Vikas wins AIBA Pro bout, assured of extra Olympic shot

Noida, Jun 11, 2016, (PTI)

Asian Games gold-medallist Vikas Krishan assured himself of an extra shot at Olympic qualification in style, beating Kenya's Nickson Abaka in a gruelling six-round contest of the AIBA Pro Boxing fight night here today.

The 24-year-old world No 6 triumphed via a unanimous 3-0 decision even though he was stretched for the entire duration of six rounds in the middleweight contest.

Fighting in the bout itself was enough to assure him of a berth in the final Olympic Qualifiers next month in Venezuela but Vikas got a shot in the arm by winning the contest.

The Indian pulled off the result just a night before heading to the Olympic Qualifiers in Baku, Azerbaijan, which start on June 16.

"I didn't want to be too aggressive because I am headed to Baku tomorrow morning and didn't want to risk an injury," Vikas said after the bout.

"It was very important for me to win even though it was not compulsory that I win this bout. But going for an Olympic qualifier after a gruelling win will help me. To avoid any injury, I kept my guard and fought from long range to deny him any clear shot at me," he added.

As per the rules of the International Boxing Association (AIBA), boxers have to compete in at least two AIBA pro bouts to be eligible for the final Olympic qualifiers in Venezuela, which scheduled from July 3.

Vikas, a former World Championships bronze-medallist, is one of the strongest contenders for an Olympic berth in Azerbaijan event given that his category has five Rio tickets on offer.

Schaer goal seals Switzerland win at Euro 2016

Lens (France), Jun 11, 2016, (AFP)

Fabien Schaer's powerful header gave Switzerland a narrow 1-0 win over 10-man Albania on the second day of the European Championship finals on Saturday.

The Group A match, in the spotlight with brothers Granit and Taulant Xhaka playing for opposing sides, was decided by the sending off of Albania captain Lorik Cana.

The Albanian underdogs were continually scrambling to get back into the game while Switzerland, who now lead the group with France, never took firm control.

After just five minutes, Hoffenheim centre back Schaer rose above the Albanian defence to head in from a corner by Xherdan Shaqiri.

The 1.86 metre (6ft 2in) defender makes a habit of scoring for the national side, with five goals in 19 appearances now. He was also a rock in defence and was booked in the 12th minute for chopping down Emir Lenjani.

Albania had their chances. Taulant Xhaka, the elder of the Kosovo-origin brothers, was put clear in the 26th minute but shot well over the top.

Referee Carlos Velasco Carballo had a busy time dishing out six yellow cards and a red. He showed a first yellow card to Cana in the 13th minute for sliding in on Haris Seferovic.

Former Marseille player Cana was again in trouble in the 36th minute. Chasing Seferovic, Cana fell and headed the ball away on the edge of the penalty area and when it bounced flicked it away with his hands.

His protests had no effect. Carballo produced a second yellow and a red. Albania had several desperate moments, Ergys Kace nearly ripped the shorts off Valon Behrami and then tripped him. That meant another yellow.

Switzerland, who next play Romania on Wednesday, also had their chances but desperate defence and poor finishing meant there were no more goals.

Seferovic was put clear through but his shot went off keeper Berisha. The Swiss player kicked post in frustration and anger that summed up the match.

France faces hooligans, more strikes at Euro 2016

Paris, Jun 11, 2016, AFP

After a triumphant start to Euro 2016, France braced for more hooligan violence as England face Russia today, while a pilots' strike threatened fans' travel plans.

A tense France was finally able to party after winning the opening match against Romania and avoiding major hiccups as ongoing industrial unrest failed to disrupt transport to the Stade de France.

However a strike by a quarter of Air France's pilots meant travellers risked delays and cancellations, and train services continued to be disrupted on the 11th day of a rail strike.

While France is on high alert for terror attacks it is old-fashioned hooligans who have proved the first test for security forces, with two nights of clashes in Marseille.

Even before England and Russia hit the field, hundreds of drunk and bare-chested supporters clashed with each other and police, hurling bottles and insults outside bars in the Vieux Port district.

Police fired tear gas and ordered bars and restaurants on the quay to close, after the violence, which also involved French locals. Seven fans were arrested.

Marseille is determined to avoid a repeat of the violence during the 1998 World Cup when English hooligans clashed with Tunisia supporters in the Mediterranean city.

The European football championship arrived in a glum France desperate for some good news after last year's terror attacks were followed by months of industrial unrest, political turmoil and floods.

A much-needed 2-1 win against Romania, which came when Dimitri Payet fired in a long-range effort in the final minutes of the match, broke the tension with supporters in the stadium and bars around the city erupting into cheers.

Le Parisien newspaper said more success for the French team could brighten the country's mood.

"Even if France is breathing easier this morning, it is still holding its breath, hoping for victory in this Euro, to ward off the threat of attacks, for a stop to the social conflicts. Finally," it said in an editorial.

Euro 2016 comes seven months after November attacks by Islamic State jihadists and suicide bombers in Paris left 130 people dead.

While 80,000 football fans cheerfully submitted to heavy security to enter the Stade de France, fears of an attack have dampened enthusiasm and a massive Paris fan zone under the Eiffel Tower was only half-full, according to police.

Those who did go out were unperturbed.

"There is a lot of security here, but it's OK," said 20-year-old Ruairi Scott from Belfast, as he downed pints of beer.

"I was a little worried before we came here, but not anymore. I feel safe."

But German student Julia Settgast, 28, said she was too jittery to go out and watch the match.

History beckons Paes as Bopanna agrees to play with him

New Delhi, Jun 11, 2016, PTI

Decks were cleared for Leander Paes to make a record seventh Olympic appearance after Rohan Bopanna today accepted him as his men's doubles partner on the AITA's insistence, ending days of speculation surrounding the Indian team for the Rio Games.

Bopanna's original choice was Saketh Myneni but All India Tennis Association (AITA) selection committee felt that Paes and Bopanna are the "best bet" for a medal.

Bopanna will now have two shots at the Olympic medal as he has also been nominated for the mixed doubles event with Sania Mirza, who had also wanted to play him.

