovind said India and Australia shared a passion for cricket along with other things. "For many Indian cricket fans, Australia is their favourite team except when you are playing India but especially when you are competing for the Ashes," he said in the presence of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. He noted that both the countries also share the values of democracy, pluralism and human dignity, the English language and the belief that at the simplest, most basic level, business, trade and technology must change lives of those sections of society who need change the most. Kovind also underlined that both India and Australia shared vision
Boxing Worlds: Mary Kom storms into 48 kg final
Five-time world champion M.C. Mary Kom stormed into the final of the 48 kilogram light flyweight category after thrashing North Korean Kim Hyang Mi 5:0 by unanimous verdict in the AIBA Women's World Championships at the packed K.D.Jadhav Indoor Stadium here on Thursday.
Atwal overcomes jet lag and lies one shot behind leaders
India's Arjun Atwal stayed one shot behind first round leaders Yusaku Miyazato of Japan, Australia's Jason Scrivener and England's Aaron Rai after he signed for an opening four-under-par 66 at the HONMA Hong Kong Open Thursday. Atwal took the clubhouse lead in the morning but was dislodged from the top of the leaderboard when the trio made their moves at the Hong Kong Golf Club under more favourable weather conditions in the afternoon. Based in Florida in the United States, the 45-year-old flew into Hong Kong ready to put up a performance befitting his reputation as one of Asia's golf legends. Atwal, no stranger to success having won the Asian Tour Order of Merit in 2003 and enjoying multiple victories across Asia, Europe and the United States, returned with a flawless card that was highlighted by four birdies on holes one, three, four and 17. The other Indians were Khalin Joshi (68) at tied 9th, Shubahnkar Sharma (69) at tied 23rd, Ajeetesh Sandhu and SSP Chawrasia (70) at tied 41, ..
NorthEast keen to break home jinx as Kerala come calling
NorthEast United FC will look to break their winless jinx at home when they host Kerala Blasters in the Hero Indian Super League here on Friday. NorthEast have been impressive in the Indian Super League with 11 points from their first six matches. They are just below the top four at the moment, but with a match in hand could quite easily make the jump. There is one problem though for the Highlanders. They've won three matches so far and all of them have been away from home. A lot would depend on Bartholomew Ogbeche, who has scored more than 50 per cent of the goals for NorthEast this season. When the Nigerian striker has got on the scoresheet, NorthEast have never lost a game. Coach Eelco Schattorie has been boosted by the return of defender Mislav Komorski. He, however, did admit that one of his foreign players has suffered a season-ending injury. "We have one foreigner injured who might not play for the entire season, but I will not name him now as it can be an advantage for the ...
Minerva FC, Chennaiyin FC poised for historic Asia debut
India's Minerva Punjab FC and Chennaiyin FC are all set to make their debut in Asia's premier club competitions in 2019, with the possibility of a face-off later on. Indian Super League champions Chennaiyin FC will make their debut in Asia through the 2019 AFC Cup, beginning with the play-off round in March next year. Minerva Punjab FC will attempt to become the first ever Indian club to enter the AFC Champions League group stage in the modern format of the tournament. They will play their preliminary round knockout match against Iranian club Saipa FC on February 12, away from home. If they manage to win, they will face Al-Rayyan FC from Qatar in the playoff round on February 19, another away-from-home fixture. A victory there will guarantee them a place in the ACL group stage. Minerva Punjab will find a place in the Group B, along with Al-Ittihad from Saudi Arabia, Al-Wahda from United Arab Emirates and Lokomotiv Tashkent from Uzbekistan. If they fail to qualify for the ACL group ...
Chelsea legend Didier Drogba confirms retirement
Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has confirmed his retirement from professional football.Making the announcement on his official Twitter handle, the 40-year-old thanked all those who were with him during his journey as a football player."When I think of the last 20 years of my professional career, looking at this picture can't make me more proud of what I've achieved as a player but most importantly how this journey has shaped me as a man. If anyone tells you that your dreams are too big, just say thank you and work harder and smarter to turn them into reality. #alwaysbelieve," he wrote."I wanna thank all of the players, managers, teams and fans that I have met and made this journey one of a kind!!! Also a huuuuge thank you and live to my family, my Personal Team for supporting me all my career during all the ups and downs no matter what," read another tweet.Drogba, who made his professional debut at the age of 18 for Ligue 2 club Le Mans, won three Premier League titles in his ...
Mary Kom reaches final of World Championship 48kg final
The legendary M C Mary Kom remained on course for an unprecedented sixth gold after beating North Korea's Kim Hyang Mi to reach the 48kg final in the Women's World Boxing Championship here Thursday. The 35-year-old five-time world champion beat her North Korean opponent in the semifinals. She is, without a doubt, one of the most successful woman pugilists in the event's history. Mary Kom entered the event with a remarkable tally of five gold medals and a silver to her credit. She last won a world championship medal in 2010 -- a 48kg category gold. Before this World Championships, the Manipuri was tied with Irish legend Katie Taylor (five gold and a bronze) on the number of medals won. Taylor now plies her trade in the professional circuit.
