Rain spoiled India&#39;s party as they struggled in heavy pitch conditions to lose 0-1 to Olympic champions Argentina and crash out of title race in the Hockey World League (HWL) Final here today.

The city crowd braved rain and windy conditions to pack the stadium and support the home team, but they had to return home disappointed as India were done in by waterlogged pitch.

Argentina utilised the only penalty corner that came their way to perfection in the first semi-final of the eight-nation tournament at the Kalinga Stadium.

Gonzalo Peillat struck from his team&#39;s only short corner in the 17th minute to take a decisive 1-0 lead that the world number one side managed to hold on despite a barrage of attacks from India in the third and fourth quarters.

Going by statistics, India had the upper hand over Argentina. The Indians had more shots on goal (5 as against Argentina&#39;s 4) and circle entries (11 against 10) than their opponents, but what eluded them is a goal that could have taken the match into a shoot-out.

The semi-final hurdle continued to haunt India in the tournament as they also crashed out in the same round of the event&#39;s last edition at Raipur in 2015, eventually finishing third.

The International Hockey Federation&#39;s (FIH) decision to continue with the match despite unfavourable pitch conditions because of continuous downpour came as a surprise for all and sundry, especially Netherlands and England, who too struggled in the seventh-eighth place classification match earlier in the day.

Both the teams struggled to cope with the conditions and the first quarter failed to produce any clear-cut chance.

The Argentines, on one occasion, came close early but India goalkeeper Akash Chikte was alert and dived full length to intercept a dangerous-looking pass.

The Argentines handled the conditions much better than the Indians, who struggled to pass the ball and could not tackle the adverse weather.

The heavy pitch following relentless downpour ensured that the Indians cannot rely on their strength -- fast counter attacks -- to unsettle the Argentines.

The Argentines on the other hand realised the need of the hour. They slowed the pace of the game and used the aerial ball more often than their opponents.

With field goals difficult to come by on a waterlogged pitch, penalty corner conversions became the need of the hour and the Los Leones duly utilised the only short corner that came their way.

Just two minutes into the second quarter, Argentina secured their first penalty corner and Gonzalo Peillat was bang on target. Once they conceded a goal, it was always going to be difficult for the Indians to turn the script with conditions totally not in their favour.

The Argentines remained calm after taking the lead and slowed down the pace of the match considerably whenever they wanted.

The Indians, though, displayed much better hockey after the change of ends as they created numerous scoring chances but once again lacked finishing touches. Utilising penalty corners was always going to be the key in deciding the outcome of the match, and India faltered in that department.

Minutes into the second half India earned back-to-back penalty corners, but Rupinderpal Singh failed to convert both and from there on it was always going to be an uphill task.

The Indians kept up the pressure and mounted a series of raids and on one such occasion Gurjant Singh came close, but his reverse shot was saved by Argentina goalkeeper Juan Vivaldi in the 51st minute.

India will now play the loser of the second semifinal between Australia and Germany in the bronze medal match on Sunday.&nbsp;

The semi-final hurdle continued to haunt India in the tournament as they also crashed out in the same round of the event's last edition at Raipur in 2015, eventually finishing third

Rain spoiled India's party as they struggled in heavy pitch conditions to lose 0-1 to Olympic champions Argentina and crash out of title race in the Hockey World League (HWL) Final here today. The city crowd braved rain and windy conditions to pack the stadium and support the home team, but they had to return home disappointed as India were done in by waterlogged pitch. Argentina utilised the only penalty corner that came their way to perfection in the first semi-final of the eight-nation tournament at the Kalinga Stadium. Gonzalo Peillat struck from his team's only short corner in the 17th minute to take a decisive 1-0 lead that the world number one side managed to hold on despite a barrage of attacks from India in the third and fourth quarters. Going by statistics, India had the upper hand over Argentina. The Indians had more shots on goal (5 as against Argentina's 4) and circle entries (11 against 10) than their opponents, but what eluded them is a goal that could have taken the match into a shoot-out. The semi-final hurdle continued to haunt India in the tournament as they also crashed out in the same round of the event's last edition at Raipur in 2015, eventually finishing third. The International Hockey Federation's (FIH) decision to continue with the match despite unfavourable pitch conditions because of continuous downpour came as a surprise for all and sundry, especially Netherlands and England, who too struggled in the seventh-eighth place classification match earlier in the day. Both the teams struggled to cope with the conditions and the first quarter failed to produce any clear-cut chance. The Argentines, on one occasion, came close early but India goalkeeper Akash Chikte was alert and dived full length to intercept a dangerous-looking pass. The Argentines handled the conditions much better than the Indians, who struggled to pass the ball and could not tackle the adverse weather. The heavy pitch following relentless downpour ensured that the Indians cannot rely on their strength -- fast counter attacks -- to unsettle the Argentines. The Argentines on the other hand realised the need of the hour. They slowed the pace of the game and used the aerial ball more often than their opponents. With field goals difficult to come by on a waterlogged pitch, penalty corner conversions became the need of the hour and the Los Leones duly utilised the only short corner that came their way. Just two minutes into the second quarter, Argentina secured their first penalty corner and Gonzalo Peillat was bang on target. Once they conceded a goal, it was always going to be difficult for the Indians to turn the script with conditions totally not in their favour. The Argentines remained calm after taking the lead and slowed down the pace of the match considerably whenever they wanted. The Indians, though, displayed much better hockey after the change of ends as they created numerous scoring chances but once again lacked finishing touches. Utilising penalty corners was always going to be the key in deciding the outcome of the match, and India faltered in that department. Minutes into the second half India earned back-to-back penalty corners, but Rupinderpal Singh failed to convert both and from there on it was always going to be an uphill task. The Indians kept up the pressure and mounted a series of raids and on one such occasion Gurjant Singh came close, but his reverse shot was saved by Argentina goalkeeper Juan Vivaldi in the 51st minute. India will now play the loser of the second semifinal between Australia and Germany in the bronze medal match on Sunday.

Argentina beat India in Hockey World League semi-final

Neil Wagner rated his career-best seven-wicket haul a &quot;horrible&quot; performance as New Zealand seized the honours on day one of the first Test against the West Indies in Wellington on Friday.&nbsp;But as the West Indies licked their wounds after being rolled in the first innings for 134, they believed they only were one wicket away from getting back into the game.

&quot;The big wicket is Ross Taylor. If we can get him early tomorrow morning, anything`s possible,&quot; coach Stuart Law said.

Taylor was not out 12 with Jeet Raval on 29 as New Zealand reached 85 for two at stumps -- 49 runs in arrears after Wagner ensured the West Indies were dismissed cheaply.

The South African-born left-armer, a fiery short-ball specialist, claimed seven for 39 and was twice on a hat-trick as he bettered his previous best of six for 41 against Zimbabwe last year.

But it was an innings-destroying performance that Wagner did not see coming after the West Indies, sent into bat, comfortably reached 59 without loss.

&quot;It was a bit of a bizarre day to be honest. I sort of got a bit worried at one stage, they were looking quite comfortable,&quot; he said. &quot;The pitch was not doing as much as we expected and I felt horrible to be honest. At the start I just felt like I didn`t have a great rhythm.&quot; &quot;I think I`ve bowled a lot better on other days and not get a wicket and then you get days like this and you end up getting a seven-for ... things don`t really tick but wickets just keep falling and it`s a just bizarre thing.&quot;

Law described the West Indies batsmen as being &quot;all bitterly disappointed&quot; with their effort but believed they were still in the game.

&quot;I know we`re a lot better than what we performed like out there today,&quot; he said.

&quot;It`s one of those things we tend to have habit of not starting a series very well but by no means are we dead and buried in this contest.

&quot;A 100 lead or 150 sounds lot but I believe if we put our minds to it that`s a pretty good batting wicket coming into day three and day four.&quot;

When New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss he hesitated in making the West Indies into bat on a green wicket. Despite the conditions, openers Kieran Powell and Kraigg Brathwaite safely progressed to 59 before Wagner engineered a collapse that saw all 10 wickets fall in 22 overs for only 75 runs.&nbsp;

By digging the ball in short and angling it towards the rib cage he had his first success in his third over when Brathwaite went for 24.&nbsp; On either side of the lunch adjournment, he ripped through the West Indies` new generation of specialist batsmen with three wickets in four balls.&nbsp;

Shimron Hetmyer (13) went on in the last ball before lunch, rising star Shai Hope fell on Wagner`s second ball after play resumed and debutant Sunil Ambris stepped back on his stumps with the first ball he faced in Test cricket. Wagner also removed Roston Chase (five) and Jason Holder with successive balls, with

Holder falling to a perfectly placed yorker and wrapped up the innings with the dismissal of Shannon Gabriel (10).

Shane Dowrich was run out for 18 while Trent Boult took the wickets of Powell (42) and Miguel Cummins (one).&nbsp;

Tom Latham was the first New Zealand wicket to fall for 37 and Williamson went cheaply for one before Raval and Taylor cautiously added 17 in 8.3 overs through to stumps.

Neil Wagner rated his career-best seven-wicket haul a 'horrible' performance as New Zealand seized the honours on day one

Neil Wagner rated his career-best seven-wicket haul a "horrible" performance as New Zealand seized the honours on day one of the first Test against the West Indies in Wellington on Friday. But as the West Indies licked their wounds after being rolled in the first innings for 134, they believed they only were one wicket away from getting back into the game. "The big wicket is Ross Taylor. If we can get him early tomorrow morning, anything`s possible," coach Stuart Law said. Taylor was not out 12 with Jeet Raval on 29 as New Zealand reached 85 for two at stumps -- 49 runs in arrears after Wagner ensured the West Indies were dismissed cheaply. The South African-born left-armer, a fiery short-ball specialist, claimed seven for 39 and was twice on a hat-trick as he bettered his previous best of six for 41 against Zimbabwe last year. But it was an innings-destroying performance that Wagner did not see coming after the West Indies, sent into bat, comfortably reached 59 without loss. "It was a bit of a bizarre day to be honest. I sort of got a bit worried at one stage, they were looking quite comfortable," he said. "The pitch was not doing as much as we expected and I felt horrible to be honest. At the start I just felt like I didn`t have a great rhythm." "I think I`ve bowled a lot better on other days and not get a wicket and then you get days like this and you end up getting a seven-for ... things don`t really tick but wickets just keep falling and it`s a just bizarre thing." Law described the West Indies batsmen as being "all bitterly disappointed" with their effort but believed they were still in the game. "I know we`re a lot better than what we performed like out there today," he said. "It`s one of those things we tend to have habit of not starting a series very well but by no means are we dead and buried in this contest. "A 100 lead or 150 sounds lot but I believe if we put our minds to it that`s a pretty good batting wicket coming into day three and day four." When New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss he hesitated in making the West Indies into bat on a green wicket. Despite the conditions, openers Kieran Powell and Kraigg Brathwaite safely progressed to 59 before Wagner engineered a collapse that saw all 10 wickets fall in 22 overs for only 75 runs. By digging the ball in short and angling it towards the rib cage he had his first success in his third over when Brathwaite went for 24. On either side of the lunch adjournment, he ripped through the West Indies` new generation of specialist batsmen with three wickets in four balls. Shimron Hetmyer (13) went on in the last ball before lunch, rising star Shai Hope fell on Wagner`s second ball after play resumed and debutant Sunil Ambris stepped back on his stumps with the first ball he faced in Test cricket. Wagner also removed Roston Chase (five) and Jason Holder with successive balls, with Holder falling to a perfectly placed yorker and wrapped up the innings with the dismissal of Shannon Gabriel (10). Shane Dowrich was run out for 18 while Trent Boult took the wickets of Powell (42) and Miguel Cummins (one). Tom Latham was the first New Zealand wicket to fall for 37 and Williamson went cheaply for one before Raval and Taylor cautiously added 17 in 8.3 overs through to stumps.

Neil Wagner's 'horrible' seven-wicket haul floors West Indies on day one

Tiger Woods dazzled in his much-anticipated return from injury on Thursday at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas where the former world number one flashed a fist pump and did not seem bothered by his troublesome back.

Woods, competing for the first time after a near 10-month layoff during which he had spinal fusion surgery, appeared pain-free at the Albany course on the island of New Providence where he mixed five birdies with two bogeys for a three-under-par 69.

That left him in a four-way share of eighth place and three shots behind Britain&#39;s Tommy Fleetwood after the first round of the elite 18-man event featuring eight of the world&#39;s top 10.

&quot;I didn`t know what I could do,&quot; Woods told Golf Channel. &quot;I&#39;ve been playing a lot of holes at home, but it&#39;s a little different when you have to tee it up in a tournament.&quot;

Woods, who two months ago said he was only hitting 60-yard shots, drove mostly well off the tee, made some solid putts and impressive par saves but at times also let out expletives and slammed his club in frustration. 
 
Riding high after a pair of consecutive birdies, Woods was two shots off the lead at the par-five 15th hole when his tee shot sailed far right. He took a drop and went on to two-putt for his second bogey of the day. 
 
From there he went on to close out with a trio of pars to cap a round that showed, perhaps, that the 14-times major champion still has plenty left.

