Page 978 - Sports
Asian Games debacle worst moment of my kabaddi career: Indian captain Ajay Thakur (IANS Interview)
In August, the Indian kabaddi team, for the first time since 1990, failed to secure the gold at the Asian Games, which captain Ajay Thakur described as the "worst moment" of his career.
We have proved our doubters wrong, says Nurse after maiden win on India tour
West Indies all-rounder Ashley Nurse says his team was written-off before the start of India tour but it has proved his critics wrong with a solid showing in the ongoing ODI series. Nurse played a key role with both bat and ball in his side's 43-run over India in the third ODI on Saturday. Nurse's 22-ball 40 helped the visitors post a competitive 283/9 and his two wickets in the middle overs with his off-spin, including that of the opener Shikhar Dhawan, helped them successfully defend the total. "It was a very good performance by the boys. No one gave us a chance when we came but I think we're showing the public out here that we are here to play, said Nurse at the post-match media conference. "It's just good to see the boys play consistent cricket and giving India a run for their money," he said. Nurse said the wicket in Pune was "pretty good". "It was a good wicket but a bit on the slower side. Don't think the wicket had any devils in it. I just thought from our side Shai got a nice
West Indies lower order made the difference: Bumrah
The West Indies lower-order batsmen made the difference in the outcome of the third ODI against India with their smart batting, said pacer Jasprit Bumrah. The West Indies were reduced to 227 for eight but they went on to post 283 for nine with Ashley Nurse (40) and Kemar Roach (15) forging a 56-run stand. "I think we bowled well as a unit, till the 35th over we were pretty good. Yes, we gave a little bit of runs in the end, so may be that could be the difference. Overall, the bowling performance was not too bad. They played well and you have to give credit to the batsmen. It's a combination of both," said Bumrah at the post match press conference on Saturday. India suffered a 43-run defeat at the hands of the West Indies as the visitors levelled the series to stay alive in the five match rubber. "If you say that their bowlers made 90 runs, then Jason Holder is an all-rounder. They batted well down the order." He also defended his pace colleague Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who had a bad in ...
Ronaldo rocket gives Juventus scrappy win at Empoli
Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice, including a thunderous 25-yard drive, as Italian champions Juventus surged seven points clear in Serie A on Saturday following a battling 2-1 victory at Empoli. Empoli, without a win since the opening weekend of the season, grabbed a 28th-minute lead at the Stadio Carlo Castellani as Francesco Caputo curled home following a lung-busting run by Afriyie Acquah. But Juventus turned to their 100-million-euro man Ronaldo in the second half, as the Portugal forward equalised from the spot before blasting home a magnificent second to secure a ninth win in 10 Serie A matches for Massimiliano Allegri's team. "It was a very complicated game. We knew it would be difficult, especially after a Champions League tie and we were a bit tired," Ronaldo told Sky Sport Italia. "We stayed in the game, increased our possession, created more chances after the break and in the end deserved the victory. "I don't remember the goal very well, I'll have to watch it again! It all ..
Federer ignored deadline set by 'new' Davis Cup
Roger Federer has revealed that organisers of the re-launched and condensed Davis Cup gave him three days to decide if he would commit to the controversial competition. Speaking at the Swiss Indoors tournament where he will play in Sunday's final against Romanian qualifier Marius Copil, the world number three said that given the impossibly short time frame to make a decision, he opted out of any commitment. "They only left me three days to decide," Federer said. "I didn't to have time to consult with all the people I had to consult. "I could not make a decision in that time, so I told them to do what they wanted." The 20-time Grand Slam champion has voiced doubts about the wisdom of the one-week format to be introduced by organisers Kosmos, who have promised the International Tennis Federation up to $3 billion in prize money over the next quarter-century. The competition is set to feature 18 countries in the November 18-24 finals in Madrid next year, and will replace the classic ...
Warner walk-off after 'hurtful' sledge by Phil Hughes' brother
David Warner's decision to walk off mid-innings in a Sydney grade game was sparked by "hurtful" comments from the brother of ex-Test teammate Phillip Hughes, who died in 2014 after being hit by a ball, his wife said Sunday. The former Australia vice-captain, who is serving a 12-month ban from international and state cricket for his role in a ball-tampering scandal, was batting for his club Randwick-Petersham at the time on Saturday. He left the field on 35 but returned shortly afterwards following the intervention of teammates, and went on to score a majestic 157. Candice Warner said Jason Hughes -- the brother of Phillip, whose tragic death rocked the sporting world -- was the culprit. "Look, I'm not going to go into the details. However, David was taken aback by the comments and thought they went a little bit too far so he decided to remove himself from the game," she told Channel Nine. Cricket Australia's website claimed that what started as goading from Hughes soon turned personal
Hamilton wary of contact with Vettel at start in Mexico
Lewis Hamilton said Saturday he is wary of any possible contact with Sebastian Vettel at the start of Sunday's Mexican Grand Prix after the pair qualified together on the second row of the grid. The 33-year-old Briton, who will win his fifth drivers' title if he outscores the German by five points, or if Vettel fails to win, said he wants to avoid a repeat of their collision on last year's opening lap. "Well, you saw what happened last year with the red car behind," he said, responding to a question about his thinking for the start. He qualified third and Vettel fourth behind the Red Bulls led by Daniel Ricciardo on pole. "So, I don't know -- it really depends how we get away, but third place is a nice place to start because you get a good tow from the guys ahead. "So, naturally, I'm going to be fighting to at least try and gain a position, but, of course, I'm aware of the Bulls ahead." Hamilton knows that both he and Vettel will share in seeking to avoid hitting each other at the ...
