Page 999 - Sports
Mourinho refuses to coach Madrid
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has refused from taking up the coaching role with Real Madrid for the second time.Ahead of Manchester United's encounter with Juventus in the ongoing UEFA Champions League, the Portuguese manager expressed his wish to continue at United, stating that he is quite happy at the club and only thinks about the team."I am happy here and I would like to continue at United after my contract ends, I am only thinking about Manchester United," Marca quoted Mourinho, as saying.Talking about Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo, Mourinho stated that the Juventus forward is one of the best players ever and nobody can deny this."Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players ever nobody can say otherwise it is as simple as that," he said.Manchester United are slated to play against Juventus on October 24 in their next UEFA Champions League clash.
You're not singing any more: North's anthem played for South Korea
South Korean footballers were left dumbfounded at an international tournament in Indonesia when organisers played the North's anthem instead. Ahead of an AFC under-19 Championship qualifier against Jordan at the Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium on the outskirts of Jakarta, the South's team lined up with their hands on their hearts. But instead of Seoul's hymn-like anthem "Aegukga", North Korea's national tune blared out, leaving them stony-faced and silent. The South's coaching staff told officials of the mistake, and while the correct song was then played, they protested after the game on Monday evening. Seoul's football authorities said Tuesday they will file a formal complaint with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). "This is the first time that the North Korean anthem was played instead of Aegukga at any official international match for any level of the national football team," the Korea Football Association said in a statement. The tournament's local organising committee blamed ...
Zaheer, RP Singh sign up to play in T10 League
Retired pacers Zaheer Khan and R P Singh are among the Indian cricketers, who have signed up to compete in the second T10 League starting November 21. Joining Zaheer and Singh are Praveen Kumar, S Badrinath, and Reetinder Singh Sodhi, the organisers of the event said in a statement. One of India's most successful fast bowlers, Zaheer spearheaded the country's pace attack for many years including at the 2011 World Cup and has over 600 international wickets across all formats. Singh, another left-arm pacer who announced his retirement from all forms of cricket last month, was a part of the Indian team that won the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa where he emerged as second-highest wicket-taker in the competition. Badrinath is regarded as one of the most successful first-class cricketers. Earlier, Virender Sehwag was named the T10 Cricket League icon along with Shahid Afridi. Besides appointing Sehwag and Afridi as the league icons, former Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram .
Australia need 'kick up backside', says spin legend Warne
Shane Warne has dismissed Australia's struggling Test side as "ordinary" and said they needed a "kick up the backside" after their series flop against Pakistan. Australia suffered a 373-run defeat against Pakistan in the second of the two-Test series last week after a familiar batting collapse, following a fightback to secure a draw in the first Test. "It's been pretty ordinary, hasn't it?" the Australian spin legend told reporters on Monday. "We all support the Aussie side as we do but they need a kick up the backside at the moment because they're not performing well." Warne also took aim at Mitchell Marsh, questioning why he was selected as vice-captain. "I hadn't even thought before that series that he had established himself in the team," Warne said. "I don't think he's cemented a spot and that's why it was a strange selection for me as vice-captain. "He only averages 25 or 26 in Test cricket." The outspoken cricket great said he was a "huge fan" of the Marsh brothers Mitchell and
Osaka denies having any 'regrets' after WTA Finals debut defeat
World number four Naomi Osaka, who lost her debut match of the ongoing WTA Finals against Sloane Stephens of America, has said that she does not have any "regrets" after the clash.The 21-year-old further credited her opponent for playing really well, adding that she deserved to win the match."Usually after I lose, I have very specific things that I think would have changed the match. But I don't really have any regrets for me," WTA quoted Osaka, as saying."This entire match was a really hard battle. I think she played really well, and I think she deserved to win the match," she added.Reflecting on things she would like to improve in her upcoming matches, the Japanese player said that she hopes to address her "disappointing" first serve percentage and her attitude, apologizing for a few emotional outbursts after the match."That was something I'm not really proud of. I feel like for me I play better when no one knows what I'm thinking. But it's also something I am learning how to do ...
