<p>The first qualifier of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 will be held between the two best teams of the eleventh season -&nbsp;Hyderabad and Chennai -&nbsp;at Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Hyderabad ended on top of the IPL 2018 Points Table with 18 points, while Chennai finished second, by run-rate.</p>

<p>The ‘Yellow Brigade’ returned to winning ways after defeating R Ashwin-led Punjab by five wickets in the last league match, while Hyderabad’s campaign toppled as they <span style="background:white">lost their last three games played against Chennai, Bangalore and Kolkata.</span></p>

<p>The MS Dhoni-led team has beaten the Kane Williamson outfit on both occasions that they have previously met this year in the league stage.</p>

<p>As the winner sails straight into the final slated for May 27, the match promises to be quite a contest.</p>

<p>Throughout the tournament, Hyderabad have been overtly dependent on skipper Kane Williamson.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/meet-the-top-four-teams-of-ipl-2018--138479">Meet the top four teams of IPL 2018</a></strong></p>

<p>He has been in red-hot form to rise to the number two slot in the leading run-getters' list with 661 runs.</p>

<p>Kane along with opener Shikhar Dhawan, who took some time to get going, have shown consistency with the bat. The left-handed batsman has made 437 runs which includes four half-centuries.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, their bowling attack is in contrast to their batting ways.</p>

<p>Barring the last few games, the bowlers’ capability to defend paltry totals have been the talking point of the season.</p>

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<p>They have Sidharth Kaul and Sandeep Sharma to rely on. Overseas spinners Rashid Khan and Shakib Al Hasan add depth to their line.</p>

<p>The advantage they have over Chennai is their death-overs specialist Bhuvneshwar Kumar. MS Dhoni is yet to find one for his team.</p>

<p>Chennai, on the other hand, have a plus point that they are not dependent on selected players, although Ambati Rayudu has been their standout performer with 586 runs.</p>

<p>Shane Watson, 438 runs, too has been in top form along with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.</p>

<p>The form of key batsman Suresh Raina, who anchored the innings splendidly against Punjab with an unbeaten 61, is another encouraging sign.</p>

<p>The outstanding spell of South African Lungi Ngidi, who grabbed 4 for 10 to take the man of the match award last night, could not have come at a more opportune time for the Super Kings.</p>

<p>With Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar and Dwayne Bravo doing their bit on the pace bowling front, Chennai will be banking on spin twins Harbhajan Singh and Ravindra Jadeja to deliver in the middle overs.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a<span style="background:white"> win here will take Chennai to their seventh IPL final, since its inception, while the loser the loser will be playing Qualifier 2 in Kolkata on May 25.</span></p>


Dhoni-led team has beaten the Kane outfit on both occasions that they have previously met in the league stage

The first qualifier of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 will be held between the two best teams of the eleventh season - Hyderabad and Chennai - at Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday. Hyderabad ended on top of the IPL 2018 Points Table with 18 points, while Chennai finished second, by run-rate. The ‘Yellow Brigade’ returned to winning ways after defeating R Ashwin-led Punjab by five wickets in the last league match, while Hyderabad’s campaign toppled as they lost their last three games played against Chennai, Bangalore and Kolkata. The MS Dhoni-led team has beaten the Kane Williamson outfit on both occasions that they have previously met this year in the league stage. As the winner sails straight into the final slated for May 27, the match promises to be quite a contest. Throughout the tournament, Hyderabad have been overtly dependent on skipper Kane Williamson. Also read: Meet the top four teams of IPL 2018 He has been in red-hot form to rise to the number two slot in the leading run-getters' list with 661 runs. Kane along with opener Shikhar Dhawan, who took some time to get going, have shown consistency with the bat. The left-handed batsman has made 437 runs which includes four half-centuries. Meanwhile, their bowling attack is in contrast to their batting ways. Barring the last few games, the bowlers’ capability to defend paltry totals have been the talking point of the season. × They have Sidharth Kaul and Sandeep Sharma to rely on. Overseas spinners Rashid Khan and Shakib Al Hasan add depth to their line. The advantage they have over Chennai is their death-overs specialist Bhuvneshwar Kumar. MS Dhoni is yet to find one for his team. Chennai, on the other hand, have a plus point that they are not dependent on selected players, although Ambati Rayudu has been their standout performer with 586 runs. Shane Watson, 438 runs, too has been in top form along with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The form of key batsman Suresh Raina, who anchored the innings splendidly against Punjab with an unbeaten 61, is another encouraging sign. The outstanding spell of South African Lungi Ngidi, who grabbed 4 for 10 to take the man of the match award last night, could not have come at a more opportune time for the Super Kings. With Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar and Dwayne Bravo doing their bit on the pace bowling front, Chennai will be banking on spin twins Harbhajan Singh and Ravindra Jadeja to deliver in the middle overs. Meanwhile, a win here will take Chennai to their seventh IPL final, since its inception, while the loser the loser will be playing Qualifier 2 in Kolkata on May 25.

IPL 2018 Qualifier 1: Chennai, Hyderabad to battle to seal final berth

<p>Antonio Conte has warned Chelsea he will never change his demanding ways as the FA Cup winning boss waits to discover if he will be sacked.</p>

<p>Conte ended a troubled season on a high note thanks to Chelsea's 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Saturday's final at Wembley.</p>

<p>Eden Hazard's first half penalty was followed by a backs to the wall display as Conte won the second trophy of his two-year reign in what may prove his final game in charge.</p>

<p>Whether FA Cup glory will be enough to convince Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich not to sack Conte remains in doubt after the Blues finished fifth in the Premier League and missed out on Champions League qualification.</p>

<p>The Italian has been embroiled in a turbulent campaign marred by his feud with the club's hierarchy over their failure to back his transfer plans following last season's Premier League title triumph.</p>

<p>Conte is also said to have infuriated several Chelsea stars with his intense personality and regimented training sessions.</p>

<p>But the former Juventus and Italy coach is adamant his managerial style has made him a "serial winner" who should be respected.</p>

<p>In a clear warning that he will never stop pushing his players or demanding boardroom backing, Conte emerged from the jubilant Chelsea dressing room to send a defiant message to his club.</p>

<p>Still soaked in champagne from the post-match celebrations, Conte said: "After two years the club knows me very well. If they want to continue to work with me, they know me.&nbsp</p>

<p>"I can't change. My way is always the same hard work and to build a strong mentality with my players.</p>

<p>"I can't change. I'm this and I think my past speaks very clear as a player and as a manager.&nbsp</p>

<p>"You can say what you want, but I'm a serial winner.</p>

<p>"I showed this in England in a difficult moment for the club. I've showed this today, because we found the right way to win this trophy.</p>

<p>"There are moments that you have a lot of questions for yourself. To win in this way this season gives me more satisfaction than my wins in the past."</p>

<p><strong>'We must be honest'</strong><br />
Conte, who won three Serie A titles with Juventus, has one year left on his contract after signing an improved deal without an extension at the end of last season.</p>

<p>But the 48-year-old has given the impression for much of the season that he would have no problem leaving Stamford Bridge because he knows he would still be in demand from top clubs.</p>

<p>Asked if he expects to be in charge next season, Conte said he would respect whatever decision was taken.</p>

<p>"I always say I'm committed to this club, to respect my contract," he said.</p>

<p>"As you know very well our job is not simple. I understand that the club can make a decision, a positive decision, a negative decision. I'm the first to understand.</p>

<p>"I'm the coach of a great, important club. It's right that the club demands of me a lot. For sure we'll make the best decision."</p>