Sania will play women's doubles with Prarthana Thombare, who trains at her academy under her father and coach Imran Mirza.

To ensure that Bopanna and Paes sort out their differences and "discomfort", the AITA has also named them in the Davis Cup squad for next month's Korea tie.

In a departure from norms, AITA has named a seven-member team after Paes made himself available and feels that spending a week together before the Games will give them opportunity to bond well.

In all, a major crisis, which had become a trend before Olympic team selection, has been averted this time with Bopanna not defying AITA's decision.

"We have the highest respect for all the players. We want them to play at the optimum level while representing the nation. All the players are equally respected," AITA President Anil Khanna, who is also the ITF Vice President, said after announcing the pairings.

Khanna said the selection committee looked at the results of Bopanna's combination with both Paes and Myneni in Davis Cup and concluded that Bopanna and Paes were the best bets for a medal.

Bopanna had written to AITA that he and Paes have not been able to put together a good combination despite best efforts.

"I have much admiration for Leander Paes and his many achievements but I do not believe our styles of play are either compatible or complementary. Considering that this is a team event where two individuals need to gel together to do well, regardless of individual achievements, it is the team and the combination that matters," he wrote in his letter yesterday.

However, the 36-year-old said he has accepted AITA decision.

"The AITA Selection Committee has now made its decision after due consideration of my representation and has selected the team for the Olympics. I respect this decision and look forward to participating in Rio," he said in a statement.

AITA also appointed Davis Cup coach Zeeshan Ali as captain of the Olympic squad.

"It's time to look forward now. Leander and Rohan have it in them to fight tough for medal. It will be tough no doubt but they have been there at top level for some time now. Putting aside differences, they make a decent combination keeping in mind the field," Zeeshan told PTI.

Giving the reasoning for pairing Sania with Bopanna, Khanna said it was a question of court combination.

"Rohan plays from the left side of the court and Sania from the right. Leander also plays from right. So we need to give this change," Khanna said.

AITA also announced a seven-member squad for next month's Asia/Oceania Group I tie against Korea in Chandigarh but the final announcement will be made on July 5.

Asked if one week is enough for Paes and Bopanna to sort out the differences that have piled up in years, Davis Cup coach Zeeshan said, something is better than nothing.

"It's better to be together at least for a week, than not being together at all. Dialogue is important. Now that everything has been sorted, we are set for the Games," he said.

Yuki Bhambri, the highest-ranked singles player in the country at number 147, Myneni (ranked 150 in singles and 125 in doubles), Bopanna (ranked 10 in doubles), Paes (ranked 46 in doubles), Ramkumar Ramanathan (224 in singles) Vishnu Vardhan and Sumit Nagal are in the squad.

Vardhan and Nagal will be the reserve players while four playing members will be announced on July 5.

Without naming either Yuki or Myneni, Khanna said some players are coming back from injury, so all seven are in squad.

"There's still some time so there is no necessity to announce the final squad today.

It has been learnt that Myneni, who recently recovered from a shoulder injury, may not be part of the playing squad.  

Paes, winner of 18 Grand Slam titles, expressed gratitude for being selected in the Olympic team by the AITA.

"To play for the flag has always been the greatest inspiration for me. I am humbled by the love showered upon me by the people. Their overwhelming and unconditional support has been my pillar of strength and motivation throughout my career," Paes said in a statement.

"The honour to represent India at Rio Olympics 2016 is a dream come true. I am thankful to the All India Tennis Association for bestowing me this opportunity to wear the tri-colour on my heart once again," he said.  

Rahul hits ton on debut as India thrash Zimbabwe by 9 wickets

Harare, Jun 11, 2016, PTI

It was a dream debut for opener Lokesh Rahul as his attractive 100 not out enabled a new-look Indian team record a resounding nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the first ODI of the three match series here today.

Chasing a paltry target of 169, the Indian batsmen hardly broke sweat as they comfortably cruised home in 42.3 overs.

Playing his first ODI, Rahul completed his coveted three-figure landmark with a huge six over deep mid-wicket off seamer Hamilton Masakadza, when there was only two runs required to win the match.

He found an able ally in Ambati Rayudu (62 n.o.) as they added 162 runs in 38 overs for the unbroken second wicket partnership even though the Hyderabadi batsman was not at his fluent best.

When he reached 87, Rahul also became the highest individual scorer on debut eclipsing Robin Uthappa's 86 against England on his ODI debut in Indore, back in 2006.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni's team were in complete control of the proceedings right from the start as the hosts never looked like putting up a fight during the course of the match, once they were put into bat.

After Jasprit Bumrah (4/28), Dhawan Kulkarni (2/42) and Barinder Sran (2/42) made full use of the conditions where there was help for seamers, Rahul-Rayudu pair kept calm as they chased with minimum fuss.

They were effective without being scintillating as they did not play too many adventurous shots during their partnership.

While Rahul hit seven boundaries and a six in his 115-ball innings, a relatively subdued Rayudu picked up during the second half, hitting five boundaries in 120 balls.

Rayudu, who hit his sixth ODI half-century, also completed 1000 ODI runs during his innings, becoming the fifth fastest to do so in 29 innings.

While Rahul was impressive on debut, another debutant Karun Nair (7) could not cash in on the opportunity as he was dismissed cheaply.

With the pitch being a tricky one, the duo needed time before they started playing their shots. The Karnataka lad, who already has two Test hundreds against Australia and Sri Lanka respectively, hit some attractive cover drives as well as square cuts off both seamers and spinners.

Whenever pacer like Tendai Chatara provided width outside the off-stump, Rahul was equal to his task while skipper Graeme Cremer's leg-breaks were also treated with disdain.

With the target being a small one, building the innings was never a problem as the mediocre bowling attack of the home team hardly proved to be a threat to Rahul and Rayudu.

Earlier, Indian pacers made good use of the conditions to bowl out hosts Zimbabwe for a meagre 168 after Dhoni called it right at the toss.

The pace trio of Sran, Kulkarni and Bumrah responded well to their captain's call by sharing the bulk of the wickets amongst themselves. Even Axar Patel (1/26) and debutant leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal (1/28) also were impressive.