Missed putts

After narrowly missing birdie putts on his opening two holes Woods hit his approach shot at the par-five third to about 40 feet and went on to tap in for birdie. 
 
On the next hole Woods caught his chip heavy and was left with a 15-footer from just off the green from where he coolly rolled his ball into the middle of the cup for par before pumping his right fist to the delight of the cheering gallery.

Woods, who turns 42 on December 30, delivered a more subdued fist pump at the par-three eighth where he rolled in a 25-foot birdie putt after his tee shot settled on the edge of the green. 
Playing alongside friend and FedExCup champion Justin Thomas, Woods, dressed in black with a white hat, showed his first bit of frustration at the par-five ninth when, after failing to reach the green in two, he made a mess of a chip.

Despite being about 30 feet from the cup after two shots Woods settled for his first bogey of the day to reach the turn in one-under 35. 
Woods responded nicely with a birdie from 15 feet at the next hole.

Best chip

After his tee shot at the par-three 12th sailed wide right and into rough, Woods promptly slammed his club to the ground but quickly calmed down and delivered perhaps his best chip of the day to within four feet for a solid up and down.

He carried that momentum to the next hole where he rolled in his fourth birdie of the day, this time from 22 feet. Woods laid up off the tee at the par-four 14th, then delivered a stunning wedge shot from 88 yards that settled about two feet from the cup, leading to his second consecutive birdie. It appeared that Woods was about to make a charge to the top of the leaderboard at this point until his errant tee shot at 15 took the wind out of his sails.

&quot;I felt rusty starting after a month and half (off) so I can&#39;t imagine what it felt like for him,&quot; said Thomas, who also carded a 69.&nbsp;

&quot;He played well. I truly felt like he was going to play well just from when we played and then practice around here.&quot;

A 79-times winner on the PGA Tour who was world number one for a record 683 weeks, Woods lost form in recent years due to injuries and his ranking has plummeted to 1,199th.

This marks the second consecutive season that Woods has made his return to action at the tournament after a lengthy absence. He finished 15th in the 17-man field 12 months ago after a 15-month layoff. Woods then missed the cut at Torrey Pines in January and withdrew from the Dubai Desert Classic the following week because of a back spasm.

Woods competed at the Hero World Challengefor the first time after a near 10-month layoff during which he had spinal fusion surgery.

Tiger Woods dazzled in his much-anticipated return from injury on Thursday at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas where the former world number one flashed a fist pump and did not seem bothered by his troublesome back. Woods, competing for the first time after a near 10-month layoff during which he had spinal fusion surgery, appeared pain-free at the Albany course on the island of New Providence where he mixed five birdies with two bogeys for a three-under-par 69. That left him in a four-way share of eighth place and three shots behind Britain's Tommy Fleetwood after the first round of the elite 18-man event featuring eight of the world's top 10. "I didn`t know what I could do," Woods told Golf Channel. "I've been playing a lot of holes at home, but it's a little different when you have to tee it up in a tournament." Woods, who two months ago said he was only hitting 60-yard shots, drove mostly well off the tee, made some solid putts and impressive par saves but at times also let out expletives and slammed his club in frustration. Riding high after a pair of consecutive birdies, Woods was two shots off the lead at the par-five 15th hole when his tee shot sailed far right. He took a drop and went on to two-putt for his second bogey of the day. From there he went on to close out with a trio of pars to cap a round that showed, perhaps, that the 14-times major champion still has plenty left. Missed putts After narrowly missing birdie putts on his opening two holes Woods hit his approach shot at the par-five third to about 40 feet and went on to tap in for birdie. On the next hole Woods caught his chip heavy and was left with a 15-footer from just off the green from where he coolly rolled his ball into the middle of the cup for par before pumping his right fist to the delight of the cheering gallery. Woods, who turns 42 on December 30, delivered a more subdued fist pump at the par-three eighth where he rolled in a 25-foot birdie putt after his tee shot settled on the edge of the green. Playing alongside friend and FedExCup champion Justin Thomas, Woods, dressed in black with a white hat, showed his first bit of frustration at the par-five ninth when, after failing to reach the green in two, he made a mess of a chip. Despite being about 30 feet from the cup after two shots Woods settled for his first bogey of the day to reach the turn in one-under 35. Woods responded nicely with a birdie from 15 feet at the next hole. Best chip After his tee shot at the par-three 12th sailed wide right and into rough, Woods promptly slammed his club to the ground but quickly calmed down and delivered perhaps his best chip of the day to within four feet for a solid up and down. He carried that momentum to the next hole where he rolled in his fourth birdie of the day, this time from 22 feet. Woods laid up off the tee at the par-four 14th, then delivered a stunning wedge shot from 88 yards that settled about two feet from the cup, leading to his second consecutive birdie. It appeared that Woods was about to make a charge to the top of the leaderboard at this point until his errant tee shot at 15 took the wind out of his sails. "I felt rusty starting after a month and half (off) so I can't imagine what it felt like for him," said Thomas, who also carded a 69. "He played well. I truly felt like he was going to play well just from when we played and then practice around here." A 79-times winner on the PGA Tour who was world number one for a record 683 weeks, Woods lost form in recent years due to injuries and his ranking has plummeted to 1,199th. This marks the second consecutive season that Woods has made his return to action at the tournament after a lengthy absence. He finished 15th in the 17-man field 12 months ago after a 15-month layoff. Woods then missed the cut at Torrey Pines in January and withdrew from the Dubai Desert Classic the following week because of a back spasm.

Tiger Woods dazzles in long-awaited return from injury

Spin wizard Ravichandran <a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/cricket-india-two-wickets-away-from-crushing-win-against-sri-lanka-25236">Ashwin played down </a>comparisons with Dennis Lillee after his record-breaking feat Monday helped India crush Sri Lanka by an innings and 239 runs in the second Test.

Ashwin became the fastest bowler to reach 300 Test wickets, taking 54 matches to reach the mark -- two fewer than Aussie pace legend Lillee who terrorised batsmen in the 1970s and early 1980s. The off-spinner was all humility when asked to comment on the enviable record, saying any comparison with the greats would be unfair.&nbsp;

&quot;We are a bit more blessed than the other greats. We have technology to help. We have help with our fitness. So we shouldn`t compare,&quot; he said after the top-ranked hosts wrapped up the win inside four days to stamp their class.

 
&quot;I really hope I can go on to double these 300 wickets. I`ve only played 50-odd Tests,&quot; said the 31-year-old, who finished with a match haul of 8-130. 
&quot;It`s not easy bowling spin, it looks like you`re just ambling up. But there`s a lot behind it.

&quot;We have bowled a lot of overs, me and Jaddu (fellow spinner Ravindra Jadeja) in the last 24 months. I am a lot more experienced now.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;The victory equalled India`s biggest Test win, achieved against Bangladesh in Dhaka 10 years ago.

Sri Lanka, who started the day on 21-1 after conceding a 405-run first innings lead, crashed to 166 all out, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead in the three-match series with the first game having ended in a draw.

 
Skipper Dinesh Chandimal put up some resistance with 61 but the rest of the batsmen fell by the wayside without showing much application. Left-arm spinner Jadeja and fast bowlers Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma took two wickets each to underline India`s all-round dominance.

Jadeja struck early in the morning session when he had opener Dimuth Karunaratne caught at short leg for 18.

The left-handed Karunaratne, who resumed the day on 11, got an inside edge on a tossed-up delivery from Jadeja and Murali Vijay took a sharp close catch.

Karunaratne`s overnight partner Lahiru Thirimanne played a careless shot way outside off stump to hand a simple catch to Jadeja off Yadav for 23.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli hit a majestic double century on Sunday before India declared their first innings on 610-6 to take a firm grip on the match.&nbsp;Kohli made 213 from 267 balls for his fifth double century in 62 Tests and won the man of the match award.

His innings featured big partnerships with Cheteshwar Pujara and Rohit Sharma which pulverised the opposition. Pujara made 143, Rohit Sharma 102 not out and opener Vijay 128 in a brutal statement of intent from India which was later emphasised by the bowlers.

&quot;It`s all about creating pressure and that`s what we did... All out four bowlers looked like getting a wicket any time,&quot; Rohit Sharma told reporters. &quot;For me personally it was very important because it`s been nearly 500 days since I played my last Test match. &quot;I am glad that I could put some runs on the board for myself and the team,&quot; added Rohit Sharma, who was included in the team in place of paceman Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Sri Lanka squandered the advantage of winning the toss and batting first as they were skittled out for 205 on the opening day.

&quot;It was a good toss to win. Unfortunately we were outplayed from the first day. Our batting let us down again. When you`re playing against India, you`ve got to score 350-plus,&quot; said Chandimal.

&quot;The bowling unit has done a really good job. But if you have no runs on the board, they can`t do anything.&quot; The third and final Test starts in Delhi on December 2.

Ashwin became the fastest bowler to reach 300 Test wickets, taking 54 matches to reach the mark

Spin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin played down comparisons with Dennis Lillee after his record-breaking feat Monday helped India crush Sri Lanka by an innings and 239 runs in the second Test. Ashwin became the fastest bowler to reach 300 Test wickets, taking 54 matches to reach the mark -- two fewer than Aussie pace legend Lillee who terrorised batsmen in the 1970s and early 1980s. The off-spinner was all humility when asked to comment on the enviable record, saying any comparison with the greats would be unfair. "We are a bit more blessed than the other greats. We have technology to help. We have help with our fitness. So we shouldn`t compare," he said after the top-ranked hosts wrapped up the win inside four days to stamp their class. "I really hope I can go on to double these 300 wickets. I`ve only played 50-odd Tests," said the 31-year-old, who finished with a match haul of 8-130. "It`s not easy bowling spin, it looks like you`re just ambling up. But there`s a lot behind it. "We have bowled a lot of overs, me and Jaddu (fellow spinner Ravindra Jadeja) in the last 24 months. I am a lot more experienced now." The victory equalled India`s biggest Test win, achieved against Bangladesh in Dhaka 10 years ago. Sri Lanka, who started the day on 21-1 after conceding a 405-run first innings lead, crashed to 166 all out, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead in the three-match series with the first game having ended in a draw. Skipper Dinesh Chandimal put up some resistance with 61 but the rest of the batsmen fell by the wayside without showing much application. Left-arm spinner Jadeja and fast bowlers Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma took two wickets each to underline India`s all-round dominance. Jadeja struck early in the morning session when he had opener Dimuth Karunaratne caught at short leg for 18. The left-handed Karunaratne, who resumed the day on 11, got an inside edge on a tossed-up delivery from Jadeja and Murali Vijay took a sharp close catch. Karunaratne`s overnight partner Lahiru Thirimanne played a careless shot way outside off stump to hand a simple catch to Jadeja off Yadav for 23. Indian skipper Virat Kohli hit a majestic double century on Sunday before India declared their first innings on 610-6 to take a firm grip on the match. Kohli made 213 from 267 balls for his fifth double century in 62 Tests and won the man of the match award. His innings featured big partnerships with Cheteshwar Pujara and Rohit Sharma which pulverised the opposition. Pujara made 143, Rohit Sharma 102 not out and opener Vijay 128 in a brutal statement of intent from India which was later emphasised by the bowlers. "It`s all about creating pressure and that`s what we did... All out four bowlers looked like getting a wicket any time," Rohit Sharma told reporters. "For me personally it was very important because it`s been nearly 500 days since I played my last Test match. "I am glad that I could put some runs on the board for myself and the team," added Rohit Sharma, who was included in the team in place of paceman Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Sri Lanka squandered the advantage of winning the toss and batting first as they were skittled out for 205 on the opening day. "It was a good toss to win. Unfortunately we were outplayed from the first day. Our batting let us down again. When you`re playing against India, you`ve got to score 350-plus," said Chandimal. "The bowling unit has done a really good job. But if you have no runs on the board, they can`t do anything." The third and final Test starts in Delhi on December 2.

Ashwin breaks record as India crush Sri Lanka in 2nd Test

As <a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/cricket-india-two-wickets-away-from-crushing-win-against-sri-lanka-25236" target="_blank">India beat Sri Lanka</a> by an inning and 239 runs in the Nagpur Test today, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/ashwin-breaks-record-as-india-crush-sri-lanka-in-2nd-test-25259" target="_blank">spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, 31,&nbsp;created&nbsp;history</a> by becoming the quickest to join the &quot;300 club&quot; in just&nbsp;54 matches, two matches shy of Australian pace bowler Dennis Lillee.

While he basks in glory, the Tamil Nadu spinner is not ready to rest on his laurels keen to&nbsp;double his record.

&quot;I really hope I can go on to double these 300 wickets. I&#39;ve only played 50 Tests,&quot; India&#39;s star spinner told AFP. At present, Ashwin has scalped&nbsp;150 ODI&nbsp;wickets in 111 matches and 52 wickets in 46 T-20&nbsp;matches.

Ashwin is ranked fourth among the top-10 ODI&nbsp;bowlers in world cricket.&nbsp;

The ace spinner was cheered and congratulated by fans and colleagues on Twitter, here&#39;s a look at some of the tweets!

