Page 922 - Sports

Celta appoint Cardoso after sacking Mohamed

Spanish league strugglers Celta Vigo sacked Argentinian coach Antonio Mohamed and replaced him with Portugal's Miguel Cardoso, the club said Monday. Mohamed, 48, arrived at Celta in the summer but has registered three wins, five draws and four defeats so far, including a decisive 4-2 defeat to Real Madrid on last weekend. Mohamed becomes the second Argentinian coach to face the chop from La Liga after Leo Franco was sacked by Huesca. Cardoso, 46, takes the reins at Celta barely six weeks after being sacked by French Ligue 1 side Nantes, with whom he won just one game, drawing three and losing four in his opening eight games in charge.

Swedish striker Ibrahimovic named top MLS newcomer

Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic of the Los Angeles Galaxy was named Monday as Major League Soccer Newcomer of the Year, defeating England's Wayne Rooney among others for the award. Ibrahimovic won in a balloting of MLS coaches and players plus a media panel with an average of 36.36 percent support to 32.25 percent for DC United captain Rooney. Mexico's Carlos Vela of Los Angeles FC was third on 13.47 percent. Ibrahimovic scored 22 goals and added 10 assists in what was only the third 20-and-10 season in MLS history. The Galaxy went 9-2 with four drawn when the Swedish icon scored a goal. With a roundhouse volley kick to score against Toronto FC on September 15, Ibrahimovic netted his 500th career goal, joining Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as only the third active player to reach that lofty milestone. Ibrahimovic failed to lead the Galaxy into the play-offs but his career has already included titles with European giants FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan. He has

England stumped with selection quandaries

Jos Buttler is at the centre of a double selection dilemma that England must solve for the second Test against Sri Lanka starting Wednesday. One doubt is who will be the wicketkeeper now that Jonny Bairstow is fit again, while Ben Foakes scored a brilliant century on his Test debut as a replacement in the last game and Buttler could also stand in. England are also searching for a regular number three batsman and Buttler is again one of the candidate. Bairstow injured his ankle playing football during training in the one-day international series that England won 3-1 but is reported to be ready again. Buttler, one of the keep deputies around captain Joe Root as well as wicketkeeper for limited overs games, was not sure who would take the gloves Wednesday. He admitted that leaving out Foakes, who hit 107 in the first Test triumph, would be a tough decision. "There are some options. He had a fantastic game in Galle, and probably one of the the best debuts ever in Test cricket. "By lunch ..

Rooney excited for 'great moment' in England farewell

Wayne Rooney says he is honoured to make a final appearance for England and happy for manager Gareth Southgate to decide his playing time Thursday against the United States. Former Manchester United star Rooney, in video comments released Monday by his Major League Soccer club DC United, detailed his excitement at earning his 120th cap for England in his farewell match, a friendly against the Americans at Wembley Stadium. "Playing on the squad for this game and see some old teammates, see Gareth and the coaching staff, and then obviously to play at Wembley for the last time will be a great moment," Rooney said. "To see old teammates, coaches and be around them for a few days, but also to see the fans -- it'll be great to pull on the England shirt again in front of the fans in almost a way of me saying thank you to the fans for the support you've shown me over my time playing for England." England's all-time men's goals leader came to MLS in July, lifting DC United from the bottom of ..

UEFA open to reopening financial fairplay cases

UEFA warned Monday that clubs whose finances have already been scrutinised by its Financial Fair Play regulations may not be out the clear yet, European football's ruling body told AFP. Less than a week after the latest revelations in the Football Leaks series, UEFA suggested it could reopen previously concluded cases should new information arise. Every club affiliated to UEFA faces an annual assessment against the break-even requirements and many have been investigated and either sanctioned or cleared. But it now seems UEFA may go back over some closed cases. "Should new information suggest that previously-concluded cases have been abused, those cases may be capable of being re-opened as determined on a case by case basis," UEFA told AFP. "FFP relies on the cooperation of clubs to declare a complete and genuine financial position," UEFA said. "It relies on that information being fair and accurate." The announcement comes after the whistle-blowing website Football Leaks claimed that .

