<p>The master of swing and seam, Irfan Pathan is considered as one of the most talented pacers of India. Irfan, who has played all formats of cricket made his debut for India in the 2003-04 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.</p>

<p>A cool and humble cricketer, who is known for his fair and honest approach to playing the game in any situation. He was one of the core members of Indian national team but saw an unfortunate decline in his career after the year 2006. He has witnessed many ups and downs since then.</p>

<p>He played for Delhi team for Indian Premier League 2012 and was picked by Hyderabad in the year 2014 for the same tournament and currently, he is one of the analysts at the ongoing edition of IPL.</p>

<p>In 2016, Irfan took the wedding vows in a low-key affair with a Jeddah-based model, Safa Baig and the couple got blessed with a baby boy on December 20, 2016.</p>

<p>Papa Irfan was recently found telling bedtime stories to his baby Imran.&nbsp</p>

<p><em>Watch the video here:</em></p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0 padding:0 4px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BhjESWdhChF/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">#Repost @imrankpathan_official with @get_repost ・・・ ?Story Time! This is what happens when daddy @irfanpathan_official comes back from work late at night. #IPL #Toddler #Travel #Horse</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/irfanpathan_official/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Irfan Pathan</a> (@irfanpathan_official) on <time datetime="2018-04-14T10:43:59+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">Apr 14, 2018 at 3:43am PDT</time></p>
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<p>In his career, Irfan has taken 173 wickets and he also holds the World record for the double – 1000 runs and 100 wickets in the quickest time in an ODI career.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0 padding:0 4px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BhUlT0-B0xZ/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">Had a long day but coming back to room seeing this little boy up n waiting for me is the best feeling. Thank u @tubazafir for day2 #ipl outfit #blessed</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/irfanpathan_official/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Irfan Pathan</a> (@irfanpathan_official) on <time datetime="2018-04-08T19:43:05+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">Apr 8, 2018 at 12:43pm PDT</time></p>
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Irfan was recently found telling bedtime stories to his baby Imran

The master of swing and seam, Irfan Pathan is considered as one of the most talented pacers of India. Irfan, who has played all formats of cricket made his debut for India in the 2003-04 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. A cool and humble cricketer, who is known for his fair and honest approach to playing the game in any situation. He was one of the core members of Indian national team but saw an unfortunate decline in his career after the year 2006. He has witnessed many ups and downs since then. He played for Delhi team for Indian Premier League 2012 and was picked by Hyderabad in the year 2014 for the same tournament and currently, he is one of the analysts at the ongoing edition of IPL. In 2016, Irfan took the wedding vows in a low-key affair with a Jeddah-based model, Safa Baig and the couple got blessed with a baby boy on December 20, 2016. Papa Irfan was recently found telling bedtime stories to his baby Imran. Watch the video here: #Repost @imrankpathan_official with @get_repost ・・・ ?Story Time! This is what happens when daddy @irfanpathan_official comes back from work late at night. #IPL #Toddler #Travel #Horse A post shared by Irfan Pathan (@irfanpathan_official) on Apr 14, 2018 at 3:43am PDT × In his career, Irfan has taken 173 wickets and he also holds the World record for the double – 1000 runs and 100 wickets in the quickest time in an ODI career. Had a long day but coming back to room seeing this little boy up n waiting for me is the best feeling. Thank u @tubazafir for day2 #ipl outfit #blessed A post shared by Irfan Pathan (@irfanpathan_official) on Apr 8, 2018 at 12:43pm PDT ×

Watch: Irfan Pathan telling bedtime stories to his son

<p>Lionel Messi, the Argentine star has spent his entire life with FC Barcelona. He started his career at Camp Nou and has earned accolades for the club. Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency as a child and then he moved to Spain to join Spanish giants Barcelona, who agreed to pay for his medical treatment.</p>

<p>Five-time Ballon d'Or winner, Messi signed his first contract as a senior team player on his 18th birthday and that contract had a validity till 2010, which eventually extended further.</p>

<p>On June&nbsp;24, 2005,&nbsp;he marked his entry in one of the most prestigious clubs of Spain.</p>

<p>In the presence of Messi, Barcelona have won 30 trophies, including eight LaLiga titles, four UEFA Champions League titles, and five Copas del Rey titles.</p>

<p>Argentine star, Lionel Messi plays as a forward for Barcelona and the Argentina national team and is considered as one of the greatest players of all time. He scored over 600 senior career goals for club and country.</p>

<p>On April 18, in the season 2006-2007, Messi scored a stunner against Getafe CF, when he showcased his football skills to net almost an impossible goal. He started his run from the center and dribbled past the goalkeeper and several other defenders to score the stunning goal.</p>

<p><em>Let's take a look back at one of the most mesmerizing goals in the history of LaLiga.</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">G⚽️AL MORNING!!!<br />
? OMG <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a><br />
? 11 years ago <a href="https://t.co/0EaBv55Wxs">pic.twitter.com/0EaBv55Wxs</a></p>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/986516046969372672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OnThisDay?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OnThisDay</a> 1⃣1⃣ years ago ?? Leo Messi did this for <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBarcelona</a><br />
?...<a href="https://t.co/UvCBio57at">pic.twitter.com/UvCBio57at</a></p>
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAcom/status/986578667244609536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Five-time Ballon d'Or winner signed his first contract as a senior team player on his 18th birthday

Lionel Messi, the Argentine star has spent his entire life with FC Barcelona. He started his career at Camp Nou and has earned accolades for the club. Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency as a child and then he moved to Spain to join Spanish giants Barcelona, who agreed to pay for his medical treatment. Five-time Ballon d'Or winner, Messi signed his first contract as a senior team player on his 18th birthday and that contract had a validity till 2010, which eventually extended further. On June 24, 2005, he marked his entry in one of the most prestigious clubs of Spain. In the presence of Messi, Barcelona have won 30 trophies, including eight LaLiga titles, four UEFA Champions League titles, and five Copas del Rey titles. Argentine star, Lionel Messi plays as a forward for Barcelona and the Argentina national team and is considered as one of the greatest players of all time. He scored over 600 senior career goals for club and country. On April 18, in the season 2006-2007, Messi scored a stunner against Getafe CF, when he showcased his football skills to net almost an impossible goal. He started his run from the center and dribbled past the goalkeeper and several other defenders to score the stunning goal. Let's take a look back at one of the most mesmerizing goals in the history of LaLiga. G⚽️AL MORNING!!! ? OMG #Messi ? 11 years ago pic.twitter.com/0EaBv55Wxs — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 18, 2018 × #OnThisDay 1⃣1⃣ years ago ?? Leo Messi did this for @FCBarcelona ?...pic.twitter.com/UvCBio57at — FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) April 18, 2018 ×

Throwback: This is what Lionel Messi did 11 years ago for FC Barcelona

<p>By:&nbsp<strong>Mukesh Bansal</strong></p>

<p>The eleventh edition of Indian Premier League is underway with its campaign 'Best vs Best.'&nbsp</p>

<p>As the tournament is moving forward, young talents, including international players, have already exhibited their 'best' side to prove their worth.&nbsp</p>

<p>Though these young guns are naive when it comes to IPL format,&nbsptheir fearless intent on the ground is quite appreciable. Their skills have even left many cricket legends stunned.&nbsp</p>

<p>What outstands them is their clarity on how to play their game.&nbsp</p>

<p>When we mention young champs, it includes names who have a created a niche for themselves.&nbsp</p>

<p>Nitish Rana, who scored a sparkling 50 against Delhi and the way he manoeuvres his gameplay, displays his character and class. He played few magnificent shots against experienced bowlers like Trent Boult and Chris Morris. His few wristy shots were a delight to watch.&nbsp</p>

<p>Another player is Rajasthan's Sanju Samson. He played a special knock of 92 in just 45 balls, with a strike rate over 200 against Delhi.&nbsp</p>

<p>In the match against Bangalore, Suryakumar Yadav was given the opportunity to open for Mumbai. He made himself count and earned skipper's faith after he smashed some brilliant strokes.&nbsp</p>

<p>Another young gun is Rishab Pant, who scored 138 runs in 4 matches, with a strike rate of nearly 170.</p>

<p>The player has left many impressed with his skills and might get the opportunity to play in the Indian Cricket Team.&nbsp</p>

<p>Apart from Indian boys, some overseas young cricketers have also left an impact with their brilliant performances. The list starts with bowlers Rashid Khan and Mujeeb-ur Rahman.</p>

<p>They both have shown tremendous courage when it comes to playing with the variations, line and length.</p>

<p>Also, Mayank Markande of Mumbai team has been showing his spinning skills in the ongoing tournament. So far, he has taken seven wickets in three matches.&nbsp</p>

<p>The tournament has just started and there is still a long way to go. But if they continue with the same momentum, their cricketing future is absolutely secured.</p>

<p>Subhnam Gill, Shivam Mavi, Tom Curran,&nbspSarfaraz Khan and Murugan Ashwin are the other names who have managed to impress selectors with their performance.&nbsp</p>

<p>By the times this year's IPL will come to an end, a plenty of talents would have unleashed their calibre.</p>

<p>The only thing that needs to be done is just wait and watch.&nbsp</p>


As the tournament is moving forward, young talents, including international players, have already exhibited their 'best' side to prove their worth

By: Mukesh Bansal The eleventh edition of Indian Premier League is underway with its campaign 'Best vs Best.' As the tournament is moving forward, young talents, including international players, have already exhibited their 'best' side to prove their worth. Though these young guns are naive when it comes to IPL format,&nbsptheir fearless intent on the ground is quite appreciable. Their skills have even left many cricket legends stunned. What outstands them is their clarity on how to play their game. When we mention young champs, it includes names who have a created a niche for themselves. Nitish Rana, who scored a sparkling 50 against Delhi and the way he manoeuvres his gameplay, displays his character and class. He played few magnificent shots against experienced bowlers like Trent Boult and Chris Morris. His few wristy shots were a delight to watch. Another player is Rajasthan's Sanju Samson. He played a special knock of 92 in just 45 balls, with a strike rate over 200 against Delhi. In the match against Bangalore, Suryakumar Yadav was given the opportunity to open for Mumbai. He made himself count and earned skipper's faith after he smashed some brilliant strokes. Another young gun is Rishab Pant, who scored 138 runs in 4 matches, with a strike rate of nearly 170. The player has left many impressed with his skills and might get the opportunity to play in the Indian Cricket Team. Apart from Indian boys, some overseas young cricketers have also left an impact with their brilliant performances. The list starts with bowlers Rashid Khan and Mujeeb-ur Rahman. They both have shown tremendous courage when it comes to playing with the variations, line and length. Also, Mayank Markande of Mumbai team has been showing his spinning skills in the ongoing tournament. So far, he has taken seven wickets in three matches. The tournament has just started and there is still a long way to go. But if they continue with the same momentum, their cricketing future is absolutely secured. Subhnam Gill, Shivam Mavi, Tom Curran,&nbspSarfaraz Khan and Murugan Ashwin are the other names who have managed to impress selectors with their performance. By the times this year's IPL will come to an end, a plenty of talents would have unleashed their calibre. The only thing that needs to be done is just wait and watch.

Blog: Young talents outclass experienced players in IPL 2018

<p>Manu Bhaker clinched gold in the women’s 10m air pistol event after she shot a qualifying CWG record score of 388/400 in her first appearance at the Games.</p>

<p>Bhaker was recently invited to a felicitation ceremony in Haryana and was insulted there. The images from the event clearly displayed that she was made sit on the floor.</p>

<p>Recently, Manu Bhaker made it absolutely clear that she made the gesture of sitting on the floor on her own. While interacting with media, she said that few elders were present at the event so she offered her seat to them and preferred to sit on the floor.</p>

<p>"During the felicitation ceremony, I sat on the ground on my own. There was space but I preferred to sit on the ground as few elders present at the event: Manu Bhaker," said CWG gold medallist Manu Bhaker.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">During the felicitation ceremony I sat on ground on my own. There was space but I preferred to sit on ground as few elders present at the event: Manu Bhaker, gold medal winner at Commonwealth Games 2018 on felicitation ceremony incident <a href="https://t.co/pqjyY0kSEm">pic.twitter.com/pqjyY0kSEm</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986499513216065536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat who won silver in women's freestyle 50 kg and Babita Kumari who bagged silver medal in women's freestyle 62 kg were also invited to the ceremony. The event was organised by Phogat Khap in the town of Charkhi Dadri.</p>


Manu Bhaker said that few elders were present at the event so she offered her seat to them and preferred to sit on the floor

Manu Bhaker clinched gold in the women’s 10m air pistol event after she shot a qualifying CWG record score of 388/400 in her first appearance at the Games. Bhaker was recently invited to a felicitation ceremony in Haryana and was insulted there. The images from the event clearly displayed that she was made sit on the floor. Recently, Manu Bhaker made it absolutely clear that she made the gesture of sitting on the floor on her own. While interacting with media, she said that few elders were present at the event so she offered her seat to them and preferred to sit on the floor. "During the felicitation ceremony, I sat on the ground on my own. There was space but I preferred to sit on the ground as few elders present at the event: Manu Bhaker," said CWG gold medallist Manu Bhaker. During the felicitation ceremony I sat on ground on my own. There was space but I preferred to sit on ground as few elders present at the event: Manu Bhaker, gold medal winner at Commonwealth Games 2018 on felicitation ceremony incident pic.twitter.com/pqjyY0kSEm — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat who won silver in women's freestyle 50 kg and Babita Kumari who bagged silver medal in women's freestyle 62 kg were also invited to the ceremony. The event was organised by Phogat Khap in the town of Charkhi Dadri.