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Congratulations India on a comprehensive victory. Many congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> on becoming the fastest to reach 300 Test Wickets.
&mdash; VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) <a href="https://twitter.com/VVSLaxman281/status/935078192280252418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Ravichandran Ashwin Becomes Quickest To Reach 300 Wickets. (54 Matches). What A Great Achievement. Congrats <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashwin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashwin</a>.?????????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndvSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndvSL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsSL</a> <a href="https://t.co/ChhMwshDBy">pic.twitter.com/ChhMwshDBy</a>
&mdash; Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) <a href="https://twitter.com/SirJadeja/status/935068927461269504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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To try something new when things aren&rsquo;t going your way is expected. But to try newer variations when things are going alright is what differentiates the best from the rest. Well done <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> - what a feat! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashwin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashwin</a>
&mdash; RK (@RK_sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/RK_sports/status/935096981923483648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The man with intent and intensity <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashwin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashwin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashwin300?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashwin300</a> <a href="https://t.co/QMmsjgAKgJ">https://t.co/QMmsjgAKgJ</a>
&mdash; Kumar Gautam (@Kumargautamkg) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kumargautamkg/status/935110475062288384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashwin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashwin</a>(54 matches) becomes the fastest to 300 Test wickets beating <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DennisLillee?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DennisLillee</a>(56 matches) ????
&mdash; AKSHAY 2.0 (@akshay14793) <a href="https://twitter.com/akshay14793/status/935047925289250816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Here&#39;s congratulating Ravichandran Ashwin for his spectacular performance today.&nbsp;

While he basks in glory, the Tamil Nadu spinner is not ready to rest on his laurels keen to?double his record

As India beat Sri Lanka by an inning and 239 runs in the Nagpur Test today, spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, 31, created history by becoming the quickest to join the "300 club" in just 54 matches, two matches shy of Australian pace bowler Dennis Lillee. While he basks in glory, the Tamil Nadu spinner is not ready to rest on his laurels keen to double his record. "I really hope I can go on to double these 300 wickets. I've only played 50 Tests," India's star spinner told AFP. At present, Ashwin has scalped 150 ODI wickets in 111 matches and 52 wickets in 46 T-20 matches. Ashwin is ranked fourth among the top-10 ODI bowlers in world cricket. The ace spinner was cheered and congratulated by fans and colleagues on Twitter, here's a look at some of the tweets! Congratulations India on a comprehensive victory. Many congratulations to @ashwinravi99 on becoming the fastest to reach 300 Test Wickets. — VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) November 27, 2017 × Ravichandran Ashwin Becomes Quickest To Reach 300 Wickets. (54 Matches). What A Great Achievement. Congrats #Ashwin.?????????#IndvSL #INDvsSL pic.twitter.com/ChhMwshDBy — Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) November 27, 2017 × To try something new when things aren’t going your way is expected. But to try newer variations when things are going alright is what differentiates the best from the rest. Well done @ashwinravi99 - what a feat! #Ashwin — RK (@RK_sports) November 27, 2017 × The man with intent and intensity #Ashwin #Ashwin300 https://t.co/QMmsjgAKgJ — Kumar Gautam (@Kumargautamkg) November 27, 2017 × #Ashwin(54 matches) becomes the fastest to 300 Test wickets beating #DennisLillee(56 matches) ???? — AKSHAY 2.0 (@akshay14793) November 27, 2017 × Here's congratulating Ravichandran Ashwin for his spectacular performance today.

After bagging quickest 300 Test wickets, Ashwin eyes 'super 600'

Bulgarian tennis star Grigor Dimitrov has surged up to the career-high third spot in the latest rankings after clinching biggest title of his career at the ATP World Tour Finals in London.

After comfortably winning the first set, the sixth-seeded went down in the second before he rebounded strongly and held his nerve to beat David Goffin of Belgium 7-5, 4-6, 6-3, in a thrilling summit showdown clash of the ATP Finals that lasted two-and-a-half hours at London&#39;s O2 Arena.

The victory saw him move up by three places to stand only behind Spain&#39;s Rafael Nadal and Swiss star Roger Federer.

Germany&#39;s Alexander Zverev has slipped by one spot to fourth, after he failed to reach beyond the round-robin stage in London, while Jack Sock of America moved up one place to the eighth spot following his semi-final finish in the season-ending tournament.

Meanwhile, Goffin has also climbed up to the seventh spot after making it to the finals of the ATP Finals. He will now lead Belgium&#39;s bid for a first Davis Cup title this weekend against France in Lille.

Nadal continues to remain at the top of the rankings despite pulling out from the end-of-season finale with a knee injury after losing his first match of the Boris Becker Group.

Federer, on the other hand, is now trailing Nadal by 1, 040 points following his semi-final exit in London.

Nadal, who moved his Grand Slam haul to 16 after clinching this year&#39;s French and US Open titles, had already secured the year-end world number one ranking for the fourth time - after achieving the feat in 2008, 2010 and 2013.

The current ATP top 10 are:

1. Rafael Nadal

2. Roger Federer

3. Grigor Dimitrov

4. Alexander Zverev

5. Dominic Thiem

6. Marin Cilic

7. David Goffin

8. Jack Sock

9. Stan Wawrinka

10. Pablo Carreno.

The victory saw Dimitrov move up by three places to stand only behind Spain's Rafael Nadal and Swiss star Roger Federer

Bulgarian tennis star Grigor Dimitrov has surged up to the career-high third spot in the latest rankings after clinching biggest title of his career at the ATP World Tour Finals in London. After comfortably winning the first set, the sixth-seeded went down in the second before he rebounded strongly and held his nerve to beat David Goffin of Belgium 7-5, 4-6, 6-3, in a thrilling summit showdown clash of the ATP Finals that lasted two-and-a-half hours at London's O2 Arena. The victory saw him move up by three places to stand only behind Spain's Rafael Nadal and Swiss star Roger Federer. Germany's Alexander Zverev has slipped by one spot to fourth, after he failed to reach beyond the round-robin stage in London, while Jack Sock of America moved up one place to the eighth spot following his semi-final finish in the season-ending tournament. Meanwhile, Goffin has also climbed up to the seventh spot after making it to the finals of the ATP Finals. He will now lead Belgium's bid for a first Davis Cup title this weekend against France in Lille. Nadal continues to remain at the top of the rankings despite pulling out from the end-of-season finale with a knee injury after losing his first match of the Boris Becker Group. Federer, on the other hand, is now trailing Nadal by 1, 040 points following his semi-final exit in London. Nadal, who moved his Grand Slam haul to 16 after clinching this year's French and US Open titles, had already secured the year-end world number one ranking for the fourth time - after achieving the feat in 2008, 2010 and 2013. The current ATP top 10 are: 1. Rafael Nadal 2. Roger Federer 3. Grigor Dimitrov 4. Alexander Zverev 5. Dominic Thiem 6. Marin Cilic 7. David Goffin 8. Jack Sock 9. Stan Wawrinka 10. Pablo Carreno.

Dimitrov surges to career-best third spot after ATP Finals triumph

A topless photo scandal that has gripped Australia&#39;s biggest spectator sport for weeks came to a head Monday with a player banned for three games and the woman involved left traumatised.

Richmond Tigers&#39; Nathan Broad was revealed as the Aussie Rules star who distributed the picture on social media of the bare-chested woman wearing his winner&#39;s medal after the club&#39;s 2017 Grand Final triumph.

He didn&#39;t have her permission to share the photo, which did not show the woman&#39;s face, and it went viral, sparking frenzied media and public speculation about who was involved.

Broad, 24, fronted a news conference Monday with club president Peggy O&#39;Neal to &quot;take full responsibility for what I&#39;ve done&quot;.

&quot;I am ashamed and I am embarrassed and I made a very bad drunken decision,&quot; he said, urging anyone who had seen the photo to delete it and not pass it on.

&quot;Most of all I let down a young woman who I cared about a young woman who I spent time with before the Grand Final and a young woman who I like and respected.&quot;

Broad had told the woman he deleted the photo, after she asked him to do so.

The woman released a statement through her lawyers saying she trusted Broad and was &quot;shocked and extremely confused&quot; when the photo went viral.

&quot;The unauthorised distribution of her photograph and the subsequent attention it has received has had a devastating impact on the young woman&#39;s wellbeing,&quot; the statement said.&nbsp;

&quot;She is desperate to maintain her anonymity as she tries to get on with her life as best she can.&quot;

The woman has decided not to press charges against Broad to protect her identity.

O&#39;Neal said the club was &quot;committed to gender equity and respect we find these actions to be completely unacceptable&quot;.

&quot;We&#39;re incredibly sorry for the distress Nathan&#39;s actions have caused the young woman, who deserved better,&quot; she added.&nbsp;

She said Broad would be barred from playing in the Tigers&#39; first three matches of the 2018 season.

Earlier this month, the Australian government launched an online portal to report &quot;revenge porn&quot; after research showed women were having intimate images shared without their permission on a &quot;mass scale&quot;.

Richmond Tigers' Nathan Broad posted a picture of a bare-chested woman wearing his 2017 Grand Final medal on social media

A topless photo scandal that has gripped Australia's biggest spectator sport for weeks came to a head Monday with a player banned for three games and the woman involved left traumatised. Richmond Tigers' Nathan Broad was revealed as the Aussie Rules star who distributed the picture on social media of the bare-chested woman wearing his winner's medal after the club's 2017 Grand Final triumph. He didn't have her permission to share the photo, which did not show the woman's face, and it went viral, sparking frenzied media and public speculation about who was involved. Broad, 24, fronted a news conference Monday with club president Peggy O'Neal to "take full responsibility for what I've done". "I am ashamed and I am embarrassed and I made a very bad drunken decision," he said, urging anyone who had seen the photo to delete it and not pass it on. "Most of all I let down a young woman who I cared about a young woman who I spent time with before the Grand Final and a young woman who I like and respected." Broad had told the woman he deleted the photo, after she asked him to do so. The woman released a statement through her lawyers saying she trusted Broad and was "shocked and extremely confused" when the photo went viral. "The unauthorised distribution of her photograph and the subsequent attention it has received has had a devastating impact on the young woman's wellbeing," the statement said. "She is desperate to maintain her anonymity as she tries to get on with her life as best she can." The woman has decided not to press charges against Broad to protect her identity. O'Neal said the club was "committed to gender equity and respect we find these actions to be completely unacceptable". "We're incredibly sorry for the distress Nathan's actions have caused the young woman, who deserved better," she added. She said Broad would be barred from playing in the Tigers' first three matches of the 2018 season. Earlier this month, the Australian government launched an online portal to report "revenge porn" after research showed women were having intimate images shared without their permission on a "mass scale".

Australian Rules Football: Player banned after topless photo scandal

India&#39;s Kidambi Srikanth&#39;s dream season continued as he brushed aside the challenge of Japan&#39;s Kenta Nishimoto in straight games to win the French Open Super Series men&#39;s singles title, on Sunday.

Having already completed a hat-trick of Super Series titles, Srikanth won his fourth title of the season. Srikanth seeded eight in the tournament, took just 34 minutes to get the better of his Japanese opponent 21-14, 21-13 in the summit clash.

The win ensured Srikanth, who played his fifth Super Series final this season, bag his second consecutive title in two weeks after winning the Denmark Open in Odense last week. Srikanth, thus, became only fourth men&#39;s singles player to win four or more Super Series titles in a calendar year.

Going by Srikanth&#39;s current form, it was expected to be a one-sided summit clash and it turned out to be one, except for the first few points of the opening game which was a neck- and-neck fight between the two shuttlers.

It was Nishimoto, who started brightly to race to a 9-5 lead before Srikanth fought back to draw level at 9-9. From there on it was no looking back as the Indian used his court coverage and superior technique to take a 14-10 lead.

Nishimoto did manage to take some points to reduce the margin to 15-14 before Srikanth used his experience at the highest level to pocket six straight points and win the first game. Srikanth continued his good form in the second game and won five straight points to take a commanding 10-2 lead.

Nishimoto tried his best to force a comeback and managed to reduce the margin to 13-8 but the Indian showed his class and superiority in crunch situations to keep his lead intact and win the game 21-13 and claim his second consecutive title in as many weeks.

Kidambi beat Japan's Kenta Nishimoto 21-13, 21-14

India's Kidambi Srikanth's dream season continued as he brushed aside the challenge of Japan's Kenta Nishimoto in straight games to win the French Open Super Series men's singles title, on Sunday. Having already completed a hat-trick of Super Series titles, Srikanth won his fourth title of the season. Srikanth seeded eight in the tournament, took just 34 minutes to get the better of his Japanese opponent 21-14, 21-13 in the summit clash. The win ensured Srikanth, who played his fifth Super Series final this season, bag his second consecutive title in two weeks after winning the Denmark Open in Odense last week. Srikanth, thus, became only fourth men's singles player to win four or more Super Series titles in a calendar year. Going by Srikanth's current form, it was expected to be a one-sided summit clash and it turned out to be one, except for the first few points of the opening game which was a neck- and-neck fight between the two shuttlers. It was Nishimoto, who started brightly to race to a 9-5 lead before Srikanth fought back to draw level at 9-9. From there on it was no looking back as the Indian used his court coverage and superior technique to take a 14-10 lead. Nishimoto did manage to take some points to reduce the margin to 15-14 before Srikanth used his experience at the highest level to pocket six straight points and win the first game. Srikanth continued his good form in the second game and won five straight points to take a commanding 10-2 lead. Nishimoto tried his best to force a comeback and managed to reduce the margin to 13-8 but the Indian showed his class and superiority in crunch situations to keep his lead intact and win the game 21-13 and claim his second consecutive title in as many weeks.