<p>In truth, Conte may have burned too many bridges to stay with Chelsea amid speculation that former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique and Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri are Abramovich's top targets to succeed him.</p>

<p>In another swipe at Chelsea's refusal to sign his top targets last year, he added: "As you know very well I predicted the difficulty at the start of the season.</p>

<p>"To miss a place in the Champions League is not good for a club like Chelsea.</p>

<p>"We must be honest to tell this. But at the same time you have to know the real situation.</p>

<p>"There is the possibility with this group of players we did the maximum."</p>

<p>If Conte does leave, it will be despite the support of Chelsea's fans, who serenaded him as he joined in the celebrations on the Wembley turf.</p>

<p>"After these two seasons I will always love this colour, these fans, this club. Even if my future must be in a different way," he said.</p>


Chelsea beat Manchester United 1-0 in the final Saturday. Despite the win, Conte could still be sacked

Antonio Conte has warned Chelsea he will never change his demanding ways as the FA Cup winning boss waits to discover if he will be sacked. Conte ended a troubled season on a high note thanks to Chelsea's 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Saturday's final at Wembley. Eden Hazard's first half penalty was followed by a backs to the wall display as Conte won the second trophy of his two-year reign in what may prove his final game in charge. Whether FA Cup glory will be enough to convince Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich not to sack Conte remains in doubt after the Blues finished fifth in the Premier League and missed out on Champions League qualification. The Italian has been embroiled in a turbulent campaign marred by his feud with the club's hierarchy over their failure to back his transfer plans following last season's Premier League title triumph. Conte is also said to have infuriated several Chelsea stars with his intense personality and regimented training sessions. But the former Juventus and Italy coach is adamant his managerial style has made him a "serial winner" who should be respected. In a clear warning that he will never stop pushing his players or demanding boardroom backing, Conte emerged from the jubilant Chelsea dressing room to send a defiant message to his club. Still soaked in champagne from the post-match celebrations, Conte said: "After two years the club knows me very well. If they want to continue to work with me, they know me. "I can't change. My way is always the same hard work and to build a strong mentality with my players. "I can't change. I'm this and I think my past speaks very clear as a player and as a manager. "You can say what you want, but I'm a serial winner. "I showed this in England in a difficult moment for the club. I've showed this today, because we found the right way to win this trophy. "There are moments that you have a lot of questions for yourself. To win in this way this season gives me more satisfaction than my wins in the past." 'We must be honest' Conte, who won three Serie A titles with Juventus, has one year left on his contract after signing an improved deal without an extension at the end of last season. But the 48-year-old has given the impression for much of the season that he would have no problem leaving Stamford Bridge because he knows he would still be in demand from top clubs. Asked if he expects to be in charge next season, Conte said he would respect whatever decision was taken. "I always say I'm committed to this club, to respect my contract," he said. "As you know very well our job is not simple. I understand that the club can make a decision, a positive decision, a negative decision. I'm the first to understand. "I'm the coach of a great, important club. It's right that the club demands of me a lot. For sure we'll make the best decision." In truth, Conte may have burned too many bridges to stay with Chelsea amid speculation that former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique and Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri are Abramovich's top targets to succeed him. In another swipe at Chelsea's refusal to sign his top targets last year, he added: "As you know very well I predicted the difficulty at the start of the season. "To miss a place in the Champions League is not good for a club like Chelsea. "We must be honest to tell this. But at the same time you have to know the real situation. "There is the possibility with this group of players we did the maximum." If Conte does leave, it will be despite the support of Chelsea's fans, who serenaded him as he joined in the celebrations on the Wembley turf. "After these two seasons I will always love this colour, these fans, this club. Even if my future must be in a different way," he said.

'I'll never change,' Chelsea's Conte says after winning FA cup

<p>Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said he is focused on making sure his side finish the season with a trophy in Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester United rather than commenting on speculation over his future at Stamford Bridge.</p>

<p>A 3-0 defeat at Newcastle United on the final day of the Premier League season ended Chelsea's hopes of Champions League qualification as they finished fifth in the standings.</p>

<p>According to British media reports, Conte is expected to leave the London side at the end of the campaign after disagreements with the club hierarchy over transfer policy.</p>

<p>When asked if the final at Wembley will be his last game with Chelsea, Conte said: "I don't know.</p>

<p>"For sure I think we must be focused on tomorrow's game. For us this game is very important because we have, in a difficult season, to finish the season with a trophy.</p>

<p>"It's always important for the players, for the coach, for the manager, for our fans, for the club, to finish the season with a trophy.</p>

<p>"We're focused on this target. We have to try to do everything to win the game tomorrow."</p>

<p>Saturday's clash pits Conte against United manager Jose Mourinho, who won the FA Cup with Chelsea in 2007.</p>

<p>The duo have been involved in a war of words since the start of last season but they shook hands during their league meeting at Old Trafford in February.</p>

<p>"There is a normal relationship between him and me," Conte added. "I will shake his hand tomorrow, for sure. And then we will think about the game."</p>

<p>Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard believes victory at Wembley can salvage a disappointing season.</p>

<p>"At the moment we have nothing," the 27-year-old Belgian told reporters. "We are not qualified for the Champions League next season, so this season has been bad.</p>

<p>"We can save a little bit of the season with this trophy, so we will give everything. I never won the FA Cup in six years. I hope this year is for me and for Chelsea."</p>


Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said he is focused on making sure his side finish the season with a trophy

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said he is focused on making sure his side finish the season with a trophy in Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester United rather than commenting on speculation over his future at Stamford Bridge. A 3-0 defeat at Newcastle United on the final day of the Premier League season ended Chelsea's hopes of Champions League qualification as they finished fifth in the standings. According to British media reports, Conte is expected to leave the London side at the end of the campaign after disagreements with the club hierarchy over transfer policy. When asked if the final at Wembley will be his last game with Chelsea, Conte said: "I don't know. "For sure I think we must be focused on tomorrow's game. For us this game is very important because we have, in a difficult season, to finish the season with a trophy. "It's always important for the players, for the coach, for the manager, for our fans, for the club, to finish the season with a trophy. "We're focused on this target. We have to try to do everything to win the game tomorrow." Saturday's clash pits Conte against United manager Jose Mourinho, who won the FA Cup with Chelsea in 2007. The duo have been involved in a war of words since the start of last season but they shook hands during their league meeting at Old Trafford in February. "There is a normal relationship between him and me," Conte added. "I will shake his hand tomorrow, for sure. And then we will think about the game." Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard believes victory at Wembley can salvage a disappointing season. "At the moment we have nothing," the 27-year-old Belgian told reporters. "We are not qualified for the Champions League next season, so this season has been bad. "We can save a little bit of the season with this trophy, so we will give everything. I never won the FA Cup in six years. I hope this year is for me and for Chelsea."