Not insulted, I sat on the ground on my own: CWG gold medallist Manu Bhaker

<p>Mumbai surely had their worst beginning to their defending campaign as they got defeated thrice in a row in the ongoing in Indian Premier League 2018.</p>

<p>Rohit Sharma’s 'blue paltan' will look to get the first point of the season when they face beleaguered Bangalore at the Wankhede Stadium today.&nbsp</p>

<p>Both the games played at the Wankhede so far have gone down to the wire and on both occasions, Mumbai have had their chances to register a victory but failed to do so.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Virat Kohli-led Bangalore is having a roller coaster ride in the tournament with two defeats punctuated by a win.&nbsp</p>

<p>Both teams will honestly look to improve their run in this tournament for the top slots.&nbsp</p>

<p>Currently, Bangalore is at No. 6 while MI are languishing at the bottom of the table.</p>

<p>If seen their previous records, both the teams have faced each other 21 times in the IPL since 2008, with MI winning 13 as against RCB’s 8.</p>

<p>Mumbai have won the last four encounters played in 2016 and 2017.</p>

<p>The Kohli-led side started their season on the losing note to Kolkata but managed to register a convincing victory over Ashwin-led Punjab at home.</p>

<p>However, they again lost a high-scoring game to Rajasthan at home on Sunday but had put up a breathtaking performance.</p>

<p>The team's bowlers, especially Umesh Yadav broke the back of Punjab with a three-wicket burst in one over.&nbsp</p>

<p>However, he went for plenty against the Rajasthan who set up the highest total so far of the season, 217.</p>

<p><em>Watch here the match preview:</em></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, Mumbai posses&nbspa strong batting line up that threatened to score over 200 in their previous game before Delhi restricted them below that threshold.</p>

<p>And therefore, Virat Kohli needs to set right their bowling woes.</p>

<p>Mumbai's batting failed to rocket off in the first two games. Only two players including Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan have displayed consistent performance to help Mumbai set decent targets in all the three games.&nbsp</p>

<p>The move to promote Suryakumar has been a success but their best batsman, skipper Rohit, is yet to make a big contribution with the bat.</p>

<p>The Pandya brothers Hardik and Krunal along with giant West Indian Kieron Pollard too have not made big impacts in the first three games.</p>

<p>So overall, Kohli's side will be tough to defeat despite Mumbai playing at their home ground but if past results are considered then it Mumbai may open there this year's account.&nbsp</p>

<p><strong>Playing XI (TBC):</strong></p>

<p><strong>Mumbai:&nbsp</strong>Suryakumar Yadav, Evin Lewis, Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Mitchell McClenaghan, Mayank Markande, Jasprit Bumrah, Mustafizur Rahma</p>

<p><strong>Bangalore:</strong>&nbspQuinton de Kock, Parthiv Patel, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Mandeep Singh, Colin de Grandhomme, Washington Sundar, Chris Woakes, Umesh Yadav, Kulwant Khejroliya, Yuzvendra Chahal</p>


Rohit Sharma’s 'blue paltan' will look to get the first point of the season when they face beleaguered Bangalore at the Wankhede Stadium today

Mumbai surely had their worst beginning to their defending campaign as they got defeated thrice in a row in the ongoing in Indian Premier League 2018. Rohit Sharma’s 'blue paltan' will look to get the first point of the season when they face beleaguered Bangalore at the Wankhede Stadium today. Both the games played at the Wankhede so far have gone down to the wire and on both occasions, Mumbai have had their chances to register a victory but failed to do so. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli-led Bangalore is having a roller coaster ride in the tournament with two defeats punctuated by a win. Both teams will honestly look to improve their run in this tournament for the top slots. Currently, Bangalore is at No. 6 while MI are languishing at the bottom of the table. If seen their previous records, both the teams have faced each other 21 times in the IPL since 2008, with MI winning 13 as against RCB’s 8. Mumbai have won the last four encounters played in 2016 and 2017. The Kohli-led side started their season on the losing note to Kolkata but managed to register a convincing victory over Ashwin-led Punjab at home. However, they again lost a high-scoring game to Rajasthan at home on Sunday but had put up a breathtaking performance. The team's bowlers, especially Umesh Yadav broke the back of Punjab with a three-wicket burst in one over. However, he went for plenty against the Rajasthan who set up the highest total so far of the season, 217. Watch here the match preview: × Meanwhile, Mumbai posses&nbspa strong batting line up that threatened to score over 200 in their previous game before Delhi restricted them below that threshold. And therefore, Virat Kohli needs to set right their bowling woes. Mumbai's batting failed to rocket off in the first two games. Only two players including Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan have displayed consistent performance to help Mumbai set decent targets in all the three games. The move to promote Suryakumar has been a success but their best batsman, skipper Rohit, is yet to make a big contribution with the bat. The Pandya brothers Hardik and Krunal along with giant West Indian Kieron Pollard too have not made big impacts in the first three games. So overall, Kohli's side will be tough to defeat despite Mumbai playing at their home ground but if past results are considered then it Mumbai may open there this year's account. Playing XI (TBC): Mumbai: Suryakumar Yadav, Evin Lewis, Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Mitchell McClenaghan, Mayank Markande, Jasprit Bumrah, Mustafizur Rahma Bangalore:&nbspQuinton de Kock, Parthiv Patel, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Mandeep Singh, Colin de Grandhomme, Washington Sundar, Chris Woakes, Umesh Yadav, Kulwant Khejroliya, Yuzvendra Chahal

IPL 2018: Match preview of Mumbai vs Bangalore

<p>A circus bear used to open a&nbsp;soccer&nbsp;match in Russia's town of Pyatigorsk on Saturday (April 14) caused outrage from animal welfare groups.</p>

<p>The bear, named 'Tima', performed gestures and handed the match ball to the referee before the third-tier match between FC Mashuk-KMV and FC Angusht.</p>

<p>FC Angusht, who had initially shared the video, said that the bear was to be used in the World Cup opening ceremony, a claim which FIFA denied according to BBC.</p>

<p>FIFA World Cup will begin in Russia on June 14.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Monday, saying that it’s clear from the footage that “cruel training methods have been used” on the bear.<br />
<br />
Rustam Dudov, manager of the Mashuk club which arranged for the bear to perform, told the Sport Express newspaper Monday that the bear was</p>
— Стасов Антон (@Antonstasov1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Antonstasov1/status/986230441299578881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">How many blows have been given to this bear to make him perform in front of thousands of cheering idiots ?</p>
— Laura Libertini (@LauraLibertini1) <a href="https://twitter.com/LauraLibertini1/status/986201307303342080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The bear, named 'Tima', performed gestures and handed the match ball to the referee before the third-tier match between FC Mashuk-KMV and FC Angusht

A circus bear used to open a soccer match in Russia's town of Pyatigorsk on Saturday (April 14) caused outrage from animal welfare groups. The bear, named 'Tima', performed gestures and handed the match ball to the referee before the third-tier match between FC Mashuk-KMV and FC Angusht. FC Angusht, who had initially shared the video, said that the bear was to be used in the World Cup opening ceremony, a claim which FIFA denied according to BBC. FIFA World Cup will begin in Russia on June 14. Monday, saying that it’s clear from the footage that “cruel training methods have been used” on the bear. Rustam Dudov, manager of the Mashuk club which arranged for the bear to perform, told the Sport Express newspaper Monday that the bear was — Стасов Антон (@Antonstasov1) April 17, 2018 × How many blows have been given to this bear to make him perform in front of thousands of cheering idiots ? — Laura Libertini (@LauraLibertini1) April 17, 2018 ×

Watch: Bear 'performs' at soccer match, causes worldwide outrage

<p>Former world number one Novak Djokovic showed signs of rediscovering his form with a dominant 6-0 6-1 victory over Dusan Lajovic in the opening round of the Monte Carlo Masters on Monday.</p>

<p>Djokovic's start of the season was disrupted by an elbow surgery, and has since suffered defeats in consecutive opening matches at Indian Wells and Miami.</p>

<p>But there were no signs of his recent struggles as he kickstarted his claycourt campaign in style to record a victory over fellow Serb Lajovic in just 57 minutes.</p>

<p>Djokovic, a two-time winner at Monte Carlo, dropped just eight points as he wrapped up the first set with his opponent well off the pace.</p>

<p>Lajovic, ranked 93 in the world, offered resistance in the second set to level at 1-1 but failed to capitalise on a break point as the 12-time grand slam winner roared back to book a second round meeting with Borna Coric of Croatia.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Japan's Kei Nishikori came back from a set down to see off Czech 12th seed Tomas Berdych 4-6 6-2 6-1 and reach the second round.</p>

<p>Nishikori, who missed a large part of last season with a wrist injury, started the season in the Challenger Tour events before reaching the second round at Miami.</p>

<p>He was playing close to his best&nbsptennis&nbspdespite calling for a medical timeout for his troublesome wrist.</p>

<p>"It's not great but first match on clay, you know, I'm expecting little soreness," Nishikori said.</p>

<p>"Hopefully I have a day off tomorrow. If I have to play tomorrow, I got to be ready tonight."</p>

<p>The 28-year-old, who is making his first Monte Carlo appearance since 2012, will face Russian Daniil Medvedev in the next round.</p>

<p>World number 51 Jared Donaldson confronted an umpire after disagreeing with a call made in his first-round defeat by last-year's finalist Albert Ramos-Vinolas.</p>

<p>While 6-3 3-2 down, the 21-year-old American became outraged when a serve by the Spaniard was called in by Arnaud Gabas when he believed it was out.</p>

<p>Donaldson eventually lost 6-3 6-3 and apologised to Ramos-Vinolas but refused to shake Gabas' hand.</p>


Former world number one Novak Djokovic showed signs of rediscovering his form with a dominant 6-0 6-1 victory over Dusan Lajovic in the opening round of the Monte Carlo Masters

Former world number one Novak Djokovic showed signs of rediscovering his form with a dominant 6-0 6-1 victory over Dusan Lajovic in the opening round of the Monte Carlo Masters on Monday. Djokovic's start of the season was disrupted by an elbow surgery, and has since suffered defeats in consecutive opening matches at Indian Wells and Miami. But there were no signs of his recent struggles as he kickstarted his claycourt campaign in style to record a victory over fellow Serb Lajovic in just 57 minutes. Djokovic, a two-time winner at Monte Carlo, dropped just eight points as he wrapped up the first set with his opponent well off the pace. Lajovic, ranked 93 in the world, offered resistance in the second set to level at 1-1 but failed to capitalise on a break point as the 12-time grand slam winner roared back to book a second round meeting with Borna Coric of Croatia. Earlier in the day, Japan's Kei Nishikori came back from a set down to see off Czech 12th seed Tomas Berdych 4-6 6-2 6-1 and reach the second round. Nishikori, who missed a large part of last season with a wrist injury, started the season in the Challenger Tour events before reaching the second round at Miami. He was playing close to his best&nbsptennis&nbspdespite calling for a medical timeout for his troublesome wrist. "It's not great but first match on clay, you know, I'm expecting little soreness," Nishikori said. "Hopefully I have a day off tomorrow. If I have to play tomorrow, I got to be ready tonight." The 28-year-old, who is making his first Monte Carlo appearance since 2012, will face Russian Daniil Medvedev in the next round. World number 51 Jared Donaldson confronted an umpire after disagreeing with a call made in his first-round defeat by last-year's finalist Albert Ramos-Vinolas. While 6-3 3-2 down, the 21-year-old American became outraged when a serve by the Spaniard was called in by Arnaud Gabas when he believed it was out. Donaldson eventually lost 6-3 6-3 and apologised to Ramos-Vinolas but refused to shake Gabas' hand.

Novak Djokovic eases past Lajovic in Monte Carlo

<p>Sachin, the god of cricket, has made the nation proud by playing a brilliant&nbsp;cricket throughout his life. Recently, he was found playing cricket in midnight with some of the local boys in Bandra East, Mumbai. In the video, Sachin's car pulled over at a place where metro construction was going on and he, with his friends got down to play cricket with some boys who were already playing there.</p>

<p>Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar owns the world record of 100 centuries, 51 in Test and 49 in ODIs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sachin acted as a catalyst to revive Indian cricket and brought crowds to stadiums, put smiles to faces and gathered accolades across the globe. He brought emotional quotient into the game.</p>

<p>A humble gentleman who never responded to sledging and concentrated only on playing started playing gully cricket in his childhood and now is back there again.</p>

<p>In the ongoing Indian Premier League, he is the mentor of Mumbai team, he also used to play for the same team. In 78 matches, Sachin has scored 2,334 runs, including a century and 13 fifties for Mumbai.</p>

<p>Though, in the ongoing season, i.e. the eleventh edition of IPL, Mumbai team have not even started their campaign. They have lost all their previous games.</p>

<p><em>Watch the video and relive Sachin's batting again:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Passing by a game of cricket while driving, <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sachin_rt</a>'s friends dared him to get out and face a few balls.<br />
<br />
The result: a few lucky ones ended up having the night of their lives playing gully cricket with the Master.<br />
<br />
(Video courtesy: Atul Ranade) <a href="https://t.co/JG2Khrqh9g">pic.twitter.com/JG2Khrqh9g</a></p>
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNcricinfo/status/986163421572890624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Mumbai will play its next match against Bangalore on April 17 at Wankhede.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sachin_rt</a> IS BACK ON THE 22 YARDS! ?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketMeriJaan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketMeriJaan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MumbaiIndians?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MumbaiIndians</a> <a href="https://t.co/D7LD9Y1e90">pic.twitter.com/D7LD9Y1e90</a></p>
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan/status/985889944714395649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Sachin's car pulled over at a place where metro construction was going on and he with his friends got down to play cricket with some boys who were already playing there

Sachin, the god of cricket, has made the nation proud by playing a brilliant cricket throughout his life. Recently, he was found playing cricket in midnight with some of the local boys in Bandra East, Mumbai. In the video, Sachin's car pulled over at a place where metro construction was going on and he, with his friends got down to play cricket with some boys who were already playing there. Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar owns the world record of 100 centuries, 51 in Test and 49 in ODIs. Sachin acted as a catalyst to revive Indian cricket and brought crowds to stadiums, put smiles to faces and gathered accolades across the globe. He brought emotional quotient into the game. A humble gentleman who never responded to sledging and concentrated only on playing started playing gully cricket in his childhood and now is back there again. In the ongoing Indian Premier League, he is the mentor of Mumbai team, he also used to play for the same team. In 78 matches, Sachin has scored 2,334 runs, including a century and 13 fifties for Mumbai. Though, in the ongoing season, i.e. the eleventh edition of IPL, Mumbai team have not even started their campaign. They have lost all their previous games. Watch the video and relive Sachin's batting again: Passing by a game of cricket while driving, @sachin_rt's friends dared him to get out and face a few balls. The result: a few lucky ones ended up having the night of their lives playing gully cricket with the Master. (Video courtesy: Atul Ranade) pic.twitter.com/JG2Khrqh9g — ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 17, 2018 × Mumbai will play its next match against Bangalore on April 17 at Wankhede. .@sachin_rt IS BACK ON THE 22 YARDS! ?#CricketMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians pic.twitter.com/D7LD9Y1e90 — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) April 16, 2018 ×

Watch: Sachin Tendulkar's comeback in 'gully cricket'

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Raikkonen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Raikkonen</a> takes out pit crew!? <a href="https://t.co/yhVnpbR3bq">pic.twitter.com/yhVnpbR3bq</a></p>
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<h3><u><strong>COMMONWEALTH GAMES</strong></u></h3>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> finished at 3rd position with 26 gold medals at the 21st <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CommonwealthGames2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CommonwealthGames2018</a>.<a href="https://t.co/CXkHoOTitF">https://t.co/CXkHoOTitF</a></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics:-meet-silver-medallists-of-cwg-2018--130583">Meet the winners of India's 20 silver medals at CWG 2018</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> won a total of 20 silver medals at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CommonwealthGames2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CommonwealthGames2018</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/GC2018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GC2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/GvwXsx1NuM">https://t.co/GvwXsx1NuM</a></p>
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<h3 title="In pics: Meet India's bronze medal winners at CWG 2018"><strong><u>IPL 2018</u></strong></h3>

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<h3><u><strong>Football</strong></u></h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-united-lose-to-bottom-placed-west-brom-city-win-title-130652">Manchester City win Premier League after United lose to bottom-placed West Brom</a></p>

<p><img alt="Manchester City.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/Manchester%20City.jpg" width="770" /></p>

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<p title="Video: Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen runs over own pit stop crew member"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-liverpools-salah-firmino-outlast-manchester-city-129724">Champions League: Liverpool's Salah, Firmino outlast Manchester City</a></p>

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<p title="Champions League: Ronaldo's penalty ensures Juventus exit, Real Madrid enter semi-final"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-ronaldos-penalty-ensures-juventus-exit-real-madrid-enter-semi-final-129946">Champions League: Ronaldo's penalty ensures Juventus exit, Real Madrid enter semi-final</a></p>

<p title="Barcelona beat Valencia, set new LaLiga record of 39 games unbeaten"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-beat-valencia-set-new-laliga-record-of-39-games-unbeaten-130534">Barcelona beat Valencia, set new LaLiga record of 39 games unbeaten</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">? The boss and his players on Saturday's vital win in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aValencia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BarçaValencia</a> <a href="https://t.co/macpxhIXaX">pic.twitter.com/macpxhIXaX</a></p>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/985341313636683776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Weekly compilation of sports and other related news (April 9 to April 15)