Ricciardo upstages Verstappen as Red Bull lockout front row, Hamilton third
Daniel Ricciardo upstaged his Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen with a dazzling record lap to snatch pole position in the final seconds of Saturday's thrilling shootout for the Mexican Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton taking third. After seeing his young Dutch teammate dominate every practice session, the Renault-bound Australian produced a stunning riposte in one minute and 14.759 seconds, beating Verstappen by 0.026, as Red Bull swept the front row of the grid. It is Ricciardo's third career pole and the team's first lockout since the United States Grand Prix in 2013. World championship leader Hamilton, seeking to clinch his fifth drivers' title, was third for Mercedes ahead of rival Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari with Valtteri Bottas fifth in the second Mercedes and Kimi Raikkonen sixth in the second Ferrari. German Nico Hulkenberg was seventh ahead of his Renault teammate Carlos Sainz and the two Saubers of Charles Leclerc and Marcus Ericsson. Verstappen was hoping to become the ...
Leicester City owner's helicopter crashes after match
A helicopter belonging to the owner of the Leicester City Football Club burst into flames after crashing in a parking lot next to the club's King Power Stadium in Leicester, England, about an hour after the match on Saturday night.
Helicopter owned by Leicester City's Thai chairman crashes
A helicopter belonging to Thai billionaire Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha crashed on Saturday near the stadium of his Premier League club Leicester City. The helicopter was seen enveloped in flames in mobile phone images from the scene and an AFP photographer later saw smoke coming from the wreckage. It crashed shortly after take-off following Saturday's game against West Ham in a car park close to King Power Stadium -- a scene of jubilation two years ago when underdogs Leicester City won the Premier League in a remarkable footballing feat. "Emergency services are currently at the King Power Stadium where an aircraft came down in a car park behind the ground," police said. Thai businessman Vichai, who has poured millions into the club, often takes off from the pitch in his helicopter when he attends a Leicester home game but it is not known whether he was in the aircraft when it crashed. Freelance photographer Ryan Brown, who was covering the game, told BBC Radio 5 Live he saw the ...
Asian Hockey Champions Trophy: India edge Japan 3-2 to seal final berth
India secured their passage to the final of the men's Asian Champions Trophy 2018 after they defeated Japan 3-2 in their semi-final fixture at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Saturday.The world number five team faced tough competition from the Japanese team, but held their nerve to score three goals via Gurjant Singh (19'), Chinglensana Singh Kangujam (44') and Dilpreet Singh (55'); while Hirotaka Wakuri (22') and Hirotaka Zendana (56') scored for Japan in the fierce encounter.The defending champions started the match on the front-foot, creating a number of opportunities inside the first 10 minutes, although, failing to convert them to a score. World number 16 Japan played well to deny the Indians and ended the first quarter with scores tied at 0-0.The start of the second quarter saw Nilakanta Sharma having the chance to put India ahead in the 18th minute, only for the midfielder to fluff his shot. However, some clever play from striker Gurjant Singh saw him collect the ball on ...
Helicopter crashes near UK football stadium: police
A helicopter on Saturday crashed near the football stadium in the central UK city of Leicester, police said. Sky Sports broadcast pictures of what it said was the helicopter in flames, reporting it belonged to Leicester City Football Club's Thai owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. The crash took place hours after Leicester drew 1-1 with West Ham in a Premier League match at the King Power Stadium. Sky Sports said the helicopter took off from the pitch between 8.30pm-8.45pm local time (1 am-1:15 am IST) but developed problems shortly afterwards with its tail rotor and crashed in a nearby car park. Leicestershire Police tweeted: "We are dealing with an incident in the vicinity of the King Power Stadium. Emergency services are aware and dealing." The ambulance service also tweeted: "We are also in attendance and will update when possible." Meanwhile broadcaster and former Leicester footballer Gary Lineker tweeted: "Hearing that the Leicester City owners' helicopter has crashed in the club's .
Asian Champions Trophy: India beat Japan; to face Pakistan in final
Defending champions India had to work hard for a 3-2 victory over Japan in the semi-finals of the Asian Champions Trophy at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex here on Saturday.
