A state-of-the-art National Cricket Academy, spread over a 40-acre parcel of land, will soon be a reality with the BCCI completing the registration formalities here in Bangalore yesterday. Those who use the NCA extensively - players, coaches and other support staff - will have the added bonus of not having to brave the terrible Bangalore traffic, what with the Karnataka government-allotted land being in the vicinity of the airport.http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/Cristiano-Ronaldo-record-s.jpg
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat trick to move past Pele on the list of all-time international goalscorers as Portugal beat Faroe Islands 5-1 to stay close to Switzerland at the top of Group B in World Cup qualifiers.
Ronaldo netted with a neat volley then added two other goals to surpass the Brazil great and move into second place on the list of Europe’s all-time scorers with 78 goals. He’s six behind Hungary great Ferenc Puskas. Pele scored 77 goals for Brazil. William Carvalho and Nelson Oliveira also scored for Portugal.
Meanwhile, Philippe Coutinho scored as Brazil defeated Ecuador 2-0 to clinch top spot in South America’s 2018 World Cup qualifying race on Thursday.
Brazil's ninth consecutive qualifying victory gave the Selecao an 11-point lead at the top of the standings with three games to play, meaning they cannot be overhauled.
Liverpool star Coutinho came off the substitutes bench to help break down a determined Ecuador after Paulinho had provided the breakthrough on 69 minute.
AFP
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/rayudu-video-s.jpg
A video clipping allegedly showing Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu involved in a scuffle with a man in what appears to be an incident of road rage went viral on social media Thursday.
The video clip shows the batsman stepping out of his car and indulging in heated exchange of words and a physical fight. Bystanders intervened to separate the two.
#WATCH: Cricketer Ambati Rayudu seen in scuffle with a man allegedly after argument over rash driving in Hyderabad (Unverified video source) pic.twitter.com/r1pdq5Lh9g
— ANI (@ANI) August 31, 2017
The batsman, who has been in and out of the Indian team, was seen charging at the man, believed to be a pedestrian. The spat broke out during an argument over rash driving.
The incident apparently occurred in Hyderabad but it was not clear in which area and when. No complaint was lodged with any police station in the city.
When some reporters approached Rayudu, he brushed it aside as a minor issue.
*Also view photos: Ex-cricketers in their current jobs: Uber driver, bus stand cleaner*
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/Nikki-Cena-s.jpg
WWE diva Nikki Bella, who is engaged to super star WWE wrestler John Cena is keen on having a lavish Bachelorette party. The Total Divas star wants to feel like Princess Grace Kelly (American actress who became Princess of Monaco after marrying Prince Rainier III, in April 1956) on the day of her pre-wedding celebrations.
"I don't want a sash, I don't want a crown, I don't want vulgar stuff. I want to feel like Princess Grace Kelly and I want caviar and I want to sip champagne," she told Female First.
Bella had earlier spoken about how she isn't worried if things do go wrong on the big day. "So many brides will let the smallest things bother them, and it's like, 'Oh wow, you're marrying the man of your dreams, everyone's happy, having fun, just go with it.' Something will mess up. Just do what you want."
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/harmanpreet-car-s.jpg
Indian women's cricket team vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur has been presented with Datsun redi-GO car for her fantastic performance during 2017 ICC Women's World Cup in England.
The 28-year-old led India into the finals with her unbeaten knock of 171 against Australia before the Mithali Raj-led side slumped to a heartbreaking nine-run defeat at Lord's against England to lose by 9 runs.
Representing Datsun at the event to hand over the car keys to Kaur, Jerome Saigot, vice president, Datsun India said, 'Datsun is working hard to help fuel the ambitions of India's young achievers and risers. We are delighted to see women like Harmanpreet make the nation proud. We congratulate Harmanpreet for her outstanding contribution during the ICC Women's Championship Trophy 2017 and we are pleased to present her with the redi-GO for her sporting excellence.'
On receiving the redi-GO, Harmanpreet Kaur said, 'Thank you, Datsun India, for this gesture and I am looking forward to driving the redi-GO. This makes it easier for me to move around for training, but I am excited to take my family for a spin first.'
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/aug/Rafael-Nadal-s.jpg
World number one Rafael Nadal produced a strong fight back to survive a stern test from New York's Taro Daniel and move into the third round of the US Open here on Friday.
The Spanish maestro bounced back from a set and break down to outplay Daniel 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in an exhilarating second-round clash under the lights on the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Nadal smashed 20 winners and made 24 unforced errors in the first two sets, but he turned around the match to finish with 20 winners to just 11 unforced errors in the third and fourth.
With his 51st match win of the season, the two-time US Open winner has booked his spot in the third round for a third straight year.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2016/aug/16Sania-Mirza-s.jpghttp://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/Dhoni-Kohli-Bat-s.jpg
"You will always be our captain," is what an emotional Virat Kohli told MS Dhoni before presenting a specially designed bat to the India great on completing 300 ODIs yesterday.
Dhoni, who hit an unbeaten 49 off 42 in India's 375 for five in the fourth ODI against Sri Lanka, was felicitated on the ground in the presence of the entire Indian team. Kohli's short speech touched everyone's hearts.
*Also Read: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma centuries help India beat Sri Lanka by 168 runs*
"What do I say. 90 per cent of us started our career under you. It is an honour to give this memento to you. And you will always remain our captain," said the current Indian captain drawing a loud applause from his teammates.
*Also Read: Virat Kohli: Youngsters will get picked in fifth ODI vs Sri Lanka*
Dhoni is the sixth Indian to get to 300 ODIs and others are Sachin Tendulkar, Mohammed Azharuddin, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and Yuvraj Singh.