WION'S PICK OF THE WEEK Opinion: India should look beyond 'British Empire Games' to achieve greatness in sport Opinion: Leander Paes - A tireless crusader Scientific fact: When Messi, Neymar score a goal, the Earth moves × IPL: Rajasthan's ROI on Ben Stokes against Hyderabad was Rs 1,785,714 per ball Video: Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen runs over own pit stop crew member #Raikkonen takes out pit crew!? pic.twitter.com/yhVnpbR3bq — Simon (@quicktweetaway) April 8, 2018 × Usain Bolt arrives at Commonwealth Games COMMONWEALTH GAMES In pics: Closing ceremony of 21st Commonwealth Games Meet India's CWG gold medallists #India finished at 3rd position with 26 gold medals at the 21st #CommonwealthGames2018.https://t.co/CXkHoOTitF — WION (@WIONews) April 15, 2018 × Meet the winners of India's 20 silver medals at CWG 2018 #India won a total of 20 silver medals at the #CommonwealthGames2018 in @GC2018 https://t.co/GvwXsx1NuM — WION (@WIONews) April 15, 2018 × Meet India's bronze medal winners at CWG 2018 IPL 2018 IPL 2018: Debutant Roy's 91 helps Delhi defeat Mumbai by 7 wickets IPL 2018: Bangalore fail to climb 218-run mountain posted by Rajasthan, lose by 19 runs IPL 2018: In last-over thriller, Chennai lose to Punjab by 4 runs CWG fever grips Dhoni, says, 'shooting gun is so much more fun...' Shooting gun is so much more fun than shooting ads A post shared by M S Dhoni (@mahi7781) on Apr 14, 2018 at 12:55am PDT × Football Manchester City win Premier League after United lose to bottom-placed West Brom Champions League draw: Defending champions Real Madrid to clash Bayern in semis Liverpool face Roma Champions League: Liverpool's Salah, Firmino outlast Manchester City Champions League: Roma crush Barcelona, enter semi-final Champions League: Ronaldo's penalty ensures Juventus exit, Real Madrid enter semi-final Barcelona beat Valencia, set new LaLiga record of 39 games unbeaten ? The boss and his players on Saturday's vital win in #BarçaValencia pic.twitter.com/macpxhIXaX — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 15, 2018 ×

WION Sports News: Top sports results this week

<p>Mahendra Singh Dhoni believes that shooting for commercials is a bit boring but "shooting gun is so much more fun." In his recent Instagram post, he was found shooting point-blank at the shooting range.</p>

<p>He shared the video on Instagram with the caption, "Shooting gun is so much more fun than shooting ads."</p>

<p>It seems that Chennai's skipper Dhoni is still under the influence of 21st Commonwealth Games that summarised on April 15, Sunday in which Indian shooters made the nation proud by bagging 16 medals&nbsp;including seven gold medals, four silver and five bronze medals in different shooting categories.</p>

<p>India finished third at the recently concluded 21st Commonwealth Games 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia with a total of 66 medals.</p>

<p><em>Watch here the video where MS Dhoni is practicing at the shooting range:</em></p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0 padding:0 4px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhiw-D9n4wW/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">Shooting gun is so much more fun than shooting ads</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mahi7781/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> M S Dhoni</a> (@mahi7781) on <time datetime="2018-04-14T07:55:03+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">Apr 14, 2018 at 12:55am PDT</time></p>
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<p>During his hectic schedule of Indian Premier League, Dhoni has taken out time for his love for army and guns.</p>

<p>Recently, Colonel (Hony) Dhoni received Padma Bhushan award in his territorial army uniform.</p>

<p>After receiving the award he posted on Instagram, "An honour to get the Padma Bhushan and receiving it in Uniform increases the excitement ten folds.thanks to all the Men and Women in Uniform and their families for the Sacrifices they make so that all of us could enjoy our Constitutional Rights.Jai Hind."</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0 padding:0 4px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BhGTXC-nhqJ/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">An honour to get the Padma Bhushan and receiving it in Uniform increases the excitement ten folds.thanks to all the Men and Women in Uniform and their families for the Sacrifices they make so that all of us could enjoy our Constitutional Rights.Jai Hind</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mahi7781/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> M S Dhoni</a> (@mahi7781) on <time datetime="2018-04-03T06:36:52+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">Apr 2, 2018 at 11:36pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>Till now, Chennai has managed to win both its previous matches against Mumbai and Kolkata.&nbsp;</p>


MS Dhoni believes that shooting for commercials is a bit boring but "shooting gun is so much more fun

Mahendra Singh Dhoni believes that shooting for commercials is a bit boring but "shooting gun is so much more fun." In his recent Instagram post, he was found shooting point-blank at the shooting range. He shared the video on Instagram with the caption, "Shooting gun is so much more fun than shooting ads." It seems that Chennai's skipper Dhoni is still under the influence of 21st Commonwealth Games that summarised on April 15, Sunday in which Indian shooters made the nation proud by bagging 16 medals including seven gold medals, four silver and five bronze medals in different shooting categories. India finished third at the recently concluded 21st Commonwealth Games 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia with a total of 66 medals. Watch here the video where MS Dhoni is practicing at the shooting range: Shooting gun is so much more fun than shooting ads A post shared by M S Dhoni (@mahi7781) on Apr 14, 2018 at 12:55am PDT × During his hectic schedule of Indian Premier League, Dhoni has taken out time for his love for army and guns. Recently, Colonel (Hony) Dhoni received Padma Bhushan award in his territorial army uniform. After receiving the award he posted on Instagram, "An honour to get the Padma Bhushan and receiving it in Uniform increases the excitement ten folds.thanks to all the Men and Women in Uniform and their families for the Sacrifices they make so that all of us could enjoy our Constitutional Rights.Jai Hind." An honour to get the Padma Bhushan and receiving it in Uniform increases the excitement ten folds.thanks to all the Men and Women in Uniform and their families for the Sacrifices they make so that all of us could enjoy our Constitutional Rights.Jai Hind A post shared by M S Dhoni (@mahi7781) on Apr 2, 2018 at 11:36pm PDT × Till now, Chennai has managed to win both its previous matches against Mumbai and Kolkata.

CWG fever grips Dhoni, says, 'shooting gun is so much more fun...'

<p>Barcelona responded to their shock Champions League elimination to AS Roma by beating Valencia 2-1 on Saturday in a subdued atmosphere at the Nou Camp, setting a Liga record run of 39 games unbeaten and taking them ever closer to another title.</p>

<p>Luis Suarez gave Barca the lead after a quarter of an hour by meeting a delicious outside-of-the-foot pass from former Liverpool teammate Philippe Coutinho, scoring with one touch from close range.</p>

<p>Club-record signing Coutinho then delivered an outswinging corner from which Samuel Umtiti headed in Barca's second in the 51st minute, shortly after Gerard Pique had saved Umtiti's blushes by clearing a shot from Valencia forward Santi Mina off the line following a slip by the France defender.</p>

<p>Captain Dani Parejo pulled a goal back for third-placed Valencia by squeezing an 87th-minute penalty under Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, but the Catalans withstood an exciting final spell to move to within seven points of their 25th league title.</p>

<p>Ernesto Valverde's side lead nearest challengers Atletico Madrid by 14 points in the standings, with Atletico hosting Levante and fourth-placed Real visiting basement club Malaga on Sunday.</p>

<p>The Barca coach praised his players for putting the Roma defeat behind them but said their European exit had punctured their enthusiasm for the unbeaten record.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">? The boss and his players on Saturday's vital win in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aValencia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BarçaValencia</a> <a href="https://t.co/macpxhIXaX">pic.twitter.com/macpxhIXaX</a></p>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/985341313636683776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"This wasn’t a week to think about records, we don’t give it too much importance. It was more important that we picked ourselves up after a difficult week," Valverde told a news conference.</p>

<p>"It's normal that these players keep on breaking records. But it was a fundamental win in many ways. First of all, I am happy with the three points. We needed 10 points to win the league, now it’s seven."</p>

<p>With heavy rain falling in the city throughout the day, 30,000 seats at the 99,000-capacity Nou Camp were unoccupied and even when Suarez provided a slick finishing touch to Coutinho's wonderful pass, celebrations were muted.</p>

<p>Valencia had made a good start and winger Goncalo Guedes hammered an early shot at Ter Stegen, who made another impressive save to thwart the Portuguese later in the half after Gerard Pique had surrendered the ball.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">? <a href="https://twitter.com/LaLiga?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaLiga</a><br />
? Still unbeaten! <a href="https://t.co/aOdufHxMBr">pic.twitter.com/aOdufHxMBr</a></p>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/985202309075558401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The German goalkeeper also ran himself into trouble as he sent a pass straight at the feet of Valencia forward Rodrigo but redeemed himself by tipping the shot on to the crossbar and behind.</p>

<p>Lionel Messi was inactive for much of the first half but grew into the game in the second, narrowly volleying over the bar and fizzing a shot just wide after tearing through the Valencia defence.</p>

<p>"The atmosphere around the club this week has been a bit gloomy and we needed to put the brakes on that so I have to congratulate the players because it’s not been easy," added Valverde.</p>

<p>"The sensation is that we have failed, that we have disappointed the supporters, but we have to look forward and not lose sight of what we can still achieve this season."</p>


FC Barcelona has set a new LaLiga record of 39 games unbeaten and moved closer to clinch the title after defeating Valencia 2-1

Barcelona responded to their shock Champions League elimination to AS Roma by beating Valencia 2-1 on Saturday in a subdued atmosphere at the Nou Camp, setting a Liga record run of 39 games unbeaten and taking them ever closer to another title. Luis Suarez gave Barca the lead after a quarter of an hour by meeting a delicious outside-of-the-foot pass from former Liverpool teammate Philippe Coutinho, scoring with one touch from close range. Club-record signing Coutinho then delivered an outswinging corner from which Samuel Umtiti headed in Barca's second in the 51st minute, shortly after Gerard Pique had saved Umtiti's blushes by clearing a shot from Valencia forward Santi Mina off the line following a slip by the France defender. Captain Dani Parejo pulled a goal back for third-placed Valencia by squeezing an 87th-minute penalty under Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, but the Catalans withstood an exciting final spell to move to within seven points of their 25th league title. Ernesto Valverde's side lead nearest challengers Atletico Madrid by 14 points in the standings, with Atletico hosting Levante and fourth-placed Real visiting basement club Malaga on Sunday. The Barca coach praised his players for putting the Roma defeat behind them but said their European exit had punctured their enthusiasm for the unbeaten record. ? The boss and his players on Saturday's vital win in #BarçaValencia pic.twitter.com/macpxhIXaX — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 15, 2018 × "This wasn’t a week to think about records, we don’t give it too much importance. It was more important that we picked ourselves up after a difficult week," Valverde told a news conference. "It's normal that these players keep on breaking records. But it was a fundamental win in many ways. First of all, I am happy with the three points. We needed 10 points to win the league, now it’s seven." With heavy rain falling in the city throughout the day, 30,000 seats at the 99,000-capacity Nou Camp were unoccupied and even when Suarez provided a slick finishing touch to Coutinho's wonderful pass, celebrations were muted. Valencia had made a good start and winger Goncalo Guedes hammered an early shot at Ter Stegen, who made another impressive save to thwart the Portuguese later in the half after Gerard Pique had surrendered the ball. ? @LaLiga ? Still unbeaten! pic.twitter.com/aOdufHxMBr — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 14, 2018 × The German goalkeeper also ran himself into trouble as he sent a pass straight at the feet of Valencia forward Rodrigo but redeemed himself by tipping the shot on to the crossbar and behind. Lionel Messi was inactive for much of the first half but grew into the game in the second, narrowly volleying over the bar and fizzing a shot just wide after tearing through the Valencia defence. "The atmosphere around the club this week has been a bit gloomy and we needed to put the brakes on that so I have to congratulate the players because it’s not been easy," added Valverde. "The sensation is that we have failed, that we have disappointed the supporters, but we have to look forward and not lose sight of what we can still achieve this season."

Barcelona beat Valencia, set new LaLiga record of 39 games unbeaten

<p>Ashwini Ponnappa and Sikki Reddy bagged the bronze medal in badminton women's doubles at the 21st Commonwealth Games on Saturday after defeating Setyana Mapasa and Gronya Somerville of Australia.</p>

<p>The dramatic match ended when Indian duo outplayed the Australians with their experience and marked the victory.</p>

<p>Ponnappa and Reddy won the match in the straight sets 21-19, 21-19 but as the scores reveal, each set was a neck-to-neck clash.</p>

<p>At a point, in the second set, Australian duo bounced back to level the scores at 18-18 and again at 19-19 but then Ponnappa and Reddy earned two crucial points and clinched the bronze medal.</p>

<p>On the other hand, unfortunately, India's Ashwini Ponnappa and Satwik Rankireddy lost to Peng Soon Chan and Liu Ying Goh of Malaysia 0-2 (19-21, 19-21) in the badminton mixed doubles bronze medal match.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Two is company ✌?<br />
<br />
Superb team work by <a href="https://twitter.com/P9Ashwini?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@P9Ashwini</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/sikkireddy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sikkireddy</a> to win a ?in the Badminton women's doubles match against Australia.<br />
They took just 47 minutes to wrap up the match beating their opponents 21-19, 21-19. Good job girls! ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaAtCWG?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaAtCWG</a> <a href="https://t.co/y5HPSC9KSF">pic.twitter.com/y5HPSC9KSF</a></p>
— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ra_THORe/status/985155795271725056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp</p>


Ashwini Ponnappa and Sikki Reddy bagged the bronze medal in badminton women's doubles at the 21st Commonwealth Games

Ashwini Ponnappa and Sikki Reddy bagged the bronze medal in badminton women's doubles at the 21st Commonwealth Games on Saturday after defeating Setyana Mapasa and Gronya Somerville of Australia. The dramatic match ended when Indian duo outplayed the Australians with their experience and marked the victory. Ponnappa and Reddy won the match in the straight sets 21-19, 21-19 but as the scores reveal, each set was a neck-to-neck clash. At a point, in the second set, Australian duo bounced back to level the scores at 18-18 and again at 19-19 but then Ponnappa and Reddy earned two crucial points and clinched the bronze medal. On the other hand, unfortunately, India's Ashwini Ponnappa and Satwik Rankireddy lost to Peng Soon Chan and Liu Ying Goh of Malaysia 0-2 (19-21, 19-21) in the badminton mixed doubles bronze medal match. Two is company ✌? Superb team work by @P9Ashwini & @sikkireddy to win a ?in the Badminton women's doubles match against Australia. They took just 47 minutes to wrap up the match beating their opponents 21-19, 21-19. Good job girls! ??#IndiaAtCWG pic.twitter.com/y5HPSC9KSF — Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) April 14, 2018 ×

CWG 2018: Ashwini Ponnappa, Sikki Reddy bag bronze medal in badminton women's doubles

<p>Indian wrestler Sumit Malik won the gold medal in the men's freestyle 125 kg category as his opponent, Sinivie Boltic of Nigeria was ruled out of the final due to an injury at the 21st Commonwealth Games on Saturday.</p>

<p>Among others, Rio Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik went down to Aminat Adeniyi of Nigeria 3-6 in a nervous bout to end her golden dreams. She will try for bronze now also Vinesh Phogat defeated Rupinder Kaur of Australia in the 50kg freestyle to enter final.</p>

<p>Somveer defeated Australia's Jayden Lawrence 7-0 for a victory by fall in the 86kg freestyle to set up a clash for the bronze medal.</p>

<p>India so far India has claimed total 59 medal, 25 gold medals, 16 silver and 18 bronze medals.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wrestling wins the nation another Gold ?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SumitMalik?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SumitMalik</a> claimed Gold in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CG2018Wrestling?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CG2018Wrestling</a> Men's Freestyle 125 kg bout against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SinivieBoltic?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SinivieBoltic</a> of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamNigeria?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamNigeria</a>! Sumit earlier bt <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TayabRaza?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TayabRaza</a> of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamPakistan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamPakistan</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KoreyJarvis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KoreyJarvis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamCanada?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamCanada</a> on his way to the Finals!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Congratulations?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Congratulations</a> Sumit!! <a href="https://t.co/KZJpSfXZuI">pic.twitter.com/KZJpSfXZuI</a></p>
— IOA - Team India (@ioaindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/ioaindia/status/985068520919764992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>On his way to the final bout, he defeated Pakistan's Tayab Raza 10-4. Also, he made an incredible comeback to win this bout against Korey Jarvis of Canada.</p>

<p>Initially, he was lagging 0-2 behind but then he came from behind to draw 3-3 with Jarvis and in the end, he flipped Jarvis to win 6-4 in the end.</p>

<p><img alt="PTI4_14_2018_000082B.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/PTI4_14_2018_000082B.jpg" width="770" /></p>


Indian wrestler Sumit Malik won the gold medal in the men's freestyle 125 kg category

Indian wrestler Sumit Malik won the gold medal in the men's freestyle 125 kg category as his opponent, Sinivie Boltic of Nigeria was ruled out of the final due to an injury at the 21st Commonwealth Games on Saturday. Among others, Rio Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik went down to Aminat Adeniyi of Nigeria 3-6 in a nervous bout to end her golden dreams. She will try for bronze now also Vinesh Phogat defeated Rupinder Kaur of Australia in the 50kg freestyle to enter final. Somveer defeated Australia's Jayden Lawrence 7-0 for a victory by fall in the 86kg freestyle to set up a clash for the bronze medal. India so far India has claimed total 59 medal, 25 gold medals, 16 silver and 18 bronze medals. Wrestling wins the nation another Gold ?#SumitMalik claimed Gold in #CG2018Wrestling Men's Freestyle 125 kg bout against #SinivieBoltic of #TeamNigeria! Sumit earlier bt #TayabRaza of #TeamPakistan & #KoreyJarvis #TeamCanada on his way to the Finals!#Congratulations Sumit!! pic.twitter.com/KZJpSfXZuI — IOA - Team India (@ioaindia) April 14, 2018 × On his way to the final bout, he defeated Pakistan's Tayab Raza 10-4. Also, he made an incredible comeback to win this bout against Korey Jarvis of Canada. Initially, he was lagging 0-2 behind but then he came from behind to draw 3-3 with Jarvis and in the end, he flipped Jarvis to win 6-4 in the end.