Zimbabwe, all out in 49.5 overs, would have found it tough to cross the 150-run mark if it was not for the efforts of Elton Chigumbura, who made a gritty 41 off 65 balls in his 200th ODI for his country.

The Zimbabwe innings never got going with their batsmen struggling against the Indian pace battery.

It was an early morning start and the ball moved around. Sran, who did well in the IPL, was on the money from ball one. He could have had Chamu Chibhabha lbw on his very first ball the umpire thought the in-swinger did a bit too much.

The left-arm pacer, however, did not have to wait long for a wicket as he caught Chibhabha's opening parter Peter Moor in front of the stumps with another inswinger.

The batsmen found scoring extremely difficult before Kulkarni had the experienced Hamilton Masakadza caught behind to make it 30 for two in ninth over.

Soon first change Bumrah made his presence felt by removing Chibhabha (13) and Vusi Sibanda. The Zimbabwe looked more comfortable against the spin but the Indian tweakers too ended up with tidy figures.

The hosts had lost half their side after Axar Patel sent back seasoned batsman Craig Ervine, leaving Zimbabwe reeling at 77 for five in 24 overs.

Zimbabwe would have found it difficult to cross the 150-run if it wasn't for the sixth wicket stand between Chigumbura and Sikandar Raza (23), who shared a handy 38-run partnership.

Chahal, who was picked in the team after a productive IPL, bowled well on his ODI debut but had to wait as late as his 10th over to get off the mark in international cricket. His memorable moment arrived when he had Richmond Mutumbami caught at long-off.

All-rounder Chigumbura waged a lone fight as his partners succumbed at the other end. The innings highest-scorer also had a bit of luck on his side as he was out on a no-ball when Bumrah overstepped the line in 48th over. 

Paes gets Olympic ticket, paired with Bopanna

New Delhi, Jun 11, 2016, (PTI)

Veteran Leander Paes today got the nod for his seventh Olympic appearance after the All India Tennis Association (AITA) paired him with Rohan Bopanna for the men's doubles competition despite the latter's desire to team up with Saketh Myneni.

Announcing the squad for the Olympics, beginning August 5, AITA chief Anil Khanna said Bopanna will be pairing up with Sania Mirza in the mixed doubles event as had been demanded by the World No.1 in women's doubles.

Sania will be teaming up with Prarthana Thombare in the women's doubles event.As was expected, the AITA rejected Bopanna's request for Myneni as his partner, saying that India's best chance for a medal at Rio lay in him teaming up with Paes, who won the French Open mixed doubles title earlier this month.

"He (Bopanna) has given reasons to selection committee on why he feels Saketh could be a better doubles partner. But he has also made it clear that he wants to represent the nation. It was a well-meaning letter (which Bopanna wrote yesterday to AITA). Leander and Rohan have played four times in Davis Cup, they have a 2-2 record," Khanna said.

"Committee decided that the best bet for Indian tennis to win a medal at the Olympics would be Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna," he added.

Khanna then named Bopanna and Sania as the best medal hopes in the mixed doubles category.

"The committee has decided to nominate Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza in the mixed doubles competition," he said. 

Saina one step away from Australian triumph, Srikanth sinks

Sydney, Jun 11, 2016, PTI:

Indian ace shuttler Saina Nehwal is one win away from her maiden title of the season as she advanced to the finals of Australian Open Super Series by beating World No. 2 Yihan Wang of China in the women's singles event here today.

Saina received a big boost ahead of her Rio Games campaign as she defeated 2011 world champion and 2012 Olympic silver medallist Yihan, seeded fourth, 21-8 21-12 in just over half an hour in the semifinals.

The London Olympic bronze medallist Indian will take on World No. 12 Sun Yu of China, who defeated third seed and compatriot Li Xuerui in another semifinals, in the summit clash tomorrow.

The girl from Hyderabad, who had won the Australian Open in 2014, has a 5-1 head-to-head record against Sun, who had upstaged the Indian once at the 2013 China Open.

In men's singles, Kidambi Srikanth's fight ended with a disappointing 20-22 13-21 loss against Denmark's Hans-Kristian Vittinghus in a 43-minute semifinal battle.

Saina was at her dominating best in the opening game. She executed her plans perfectly and zoomed to a 15-6 lead against Yihan. The Indian came up with some sharp angled returns to bamboozle the Chinese. Her slices and smashes were stiff and sharper then Yihan, who seemed off-colour.

A quick movement and a brilliant smash down the line took Saina to 12 game points and she grabbed the first game when Yihan hit wide to earn the bragging rights.

In the second game, Saina did not allow the intensity to slip and rode on Yihan's sluggish movement and inconsistent strokes to once again open up a 11-4 lead with a cross court return as they moved to the interval.

After the break, Saina continued playing her own game, often reprimanding herself or accepting a missed chance during a rally. She changed the pace and came up with a wide variety of strokes to make Yihan run across the court.

Her attacking winners gave her results as Saina reached her match point when Yihan hit the net. The Indian failed to reach for a back hand return, netted a stroke before grabbing the final point when Yihan found the net again.

Srikanth too had his chances even though he was lagging behind for most part of the opening game. The Indian was 14-9 and 17-13 behind but he did manage to level par at 17-17 and even grab the lead twice. But it was Vittinghus who reached the game point twice and grabbed the second opportunity to pocket the first game when the Indian hit long.

After a fighting start to the second game, Vittinghus once again moved to a slender 4-3 lead after winning a video referral. His smash had kissed the line after Srikanth failed to reach for the shot. The Indian suffered a bruise on his knee area and needed medical attention.

After the break, Vittinghus continued to move ahead reaching 7-4. Srikanth made some excellent retrieves to narrow the lead but the Dane managed to enter the break at 11-6.

After the interval, it was Vittinghus' show as he continued his march, reeling off four points. Srikanth grabbed a couple but it was the Dane who was reading the game better and came up with better strokes even as the Indian kept faltering with his strokes.

At 19-11, Vittinghus took a medical time out after suffering a bruise on his right elbow area.