Polish driver Robert Kubica returns to F1 with Williams: team
Polish driver Robert Kubica will return to Formula One for Williams in 2019, eight years after he was seriously injured in a rally crash, the team said Thursday. Kubica, who has not taken part in a grand prix since his right arm was partially severed in the accident in 2011, joins Englishman George Russell at the British team in 2019. The 33-year-old Polish driver has done several practice sessions for Williams and his return to the sport was announced in Abu Dhabi, the venue of his last race back in 2010. Kubica said: "Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who has helped me during what was a difficult period of my life over these last few years. "It has been a challenging journey to make it back to the Formula One grid, but what seemed almost impossible is now beginning to feel possible, as I am excited to be able to say that I will be on the Formula One grid in 2019. "It will not be easy, but, with hard work and dedication, both George and myself will work together to try and ...
Sameer, Saina ad Kashyap enter quarters in Lucknow
Defending champion Sameer Verma and former champions Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap progressed to the quarterfinals of the Syed Modi International World Super Tour 300 with contrasting victories, here on Thursday. Second-seeded Saina, who is a three-time winner of the Lucknow tourney, defeated Amolika Singh Sisodiya 21-14 21-9, while 2012 and 2015 champion Kashyap recovered from a game down to see off Indonesia's Firman Abdul Kholik 9-21 22-20 21-8 in another match. Third seed Sameer beat China's Zhao Junpeng 22-20 21-17 and will meet China's Zhou Zeqi. Former Olympic bronze medallist, Saina will next face eight seeded compatriot Rituparna Das, who beat fellow Indian Shruti Mundada 21-11 21-15 in a one-sided clash. Kashyap will meet Thailand's Sitthikom Thammasin, seeded 8th. B Sai Praneeth, seeded 4th, brushed aside Indonesia's Shesar Hiren Rhustavito 21-12 21-10 and will take on China's Lu Guangzu, seeded sixth, ended the run of Saarlorlux champion Subhankar Dey with a 21-13 ...
Real Kashmir FC attends event held under Prince of Monaco's patronage
Real Kashmir FC Thursday attended as a special guest a 'Football for Peace' event under the patronage of Albert II, Prince of Monaco. The event is being held at London's Copper Box Arena, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Thursday. Real Kashmir FC received the invitation for their work amidst social unrest. A non-governmental organisation headquartered in London and supported by the United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace, FFP is a grassroots football movement with diplomatic impact, which brings people together and creates understanding through the beautiful game. "It is my distinct pleasure on behalf of our co-founders FIFA and Chilean legend Elias Figueroa, an international footballer, Kashif Siddiqi - being 'Champions for Peace' under the high patronage of HRH Prince Albert II of Monaco, to deliver this letter to your honourable attention," FFP Chief Executive Officer Jay Jadeja said in the letter addressed to owners Sandeep Chattoo and Shamim Meraj. Both the owners
Manny Pacquiao plans to retire in three years
Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has revealed that he is planning to put an end to his career after three years.The 39-year-old said that the plan is to fight until 2021 and hang up the gloves for good, TMZ Sports reported.On boxing front, the pugilist is slated to take on American boxer Adrien Broner on January 19. He said losing is not an option for him.Pacquaio's last fight had come in July against Lucas Matthysse of Argentina in which he had registered a resounding victory.In 2015, the boxer had lost a much-anticipated bout against lightweight champion Floyd Mayweather.Pacquaio is the only eight-division world champion in boxing.
Mominul ton propels Bangladesh in West Indies Test
Mominul Haque struck an unbeaten century for Bangladesh on the opening day of the first Test against the West Indies in Chittagong. Mominul was batting on 116 as the home side reached 216-3 at tea after skipper Shakib Al Hasan won the toss and elected to bat first at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. The left-hander brought up his eighth Test hundred with a six and four in successive overs. He now shares the record with Tamim Iqbal for scoring the most Test centuries for Bangladesh. It was Mominul's third century in consecutive innings at this ground, and his fourth anywhere this year -- only India's Virat Kohli has scored as many Test centuries in 2018 so far. Mominul helped to steady Bangladesh's innings after pace bowler Kemar Roach struck in the first over of the morning, dismissing opening batsman Soumya Sarkar for a duck. He shared 104 runs with Imrul Kayes for the second wicket and another 48 runs with Mohammad Mithun for the third. Leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo dismissed ...
Apollo Tyres ropes in Sachin Tendulkar as brand ambassador
Apollo Tyres Thursday said it has roped in Sachin Tendulkar as brand ambassador of the company for five years. This is the first time that the company has associated with a celebrity as the face of its brand. "Building the Apollo brand to its true potential is key to our growth. By securing Sachin Tendulkar's association with our brand, we have embarked on an exciting journey together. I am sure this partnership will help us go the distance," Apollo Tyres Vice Chairman and Managing Director Neeraj Kanwar said in a statement. In addition to it being the global tyre partner for English Premier League club, Manchester United, Apollo Tyres also has a presence in the German Bundesliga, with its association with Borussia Monchengladbach. In India, it has a presence in the Indian Super League (ISL), being the principal sponsor of Chennaiyin FC, and in the I-League, with its title sponsorship of Minerva Punjab FC.