CWG 2018: Wrestler Sumit Malik wins gold in 125kg category

<p>Sanjeev Rajput won the gold medal in the men's 50m rifle 3 positions event with a games record at the 21st Commonwealth Games here today, swelling the Indian shooting team's tally in the mega event.</p>

<p>The 37-year-old Rajput shot 454.5 to bag the top prize after topping the qualification stage with 1180 points at the Belmont Shooting Centre.</p>

<p>Chain Singh, the other Indian shooter in the fray, finished fifth with 419.1.</p>

<p>In the qualification, Rajput scored 391 in kneeling, 399 in prone and 390 in standing, while Chain Singh, who was placed second, shot 389 398 and 379 for a cumulative score of 1166. In prone Rajput shot three 100s and a 99.</p>

<p><img alt="AP4_14_2018_000005B_0.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/AP4_14_2018_000005B_0.jpg" width="770" /></p>

<p>Canada's Grzegorz Sych clinched the silver medal with 448.4, while Dean Bale of England bagged the bronze with 441.2.</p>

<p>Rajput has previously won a silver in the same event at the 2014 Glasgow Games and was a bronze medal winner in the 2006 edition of the Games held in Melbourne.</p>

<p>This is the first gold medal in CWG and third overall in these Games.</p>


Sanjeev Rajput won the gold medal in the men's 50m rifle 3 positions event with a games record at the 21st Commonwealth Games

Sanjeev Rajput won the gold medal in the men's 50m rifle 3 positions event with a games record at the 21st Commonwealth Games here today, swelling the Indian shooting team's tally in the mega event. The 37-year-old Rajput shot 454.5 to bag the top prize after topping the qualification stage with 1180 points at the Belmont Shooting Centre. Chain Singh, the other Indian shooter in the fray, finished fifth with 419.1. In the qualification, Rajput scored 391 in kneeling, 399 in prone and 390 in standing, while Chain Singh, who was placed second, shot 389 398 and 379 for a cumulative score of 1166. In prone Rajput shot three 100s and a 99. Canada's Grzegorz Sych clinched the silver medal with 448.4, while Dean Bale of England bagged the bronze with 441.2. Rajput has previously won a silver in the same event at the 2014 Glasgow Games and was a bronze medal winner in the 2006 edition of the Games held in Melbourne. This is the first gold medal in CWG and third overall in these Games.

CWG 2018: Sanjeev Rajput clinches gold in 50m rifle 3 positions

<p>Achanta Sharath and Gnanasekaran Sathiyan settled for a silver medal after losing to England's Paul Drinkhall and Liam Pitchford 2-3 (5-11, 12-10, 11-9, 6-11, 8-11) in the finals of men's&nbsp;doubles table tennis match at the 21st Commonwealth Games&nbsp;on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The duo made several errors while serving also Sharath missed a few regulation shots that resulted in their loss.</p>

<p>Another duo Harmeet Desai and Sanil Shankar Shetty bagged the bronze medal in the same competition. The duo outplayed Singapore's Pang Yew En Koen and Poh Shao Feng Ethan 3-0 (11-5, 11-6, 12-10)&nbsp;</p>

<p>India so far India has claimed total 59 medal, 25 gold medals, 16 silver and 18 bronze medals.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">V for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Victory?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Victory</a> , B for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bronze?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bronze</a> ?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cheers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cheers</a> to the Men's Doubles pair of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HarmeetDesai?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HarmeetDesai</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanilShetty?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanilShetty</a> of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> to have kept their nerves and held on to the Bronze medal victory they truly deserved in their <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018TableTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018TableTennis</a> match! What a match boys..<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Congratulations?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Congratulations</a> ??✌ <a href="https://t.co/Zs3uBLSagd">pic.twitter.com/Zs3uBLSagd</a></p>
— IOA - Team India (@ioaindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/ioaindia/status/985124341993082880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Achanta Sharath and Gnanasekaran Sathiyan settled for a silver medal after losing to England's Paul Drinkhall and Liam Pitchford in the finals of men's table tennis match

Achanta Sharath and Gnanasekaran Sathiyan settled for a silver medal after losing to England's Paul Drinkhall and Liam Pitchford 2-3 (5-11, 12-10, 11-9, 6-11, 8-11) in the finals of men's doubles table tennis match at the 21st Commonwealth Games on Saturday. The duo made several errors while serving also Sharath missed a few regulation shots that resulted in their loss. Another duo Harmeet Desai and Sanil Shankar Shetty bagged the bronze medal in the same competition. The duo outplayed Singapore's Pang Yew En Koen and Poh Shao Feng Ethan 3-0 (11-5, 11-6, 12-10) India so far India has claimed total 59 medal, 25 gold medals, 16 silver and 18 bronze medals. V for #Victory , B for #Bronze ?#Cheers to the Men's Doubles pair of #HarmeetDesai & #SanilShetty of #TeamIndia to have kept their nerves and held on to the Bronze medal victory they truly deserved in their #GC2018TableTennis match! What a match boys..#Congratulations ??✌ pic.twitter.com/Zs3uBLSagd — IOA - Team India (@ioaindia) April 14, 2018 ×

CWG 2018: India bags both silver and bronze medals in men's doubles TT event

<p>Formula One championship leader Sebastian Vettel pumped in a stunning late lap to snatch pole position from team-mate Kimi Raikkonen as Ferrari dominated Chinese Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday.</p>

<p>The German lapped the 5.4-km Shanghai circuit in one minute, 31.095 seconds -- a track record -- to pip his Finnish teammate by a mere 0.087 seconds and take his 52nd career pole.</p>

<p>Title rival Lewis Hamilton qualified fourth, ending the session with a time slower even than third-placed Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas after aborting his final flying lap on a chilly afternoon.</p>

<p>Saturday's pole was Vettel's second in three races this season and Ferrari's first in Shanghai since Brazilian Rubens Barrichello started the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix from the front in 2004.</p>

<p>The Italian glamour team last won in China in 2013. "Thank you guys, great qualifying, great car," said Vettel, who also started from pole in Bahrain last weekend, over the team radio. "Really enjoyed that one."</p>

<p>Raikkonen locked out the front row for Ferrari for the second time in succession.</p>

<p>The Finn had led the timesheets as the drivers embarked on their final flying laps and appeared set to clinch pole position after going fastest in the opening two sectors.</p>

<p>Vettel, who put in an error-strewn first attempt, then pulled out just enough through the final corners to deny the 38-year-old what would have been his first pole since last year's Monaco Grand Prix.</p>

<p>"It was okay but not good enough," said Raikkonen after the session. "It wasn't exactly what I wanted, but we'll go tomorrow and see what we can do."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sebastian Vettel lit up a grey Shanghai with a scorching lap ? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Quali?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Quali</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChineseGP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChineseGP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/CW1sdqHhhN">pic.twitter.com/CW1sdqHhhN</a></p>
— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/985069209683046400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Bottas's time was more than half a second slower than Vettel's.</p>

<p>Vettel has a 17-point lead over Hamilton after winning the opening two races of the season.</p>

<p>The Briton, second in Australia and third in Bahrain, had gone into the weekend determined to claw back at least some of his deficit to the German at a track that Mercedes have dominated in recent years.</p>

<p>The 33-year-old, like Vettel a four-time champion, has taken an unprecedented five wins in Shanghai but recognised that his chances of a sixth had taken a knock.</p>

<p>"I don`t know if we can challenge, we`re half a second behind today," he said, hoping that expected warmer conditions on Sunday would help at a circuit where overtaking is easier than most.</p>

<p>Red Bull's Max Verstappen qualified fifth ahead of team-mate Daniel Ricciardo, who made it out on track just in time, with the former champions working furiously to change his engine after it blew in the final practice session.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">? A mighty effort from Sebastian Vettel sees him pip Kimi Raikkonen to pole <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChineseGP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChineseGP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y4xZYBir54">pic.twitter.com/Y4xZYBir54</a></p>
— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/985062411068522496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Nico Hulkenberg was seventh for Renault ahead of Force India's Sergio Perez.</p>

<p>Carlos Sainz in the other Renault was ninth with Romain Grosjean rounding out the top 10 for Haas.</p>

<p>There was more misery for former champions Williams, the only team yet to score a point after two races, who failed to make it through the first phase and had Canadian Lance Stroll 18th and Sergey Sirotkin 16th.&nbsp</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kimi was so close, but it was Seb who snatched pole in Shanghai >> <a href="https://t.co/qSVdZx3rYS">https://t.co/qSVdZx3rYS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChineseGP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChineseGP</a> ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Quali?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Quali</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/zkraLvdEcw">pic.twitter.com/zkraLvdEcw</a></p>
— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/985060965652803584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ferrari claim back-to-back front row lockouts ?<br />
<br />
The last time they achieved that?<br />
<br />
USA and France, 2006 ?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1FastFact?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1FastFact</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChineseGP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChineseGP</a> ?? <a href="https://t.co/5LMsyY5w8c">pic.twitter.com/5LMsyY5w8c</a></p>
— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/985054632996155392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp</p>


Formula One championship leader Sebastian Vettel pumped in a stunning late lap to snatch pole position from team-mate Kimi Raikkonen as Ferrari dominated Chinese Grand Prix qualifying

Formula One championship leader Sebastian Vettel pumped in a stunning late lap to snatch pole position from team-mate Kimi Raikkonen as Ferrari dominated Chinese Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday. The German lapped the 5.4-km Shanghai circuit in one minute, 31.095 seconds -- a track record -- to pip his Finnish teammate by a mere 0.087 seconds and take his 52nd career pole. Title rival Lewis Hamilton qualified fourth, ending the session with a time slower even than third-placed Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas after aborting his final flying lap on a chilly afternoon. Saturday's pole was Vettel's second in three races this season and Ferrari's first in Shanghai since Brazilian Rubens Barrichello started the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix from the front in 2004. The Italian glamour team last won in China in 2013. "Thank you guys, great qualifying, great car," said Vettel, who also started from pole in Bahrain last weekend, over the team radio. "Really enjoyed that one." Raikkonen locked out the front row for Ferrari for the second time in succession. The Finn had led the timesheets as the drivers embarked on their final flying laps and appeared set to clinch pole position after going fastest in the opening two sectors. Vettel, who put in an error-strewn first attempt, then pulled out just enough through the final corners to deny the 38-year-old what would have been his first pole since last year's Monaco Grand Prix. "It was okay but not good enough," said Raikkonen after the session. "It wasn't exactly what I wanted, but we'll go tomorrow and see what we can do." Sebastian Vettel lit up a grey Shanghai with a scorching lap ? #Quali #ChineseGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/CW1sdqHhhN — Formula 1 (@F1) April 14, 2018 × Bottas's time was more than half a second slower than Vettel's. Vettel has a 17-point lead over Hamilton after winning the opening two races of the season. The Briton, second in Australia and third in Bahrain, had gone into the weekend determined to claw back at least some of his deficit to the German at a track that Mercedes have dominated in recent years. The 33-year-old, like Vettel a four-time champion, has taken an unprecedented five wins in Shanghai but recognised that his chances of a sixth had taken a knock. "I don`t know if we can challenge, we`re half a second behind today," he said, hoping that expected warmer conditions on Sunday would help at a circuit where overtaking is easier than most. Red Bull's Max Verstappen qualified fifth ahead of team-mate Daniel Ricciardo, who made it out on track just in time, with the former champions working furiously to change his engine after it blew in the final practice session. ? A mighty effort from Sebastian Vettel sees him pip Kimi Raikkonen to pole #ChineseGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/Y4xZYBir54 — Formula 1 (@F1) April 14, 2018 × Nico Hulkenberg was seventh for Renault ahead of Force India's Sergio Perez. Carlos Sainz in the other Renault was ninth with Romain Grosjean rounding out the top 10 for Haas. There was more misery for former champions Williams, the only team yet to score a point after two races, who failed to make it through the first phase and had Canadian Lance Stroll 18th and Sergey Sirotkin 16th. Kimi was so close, but it was Seb who snatched pole in Shanghai >> https://t.co/qSVdZx3rYS #ChineseGP ?? #Quali #F1 pic.twitter.com/zkraLvdEcw — Formula 1 (@F1) April 14, 2018 × Ferrari claim back-to-back front row lockouts ? The last time they achieved that? USA and France, 2006 ?#F1FastFact #ChineseGP ?? pic.twitter.com/5LMsyY5w8c — Formula 1 (@F1) April 14, 2018 ×

Sebastian Vettel snatches pole position in Ferrari one-two in Shanghai

<p>Real Madrid will face Bayern Munich in the semi-finals of the Champions League and on the other hand, Liverpool will clash with AS Roma to book a berth in the finals of Champions League according to the draw made in Nyon, Switzerland on April 13.</p>

<p>Giants-slayer AS Roma stunned FC Barcelona to enter the semi-finals, on the other hand, defending champions Real Madrid edged past Juventus 4-3 on aggregate thanks to a late Cristiano Ronaldo penalty in the second leg at the Bernabeu, Madrid.</p>

<p>Liverpool also are chasing a sixth European Cup, will take on Barcelona's conquerors AS Roma, and are hoping to win the trophy for the first time since 2005.</p>

<p>Bayern, who are five-time winners of the competition, have already wrapped up the German title and are eyeing a first Champions League title since 2013.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The official result of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLdraw?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLdraw</a>!<a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayern?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBayern</a> v <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadrid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realmadrid</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LFC</a> v <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialASRoma?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficialASRoma</a><br />
<br />
?&nbspWho will reach the final in Kyiv? <a href="https://t.co/fHyjIPresp">pic.twitter.com/fHyjIPresp</a></p>
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/984752716047175681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Defending champions Real Madrid edged past Juventus 4-3 on aggregate thanks to a late Cristiano Ronaldo penalty in the second leg at the Bernabeu to enter the semi-final of Champions League