A rushing net shot error and a smash gone wide gave two points to Srikanth, who gifted away seven match points to the Dane after finding the net. Vittinghus then grabbed his maiden Super Series final place after the Indian hit wide after a long rally.

France overcome pressure to win Euro 2016 opener

Paris, June 11, 2016, AFP:

With France heading for disappointment, Dimitri Payet unleashed a sensational goal to rescue the European Championship hosts who claimed a 2-1 win over Romania in an emotional opening match.

In a packed Stade de France surrounded by thousands of police guarding against a repeat of the Novermber 13 attacks on Paris, coach Didier Deschamps said a nation's expectations had weighed heavily.

"The players felt it and that imposes obligations. Psychologically it was not easy to manage but we were rewarded" with the win, he said.

Germany, Spain, Italy, England and other rivals for the European title cannot have failed to notice France's frailties in defence and Payet's inspirational performance.

After a nervous start against a Romanian team with nothing to lose, the 29-year-old Payet, who only broke into the France team this year, provided the cross for Olivier Giroud to head France into the lead in the 57th minute.

Romania had defended stubbornly. Bogdan Stancu equalised from the penalty spot after a clumsy foul from Patrice Evra on Nicolae Stanciu.

Payet then had to step in with a bending 25 metre strike in the 89th minute that brought tears even to the scorer as he left the field.

"It was a lot of stress, a lot of pressure, if someone had told me it would have gone like that I don't think I would have believed them," said Payet.

"It was that emotion that came out in the goal," added the 29-yeear-old who has had a stunning season with West Ham United in the English Premier League.

Deschamps, bidding to repeat France's triumphs at Euro '84 and the 1998 World Cup on home soil, was relieved to get a win that put France top of Group A with matches against Switzerland and Albania to come.

"We struggled to get out the blocks but the reward was at the end. It's a very good thing to have won the first match, to start us off in the competition," he said. 

Trouble in Marseille
Some 90,000 police and security guards are protecting the 10 stadiums and surrounding fan zones during the month-long 24 nation contest.

The government and even top players fear a repeat of the Paris attacks in which 130 people died last November. But the first violence erupted in Marseille where England fans fought Russian rivals and police for a second day amid clouds of tear gas.

Riot police had to separate English and Russian supporters. Officials said seven arrests were made and the riot squad spent the rest of night watching hundreds of beer sodden fans.

England's match against Russia and Gareth Bale's Wales' match with Slovakia in their first appearance at a Euro finals are the highlights of Saturday. All four teams are in Group B.

England's prolific new strike partnership of Premier League top-scorer Harry Kane and Leicester City title-winning hero Jamie Vardy will hope to outgun Russia. Wales will be counting on Real Madrid forward Bale for goals against a tricky Slovenia side in their opener.

In the day's third match, brothers Granit and Taulant Xhaka will clash -- one playing for Switzerland and the othere for Albania.

Meanwhile, Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea appeared at a Spanish team press conference to dismiss reports that he had organised a party where women were allegedly forced to have sex against their will.

"I am the first one to be surprised by this report. I deny it, it is false and nothing more, it is a lie and false," De Gea said.

Eldiario.es news website said the name of De Gea and Athletic Bilbao's Iker Muniain appeared in the testimony of a "protected witness" as part of an investigation into Ignacio Allende, a Spanish porn producer who was detained in April for alleged sexual abuse of minors and spreading child pornography.

The witness reportedly said she and another woman were forced to participate in a party in 2012 organised by De Gea, in which they both had sex with footballers.

On Sunday, world champions Germany open their campaign against Ukraine, and Bayern Munich's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski will aim to spoil Northern Ireland's first ever appearance in the Euro finals.

Bopanna opts for Myneni

Pragya Tiwari, June 11, 2016, New Delhi, DHNS

Tennis : Selection committee to pick Rio side today

The selection of Indian tennis team for Olympic Games has rarely occurred without a dash of drama. And just when one thought this year to be an exception, the tradition has resurfaced again.  

Rohan Bopanna, by the virtue of being a top-10 player, has stated his preference in the men’s doubles to be Saketh Myneni, and not multiple Grand Slam winner Leander Paes ahead of the AITA selection committee meeting here on Saturday. It, though, would be a surprise if Paes could be stopped from playing in his seventh Olympics, keeping in mind his second best Indian ranking of 46 in the men’s doubles, a stellar record and a staunch backing of the AITA. 

The AITA officials, too, are keen in dousing any sparks which might flare up in reviving the ugly memories of 2012 London Games. 

“Rohan has only stated Saketh Myneni as his preference which he is within his rights to do so. He has written an open ended letter to the AITA, and has left the final decision to the selection committee. Without a doubt, it is the selection committee who will be the final authority in picking the best doubles team for the country,” a source told Deccan Herald.

Earlier on Friday, Bopanna issued a brief statement, without naming his preference. “A direct acceptance provides me the right to nominate my men's doubles partner, an opportunity for me to exercise my judgement as to the best possible partner for me. I have, earlier today, communicated my decision to the AITA. I am looking forward to the support and good wishes of all concerned in the lead up to the Olympics,” Bopanna, who would be playing in his second Olympics, said in his statement to the media.

The selection committee, however, is certain to name Paes as Bopanna’s partner for the Rio Games. 

“There is no doubt that Leander is the best choice. He is better than anyone in the fray. It is a logical choice.  Leander has done a lot for the country, he is still winning Grand Slams and deserves to go to the Games,” one of the AITA selectors said.

Bopanna and Myneni have partnered in three Davis Cups, posting wins against Chinese Taipei and South Korea in 2014, but lost in their last appearance which was against New Zealand in 2015. The 28-year-old Myneni is ranked 125 in the doubles and returning from a shoulder injury. He lost in the singles second round of grass court challenger in Surbiton, Great Britain on Thursday. Bopanna is currently participating in the Ricoh Open with Nicolas Mahut of France, the two reaching the quarterfinals on the day.

Paes and Bopanna last played together in the Davis Cup tie against Czech Republic and the result was a disappointing, lopsided loss to Adam Pavlasek and Radek Stepanek.