*Also view photos: Ex-cricketers in their current jobs: Uber driver, bus stand cleaner*
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/peter-crouch-s.jpg
England footballer Peter Crouch could become a full-time DJ after he hangs up his boots.
Crouch, who has recently finished a two-week stint as a guest DJ on Radio X admitted that it's one of the options when he decides to retire.
"I loved it, it's a passion. I said to them, 'If I do it, then I want to do it my way', it would be my music," Crouch told British tabloid,
The Daily Mail. Crouch will turn 37 in January next year. But the father of two — Sophia, six, and Liberty, two, is not yet considering retiring just yet.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/pujara-insta-s.jpg*Puja Pabari*
Team India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara posted this picture on Instagram yesterday and captioned it: "When you turn around and end up being clicked. Random things wife (Puja Pabari) makes you do! #CountyCaptures"
"As a cricketer, I always feel my best is yet to come and I have been working hard for it," Pujara, who helped India rout Sri Lanka 3-0 in the Test series in the latter's backyard, told IANS in a telephonic interview recently.
In the last year or so, the Saurashtra batsman has gone from strength to strength, becoming the new Mr. Dependable in Virat Kohli's Test team.
The second-highest run getter in Sri Lanka, amassing 309 in three games, which included two centuries, Pujara has been India's most consistent batsman alongside Kohli since the team's return from the tour of the West Indies last year. He aggregated 1,316 runs from 13 matches in the 2016-17 home season.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/Katie-Alex-s.jpg
British MMA fighter Alex Reid has slammed his ex Katie Price's divorce announcement calling it a publicity gimmick.
Talking about the news of Price divorcing husband Kieran Hayler, after he cheated on her with their children's nanny Nikki Brown, who dismissed the story entirely, the British mixed martial artist told the Mirror newspaper that it's a well thought out money-spinning plan by his ex-wife. Reid pointed out that Price has timed the divorce announcement just days before she launched her 'An Audience With Katie Price tour' and the tickets of the show have undersold.*Kieran Hayler and Alex Reid*
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/Ashwin-County-s.jpg
Five-wicket hero Ravichandran Ashwin made a winning debut as Worcestershire climbed back into second in County Championship Div 2 with a 189-run win over Gloucestershire at New Road yesterday.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/Raina-Babu-s.jpg
Twelve teams, including three from Tamil Nadu will vie for honours in the Kalpathi-AGS All-India Buchi Babu cricket tournament beginning here tomorrow at various venues.
Suresh Raina, who has been out of the India ODI team for a while now, will be one of the star attractions of the tourney, along with Mohit Sharma, who too has been discarded from the limited overs side.
While Raina, who has been selected to captain India Blue in the Duleep Trophy, is expcted to turn out for Uttar Pradesh in the first phase.
"Here I am, back to my very own #Chennai. Looking forward to play the Buchi Babu series on the grounds full of memories and joyful moments," Raina wrote on his Twitter feed.
Mumbai, Hyderabad, Uttar Pradesh, Saurashtra, Baroda, Haryana, Kerala, Chhattisgarh and Assam will feature in the tournament alongside three local outfits - Tamil Nadu Cricket Association President's XI, TNCA City XI and TNCA Districts XI.
The tournament serves as a practice for state teams ahead of the Ranji Trophy season, that is scheduled to begin in October.
Most of the teams would be fielding youngsters in a bid to provide them match practice.
TNCA officials told reporters here yesterday that the matches would be played over two days with 90 overs per innings. If rain hampered the first day's play, the contest would turn into a 50-overs-a-side affair on the second day.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/bat-ball-helmet-x-s.jpg
Police said The Oval cricket ground in London was in the process of being evacuated yesterday after a bizarre arrow attack halted play in the match between Surrey and Middlesex.
The arrow, reported to have a metal tip, landed near the Surrey fielder Ollie Pope and close to the pitch during the County Championship fixture.
The players alerted the umpires, who promptly halted play, with fielders and batsmen running to the safety of the changing rooms. No one was injured and, according to a statement issued by the Metropolitan Police, it is believed the arrow was fired from outside The Oval in Kennington, south London. "Police were made aware that an arrow or crossbow bolt had been loosed into The Oval cricket ground.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/U-mumba-Jaipur-s.jpg
Kashiling Adake came up with a terrific raid in the last minute as U Mumba beat Jaipur Pink Panthers 36-32. It was heartbreak for Jaipur as they fought keenly till the last minute but just fell short in the end. Adake scored 10 points whereas Pawan Kumar contributed the same for Jaipur Pink Panthers.
U Mumba are now second in Zone A with 29 points from 11 games. Jaipur Pink Panthers are fifth with 23 points from seven games.
Both teams were evenly matched at the beginning of the match. Pawan Kumar scored with a super raid in the seventh minute as Jaipur Punk Panthers led 5-3. Kashiling Adake scored two points for U Mumba as it 6-6 after 12 minutes. Neither defence had a bright start as both teams failed to score a single tackle point in 12 minutes.
After 15 minutes, U Mumba trailed 8-9 as Kashiling Adake scored a bonus point. Jasvir Singh made three U Mumba defenders forced errors as Jaipur Pink Panthers led 11-8. Jaipur Pink Panthers inflicted an all out in the 16th minute to lead 14-9.
Pawan Kumar scored nine points for Jaipur Pink Panthers in the first half. U Mumba skipper Anup Kumar scored his first points of the match in the 17th minute as they trailed 11-14. Pawan Kumar scored with a two-point raid in the 19th minute as Jaipur Pink Panthers led 16-12. U Mumba scored their first tackle point in the 20th minute as they went into the break trailing 15-16.
Pawan Kumar attained a super 10 in the 23rd minute as Jaipur Pink Panthers led 18-15. U Mumba scored two points in two minutes as they trailed 17-18 in the 26th minute. U Mumba led 19-18 after 27 minutes
as Darshan Kadian scored with a two-point raid.