French Open: Kidambi Srikanth wins final, fourth Super Series of 2017

Borussia&nbsp;Dortmund&nbsp;thumped&nbsp;Cologne&nbsp;5-0 on Sunday, their haul including a goal and penalty awarded with help from the video assistant referee (VAR), to leave their opponents bottom of the Bundesliga and pointless after four games.

Cologne&nbsp;were furious about the first&nbsp;VAR&nbsp;incident where the referee initially disallowed a Dortmund&nbsp;goal by Sokratis and awarded them a free kick, before reversing the decision.

The club&#39;s sporting director Joerg Schmadtke said the referee had not followed protocol and that they would demand a replay.

Maximilian Philipp and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang each scored a brace, the latter in the space of two minutes, as&nbsp;Cologne&nbsp;returned to the harsh realities of the Bundesliga after their midweek European adventure in London. Borussia, meanwhile, went top with 10 points, ahead of Hanover 96 on goal difference.

An estimated 20,000&nbsp;Cologne&nbsp;fans marched through London on Thursday to celebrate their team&#39;s first European match in 25 years as they visited Arsenal.

Despite the festive atmosphere, many of them did not have tickets and the match, won 3-1 by Arsenal, was delayed for an hour by crowd problems.

The Billy Goats barely had time to settle on Sunday before Philipp headed in Andriy Yarmolenko&#39;s cross after two minutes.

Cologne&nbsp;pulled themselves together and held their own until the stroke of halftime when their goalkeeper Timo Horn dropped the ball at a corner and&nbsp;Dortmund&nbsp;defender Sokratis tapped it in.

Referee Patrick Ittrich at first awarded&nbsp;Cologne&nbsp;a free kick but, after consulting with the&nbsp;VAR, changed his mind and gave the goal. However,&nbsp;Cologne&nbsp;said that the referee had blown his whistle before the ball entered the goal, meaning that he could not subsequently award it no matter what the video showed.

&quot;We will naturally lodge a protest,&quot; said Schmadtke. &quot;If a decision is made against the framework of rules, then a replay is necessary and that is what we will seek.&quot;

&quot;We need a protocol where it is clearly established when the (VAR) assistant can intervene and when he can&#39;t,&quot; he added.

The German league did not immediately comment, nor did referee Ittrich.

The&nbsp;VAR&nbsp;was again&nbsp;decisive&nbsp;in the 59th minute when&nbsp;Cologne&#39;s Lukas Kluenter raised his arm to a Yarmolenko cross and the referee, after another consultation, awarded the penalty which Aubameyang converted.

The Gabon forward struck again the following minute when he turned in another Yarmolenko cross and Philipp dinked the ball over Horn for the fifth goal in the 69th minute.

Kevin Volland scored twice as Bayer Leverkusen beat Freiburg 4-0 to claim their first win of the season and leave the Black Forest side winless.

Hoffenheim, 2-0 winners over Bayern Munich the previous weekend, were held 1-1 at home by Hertha Berlin, leaving them with eight points.

Cologne?were furious about the first?VAR?incident where the referee initially disallowed a Dortmund?goal by Sokratis and awarded them a free kick, before reversing the decision.

Borussia Dortmund thumped Cologne 5-0 on Sunday, their haul including a goal and penalty awarded with help from the video assistant referee (VAR), to leave their opponents bottom of the Bundesliga and pointless after four games. Cologne were furious about the first VAR incident where the referee initially disallowed a Dortmund goal by Sokratis and awarded them a free kick, before reversing the decision. The club's sporting director Joerg Schmadtke said the referee had not followed protocol and that they would demand a replay. Maximilian Philipp and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang each scored a brace, the latter in the space of two minutes, as Cologne returned to the harsh realities of the Bundesliga after their midweek European adventure in London. Borussia, meanwhile, went top with 10 points, ahead of Hanover 96 on goal difference. An estimated 20,000 Cologne fans marched through London on Thursday to celebrate their team's first European match in 25 years as they visited Arsenal. Despite the festive atmosphere, many of them did not have tickets and the match, won 3-1 by Arsenal, was delayed for an hour by crowd problems. The Billy Goats barely had time to settle on Sunday before Philipp headed in Andriy Yarmolenko's cross after two minutes. Cologne pulled themselves together and held their own until the stroke of halftime when their goalkeeper Timo Horn dropped the ball at a corner and Dortmund defender Sokratis tapped it in. Referee Patrick Ittrich at first awarded Cologne a free kick but, after consulting with the VAR, changed his mind and gave the goal. However, Cologne said that the referee had blown his whistle before the ball entered the goal, meaning that he could not subsequently award it no matter what the video showed. "We will naturally lodge a protest," said Schmadtke. "If a decision is made against the framework of rules, then a replay is necessary and that is what we will seek." "We need a protocol where it is clearly established when the (VAR) assistant can intervene and when he can't," he added. The German league did not immediately comment, nor did referee Ittrich. The VAR was again decisive in the 59th minute when Cologne's Lukas Kluenter raised his arm to a Yarmolenko cross and the referee, after another consultation, awarded the penalty which Aubameyang converted. The Gabon forward struck again the following minute when he turned in another Yarmolenko cross and Philipp dinked the ball over Horn for the fifth goal in the 69th minute. Kevin Volland scored twice as Bayer Leverkusen beat Freiburg 4-0 to claim their first win of the season and leave the Black Forest side winless. Hoffenheim, 2-0 winners over Bayern Munich the previous weekend, were held 1-1 at home by Hertha Berlin, leaving them with eight points.

German Bundesliga: Borussia?Dortmund blast Cologne

Shattered Australia captain Lleyton Hewitt has said his young Davis Cup team will be better for their heart-breaking semi-final loss to Belgium and backed them to bounce back quickly from the disappointment.

Chasing their first appearance in the final since winning the 2003 title, Australia led 2-1 heading into the final singles in Brussels on Sunday but Nick Kyrgios and Jordan Thompson met their match against David Goffin and Steve Darcis.

Hewitt said he could not fault the effort of his players in front of a parochial home crowd on clay courts, their least-preferred surface, but as a member of the team that beat Spain in the 2003 title-decider, he was still crushed by the defeat.

&quot;You come here to get the result. It&#39;s a bit raw at the moment,&quot; the two-time grand slam champion told reporters. &quot;Everyone gave 100 per cent. We left it all out there. But that doesn&#39;t make it hurt any less.

&quot;It&#39;s disappointing, but I&#39;ve told the boys, if it hurts it&#39;s because it means something.

&quot;These boys take a lot of pride wearing the green and gold and will bounce back.&quot;

With Bernard Tomic overlooked for the tie amid a deep form slump, Hewitt sprung a couple of selection surprises over the weekend, neither of which paid off.

After including the in-form Thanasi Kokkinakis in his squad, Hewitt ignored the young talent and plumped for 183rd-ranked John Millman, who lost the opening singles to Goffin on Friday.

Millman played well in defeat to Goffin but was discarded in favour of 69th-ranked Jordan Thompson who duly lost to Darcis on Sunday.

&quot;It was always going to be the case for a long time (to play Thompson on Sunday), so nothing in our plans changed,&quot; Hewitt said, defending the decision.

&quot;A lot of these boys haven&#39;t played in Davis Cup ties away from home,&quot; added Hewitt. &quot;It is different. It&#39;s tough. Especially in semis and finals. They&#39;ll be better for the run.&quot;

Belgium will play away to France in the decider in November.

Chasing their first appearance in the final since winning the 2003 title, Australia led 2-1 heading into the final singles in Brussels on Sunday but Nick Kyrgios and Jordan Thompson met their match against David Goffin and Steve Darcis.

Shattered Australia captain Lleyton Hewitt has said his young Davis Cup team will be better for their heart-breaking semi-final loss to Belgium and backed them to bounce back quickly from the disappointment. Chasing their first appearance in the final since winning the 2003 title, Australia led 2-1 heading into the final singles in Brussels on Sunday but Nick Kyrgios and Jordan Thompson met their match against David Goffin and Steve Darcis. Hewitt said he could not fault the effort of his players in front of a parochial home crowd on clay courts, their least-preferred surface, but as a member of the team that beat Spain in the 2003 title-decider, he was still crushed by the defeat. "You come here to get the result. It's a bit raw at the moment," the two-time grand slam champion told reporters. "Everyone gave 100 per cent. We left it all out there. But that doesn't make it hurt any less. "It's disappointing, but I've told the boys, if it hurts it's because it means something. "These boys take a lot of pride wearing the green and gold and will bounce back." With Bernard Tomic overlooked for the tie amid a deep form slump, Hewitt sprung a couple of selection surprises over the weekend, neither of which paid off. After including the in-form Thanasi Kokkinakis in his squad, Hewitt ignored the young talent and plumped for 183rd-ranked John Millman, who lost the opening singles to Goffin on Friday. Millman played well in defeat to Goffin but was discarded in favour of 69th-ranked Jordan Thompson who duly lost to Darcis on Sunday. "It was always going to be the case for a long time (to play Thompson on Sunday), so nothing in our plans changed," Hewitt said, defending the decision. "A lot of these boys haven't played in Davis Cup ties away from home," added Hewitt. "It is different. It's tough. Especially in semis and finals. They'll be better for the run." Belgium will play away to France in the decider in November.

Davis Cup: Australia will bounce back, says Hewitt

Australia&#39;s Wallabies face an acid test against the rejuvenated Springboks in the Rugby Championship on Saturday to gauge whether they are on the rise after taking the All Blacks to the limit.

The world champion New Zealanders had to pull out all the stops to overcome Australia 35-29 with a try two minutes from time in Dunedin a fortnight ago.

The Wallabies have already lost the trans-Tasman Bledisloe Cup series, but take on the regenerated Springboks in Perth, with the South Africans yet to lose in 2017.

Fly-half Bernard Foley said every member of the Wallabies&#39; squad knew the importance of not undoing all their good work from Dunedin against the South Africans.

&quot;I think that&#39;s probably been a hurdle of Wallaby teams in the past, is not being able to be consistent,&quot; Foley said.

&quot;We&#39;ve definitely spoken (about) that and challenged every player to go up a level from where he was in Dunedin.&quot;

While the Springboks have vanquished Argentina and France over five internationals this year they have not beaten the Wallabies in Australia since their 38-12 romp in Brisbane in 2013.

It has been a torrid year for Australia, winning only two of their five internationals and coming off a miserable Super Rugby season climaxed by the contentious axing of Perth-based Western Force from next year&#39;s competition.

There have been reports that the Perth rugby public may boycott the Test on Saturday as a way of protesting against the Australian Rugby Union&#39;s vexed decision to cull the Force, or wear their blue Western Force jerseys instead of the Wallabies&#39; gold.

&quot;Playing in your home town in front of your club team fans and Wallaby fans, it&#39;s a very special occasion,&quot; Wallabies and Force lock Adam Coleman said.

&quot;The fans in Western Australia are amazing. I&#39;m sure they&#39;ll turn out in numbers.&quot;

- Desire to get better -

The Wallabies are looking to stifle the Springboks playmaker and fly-half Elton Jantjies, who has been impressive in his team&#39;s two wins over Argentina so far in the Rugby Championship.

&quot;For us shutting him down is not allowing him momentum, doing the job up front, pushing him backwards and that probably takes down his time and space,&quot; Foley said of his opposite number.

Scrum-half Ross Cronje has overcome an ankle injury and partners Jantjies with Francois Hougaard dropping back to the reserves.

In the only other change to the starting team, Pieter-Steph du Toit comes in at lock for Franco Mostert.

&quot;Even though we travelled to three continents in 10 days, this group has the desire to get better, and learn from previous experiences,&quot; coach Allister Coetzee said Thursday.

&quot;The Wallabies are a well-coached side, with great deception on attack. Their playmakers and strike runners complement each other very well and we will have to be very sharp on defence.

&quot;If you look at their performances against New Zealand, you will see how well they have functioned in scoring nine tries and 63 points in two matches.&quot;

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika made four changes to his starting XV with Tatafu Polota-Nau at hooker, Sekope Kepu at tight-head prop, Adam Coleman at lock and Reece Hodge on the left wing.

The Australians are without their 122-Test hooker Stephen Moore, back at home awaiting the birth of his third child, while winger Dane Haylett-Petty is out for three months following biceps surgery.

Teams (15-1)

Australia - Israel Folau; Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Kurtley Beale, Reece Hodge; Bernard Foley, Will Genia; Sean McMahon, Michael Hooper (capt), Ned Hanigan; Adam Coleman, Rory Arnold; Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Scott Sio.