Paes, who had won the Roland Garros mixed doubles trophy with Martina Hingis last week, on Tuesday had termed his partnership with Bopanna as the best bet for India. 

The selectors will also be picking the combination for the mixed doubles which in all likelihood would be World No.1 Sania Mirza and Bopanna. Sania has also sent her preference to the AITA.  

Davis Cup side

The selectors will also be picking the side for India’s Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group I tie against South Korea from July 15-17 at Chandigarh.

It has been learned that Paes, too, has expressed interest. “However, we will have to discuss his inclusion. It is only now that we are hearing that he has expressed his interest,” one of the selectors said.

Swastic Union CC (1) score huge win over Mount Joy

June 11, 2016, Bengaluru, DHNS

An all-round display from Swastic Union Cricket Club (1) helped them trounce Mount Joy Cricket Club by an innings and 100 runs in the KSCA Group I, Division I league tournament for the Mirza Ismail Shield here.

R Samarth (118, 141b, 17x4, 2x6) and Siddharth (104, 176b, 10x4, 2x6) scripted fine centuries while Shreyas Gopal (57 n.o.), CM Gautam (41) and R Jonathan (41) chipped in with valuable knocks in their team’s dominant first innings total of 389/5 declared in 74 overs. 

Shreyas then wreaked havoc with the ball, his six for 46 spurring Swastic Union CC to bundle out Mount Joy to a paltry 120 and enforcing a follow on. 

In their second essay, the Mount Joy CC batsmen once again succumbed to the fine bowling of Swastic Union CC –– led by SL Akshay’s five for 45 and Abrar Kazi’s four for 44 –– and were skittled out of 169 in 54.1 overs. 

Swastic Union CC (1) walked away with five points for their win while Mount Joy CC were docked a point.

In another match, centuries from Pavan Deshpande (4/53 & 113 n.o.) dazzled with an all-round performance to help Vultures Cricket Club garner three points from their drawn encounter against Bangalore United Cricket Club (1).  

Sujith NG too sparkled for Vultures with an unbeaten 115 n.o.
Brief scores: Swastic Union Cricket Club (1): 389/5 decl in 74 overs (R Samarth 118, Siddharth 104, CM Gautam 41, Shreyas Gopal 57 n.o., R Jonathan 41; Sharan Gouda 2-46) bt Mount Joy Cricket Club: 120 all out in 41.4 overs (Praveen 34, Aditya Somanna 48; Shreyas Gopal 6-46, Kazi Abrar 2-23, Naveen MG 2-9) and 169 all out in 54.1 overs (Praveen 27, Bharath N 33; Abrar Kazi 4-44, SL Akshay 5-45).

Swastic Union Cricket Club (1): 5 points; Mount Joy Cricket Club: -1 point. 
Swastic Union Cricket Club (2): 266 all out in 73.2 overs (KB Pawan 37, Nihal Ullal 45, Nidhish M 72, Gowtham K 90; Suresh H Karani 6-62, Nanda 2-67, J Suchith 2-67) and 155/3 in 22 overs (Nishith Raj 31, Karthik CA 52, Arshdeep Singh Brar 61 n.o.) drew Jawahar Sports Club (1): 89 all out in 47 overs (Satish Bharadwaj 4-6, Gowtham K 2-19). 
Swastic Union Cricket Club (2): 3; Jawahar Sports Club (1): 1.

Bangalore United Cricket Club (1): 177 all out in 62 overs (Aman Raj 49, Divyang Jain 31, Darshan Machaiah BP 32; RG More 3-37, Pavan Deshpande 4-53) and 59/1 in 17 overs (Zeeshan Ali Sayyed 31 n.o.) drew Vultures Cricket Club: 273/2 decl in 67.5 overs (Syed Sufiyan 27, Sujith NG 115 n.o. (203 balls, 14x6), Pavan Deshpande 113 n.o.). 

Vultures Cricket Club: 3; Bangalore United Cricket Club (1): 1. 
Jawans Cricket Club: 415/7 in 90 overs (Dikshanshu Negi 101, Nishant Singh Shekhawat 131, Milind Ramesh 91, Dinesh Borwankar 34; Nikith S 4-65, Abhishek Reddy 2-75) drew Bangalore Occasionals: 151/3 in 45 overs (Abhishek Reddy 47, Prashanth S 47). Match called off due to rain.  

Jawans Cricket Club: 2; Bangalore Occasionals: 2. 
Malleswaram Gymkhana: 102 all out in 49 overs (Melu Kranthi Kumar 35; Stallin Hoover 3-22, Deepesh Poonia 2-16, Naveen B 2-9) and 195/8 in 73 overs (Karthik Shekar 60, Liyan Khan 71 n.o.; Stallin 2-21, Naveen B 3-42) drew Friends Union Cricket Club: 200/5 decl in 53 overs (Stallin 73, Mithun Bhat 51 n.o., Akhil 29; Vikash Kumar Sinha 2-48). 
Friends Union Cricket Club: 3; Malleswaram Gymkhana: 1. 

Social Cricketers: 307 all out in 89.5 overs (Bharath Chipli 41, Abhishek AP 30, Sunil 55, Vyshak V 59, Ritesh Bhatkal 36;  Kempraju V Gowda 2-52, Darshan MB 4-60, Akshay CK 2-48) drew The Bangalore Cricketers: 184 all out in 72 overs (Fahad VK 70; Manoj Acharya AV 3-35, KC Cariappa 5-54). 

Social Cricketers: 3; The Bangalore Cricketers: 1. 

Toothless Uruguay sent packing

June 11, 2016, Philadelphia, AFP

Football Copa America Centenario : 15-time champions go down to Venezuela; Mexico beat Jamaica to progress

Uruguay were sent crashing out of the Copa America Centenario as Venezuela and Mexico marched into the quarerfinals.

Uruguay, the record 15-time Copa America champions, were eliminated in the group phase for the first time since 1997 after slumping to a shock 1-0 loss to Venezuela in Philadelphia on Thursday.

That result combined with Mexico’s 2-0 Group C win over Jamaica in Pasadena left the 2011 champions struggling to digest a humiliating early exit.