ATP Finals: Djokovic trounces Isner in opener

World number one Novak Djokovic trounced John Isner of America in straight sets in the opening match of the ongoing prestigious Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Finals here on Monday.The 31-year-old Serbian player cruised past Isner 6-4, 6-3 in a one-sided opening fixture that lasted one hour and 14 minutes.When quizzed where he would rank Djokovic amongst the returners he has played with, Isner said that the Serbian star is the best returner he has ever faced. "He is the best returner I've ever faced for sure," Nitto ATP Finals quoted Isner, as saying.In the first game, Djokovic clearly made sure to earn break points in each of the American's first three service games, while Isner was left to stave off Djokovic's pressure in his first two service games as he could not hold off the world number one.Although the Serbian lost four of his own service points, he broke with a cross-court forehand that zoomed past Isner to seal his first game.In the second game, Isner made a ...

Qatar considering offers to host World Cup teams abroad: organiser

Qatar is considering offers from other countries to host teams during the 2022 World Cup, but no decision has been taken yet, the head of the organising committee told AFP on Monday. Iran has recently offered to host teams who will play in tiny Qatar in the World Cup which starts in just over four years time. When asked whether teams could be based in Iran, chief organiser Hassan Al Thawadi said Qatar had received "numerous proposals from countries with regard to hosting teams" around the time of the tournament. "This is part of the operational plan, but obviously it will have to be done with FIFA," he said. "Nothing is decided on this matter yet and it remains under discussion." Any move to accept Iran's offer would provide a major boost for the Islamic Republic at a time when the US is trying to isolate the country internationally. It could also prove controversial in the Gulf. Since 2017, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt have imposed a sweeping embargo on .

Liverpool's Sturridge charged with breaching betting rules

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge could be facing a ban from football after being charged on Monday with breaching rules on betting. England's Football Association said the alleged breaches took place in January 2018, when Sturridge was on loan from Liverpool at West Bromwich Albion. Liverpool reacted by saying the 29-year-old Sturridge has "stated categorically that he has never gambled on football." "Daniel has given his full and unequivocal cooperation throughout this process," Liverpool said in a statement, "and has assured the club he will continue to do so." In April last year, Premier League player Joey Barton was banned for 18 months for placing more than a thousand bets on football over an 11-year period, including games he played in. The FA said Sturridge is alleged to have breached two rules. The first relates to bets on matches or any other football matter, and the second involves providing information about football from his privileged position to another person for the .

Jonathan Klinsmann added to US roster vs England, Italy

Jonathan Klinsmann, the son of former American coach Jurgen Klinsmann, has been added to the US roster for exhibition games against England and Italy and could make his national team debut. Now 21, Klinsmann left Cal Berkeley to sign with Hertha Berlin before the 2017-18 season. He made his team debut last Dec. 7 in a Europa League match against Oestersunds. Klinsmann played for the U.S. at the 2017 Under-20 World Cup. He replaces Zack Steffen, who has been playing with an aggravated right hamstring since the 4-2 loss to Colombia on October 11. Ethan Horvath was the only goalkeeper at training Monday at Brentford in London. Brad Guzan was due to travel after playing for Atlanta on Sunday night in its win over New York City in the MLS playoffs. Midfielder Darlington Nagbe also was dropped Monday, a day after straining his left hamstring while playing for Atlanta. The US plays England in London on Thursday and Italy on Nov. 20 at Genk, Belgium, in likely the last matches under interim ..

FA probe Guardiola's referee remarks - reports

The Football Association is seeking an explanation from Pep Guardiola regarding his comments about referee Anthony Taylor prior to last weekend's Manchester derby, British media reported Monday. Manchester City boss Guardiola did not appear to say anything controversial or critical about the official but the FA, English football's governing body has made it clear previously it would prefer managers not to make any public comment at all about referees. Taylor, hails from the Manchester suburb of Wythenshawe, near Manchester United's Old Trafford ground. That led some City fans to question his impartiality ahead of Sunday's match at the Etihad Stadium. But the Premier League have long been happy happy to let Altrincham fan Taylor handle some of the division's biggest games. "He is going to try to do the best job, like we try as managers and football players," said Guardiola when asked about the referee at his pre-match press conference. "Mr Taylor is going to try to make a good time. I .