U Mumba inflicted an all out in the 30th minute to lead 23-18. Jasvir Singh scored the first point of the match in 22nd minute as Jaipur trailed 20-26.
With less than five minutes to go, Jaipur Pink Panthers trailed 22-26 and U Mumba were down to just three men. U Mumba forced a super tackle in the 37th minute to lead 31-23. Jaipur scored two points in the next minute as they trailed 25-31.
Jasvir Singh helped Jaipur inflict an all out in the 39th minute as they trailed 30-32. Jaipur leveled the match at 32-32 in the last minute. Kashiling Adake scored with a two-point raid in dying seconds as U Mumba won 36-32.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/Telugu-Titans-s.jpg
Telugu Titans registered a much-needed victory as they beat Tamil Thalaivas 33-28 in Vivo Pro Kabaddi League. Sombir had a stellar performance in defence and scored 10 points to lead his team to victory. It was the Titans' defence that scored almost half their points. Both teams were in search of a desperate win after a disappointing campaign so far. Telugu Titans have lost eight games so far whereas Tamil Thalaivas have been defeated four times.
Tamil Thalaivas made a strong start and led 3-0 after four minutes as Ajay Thakur and Prapanjan scored raid points. Telugu Titans opened their account in the fifth minute with a tackle point. It was the Titans' defence which got them points as they levelled the match at 5-5 in the seventh minute. Farhad Milighardan scored Titans' first raid point as they ed 6-5 after eight minutes.
It was an evenly fought contest for the next few minutes as both teams exchanged raid and tackle points with Telugu Titans leading 11-9 in the 18th minute. Rahul Chaudhari struggled for Titans but their defence kept them ahead in the match. Telugu Titans went into the break leading 12-10.
The second half began with Telugu Titans inflicting an all out in the 23rd minute to lead 17-12. Rahul Chaudhari was kept quiet by the Thalaivas defence. It was 20-14 in favour of Titans as Prapanjan was sent to the bench in 29th minute.
Ajay Thakur scored with a successful raid in the 33rd minute as Thaliavas cut the lead to just three points. It looked like Titans would run away with the match but Thakur was in good raiding form. Thaliavias scored 10 points in five minute to trail 26-28 in the 37th minute.
Thalaivas reduced the deficit to just one point as they trailed 28-29 with two minutes to go. Rahul Chaudhari scored a crucial raid point in the 39th minute as Titans led 31-28. Two tackle points in the last minute ensured that Titans won 33-38 in the end.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/shardul-sachin-s.jpg
Indian cricketer Shardul Thakur made his one-day International cricket debut during the fourth ODI between India and Sri Lanka.
While, Shardul became the 218th cricketer to represent India in an ODI, he attracted the attention of Twitter users for a whole different purpose.
Shardul Thakur was seen sporting the number 10 jersey, which was earlier worn by none other than cricket great Sachin Tendulkar.
Twitterati took no time in slamming the Indian pacer and asked BCCI to retire the number 10 jersey as well. Here are some of the tweets that poured in.
#jerseyno10 is belongs to one and only #SachinTendulkar
Who is this @imShard can take this number
Plz @BCCI don't repeat this in next match pic.twitter.com/J3khgGslnu
— VenkatBharatKorikana (@LoyalSachiNist) September 1, 2017
Shardul Thakur is wearing jersey no. 10. How can anyone in Indian team take that number now? #disappointed #SLvIND #cricbuzz @cricbuzz
— JAY KUMAR MEGOTIA (@megotiakumarjay) August 31, 2017
WTF ð ð Shardul Thakur wearing #Jersey10 !!
BCCI Have you lost your mind ð ð¡ this jersey belongs to only one man ð¬ disgusting #INDvSL
— CrickeTendulkar ð®ð³ (@CrickeTendulkar) August 31, 2017
Didn't like Shardul Thakur wearing jersey no.10!Infact can't see anyone wearing it except Sachin
Bcci shud respect d emotions of Sachin fans
— Swati (@SwatiT_) September 1, 2017
Shardul Thakur is wearing jersey no10. Can't accept it.Ind's no.10 is Sachin.can't even imagine anyone else in that jersey#RetireJerseyNo10
— varunn (@imvarunp) August 31, 2017
So many emotions are attached to #jerseyno10 @imShard please don't hurt them #retirejerseyno10 @BCCI
— sachint_myhero (@sachint_myhero) August 31, 2017
Dear @BCCI @imShard kindly #retirejerseyno10 @sachin_rt
— Ashish Verma (@ashu112) August 31, 2017
how can anybody take 10 number Jersey @BCCI should change "Shardul Thakur" shirt no. even @imShard have to think about sham on him
— sushil purohit (@sushilpurohit) August 31, 2017
No. 10 Belongs to Shardul Thakur
how?? @sachin_rt @BCCI
— AMBUJ KUMAR SINHA (@ambuj_sinha) August 31, 2017
Shardul Thakur! The 2nd Indian Cricketer to sport a Jersey No.10 after Sachin Tendulkar?! #SLvIND
— Sampath Bandarupalli (@SampathStats) August 31, 2017
Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma both scored centuries to help India post a total of 375. India went on to win the match by a huge margin of 168 runs making it 4-0 in the ODI series.
*Also view photos: Ex-cricketers in their current jobs: Uber driver, bus stand cleaner*
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/bang-wick-x-s.jpg
If the Bangladesh cricket team find themselves in a state of bliss after their maiden Test victory over Australia, there is one departed coach who they will not forget to acknowledge — Eddie Barlow.