Real Madrid will face Bayern Munich in the semi-finals of the Champions League and on the other hand, Liverpool will clash with AS Roma to book a berth in the finals of Champions League according to the draw made in Nyon, Switzerland on April 13. Giants-slayer AS Roma stunned FC Barcelona to enter the semi-finals, on the other hand, defending champions Real Madrid edged past Juventus 4-3 on aggregate thanks to a late Cristiano Ronaldo penalty in the second leg at the Bernabeu, Madrid. Liverpool also are chasing a sixth European Cup, will take on Barcelona's conquerors AS Roma, and are hoping to win the trophy for the first time since 2005. Bayern, who are five-time winners of the competition, have already wrapped up the German title and are eyeing a first Champions League title since 2013. The official result of the #UCLdraw!@FCBayern v @realmadrid @LFC v @OfficialASRoma ?&nbspWho will reach the final in Kyiv? pic.twitter.com/fHyjIPresp — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 13, 2018 ×

Champions League draw: Defending champions Real Madrid to clash Bayern in semis; Liverpool face Roma

<p>Kidambi Srikanth reached the top of men's singles rankings with 76895 points in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) chart which was released today. He became the first Indian shuttler to achieve the number one rank in the modern ranking system. Though legendary Indian shuttler Prakash Padukone had reached the number one spot in 1980 but at that time computerized ranking system was not implemented.</p>

<p>25-year-old Srikanth displaced Denmark’s Victor Axelsen&nbsp;to be atop of BWF world rankings and became only the second Indian after Saina Nehwal, who had occupied the women's top spot in 2015.</p>

<p>Srikanth defeated three-time Olympic silver medallist Lee Chong Wei in straight games in the crucial mixed team final to clinch gold at the 21st Commonwealth Games, Gold Coast.</p>

<p>"I'm definitely delighted to have achieved the World No. 1 ranking for the first time, and to become the first Indian man after Prakash sir to achieve this," said Srikanth.</p>

<p>Srikanth thanked his mentor, coaches and family, said, "It's a testament to the hard work of Gopi sir, my family, my other coaches and support staff, my team GoSports Foundation, my sponsors, and everyone else who has believed in me over the years."</p>

<p>"It's been a great year, but I have many more goals, and right now, my focus is on coming good at the big events and achieving many more milestones. The Commonwealth Games is on, and this year also holds the Asian Games," he further added.</p>

<p>Recently in February, he was crowned Sportsperson of the Year at the third Mahindra Scorpio Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA).</p>

<p>"My target is also to do my country proud at the Tokyo Olympics in two years' time. I thank everyone for believing in me, and hope to inspire many other Indians to keep striving in their pursuit of excellence," added Srikanth who is looking forward to winning his first individual medal at the ongoing CWG.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


25-year-old Srikanth displaced Denmark’s Victor Axelsen to be atop of BWF world rankings and became only the second Indian after Saina Nehwal, who had occupied the women's top spot in 2015

Kidambi Srikanth reached the top of men's singles rankings with 76895 points in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) chart which was released today. He became the first Indian shuttler to achieve the number one rank in the modern ranking system. Though legendary Indian shuttler Prakash Padukone had reached the number one spot in 1980 but at that time computerized ranking system was not implemented. 25-year-old Srikanth displaced Denmark’s Victor Axelsen to be atop of BWF world rankings and became only the second Indian after Saina Nehwal, who had occupied the women's top spot in 2015. Srikanth defeated three-time Olympic silver medallist Lee Chong Wei in straight games in the crucial mixed team final to clinch gold at the 21st Commonwealth Games, Gold Coast. "I'm definitely delighted to have achieved the World No. 1 ranking for the first time, and to become the first Indian man after Prakash sir to achieve this," said Srikanth. Srikanth thanked his mentor, coaches and family, said, "It's a testament to the hard work of Gopi sir, my family, my other coaches and support staff, my team GoSports Foundation, my sponsors, and everyone else who has believed in me over the years." "It's been a great year, but I have many more goals, and right now, my focus is on coming good at the big events and achieving many more milestones. The Commonwealth Games is on, and this year also holds the Asian Games," he further added. Recently in February, he was crowned Sportsperson of the Year at the third Mahindra Scorpio Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA). "My target is also to do my country proud at the Tokyo Olympics in two years' time. I thank everyone for believing in me, and hope to inspire many other Indians to keep striving in their pursuit of excellence," added Srikanth who is looking forward to winning his first individual medal at the ongoing CWG.

Indian star shuttler Kidambi Srikanth is new World No. 1

<p>Amidst the CWG and IPL buzz, one sports news went passed on a rather low node. Indian tennis star Leander Paes became the most successful doubles player in the history of Davis Cup when teamed up with Rohan Bopanna, he defeated the Chinese pair on 7th April in the doubles rubber of the Asia/Oceania tie.</p>

<p>It was the 43rd double victory for Paes in the coveted Davis Cup.</p>

<p>This is an incredible feat considering the fact that Paes is active as an international player for close to 28 years now. Looking at his uncanny endurance, ee can only define him as a timeless, ageless samurai and tireless crusader.</p>

<p>Imagine this. When Paes struck with fame in 1990 with junior Wimbledon title, most of current ATP players weren’t even born – internet and World Wide Web wasn’t even launched properly – Narendra Modi was under the transition phase from an RSS Pracharak to the politician and current Indian Cricket Captain Virat Kohli was just a toddler.</p>

<p>This Davis Cup record mentioned above itself suggests the very high level of Paes’s commitment to his country as he earned it playing for India. Leander Paes deserves huge applaud for the very reason that he is among the sportspersons, for whom nation comes before anything else.</p>

<p>For an Indian sports junkie like me, Paes is a very special Indian sportsman for a very interesting reason as well. The first time our generation saw an Indian on a medal podium at Olympic, courtesy Paes. His bronze medal at the Atlanta Olympic in 1996 was like an invaluable drizzle in a desert riddled with drought for years. it was just a second individual medal by an Indian at the Olympics (after 44 years of first individual medal) and an Indian medal 16 years after India won Hockey Gold at Moscow in 1980.</p>

<p>His longevity in the game is unprecedented, somewhat only parallel to the great Martina Navratilova. Navratilova was active at the level of Grand Slam Tennis for three decades. As a matter of fact, Paes also partnered Navratilova in many Grand Slams and this pair won four Mixed Doubles Grand Slam during 2003-04. Later in 2015, Navratilova revealed that Leander Paes had been her most favourite mixed doubles partner during the whole career.</p>

<p>His predecessors Vijay Amritraj and Ramesh Krishnan did better than Leander in Grand Slam singles but Leander almost attained a cult status in men’s doubles and mixed doubles. He has so far played in 34 doubles and mixed doubles Grand Slam finals and won eight doubles and ten mixed doubles. During the course, he completed the career slam in both doubles and mixed doubles.</p>

<p>Notwithstanding his difference with Mahesh Bhupathi in the later years, the highest point of Leander’s career was his association with Bhupathi to forge into one of the most formidable men doubles pair in ATP. During 1999, they ruled the world Tennis. This pair was almost invisible and played in all four Grand Slams in 1999 and won two. During 1999, Leander along with Bhupathi was one of the most talked about Indian across the globe. His last Grand Slam came as late as in 2016 when he won mixed doubles at the French Open at the age of 43.</p>

<p>At the age of 44, when most of the Tennis players are well past their prime by at least 10 years, Paes’s commitment at the court and his appetite for the victory is no short of a wonder.</p>

<p>This is the time to bow in respect to one of the greatest sportspersons this country has produced. He is an undisputed epitome of endurance and never say die attitude.</p>

<p>Let’s all hail Leander Paes at this special moment and on this colossal achievement.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp</p>


At the age of 44, when most of the Tennis players are well past their prime by at least 10 years, Paes’s commitment at the court and his appetite for the victory is no short of a wonder

Amidst the CWG and IPL buzz, one sports news went passed on a rather low node. Indian tennis star Leander Paes became the most successful doubles player in the history of Davis Cup when teamed up with Rohan Bopanna, he defeated the Chinese pair on 7th April in the doubles rubber of the Asia/Oceania tie. It was the 43rd double victory for Paes in the coveted Davis Cup. This is an incredible feat considering the fact that Paes is active as an international player for close to 28 years now. Looking at his uncanny endurance, ee can only define him as a timeless, ageless samurai and tireless crusader. Imagine this. When Paes struck with fame in 1990 with junior Wimbledon title, most of current ATP players weren’t even born – internet and World Wide Web wasn’t even launched properly – Narendra Modi was under the transition phase from an RSS Pracharak to the politician and current Indian Cricket Captain Virat Kohli was just a toddler. This Davis Cup record mentioned above itself suggests the very high level of Paes’s commitment to his country as he earned it playing for India. Leander Paes deserves huge applaud for the very reason that he is among the sportspersons, for whom nation comes before anything else. For an Indian sports junkie like me, Paes is a very special Indian sportsman for a very interesting reason as well. The first time our generation saw an Indian on a medal podium at Olympic, courtesy Paes. His bronze medal at the Atlanta Olympic in 1996 was like an invaluable drizzle in a desert riddled with drought for years. it was just a second individual medal by an Indian at the Olympics (after 44 years of first individual medal) and an Indian medal 16 years after India won Hockey Gold at Moscow in 1980. His longevity in the game is unprecedented, somewhat only parallel to the great Martina Navratilova. Navratilova was active at the level of Grand Slam Tennis for three decades. As a matter of fact, Paes also partnered Navratilova in many Grand Slams and this pair won four Mixed Doubles Grand Slam during 2003-04. Later in 2015, Navratilova revealed that Leander Paes had been her most favourite mixed doubles partner during the whole career. His predecessors Vijay Amritraj and Ramesh Krishnan did better than Leander in Grand Slam singles but Leander almost attained a cult status in men’s doubles and mixed doubles. He has so far played in 34 doubles and mixed doubles Grand Slam finals and won eight doubles and ten mixed doubles. During the course, he completed the career slam in both doubles and mixed doubles. Notwithstanding his difference with Mahesh Bhupathi in the later years, the highest point of Leander’s career was his association with Bhupathi to forge into one of the most formidable men doubles pair in ATP. During 1999, they ruled the world Tennis. This pair was almost invisible and played in all four Grand Slams in 1999 and won two. During 1999, Leander along with Bhupathi was one of the most talked about Indian across the globe. His last Grand Slam came as late as in 2016 when he won mixed doubles at the French Open at the age of 43. At the age of 44, when most of the Tennis players are well past their prime by at least 10 years, Paes’s commitment at the court and his appetite for the victory is no short of a wonder. This is the time to bow in respect to one of the greatest sportspersons this country has produced. He is an undisputed epitome of endurance and never say die attitude. Let’s all hail Leander Paes at this special moment and on this colossal achievement. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Leander Paes - A tireless crusader

<p>Wrestler Babita Phogat settled for a silver medal at the 21st Commonwealth Games as she lost in the finals by Canada's Diana Weicker on Thursday.</p>

<p>Babita had clinched a gold medal in at Glasgow in 2010 but failed to replicate the same as Diana Weicker defeated her 2-5 in the 53 kg category.</p>

<p>She opened India's account in the wrestling competition.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CommonwealthGames2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CommonwealthGames2018</a>: Wrestler Babita Kumari settles for silver in women's freestyle 53 kg category. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018</a> (File Pic) <a href="https://t.co/dB9JaANw7U">pic.twitter.com/dB9JaANw7U</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/984329650066378753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>So far India has earned twelve gold medals, six silver and eight bronze medals.</p>


Wrestler Babita Phogat settled for a silver medal at the 21st Commonwealth Games as she lost in the finals by Canada's Diana Weicker

Wrestler Babita Phogat settled for a silver medal at the 21st Commonwealth Games as she lost in the finals by Canada's Diana Weicker on Thursday. Babita had clinched a gold medal in at Glasgow in 2010 but failed to replicate the same as Diana Weicker defeated her 2-5 in the 53 kg category. She opened India's account in the wrestling competition. #CommonwealthGames2018: Wrestler Babita Kumari settles for silver in women's freestyle 53 kg category. #GC2018 (File Pic) pic.twitter.com/dB9JaANw7U — ANI (@ANI) April 12, 2018 × So far India has earned twelve gold medals, six silver and eight bronze medals.

Commonwealth Games: Wrestler Babita Phogat settles for silver in 53 kg category

<p>Pep Guardiola insists Manchester City are destined to win the&nbspChampions League&nbspone day, even if they fail to overcome a 3-0 quarter-final first-leg deficit against Liverpool on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Reds are sweating on the fitness of striker Mohamed Salah.</p>

<p>A hitherto spectacular second season under Guardiola for City has unravelled in the past week as they were thrashed at Anfield in the first leg, and then let a 2-0 lead slip with the chance to seal the Premier&nbspLeaguetitle against Manchester United in a 3-2 derby defeat on Saturday.</p>

<p>Even if City go out, Guardiola could badly do with them winning at least the match to restore battered morale ahead of a tough&nbspleague&nbspmatch with in-form Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend with the Premier&nbspLeague&nbsptitle theirs for the taking.</p>

<p>The trouble for Guardiola is even if Salah -- who scored his 38th goal of the season in the first leg before limping off -- is not able to play a role, Liverpool have enough firepower up front in the shape of Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane to hurt City.</p>

<p>Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said on Monday Salah was more of a 'yes' than a 'no' for the trip to the Etihad, though whether he plays will only be decided later on Tuesday.</p>

<p>More encouraging for Liverpool fans is that Guardiola has lost six times in the knockout stages and four of the teams who bested him went on to lift the trophy.</p>

<p>The Spaniard believes that were his team to pull off an extraordinary comeback it would take Abu Dhabi-backed City -- who have only reached the last four of the competition once -- to another level.</p>

<p>"I know we are judged on results, but on the performances my team is extraordinary. It is not comparable for many others, it's top," Guardiola, whose side still boast a 13-point lead at the top of the Premier&nbspLeague, said.</p>

<p>"They are exceptional, so I will be close to them no matter what happens between now and the end of the season. It's a joy to be manager of this team, even three days ago the way we played."</p>

<p><strong>- 'I'm never nervous' -</strong></p>

<p>One area of hope for Guardiola is that Liverpool's Achilles heel has been its defence although Dutchman Virgil van Dijk has added some steel since joining from Southampton.</p>

<p>The Dutch captain will be examined to the full at the Etihad, though, where Liverpool were thrashed 5-0 earlier in the season, albeit before Van Dijk joined from Southampton.</p>

<p>Klopp's men were also crushed 4-1 by Tottenham and involved in thrilling 3-3 draws at Arsenal and Sevilla as they were routinely torn apart on their toughest travels, before the addition of the tall Dutchman.</p>

<p>Van Dijk, though, says he is not nervous at all about the impending clash -- indeed, if anything, the 26-year-old admits to being too relaxed.</p>

<p>"I always have been, sometimes a little too much," &nbspvan Dijk told journalists.</p>

<p>"Sometimes that cost me back in the day. What we do as players is something you need to enjoy.</p>

<p>"I'm never nervous.</p>

<p>"I'm just excited. I think, 'Look where I am. Playing for the semi-finals of the&nbspChampions&nbspLeague&nbspwith my team. Just enjoy it and love it.'"</p>

<p>Van Dijk will do well to remain so relaxed given he faces a City attack bolstered by the likes of Sergio Aguero, who missed the traumatic United defeat, and Kevin De Bruyne, who only came on as a second-half substitute.&nbsp</p>

<p>If Guardiola is to seek inspiration in terms of a miraculous comeback, then United set him an example last Saturday of how quickly a match can turn on its head.</p>


Pep Guardiola insists Manchester City are destined to win the Champions League one day, even if they fail to overcome a 3-0 quarter-final first-leg deficit against Liverpool

Pep Guardiola insists Manchester City are destined to win the&nbspChampions League&nbspone day, even if they fail to overcome a 3-0 quarter-final first-leg deficit against Liverpool on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Reds are sweating on the fitness of striker Mohamed Salah. A hitherto spectacular second season under Guardiola for City has unravelled in the past week as they were thrashed at Anfield in the first leg, and then let a 2-0 lead slip with the chance to seal the Premier&nbspLeaguetitle against Manchester United in a 3-2 derby defeat on Saturday. Even if City go out, Guardiola could badly do with them winning at least the match to restore battered morale ahead of a tough&nbspleague&nbspmatch with in-form Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend with the Premier&nbspLeague&nbsptitle theirs for the taking. The trouble for Guardiola is even if Salah -- who scored his 38th goal of the season in the first leg before limping off -- is not able to play a role, Liverpool have enough firepower up front in the shape of Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane to hurt City. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said on Monday Salah was more of a 'yes' than a 'no' for the trip to the Etihad, though whether he plays will only be decided later on Tuesday. More encouraging for Liverpool fans is that Guardiola has lost six times in the knockout stages and four of the teams who bested him went on to lift the trophy. The Spaniard believes that were his team to pull off an extraordinary comeback it would take Abu Dhabi-backed City -- who have only reached the last four of the competition once -- to another level. "I know we are judged on results, but on the performances my team is extraordinary. It is not comparable for many others, it's top," Guardiola, whose side still boast a 13-point lead at the top of the Premier&nbspLeague, said. "They are exceptional, so I will be close to them no matter what happens between now and the end of the season. It's a joy to be manager of this team, even three days ago the way we played." - 'I'm never nervous' - One area of hope for Guardiola is that Liverpool's Achilles heel has been its defence although Dutchman Virgil van Dijk has added some steel since joining from Southampton. The Dutch captain will be examined to the full at the Etihad, though, where Liverpool were thrashed 5-0 earlier in the season, albeit before Van Dijk joined from Southampton. Klopp's men were also crushed 4-1 by Tottenham and involved in thrilling 3-3 draws at Arsenal and Sevilla as they were routinely torn apart on their toughest travels, before the addition of the tall Dutchman. Van Dijk, though, says he is not nervous at all about the impending clash -- indeed, if anything, the 26-year-old admits to being too relaxed. "I always have been, sometimes a little too much," &nbspvan Dijk told journalists. "Sometimes that cost me back in the day. What we do as players is something you need to enjoy. "I'm never nervous. "I'm just excited. I think, 'Look where I am. Playing for the semi-finals of the&nbspChampions&nbspLeague&nbspwith my team. Just enjoy it and love it.'" Van Dijk will do well to remain so relaxed given he faces a City attack bolstered by the likes of Sergio Aguero, who missed the traumatic United defeat, and Kevin De Bruyne, who only came on as a second-half substitute. If Guardiola is to seek inspiration in terms of a miraculous comeback, then United set him an example last Saturday of how quickly a match can turn on its head.