Replacements: Jordan Uelese, Tom Robertson, Allan Alaalatoa, Rob Simmons, Jack Dempsey, Nick Phipps, Samu Kerevi, Curtis Rona

South Africa - Andries Coetzee; Raymond Rhule, Jesse Kriel, Jan Serfontein, Courtnall Skosan; Elton Jantjies, Ross Cronje; Uzair Cassiem, Jaco Kriel, Siya Kolisi; Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth (capt); Coenie Oosthuizen, Malcolm Marx, Tendai Mtawarira

Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff, Trevor Nyakane, Lood de Jager, Jean-Luc du Preez, Francois Hougaard, Handre Pollard, Damian de Allende

Referee: Glen Jackson (NZL)

The world champion New Zealanders had to pull out all the stops to overcome Australia 35-29 with a try two minutes from time in Dunedin a fortnight ago.

Australia's Wallabies face an acid test against the rejuvenated Springboks in the Rugby Championship on Saturday to gauge whether they are on the rise after taking the All Blacks to the limit. The world champion New Zealanders had to pull out all the stops to overcome Australia 35-29 with a try two minutes from time in Dunedin a fortnight ago. The Wallabies have already lost the trans-Tasman Bledisloe Cup series, but take on the regenerated Springboks in Perth, with the South Africans yet to lose in 2017. Fly-half Bernard Foley said every member of the Wallabies' squad knew the importance of not undoing all their good work from Dunedin against the South Africans. "I think that's probably been a hurdle of Wallaby teams in the past, is not being able to be consistent," Foley said. "We've definitely spoken (about) that and challenged every player to go up a level from where he was in Dunedin." While the Springboks have vanquished Argentina and France over five internationals this year they have not beaten the Wallabies in Australia since their 38-12 romp in Brisbane in 2013. It has been a torrid year for Australia, winning only two of their five internationals and coming off a miserable Super Rugby season climaxed by the contentious axing of Perth-based Western Force from next year's competition. There have been reports that the Perth rugby public may boycott the Test on Saturday as a way of protesting against the Australian Rugby Union's vexed decision to cull the Force, or wear their blue Western Force jerseys instead of the Wallabies' gold. "Playing in your home town in front of your club team fans and Wallaby fans, it's a very special occasion," Wallabies and Force lock Adam Coleman said. "The fans in Western Australia are amazing. I'm sure they'll turn out in numbers." - Desire to get better - The Wallabies are looking to stifle the Springboks playmaker and fly-half Elton Jantjies, who has been impressive in his team's two wins over Argentina so far in the Rugby Championship. "For us shutting him down is not allowing him momentum, doing the job up front, pushing him backwards and that probably takes down his time and space," Foley said of his opposite number. Scrum-half Ross Cronje has overcome an ankle injury and partners Jantjies with Francois Hougaard dropping back to the reserves. In the only other change to the starting team, Pieter-Steph du Toit comes in at lock for Franco Mostert. "Even though we travelled to three continents in 10 days, this group has the desire to get better, and learn from previous experiences," coach Allister Coetzee said Thursday. "The Wallabies are a well-coached side, with great deception on attack. Their playmakers and strike runners complement each other very well and we will have to be very sharp on defence. "If you look at their performances against New Zealand, you will see how well they have functioned in scoring nine tries and 63 points in two matches." Wallabies coach Michael Cheika made four changes to his starting XV with Tatafu Polota-Nau at hooker, Sekope Kepu at tight-head prop, Adam Coleman at lock and Reece Hodge on the left wing. The Australians are without their 122-Test hooker Stephen Moore, back at home awaiting the birth of his third child, while winger Dane Haylett-Petty is out for three months following biceps surgery. Teams (15-1) Australia - Israel Folau; Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Kurtley Beale, Reece Hodge; Bernard Foley, Will Genia; Sean McMahon, Michael Hooper (capt), Ned Hanigan; Adam Coleman, Rory Arnold; Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Scott Sio. Replacements: Jordan Uelese, Tom Robertson, Allan Alaalatoa, Rob Simmons, Jack Dempsey, Nick Phipps, Samu Kerevi, Curtis Rona South Africa - Andries Coetzee; Raymond Rhule, Jesse Kriel, Jan Serfontein, Courtnall Skosan; Elton Jantjies, Ross Cronje; Uzair Cassiem, Jaco Kriel, Siya Kolisi; Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth (capt); Coenie Oosthuizen, Malcolm Marx, Tendai Mtawarira Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff, Trevor Nyakane, Lood de Jager, Jean-Luc du Preez, Francois Hougaard, Handre Pollard, Damian de Allende Referee: Glen Jackson (NZL)

RugbyU: Confident Springboks put Wallabies to the test

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/light-moderate-rainfall-expected-in-mumbai-today-indian-metrological-department-19653">Mumbai is witnessing the highest rainfall of the century</a> and it has brought the city to a standstill.

In the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/maximum-city-mumbai-submerged-as-it-battles-worst-rain-crisis-since-2005-19642"> midst of all this mayhem, Twitter has another issue</a> regarding Mumbai&#39;s rains and its celebrities.&nbsp;

On Tuesday evening, Lara Dutta, Bollywood actress and former Miss Universe posted a picture in which she uses her husband&#39;s towels to stop&nbsp;rain water to enter her house. Little did she know, that her post would become the most trending topic on Twitter soon after.&nbsp;

She wrote:&nbsp;&quot;Putting our Wimbledon, US Open, Aus Open &amp;French Open towels to good use!@Maheshbhupathi #MumbaiRain.Stay safe &amp; indoors if possible folks!.&quot;

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Putting our Wimbledon,US Open, Aus Open &amp;French Open towels to good use!??<a href="https://twitter.com/Maheshbhupathi">@Maheshbhupathi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MumbaiRain?src=hash">#MumbaiRain</a>.Stay safe &amp; indoors if possible folks!?? <a href="https://t.co/uEV30SPfT5">pic.twitter.com/uEV30SPfT5</a>
&mdash; Lara Dutta Bhupathi (@LaraDutta) <a href="https://twitter.com/LaraDutta/status/902479760214786048">August 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Lara Dutta is married to Indian tennis ace&nbsp;Mahesh Bhupathi and it&#39;s important to note that the towels thus shown in the picture were not any ordinary towels, but symbolic of the matches her husband had won.&nbsp;

Soon after the picture was out, the Indian sports star reacted angrily to her tweet. He shot back saying:&nbsp;&quot;Are u kidding me !!!! That&#39;s years of hard work.&quot;

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Are u kidding me !!!! That&#39;s years of hard work ?????? <a href="https://t.co/3ihImzbOWa">https://t.co/3ihImzbOWa</a>
&mdash; Mahesh Bhupathi (@Maheshbhupathi) <a href="https://twitter.com/Maheshbhupathi/status/902481261180084225">August 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Bhupathi has won the Australian Open twice in both mixed doubles, French Open four times in two men&#39;s and two mixed doubles, Wimbledon thrice in two mixed and one men&#39;s doubles and the US Open also thrice in two mixed and one men&#39;s doubles.&nbsp;

While most <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heavy-rains-lash-mumbai-several-areas-waterlogged-19617">schools and colleges remain shut today in Mumbai because of severe waterlogging</a>, there are reports that traffic is clearing and people can travel by road.&nbsp;

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis advised citizens last night in a tweet, to stay home unless there is an emergency.

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In the wake of warnings issued by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IMD?src=hash">#IMD</a> people in Mumbai and areas around <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mumbai?src=hash">#Mumbai</a> are advised to stay back home unless there is an emergency.
&mdash; CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMOMaharashtra/status/902543123607257089">August 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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(WION)

Bhupathi wrote back to her on Twitter and he was very upset

Mumbai is witnessing the highest rainfall of the century and it has brought the city to a standstill. In the midst of all this mayhem, Twitter has another issue regarding Mumbai's rains and its celebrities. On Tuesday evening, Lara Dutta, Bollywood actress and former Miss Universe posted a picture in which she uses her husband's towels to stop rain water to enter her house. Little did she know, that her post would become the most trending topic on Twitter soon after. She wrote: "Putting our Wimbledon, US Open, Aus Open &French Open towels to good use!@Maheshbhupathi #MumbaiRain.Stay safe & indoors if possible folks!." Putting our Wimbledon,US Open, Aus Open &French Open towels to good use!??@Maheshbhupathi #MumbaiRain.Stay safe & indoors if possible folks!?? pic.twitter.com/uEV30SPfT5 — Lara Dutta Bhupathi (@LaraDutta) August 29, 2017 × Lara Dutta is married to Indian tennis ace Mahesh Bhupathi and it's important to note that the towels thus shown in the picture were not any ordinary towels, but symbolic of the matches her husband had won. Soon after the picture was out, the Indian sports star reacted angrily to her tweet. He shot back saying: "Are u kidding me !!!! That's years of hard work." Are u kidding me !!!! That's years of hard work ?????? https://t.co/3ihImzbOWa — Mahesh Bhupathi (@Maheshbhupathi) August 29, 2017 × Bhupathi has won the Australian Open twice in both mixed doubles, French Open four times in two men's and two mixed doubles, Wimbledon thrice in two mixed and one men's doubles and the US Open also thrice in two mixed and one men's doubles. While most schools and colleges remain shut today in Mumbai because of severe waterlogging, there are reports that traffic is clearing and people can travel by road. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis advised citizens last night in a tweet, to stay home unless there is an emergency. In the wake of warnings issued by #IMD people in Mumbai and areas around #Mumbai are advised to stay back home unless there is an emergency. — CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) August 29, 2017 × (WION)

Mumbai rain: Lara Dutta tweets picture with her husband Mahesh Bhupathi's Wimbledon towels, he gets angry

Former Indian medium pacer and current junior national chief selector&nbsp;Venkatesh Prasad&nbsp;has applied for the post of Indian cricket team&#39;s head coach.

Prasad, who played 33 Tests and 162 ODIs for India, is set to finish his three-year term as the junior India chief selector in September this year.

He had worked in the capacity of the bowling coach in the past as well. Prasad was at the helm for two years following his appointment ahead of the 2007 World Cup.

The 47-year-old is the latest applicant after Ravi Shastri, who applied for the post on June 27.

Shastri had also applied for the job in 2016 but legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble was chosen over him by Board of Control for Cricket in India&#39;s (BCCI) Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC).

The head coach position has been vacant since Anil Kumble&#39;s resignation following India&#39;s 180-run defeat against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Champions Trophy final at the Oval on June 18.

Former Indian cricketer Lalchand Rajput, Dodda Ganesh, Richard Pybus and Tom Moody and former Indian opener Virender Sehwag have all applied for the post.

The last date for applying for the post of India head coach is July 9.

The BCCI has already stated that Team India will get its new head coach before their tour to Sri Lanka beginning July 26.&nbsp;

Prasad is set to finish his three-year term as the junior India chief selector in September this year

Former Indian medium pacer and current junior national chief selector Venkatesh Prasad has applied for the post of Indian cricket team's head coach. Prasad, who played 33 Tests and 162 ODIs for India, is set to finish his three-year term as the junior India chief selector in September this year. He had worked in the capacity of the bowling coach in the past as well. Prasad was at the helm for two years following his appointment ahead of the 2007 World Cup. The 47-year-old is the latest applicant after Ravi Shastri, who applied for the post on June 27. Shastri had also applied for the job in 2016 but legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble was chosen over him by Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC). The head coach position has been vacant since Anil Kumble's resignation following India's 180-run defeat against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Champions Trophy final at the Oval on June 18. Former Indian cricketer Lalchand Rajput, Dodda Ganesh, Richard Pybus and Tom Moody and former Indian opener Virender Sehwag have all applied for the post. The last date for applying for the post of India head coach is July 9. The BCCI has already stated that Team India will get its new head coach before their tour to Sri Lanka beginning July 26.

Venkatesh Prasad joins list of applicants for India head coach

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo was on Tuesday accused of evading 14.7 million euros in tax through offshore companies, the latest footballer to fall foul of fiscal authorities in Spain.

The 32-year-old -- the world&#39;s highest paid athlete according to Forbes magazine -- follows in the steps of FC Barcelona forward and Argentina star Lionel Messi, who was found guilty of the same offence last year although the sums involved were allegedly smaller.

The issue of tax evasion has caused anger in a country only just emerging from a damaging economic crisis that has seen countless people lose their jobs and inequalities rise.

Ronaldo is accused of &quot;four crimes against the public treasury between 2011-14... which involves tax fraud of 14,768,897 euros ($16.5m, &pound;12.9m)&quot;, the office said in a statement.

&quot;The accused took advantage of a company structure created in 2010 to hide income generated in Spain from his image rights from tax authorities, which is a &#39;voluntary&#39; and &#39;conscious&#39; breach of his fiscal obligations in Spain,&quot; it said.

Prosecutors accuse the Portugal international of evading tax via a shell company based in the British Virgin Islands and another in Ireland, known for its low corporate tax rate.

In addition, they say he only declared 11.5 million euros of Spanish-related income from 2011 to 2014, while what he really earned during that time was close to 43 million euros.

And finally, they accuse him of &quot;voluntarily&quot; refusing to include 28.4 million euros in income linked to the sale of his image rights for the 2015 to 2020 period to a Spanish company.

Football scandals

The football world in Spain has been rocked by charges of tax evasion or corruption pressed against some of its top stars.