“We never found the game we wanted and that cost us,” Uruguay’s revered coach Oscar Tabarez said, adding that the ill-fated campaign should serve as a warning to his team as they now look ahead to the resumption of 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

“It’s been a very different Copa America. I’ve never experienced something like this before. We knew it was going to be difficult but this should be a wake-up call before the World Cup qualifiers,” Tabarez added.

Uruguay’s defeat also capped a miserable tournament for Barcelona superstar Luis Suarez.

Suarez, nursing a hamstring injury when he joined up with the squad, has so far not played a single minute. Suarez appeared in the dugout and looked visibly frustrated at his failure to get on the pitch, at one point appearing to punch the dugout wall.

Tabarez defended his decision not to name Suarez in the squad.
“The player is not fit to play. It’s a matter of numbers. I will not select a player who is not 100 percent. Was he angry? I am not aware. To me he told me nothing,” Tabarez said.
Venezuela’s winner came on 36 minutes, when midfielder Alejandro Guerra cleverly spotted Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera off his line.

Guerra unleashed a long-range effort from near the halfway line which the back-pedalling Muslera could only parry onto the bar before Salomon Rondon bundled in the rebound from close range.

Venezuela’s advance to the last eight is the biggest shock of the tournament so far. The Venezuelans are currently bottom of South America’s 10-team round robin qualifying competition for the 2018 World Cup; Uruguay are on top of the standings. 

Beating ‘the maestro’

“To beat the ‘Maestro’ Tabarez is a privilege,” Venezuela coach Rafael Dudamel said. “For me it means a lot. He’s one of the best coaches in the world, in history. This win will motivate us to keep winning and growing as a team,” he added.

Venezuela will now face Mexico in their final first round game to determine who finishes top of Group C.

Mexico, who had beaten Uruguay 3-1 in their opening game, meanwhile proved too powerful for Caribbean minnows Jamaica in front of an 83,263 crowd at the Pasadena Rose Bowl.

With California’s large population of Mexican-Americans making it a virtual home for ‘El Tri’, Mexico took the lead on 18 minutes when former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Javier Hernandez nodded in his 45th international goal after 18 minutes.

Jamaica were denied what looked like a clear-cut penalty in the second half after striker Clayton Donaldson appeared to have been fouled in the area.

The drama came in the 60th minute when Donaldson rounded his marker before being cut down by Yasser Corona. Replays showed the defender didn’t get a touch on the ball.
Jamaica’s misery was sealed when Mexico’s Hirving Lozano picked out Hector Herrera in the area and the midfielder nudged the ball on for substitute Oribe Peralta to stroke the ball first time inside the right hand upright on the 81st minute.

Thousands gather for farewell

June 11, 2016, Louisville, Agencies

Goodbye champ : Louisville stages mass funeral as Muhammad Ali is laid to rest

Muhammad Ali made his final journey through his hometown on Friday in a funeral procession for The Greatest as thousands of mourners lined the streets where the future heavyweight champion of the world once chased school buses in hiking boots to train for his fights.
His cherry-red casket, draped in an Islamic shroud, was loaded into a hearse as a group of pallbearers that included former boxers Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis and actor Will Smith left the funeral home in a double file. Ali’s nine children, his wife, two of his ex-wives and other family members joined the motorcade.

The 17-car motorcade set out for a Louisville cemetery on a 19-mile route that was expected to take Ali’s body past his boyhood home, the gym where he first learned to box and the museum that bears his name, by way of Muhammad Ali Boulevard. Fans tossed flowers at the hearse and scattered rose petals along its path. Some chanted, “Ali!” Others were quiet and reverent as the champ went by.

Ali was to be laid to rest around midday — his headstone inscribed simply “Ali” — in a private graveside ceremony, followed in the afternoon by a grand memorial service attended by more than 15,000 people, including former President Bill Clinton and comedian Billy Crystal.

Ali, the most magnetic and controversial athlete of the 20th century, died last Friday at 74 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. A traditional Muslim funeral service was held on Thursday, with an estimated 6,000 admirers arriving from all over the world.

Today, Takeisha Benedict and four co-workers were color-coordinated in orange “I Am Ali” T-shirts as they waited along Muhammad Ali Boulevard to pay their respects as the hearse went by.

“To me, he was a legend to this city and an example to people. I’m just glad to be part of this history of saying goodbye,” she said. “Opening it up and allowing us to be part of it, we’re so appreciative.”

Hundreds of people crowded the streets in front of the funeral home.
Ali chose the cemetery, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, as his final resting place a decade ago. Its 130,000 graves represent a who’s who of Kentucky, including Kentucky Fried Chicken founder Colonel Harland Sanders.

Family spokesman Bob Gun­nell said the simple stone in Cave Hill Cemetery will be in keeping with Islamic tradition. Among the scheduled speakers at the memorial service at the KFC Yum! Center were Clinton, Crystal and TV journalist Bryant Gumbel. The king of Jordan was also expected to attend.

Ali himself decided years ago that when he died, the funeral would be open to ordinary fans, not just VIPs. As a result, thousands of free tickets were made available and were snatched up within an hour.

Louisville is accustomed to being in the limelight each May during the Kentucky Derby. But the send-off for the three-time heavyweight champion and global advocate for social justice loomed as one of the city’s most historic events. “We’ve all been dreading the passing of the champ, but at the same time we knew ultimately it would come,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “It was selfish for us to think that we could hold on to him forever. Our job now, as a city, is to send him off with the class and dignity and respect that he deserves.”

Sobers’ tribute at Lord’s
Sir Garfield Sobers, arguably cricket's greatest all-rounder, led a special tribute to Muhammad Ali at Lord’s on Friday.

During the lunch interval of second day play in the third Test between England and Sri Lanka, black and white photographs of Ali meeting Sobers in the Lord's dressing room were displayed on the ground's giant screens.

Sobers, 79, then rang a bell in the Lord's pavilion five minutes before the start of the second session of play as a tribute.

De Gea named in sex scandal

June 11, 2016, Saint-Martin-de-Re, AFP

 Manchester United and Spain goalkeeper David de Gea on Friday dismissed claims that he organised a party at which women were forced to have sex with footballers.