Antonio Conte focused on securing FA Cup success amid Chelsea exit talk

<p>World No. 1 Roger Federer extended his season win streak to 17 matches, booking his spot in the Indian Wells Masters final by rallying past Borna Coric 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 on Saturday.</p>

<p>The Swiss superstar survived a stern test from world number 49 Coric but managed to hold on for a 17-0 record this year.</p>

<p>He surpassed his prior career-best calendar year start in 2006 when he opened with 16 wins.</p>

<p>&quot;It took a while to get the record,&quot; Federer said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;But I&#39;m happy. It was just a fighting match, It didn&#39;t come easy, so I had to go get it. I got a little bit lucky. I hung tough and put a lot of effort into it to get the record,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>Federer said it&#39;s time to focus on finals now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;The focus has to be the finals right now. But it&#39;s nice to get off to a good start this year, and I hope I can play well again tomorrow.&quot;</p>

<p>The defending champion will be aiming for a record sixth Indian Wells title when he squares off against world number eight Juan Martin Del Potro in Sunday&#39;s championship match.</p>

<p>The 36-year-old Federer said he had to draw on every ounce of experience and mental toughness to pull out the match.</p>

<p>&quot;Margins are slim at the top of the game,&quot; he said. &quot;And I have been there so many times. You just hope to take the right decisions along the way, and then it ends up falling your way.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;But for that you need to have a very positive mindset. You need to be match-tough, you need to be confident, have experience, and I think I have a bit of all of that right now.&quot;</p>

<p>Federer clinched the match when Coric hit a shot wide. The ball was called out but Coric challenged and after the video review the original call was confirmed.</p>


The Swiss superstar survived a stern test from world number 49 Coric

World No. 1 Roger Federer extended his season win streak to 17 matches, booking his spot in the Indian Wells Masters final by rallying past Borna Coric 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 on Saturday. The Swiss superstar survived a stern test from world number 49 Coric but managed to hold on for a 17-0 record this year. He surpassed his prior career-best calendar year start in 2006 when he opened with 16 wins. "It took a while to get the record," Federer said. "But I'm happy. It was just a fighting match, It didn't come easy, so I had to go get it. I got a little bit lucky. I hung tough and put a lot of effort into it to get the record," he added. Federer said it's time to focus on finals now. "The focus has to be the finals right now. But it's nice to get off to a good start this year, and I hope I can play well again tomorrow." The defending champion will be aiming for a record sixth Indian Wells title when he squares off against world number eight Juan Martin Del Potro in Sunday's championship match. The 36-year-old Federer said he had to draw on every ounce of experience and mental toughness to pull out the match. "Margins are slim at the top of the game," he said. "And I have been there so many times. You just hope to take the right decisions along the way, and then it ends up falling your way." "But for that you need to have a very positive mindset. You need to be match-tough, you need to be confident, have experience, and I think I have a bit of all of that right now." Federer clinched the match when Coric hit a shot wide. The ball was called out but Coric challenged and after the video review the original call was confirmed.

Indian Wells Masters: Roger Federer to face Del Potro in final

<p>India reached the final of the Nidahas Twenty20 tri-series with a convincing -run win over Bangladesh at R Premadasa stadium, here today.</p>

<p>Skipper Rohit Sharma produced a 89-run knock while Suresh Raina contributed 47 in India&#39;s innings.</p>

<p>India off-spinner Washington Sundar took three wickets to unsettle the top-order, paving the way for India&#39;s win.</p>

<p>For Bangladesh, Mushfiqur Rahim scored unbeaten 72.</p>

<p>Brief Scores:</p>

<p>India: 176 for 3 in 20 overs. (R Sharma 89, S Raina 47; Rubel Hossain 2/27).</p>

<p>Bangladesh: 159 for 6 in 20 overs. (M Rahim 72 not out, S Rahman 27; W Sundar 3/22).&nbsp;</p>


Skipper Rohit Sharma produced an 89-run knock while Suresh Raina contributed 47 to India's innings

India reached the final of the Nidahas Twenty20 tri-series with a convincing -run win over Bangladesh at R Premadasa stadium, here today. Skipper Rohit Sharma produced a 89-run knock while Suresh Raina contributed 47 in India's innings. India off-spinner Washington Sundar took three wickets to unsettle the top-order, paving the way for India's win. For Bangladesh, Mushfiqur Rahim scored unbeaten 72. Brief Scores: India: 176 for 3 in 20 overs. (R Sharma 89, S Raina 47; Rubel Hossain 2/27). Bangladesh: 159 for 6 in 20 overs. (M Rahim 72 not out, S Rahman 27; W Sundar 3/22).

Nidahas Trophy: India reach final with 17-run win over Bangladesh

<p>Elina Svitolina is set ready to meet Daria Kasatkina in the final of Dubai Championship on February 24 at 8:30 PM as Svitolina beat Angelique Kerber 6-3, 6-3 and in a stunner match,&nbsp;Kasatkina saw off&nbsp;Garbine Muguruza 3-6, 7-6 (13/11), 6-1, saving three match points in her semi-final which lasted two and a half hours to reach the finals. Svitolina is hoping to become just the third woman after Justine Henin and Venus Williams to win back-to-back Dubai titles.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">One more final here in Dubai ???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/DDFTennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DDFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/wrbSX3q07p">pic.twitter.com/wrbSX3q07p</a></p>
&mdash; Elina Svitolina (@ElinaSvitolina) <a href="https://twitter.com/ElinaSvitolina/status/967117062521925633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;I&#39;m very pleased to be in the final again,&quot; said Svitolina after her fifth consecutive victory over Kerber.</p>

<p>&quot;It was a tough battle. I played well in the tight moments, I tried to focus only on what I had to do on court and let nothing else into my mind.</p>

<p>&quot;It should be a good final, Daria is playing well, and she&#39;s won some tough matches.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;It was not my best day, I was trying to find my rhythm. But especially in my serve, I couldn&#39;t find it,&quot; the 30-year-old German said.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/DKasatkina?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DKasatkina</a> talks about the &quot;fighting spirit&quot; that got her across the finish line and into the <a href="https://twitter.com/DDFTennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DDFTennis</a> final. <a href="https://t.co/ZpcdWz0ifb">pic.twitter.com/ZpcdWz0ifb</a></p>
&mdash; WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/967104293705728002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;I was just trying to fight for every ball because Garbine, she&#39;s playing unbelievable,&quot; Kasatkina said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;She&#39;s a very tough opponent. She&#39;s hitting so hard, playing so fast. I was just trying to do whatever I could.</p>

<p>&quot;Before the match I was really, really tired. When you&#39;re going on court, the adrenaline is coming.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;You start to run, blood start to run into your body, that&#39;s it. You&#39;re just focused on every ball. The tired is somewhere, going somewhere.&quot;</p>

<p>Muguruza was aiming to become only the fifth player to reach both Doha and Dubai finals in the same season having lost to Petra Kvitova in Qatar last weekend.</p>

<p>&quot;My game was fine. I feel I really struggled physically because I&#39;ve been playing so many matches in a row. Today was very physical,&quot; Muguruza said.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Svitolina is hoping to become just the third woman after Justine Henin and Venus Williams to win back-to-back Dubai titles

Elina Svitolina is set ready to meet Daria Kasatkina in the final of Dubai Championship on February 24 at 8:30 PM as Svitolina beat Angelique Kerber 6-3, 6-3 and in a stunner match, Kasatkina saw off Garbine Muguruza 3-6, 7-6 (13/11), 6-1, saving three match points in her semi-final which lasted two and a half hours to reach the finals. Svitolina is hoping to become just the third woman after Justine Henin and Venus Williams to win back-to-back Dubai titles. One more final here in Dubai ???????? @DDFTennis pic.twitter.com/wrbSX3q07p — Elina Svitolina (@ElinaSvitolina) February 23, 2018 × "I'm very pleased to be in the final again," said Svitolina after her fifth consecutive victory over Kerber. "It was a tough battle. I played well in the tight moments, I tried to focus only on what I had to do on court and let nothing else into my mind. "It should be a good final, Daria is playing well, and she's won some tough matches." "It was not my best day, I was trying to find my rhythm. But especially in my serve, I couldn't find it," the 30-year-old German said. .@DKasatkina talks about the "fighting spirit" that got her across the finish line and into the @DDFTennis final. pic.twitter.com/ZpcdWz0ifb — WTA (@WTA) February 23, 2018 × "I was just trying to fight for every ball because Garbine, she's playing unbelievable," Kasatkina said. "She's a very tough opponent. She's hitting so hard, playing so fast. I was just trying to do whatever I could. "Before the match I was really, really tired. When you're going on court, the adrenaline is coming." "You start to run, blood start to run into your body, that's it. You're just focused on every ball. The tired is somewhere, going somewhere." Muguruza was aiming to become only the fifth player to reach both Doha and Dubai finals in the same season having lost to Petra Kvitova in Qatar last weekend. "My game was fine. I feel I really struggled physically because I've been playing so many matches in a row. Today was very physical," Muguruza said.