Messi was sentenced to a 21-month jail sentence and 2.09-million-euro fine last year for tax fraud.

The prison term will likely be suspended as is common in Spain for first offences for non-violent crimes carrying a sentence of less than two years.

The 29-year-old and his father Jorge Horacio Messi were found guilty of using companies in Belize, Britain, Switzerland and Uruguay to avoid paying taxes on 4.16 million euros of Messi&#39;s income earned from his image rights from 2007-09.

The income related to Messi&#39;s image rights that was hidden includes endorsement deals with Danone, Adidas, Pepsi-Cola, Procter &amp; Gamble and the Kuwait Food Company.

Former Barca defender Javier Mascherano also agreed a one-year suspended sentence with authorities for tax fraud last year.

Meanwhile Brazil star and Barcelona forward Neymar and his parents are due to stand trial for alleged corruption over his transfer from Santos in 2013.

(AFP)

The issue of tax evasion has caused anger in a country only just emerging from a damaging economic crisis that has seen countless people lose their jobs and inequalities rise

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo was on Tuesday accused of evading 14.7 million euros in tax through offshore companies, the latest footballer to fall foul of fiscal authorities in Spain. The 32-year-old -- the world's highest paid athlete according to Forbes magazine -- follows in the steps of FC Barcelona forward and Argentina star Lionel Messi, who was found guilty of the same offence last year although the sums involved were allegedly smaller. The issue of tax evasion has caused anger in a country only just emerging from a damaging economic crisis that has seen countless people lose their jobs and inequalities rise. Ronaldo is accused of "four crimes against the public treasury between 2011-14... which involves tax fraud of 14,768,897 euros ($16.5m, £12.9m)", the office said in a statement. "The accused took advantage of a company structure created in 2010 to hide income generated in Spain from his image rights from tax authorities, which is a 'voluntary' and 'conscious' breach of his fiscal obligations in Spain," it said. Prosecutors accuse the Portugal international of evading tax via a shell company based in the British Virgin Islands and another in Ireland, known for its low corporate tax rate. In addition, they say he only declared 11.5 million euros of Spanish-related income from 2011 to 2014, while what he really earned during that time was close to 43 million euros. And finally, they accuse him of "voluntarily" refusing to include 28.4 million euros in income linked to the sale of his image rights for the 2015 to 2020 period to a Spanish company. Football scandals The football world in Spain has been rocked by charges of tax evasion or corruption pressed against some of its top stars. Messi was sentenced to a 21-month jail sentence and 2.09-million-euro fine last year for tax fraud. The prison term will likely be suspended as is common in Spain for first offences for non-violent crimes carrying a sentence of less than two years. The 29-year-old and his father Jorge Horacio Messi were found guilty of using companies in Belize, Britain, Switzerland and Uruguay to avoid paying taxes on 4.16 million euros of Messi's income earned from his image rights from 2007-09. The income related to Messi's image rights that was hidden includes endorsement deals with Danone, Adidas, Pepsi-Cola, Procter & Gamble and the Kuwait Food Company. Former Barca defender Javier Mascherano also agreed a one-year suspended sentence with authorities for tax fraud last year. Meanwhile Brazil star and Barcelona forward Neymar and his parents are due to stand trial for alleged corruption over his transfer from Santos in 2013. (AFP)

Cristiano Ronaldo accused of evading 14.7 million euros in tax

Indian archer&nbsp;Gohela Boro, from the state of Assam, is suffering from a mysterious illness since last November. Sadly,&nbsp;no support has come from the State or Centre. She has in all&nbsp;won around 72 medals in various national-, state- and district-level archery competitions.&nbsp;

After her health suddenly deteriorated in November she&nbsp;was advised to consult doctors in the departments of rheumatology and clinical immunology, either in AIIMS, Delhi, or the Apollo Hospital in Chennai. But the family couldn&rsquo;t afford either&nbsp;hospital,&nbsp;and Boro is currently battling for her life at her residence.

<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWIONews%2Fvideos%2Fvb.451369008407073%2F631532770390695%2F%3Ftype%3D3&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="560"></iframe>

Department of Rheumatology &amp; Clinical Immunology deals with arthritis and other connective tissue disorders or autoimmune disorders.

Recently, the issue came to light on social media where many started spreading her story asking for people to contribute for her medical expenses.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/himantabiswa">@himantabiswa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sarbanandsonwal">@sarbanandsonwal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India">@BJP4India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JPNadda">@JPNadda</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/VijayGoelBJP">@VijayGoelBJP</a> Contact no of Gohela&#39; family member-8723067757 <a href="https://t.co/wAbWjeSVu7">pic.twitter.com/wAbWjeSVu7</a>
&mdash; Harsh S Kaushik (@HarshSKaushik2) <a href="https://twitter.com/HarshSKaushik2/status/849507539897155584">April 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Hope for better treatment of Archer Gohela Boro <a href="https://t.co/3RKX8r3jbm">https://t.co/3RKX8r3jbm</a> <a href="https://t.co/7tZicM44Fz">pic.twitter.com/7tZicM44Fz</a>
&mdash; North East India???? (@NorthEast8India) <a href="https://twitter.com/NorthEast8India/status/849840619920818176">April 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/himantabiswa">@himantabiswa</a> Sir Ms Gohela Boro Archery Champion in kokrajhar is suffering unknown deseae plz look in to the matter.Thanx
&mdash; commando Force (@22222cw33) <a href="https://twitter.com/22222cw33/status/849972267618643968">April 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JPNadda">@JPNadda</a> Pls help Gohela Boro, a national level archer. She is unable to afford her treatment. Regards from the core of heart.
&mdash; rahul ripu bhat (@rahulriPUbhat) <a href="https://twitter.com/rahulriPUbhat/status/850261562635853824">April 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Her friends and family are saddened at her plight and one&nbsp;was&nbsp;quoted by a local newspaper,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.guwahatiplus.com/page/news-the-story-of-assam-s-national-level-archer-who-is-struggling-with-life" target="_blank">Guwahati Plus</a>, as&nbsp;saying:&nbsp;&ldquo;It is very shameful that even when there are hundreds of government hospitals across the state, this talented sportsperson, who brought glory to Assam, has to suffer inhuman conditions because no one comes to her rescue. Gohela stands as a symbol of our pride, our talent and our dignity. The government must come forward to help before her health deteriorates further.&rdquo;

Gohela Boro hails from the New Amguri village in Kokrajhar, Assam. She became a household name after she won several competitions in archery. She&nbsp;joined the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in Kokrajhar in 2008.&nbsp;

(WION)

Gohela Boro hails from Assam and has won 72 medals in various competitions. She suffered a mysterious illness and can't pay for treatment

Indian archer Gohela Boro, from the state of Assam, is suffering from a mysterious illness since last November. Sadly, no support has come from the State or Centre. She has in all won around 72 medals in various national-, state- and district-level archery competitions. After her health suddenly deteriorated in November she was advised to consult doctors in the departments of rheumatology and clinical immunology, either in AIIMS, Delhi, or the Apollo Hospital in Chennai. But the family couldn’t afford either hospital, and Boro is currently battling for her life at her residence. Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology deals with arthritis and other connective tissue disorders or autoimmune disorders. Recently, the issue came to light on social media where many started spreading her story asking for people to contribute for her medical expenses. @narendramodi @himantabiswa @sarbanandsonwal @BJP4India @PMOIndia @JPNadda @VijayGoelBJP Contact no of Gohela' family member-8723067757 pic.twitter.com/wAbWjeSVu7 — Harsh S Kaushik (@HarshSKaushik2) April 5, 2017 × Hope for better treatment of Archer Gohela Boro https://t.co/3RKX8r3jbm pic.twitter.com/7tZicM44Fz — North East India???? (@NorthEast8India) April 6, 2017 × @himantabiswa Sir Ms Gohela Boro Archery Champion in kokrajhar is suffering unknown deseae plz look in to the matter.Thanx — commando Force (@22222cw33) April 6, 2017 × @narendramodi @JPNadda Pls help Gohela Boro, a national level archer. She is unable to afford her treatment. Regards from the core of heart. — rahul ripu bhat (@rahulriPUbhat) April 7, 2017 × Her friends and family are saddened at her plight and one was quoted by a local newspaper, Guwahati Plus, as saying: “It is very shameful that even when there are hundreds of government hospitals across the state, this talented sportsperson, who brought glory to Assam, has to suffer inhuman conditions because no one comes to her rescue. Gohela stands as a symbol of our pride, our talent and our dignity. The government must come forward to help before her health deteriorates further.” Gohela Boro hails from the New Amguri village in Kokrajhar, Assam. She became a household name after she won several competitions in archery. She joined the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in Kokrajhar in 2008. (WION)

Indian national-level archer battling for her life without government support

Spain&#39;s Sergio Garcia ended nearly two decades of major disappointment when he beat England&#39;s Justin Rose in a playoff to win the US&nbsp;Masters on Sunday, donning the Green Jacket on the 60th birthday of his hero, the late Seve Ballesteros.

After 73 majors, four heartbreaking runner-up finishes and years of self doubt, Garcia finally delivered the long awaited title when his 10-foot birdie putt at the first extra hole dropped into the cup at the par-four 18th, triggering a massive cheer from a gallery that had been on the edge of their seats.

Deadlocked after nine holes, the two friends and rivals produced an enthralling back nine showdown worthy of any Masters champion.

Garcia and Rose finished tied on nine under par at the end of regulation and sent the year&#39;s first major to a playoff when both missed birdie putts and settled for pars at the 72nd hole.

It marked the first Masters playoff since Adam Scott beat Angel Cabrera to become the first Australian to wear the Green Jacket in 2013 at Augusta National.&nbsp;

(Reuters) 
 
&nbsp;

Sergio Garcia claims dramatic first major win at Masters after up and down duel with Justin Rose

Spain's Sergio Garcia ended nearly two decades of major disappointment when he beat England's Justin Rose in a playoff to win the US Masters on Sunday, donning the Green Jacket on the 60th birthday of his hero, the late Seve Ballesteros. After 73 majors, four heartbreaking runner-up finishes and years of self doubt, Garcia finally delivered the long awaited title when his 10-foot birdie putt at the first extra hole dropped into the cup at the par-four 18th, triggering a massive cheer from a gallery that had been on the edge of their seats. Deadlocked after nine holes, the two friends and rivals produced an enthralling back nine showdown worthy of any Masters champion. Garcia and Rose finished tied on nine under par at the end of regulation and sent the year's first major to a playoff when both missed birdie putts and settled for pars at the 72nd hole. It marked the first Masters playoff since Adam Scott beat Angel Cabrera to become the first Australian to wear the Green Jacket in 2013 at Augusta National. (Reuters)

Garcia outduels Rose to claim dramatic Masters win

Indian Women&#39;s Ice Hockey Team registered their first victory in an international match on Thursday after beating Philippines at the 2017 IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia in Bangkok.

The Indian team scored their first goal in the second period and carried the match with a clear 1-0 advantage.The last period of the match saw both the teams fight out for the top with both teams scoring 3 goals each. But India&rsquo;s lead of 1 goal in the second period, led the Indian women&rsquo;s team to win by 4-3.&nbsp;

<h3>Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-women-ice-hockey-team-uses-crowdfunding-technique-to-play-in-challenge-cup-of-asia-12688">Indian Women&#39;s Hockey Team&#39;s crowdfunding campaign</a></h3>

&nbsp;

Indian Women Ice Hockey&#39;s Team got their first international exposure last year, when they participated in the 2016 Challenge Cup of Asia in Chinese Taipei. The sporting event aims at supporting&nbsp;ice hockey friendly countries in Asia.&nbsp;

This year, for the team to participate, they carried a fundraising campaign. The 28 women team, had nothing to start with: funds for travelling, jersey, training equipment&nbsp;and other requirements of playing the sport. With the help of a crowdfunding campaign, some 3000 donors came together to fund the journey of the Indian team to becoming victorious. &nbsp;

Prasar Bharti came out to congratulate the winning team on Twitter:&nbsp;

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Unforgettable Moment ! 
Indian Women&#39;s ice hockey team registers its first ever international win beating Philippines 4-3 in Bangkok. <a href="https://t.co/R4pAVx5r1K">pic.twitter.com/R4pAVx5r1K</a>
&mdash; Prasar Bharati (@prasarbharati) <a href="https://twitter.com/prasarbharati/status/839824762582913024">March 9, 2017</a></blockquote>

Kudos, Indian Women&#39;s Hockey Team!