Djokovic crushes Isner in ATP Finals opener

Novak Djokovic sent out a warning to his rivals at the ATP Finals on Monday, brushing aside big-serving John Isner 6-4 6-3 to launch his bid for a record-equalling sixth ATP Finals title in style. Earlier, in the same Guga Kuerten group, Alexander Zverev made it six consecutive wins against Marin Cilic in a contest at London's O2 Arena featuring scores of unforced errors. World number one Djokovic, though, was playing a different game, appearing little troubled by the howitzers coming off the giant Isner's racquet -- breaking his opponent three times and not conceding a single break point on his own serve. In stark contrast to second seed Roger Federer, who produced an error-strewn performance in defeat to Kei Nishikori on Sunday, Djokovic hit just six unforced errors and won 86 percent of points on his serve, making a mockery of the apparent challenging nature of the playing surface. "The match was great, obviously," said the 31-year-old. "I had three breaks of serve of John which is

Odisha signs 7 MoUs with industrialists to promote sports in state

The Sports and Youth Services Department of Odisha signed seven Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs) with seven leading corporate houses, with an aim to strengthen its sporting prowess.The agreements were signed in an event titled 'Sports in Odisha' organised at the Kalinga Stadium here, where legendary sportspersons like Anil Kumble, Pullela Gopichand and Gagan Narang came forward to promote the sports culture within the state.Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, "The signing of this MoUs have created a long-lasting partnership which will result in producing sportspersons of world standards. But this partnership is more than just giving grants and funds, it will focus on extending the outreach of every sport in India."Further, Vishal Dev, Commissioner- Cum- Secretary of Sports and Youth Services said that the move was long overdue in order to fully develop the quality of sports and sportsmen in the country."By signing this MoUs we have built a framework which will work towards sporting .

Jharkhand govt to set up 2 football centres of excellence

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das on Monday announced to set up two football centres of excellence in Ranchi and Deoghar, an official release said. Talented footballers at panchayat, block and district levels will be given dress, shoes, sports kit and football by the state government. "The Birsa Munda Football Centre of Excellence at Ranchi, and the Sidho-Kanhu Football Centre of Excellence at Deoghar will be set up by the Jharkhand Sports Authority," the release said quoting Das. The government will also arrange coaches to train the footballers, he said. The football playing children from tribal families will be given free dress and sports gear, the chief minister said while speaking on the concluding day of the Chief Minister's Invitational Football Tournament, 2018. The state government has also taken decision to set up girls' football teams at the block and district level, Das said. The chief minister also gave away Rs 20 lakh to international hockey player ...

Sajan to fight for bronze at U-23 World Championship

Sajan Bhanwal was impressive in his two wins before losing to reigning champion Daniel Cataraga on the opening day of the Under-23 World Championship, leaving the Indian to fight for a bronze. It was always a tough ask for the 20-year-old to tackle the formidable Cataraga from Moldova in the 77kg semifinals. Eventually Catarga pinned him down in the first period itself. The score was 6-3 at that time. Before that, in a tremendous show, Sajan erased a 0-6 deficit against Seyedmohammad Seyedali Choobchian Langeroudi to beat the formidable Iranian 14-6. In the quarterfinals, he beat Italy's Riccardo Vito Abbresica comfortably 10-4. He led 5-3 at the break and raced to a 10-3 lead before conceding a point for stepping out. Thrice he pushed out his rival with throws and twice he scored points with easy take downs. Sajan had won his maiden international gold at this year's junior Asian championship and is the only Indian grappler to win back-to-back medals at the junior world championships .

Barça's Messi receives La Liga top-scorer, MVP awards

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi on Monday received La Liga's top-scorer award, known as the "pichichi," for his 34 goals in the 2017/2018 season, and was also chosen by fans as the most valuable player in the Spanish league.