Dubai Championship: Elina Svitolina to meet Daria Kasatkina in final

<p>World number one Roger Federer&nbsp;thrashed Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-2 in a one-sided final of the ABN Amro World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam to claim his 97th title.</p>

<p>In the Open era, only American Jimmy Connors has won more titles with 109.</p>

<p>Federer surpasses Andre Agassi, who held the top spot aged 33 years and 131 days in 2003, as the oldest man to claim the world number one spot.</p>

<p>It is Federer&#39;s first time back at the summit since October 2012 having first claimed the top position in February 2004.</p>

<p>The 36-year-old said, &quot;What a fantastic week. The goal at start of week was to make it to the semi-finals. This is absolutely amazing, I&#39;m really pleased.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">And that&#39;s a wrap for the tournament ????! The last photo album of the week ????????️! <a href="https://t.co/GtkU3ebKFb">https://t.co/GtkU3ebKFb</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/abnamrowtt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#abnamrowtt</a> <a href="https://t.co/SZehK52z6P">pic.twitter.com/SZehK52z6P</a></p>
&mdash; ABN AMRO WTT (@abnamrowtt) <a href="https://twitter.com/abnamrowtt/status/965279234477477889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>After winning the title he gave a hilarious statement in the post-match interview, &quot;I will definitely check out the new ranking on Monday morning. To make sure that no mistake has been made.&quot;</p>

<p>Federer will now decide within a few days whether or not to travel to Dubai for the ATP event starting a week from Monday.</p>

<p>Federer has a home and training base in the UAE and has won the hardcourt tournament seven times.</p>

<p>His effort in Rotterdam appeared to take little out of him physically, with his only loss of a set coming in the quarter-final against Robin Haase.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you Rotterdam! You broke the record for attendance.. 120k people! It was an amazing atmosphere ???????????????? <a href="https://t.co/yAVl8woRgH">pic.twitter.com/yAVl8woRgH</a></p>
&mdash; Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/965325841788907520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Roger Federer thrashed Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-2 in a one-sided final of the ABN Amro World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam to claim his 97th title

World number one Roger Federer thrashed Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-2 in a one-sided final of the ABN Amro World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam to claim his 97th title. In the Open era, only American Jimmy Connors has won more titles with 109. Federer surpasses Andre Agassi, who held the top spot aged 33 years and 131 days in 2003, as the oldest man to claim the world number one spot. It is Federer's first time back at the summit since October 2012 having first claimed the top position in February 2004. The 36-year-old said, "What a fantastic week. The goal at start of week was to make it to the semi-finals. This is absolutely amazing, I'm really pleased." And that's a wrap for the tournament ????! The last photo album of the week ????????️! https://t.co/GtkU3ebKFb #abnamrowtt pic.twitter.com/SZehK52z6P — ABN AMRO WTT (@abnamrowtt) February 18, 2018 × After winning the title he gave a hilarious statement in the post-match interview, "I will definitely check out the new ranking on Monday morning. To make sure that no mistake has been made." Federer will now decide within a few days whether or not to travel to Dubai for the ATP event starting a week from Monday. Federer has a home and training base in the UAE and has won the hardcourt tournament seven times. His effort in Rotterdam appeared to take little out of him physically, with his only loss of a set coming in the quarter-final against Robin Haase. Thank you Rotterdam! You broke the record for attendance.. 120k people! It was an amazing atmosphere ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/yAVl8woRgH — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) February 18, 2018 ×

World number one Roger Federer claims Rotterdam Open

<p>Caroline Wozniacki won the first set of the Australian Open women`s final 7-6 (7/2) against Simona Halep as she attempts to claim a first-ever Grand Slam title on Saturday.</p>

<p>The imposing Dane got an early break to go 2-0 up and it went with serve until Halep pounced to break back for 4-5 and take it to a tiebreak.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wozniacki quickly took charge, winning the tiebreak 7-2 when Halep sent a forehand into the net.</p>

<p>Halep and Wozniacki are looking for their first. They are both in their third major decider but have never won.</p>

<p>Wozniacki, 27, has long carried the unwanted moniker of best player never to claim a major, having reached the US Open final in 2009 and 2014, and first becoming number one in 2010.</p>

<p>She is in her 43rd Grand Slam appearance and desperate to get off the mark.</p>

<p>&quot;I always believed in myself,&quot; she said. &quot;I knew that if I can stay healthy and I work hard, my game is good enough for it.&quot;</p>

<p>Her hard work was rewarded with a renaissance in 2017, reaching eight finals -- winning in Tokyo and at the season-ending WTA Finals, where she banished another hoodoo by registering a first career win over Venus Williams.</p>

<p>She continued her sparkling form at the start of this year and has 10 wins and only one defeat, to Julia Goerges in the warm-up Auckland final.</p>

<p>The gritty Halep, 26, made her only previous Grand Slam final appearances at Roland Garros in 2014 and 2017.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Romanian has only beaten Wozniacki twice in their six previous matches, the most recent meeting ending in a 6-0, 6-2 battering by the Dane at the 2017 WTA Finals in Singapore.</p>

<p>&quot;The way she&#39;s playing, she&#39;s not missing,&quot; said Halep of Wozniacki. &quot;She&#39;s running very well. So she&#39;s a strong opponent. I played her many times. I won against her few times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;It&#39;s going to be a different match. Emotions are there. Pressures are there for both of us. We&#39;ll see what is going to happen.&quot;</p>


Wozniacki won the tiebreak 7-2 when Halep sent a forehand into the net

Caroline Wozniacki won the first set of the Australian Open women`s final 7-6 (7/2) against Simona Halep as she attempts to claim a first-ever Grand Slam title on Saturday. The imposing Dane got an early break to go 2-0 up and it went with serve until Halep pounced to break back for 4-5 and take it to a tiebreak. Wozniacki quickly took charge, winning the tiebreak 7-2 when Halep sent a forehand into the net. Halep and Wozniacki are looking for their first. They are both in their third major decider but have never won. Wozniacki, 27, has long carried the unwanted moniker of best player never to claim a major, having reached the US Open final in 2009 and 2014, and first becoming number one in 2010. She is in her 43rd Grand Slam appearance and desperate to get off the mark. "I always believed in myself," she said. "I knew that if I can stay healthy and I work hard, my game is good enough for it." Her hard work was rewarded with a renaissance in 2017, reaching eight finals -- winning in Tokyo and at the season-ending WTA Finals, where she banished another hoodoo by registering a first career win over Venus Williams. She continued her sparkling form at the start of this year and has 10 wins and only one defeat, to Julia Goerges in the warm-up Auckland final. The gritty Halep, 26, made her only previous Grand Slam final appearances at Roland Garros in 2014 and 2017. The Romanian has only beaten Wozniacki twice in their six previous matches, the most recent meeting ending in a 6-0, 6-2 battering by the Dane at the 2017 WTA Finals in Singapore. "The way she's playing, she's not missing," said Halep of Wozniacki. "She's running very well. So she's a strong opponent. I played her many times. I won against her few times. "It's going to be a different match. Emotions are there. Pressures are there for both of us. We'll see what is going to happen."