Apart from coaching The Tigers after taking over from West Indies stalwart Gordon Greenidge in 1999, South African-born Barlow, then, 60, structured Bangladesh's domestic set up. However, in 2000, Barlow suffered a stroke, but he made it to witness Bangladesh's maiden Test – against Sourav Ganguly's India at Dhaka.*The late Eddie Barlow*
*That would've pleased him*
"He would be delighted as he always knew they had the right attitude to win," Cally Barlow, wife of the late South Africa all-rounder and coach told mid-day from Gloucestershire, UK yesterday.
Australia was the best team in the world when Barlow coached Bangladesh. Did the country, which Bangladesh beat by 20 runs in Dhaka on Wednesday figure in Barlow's interactions with the Bangladeshis? "He would never talk about any other country to the team in a way that would put pressure on them. He always told them not to bother about things they had no control over; just to concentrate on what they were going to do to the opposition," said Cally.
Day Four of the Bangladesh v Australia Test could have gone either way. The visitors needed 156 with eight wickets in hand while left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan, who had claimed a fifer in the first innings, was always going to be a threat. Shakib claimed four on the last day including the wicket of centurion David Warner to steer his country to a historic win. Bangladesh had lost all four previous Tests to the Australians.*Cally Barlow*
Cally seemed confident of a win over the Australians. "I always believe in Bangladesh and felt that they were in the right place on this occasion. A place in the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy gave them a big boost," she said.
They made the last four of the mega tournament in England thanks to their sizzling display against New Zealand. However, the sixth ranked ODI team lost to India by nine wickets in the semi-finals at Edgbaston.
India have not always had it easy against Bangladesh. On winning the toss in the inaugural Test on November 10, 2000, the hosts were bowled out only after they touched 400. Aminul Islam was one of the many beneficiaries of Barlow's coaching and when he reached his century on the second day of the Test, he looked towards the dressing room to see a paralysed Barlow trying to get up from his wheelchair to applaud him, helped by Cally.
*'Emotional time'*
"It was a very emotional time for all of us," recalled Cally. "When Bangladesh scored 400 in the first innings I felt sure as did Eddie that Bangladesh would win, particularly when India did about the same. Then, for some reason, the wheels fell off and they lost the game.
"Eddie had is own thoughts as to why this happened. I remember it well. Bulbul (Aminul's nickname) was special and thoroughly deserved his ton." Cally revealed some words of wisdom her departed husband often dished out to the team. "The best advice Eddie gave to them was they had to believe in themselves, to focus on their game (don't pay any attention to chirping), to eat properly (no rice late at night) and to enjoy the game," Cally said.
It's been nearly 12 years since Barlow left for Elysian Fields, but who's to say he was not watching from the great beyond on Wednesday.
*Also view photos: Ex-cricketers in their current jobs: Uber driver, bus stand cleaner*
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/Gaurav-Bidhuri-s.jpg
Wildcard entrant Gaurav Bidhuri's remarkable run at the World Boxing Championships ended with a bronze medal today after he lost his semifinal clash to American Duke Ragan here.
India thus ended the tournament with a bronze medal, equalling the performance of 2009 (Vijender Singh), 2011 (Vikas Krishan) and 2015 (Shiva Thapa).
Despite the loss, the 24-year-old from Delhi joined a rare club of world championship medallists from India - the past winners being Vijender, Vikas and Shiva.
"I am obviously a bit disappointed but I gave it my best shot. I don't think that it was as dominant a victory for Duke as the scoreline might suggest. I didn't expect him to fight so defensively but I adjusted through the bout," Gaurav told PTI after his loss.
In a bout fought primarily on defensive tactics, the 20-year-old American had the slight edge in the opening three minutes. Although both the boxers spent the better part of it waiting for the other to make the first attack, the grunting Ragan seemed more in control lunging forward.
Gaurav did well connect on counter-attack but the lack of upfront attack from own his side made a lot of difference to the final outcome.
The second round was fought on a more even keel and Gaurav managed to surprise his rival by cornering him on more than one ocassion. Both the boxers again went on the defensive in the final round But Ragan broke free with his cleanly-struck right hooks to clinch the issue. Ragan will now face England's Peter McGrail in the final on Saturday.
"It wasn't a very clean bout. I gave my best but probably it wasn't meant to be," said Gaurav.
India coach Santiago Nieva praised Gaurav's performance and felt he did his best.
"He adjusted to Duke's tactics quite well, he definitely won the second round but in the final round, the other guy was slightly better," he said.
Earlier, Amit Phangal (49kg) and Kavinder Bisht (56kg) had bowed out in the quarterfinal stage.
Gaurav, who has been battling a back niggle for the last eight months, thus completed a rollercoaster ride in a tournament he hadn't event qualified for to start with.
Ousted in the Asian Championships quarterfinal stage, Gaurav had also gone on to lose the box-off for a world championship spot.
It was a stroke of good luck that he ended up being handed the wildcard that was originally meant for Bhutan.
The Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) gave the lucky entry to Gaurav after Bhutan declined the offer.
However, he made the lucky break count by upstaging Ukraine's Mykola Butsenko in the prequarterfinal. Butsenko is a two-time European Championships' silver-medallist and the 2013 world championships' bronze-winner.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/olivia-munn-s.jpg
American football player Aaron Rodgers says his high-profile split from actress Olivia Munn back in April was "difficult".*Olivia Munn*
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/SteveSmithCT-s.jpg
Australia's "overpaid prima donna" cricketers were shamed by their humbling first Test defeat to Bangladesh on Wednesday.
Bangladesh claimed their first-ever Test win over one-time power Australia and only their 10th in 101 Tests against all nations, beating Steve Smith's men by 20 runs on the fourth day.