Satwiksairaj, Chirag crash out of French open
The Indian team of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty crashed out of the men's doubles semifinals at the French Open badminton tournament here on Saturday.
PKL 6: U Mumba clinch thriller vs Patna Pirates
In an edge of the seat clash, U Mumba held their nerves to clinch a nail biting 40-30 win over host Pata Pirates in an inter-zonal challenge match of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) here on Saturday.
Coach Ambrose confident of getting campaign back on track
Despite India facing a 2-0 loss at the hands of Nepal in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-19 Women's Championship Qualifiers on Friday, head coach Alex Ambrose is hopeful that the Indian eves can implement strategies and get the desired result against the hosts, Thailand in their next encounter on Sunday.Ambrose said that girls learn a lot from such matches. "They are not happy about the result yesterday. But it's all about the exposure that they get. It was a tough game, but they will learn from mistakes like these," said Ambrose.Currently, Thailand stand at the top of the group with six points from two games, followed by Nepal and India, who have three points each from two matches. However, Nepal are ahead by virtue of the head-to-head rule."They have to believe in themselves. Playing international teams is important for the players. That's where implementing the things on the pitch begins. Once they do that, the results will automatically come," an optimistic Ambrose ...
Khalin Joshi logs day's best card, joins Siddikur at numero uno spot
India's Khalin Joshi recorded the best third round score of eight-under-64 at the Panasonic Open India to be on the cusp of winning of his first Asian Tour title.Joshi's exceptional effort at the Delhi Golf Club (DGC) on Saturday raised Indian hopes as he joined Bangladesh's Md Siddikur Rahman (70) at the top of the leaderboard at 13-under-203.There was a strong Indian presence in the top-5 as Ajeetesh Sandhu continued to be one off the lead in third place after he delivered a 70 in round three. Meanwhile, Aman Raj struck a second successive 68 to occupy fifth place at 10-under-206.Sachin Baisoya (67) and M Dharma (70) were both tied for sixth at nine-under-207, thus making it five Indians in the top-10.Khalin Joshi (71-68-64), a two-time runner-up on the Asian Tour, has improved on his scores with every round at the DGC this week. Round three was no different as he rose 14 spots from his overnight tied 15th.Joshi, who has two top-10s on the Asian Tour this season, accumulated six ...
Punjab's Himanshu Sharma headlines Day 1 of boxing nationals
Punjab pugilist Himanshu Sharma, who made the headlines when he won the gold medal in his maiden overseas appearance at the Belgrade International Boxing in Serbia earlier this year, punched his way into the quarterfinals on the opening day of the 3rd Elite Men's National Boxing Championships at the Army Sports Institute in Pune, on Saturday.Competing in the Light-flyweight category (46 kg), he defeated Routh Suraj Kumar of West Bengal by a unanimous 5:0 decision without breaking a sweat in the one-sided bout.In the 39 qualification bouts, the Punjab and All India Police (AIP) boxers dominated the ring with four each of their boxers entering the quarterfinals. Delhi and Manipur were not afar as three each of their boxers made it to the last eight stages while two boxers each from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Chandigarh and Services made the cut.Interestingly, unconventional boxing states like Odisha, Gujarat, Pondicherry, and Karnataka also ensured a spot in the ...
Biles to participate despite kidney stone scare
Four-time Olympic champion Simone Biles confirmed that despite visiting a hospital on Friday, she will feature at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, starting Saturday.The 21-year-old had to visit an emergency room in Doha due to an abdominal pain. The doctors diagnosed a kidney stone, but Biles was discharged the same day. She affirmed her plans to compete in the qualification session to the Olympic Channel.Biles was expected to add another medal to her 10 world titles. Saturday's qualifying session will determine which two Americans will make Thursday's all-around final. Either of the two - defending champion Morgan Hurd or Riley McCusker - were expected to join Biles.However, there is a cloud of doubt over the fitness of the four-time Olympic champion's to perform at the required level.
Pune ODI: Despite Kohli's heroics, Windies maul India
A resurgent West Indies team handed India a crushing 43-run drubbing at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Saturday.Apart from Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who hammered a scintillating 107, none of the other batsmen stood their ground as the Windies bowlers ran roughshod over the Indian batting lineup.Taking the center stage to chase a modest 284, Rohit Sharma (8) and Shikhar Dhawan (35) disappointed yet again with the middle-order facing the heat. West Indies skipper Jason Holder bowled an outswinger which got a meaty edge of Sharma's bat and crashed into middle stump. The ruthless Virat stepped in next and along with Dhawan took the team to 90. However, Dhawan, who is weak against the off-spin, was caught plumb by Ashley Nurse.Ambati Rayudu, who came out at number four, was comfortably timing the spinners and ticking the scoreboard. He was undone defending an Obed Mccoy bouncer on 22 and the Indian chase looked in trouble. Rishab Pant (24 off 18) stepped in next ..