Kiwis name Corey Anderson for Pakistan T20I
New Zealand have included all-rounder Corey Anderson in their 13-member squad for their upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan.The 27-year-old, who was out of action due to back problems, will be returning to international cricket after a long time. His last international appearance had come in 2017 Champions Trophy.Reflecting on his comeback, Anderson said, it is a great feeling to be picked up again. He further assured that things are going well with his body and he is doing everything without facing any difficulty."It's obviously been a long road back and after the surgery, there were some long tedious days. But this is what the rehab is for and to be picked again is a great feeling," ESPNcricinfo.com quoted Anderson, as saying."It's the first time I've bowled close to 10 overs in about three years and touch wood it all went well. It's nice to be back bowling, feeling no pain and doing everything again," he added.Wicket-keeper batsman Glenn Phillips is another notable ...
Mariners say Bolt not A-League grade as deal talks stall
Australia's Central Coast Mariners said negotiations with Usain Bolt were stalled over money Tuesday, also warning the sprint superstar he will not play in the A-League even if he signs with the club. The eight-time Olympic champion has been on trial with the A-League side since arriving in August to fulfil his dream of becoming a professional footballer. The 32-year-old's quest has garnered worldwide attention, which intensified last week when he scored two goals in a pre-season friendly. The Mariners said Bolt, who turned down a two-year, trial-free deal from cashed-up Maltese champions Valletta last week, had been offered a contract but added "negotiations remain ongoing" over the athlete's footballing future. The club said it was seeking outside sponsors to top up the offer to Bolt. "Without the financial contribution of an external third-party, it is unlikely that Usain Bolt and the Central Coast Mariners will agree to terms," it said. Sydney's Daily Telegraph reported this week .
Messi injury gives Barca and Dembele chance to prove their worth
Barcelona's lowest ebbs are invariably followed by questions about Lionel Messi but the issue of over-reliance may become clearer over the coming weeks. The sight of Messi on the ground, grasping his right arm, during Barca's win over Sevilla on Saturday prompted reactions inside Camp Nou normally reserved for the conceding of goals. Hands behind heads, fingers over mouths, the concern became real shortly after the final whistle when the club confirmed Messi had fractured his radial bone. His absence leaves Barca vulnerable when they need him most, for a run of fixtures that includes Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday, the Clasico against Real Madrid on Sunday, before a return match against Inter in Italy at the start of next month. If he takes longer than expected to recover, he could miss tricky games against Real Betis and Atletico Madrid in La Liga too. Barcelona have grown used to accusations of dependence, not least when results have taken a turn for the ...
Bajrang Punia settles for silver at World C'ship
Star Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia settled for a silver medal at the ongoing World Championship after being stunned by Takuto Otoguro of Japan in the men's 65 kg freestyle category here on Monday.Punia suffered a shocking 9-16 defeat at the hands of Japanese teenager to miss the top podium finish in the event. Otugara, with the victory, became the youngest Japanese to clinch a gold at the World Championship.For the Indian, the silver medal is his second at the prestigious tournament. Earlier, he had won a bronze medal in the 2013 edition of the event.Taking to his official Twitter handle, the Indian wrestler dedicated his medal to the victims of a tragic train accident in Amritsar.'I want to dedicate this silver medal at World Wrestling Championships to the people died in the tragic Amritsar train accident. My deep condolences to their families," he wrote.Punia has had an impressive year so far with two gold medals, one at 2018 Commonwealth Games and other at 2018 Asian Games, in his .
Ronaldo avoids talking about Real Madrid
Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo on Monday refused to speak about his previous team, Real Madrid, saying he feels comfortable at Juventus, his new club.
Sanchez skips training amid exit rumours
Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez skipped club's training session on Monday at a time when there are speculations of him leaving the club.Alexis is unhappy with club manager Jose Mourinho and his agent is on standby to talk to interested clubs if they come calling during the transfer window, goal.com reported.The training was held ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Juventus. As the club prepares for the crucial game in their campaign, Jesse Lingard, Diogo Dalot and Marouane Fellaini also gave a miss to the training.The Chile international has struggled for form this season, scoring a single goal in his seven Premier League appearances. He has played 90 minutes just once this season, while he featured for just five minutes in Saturday's 2-2 stalemate against Chelsea.He was signed from Arsenal in January in a swap deal that saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan join the Gunners. Alexis has made 26 appearances for the Red Devils. With Mourinho has using him sparingly, he has scored .