Australia are currently ranked fourth to Bangladesh's ninth in the ICC Test rankings. While applauding Bangladesh's feat, Australia's media focused on the huge financial disparity between the two sides. "What happened in Dhaka was on one hand wonderful for world cricket and on the other embarrassing for a pack of overpaid prima donnas," the Melbourne Herald-Sun thundered. "Australia, if you're going to go strike over their pay packets, you want to make sure you back it up in the field of play. Losing to Bangladesh is hardly doing that."
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/Pujara-Virat-x-s.jpg
India's Cheteshwar Pujara and skipper Virat Kohli remained static at the fourth and fifth position respectively in the latest ICC Test Players Rankings for batsmen issued yesterday. However, young batsman KL Rahul slipped a rung to 10th.*Virat Kohli*
The batsmen chart is being led by Australia skipper Steve Smith, followed by England captain Joe Root and New Zealand's Kane Williamson.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/Alex-Oxlade-Chamberlain-s.jpg
England international Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has joined Liverpool from Premier League rivals Arsenal, his new club announced yesterday. Liverpool did not disclose the transfer fee, but they are believed to have paid £35 million ($45.1 million, 37.9 million euros) for the midfielder's services.
Liverpool said Oxlade-Chamberlain, 24, had signed a "long-term contract", which is thought to be a five-year deal. Oxlade-Chamberlain is believed to have turned down a new contract offer from Arsenal and an approach from champions Chelsea.
*Tottenham acquire Aurier*
Meanwhile, Ivorian right-back Serge Aurier has joined Tottenham Hotspur from Paris Saint-Germain on a five-year contract, the two clubs announced. Spurs are reported to have paid PSG around £23 million ($29.6 million, 25 million euros) to sign Aurier, 24, who won two Ligue 1 titles during his three years in Paris.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/Conor-Ron-s.jpg
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight champion, Conor McGregor could pip Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in the latest Forbes rich list for sportspersons after the Irishman pocketed over £77m (Rs 636 crore) in his knockout defeat to American boxer Floyd Mayweather.*Cristiano Ronaldo*
British daily, The Daily Post reported that when the two met last year, McGregor said, "You [Ronaldo] were number one on the Forbes list, I was like number 35 or something. I'll get up. Maybe next year I'll get you." To which, Ronaldo replied: "I don't think so". Ronaldo, 32, tops the current list with an earning of £71m (Rs 585 crore) in 2016, And though the footballer's 2017 earnings is not yet known, the Portuguese star could go down to McGregor given the Irishman's career-high payday.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/federer-s.jpg
Roger Federer outlasted Mikhail Youzhny 6-1, 6-7, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 here to advance to the third round of the 2017 US Open.
The third-seeded Swiss great boosted his lifetime record against the Russian to 17-0 during the match on Thursday, Efe news reported.
Federer, 36, has never before reached the third round of a tournament by winning consecutive five-set matches.
The 35-year-old Youzhny was suffering with cramps through the fourth and fifth sets of the match, which lasted more than three hours.
"It wasn't always like this," Federer said following the epic contest at Flushing Meadows, acknowledging that he has not been accustomed to playing long matches over the course of a brilliant career.
"These 5-set battles are lots of fun, I feel quite warmed-up by now," he added.
Federer's next opponent will be Feliciano Lopez of Spain, who defeated countryman Fernando Verdasco 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 in two hours and 10 minutes to claim a spot in the third round.
Tournament top-seed Rafael Nadal will square off Thursday night with Japan's Taro Daniel.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/Virat-Century-x-s.jpg
Skipper Virat Kohli today described India's 168-run win over Sri Lanka in the fourth ODI as a clinical performance and said he would continue to experiment with the team's line-up in the fifth and final one-dayer.
Batting first, India posted a huge 375-5 in the fourth ODI with Kohli (131 off 96 balls) and opener Rohit Sharma (104 off 88 balls) scoring sublime centuries.
The visitors then returned to dismiss Sri Lanka for 207 in 42.4 overs to take a 4-0 lead in the five-match series.
"It was a good game for us. We spoke about not getting complacent at any stage and today was a clinical performance," said *Virat Kohli*," who was adjudged the Man of the Match for his scintillating innings.
Talking about the toss, Kohli said: "We wanted to bat first because we hadn't batted first in the three games. The wicket was amazing to bat on. It was a good toss to win, we put up a good score and it was very difficult for the opposition to maintain that required run rate."
Asked if he would continue to experiment with the playing eleven in the next game, Kohli said: "We've given opportunities to three new guys. They will get another
opportunity. Batting order is flexible and we can experiment depending on the situation of the game."
Sri Lanka's stand-in skipper Lasith Malinga today claimed his 300th wicket when he dismissed Kohli in the 30th over.
Asked about the achievement, he said: "300 wickets is special. But, it is just a number. I feel these last few days, I'm not doing well for the team. Still lost the game and that doesn't feel good."
Sri Lanka today succumbed to their sixth straight ODI defeat and Malinga hoped his team will make a comeback in the next match.
"We are still to get 250 in the series, I think the youngsters are too excited and couldn't perform well to their potential. Hopefully they will comeback strong and perform well in the coming games," he said.
*Also view photos: Ex-cricketers in their current jobs: Uber driver, bus stand cleaner*
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/Lisbon-x-s.jpg
US pop star Madonna has moved to Lisbon so her 11-year-old son David can join the youth academy at top football club Benfica, local media reported yesterday.*David Banda. Pic/Madonna's Instagram Account*
"Madonna is no longer a tourist, she now lives in Lisbon," the weekly magazine Visao said. Madonna, 59, has been staying in a Lisbon hotel after buying a house in the bucolic village of Sintra, 30 kilometres northwest of the Portuguese capital.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/khloe-Thomps-s.jpg
Reality TV personality Khloe Kardashian is reportedly pregnant with basketball player Tristan Thompson's baby, but the latter wants to leave her. Khloe is 12 weeks pregnant, after years of trying to conceive, reports aceshowbiz.com.*Tristan Thompson*
A source told Star magazine that 'Khloe had been trying to lock Tristan down, angling to move in together and get pregnant,' before the Cleveland Cavaliers player said he wanted to break up with her.