Australian Open: Caroline Wozniacki wins first set of final match

<p>Caroline Wozniacki is one match away from ending her Grand Slam title drought after overcoming a late wobble to beat unseeded Elise Mertens and reach the Australian Open final Thursday.</p>

<p>The Danish world number two won 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) in 1hr 37min after almost allowing the world number 37 a way back when serving for the match at 5-4, and seemingly in complete control.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two double faults enabled Mertens, in her first semi-final at this level on her Australian Open debut, to level at 5-5.</p>

<p>Serving to take it to a tiebreak at 5-6 Wozniacki then needed to save three sets points before sealing the match in the tiebreak.</p>

<p>&quot;It means so much to me.&quot; she said after reaching her maiden Australian Open final and her first Grand Slam decider since 2014, where she will play either top seed Simona Halep or the 2016 Melbourne Park champion Angelique Kerber on Saturday.</p>

<p>&quot;I got really tight at 5-4. I thought &#39;calm down it&#39;s all good&#39;. It wasn&#39;t good anymore. Served a couple of double faults.</p>

<p>&quot;Normally I am really calm so once I started feeling really nervous, it felt like my legs were shaking a bit.</p>

<p>&quot;I just took a few deep breaths and once she had set point, I said: &#39;Well, I guess it is a third set. Just need to go forward&#39;.&quot;</p>

<p>Wozniacki has never quite lived up to the hype in the majors -- this will be just her third Grand Slam final appearance, nine years after her first at the US Open in 2009.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 27-year-old rose to the top of the world rankings in 2010 but has only made the title match at a Grand Slam once since then, also at Flushing Meadows in 2014.</p>

<p>Mertens, in only her fifth Grand Slam appearance and Australian Open debut, signalled her intent to attack from the start, standing inside the baseline to receive Wozniacki&#39;s second serve.</p>

<p><strong>Aggressive overtures</strong><br />
It was a high-risk strategy and with Wozniacki repelling all the Belgian&#39;s aggressive overtures, the errors began to flow at regular intervals from Mertens&#39; racket.</p>

<p>Serving at 1-3, 15-40, a netted forehand, her fifth unforced error on that wing, gave the Dane, back in a semi-final at Melbourne for the first time since 2011, the first break.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mertens, seeking to become the first Belgian since Kim Clijsters here in 2011 to reach a Slam final, kept up the attack and fashioned a break point in the next game but Wozniacki stood up to the challenge and held for 4-1.</p>

<p>Serving at 2-5, Mertens saved a set point when Wozniacki went long with a forehand. The Dane was unperturbed by the minor setback and held to love to seal a comfortable first set 6-3 after 38 minutes.</p>

<p>There was little between the pair in terms of winners in the first stanza, Wozniacki edging the count 13 to 12.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the unforced error count was telling -- the Dane committing just six while Mertens threw away 14 points.</p>

<p>The second set went with serve until the Dane&#39;s late wobble, before she finally made it through.</p>


The Danish world number two won 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) in 1hr 37min after almost allowing the world number 37 a way back when serving for the match at 5-4,

Caroline Wozniacki is one match away from ending her Grand Slam title drought after overcoming a late wobble to beat unseeded Elise Mertens and reach the Australian Open final Thursday. The Danish world number two won 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) in 1hr 37min after almost allowing the world number 37 a way back when serving for the match at 5-4, and seemingly in complete control. Two double faults enabled Mertens, in her first semi-final at this level on her Australian Open debut, to level at 5-5. Serving to take it to a tiebreak at 5-6 Wozniacki then needed to save three sets points before sealing the match in the tiebreak. "It means so much to me." she said after reaching her maiden Australian Open final and her first Grand Slam decider since 2014, where she will play either top seed Simona Halep or the 2016 Melbourne Park champion Angelique Kerber on Saturday. "I got really tight at 5-4. I thought 'calm down it's all good'. It wasn't good anymore. Served a couple of double faults. "Normally I am really calm so once I started feeling really nervous, it felt like my legs were shaking a bit. "I just took a few deep breaths and once she had set point, I said: 'Well, I guess it is a third set. Just need to go forward'." Wozniacki has never quite lived up to the hype in the majors -- this will be just her third Grand Slam final appearance, nine years after her first at the US Open in 2009. The 27-year-old rose to the top of the world rankings in 2010 but has only made the title match at a Grand Slam once since then, also at Flushing Meadows in 2014. Mertens, in only her fifth Grand Slam appearance and Australian Open debut, signalled her intent to attack from the start, standing inside the baseline to receive Wozniacki's second serve. Aggressive overtures It was a high-risk strategy and with Wozniacki repelling all the Belgian's aggressive overtures, the errors began to flow at regular intervals from Mertens' racket. Serving at 1-3, 15-40, a netted forehand, her fifth unforced error on that wing, gave the Dane, back in a semi-final at Melbourne for the first time since 2011, the first break. Mertens, seeking to become the first Belgian since Kim Clijsters here in 2011 to reach a Slam final, kept up the attack and fashioned a break point in the next game but Wozniacki stood up to the challenge and held for 4-1. Serving at 2-5, Mertens saved a set point when Wozniacki went long with a forehand. The Dane was unperturbed by the minor setback and held to love to seal a comfortable first set 6-3 after 38 minutes. There was little between the pair in terms of winners in the first stanza, Wozniacki edging the count 13 to 12. But the unforced error count was telling -- the Dane committing just six while Mertens threw away 14 points. The second set went with serve until the Dane's late wobble, before she finally made it through.

Australian Open: Wobbly Wozniacki beats Mertens to enter final

<p>Barcelona has entered the finals of Copa Del Rey&nbsp;after defeating Valencia in the second leg of semi-finals on Thursday at Mestalla.</p>

<p>Barcelona the defending champions have won the trophy in each of the last three campaigns&nbsp;will face Sevilla in the final set for the weekend of April 21 and 22 as Sevilla beat Leganes 2-0 on Wednesday to go through 3-1 on aggregate.</p>

<p>This time Sevilla is not in a mood to let this opportunity go and they warned Catalans ahead of the final clash.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???? <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBarcelona</a>... Congratulations on getting to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CopaDelRey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CopaDelRey</a> Final! It will be an honor to fight for the title with you once again. Don&#39;t bank on the same result as 2016 ????<br />
<br />
See you very soon... <a href="https://t.co/2rTyqmdwWA">pic.twitter.com/2rTyqmdwWA</a></p>
&mdash; Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) <a href="https://twitter.com/SevillaFC_ENG/status/961731046537662465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>FC Barcelona reached in the finals after defeating&nbsp;Valencia&nbsp;bt 2-0 in the second leg of the semi-final on Thursday as the newcomer&nbsp;Philippe Coutinho scored his first goal for the team and&nbsp;opened his account for Barcelona.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???? Post-game reaction from goalscorer <a href="https://twitter.com/Phil_Coutinho?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Phil_Coutinho</a> , debutant Yerry Mina and keeper Jasper Cillessen <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CopaBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CopaBar&ccedil;a</a> <a href="https://t.co/q3CrHGlIG0">pic.twitter.com/q3CrHGlIG0</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/961766869270069248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Brazilian super start made an impact by netting the ball in the 47th minute of the game, just within 4 minutes after his introduction to the game.</p>

