Page 895 - Sports

Netherlands draw 2-2 with Germany to reach Nations League semis

A stoppage-time goal by Virgil van Dijk gave the Netherlands a 2-2 draw with Germany and lifted the Dutch into the final four of the inaugural UEFA Nations League alongside Portugal, England and Switzerland.

Portugal surprised by talk of joint World Cup bid with Spain, Morocco

Portugal's prime minister said that his government has had no official word from Madrid about joining with Spain and Morocco in a bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Fit Khawaja almost certain to play India Tests

In what came as good news for the Australian batting order, left-hand batsman Usman Khawaja's participation in the four-match Test series against India is almost certain as he is recovering well from a knee injury.The 31-year-old was out of action since undergoing a surgery on a torn meniscus which he had sustained during their Test series against Pakistan in October in the UAE.Latest Instagram posts of the top-order batsman, where he could be seen running hard in the nets, indicated towards his probable comeback to the Test team."Video today from my first set, still not perfect but got a lot better by the end of the session. ?? ??????? #babysteps #brisbane #kneerehab #tekkers #cricket," he had captioned one of the video posts.Khawaja_PostNov20.jpgSpeaking about his recovery process, Khawaja had stated that he is progressing well, so far."It's going pretty well so far, just over two weeks, ran at 100 per cent yesterday on the treadmill, hopefully, run outside tomorrow, so progressing .

Vijender signs up with Bob Arum, set for US debut next year

Indian boxing star Vijender Singh has signed a multi-year deal with legendary promoter Bob Arum's company Top Rank, paving the way for his American debut next year after an unbeaten professional run in India and England. Vijender, the 2008 Olympic bronze-medallist, has fought all but one of his professional bouts in India and England. He will make his debut under the Top Rank banner in early 2019, his India promoters IOS Boxing said in a statement. "Top Rank is very excited to enter into a contract with Vijender," Arum said in a statement on Monday night here. "We intend to make him a big star in the United States and look forward to him participating in major events in India, where he is already a major superstar." Arum is an International Boxing Hall of Famer and has worked with several big names in the circuit, including the likes of Manny Pacquiao. Vijender, who has a 10-0 (7 KOs) record in the circuit since turning pro in 2015, said he couldn't have hoped for a better deal. He ...

Thailand's 'Big Dolphin' to emulate dad at golf World Cup

Thailand's Prom Meesawat has a big weekend ahead. Not only will he emulate his dad by appearing at golf's World Cup, but his wife is due to give birth. Known as the "Big Dolphin" due to his burly physique and hailing from a coastal town, the 34-year-old is teamed with Kiradech Aphibarnrat for the tournament at the Metropolitan Golf Club in Melbourne's sandbelt region. It will be a proud moment when he tees off on Thursday at the 59th staging of the event where 28 teams will vie for US$7 million in prize money. "My dad (Suthep) played in the World Cup previously, so it's nice I will get a chance too and follow in his footsteps," the two-time Asian Tour winner told reporters. Strong family ties have been a foundation in Prom's career. His father, now 70, was the first local golfer to win the Thailand Open in 1991 and he represented the kingdom at the World Cup in 1982. It inspired Prom to take up the game and he is paired this week with Kiradech, who he also considers family after the ..

Pacquiao teases Mayweather rematch after January bout

Filipino veteran Manny Pacquiao revealed he has spoken with Floyd Mayweather about a possible sequel to their 2015 superfight, but said no decision would be taken on a rematch until the New Year. Speaking in New York to confirm details of his January 19 fight against Adrien Broner, Pacquiao said he had discussed a rematch with Mayweather during a recent trip to Japan. "When I met up with Floyd in Japan, we talked and he said he wants to come out of retirement to challenge me," Pacquiao said. "All I know is fighting in the ring and entertaining people. That's my job. Floyd has come out of retirement and we'll see after this fight." Mayweather scored a unanimous victory over Pacquiao in 2015's "Fight of the Century", which was largely regarded as a let-down despite being the highest-grossing fight of all time. Since then, speculation about a possible rematch between the two welterweights has flickered, with Mayweather saying in September he was ready to fight Pacquiao. "I'm coming back .