Sunil Gavaskar bats for club cricket

Stressing that club cricket is the "life-blood" of Test teams, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar on Monday said tournaments like the Police Shield provide an opportunity for players to showcase their skills. The legendary batsman said club cricket allows players to hone their skills and graduate to Ranji Trophy, India's premier domestic tournament, and also to the national team. "I am always happy to come forward to such events because I believe club cricket is the life-blood of your Test teams. "Without club cricket, you will not get players who will play Ranji Trophy or go on to play Test cricket or go on to play One Day Internationals so therefore club cricket becomes very important," Gavaskar said here. The 69-year-old legend, one of the finest batsmen to come out of India, was speaking at the prize distribution ceremony of the 71st Police Invitation Shield Tournament 2018. "And I am so happy that the police have continued their support for this tournament. This is .

France lose Gasquet for Croatia Davis Cup final

France will have to take on Croatia in the Davis Cup final in two weeks time without their top ranked star Richard Gasquet. The world number 26 pulled out of the France pre-final training camp Monday with an unspecified injury. "I'm extremely disappointed to announce my absence from the final. I'm fully behind my team to go for a fresh victory," Gasquet said on Twitter. Gasquet drops out of an already depleted squad and his versatility as a fine doubles partner will also be missed. Gasquet was originally called up by former French Open winner and France team captain Yannick Noah, alongside Lucas Pouille, the just back from injury Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Jeremy Chardy, Nicholas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert. Noah has an array of players to chose from to replace Gasquet with Gilles Simon, Beno?t Paire, Adrian Mannarino or Ga?l Monfils. The loss leaves France looking a little stretched with Croatia's singles players Marin Cilic ranked 7th and Borna Coric 12th in the world. The Davis Cup ..

Sharma to play with Westwood, Fleetwood in Hero Challenge in Dubai

India's Shubhankar Sharma will rub shoulders with the in-form Lee Westwood in the year's third and final Hero Challenge at the DP World Tour Championship here. Westwood on Sunday ended a four-year title drought on European Tour with a win at the Nedbank Challenge in South Africa, while Sharma, in the same tournament, finished tied 27th, his best finish since the tied 10th in CIMB. Westwood and Sharma apart, the field includes Europe's victorious Ryder Cup Captain Thomas Bjrn, reigning Race to Dubai champion Tommy Fleetwood, the 2018 Masters Tournament champion Patrick Reed, two-time Race to Dubai winner and 2016 Open Champion Henrik Stenson. The six-man Hero Challenge will be held at the Atlantis, The Palm, in Dubai on Tuesday night. The Hero Challenge which started in 2016 with one edition on the European Tour is now in its third season and there are three events each season. All six players in the Hero Challenge field this week are making their second appearances with Westwood and ..

Ranji Trophy Roundup: Ghosh ton propels Bengal to 246/4 vs MP

Comeback man Koushik Ghosh cracked his second first-class century as Bengal posted 246/4 on day 1 of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group B match against Madhya Pradesh at the Eden Gardens here on Monday.

Ranji Trophy: Jharkhand bundle out Haryana for 81

Jharkhand bowlers rose to the occassion and bundled out Haryana for a meagre 81 on the opening day of their four-day Group C Ranji Trophy encounter here Monday. For Jharkhand, medium pacers Ajay Yadav (4-24) and Rahul Shukla (3-24) wrecked havoc on the opposition batsmen and they were ably supported by former India speedster Varun Aaron (2-21). The trio shared nine wickets among themselves, while Haryana skipper Mohit Sharma was run out. Choosing to bat after winning the toss, Haryana were 3-51 at one stage, but then slumped to 81 all out in just 41.3 overs. Their opener Shubham Rohilla top scored with 36 and Himanshu Rana chipped in with 25. Apart from these two, the rest of the batsmen faltered against some superb bowling by Jharkhand pacers. But Haryana swung back into the game by the draw of stumps as they managed to reduce Jharkhand to 120/6 with right -arm pacer Ashish Hooda (4-32) doing bulk of the damage. Jharkhand have a slender lead of 39 with their captain ...