<p>Phil teamed up with his former Liverpool buddy Luis Suarez and converted an excellent cross to put the holders 1-0 up and after that Ivan Rakitic scored in the 87th minute to take an unescapable lead to enter the finals of Copa Del Rey with a high.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???? Between our famous final in Eindhoven in 2006 and the 21st of April 2018 - when we play in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CopaDelRey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CopaDelRey</a> Final - 11 years, 11 months and 11 days will have passed ????<br />
<br />
???? <a href="https://t.co/PGaVeWCfpj">pic.twitter.com/PGaVeWCfpj</a></p>
&mdash; Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) <a href="https://twitter.com/SevillaFC_ENG/status/961701256543834112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Barcelona will face Sevilla in the final set on April 21 and 22

Barcelona has entered the finals of Copa Del Rey after defeating Valencia in the second leg of semi-finals on Thursday at Mestalla. Barcelona the defending champions have won the trophy in each of the last three campaigns will face Sevilla in the final set for the weekend of April 21 and 22 as Sevilla beat Leganes 2-0 on Wednesday to go through 3-1 on aggregate. This time Sevilla is not in a mood to let this opportunity go and they warned Catalans ahead of the final clash. ???? @FCBarcelona... Congratulations on getting to the #CopaDelRey Final! It will be an honor to fight for the title with you once again. Don't bank on the same result as 2016 ???? See you very soon... pic.twitter.com/2rTyqmdwWA — Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) February 8, 2018 × FC Barcelona reached in the finals after defeating Valencia bt 2-0 in the second leg of the semi-final on Thursday as the newcomer Philippe Coutinho scored his first goal for the team and opened his account for Barcelona. ???? Post-game reaction from goalscorer @Phil_Coutinho , debutant Yerry Mina and keeper Jasper Cillessen #CopaBarça pic.twitter.com/q3CrHGlIG0 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 9, 2018 × The Brazilian super start made an impact by netting the ball in the 47th minute of the game, just within 4 minutes after his introduction to the game. Phil teamed up with his former Liverpool buddy Luis Suarez and converted an excellent cross to put the holders 1-0 up and after that Ivan Rakitic scored in the 87th minute to take an unescapable lead to enter the finals of Copa Del Rey with a high. ???? Between our famous final in Eindhoven in 2006 and the 21st of April 2018 - when we play in the #CopaDelRey Final - 11 years, 11 months and 11 days will have passed ???? ???? pic.twitter.com/PGaVeWCfpj — Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) February 8, 2018 ×

Sevilla FC warns FC Barcelona ahead of Copa Del Rey final

<p>Barcelona entered the finals of Copa Del Rey&nbsp;after defeating Valencia in the second leg of semi-finals on Thursday at Mestalla.</p>

<p>Philippe Coutinho scored his first goal for the team and&nbsp;opened his account for Barcelona.</p>

<p>The Brazilian super start made an impact by netting the ball in the 47th minute of the game, just within 4 minutes after his introduction to the game.</p>

<p>Phil teamed up with his former Liverpool buddy Luis Suarez and converted a excellent cross to put the holders 1-0 up and after that Ivan Rakitic scored in the 87th minute to take an unescapable lead to enter the finals of Copa Del Rey with a high.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="es">????⚽ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CopaBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CopaBar&ccedil;a</a><br />
???? [Valencia v Bar&ccedil;a]<br />
???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/For%C3%A7aBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#For&ccedil;aBar&ccedil;a</a> <a href="https://t.co/8zebzrThhI">pic.twitter.com/8zebzrThhI</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/961747765977075713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;For me it is my first final, so it is a very special moment,&quot; Coutinho told Spanish TV station Gol.</p>

<p>&quot;I am very happy. I had been searching for this goal in my first few matches. Today I got it and it helped the team get through to the final,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>Earlier, Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde had opted for Andre Gomes instead of Coutinho but amid the game the coach&nbsp;replaced ineffective Gomes in the second half with the 160 million-euro worth Coutinho.</p>

<p>Winners of the trophy in each of the last three campaigns, the Catalans will face Sevilla in the final set for the weekend of April 21 and 22 as Sevilla beat Leganes 2-0 on Wednesday to go through 3-1 on aggregate.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???? Coutinho: &quot;I feel happy to have scored my first goal for Bar&ccedil;a and have helped the team get to the final. It&#39;s a special moment&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CopaBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CopaBar&ccedil;a</a> <a href="https://t.co/5Ua0ZvDxGb">pic.twitter.com/5Ua0ZvDxGb</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/961737158347427840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


"For me it is my first final, so it is a very special moment," said Coutinho after the match

Barcelona entered the finals of Copa Del Rey after defeating Valencia in the second leg of semi-finals on Thursday at Mestalla. Philippe Coutinho scored his first goal for the team and opened his account for Barcelona. The Brazilian super start made an impact by netting the ball in the 47th minute of the game, just within 4 minutes after his introduction to the game. Phil teamed up with his former Liverpool buddy Luis Suarez and converted a excellent cross to put the holders 1-0 up and after that Ivan Rakitic scored in the 87th minute to take an unescapable lead to enter the finals of Copa Del Rey with a high. ????⚽ #CopaBarça ???? [Valencia v Barça] ???????? #ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/8zebzrThhI — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 8, 2018 × "For me it is my first final, so it is a very special moment," Coutinho told Spanish TV station Gol. "I am very happy. I had been searching for this goal in my first few matches. Today I got it and it helped the team get through to the final," he added. Earlier, Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde had opted for Andre Gomes instead of Coutinho but amid the game the coach replaced ineffective Gomes in the second half with the 160 million-euro worth Coutinho. Winners of the trophy in each of the last three campaigns, the Catalans will face Sevilla in the final set for the weekend of April 21 and 22 as Sevilla beat Leganes 2-0 on Wednesday to go through 3-1 on aggregate. ???? Coutinho: "I feel happy to have scored my first goal for Barça and have helped the team get to the final. It's a special moment" #CopaBarça pic.twitter.com/5Ua0ZvDxGb — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 8, 2018 ×

Barcelona enters Copa del Rey final, Coutinho scores opener

<p>Defending champion Pusarla Venkata Sindhu of India stormed into the final of the India Open badminton tournament Saturday to set up a title clash with American Beiwen Zhang in New Delhi.</p>

<p>Top-seeded Sindhu, 22, eased past third-seeded Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand 21-13, 21-15 in the semi-final that lasted 48 minutes.</p>

<p>The lanky Sindhu displayed admirable maturity against former world No.1 Intanon in the last-four encounter, as she dominated proceedings in front of a raucous home crowd.</p>

<p>Earlier, fifth-seed Zhang&nbsp;had a tough outing against Cheung Ngan Yi of Hong Kong but prevailed 14-21, 21-12, 21-19.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FLASH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FLASH</a> PV Sindhu enters Women&#39;s single final in India Open Badminton defeating Ratchanok Intanon by 21-13, 21-15 in semi final (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/lEWjHXLf6s">pic.twitter.com/lEWjHXLf6s</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/959842551707598850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>In men&#39;s action, China&#39;s Shi Yuqi staved off stiff competition from Iskandar Zulkarnain to enter the finals of the BWF World Tour Super 500 tournament.</p>

<p>The fourth-seeded Yuqi set up an exciting title clash with Taiwan&#39;s Chou Tien Chen, who beat Qiao Bin of China 23-21, 21-16.</p>