Champions League: Pep Guardiola dreams of miracle, Klopp of holding City at bay

<p>17-year-old shooting sensation Mehuli Ghosh won a silver medal in the&nbsp;10m air rifle event at the 21st Commonwealth Games. She represents India at the international junior shooting championships across the world. She was the only Indian among 123 competitors who reached the finals of junior shooting competition held in the Czech Republic in 2018. Mehuli finished seventh there.</p>

<p><img alt="Commonwealth1.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/Commonwealth1.jpg" width="770" /></p>

<p>She is trained by none other than former Indian Olympian and Arjuna Awardee, Joydeep Karmarkar. After her heroics at the Commonwealth Games, Coach Karmarkar said, "It's a happy moment for us. This was her maiden appearance in CWG and getting into the final and then bagging silver in shoot-off is creditable."</p>

<p>"Still, I will go low about it and I would like to say, being a coach and a technical person, there is much scope for improvement," he added.</p>

<p><img alt="DaUIEJJU0AAh0Pa.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="475" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/DaUIEJJU0AAh0Pa.jpg" width="309" /></p>

<p>Mehuli entered the CWG 2018 after bagging two bronze medals at the recently-concluded ISSF World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico.</p>

<p><img alt="DaUEqT2UwAAQn4H.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/DaUEqT2UwAAQn4H.jpg" width="770" /></p>

<p>Mehuli hails from a small city Baidyabati, West Bengal and was declared the Best Shooter when she grabbed eleven medals at the 2017 National Championships.</p>

<p>President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded Mehuli for her outstanding performance at Commonwealth Games.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delighted to know that Mehuli Ghosh has won SILVER and Apurvi Chandela BRONZE in the Women's 10m Air Rifle event at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018</a> Our shooters on target again <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentKovind?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentKovind</a></p>
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/983196799677628416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is amazing to see Indian athletes excel at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018</a> Commonwealth Games. PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> warmly congratulated Mehuli Ghosh on wins a Silver medal in the women’s 10m Air Rifle event and said that Mehuli joins the fast increasing list of medal winners from India. <a href="https://t.co/YkcvjXVmlq">pic.twitter.com/YkcvjXVmlq</a></p>
— Narendra Modi Office (@namo_office) <a href="https://twitter.com/namo_office/status/983298745402970112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><img alt="000_13U1QX.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/000_13U1QX.jpg" width="770" /></p>


Mehuli Ghosh won a silver medal in the 10m air rifle event at the 21st Commonwealth Games

17-year-old shooting sensation Mehuli Ghosh won a silver medal in the 10m air rifle event at the 21st Commonwealth Games. She represents India at the international junior shooting championships across the world. She was the only Indian among 123 competitors who reached the finals of junior shooting competition held in the Czech Republic in 2018. Mehuli finished seventh there. She is trained by none other than former Indian Olympian and Arjuna Awardee, Joydeep Karmarkar. After her heroics at the Commonwealth Games, Coach Karmarkar said, "It's a happy moment for us. This was her maiden appearance in CWG and getting into the final and then bagging silver in shoot-off is creditable." "Still, I will go low about it and I would like to say, being a coach and a technical person, there is much scope for improvement," he added. Mehuli entered the CWG 2018 after bagging two bronze medals at the recently-concluded ISSF World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico. Mehuli hails from a small city Baidyabati, West Bengal and was declared the Best Shooter when she grabbed eleven medals at the 2017 National Championships. President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded Mehuli for her outstanding performance at Commonwealth Games. Delighted to know that Mehuli Ghosh has won SILVER and Apurvi Chandela BRONZE in the Women's 10m Air Rifle event at #GC2018 Our shooters on target again #PresidentKovind — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 9, 2018 × It is amazing to see Indian athletes excel at the #GC2018 Commonwealth Games. PM @narendramodi warmly congratulated Mehuli Ghosh on wins a Silver medal in the women’s 10m Air Rifle event and said that Mehuli joins the fast increasing list of medal winners from India. pic.twitter.com/YkcvjXVmlq — Narendra Modi Office (@namo_office) April 9, 2018 ×

Meet Mehuli Ghosh - small town girl who rocked at 21st CWG

<p>A pit stop crew member of Ferrari suffered a massive tragedy when&nbsp;Kimi Raikkonen ran over him and fractured his leg in the Bahrain Grand Prix during the pit stop.</p>

<p>Ferrari mechanic Francesco Cigarini was immediately taken to hospital as he suffered a broken tibia and fibula in his left leg when Raikkonen hit him during the second pit-stop in Sunday's race.</p>

<p>Cigarini has undergone a successful operation and send his gratitude by sharing his photo on Instagram quoting, "I want to thank all the people who asked about me and worried. Only a big thank-you. Hugs."</p>

<p><em>Here is the post:</em></p>

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<div style=" background:url(data:image/pngbase64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC) display:block height:44px margin:0 auto -44px position:relative top:-22px width:44px">&nbsp;</div>
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0 padding:0 4px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BhVIb4KltMR/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">Surgery ok. I have to thank all the people worried for me. Nothing else, just a big thanks. Hugs! L'operazione è andata bene. Voglio ringraziare tutte le persone che hanno chiesto di me e si sono preoccupate. Solo un grande GRAZIE. Abbracci #thanks #grazie</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/francesco.cigarini/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Francesco Cigarini</a> (@francesco.cigarini) on <time datetime="2018-04-09T00:50:01+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">Apr 8, 2018 at 5:50pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>Kimi Raikkonen was criticised on social forums for the incident for which he wrote back: "Get well soon mate!"</p>

<p>The incident happened when Cigarini was preparing to fit a new left-rear tyre during Raikkonen's second stop and the system turned on a green light to signal that all four wheels had re-fitted tyres, but the left-rear tyre was stuck and had not been removed.</p>

<p>Though Raikkonen was stopped immediately in the pit lane because it is against the regulations to run a car with a mismatched set of tyres.</p>

<p><em>Watch the tragic incident here:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Raikkonen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Raikkonen</a> takes out pit crew!? <a href="https://t.co/yhVnpbR3bq">pic.twitter.com/yhVnpbR3bq</a></p>
— Simon (@quicktweetaway) <a href="https://twitter.com/quicktweetaway/status/983018335561506817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pitcrew Kimi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BahrainGP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BahrainGP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Ferrari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ferrari</a> <a href="https://t.co/cIU4rJI2CK">pic.twitter.com/cIU4rJI2CK</a></p>
— Brayen Engels (@XF1RacingLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/XF1RacingLeague/status/983025524976037889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Later Ferrari launched an immediate investigation to discover how their automated system had failed.</p>

<p>Ferrari were fined 50,000 euros for the incident. It was the second time the team had been involved in an unsafe release from a pit stop during the weekend.</p>

<p>Raikkonen’s Ferrari team-mate, four-time champion German Sebastian Vettel, won the race, his second victory in two events this season.</p>


Ferrari mechanic Francesco Cigarini has undergone a successful operation on his leg broken when Kimi Raikkonen ran over him in the Bahrain Grand Prix

A pit stop crew member of Ferrari suffered a massive tragedy when Kimi Raikkonen ran over him and fractured his leg in the Bahrain Grand Prix during the pit stop. Ferrari mechanic Francesco Cigarini was immediately taken to hospital as he suffered a broken tibia and fibula in his left leg when Raikkonen hit him during the second pit-stop in Sunday's race. Cigarini has undergone a successful operation and send his gratitude by sharing his photo on Instagram quoting, "I want to thank all the people who asked about me and worried. Only a big thank-you. Hugs." Here is the post: Surgery ok. I have to thank all the people worried for me. Nothing else, just a big thanks. Hugs! L'operazione è andata bene. Voglio ringraziare tutte le persone che hanno chiesto di me e si sono preoccupate. Solo un grande GRAZIE. Abbracci #thanks #grazie A post shared by Francesco Cigarini (@francesco.cigarini) on Apr 8, 2018 at 5:50pm PDT × Kimi Raikkonen was criticised on social forums for the incident for which he wrote back: "Get well soon mate!" The incident happened when Cigarini was preparing to fit a new left-rear tyre during Raikkonen's second stop and the system turned on a green light to signal that all four wheels had re-fitted tyres, but the left-rear tyre was stuck and had not been removed. Though Raikkonen was stopped immediately in the pit lane because it is against the regulations to run a car with a mismatched set of tyres. Watch the tragic incident here: #Raikkonen takes out pit crew!? pic.twitter.com/yhVnpbR3bq — Simon (@quicktweetaway) April 8, 2018 × Pitcrew Kimi #F1 #BahrainGP @Ferrari pic.twitter.com/cIU4rJI2CK — Brayen Engels (@XF1RacingLeague) April 8, 2018 × Later Ferrari launched an immediate investigation to discover how their automated system had failed. Ferrari were fined 50,000 euros for the incident. It was the second time the team had been involved in an unsafe release from a pit stop during the weekend. Raikkonen’s Ferrari team-mate, four-time champion German Sebastian Vettel, won the race, his second victory in two events this season.

Video: Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen runs over own pit stop crew member

<p>India clinched gold medal after defeating team Malaysia 3-1 in mixed-team badminton final at 21st Commonwealth Games on Day 5 in Gold Coast.</p>

<p>Saina Nehwal won the women singles clash against Soniia Cheah on the final day.</p>

<p>In men's single event of mixed-team finals, Kidambi Srikanth won against Malaysia's Chong Lee by 21-17, 21-14.</p>

<p>In the mixed doubles clash, Ashwini Ponnappa and Satwik Rankireddy of India took the match to the decider set and claimed the gold against Malaysia.</p>

<p>Though, Malasia had won the first match in men's doubles, as Satwik-Chirag go down 21-15, 21-19.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India beat Malaysia 3-1 to win the Gold medal in mixed team badminton <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWG2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWG2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/xb06v4Cg99">pic.twitter.com/xb06v4Cg99</a></p>
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<p>The badminton team has been in a magnificent form as they have defeated Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Scotland in the group stages by 5-0 to make it to the quarterfinals.</p>

<p>In the quarterfinals they outplayed Mauritius to enter the semifinals. In the semis, they lost their men’s doubles match but remained strong to defeat Singapore 3-1 to enter the final.</p>

<p>India has bagged ten gold medals so far and a total of nineteen medals.</p>


India clinched the gold medal after defeating Team Malaysia 3-1 in the mixed-team badminton final at the 21st Commonwealth Games on Day 5

India clinched gold medal after defeating team Malaysia 3-1 in mixed-team badminton final at 21st Commonwealth Games on Day 5 in Gold Coast. Saina Nehwal won the women singles clash against Soniia Cheah on the final day. In men's single event of mixed-team finals, Kidambi Srikanth won against Malaysia's Chong Lee by 21-17, 21-14. In the mixed doubles clash, Ashwini Ponnappa and Satwik Rankireddy of India took the match to the decider set and claimed the gold against Malaysia. Though, Malasia had won the first match in men's doubles, as Satwik-Chirag go down 21-15, 21-19. India beat Malaysia 3-1 to win the Gold medal in mixed team badminton #CWG2018 pic.twitter.com/xb06v4Cg99 — ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2018 × The badminton team has been in a magnificent form as they have defeated Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Scotland in the group stages by 5-0 to make it to the quarterfinals. In the quarterfinals they outplayed Mauritius to enter the semifinals. In the semis, they lost their men’s doubles match but remained strong to defeat Singapore 3-1 to enter the final. India has bagged ten gold medals so far and a total of nineteen medals.

CWG 2018: India gold rush continues as shuttlers clinch maiden team title

<p>Indian men team&nbsp;won the gold medal in table tennis&nbsp;event at 21st Commonwealth Games. Team India defeated Nigeria 3-0 to clinch the gold medal on Monday.</p>

<p>On Sunday, Indian women's table tennis team outplayed four-time defending champions Singapore 3-1 to clinch the gold medal at the 21st Commonwealth Games and it is the first time since the racket sport's induction into the Commonwealth Games' program that India has topped both categories.</p>

<p>As many as six players are in the top-100 of the men's world rankings and two in the women's standings.</p>

<p>Kamal, who has four CWG gold medals to his name now, set the ball rolling by beating Bode Abiodun in the opening singles.</p>

<p>The experienced Indian was sluggish to start with, losing the first game.</p>

<p>From the second game onwards, 48th-ranked Kamal was his usual self, unleashing forehand drives on either side of the table.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His power and range of strokes was too hot to handle for the Nigerian as Kamal completed a 4-11, 11-5, 11-4, 11-9 win.</p>

<p>Just like his senior teammate, G Sathiyan too fumbled in the first game but bounced back in style to outplay 2002 CWG singles gold medallist Segun Toriola 10-12, 11-3, 11-3, 11-4.</p>

<p>India was now one step away from the gold and 46th-ranked Sathiyan teamed up with Harmeet Desai to cross the finishing line. The Indian duo defeated Abiodun and Olajide Omotayo 11-8, 11-5, 11-3 to complete a memorable triumph.</p>

<p>The Indian side also benefited from the absence of world no. 26 Aruna Quadri, Nigeria's highest-ranked player. Toriola is ranked second highest at 166.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">CommonwealthGames2018: India defeat Nigeria 3-0 to win gold in Men's Team Table Tennis event <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018</a></p>
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<p>Team India has improved its performance from its disappointing show in Glasgow four years ago when it just managed just a silver in men's doubles.</p>

<p>India has so far won nine gold medals, four silver and five bronze medals at the ongoing Commonwealth Games.</p>


Indian men won the gold medal in table tennis team event at 21st Commonwealth Games

Indian men team won the gold medal in table tennis event at 21st Commonwealth Games. Team India defeated Nigeria 3-0 to clinch the gold medal on Monday. On Sunday, Indian women's table tennis team outplayed four-time defending champions Singapore 3-1 to clinch the gold medal at the 21st Commonwealth Games and it is the first time since the racket sport's induction into the Commonwealth Games' program that India has topped both categories. As many as six players are in the top-100 of the men's world rankings and two in the women's standings. Kamal, who has four CWG gold medals to his name now, set the ball rolling by beating Bode Abiodun in the opening singles. The experienced Indian was sluggish to start with, losing the first game. From the second game onwards, 48th-ranked Kamal was his usual self, unleashing forehand drives on either side of the table. His power and range of strokes was too hot to handle for the Nigerian as Kamal completed a 4-11, 11-5, 11-4, 11-9 win. Just like his senior teammate, G Sathiyan too fumbled in the first game but bounced back in style to outplay 2002 CWG singles gold medallist Segun Toriola 10-12, 11-3, 11-3, 11-4. India was now one step away from the gold and 46th-ranked Sathiyan teamed up with Harmeet Desai to cross the finishing line. The Indian duo defeated Abiodun and Olajide Omotayo 11-8, 11-5, 11-3 to complete a memorable triumph. The Indian side also benefited from the absence of world no. 26 Aruna Quadri, Nigeria's highest-ranked player. Toriola is ranked second highest at 166. CommonwealthGames2018: India defeat Nigeria 3-0 to win gold in Men's Team Table Tennis event #GC2018 — ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2018 × Team India has improved its performance from its disappointing show in Glasgow four years ago when it just managed just a silver in men's doubles. India has so far won nine gold medals, four silver and five bronze medals at the ongoing Commonwealth Games.