Khloe, 33, thought Thompson, 26, is her soulmate. "Plus, her clock was ticking pretty loudly. There was nothing she wanted more than to have a baby with him," said the source.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/Pierre-Ambroise-Bosse-s.jpg
World 800m champion Pierre-Ambroise Bosse sustained "multiple facial fractures" after a vicious late-night attack in the southwest Gironde region of France last weekend.
Bosse, 25, said on his Facebook page yesterday that he was the "victim of a violent attack" while on holiday and had been "brutally assaulted by three individuals".
He said he had suffered "unspeakable psychological damage" as a result of the incident and had been forced to put an early end to his season.
"Me who has always loved people, I love three less of them today," Bosse wrote.
A police investigation is continuing after a complaint was filed, with authorities still on the hunt for the assailants.
According to the website of the Sud Ouest newspaper, the attack occurred at around 4:00 am (0200 GMT) on Sunday morning in the car park of the Gujan-Mestras casino.
Bosse had reportedly spent the night out with friends when he was approached by the three people, posing for a photo alongside them before events turned sour.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/aug/Wozniack-David-s.jpg
Danish tennis beauty Caroline Wozniacki in a recent conversation with defending US Open doubles champion Bethanie Mattek-Sands for the web series #GameSetMattektaking has spoken of how competitive she is even with boyfriend and NBA star David Lee.
"Lee and me are super competitive, but I would say I am up here on the competitive level and David is kind of more chilled out," Wozniacki told Mattek-Sands. So, does Lee beat her at tennis?*David Lee*
"No. But he doesn't get upset when I win and that upsets me because I'm like it takes it away from me. 'Get upset. Let me be like rub it in.' It takes away the whole thing of winning," added Wozniacki.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/Nick-Pain-s.jpg
Nick Kyrgios gave another scathing assessment of his dedication to tennis after losing in the first round of the US Open. Kyrgios, 22, hurt his right shoulder in the third set of his clash against fellow Australian John Millman and fell to a 6-3, 1-6, 6-4, 6-1 defeat.
Asked afterwards if he would be continuing his partnership with coach Sebastien Grosjean, Kyrgios said: "I'm not good enough for him. He's very dedicated. He's an unbelievable coach. He probably deserves a player that is probably more dedicated to the game than I am. He deserves a better athlete than me. "I'm not dedicated to the game at all. He's helped me a lot, especially with training sessions. There are players out there that are more dedicated, that want to get better, that strive to get better every day, I'm not that guy."
*'Not dedicated enough'*
Asked if he wanted to be more dedicated, Kyrgios said: "Probably not. In Cincinnati, I was not doing anything different. I was probably less dedicated than I was this week. And this week I was dedicated, and my shoulder starts hurting."
As for what he does next, a dejected Kyrgios said: "I don't know. I keep letting people down."
*Shapovalov beats Tsonga*
Canadian Denis Shapovalov stunned French eighth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) to became the youngest man in 10 years to reach the US Open third round.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/Rohit-Kohli-x-s.jpg
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma produced sublime centuries as India dented Sri Lanka's chances of a direct World Cup qualification with a thumping 168-run victory in the fourth ODI here yesterday.
Kohli (131 runs off 96 balls) and Rohit (104 off 88) made merry on a batting beauty to guide India to 375 for five, the highest total posted by a visiting team in an ODI in Sri Lanka. The final flourish was provided by comeback man Manish Pandey (50 not out off 42) and MS Dhoni (49 not out off 42), who achieved a memorable milestone of 300 ODIs.
Sri Lanka never looked like getting close to India's imposing total and could only manage 207 all out in 42.4 overs with Angelo Mathews' 70-run knock being the sole noteworthy batting performance. The heavy defeat was also Sri Lanka's biggest at home in terms of runs. India now lead the five-match series 4-0 and look set to complete another whitewash after blanking Sri Lanka in the preceding three Tests.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/sep/maria-angry-s.jpg
Maria Sharapova made the US Open last 32 on Wednesday, insisting she has instilled renewed fear into her rivals and rekindled the love from her fans.
The former World No. 1 and five-time major winner pulled off a 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 6-1 win over Timea Babos of Hungary, having seen off world number two Simona Halep on Monday.
*Wildcard justified*
"I think with the way that I played on Monday night, I don't think there are any more questions," said the 30-year-old when pushed on whether her spot in the tournament was justified. The 2006 champion, and guaranteed arena-filler, needed a wild card to play in New York after her prolonged absence from the sport had left her with a world ranking of 146.
"I definitely feel the respect from the athletes," Sharapova insisted. "Certainly when I play against them, in terms of the level they play. That's important to me. I think from a respect level, when you're able to respect your rivals and compatriots, that's really important, and I feel that.
"I've also had an amazing reaction from fans since I've been back, and that's been very special. I felt it while I was away. I felt it in a real presence since I've been back. It's a very special feeling."*Hungarian Timea Babos*
*Muguruza advances*
Reigning Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza reached the third round for the first time by defeating China's 92nd-ranked Duan Ying-Ying 6-4, 6-0.
The Spanish third seed can become the woman to beat in a seven-way fight for the world number one ranking by reaching the last 16 with a victory over Slovakian 31st seed Magdalena Rybarikova.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/aug/odi-ind-sl-s.jpg
Disciplined bowling from Jasprit Bumrah, Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav helped India defeat Sri Lanka by 168 runs at R. Premadasa Stadium here on Friday to go 4-0 up in their five-match One-Day International cricket series.