<p>But Yuqi was pushed to the limit in the semi-final that lasted one hour and nine minutes before getting past Zulkarnain of Malaysia 18-21, 21-10, 21-19.</p>

<p>Zulkarnain, who came in as a qualifier, got past some top names in the league stage including home favourite and second-seed Kidambi Srikanth in the last-16 clash.</p>

<p>The tournament saw top women shuttlers falter with India&#39;s Saina Nehwal and Carolina Marin of Spain losing out in the quarter-finals.</p>

<p>World number one Viktor Axelsen also pulled out on the eve of the $350,000 tournament, taking some sheen out of the men&#39;s field.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Top-seeded Sindhu, 22, eased past third-seeded Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand 21-13, 21-15 in the semi-final that lasted 48 minutes

Defending champion Pusarla Venkata Sindhu of India stormed into the final of the India Open badminton tournament Saturday to set up a title clash with American Beiwen Zhang in New Delhi. Top-seeded Sindhu, 22, eased past third-seeded Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand 21-13, 21-15 in the semi-final that lasted 48 minutes. The lanky Sindhu displayed admirable maturity against former world No.1 Intanon in the last-four encounter, as she dominated proceedings in front of a raucous home crowd. Earlier, fifth-seed Zhang had a tough outing against Cheung Ngan Yi of Hong Kong but prevailed 14-21, 21-12, 21-19. #FLASH PV Sindhu enters Women's single final in India Open Badminton defeating Ratchanok Intanon by 21-13, 21-15 in semi final (File pic) pic.twitter.com/lEWjHXLf6s — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2018 × In men's action, China's Shi Yuqi staved off stiff competition from Iskandar Zulkarnain to enter the finals of the BWF World Tour Super 500 tournament. The fourth-seeded Yuqi set up an exciting title clash with Taiwan's Chou Tien Chen, who beat Qiao Bin of China 23-21, 21-16. But Yuqi was pushed to the limit in the semi-final that lasted one hour and nine minutes before getting past Zulkarnain of Malaysia 18-21, 21-10, 21-19. Zulkarnain, who came in as a qualifier, got past some top names in the league stage including home favourite and second-seed Kidambi Srikanth in the last-16 clash. The tournament saw top women shuttlers falter with India's Saina Nehwal and Carolina Marin of Spain losing out in the quarter-finals. World number one Viktor Axelsen also pulled out on the eve of the $350,000 tournament, taking some sheen out of the men's field.

PV Sindhu enters India Open badminton final, foils Intanon in semi-final

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/u-19-final-manjot-kalras-ton-takes-india-to-historic-fourth-world-cup-title-31660" target="_blank">India defeated three times World Champions Australia</a> by 8 wickets to register a memorable World Cup triumph in Mount Maunganui, Bay Oval, on Saturday. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Manjot Kalra played the most crucial knock of his career so far, smacking an unbeaten 101 to power India to their fourth ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup win.</p>

<p>As the ecstatic players celebrated India&#39;s fourth World Cup title, Indians took to their Twitter handles to congratulate the team for scripting history.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wishes poured in from every corner of the country, but the first among the wishes were of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, followed by former run-machine Sehwag and many prominent personalities.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">WITH GREAT TEAM WORK, BIG DREAMS WORK. Congratulations to our WORLD CHAMPIONS!! We are proud of you. A big congratulations to Rahul and Paras for their guidance. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICCU19CWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICCU19CWC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/w0heorY8g6">pic.twitter.com/w0heorY8g6</a></p>
&mdash; Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/959702494384394240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Every Indian is delighted, all credit to Rahul Dravid for committing himself to these young kids ,and a legend like him deserves to lay his hands on the WC. Only Fitting. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a></p>
&mdash; Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/959698117150105600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">One of the strongest U-19 teams we have ever seen. Outplaying every opponent they faced . They came, they saw, they conquered ????????. Special mentions to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RahulDravid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RahulDravid</a> Sir for inspiring this solid bunch of youngsters ???? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Champions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Champions</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/U19WorldCupFinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#U19WorldCupFinal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FutureStars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FutureStars</a></p>
&mdash; Karun Nair (@karun126) <a href="https://twitter.com/karun126/status/959698829065924608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When was the last time a world event ended up being dominated so much by one team? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICCU19CWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICCU19CWC</a></p>
&mdash; Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/959694240749146112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations Superstars!! It was definitely a result of a lot of hard work put together, no doubt. You guys were incredible from ball one of the tournament. Cherish these moments, celebrate hard, You guys deserved it ???????? IndVsAus <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/U19WorldCupFinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#U19WorldCupFinal</a></p>
&mdash; Murali Vijay (@mvj888) <a href="https://twitter.com/mvj888/status/959701079859646464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My lord that off drive from Shubman Gill! Frame that and put it in a museum already! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Class?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Class</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/U19WCFinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#U19WCFinal</a></p>
&mdash; Gaurav Kapur (@gauravkapur) <a href="https://twitter.com/gauravkapur/status/959674694105317376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to the young lads on winning <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/U19CWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#U19CWC</a>! Fantastic performances all around. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a></p>
&mdash; Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) <a href="https://twitter.com/anilkumble1074/status/959702119266824192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Former Australian cricketer&nbsp;Dean Jones also congratulated the Men in Blue on their stellar performance.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Well done India on winning your 4th U19 World Cup! Superbly coached by Rahul.. bad luck to our boys... good effort! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/U19WCFinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#U19WCFinal</a></p>
&mdash; Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) <a href="https://twitter.com/ProfDeano/status/959698597825593344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Chasing a modest 217 to win, India cruised past the target with as many as 67 balls to spare. Harvik Desai remained unbeaten on 47, whereas Shubman Gill had a rare failure as he fell for 31.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Indians took to their Twitter handles to congratulate the team for scripting history

India defeated three times World Champions Australia by 8 wickets to register a memorable World Cup triumph in Mount Maunganui, Bay Oval, on Saturday. Manjot Kalra played the most crucial knock of his career so far, smacking an unbeaten 101 to power India to their fourth ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup win. As the ecstatic players celebrated India's fourth World Cup title, Indians took to their Twitter handles to congratulate the team for scripting history. Wishes poured in from every corner of the country, but the first among the wishes were of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, followed by former run-machine Sehwag and many prominent personalities. WITH GREAT TEAM WORK, BIG DREAMS WORK. Congratulations to our WORLD CHAMPIONS!! We are proud of you. A big congratulations to Rahul and Paras for their guidance. #ICCU19CWC #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/w0heorY8g6 — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 3, 2018 × Every Indian is delighted, all credit to Rahul Dravid for committing himself to these young kids ,and a legend like him deserves to lay his hands on the WC. Only Fitting. #INDvAUS — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) February 3, 2018 × One of the strongest U-19 teams we have ever seen. Outplaying every opponent they faced . They came, they saw, they conquered ????????. Special mentions to #RahulDravid Sir for inspiring this solid bunch of youngsters ???? #Champions #U19WorldCupFinal #FutureStars — Karun Nair (@karun126) February 3, 2018 × When was the last time a world event ended up being dominated so much by one team? #ICCU19CWC — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 3, 2018 × Congratulations Superstars!! It was definitely a result of a lot of hard work put together, no doubt. You guys were incredible from ball one of the tournament. Cherish these moments, celebrate hard, You guys deserved it ???????? IndVsAus #U19WorldCupFinal — Murali Vijay (@mvj888) February 3, 2018 × My lord that off drive from Shubman Gill! Frame that and put it in a museum already! #Class #U19WCFinal — Gaurav Kapur (@gauravkapur) February 3, 2018 × Congratulations to the young lads on winning #U19CWC! Fantastic performances all around. #INDvAUS — Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) February 3, 2018 × Former Australian cricketer Dean Jones also congratulated the Men in Blue on their stellar performance. Well done India on winning your 4th U19 World Cup! Superbly coached by Rahul.. bad luck to our boys... good effort! #U19WCFinal — Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) February 3, 2018 × Chasing a modest 217 to win, India cruised past the target with as many as 67 balls to spare. Harvik Desai remained unbeaten on 47, whereas Shubman Gill had a rare failure as he fell for 31.