CWG 2018: India men's TT team beats Nigeria, bags gold

Weekly compilation of sports and other related news (April 2 to April 8 )

WION'S PICK OF THE WEEK Five factors behind Barca's record unbeaten run Xia Boyu, a double amputee, aspires to climb Everest after ban revoked × My child's last name will be Mirza-Malik: Sania Mirza to WION × IN FOCUS Sebastian Vettel marks 200th race with thrilling Bahrain win Watch: Ronaldo's sensational 'bicycle' goal against Juventus Cristiano Ronaldo is a man among boys pic.twitter.com/d0BAkwOxzM — Athlete Tweets™ (@AthleteTweetsO) April 3, 2018 × Ex-England star Pietersen writes in Hindi praising India's Rhino population growth COMMONWEALTH GAMES In photos: Commonwealth Games open with beach party Weightlifter P Gururaja opens India's account, wins silver Day 1: Commonwealth Games 2018 | Weightlifter P Gururaja wins silver medal, India's first medal at CWG 2018. Go, team India. ___________________ Indian weightlifter Gururaja shows his silver medal and mascot Borbi after winning the Men's 56kg Weightlifting final during Commonwealth Games 2018 in Gold Coast. (? PTI) India is scheduled to compete in 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia from 4th - 15th April 2018. . . . . . #teamindia #indianflag #australia #goldcoast #commonwealthgames #commonwealthgames2018 #flag #indian #patriotism #commonwealth #Cyprus #sport #sports #instasport #gc2018 #sharethedream #GoldCoast2018 #cwg2018 #wion A post shared by WION (@wionews) on Apr 4, 2018 at 9:56pm PDT × Commonwealth Games: Mirabai Chanu secures India's first gold medal Day 1 : Commonwealth Games 2018 | Indian weightlifter Sanijta Chanu won India’s second gold medal in women's 53kg weightlifting at CWG 2018. (? PTI) Go, team India. We are proud of you. ___________________ India is scheduled to compete in 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia from 5th - 15th April 2018. . . . . . #teamindia #sanjitachanu #indianflag #australia #goldcoast #commonwealthgames #commonwealthgames2018 #flag #indian #patriotism #commonwealth #Cyprus #sport #sports #instasport #gc2018 #sharethedream #GoldCoast2018 #cwg2018 #wion A post shared by WION (@wionews) on Apr 6, 2018 at 12:04am PDT × Commonwealth Games: Sanjita Chanu clinches India's second gold Commonwealth Games: Weightlifter Deepak Lather clinches bronze medal CWG 2018: Sathish Sivalingam bags India's third gold Commonwealth Games: Rahul Ragala claims India's fourth gold medal Commonwealth Games: Rahul Ragala claims India's fourth gold medal CWG 2018: Bhaker wins 10m pistol gold, Sidhu silver, Kumar bags men's bronze Day 4 — Commonwealth Games 2018 | Manu Bhaker (right) and Heena Sidhu (left) bags the Gold and Silver medals in the 10m Air Pistol event respectively.. (? PTI) . . Total medals at CWG 2018 so far = 6 Gold • 2 silver • 3 bronze Go, team India. We are proud of you. ___________________ India is scheduled to compete in 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia from 4th - 15th April 2018. . . . . . #teamindia #manubhaker #heenasidhu #indianflag #australia #goldcoast #commonwealthgames #commonwealthgames2018 #flag #indian #patriotism #commonwealth #Cyprus #sport #sports #instasport #gc2018 #sharethedream #GoldCoast2018 #cwg2018 #wion A post shared by WION (@wionews) on Apr 8, 2018 at 12:09am PDT × CWG 2018: Weightlifting gold rush continues, Punam claims 5th for India CWG 2018: Vikas Thakur wins 94-kg weightlifting bronze, India's fifth medal of the day CWG 2018: Indian women's TT team grabs gold after historic victory against Singapore Day 4 — Commonwealth Games 2018 Another GOLD medal! Congratulations! Indian women's table tennis team wins gold after beating Singapore in final. This is India's 7th gold at CWG 2018 (? PTI) . . Total medals so far = 7 Gold • 2 Silver • 3 bronze = 12 medals? Go, team India. We are proud of you. ___________________ India is scheduled to compete in 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia from 4th - 15th April 2018. . . . . . #teamindia #manubhaker #ravikumar #heenasidhu #indianflag #australia #goldcoast #shooting #rifle #commonwealthgames #commonwealthgames2018 #flag #indian #patriotism #commonwealth #Cyprus #sport #sports #instasport #gc2018 #sharethedream #GoldCoast2018 #cwg2018 #wion A post shared by WION (@wionews) on Apr 8, 2018 at 10:56am PDT × IPL 2018 IPL 2018: Liam Plunkett replaced injured Kagiso Rabada in Delhi's team IPL 2018: Pandya brothers shine as Mumbai sets 166 runs target IPL 2018: Dwayne Bravo's heroics give Chennai its first win against Mumbai KL Rahul, Karun Nair give Punjab its first victory in IPL 2018 CRICKET In absence of Steve Smith, South Africa destroy Australia by 492 runs in last Test Cricketers' union wants Smith, Warner 'disproportionate' bans reduced NZ vs ENG: Sodhi, Wagner 'heroes' as New Zealand mark series win against England Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam shine as Pakistan whitewash West Indies in T20 series FOOTBALL Champions League: Ronaldo stuns Buffon as Real Madrid outplay Juventus Champions League: FC Bayern acknowledge good fortune in win at Sevilla ⚽️? FIXTURES ?⚽️ Which four are you backing to reach the semi-finals? ?#UCL pic.twitter.com/Gt7oDSMhDZ — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 9, 2018 × Champions League: Liverpool stun Manchester City with 3-0 win at Anfield Champions League: FC Barcelona defeat AS Roma in quarter-finals 1st leg Zidane says Real would not honour Barcelona title win Messi scores hat-trick, Barca equal La Liga unbeaten record Cristiano Ronaldo continues goal spree but Real held by stubborn Atletico

<p>Fired up by analysts predicting a win for Rory McIlroy, not to mention an Augusta National crowd that seemed to be backing the Northern Irishman to complete the career grand slam, Patrick Reed powered to a one-stroke victory at the U.S. Masters on Sunday.</p>

<p>Reed, who saw off a fading McIlroy by the turn, then had to survive challenges from U.S. Ryder Cup teammates Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler before sinking a par putt at the last to win the Green Jacket and his first major championship.</p>

<p>"Listening to all the analysts this morning, every single one of them except (one) would pick Rory (McIlroy)," said Reed, who teed off with a three-shot lead over the Northern Irishman.</p>

<p>"It just seemed like the pressure at that point was kind of lifted off. No one expects me to go out and win. I expect to win. Everyone else, even though they said all those great things about how I was playing, they thought Rory was going to win."</p>

<p>Reed also noticed the different receptions he and McIlroy received from the gallery.</p>

<p>"(Walking) up to the first tee I had a really welcoming cheer from the fans but when Rory walked up he had a little louder," said Reed.</p>

<p>"It takes the pressure off me and hands it back to him. Rory’s cheer was a little louder."</p>

<p>Apart from a first-hole bogey, Reed was impervious to the pressure for most of the day, watching McIlroy, in his quest for the career grand slam, self-destruct.</p>

<p>He then kept his nose in front of Fowler and Spieth for a one-shot victory, making clutch putts down the stretch, including a nerve-jangling five-footer for par at the penultimate hole, to shoot 71 and finish on 15-under 273.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On a cool and crisp Georgia afternoon, several of the game’s biggest guns made spirited runs at <a href="https://twitter.com/PReedGolf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PReedGolf</a>, but one by one, he turned them away. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/themasters?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#themasters</a> <a href="https://t.co/87HcCSoRyO">https://t.co/87HcCSoRyO</a></p>
— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMasters/status/983157635603206145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"To win your first major is never going to be easy," he said. "I knew it was going to be a dog fight.</p>

<p>"I always watch leaderboards, whether it’s the first hole on Thursday or the last hole on Sunday.</p>

<p>"I saw Jordan and Rickie storm up those leaderboards. I knew when I birdied 14 it was about the same time Jordan bogeyed the last.</p>

<p>"I knew at that point as long as there weren’t any catastrophic implosions coming in it was going to be between Rickie and I.</p>

<p>"The way those guys played towards the end, having to go shoot under par (in the final round to win your) first major was hard."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Watch 2018 Masters champion <a href="https://twitter.com/PReedGolf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PReedGolf</a>'s final round in under three minutes. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/themasters?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#themasters</a> <a href="https://t.co/iKjPTYRt74">pic.twitter.com/iKjPTYRt74</a></p>
— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMasters/status/983155033683324928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>He won in his fifth start at Augusta, the city where he went to university, Reed said this was the one he wanted to win.</p>

<p>"Definitely growing up everybody dreams about winning the Masters," he said.</p>

<p>"Today was the hardest mentally a round of golf could possibly be.</p>

<p>"It was awesome and satisfying to make those clutch putts on the back nine."</p>


Patrick Reed powered to a one-stroke victory at the U.S. Masters on Sunday

Fired up by analysts predicting a win for Rory McIlroy, not to mention an Augusta National crowd that seemed to be backing the Northern Irishman to complete the career grand slam, Patrick Reed powered to a one-stroke victory at the U.S. Masters on Sunday. Reed, who saw off a fading McIlroy by the turn, then had to survive challenges from U.S. Ryder Cup teammates Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler before sinking a par putt at the last to win the Green Jacket and his first major championship. "Listening to all the analysts this morning, every single one of them except (one) would pick Rory (McIlroy)," said Reed, who teed off with a three-shot lead over the Northern Irishman. "It just seemed like the pressure at that point was kind of lifted off. No one expects me to go out and win. I expect to win. Everyone else, even though they said all those great things about how I was playing, they thought Rory was going to win." Reed also noticed the different receptions he and McIlroy received from the gallery. "(Walking) up to the first tee I had a really welcoming cheer from the fans but when Rory walked up he had a little louder," said Reed. "It takes the pressure off me and hands it back to him. Rory’s cheer was a little louder." Apart from a first-hole bogey, Reed was impervious to the pressure for most of the day, watching McIlroy, in his quest for the career grand slam, self-destruct. He then kept his nose in front of Fowler and Spieth for a one-shot victory, making clutch putts down the stretch, including a nerve-jangling five-footer for par at the penultimate hole, to shoot 71 and finish on 15-under 273. On a cool and crisp Georgia afternoon, several of the game’s biggest guns made spirited runs at @PReedGolf, but one by one, he turned them away. #themasters https://t.co/87HcCSoRyO — Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 9, 2018 × "To win your first major is never going to be easy," he said. "I knew it was going to be a dog fight. "I always watch leaderboards, whether it’s the first hole on Thursday or the last hole on Sunday. "I saw Jordan and Rickie storm up those leaderboards. I knew when I birdied 14 it was about the same time Jordan bogeyed the last. "I knew at that point as long as there weren’t any catastrophic implosions coming in it was going to be between Rickie and I. "The way those guys played towards the end, having to go shoot under par (in the final round to win your) first major was hard." Watch 2018 Masters champion @PReedGolf's final round in under three minutes. #themasters pic.twitter.com/iKjPTYRt74 — Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 9, 2018 × He won in his fifth start at Augusta, the city where he went to university, Reed said this was the one he wanted to win. "Definitely growing up everybody dreams about winning the Masters," he said. "Today was the hardest mentally a round of golf could possibly be. "It was awesome and satisfying to make those clutch putts on the back nine."

Golf: Patrick Reed thrives on underdog role to clinch first major

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo's 24th goal in 15 games for Real Madrid this year was not enough to earn his side a derby victory on Sunday as an Antoine Griezmann equaliser secured Atletico a 1-1 draw.&nbsp</p>

<p>Ronaldo followed up last week's brilliant bicycle kick against Juventus with a poacher's finish at the Santiago Bernabeu but Griezmann's strike keeps Atletico in pole position to finish second in La Liga.&nbsp</p>

<p>They retain their four-point cushion over Real while this was perhaps the perfect result for leaders Barcelona, who are now 11 points clear at the top.&nbsp</p>

<p>It not only tightens Barca's grip on the title but will likely bring forward the point when the Catalans are mathematically certain to be champions, with the 'clasico' still a possible coronation day on May 6.&nbsp</p>

<p>"We deserved more today clearly, it's a shame," Real coach Zinedine Zidane said afterwards. "We had many chances, but in the end we could have lost the game as well."</p>

<p>Griezmann's goal came on his 200th appearance for Atleti while Ronaldo's was the 500th in the 161 league matches played between these two city rivals.&nbsp</p>

<p>On Griezmann, Atletico coach Diego Simeone said: "He is a great player, he did not have a good start to the season and he knows it and it is not easy to reinvent himself in the way he did in November, December.&nbsp</p>

<p>"I think the presence of (Diego) Costa has helped him a lot, having strength around him which allows him to be free."</p>

<p>In comparison to recent versions of this fixture, which have included Champions League finals, Cope del Rey finals and league games with both sides vying for the championship, this at times had a rather low-key feel.&nbsp</p>

<p>Zidane, with one eye on the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Juventus on Wednesday, started with Luka Modric and Karim Benzema on the bench, the latter coming on to spare Ronaldo the final half an hour.&nbsp</p>

<p>Los Blancos own a 3-0 advantage over Juve but Zidane insists they cannot afford to be complacent.</p>

<p>"Everyone sees us going through to the semi-finals and that's exactly what we should not put in our head," Zidane said. "We know very well that we will have to suffer again on Wednesday."</p>

<p><strong>Bale quiet</strong></p>

<p>Gareth Bale was given 90 minutes, perhaps not the most positive indicator for his chances of a start in midweek. The Welshman supplied the cross for Ronaldo's equaliser but, in truth, he was quiet for long periods here, a pale shadow of his confident, marauding best.&nbsp</p>

<p>A game that looked in danger of drifting towards a stalemate sparked into life after half-time with two goals in four minutes.&nbsp</p>

<p>Ronaldo scored the first as Bale's hanging cross was misjudged by Lucas Hernandez at the back post, allowing the striker to volley in his 23rd league goal of the season.&nbsp</p>

<p>But Atleti were soon level. Griezmann slipped in Lucas and then continued his run so he was perfectly placed to slide home the rebound after Keylor Navas had parried.&nbsp</p>