I-League: Against all odds, debutants Real Kashmir FC hopeful of good show
Real Kashmir FC midfielder Danish Farooq feels that difficult conditions prevailing in the valley do not hinder the club's progress and the team is hopeful of a good show.He further said that getting an opportunity to play in the top division in itself is a big thing for the team. "Playing in the top division of I-League means a lot to us. We will give our best. The hostile conditions prevailing in the valley do not hinder our progress. We fully concentrate on our game. Since the arrival of Dave, our skills have considerably improved," he stated.Real Kashmir FC, will become the first Jammu and Kashmir football club to feature in I-League when they debut this season. The club grab the opportunity with both hands debut after clinching the 2017-18 Second Division League.Danish also lauded the coach for honing the skills of the players and taking the level of game a notch higher.Another midfielder Shanawaj Bashir said that it is like a dream come true. He assured of team giving its ...
Spirited India to take on Malaysia after Japan's 9-0 rout
Looking to extend their unbeaten streak in the ongoing Men's Asian Champions Trophy, the spirited Indian hockey team will take on Malaysia in their fourth round-robin match on Tuesday.The team had earlier produced a flamboyant performance in their third match against Japan, blanking the latter by a massive 9-0 margin at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Sunday.In tie against Japan, the world no 5 team showcased some domineering display scoring goals in all the four quarters through Mandeep Singh (4', 49', 57'), Harmanpreet Singh (17', 21'), Gurjant Singh (8'), Akashdeep Singh (36'), Sumit (42') and Lalit Upadhyay (45') to register a convincing victory and remain at the top of the Pool Standings.The Indians afresh from the 3-1 victory against Pakistan on Saturday, started the match with a good rhythm as forwards Lalit Upadhyay and Akashdeep Singh got chances in the opening minutes. But it was Mandeep Singh who drew the first blood in the 4th minute as he deflected a low cross from ...
17-yr-old Aadil to make pro debut
If Shubhankar Sharma took the golfing arenas by storm by becoming the youngest Indian golfer to win a European tour, another youngster Aadil Bedi is gradually making a mark in the sport. The 17-year-old Chandigarh player will make his professional debut alongside the stalwarts of the sport at the Panasonic Open scheduled to be held at Delhi Golf Club, New Delhi starting from Thursday.Aadil will be seen rubbing shoulders with the stalwarts of the Indian golf including Jeev Milkha Singh, Shiv Kapoor, Jyoti Randhawa and Arjun Atwal.Aadil has won the Indian Merit at the Indian Golf Union circuit 4 times. He shot to limelight when he led the field for the first three days at the recently-concluded Jakarta Asian Games. Unfortunately, Aadil missed the medal and finished at the Tied-13th spot. He has clocked 10230 hours of golf practice in his 292 outings in national and international events and has clinched 171 medals for the country.In the hindsight, Aadil has taken the decision to turn ...
Mumbai ODI: Ticket sales from Tuesday
Online ticket sales for the October 29 One Day International between India and West Indies will begin from Tuesday, a senior CCI official said Monday. The match which was originally alloted to the Wankhede Stadium was shifted to the picturesque Brabourne Stadium (run by Cricket Club of India) as the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) had cited financial constraints in hosting the game. "The online sale of tickets for the October 29 game will start tomorrow. Around 22,000 tickets will be sold and rates vary from Rs 1,000 to Rs 25,000," the official told PTI on conditions of anonymity. The official said that tickets can be booked through 'BookMyShow' website, adding that there will be no physical sale of tickets. International Cricket returns to CCI after almost nine years. It had last hosted a Test match in 2009 and a One Day International in 2006. Usually practice matches of visiting international teams are held at the Brabourbne Stadium.
Uruguayan authorities weigh charging Nacional fans for inciting violence
Authorities are considering filing charges against fans of Uruguayan football league club Nacional who spread messages on social media inciting violence during a match over the weekend against traditional rival Peñarol, the Interior Ministry said.
Koepka grabs top spot in World Golf Ranking, Johnson drops to 2nd
United States golfer Brooks Koepka claimed the No. 1 spot in the World Golf Ranking released Monday, becoming 2018's fourth leader and the 23rd world No. 1 since the ranking began in 1986.
Stephens defeats Osaka at WTA Finals Red Group
Fifth-seeded Sloane Stephens of the United States won 7-5, 4-6, 6-1 over fourth-seeded Naomi Osaka of Japan on Monday in the Red Group of the WTA Finals, the eight-player, season-ending event held in Singapore.
Mourinho wants extension of Manchester United contract
Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho said on Monday he intends to see out his contract with the club and is not considering a move anywhere else.
Spartak Moscow dismisses coach Massimo Carrera
Spartak Moscow on Monday sacked its Italian coach, Massimo Carrera, a day after a home defeat in the Russian Premier League.