With great teamwork, big dreams work: Tendulkar to U-19 World Champions

<p>Argentines German Ballejo and Magdalena Gutierrez brought home on Tuesday (August 22) the first place trophy in the&nbsp;salon, or pisto,&nbsp;tango&nbsp;category of the 2017&nbsp;Tango&nbsp;World Cup.</p>

<p>The soulful, dramatic dance at Buenos Aires&#39; Luna Park stadium is a highlight of the annual festival that celebrates the traditional song and dance of the South American nation.</p>

<p>Buenos Aires natives Ballejo and Gutierrez won with 9.450 points awarded by the seven-member jury while Jose Luis Salvo and Carla Rossi, also from Buenos Aires, took second place.</p>

<p>Almost 500 couples entered the competition and 41 reached the final in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires.</p>

<p>The winners received a $60,000 prize and a trip to Paris.</p>


The soulful, dramatic dance at Buenos Aires' Luna Park stadium is a highlight of the annual festival that celebrates the traditional song and dance of the South American nation

Argentines German Ballejo and Magdalena Gutierrez brought home on Tuesday (August 22) the first place trophy in the salon, or pisto, tango category of the 2017 Tango World Cup. The soulful, dramatic dance at Buenos Aires' Luna Park stadium is a highlight of the annual festival that celebrates the traditional song and dance of the South American nation. Buenos Aires natives Ballejo and Gutierrez won with 9.450 points awarded by the seven-member jury while Jose Luis Salvo and Carla Rossi, also from Buenos Aires, took second place. Almost 500 couples entered the competition and 41 reached the final in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires. The winners received a $60,000 prize and a trip to Paris.

Argentine couple wins The Salon Tango 2017 World Cup

Football threw up another unlikely hero on Sunday when journeyman professional Eder scored the goal that won Euro 2016 for Portugal.<br />
<br />
Coach Fernando Santos said the &quot;ugly duckling has become beautiful&quot; after Eder, jeered by Portugal fans during a game in March, fired in a long-range goal 11 minutes from the end of extra-time to give Portugal an unexpected 1-0 win.<br />
<br />
Cristiano Ronaldo has dominated the Portuguese team for the last decade but, after the three-times world player of the year limped off injured, it was the 28-year-old Eder, born in Guinea-Bissau, who stole the headlines.<br />
<br />
Eder played 13 games for English Premier League Swansea City without scoring a goal last season before being loaned to French club Lille.<br />
<br />
&quot;I felt that Fernando Santos knows about my qualities ever since the day the squad was named,&quot; Eder told reporters. &quot;He put his confidence in me and today, I paid him back. I&#39;m very happy.&quot;<br />
<br />
His presence in the 23-man squad was in doubt until the very last minute and his goal on Sunday was only his fourth in 29 international appearances.<br />
<br />
Eder is one of five members of the Portuguese squad who were born outside Europe along with Danilo (Guinea Bissau), Pepe (Brazil), Nani (Cape Verde) and William Carvalho (Angola).<br />
<br />
Full name Ederzito Antonio Macedo Lopes, he has never played for any of the big three clubs in his homeland.<br />
<br />
After starting his career with third tier side Tourizense, he moved on to Academica Coimbra for four seasons before spending three seasons with slightly less unfashionable Braga.<br />
<br />
He made his international debut against Azerbaijan in 2014 but since then has only been a fringe player.<br />
<br />
Eder was brought on in the 79th minute of Sunday&#39;s game after Santos decided he needed a more physical presence in attack.<br />
<br />
&quot;I understood that Eder was the player who had to come on to hold up the ball in attack and create problems for France in the air,&quot; Santos said.<br />
<br />
&quot;When he went on, he said he would score the goal, and he did. He deserves congratulations. The ugly duckling turned into a beautiful one.&quot;<br />
<br />
(Reuters)

Portuguese coach Fernando Santos says of goalscorer Eder, whose presence in the 23-man squad was in doubt till the very last minute

Football threw up another unlikely hero on Sunday when journeyman professional Eder scored the goal that won Euro 2016 for Portugal. Coach Fernando Santos said the "ugly duckling has become beautiful" after Eder, jeered by Portugal fans during a game in March, fired in a long-range goal 11 minutes from the end of extra-time to give Portugal an unexpected 1-0 win. Cristiano Ronaldo has dominated the Portuguese team for the last decade but, after the three-times world player of the year limped off injured, it was the 28-year-old Eder, born in Guinea-Bissau, who stole the headlines. Eder played 13 games for English Premier League Swansea City without scoring a goal last season before being loaned to French club Lille. "I felt that Fernando Santos knows about my qualities ever since the day the squad was named," Eder told reporters. "He put his confidence in me and today, I paid him back. I'm very happy." His presence in the 23-man squad was in doubt until the very last minute and his goal on Sunday was only his fourth in 29 international appearances. Eder is one of five members of the Portuguese squad who were born outside Europe along with Danilo (Guinea Bissau), Pepe (Brazil), Nani (Cape Verde) and William Carvalho (Angola). Full name Ederzito Antonio Macedo Lopes, he has never played for any of the big three clubs in his homeland. After starting his career with third tier side Tourizense, he moved on to Academica Coimbra for four seasons before spending three seasons with slightly less unfashionable Braga. He made his international debut against Azerbaijan in 2014 but since then has only been a fringe player. Eder was brought on in the 79th minute of Sunday's game after Santos decided he needed a more physical presence in attack. "I understood that Eder was the player who had to come on to hold up the ball in attack and create problems for France in the air," Santos said. "When he went on, he said he would score the goal, and he did. He deserves congratulations. The ugly duckling turned into a beautiful one." (Reuters)

The 'ugly duckling has become beautiful'

India, powered by seamer Jasprit Bumrah&#39;s 4-22, crushed Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in third and final One-day International (ODI) series whitewash at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.<br />
<br />
Zimbabwe made five changes for the third and final ODI, but it made no difference as they were bowled out for 123.<br />
<br />
India required less than 22 overs to chase a target of 124, as Lokesh Rahul made an unbeaten 63 and Faiz Fazal marked his international debut with 55 not out.<br />
<br />
The two teams begin a three-match Twenty20 international series at the same venue on Saturday.<br />
<br />
(AFP)

KL Rahul made an unbeaten 63, Faiz Fazal marked his international debut with a 55 not out

India, powered by seamer Jasprit Bumrah's 4-22, crushed Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in third and final One-day International (ODI) series whitewash at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. Zimbabwe made five changes for the third and final ODI, but it made no difference as they were bowled out for 123. India required less than 22 overs to chase a target of 124, as Lokesh Rahul made an unbeaten 63 and Faiz Fazal marked his international debut with 55 not out. The two teams begin a three-match Twenty20 international series at the same venue on Saturday. (AFP)

India thrash Zimbabwe in third ODI, win series 3-0

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