<p>Real were more aggressive in the search for a late winner but Atleti dug in. Bale almost had it but put a difficult header wide, while Sergio Ramos nodded past from a corner and saw his curling free-kick tipped over by Jan Oblak. If only Ronaldo had still been on the field to take it.</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>


Cristiano Ronaldo's 24th goal in 15 games for Real Madrid this year was not enough to earn his side a derby victory on Sunday as an Antoine Griezmann equaliser secured Atletico a 1-1 draw

Cristiano Ronaldo's 24th goal in 15 games for Real Madrid this year was not enough to earn his side a derby victory on Sunday as an Antoine Griezmann equaliser secured Atletico a 1-1 draw. Ronaldo followed up last week's brilliant bicycle kick against Juventus with a poacher's finish at the Santiago Bernabeu but Griezmann's strike keeps Atletico in pole position to finish second in La Liga. They retain their four-point cushion over Real while this was perhaps the perfect result for leaders Barcelona, who are now 11 points clear at the top. It not only tightens Barca's grip on the title but will likely bring forward the point when the Catalans are mathematically certain to be champions, with the 'clasico' still a possible coronation day on May 6. "We deserved more today clearly, it's a shame," Real coach Zinedine Zidane said afterwards. "We had many chances, but in the end we could have lost the game as well." Griezmann's goal came on his 200th appearance for Atleti while Ronaldo's was the 500th in the 161 league matches played between these two city rivals. On Griezmann, Atletico coach Diego Simeone said: "He is a great player, he did not have a good start to the season and he knows it and it is not easy to reinvent himself in the way he did in November, December. "I think the presence of (Diego) Costa has helped him a lot, having strength around him which allows him to be free." In comparison to recent versions of this fixture, which have included Champions League finals, Cope del Rey finals and league games with both sides vying for the championship, this at times had a rather low-key feel. Zidane, with one eye on the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Juventus on Wednesday, started with Luka Modric and Karim Benzema on the bench, the latter coming on to spare Ronaldo the final half an hour. Los Blancos own a 3-0 advantage over Juve but Zidane insists they cannot afford to be complacent. "Everyone sees us going through to the semi-finals and that's exactly what we should not put in our head," Zidane said. "We know very well that we will have to suffer again on Wednesday." Bale quiet Gareth Bale was given 90 minutes, perhaps not the most positive indicator for his chances of a start in midweek. The Welshman supplied the cross for Ronaldo's equaliser but, in truth, he was quiet for long periods here, a pale shadow of his confident, marauding best. A game that looked in danger of drifting towards a stalemate sparked into life after half-time with two goals in four minutes. Ronaldo scored the first as Bale's hanging cross was misjudged by Lucas Hernandez at the back post, allowing the striker to volley in his 23rd league goal of the season. But Atleti were soon level. Griezmann slipped in Lucas and then continued his run so he was perfectly placed to slide home the rebound after Keylor Navas had parried. Real were more aggressive in the search for a late winner but Atleti dug in. Bale almost had it but put a difficult header wide, while Sergio Ramos nodded past from a corner and saw his curling free-kick tipped over by Jan Oblak. If only Ronaldo had still been on the field to take it.

LaLiga: Cristiano Ronaldo continues goal spree but Real held by stubborn Atletico

<p>Real Madrid is up against Juventus in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League and already leading 3-0 by registering an easy victory in the 1st leg.</p>

<p>In the first leg&nbsp;match, Real's star player Cristiano Ronaldo stunned the opponents and scored a sensational overhead bicycle kick. He architected the Real Madrid's win over Serie A leaders Juventus. For his stunning goal, he earned a standing ovation from the Juventus fans as he left the pitch. Also, the goal became one of the most shared UEFA Champions League moments on Twitter.</p>

<p>Now, again he was seen practising the same shot during the training session ahead of Atletico Madrid clash. It seems he got some massive plans for&nbsp;Atletico.</p>

<p><em>Watch here:</em></p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0 padding:0 4px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BhRSUjyBORZ/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">AGAIN ? OTRA VEZ ? @Cristiano</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/realmadrid/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Real Madrid C.F. ?</a> (@realmadrid) on <time datetime="2018-04-07T13:01:02+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">Apr 7, 2018 at 6:01am PDT</time></p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">AGAIN ? <a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cristiano</a> <a href="https://t.co/u40317IWpf">pic.twitter.com/u40317IWpf</a></p>
— Real Madrid C.F.???? (@realmadriden) <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadriden/status/982602031662813185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gianluigi Buffon was astounded by the visitors as Juve does not have the tendency to let in many goals but suffered a tragic defeat it the first leg. Now, the chances of reaching across the deficit are very less.</p>

<p>For Ronaldo's breathtaking goal, Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane appreciated him and said, "You can say he's one of the most beautiful players in the history of football."</p>

<p><em>Watch the incredible goal here:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Cristiano Ronaldo is a man among boys <a href="https://t.co/d0BAkwOxzM">pic.twitter.com/d0BAkwOxzM</a></p>
— Athlete Tweets™ (@AthleteTweetsO) <a href="https://twitter.com/AthleteTweetsO/status/981304696030642176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Real Madrid will face Atletico Madrid on Sunday evening and after that, the team will meet Juventus on April 12 in the second leg of UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.</p>


Real will take on Athletico Madrid Sunday evening at 7:45 pm IST

Real Madrid is up against Juventus in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League and already leading 3-0 by registering an easy victory in the 1st leg. In the first leg match, Real's star player Cristiano Ronaldo stunned the opponents and scored a sensational overhead bicycle kick. He architected the Real Madrid's win over Serie A leaders Juventus. For his stunning goal, he earned a standing ovation from the Juventus fans as he left the pitch. Also, the goal became one of the most shared UEFA Champions League moments on Twitter. Now, again he was seen practising the same shot during the training session ahead of Atletico Madrid clash. It seems he got some massive plans for Atletico. Watch here: AGAIN ? OTRA VEZ ? @Cristiano A post shared by Real Madrid C.F. ? (@realmadrid) on Apr 7, 2018 at 6:01am PDT × AGAIN ? @Cristiano pic.twitter.com/u40317IWpf — Real Madrid C.F.???? (@realmadriden) April 7, 2018 × Gianluigi Buffon was astounded by the visitors as Juve does not have the tendency to let in many goals but suffered a tragic defeat it the first leg. Now, the chances of reaching across the deficit are very less. For Ronaldo's breathtaking goal, Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane appreciated him and said, "You can say he's one of the most beautiful players in the history of football." Watch the incredible goal here: Cristiano Ronaldo is a man among boys pic.twitter.com/d0BAkwOxzM — Athlete Tweets™ (@AthleteTweetsO) April 3, 2018 × Real Madrid will face Atletico Madrid on Sunday evening and after that, the team will meet Juventus on April 12 in the second leg of UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

Watch: After scoring with it, Cristiano Ronaldo practises bicycle kick

<p>Manchester City can become English champions for the fifth time if they beat Manchester United on Saturday -- and Pep Guardiola's claim he was offered Paul Pogba has added to the occasion.</p>

<p>A City side that has lost just once in the league all season will seal their third Premier League title in seven seasons unless Jose Mourinho's side can throw a spanner in the works in what promises to be a memorable Manchester derby.</p>

<p>Liverpool's 3-0 defeat of City in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday took some gloss off their impending coronation, but Guardiola has come out fighting by taunting United with the claim he was given the chance to sign the club's record signing Paul Pogba in January.</p>

<p>"I said no. We don't have the money to buy Pogba because he is so expensive," Guardiola told reporters on Friday as he attacked the conduct of Pogba's agent Mino Raiola.</p>

<p>Guardiola, who stressed he thought Pogba was an "incredible player", also suggested Raiola offered him then-United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan shortly before Arsenal signed him instead in part-exchange for the deal that took Alexis Sanchez to Old Trafford.</p>

<p>Pogba, who joined United for £89 million ($125 million, 102 million euros) from Juventus in 2016, has endured a wretched season and is by no means guaranteed to be in the starting line-up on Saturday.</p>

<p>The French midfielder responded to Guardiola's revelations with a picture on Twitter cupping his hand to his ear, captioned "Say what?"</p>

<p>United manager Jose Mourinho indicated last month that it was up to Pogba to explain why his form has been so inconsistent in recent months.</p>

<p>There is no suggestion that United had given their approval for Pogba to be offered to City and Guardiola's ire appeared to be aimed solely at Raiola -- the two men have feuded since the Catalan coach was managing Barcelona.</p>

<p>Raiola believes Guardiola forced another of his clients, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, out of Barcelona in 2011.</p>

<p>Their row was reignited two weeks ago when Raiola called Guardiola a "zero", a "coward" and a "dog" for the way he treats his players.</p>

<p>"Comparing someone to a dog is bad. It's not good. He has to respect the dogs," Guardiola said with heavy sarcasm on Friday.</p>

<p>Mourinho has not commented on the Pogba claims, but he said although it would not be "the end of the world" if United lost, "we don't want to offer them the game".</p>

<p>"We want to go there and want to compete and win the match if possible."&nbsp</p>

<p><strong>Emirati riches</strong></p>

<p>Despite Guardiola's suggestion that City could not stretch to Pogba's price tag, the investment by their owners from Abu Dhabi, who took over in 2008, has been phenomenal.</p>

<p>The CIES Football Observatory estimates that the current City squad, including Sergio Aguero and contender for player of the year Kevin De Bruyne, cost 878 million euros ($1.07 billion) to assemble.</p>

<p>That financial firepower has put City 16 points ahead of second-placed United.</p>

<p>Guardiola, also a former manager of German giants Bayern Munich, has himself splashed out nearly 600 million euros in his time in northwest England, but he defended the level of spending.</p>

<p>"I am so, so happy with what we have done this year," he said. "It's impossible to do that, to play the way we play, the results we achieved, without top players. It's impossible. And today the top players cost a lot of money.</p>

<p>"When the people say, 'You win because you spend 600 million euros', I don't know how much money we spent in two years. But it is impossible to do it without money.</p>

<p>"When people you say, 'You can do that, Pep, what you have done in Barcelona or Bayern Munich without those players, is it possible to do that?' No, it's impossible, so be calm."</p>


Manchester City can become English champions for the fifth time if they beat Manchester United

Manchester City can become English champions for the fifth time if they beat Manchester United on Saturday -- and Pep Guardiola's claim he was offered Paul Pogba has added to the occasion. A City side that has lost just once in the league all season will seal their third Premier League title in seven seasons unless Jose Mourinho's side can throw a spanner in the works in what promises to be a memorable Manchester derby. Liverpool's 3-0 defeat of City in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday took some gloss off their impending coronation, but Guardiola has come out fighting by taunting United with the claim he was given the chance to sign the club's record signing Paul Pogba in January. "I said no. We don't have the money to buy Pogba because he is so expensive," Guardiola told reporters on Friday as he attacked the conduct of Pogba's agent Mino Raiola. Guardiola, who stressed he thought Pogba was an "incredible player", also suggested Raiola offered him then-United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan shortly before Arsenal signed him instead in part-exchange for the deal that took Alexis Sanchez to Old Trafford. Pogba, who joined United for £89 million ($125 million, 102 million euros) from Juventus in 2016, has endured a wretched season and is by no means guaranteed to be in the starting line-up on Saturday. The French midfielder responded to Guardiola's revelations with a picture on Twitter cupping his hand to his ear, captioned "Say what?" United manager Jose Mourinho indicated last month that it was up to Pogba to explain why his form has been so inconsistent in recent months. There is no suggestion that United had given their approval for Pogba to be offered to City and Guardiola's ire appeared to be aimed solely at Raiola -- the two men have feuded since the Catalan coach was managing Barcelona. Raiola believes Guardiola forced another of his clients, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, out of Barcelona in 2011. Their row was reignited two weeks ago when Raiola called Guardiola a "zero", a "coward" and a "dog" for the way he treats his players. "Comparing someone to a dog is bad. It's not good. He has to respect the dogs," Guardiola said with heavy sarcasm on Friday. Mourinho has not commented on the Pogba claims, but he said although it would not be "the end of the world" if United lost, "we don't want to offer them the game". "We want to go there and want to compete and win the match if possible." Emirati riches Despite Guardiola's suggestion that City could not stretch to Pogba's price tag, the investment by their owners from Abu Dhabi, who took over in 2008, has been phenomenal. The CIES Football Observatory estimates that the current City squad, including Sergio Aguero and contender for player of the year Kevin De Bruyne, cost 878 million euros ($1.07 billion) to assemble. That financial firepower has put City 16 points ahead of second-placed United. Guardiola, also a former manager of German giants Bayern Munich, has himself splashed out nearly 600 million euros in his time in northwest England, but he defended the level of spending. "I am so, so happy with what we have done this year," he said. "It's impossible to do that, to play the way we play, the results we achieved, without top players. It's impossible. And today the top players cost a lot of money. "When the people say, 'You win because you spend 600 million euros', I don't know how much money we spent in two years. But it is impossible to do it without money. "When people you say, 'You can do that, Pep, what you have done in Barcelona or Bayern Munich without those players, is it possible to do that?' No, it's impossible, so be calm."

Manchester City to clash Man United for title win

<p>Real Madrid will not give Barcelona a guard of honour if the Catalans have clinched the Spanish title before next month's Clasico, Zinedine Zidane said on Saturday.</p>

<p>Barcelona lead La Liga by nine points with eight matches left and entertain Real in the penultimate round of the season. In Spain it has become traditional for opponents to form a guard of honour for the champions.&nbsp</p>

<p>"We're not going to do the guard" Zidane said at a press conference ahead of the Madrid derby against Atletico, who are also Barcelona's closest pursuers.</p>

<p>"It's my decision and that's it," said Zidane. "I don't understand the point of the guard, so we aren't going to do it. Anyway, we are a long way from the end of the season."</p>

<p>Zidane insisted the decision had nothing to do with Barcelona's refusal to form a guard of honour at the Clasico in Madrid in December just after Real had won the Club World Cup.</p>

<p>Even so, he acknowledged that Barca had "broken tradition".</p>

<p>Zidane also insisted Gareth Bale was still "an important player", even though the Welsh winger is playing less and remained on the bench in the Champions League victory at Juventus on Tuesday.</p>

<p>"These are decisions," Zidane told the media. "You say he's playing less or in less important games, but for me that's not the case."&nbsp</p>

<p>Rumours have linked Bale to a host of other clubs, notably Manchester United.</p>

<p>"However we finish the season, my feeling is Gareth is going to stay," said Zidane.</p>


Real Madrid will not give Barcelona a guard of honour if the Catalans have clinched the Spanish title before next month's Clasico: Zinedine Zidane

Real Madrid will not give Barcelona a guard of honour if the Catalans have clinched the Spanish title before next month's Clasico, Zinedine Zidane said on Saturday. Barcelona lead La Liga by nine points with eight matches left and entertain Real in the penultimate round of the season. In Spain it has become traditional for opponents to form a guard of honour for the champions. "We're not going to do the guard" Zidane said at a press conference ahead of the Madrid derby against Atletico, who are also Barcelona's closest pursuers. "It's my decision and that's it," said Zidane. "I don't understand the point of the guard, so we aren't going to do it. Anyway, we are a long way from the end of the season." Zidane insisted the decision had nothing to do with Barcelona's refusal to form a guard of honour at the Clasico in Madrid in December just after Real had won the Club World Cup. Even so, he acknowledged that Barca had "broken tradition". Zidane also insisted Gareth Bale was still "an important player", even though the Welsh winger is playing less and remained on the bench in the Champions League victory at Juventus on Tuesday. "These are decisions," Zidane told the media. "You say he's playing less or in less important games, but for me that's not the case." Rumours have linked Bale to a host of other clubs, notably Manchester United. "However we finish the season, my feeling is Gareth is going to stay," said Zidane.

Zidane says Real would not honour Barcelona title win

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