"I am the first one to be surprised by this report. I deny it, it is false and nothing more, it is a lie and false," De Gea told a press conference at Spain's training base for the European Championship finals.

De Gea said he was "desperate" to take part in Euro 2016 and would not be put off his team duties.

The Eldiario.es news website reported that De Gea and Athletic Bilbao's Iker Muniain were named in the testimony of a "protected witness" as part of an investigation into Spanish porn producer Ignacio Allende.

Better known as Torbe, the producer was detained in April for alleged crimes including heading a prostitution ring, sexual abuse of under-age girls and human trafficking.

The witness reportedly said she and another woman were forced against against their will to participate in a party in 2012 organised by De Gea, in which they both had sex with footballers.  They were alleged to be 23-year-old Muniain and another unnamed player, according to Eldiario.es, which published photocopies of the police report.

She did not mention having had sex with De Gea.

De Gea, 25, said the claims were all completely false and his lawyers would be taking action.

"If it is possible it gives me even more strength to be here with the national team," he said. "I have also had great support from my teammates and I am desperate to take part in this Euros.

"It is false what is coming out in the press and it will be in the hands of my lawyers."

 

England start with Russian challenge

June 11, 2016, MARSEILLE, Reuters

Football Euro 2016 : Group B big guns brace up for a tough opener

 England and Russia are the big beasts of Group B and, though each would love a winning start when they meet on Saturday, the fear of losing could well become all-pervading and lead to a cagey encounter.
With games against Wales and Slovakia to come, and the potential for three teams to qualify with two guaranteed, a point at the Velodrome might look a very useful result in a couple of weeks.

England, on the back of winning all 10 qualifiers, not to mention a rare victory in Germany in a friendly, start favourites and will expect to make the running in front of a 60,000 crowd that will be predominantly behind them.

However, despite that great run of form, England are anything but a settled side as Roy Hodgson struggles with the question of how to shoe-horn his form players into an established system.

Strikers Jamie Vardy, fresh from leading Leicester City to the most unlikely Premier League title, and Harry Kane, the Premier League's top scorer, seemingly demand selection.

But Hodgson is adamant Wayne Rooney, the captain and most experienced squad member, should get a starting berth, leaving the coach experimenting with his attacking options right up to the last minute.

At least he is picking from strength in that regard as his, and England's more pressing concern is in central defence where any combination of Gary Cahill, Chris Smalling and John Stones has looked vulnerable and remains England's Achilles heel.

England have not lost in 90 or 120 minutes in 22 Euro matches in finals and qualifiers, going back to a 3-2 defeat by Croatia in November 2007.

The impressive statistics are skewed, however, as they lost on penalties to Italy in the 2012 quarterfinals and failed to qualify in 2008.

Russia reached the semifinals that year with a side full of passion and pace but they were disappointing in 2012 and in the 2014 World Cup and the current crop are not a group to have fans on the edge of their seats.

They are, however, a well-organised and technically adept squad and coach Leonid Slutsky has quickly developed a strong team spirit since taking over from Fabio Capello last August.

He has, however, been forced to change his plans somewhat after injuries ruled midfielders Alan Dzagoev and, after last week's 1-1 draw with Serbia, Igor Denisov out of the tournament.

With that to deal with and winnable games on the horizon, Russia are unlikely to take too many risks on Saturday, leaving it up to England to decide whether to open up in all-out pursuit of victory or indulge in 90 minutes of cautious chess.

Baracchus tipped for feature

June 11, 2016, Bengaluru, DHNS

Racing Bengaluru card

Baracchus, to be ridden by A Sandesh and trained by Padmanabhan, is tipped to land the spoils in the Civil Service Cup (Div I) over 1400 metres, the feature event of the races to be held at the Bangalore Turf Club on Saturday. 

False rails with an average width of 2.5M will be in place from 1600M up to the winning post. 

1. Diablo plate (div II, rtd 15-35) 1200M, 1.30 PM
1. Native Elements (S Narredu)    60    Suraj Narredu    9
2. El Matador (Inayathulla)    58.5    M Chettri    6
3. Legal Legacy (Warren S)    58.5    PP Dhebe    2
4. Noble Sapphire (NM Punna)    57.5    Vinod Shinde    7
5. Youresohandsome (Neil Darashah)    57.5    B Paswan    8
6. Woodridge (I Ghatala)    57    S Selvaraj    5
7. Breaking Away (Amit Cady)    56.5    Md Asif Khan    4
8. Red Admiral (Narayana Gowda)    56.5    Rajesh Kumar     3
9. Indian Brahmos (Inayathulla)    55.5    Merchant    1
    
Native Elements 1; Youresohandsome 2; Woodridge 3.
2. mahalakshmi plate (Rtd 0-20) 1200M, 2.00 PM
1. Icepick Willie (S Narredu)    60    Jaykumar    1
2. Al Faaris (Hidayat K)    59.5    Shoban babu    2
3. One More Toy (A Mangalorkar)    59.5    S John    10
4. Goddess Of Love (Inayathulla)    59    S Imran    6
5. Scorching (Inayathulla)    59    Kiran Rai    4
6. Angelic Love (Prithviraj)    58.5    G Sai Vamshi    5
7. Thundersquall (Sirajuddin)    58    Akshay Kumar    8
8. Winter Bloom (Inayathulla)    58    SJ Sunil    7
9. Splendid Brave (Britto)    56.5    Noornabi    3
10. Shoot Out (Imtiaz Khan)    55    Md Asif Khan    11
11. Cannon Fire (NM Punna)    50    Vinod Shinde    9
     
One More Toy 1; Scorching 2; Splendid Brave 3.
3. Star Supreme plate (Rtd 15-35) 1400M, 2.30 PM
1. Say You Say Me (Azhar Ali)    60    Arshad Alam    9
2. Candice (Narayana Gowda)    57    Rajesh Kumar    1
3. Hidden Deal (Narayana Gowda)    57    A Ali Jafri     4
4. Strong Conviction (S Narredu)    56.5    N Rawal    8
5. Noble Flaire (Prasanna K)    55    R Girish    2
6. Legacy Dream (Puttanna)    54.5    S Zervan    3
7. Opening Act (S Attaollahi)    54.5    A Sandesh    5
8. Active Grey (Narayana Gowda)    54    Kiran Rai    6
9. Export Quality (Inayathulla)    54    TS Jodha    7
10. Good Image (Anupam Sharma)    54    K Mukesh    10
    