(WION)

Struggling for funds, the Indian team raised money using crowdfunding campaign to play the match

Indian Women's Ice Hockey Team registered their first victory in an international match on Thursday after beating Philippines at the 2017 IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia in Bangkok. The Indian team scored their first goal in the second period and carried the match with a clear 1-0 advantage.The last period of the match saw both the teams fight out for the top with both teams scoring 3 goals each. But India’s lead of 1 goal in the second period, led the Indian women’s team to win by 4-3. Read: Indian Women's Hockey Team's crowdfunding campaign Indian Women Ice Hockey's Team got their first international exposure last year, when they participated in the 2016 Challenge Cup of Asia in Chinese Taipei. The sporting event aims at supporting ice hockey friendly countries in Asia. This year, for the team to participate, they carried a fundraising campaign. The 28 women team, had nothing to start with: funds for travelling, jersey, training equipment and other requirements of playing the sport. With the help of a crowdfunding campaign, some 3000 donors came together to fund the journey of the Indian team to becoming victorious. Prasar Bharti came out to congratulate the winning team on Twitter: Unforgettable Moment ! Indian Women's ice hockey team registers its first ever international win beating Philippines 4-3 in Bangkok. pic.twitter.com/R4pAVx5r1K — Prasar Bharati (@prasarbharati) March 9, 2017 Kudos, Indian Women's Hockey Team! (WION)

Challenge Cup of Asia 2017: Indian women's ice hockey team wins first match

Japan will be hosting&nbsp;the 2017 Asian Winter Games (AWG), in the cities of Sapporo and Obihiro, starting Sunday. The Winter Games will run through February 26.&nbsp;

AWG is an international multi-sport event run by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) to develop winter sports within its area of coverage. According to the official website, the OCA has 45 member countries.This year, the 8th Asian Winter Games is expected to attract more than 2,000 athletes from 31 countries, competing in five sports, 11 disciplines and 64 events.

With the Winter Games, just a year away from the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchan,&nbsp;it is expected to offer a great stage for athletes to rehearse. Pyeongchang will stage Asia&#39;s first Winter Games outside Japan next year. This will kick-start a cycle of events in Asia with Tokyo hosting the 2020 Summer Games and Beijing the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Keeping with the sportsman spirit, the Japanese government is allowing the North Korean athletes&nbsp;to enter the country to take part in the Games despite Japan&#39;s entry ban on North Korean citizens, as reported in AP.&nbsp;Tokyo will treat the athletes as an exception to its punitive measure taken as part of its sanctions in response to Pyongyang&#39;s nuclear tests and rocket launches.&nbsp;

The Sapporo Games will also feature athletes from Australia and New Zealand.&nbsp;At the request of the Australian Olympic Committee, the Olympic Council of Asia and the Sapporo 2017 organizing committee agreed to allow athletes from the two countries to take part as &#39;guest athletes&#39; in individual sports only, according to AP. However, they won&#39;t be eligible to compete for medals.

The 8th Sapporo Asian Winter Games Organising Committee (SAWGOC) looks to enhance tourism, economic stimulation and greater interest in winter sports in the region.&nbsp;

At present, Republic of Korea leads the medal tally with 14 medals, Japan and China follow with 12 and 9 medals respectively.&nbsp;

(WION) 
&nbsp;

Some 2000 athletes from 31 countries will be competing in five sports across 64 events in Japan

Japan will be hosting the 2017 Asian Winter Games (AWG), in the cities of Sapporo and Obihiro, starting Sunday. The Winter Games will run through February 26. AWG is an international multi-sport event run by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) to develop winter sports within its area of coverage. According to the official website, the OCA has 45 member countries.This year, the 8th Asian Winter Games is expected to attract more than 2,000 athletes from 31 countries, competing in five sports, 11 disciplines and 64 events. With the Winter Games, just a year away from the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchan, it is expected to offer a great stage for athletes to rehearse. Pyeongchang will stage Asia's first Winter Games outside Japan next year. This will kick-start a cycle of events in Asia with Tokyo hosting the 2020 Summer Games and Beijing the 2022 Winter Olympics. Keeping with the sportsman spirit, the Japanese government is allowing the North Korean athletes to enter the country to take part in the Games despite Japan's entry ban on North Korean citizens, as reported in AP. Tokyo will treat the athletes as an exception to its punitive measure taken as part of its sanctions in response to Pyongyang's nuclear tests and rocket launches. The Sapporo Games will also feature athletes from Australia and New Zealand. At the request of the Australian Olympic Committee, the Olympic Council of Asia and the Sapporo 2017 organizing committee agreed to allow athletes from the two countries to take part as 'guest athletes' in individual sports only, according to AP. However, they won't be eligible to compete for medals. The 8th Sapporo Asian Winter Games Organising Committee (SAWGOC) looks to enhance tourism, economic stimulation and greater interest in winter sports in the region. At present, Republic of Korea leads the medal tally with 14 medals, Japan and China follow with 12 and 9 medals respectively. (WION)

Japan to host Asian Winter Games

She&rsquo;s all but 14 years old, but she&rsquo;s already the &ldquo;world&rsquo;s fastest flyer.&rdquo; Singaporean Kyra Poh wowed crowds at the 2017 Windoor Wind Games in Spain recently, bagging two gold medals in the freestyle indoor skydiving competition.

During the competition, each contestant was required to perform two routines, both with and without music. The contestants were judged on the basis of the difficulty and variety of their routines, along with rhythm, choreography and artistic merit.

Kyra, when doing her routines, outshined every other contestant with a difficulty rating of 8.8 (the highest among her competitors). She finished first with a total of 361.217 points ahead of Czech Republic&#39;s Jakub Harrer (349.033) and Poland&#39;s Maja Kyczynska (340.751).

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Kyra Poh - A 14-year-old gold medalist who is &quot;World&#39;s fastest flyer&quot; (Others)
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Amongst all this, she also won the solo speed competition, where contestants had to perform random and compulsory routines in the fastest time possible.

Around 200 contestants in all participated in the Wind Games, which were held in Catalonia, Spain. Kyra was the smallest of them all, but she doesn&rsquo;t believe that this offered her any advantage.

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<h5>A lot of people think that if you&#39;re lighter, you&#39;re faster. I don&#39;t think so. Because when you&#39;re small, you have less body surface area, so you can push off less wind. If you&#39;re taller, you can push off more and have more force. -Kyra Poh</h5>
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Kyra also won the gold medal in the junior freestyle category at the FAI World Cup of Indoor Skydiving in Poland last year.

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<h5>Humans are not meant to fly, but that has always been my dream. Now I can fly in a tunnel, so I&#39;m glad to find this sport. -Kyra Poh</h5>
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Written&nbsp;By - Karanveer Singh Arora

(Image courtesy - <a href="http://elle.my.com">My.com</a>)

(First Posted - <a href="http://www.followyoursport.com">Follow Your Sport</a>)

At the age of 14 when children are focused on their studies and playing, Kyra Poh only had one thing on her mind - Flying!

She’s all but 14 years old, but she’s already the “world’s fastest flyer.” Singaporean Kyra Poh wowed crowds at the 2017 Windoor Wind Games in Spain recently, bagging two gold medals in the freestyle indoor skydiving competition. During the competition, each contestant was required to perform two routines, both with and without music. The contestants were judged on the basis of the difficulty and variety of their routines, along with rhythm, choreography and artistic merit. Kyra, when doing her routines, outshined every other contestant with a difficulty rating of 8.8 (the highest among her competitors). She finished first with a total of 361.217 points ahead of Czech Republic's Jakub Harrer (349.033) and Poland's Maja Kyczynska (340.751). Kyra Poh - A 14-year-old gold medalist who is "World's fastest flyer" (Others) × Amongst all this, she also won the solo speed competition, where contestants had to perform random and compulsory routines in the fastest time possible. Around 200 contestants in all participated in the Wind Games, which were held in Catalonia, Spain. Kyra was the smallest of them all, but she doesn’t believe that this offered her any advantage. A lot of people think that if you're lighter, you're faster. I don't think so. Because when you're small, you have less body surface area, so you can push off less wind. If you're taller, you can push off more and have more force. -Kyra Poh × Kyra also won the gold medal in the junior freestyle category at the FAI World Cup of Indoor Skydiving in Poland last year. Humans are not meant to fly, but that has always been my dream. Now I can fly in a tunnel, so I'm glad to find this sport. -Kyra Poh × Written By - Karanveer Singh Arora (Image courtesy - My.com) (First Posted - Follow Your Sport)

Meet Kyra Poh - The 'world's fastest flyer'

Sania Mirza will have to wait for her seventh Grand Slam trophy as the Indian and her Croatian partner Ivan Dodig lost the Australian Open mixed doubles final 2-6 4-6 to underdogs Abigail Spears and Juan Sebastian Cabal on Sunday.

The second-seeded Indo-Croatian pair paid the price for the free-flowing unforced errors from the racquet of Dodig, who struggled with his serve and groundstrokes today.

It is second runners-up finish for Sania and Dodig together after losing the final of the 2016 French Open to Leander Paes and Martina Hingis.

Sania had won her first ever Grand Slam at the Australian Open only when she won the mixed doubles with compatriot Mahesh Bhupathi in 2009 and the last of her three women&#39;s doubles Major trophies also came here last year with Martina Hingis.

After losing the first two points, Dodig served a double fault at 30-30 and then sent a forehand long to concede a break in the very first game of the match.

Cabal and Spears though were in tremendous touch from the word go. Both were terrific from the back and at the net too.

Sania was also broken in the third game. It was Cabal&#39;s brilliant volley pick up which he placed well beyond the two players to earn a break point.

Spears smashed a backhand service return winner to take the break as the second seeds trailed 0-3.

The American had an easy hold in the next to make it 4-0. The second seeds finally got on board when Dodig held the fifth game but they had already suffered the damage.

Serving to stay in the opening set at 1-5, Sania saved a deciding a point to hold.

Spears was now serving for the set and lost the first two points to be 0-30 and soon Dodig found a forehand winner to earn a breakpoint but could not convert. Sania hit a backhand wide on the deciding point to concede the first set.

Dodig&#39;s serve was again under pressure as he faced a breakpoint and a deciding point in the first game of the second set but managed to save both.

Cabal served a double fault at 40-30 to face a deciding point and the second seeds latched on to that to take a 2-0 lead as Spears hit a backhand long.

Sania had an easy hold to make it 3-0 as the Indo-Croatian pair was back in the match. However, Sania was broken in the seventh game which allowed the rivals to neutralise the advantage.

The Indian committed a double fault to be down by two breakpoints and Spears smashed one overhead volley to convert the first. Spears held without fuss and the two pairs were now locked 4-4.

Dodig was never in his elements in today&#39;s match and he served two double faults, the second one coming on a breakpoint, to allow Cabal to serve out the championship.&nbsp;

(PTI)

It is second runners-up finish for Sania and Dodig together after losing the 2016 French Open final to Leander Paes and Martina Hingis

Sania Mirza will have to wait for her seventh Grand Slam trophy as the Indian and her Croatian partner Ivan Dodig lost the Australian Open mixed doubles final 2-6 4-6 to underdogs Abigail Spears and Juan Sebastian Cabal on Sunday. The second-seeded Indo-Croatian pair paid the price for the free-flowing unforced errors from the racquet of Dodig, who struggled with his serve and groundstrokes today. It is second runners-up finish for Sania and Dodig together after losing the final of the 2016 French Open to Leander Paes and Martina Hingis. Sania had won her first ever Grand Slam at the Australian Open only when she won the mixed doubles with compatriot Mahesh Bhupathi in 2009 and the last of her three women's doubles Major trophies also came here last year with Martina Hingis. After losing the first two points, Dodig served a double fault at 30-30 and then sent a forehand long to concede a break in the very first game of the match. Cabal and Spears though were in tremendous touch from the word go. Both were terrific from the back and at the net too. Sania was also broken in the third game. It was Cabal's brilliant volley pick up which he placed well beyond the two players to earn a break point. Spears smashed a backhand service return winner to take the break as the second seeds trailed 0-3. The American had an easy hold in the next to make it 4-0. The second seeds finally got on board when Dodig held the fifth game but they had already suffered the damage. Serving to stay in the opening set at 1-5, Sania saved a deciding a point to hold. Spears was now serving for the set and lost the first two points to be 0-30 and soon Dodig found a forehand winner to earn a breakpoint but could not convert. Sania hit a backhand wide on the deciding point to concede the first set. Dodig's serve was again under pressure as he faced a breakpoint and a deciding point in the first game of the second set but managed to save both. Cabal served a double fault at 40-30 to face a deciding point and the second seeds latched on to that to take a 2-0 lead as Spears hit a backhand long. Sania had an easy hold to make it 3-0 as the Indo-Croatian pair was back in the match. However, Sania was broken in the seventh game which allowed the rivals to neutralise the advantage. The Indian committed a double fault to be down by two breakpoints and Spears smashed one overhead volley to convert the first. Spears held without fuss and the two pairs were now locked 4-4. Dodig was never in his elements in today's match and he served two double faults, the second one coming on a breakpoint, to allow Cabal to serve out the championship. (PTI)

Australian Open: Sania-Dodig lose mixed doubles final

Venus Williams rolled back the years to battle into her first Grand Slam final since 2009 Thursday, brushing off the dangerous Coco Vendeweghe at the Australian Open.

The focused 36-year-old was imperious in banishing her power-hitting fellow American 6-7 (3/7), 6-2, 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena, striking a blow for the tennis old guard.

In making the decider, she becomes the oldest finalist at Melbourne Park in the Open era, joining a select list of 30-somethings to get that far including Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova.

The 13th seed also bags the record for the longest wait between major finals at seven-and-a-half years, following her last appearance in the 2009 Wimbledon final.