Bumrah, Pandya and Yadav picked up two wickets each. The hosts lost wickets at regular intervals to be bundled out for 207 runs in 42.4 overs in reply to the visitors' 375 runs.
Chasing the mammoth target of 376 runs, the hosts were off to a horrible start and were reduced to 68/4 in 16 overs.
Angelo Mathews (70) played a vital knock along with Milinda Siriwardana (39) to put up a 73-run stand before the latter was removed by Pandya.
Sri Lankan top order batsmen Niroshan Dickwella (14), Dilshan Munaweera (11), Kusal Mendis (1) and Lahiru Thirimanne (18) were sent packing by Indian bowlers within 16 overs of the inning.
Later Mathews and Siriwardana tried to bring the hosts back on track, but failed to keep going. Mathews' 80-ball innings was laced with 10 boundaries, while Siriwardana hit three fours and one six.
In the end, Akila Dananjaya (11), Akila Dananjaya (3), Vishwa Fernando (5), Lasith Malinga (0) all fell in quick succession as India maintained their winning streak.
Earlier, India rode on centuries by skipper Virat Kohli and opener Rohit Sharma to post 375/5 in their 50 overs.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/aug/Sachin-Roger-s.jpg
When in Central Park ð¾ð¤¹â pic.twitter.com/JOiFYETPqy
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) August 31, 2017
The Swiss tennis ace yesterday practised at one New York's public tennis courts in Central Park, ahead of his second-round US Open fixture against Mikhail Youzhny this evening.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/aug/Phelps-McGregor--s.jpg
All of this talk... Should we race as well?? @TheNotoriousMMA pic.twitter.com/l3JoMgb1qT
— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) August 29, 2017
Phelps posted the above poster on Twitter with the message: "All of this talk ... should we race as well?? @TheNotoriousMMA." Though the Irish fighter has not yet responded to Phelps' invitation, the fact that the Olympic champion's post was re-tweeted over 48,000 times shows that fans are kicked about the idea.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/aug/McGregor-Ronaldo-s.jpg
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight champion, Conor McGregor could pip Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in the latest Forbes rich list for sportspersons after the Irishman pocketed over £77m (Rs 636 crore) in his knockout defeat to American boxer Floyd Mayweather.
British daily, The Daily Post reported that when the two met last year, McGregor said, "You [Ronaldo] were number one on the Forbes list, I was like number 35 or something. I'll get up. Maybe next year I'll get you." To which, Ronaldo had replied: "I don't think so".
Ronaldo, 32, tops the current list with an earning of £71m (R585 crore) in 2016, And though the footballer's 2017 earnings is not yet known, the Portuguese star could go down to McGregor given the Irishman's career-high payday.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/aug/Dhoni-Shardul-s.jpg
Shardul Thakur is yet to get a game for India despite receiving his maiden call-up more than a year ago but the Mumbai pacer says he has been patiently preparing himself for the big moment all this while.
Thakur could be in line to make his international debut tomorrow when India take on Sri Lanka in the fourth ODI here.
Skipper Virat Kohli had promised rotation of players and Thakur could benefit from this move if India opt to rest Bhuvneshwar Kumar or Jasprit Bumrah.
"Over the past few years I have been working hard. Whenever I get a chance to play I should be ready. Keeping that in mind I always prepare for the game. Whether they play me or not that's the management's role. But if you ask me personally I just have to be ready for the game whenever I get the opportunity and I prepare accordingly," Thakur said today.
Thakur has been part of the Indian set-up since 2016 under Anil Kumble when he toured the West Indies. He has been waiting in the wings for his chance, but the call-up for the playing eleven until now.
Now, he is working closely with bowling coach Bharat Arun.
"When I first met him it was the Under-19 camp at the NCA. It was more of a technical camp where players perform when you go to the academy, work on your technique and get better. It's only my first assignment with him in the (Indian) team and so far it's been good. It's more of match-oriented things (that I discuss with him)," said Thakur.
"I feel whenever you move one level up - from domestic you go on to play IPL and from IPL you get selected to international cricket - the skill is always there. But you have got to prepare really well mentally because in international cricket the pressure is different and the pressure is different in domestic cricket,' he added.
He was included in the squad for the various home Test series as well, but was released to play in domestic cricket.
He then featured in the IPL for Rising Pune Supergiants. "It's not that difficult (to change formats) if you have practiced enough. It's just recollecting whatever you have practiced. In white-ball cricket, you'll need to use a lot of variations when needed whereas in red-ball cricket you just stick to your plans again and again.
"I feel, if you have the skills, you can play in any format of the game. It's just about your preparations and how you cope up with the different challenges of Test cricket, ODI cricket, and T20Is. If you ask me, you have to evolve every time there is a change in the format," he said.
MS Dhoni will be playing his 300th ODI on Thursday. Thakur played with him during the IPL and recalled his various experiences.
"I have always asked about his experiences. He always gave me his piece of mind when I asked him. Obviously, he's the wicketkeeper of the team so he has seen a lot of bowlers bowling from the other end, and very closely, like what do they do in a particular situation.
"Playing with him in the IPL was a great boost because in the match itself, I learnt a lot from him like when to use cross-seam deliveries and when to bowl seam-ups.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/aug/Jay-Cutler-s.jpg
Kristin Cavallari said that she keeps the spark alive in her relationship with her National Football League (NFL) star husband Jay Cutler by missing each other when they're apart. Cavallari, who has been married to Cutler since 2013, believes that the key to a successful marriage is always wanting to be around each other.