Opening Act 1; Legacy Dream 2; Say You Say Me 3.
4. Diablo Plate (Div I, rtd 15-35) 1200M, 3.00 PM
1. Little Love (S Narredu)    60    A Velu    7
2. Mr Big Shot (I Ghatala)    60    A Qureshi    4
3. Precious Glitter (Samar Singh)    60    TS Jodha    2
4. Diamond Green (Sirajuddin)    59    Rayan Ahmed    6
5. Cool Springs (Narayana Gowda)    58    Rajesh Kumar    8
6. Wise Guy (Inayathulla)    58    SJ Sunil    3
7. Arctic Convoy (Neil Darashah)    57    Vishal    5
8. Magnetize (Lokanath)    57    R Ajinkya    1

Precious Glitter, Arctic Convoy, Cool Springs.
5. Own Opinion Trophy 1100, 3.30 PM
1. Blue Blazer (Prasanna K)    56    PP Dhebe    10
2. Bluebird (Pradeep)    56    Kiran Rai    1
3. High Voltage (Lokanath)    56    R Ajinkya    11
4. Papadokia (Inayathulla)    56    TS Jodha    12
5. Stay True (Puttanna)    56    Bhawani S     5
6. Super Smart (R Narredu)    56    Kiran Naidu    3
7. Ta Ta (Faisal Hassan)    56    Akshay Kumar    8
8. Towering Heights (A Mangalorkar)    56    S John    7
9. Country’s Bloom (Faraz Arshad)    54.5    Arshad Alam    2
10. Fire Rainbow (Nityanand)    54.5    P Sai Kumar    6
11. Royal Striker (Anupam Sharma)    54.5    K Mukesh    4
12. Stephanie (Bharat S)    54.5    Neeraj Rawal    9
     
Blue Blazer 1; Papdokia 2; Towering Heights 3.
6. Civil Service Cup (Div I, Rtd 60 and above) 1400M, 4.00 PM 
1. Triumphus (Bharat S)    62    Sirnath    3
2. Ace Badraan (I Ghatala)    61    A Qureshi    9
3. Super Force (Faraz Arshad)    58    S John    8
4. Emperor Cruise (Sharat K)    57.5    K Mukesh    1
5. Ethophian (Narayana Gowda)    57.5    A Ali Jafri    6
6. Triumph (Byramji)    57    AS Pawar    2
7. Baracchus (Padmanabhan)    56    A Sandesh    7
8. Amazing Charm (S Attaollahi)    53    S Shareef    5
9. Wings Of Fortune (Narayana Gowda)    51    Rajesh Kumar    4

Baracchus 1; Amazing Charm 2; Super Force 3.
7. Royal Challenge Plate (rtd 30-50) 1600M, 4.30 PM
1. Hostess (Neil Darashah)    60    Vishal    11
2. James Bond (Inayathulla)    60    Merchant    3
3. Multi App (D Byramji)    59    PS Chouhan    2
4. Artorius (Padmanabhan)    58    Indrajeet S    12
5. Secret Prayer (Narayana Gowda)    58    Kiran Rai    1
6. Freestyle (Faraz Arshad)    57    Neeraj Rawal    6
7. Kimora (Kishan Thomas)    55.5    M Prasad    5
8. Storm Ahead (A Mangalorkar)    54.5    S John    7
9. All Proof (Narayana Gowda)    54    Rajesh Kumar    10
10. Desert Gilt (Sirajuddin)    54    Akshay Kumar    9
11. Swiss Eagle (A Mangalorkar)    54    Mudassar    8
12. As Good As It Gets (Amit Caddy)    53.5    S Asgar    4

Multi App 1; Storm Ahead 2; Hostess 3.
8. Lumbini stud Plate (Rtd 30-50) 1200M, 5.00 PM
1. Saladin (Padmanabhan)    60    Md Akram    3
2. Ghoonj (Sirajuddin)    56.5    Akshay Kumar    10
3. Arvak (D Byramji)    56    PS Chouhan    9
4. Flicka (Aravind G)    55.5    David Breux    11
5. Sydney Harbour (Todywalla)    55    S Zervan    5
6. Born To Do It (Faisal Hassan)    54    PP Dhebe    8
7. Havelock Princess (Britto)    54    A Sandesh    4
8. Humming Bird (Narayana Gowda)    54    Kiran Rai    2
9. Aquitania (Bharath S)    53.5    Arshad Alam    12
10. Salina (Inayathulla)    53.5    Rajesh Kumar    6
11. Telangana Queen (A’pam Sharma)    53.5    K Mukesh    7
12. Perfect King (Sharat K)    53    Ramesh Kumar    1

Sydney Harbour 1; Arvak 2; Ghoonj 3.
9. civil service cup (div ii, rtd 60 and above) 1400M, 5.30 PM
1. Captain Cook (Bharat S)    60    S John    1
2. Shivalik Fire (I Ghatala)    56    B Paswan    5
3. Madame Sultana (NM Punna)    53.5    AS Pawar    7
4. Jersey Shore (Puttanna)    53    Nazerul Alam    3
5. Super Queen (S Narredu)    53    Suraj Narredu    2
6. Virat (Narayana Gowda)    53    Kiran Rai    8
7. Pearl Secret (Aravind G)    50.5    David Breux    4
8. Hidden Solider (Narayana Gowda)    50    Rajesh Kumar    6

Captain Cook 1; Pearl Secret 2; Super Queen 3.

Day’s best:  Opening Act.
Double: Precious Glitter and Sydney Harbour. 
Jackpot:  5, 6, 7, 8, 9.  
I Treble: 1, 2, 3. 
II Treble:  4, 5, 6.
III Treble: 7, 8, 9.