Aus without Smith, Warner no match to India, expect historic win: Kambli

Our chances are bright. We are going to win the series (in Australia). These two batsmen (Smith and Warner) are not there, so take full advantage, says Vinod kambli

Former FIFA ethics head quits Swiss prosecution authority amid football probes

A former head of FIFA's Ethics Committee has stepped down from his position on Switzerland's prosecution supervisory authority in order to not hamper ongoing investigations into football, it was announced Monday. Cornel Borbely presided on the investigation chamber of world football governing body's ethics committee from May 2015 until his dismissal alongside adjudicatory chamber head Hans-Joachim Eckert in May 2017, following the arrival of Gianni Infantino as FIFA president. In a brief statement, Switzeland's public prosecutors office (MPC) said that "current developments in complex investigations into football ... have resulted in this area becoming of unexpected importance in the activities of the AS-MPC (MPC's supervisory authority)". The supervisory authority has six members, who are responsible for ensuring the smooth running of investigations conducted by the MPC. "In order to enable the AS-MPC to count on all of its resources, Cornel Borbely has decided to step down," added ..

English Football League strikes Pound 595m TV deal with Sky

The English Football League said Monday has it has agreed a five-year domestic broadcasting deal with Sky Sports worth Pound 595 million (668 million euros), starting next season. The EFL, which runs the second, third and fourth tiers of English football, said the deal was unanimously approved by its board, and that it is different to the provisional agreement made with the broadcaster last September. Several Championship clubs, including Aston Villa, Derby and Leeds, strongly criticised the original proposal and they are unlikely to be happy with the final agreement. But the EFL board has decided this is the best option on the table for the 72 clubs and it will give every club the chance to build their own 'direct to consumer' streaming service. "Having fully considered the matter, its implications and any associated risks, the EFL board is satisfied that the right deal for the EFL and its clubs has been reached," said the EFL's interim chair Debbie Jevans in a statement. "Concluding

CA upholds bans on Smith, Warner ahead of India series

Steve Smith and David Warner will not be available for Australia's upcoming Test series against India after the year-long ball-tampering bans on them were upheld by Cricket Australia on Tuesday after a review. In recent days, owing in no small measure to the Australian team's poor on-field performances, there was a clamour for the bans to be reduced, which might have made them available for the four-Test series against India starting December 6 in Adelaide. It would have allowed the two players, as well as batsman Cameron Bancroft, who was given a nine-month ban, to return to competitive cricket earlier than stipulated. "The Cricket Australia Board has carefully considered all elements of the ACA submission and has determined that it is not appropriate to make any changes to the sanctions handed down to the three players," interim chairman Earl Eddings said in a statement. The Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) even made a submission favouring a reduction in the bans, to which ..

Ball-tampering scandal: Ban imposed on suspended players to stay

Cricket Australia (CA) has upheld the suspension of former skipper Steve Smith, opener David Warner and bowler Cameron Bancroft for their alleged role in a massive ball-tampering scandal during a Test series against South Africa in March.The decision was taken during CA's board meeting which was conducted to consider a request of the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA), calling to lift the sanctions imposed on the players.Rejecting the ACA's submission, the interim chairman of CA Earl Eddings said that it is "not appropriate to make any changes to the sanctions handed down to the three players.""The Cricket Australia Board has carefully considered all elements of the ACA submission and has determined that it is not appropriate to make any changes to the sanctions handed down to the three players," Cricket.com.au quoted Eddings, as saying."Despite the absence of any recommendation regarding the sanctions in the recently released Ethics Centre Review, the Board has deliberated on ..

Nic Pothas appointed as interim coach of Windies

Former South African cricketer Nic Pothas has been named as the interim coach of West Indies for their upcoming tour to Bangladesh.The development comes after the departure of Stuart Law, who had stepped down as the head coach of the Caribbean side after being named as the Middlesex coach in September.Pothas, while expressing delight over his appointment, asserted that they are looking forward to embracing the "tough" Bangladesh challenge."It is an honour to be asked to be the head coach of the West Indies Cricket team for the immediate future. The Bangladesh series will be a tough challenge which we look forward to embracing," West Indies Cricket official website quoted Pothas, as saying.West Indies director of cricket Jimmy Adams underscored that Pothas leading the team at this point is important to maintain continuity in the squad. He further hoped for a "positive performance" from the side under the new leadership."Having Nic lead the team at this juncture is important for ...

Australia in Australia will be dangerous: Rohit Sharma

Ahead of its first Twenty20 Internationals against Australia, India's vice-captain Rohit Sharma on Monday stated that prior experience of playing on the pace-friendly pitch would help his side here at the Brisbane Cricket Ground.Considering Brisbane as the fastest pitch in Australia, Sharma said, "Australia in Australia is always going to be dangerous. So you got to be prepared for it. We don't need a few individuals to step up. We need a whole lot of guys to put their hands on different occasions and take up the challenge."The 31-year-old, who is the highest scorer (2207 runs) for India in the format, said, "Last time (2016) when we were here, we won the series by 3-0." Talking about the 'Men in Blue' players, Sharma stressed that most of the batsmen are experienced, while only a couple of them are new to the pitch."Yes, it is challenging for all our batsmen when we come around here, but most of the guys have come to Australia before. So, they understand the conditions. There are ...