"It's kind of nice to miss each other. I think that's how we've always kind of kept our spark alive. Jay just signed with the Miami Dolphins, so he's in Florida. Some days it's crazy and I can't wait for bedtime and other days I'm like, 'Ok, it's actually not that bad'," she told E!'s Daily Pop.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/aug/Sachin-SRT-s.jpg
India icon Sachin Tendulkar urged his fellow Mumbaikars to contribute either in cash or kind to the residents of Shivaji Nagar, a massive slum that spills onto the Deonar dumping ground.
After Tuesday's deluge that brought the city to its knees, toxic waste has been entering the locality causing immense problems to the residents.
"Yesterday's storm has left behind a toxic stream of devastation that's impacting hundreds of lives at Shivaji Nagar. Apnalaya India's emergency response team has been reaching out to families whose homes are filled with toxic waste water.
"Drop off any of the following items at the below mentioned centres: Plastic sheets, milk powder, ready-to-eat food, small towels, windcheaters, sanitary napkins, umbrellas, rice, dal, etc," Tendulkar wrote on Facebook yesterday.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/aug/Sharjeel-Khan-s.jpg
Tainted Pakistan batsman Sharjeel Khan has decided to appeal against the five-year ban imposed on him by the Anti-Corruption Tribunal of the Pakistan Cricket Board for his role in spot-fixing in the PSL.
Sharjeel's lawyer Shaighan Ejaz confirmed to PTI that a decision has been taken to appeal the ban but on what grounds the appeal would be filed would be decided after the full order of the tribunal comes out by September 7.
"Yes we have decided that we will appeal the ban as we have our reservations over the tribunal finding Sharjeel guilty of three major charges which include doing spot-fixing and agreeing to spot-fix a match in the Pakistan Super League," Ejaz said.
A source close to Sharjeel said the batsman was not willing to carry the slur of being a spot-fixer all his life. "Sharjeel is adamant he will not accept this tag of being branded as a spot-fixer even though the verdict handed down by the tribunal in its short order technically means he can resume playing cricket after one year and 10 months," the
source said.
"Sharjeel has also conveyed to the cricket board he is not satisfied with the decision as the tribunal has found him guilty of two major charges. He is willing to accept the
charges of being made an offer and not informing the competent authorities on time about it. But not more," the source said.
Shaighan Ejaz insisted that he was surprised by the tribunal finding Sharjeel guilty of major charges as the PCB had failed to submit any evidence against his client during the course of the tribunal hearings.
"When the Board could not produce any evidence against Sharjeel confirming that he agreed to spot-fix a match in the PSL, we are not happy with the decision and we plan to appeal it when the time comes," Ejaz added.
The tribunal has banned Sharjeel starting from February 10 this year when he was initially suspended by the Board under the anti-corruption code of the PCB during the PSL and sent back home from Dubai.
Ejaz said that the Board had failed to produce any witnesses or video or audio recordings or pictures confirming that Sharjeel met with the bookmaker and accepted an offer to spot-fix in the PSL match.
"There is no question of any financial transaction taking place between my client and this bookmaker and nothing of this sort was shown before the tribunal. There is no evidence to suggest Sharjeel did spot-fixing at any time," he said.
The lawyer made it clear that there were some glaring loopholes in the case against his client and unanswered questions.
"The way we look at it the board's anti-corruption unit took a hurried decision and the board came up with this story about Sharjeel spot-fixing and they have not been able to prove it," he said.
Tafazzul Rizvi, the PCB legal advisor, said that Sharjeel and the Board both had option of lodging an appeal against the tribunal decision.
"We have reservations that despite being charged on all counts, the tribunal did not impose any fine on Sharjeel. We also have issues with two years and six months of his five-year ban being a suspended sentence," Rizvi said.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/aug/Venus-Williams-tennis-s.jpg
Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams showcased a remarkable performance as she knocked out big-hitting Frenchwoman Oceane Dodin in straight sets to storm into the third round of the US Open here on Thursday.
The American tennis star, who needed three sets to get past Grand Slam debutante Viktoria Kuzmova, was much sharper against Dodin as she eased past her in a one-sided second round clash 7-5, 6-4 that lasted one hour and 28 minutes under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Although Dodin made late pushes after falling behind 2-5 in each stage at one point of time, Williams proved too experienced as she struck 32 winners to just 14 unforced errors against the 20-year-old's 20 winners and 27 errors to come out victorious.
Venus will now cross swords with Greek star Maria Sakkari for a place in the fourth round.
The 37-year-old is bidding to clinch her third US Open crown after reaching the Wimbledon and Australian Open finals this year.
Venus, who has not won the title at Flushing Meadows since 2001, had earlier made it to her first Grand Slam final since 2009 when she slumped to a defeat at the hands of Garbine Muguruza at Wimbledon earlier this year.
http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/aug/hummels-swim-s.jpg
Mats Hummels will be ticked off by Germany's management after posting a video of him jumping from a balcony into a swimming pool —days before key World Cup qualifiers. Hummels posted a video on Instagram on Tuesday, shot on a break in Croatia of him leaping into a pool and narrowly missing the edge on landing. The centre-back posted: "Looks more spectacular than it actually is. #donttrythisathome," alongside the video, which attracted lots of comments from fans urging the World Cup winner to be more careful.
Hummels' daredevil video, which attracted almost 300,000 views on Instagram, did not impress Germany's management so close to internationals.
Sieht spektakulärer aus als es eigentlich ist / looks more spectacular than it actually is ð #donottrythisathome @goodcama
A post shared by Mats Hummels - Bruder von JH17 (@aussenrist15) onAug 28, 2017 at 9:19am PDT
"It would have been worse if he'd jumped in head first. We're not the social media police, yet we will point out that he is a role model,' Germany's team manager Oliver Bierhoff said. Reported by Mid-Day 11 hours ago.