EU welcomes Franco-German budget idea, more work needed

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - A Franco-German proposal for a euro zone budget could be a "breakthrough" for a euro zone reform package next month, but more work on it is needed, the chairman of euro zone finance ministers said as Italy voiced reservations about the plan.

IAAF announces finalists for female world athletes of the year

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) on Monday announced the five finalists for female world athlete of the year.

FC Goa extends head coach Lobera's contract for another year

Indian Super League (ISL) club FC Goa on Monday secured the services of their head coach Sergio Lobera for another year after the Spaniard agreed to stay with the club till the end of the 2019/20 season.

Ex-England footballer Gascoigne charged with sexual assault

Former England footballer Paul Gascoigne has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman on board a train, British Transport Police said on Monday. The ex-Tottenham and Lazio player was charged with "one count of sexual assault by touching", said a spokeswoman for the force. The 51-year-old, who has struggled with alcoholism since he retired from top-flight football, was arrested at Durham station in northeast England on August 20. He is due to appear in a magistrates' court on December 11. Gascoigne -- known as "Gazza" -- made his name with Newcastle before going on to play for Tottenham, Italian giants Lazio and several other teams including Glasgow Rangers. The midfielder, widely regarded as one of the most talented players of his generation, was also a key member of the England side that reached the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup in Italy. He won 57 caps in total. Gascoigne was one of the first big-name footballers to arrive in China when he made the shock decision to be a ...

AIBA C'ship: Pinki and Simranjeet join six Indian boxers to enter quarters

Indian experienced boxer Pinki Jingra and Simranjeet Kaur on Monday entered the quarterfinals of the ongoing 10th International Boxing Association (AIBA) Women's World Boxing Championships here at the KD Jhadav Hall.In what was a fast-paced 51 kg bout, Jingra got a unanimous decision when she beat Ebonie Alice Jones of England, despite the latter forcing the Indian on the back foot straightaway.Opening with left jabs the Englishwoman traded combination punches and the Indian countered well to trade off some punches. As the game progressed into the second round, the first-timer came charging, equally aggressive, but it looked like both had their misses and scores.However, in the third, a tiring Jones, who almost cornered the Indian with little room to maneuver, found Jingra managing to send some combination punches and a good right.In the last 20 seconds, the relentless Indian piled on the agony which culminated in sending her into the quarters, where she will meet North Korea's Mi ...

Ranji Trophy: Mumbai, Karnataka eye maiden win

Both Mumbai and Karnataka will be eyeing their first victory of this Ranji Trophy season when the two sides clash here from Tuesday in their Elite Group A match. Mumbai drew the first game of this season against Railways in New Delhi, but more importantly they earned three crucial points as they took the first innings lead. Same was the case with Karnataka, who grabbed three points after settling for a draw with Vidarbha at Nagpur after taking the first innings lead. Mumbai, led by pacer Dhawal Kulkarni, have a strong batting line-up, despite the absence of Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane or Prithvi Shaw, who are all on the national duty. For Mumbai, a lot will depend on how their crisis man Siddesh Lad performs. Lad has been eyeing a national berth for a long while now and another good outing will only build his case. Other regulars - Akhil Herwadkar, Surya Kumar Yadav, Jay Bitsa and experienced wicket-keeper and former skipper Aditya Tare - will have to play their roles ..

Patnaik buys Rs 500 ticket for Hockey World Cup opening event

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday bought the first ticket for the opening ceremony of the Men's Hockey World Cup to be held here on November 27 and paid Rs 500 for it, officials said. Hockey India CEO Elena Norman handed over the ticket to Patnaik for the ceremony that will be held at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. A second ceremony will be held at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on November 28. Patnaik paid Rs 500 for the ticket, an official release issued by the chief minister's office said. Hockey India announced on Sunday that online ticket sale for the ceremony of Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 will begin from Tuesday. It has said the online ticket sales will go live at 12 noon the same day. Around 10,500 tickets are likely to be sold for the inaugural ceremony in Bhubaneswar and 30,000 tickets for the November 28 event, sources said. Music maestro A R Rahman is expected to perform at both the venues, along with other Bollywood celebrities, including ...