&quot;This means so much, especially because she played so well, I had to play defence for so long,&quot; said Williams, who screamed and performed pirouettes after clinching the win.

&quot;There was never a moment of relaxation ever, so to be able to get to the final through a match like this I&#39;m just ? I&#39;m excited about American tennis as well.

&quot;It means so much, growing up all I wanted was to have an opportunity to play the tournaments. It&#39;s like more than a cherry on top, more than I dreamed of.&quot;

Despite winning seven Grand Slams and being a seven-time runner-up, Williams has only ever made the final in Melbourne once before ? in 2003, when she lost in three sets to sister Serena.

Another all-Williams final is on the cards with Serena the hot favourite to beat unseeded Croat Mirjana Lucic-Baroni in the other semi-final late on Thursday.

&quot;More than anything I&#39;d love to see Serena across the net from me on Saturday,&quot; said Venus.

Venus Williams has consistently said in Melbourne she has nothing to prove and was simply &quot;living the dream&quot;, and her relaxed approach has paid dividends.

Kept her cool

It was the feisty Vandeweghe, ranked 35, who pounced early, working four break points and going 1-0 up when Williams netted a forehand in her opening service game.

But Williams soon settled and she began to dictate from the baseline, handling the 25-year-old&#39;s powerful serve well.

A stretching crosscourt forehand winner gave her a break point in the next game and a double fault from Vandeweghe put them level at 1-1.

Efficient serving from both players took the match to 6-6, with the two trading powerful groundstrokes without being able to find an opening in a tense struggle.

Vandeweghe was moving well and it was Williams who blinked first as the younger American took the tiebreak, pumping her fist and letting out a yell.

But it didn&#39;t phase the veteran, who continued to pick her shots well and conserve energy, with Vandeweghe showing frustration when Williams broke to go 2-1 ahead in the second set, slamming her racquet to the ground.

Williams&#39; long experience came to the fore. She remained calm and composed and as Vandeweghe struggled with her serve, she went 4-1 ahead with another break.

Vandeweghe&#39;s frustrations were showing and she belted a ball into the crowd, but escaped a warning. The Williams serve was powerful and on its mark as she took the second set in 38 minutes to level the match.

Williams was getting extraordinary angles on her returns and she decisively broke the younger American&#39;s serve in the third set to take a 1-0 lead.

It was the only chance she needed, keeping her cool in the pressure-cooker atmosphere to write another chapter in her lengthy career, winning on her fourth match point.

(AFP)

She becomes the oldest finalist at Melbourne Park in the Open era, joining a select list of 30-somethings to get that far

Venus Williams rolled back the years to battle into her first Grand Slam final since 2009 Thursday, brushing off the dangerous Coco Vendeweghe at the Australian Open. The focused 36-year-old was imperious in banishing her power-hitting fellow American 6-7 (3/7), 6-2, 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena, striking a blow for the tennis old guard. In making the decider, she becomes the oldest finalist at Melbourne Park in the Open era, joining a select list of 30-somethings to get that far including Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova. The 13th seed also bags the record for the longest wait between major finals at seven-and-a-half years, following her last appearance in the 2009 Wimbledon final. "This means so much, especially because she played so well, I had to play defence for so long," said Williams, who screamed and performed pirouettes after clinching the win. "There was never a moment of relaxation ever, so to be able to get to the final through a match like this I'm just ? I'm excited about American tennis as well. "It means so much, growing up all I wanted was to have an opportunity to play the tournaments. It's like more than a cherry on top, more than I dreamed of." Despite winning seven Grand Slams and being a seven-time runner-up, Williams has only ever made the final in Melbourne once before ? in 2003, when she lost in three sets to sister Serena. Another all-Williams final is on the cards with Serena the hot favourite to beat unseeded Croat Mirjana Lucic-Baroni in the other semi-final late on Thursday. "More than anything I'd love to see Serena across the net from me on Saturday," said Venus. Venus Williams has consistently said in Melbourne she has nothing to prove and was simply "living the dream", and her relaxed approach has paid dividends. Kept her cool It was the feisty Vandeweghe, ranked 35, who pounced early, working four break points and going 1-0 up when Williams netted a forehand in her opening service game. But Williams soon settled and she began to dictate from the baseline, handling the 25-year-old's powerful serve well. A stretching crosscourt forehand winner gave her a break point in the next game and a double fault from Vandeweghe put them level at 1-1. Efficient serving from both players took the match to 6-6, with the two trading powerful groundstrokes without being able to find an opening in a tense struggle. Vandeweghe was moving well and it was Williams who blinked first as the younger American took the tiebreak, pumping her fist and letting out a yell. But it didn't phase the veteran, who continued to pick her shots well and conserve energy, with Vandeweghe showing frustration when Williams broke to go 2-1 ahead in the second set, slamming her racquet to the ground. Williams' long experience came to the fore. She remained calm and composed and as Vandeweghe struggled with her serve, she went 4-1 ahead with another break. Vandeweghe's frustrations were showing and she belted a ball into the crowd, but escaped a warning. The Williams serve was powerful and on its mark as she took the second set in 38 minutes to level the match. Williams was getting extraordinary angles on her returns and she decisively broke the younger American's serve in the third set to take a 1-0 lead. It was the only chance she needed, keeping her cool in the pressure-cooker atmosphere to write another chapter in her lengthy career, winning on her fourth match point. (AFP)

Tennis: Venus Williams ends major final drought at Australian Open

Chelsea made light of Diego Costa&#39;s controversial absence as the Premier League leaders cruised to a 3-0 win at reigning champions Leicester City on Saturday.

Wing-back Marcos Alonso was their unlikely goal hero with a brace -- just his second and third goals for the club -- either side of half-time before fellow Spaniard Pedro Rodriguez completed the scoring.

That gave Antonio Conte&#39;s men a comfortable win despite the absence of leading scorer Costa amid widespread reports of a training-ground row with fitness coach Julio Tous.

The Brazil-born Spain striker is also thought to be the subject of interest from China, although Conte claimed before kick-off that his omission from the squad was down to a back injury.

Victory was Chelsea&#39;s 14th in 15 Premier League games and was the perfect response to their 2-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur, while for Leicester it was the 10th defeat of a sorry title defence.

Chelsea remain strong favourites to replace Claudio Ranieri&#39;s side as champions after extending their lead over second-placed Tottenham to seven points.

In the opening moments Leicester gave the visitors a scare when Ahmed Musa, fresh from two FA Cup goals at Everton last week, got the better of Cesar Azpilicueta in the Chelsea penalty area.

His cross-shot was parried by Thibaut Courtois in the Chelsea goal and Jamie Vardy could not bring the rebound under control.

Chelsea were furious moments later when Robert Huth escaped any punishment beyond a free-kick for grappling with Willian, who appeared to be caught in the face by the German&#39;s hand.

But the visitors were celebrating moments later when Alonso put them ahead.

Azpilicueta&#39;s cross was miscontrolled by a sliding Pedro, but Eden Hazard helped the ricochet on to Alonso, who beat goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel with a composed finish.

Despairing Schmeichel

Leicester deployed wing-backs in an effort to counteract Chelsea&#39;s successful 3-4-3 system and they combined in the 18th minute when Marc Albrighton crossed from the right for Ben Chilwell to head over.

Leicester struggled for the cohesion to break down a well-organised Chelsea side and the hosts resorted to a desperate long-range effort from league debutant Wilfred Ndidi, which flew well wide on 29 minutes.

Nine minutes before half-time, a curling cross-shot from Vardy for Leicester forced Courtois into a scrambling save

Chelsea preserved their lead comfortably to half-time and doubled it six minutes into the second half.

Leicester only half-cleared a free-kick from the right and Alonso collected the loose ball, set himself and let fly with a firm shot.

His effort deflected off first Wes Morgan and then Danny Drinkwater to wrong-foot Schmeichel, who got a despairing right hand to the ball but could not keep it out.

Alonso tried for an unlikely hat-trick on 65 minutes when he met a right-wing cross by Victor Moses with a fantastic volley that flew a couple of inches wide of Schmeichel&#39;s goal.

Leicester abandoned their experimental 3-5-2 system and reverted to their more usual back four, but their hopes of a comeback were killed off with 19 minutes remaining when Pedro added their third.

The goal owed much to the Spaniard&#39;s delightful flick to release Willian and a little to good fortune after Schmeichel&#39;s save at Willian&#39;s feet only diverted the ball back onto Pedro&#39;s head.

The winger made no mistake with a simple finish.

(AFP)

Victory was Chelsea's 14th in 15 Premier League games and was the perfect response to their 2-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur

Chelsea made light of Diego Costa's controversial absence as the Premier League leaders cruised to a 3-0 win at reigning champions Leicester City on Saturday. Wing-back Marcos Alonso was their unlikely goal hero with a brace -- just his second and third goals for the club -- either side of half-time before fellow Spaniard Pedro Rodriguez completed the scoring. That gave Antonio Conte's men a comfortable win despite the absence of leading scorer Costa amid widespread reports of a training-ground row with fitness coach Julio Tous. The Brazil-born Spain striker is also thought to be the subject of interest from China, although Conte claimed before kick-off that his omission from the squad was down to a back injury. Victory was Chelsea's 14th in 15 Premier League games and was the perfect response to their 2-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur, while for Leicester it was the 10th defeat of a sorry title defence. Chelsea remain strong favourites to replace Claudio Ranieri's side as champions after extending their lead over second-placed Tottenham to seven points. In the opening moments Leicester gave the visitors a scare when Ahmed Musa, fresh from two FA Cup goals at Everton last week, got the better of Cesar Azpilicueta in the Chelsea penalty area. His cross-shot was parried by Thibaut Courtois in the Chelsea goal and Jamie Vardy could not bring the rebound under control. Chelsea were furious moments later when Robert Huth escaped any punishment beyond a free-kick for grappling with Willian, who appeared to be caught in the face by the German's hand. But the visitors were celebrating moments later when Alonso put them ahead. Azpilicueta's cross was miscontrolled by a sliding Pedro, but Eden Hazard helped the ricochet on to Alonso, who beat goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel with a composed finish. Despairing Schmeichel Leicester deployed wing-backs in an effort to counteract Chelsea's successful 3-4-3 system and they combined in the 18th minute when Marc Albrighton crossed from the right for Ben Chilwell to head over. Leicester struggled for the cohesion to break down a well-organised Chelsea side and the hosts resorted to a desperate long-range effort from league debutant Wilfred Ndidi, which flew well wide on 29 minutes. Nine minutes before half-time, a curling cross-shot from Vardy for Leicester forced Courtois into a scrambling save Chelsea preserved their lead comfortably to half-time and doubled it six minutes into the second half. Leicester only half-cleared a free-kick from the right and Alonso collected the loose ball, set himself and let fly with a firm shot. His effort deflected off first Wes Morgan and then Danny Drinkwater to wrong-foot Schmeichel, who got a despairing right hand to the ball but could not keep it out. Alonso tried for an unlikely hat-trick on 65 minutes when he met a right-wing cross by Victor Moses with a fantastic volley that flew a couple of inches wide of Schmeichel's goal. Leicester abandoned their experimental 3-5-2 system and reverted to their more usual back four, but their hopes of a comeback were killed off with 19 minutes remaining when Pedro added their third. The goal owed much to the Spaniard's delightful flick to release Willian and a little to good fortune after Schmeichel's save at Willian's feet only diverted the ball back onto Pedro's head. The winger made no mistake with a simple finish. (AFP)

Football: Chelsea win 3-0 against reigning Leicester City

FIFA&#39;s ruling council on Tuesday unanimously approved an expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams in 2026, with a format of 16 groups of three nations.&nbsp;

&quot;The FIFA Council unanimously decided on a 48-team #WorldCup as of 2026: 16 groups of 3 teams,&quot; a tweet from FIFA&#39;s official account said.

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The FIFA Council unanimously decided on a 48-team <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash">#WorldCup</a> as of 2026: 
16 groups of 3 teams. Details to follow after the meeting.
&mdash; FIFA Media (@fifamedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/fifamedia/status/818753191449948160">January 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The decision marks a major coup for the body&#39;s president Gianni Infantino who has made enlarging football&#39;s showcase event the centrepiece of his young administration.&nbsp;

The controversial proposal has faced criticism from some of the sport&#39;s most powerful voices, including warnings that it would dilute the quality of play and overburden already exhausted players. &nbsp;

But Infantino had in recent weeks voiced confidence that his flagship project would be approved.

While noting that a bigger tournament would bring in more money, the FIFA chief has also argued that more World Cup berths would help drive football&#39;s global growth.&nbsp;

Africa and Asia could be the big winners in a larger format with a rise in their number of places, currently at 5 and 4.5 respectively.&nbsp;

But in order to smooth over scepticism about World Cup reform within UEFA, it is likely that Europe will also see its allotments rise above the current 13 places.&nbsp;

(AFP)

The controversial proposal has faced warnings that it would dilute the quality of play and overburn already exhausted players

FIFA's ruling council on Tuesday unanimously approved an expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams in 2026, with a format of 16 groups of three nations. "The FIFA Council unanimously decided on a 48-team #WorldCup as of 2026: 16 groups of 3 teams," a tweet from FIFA's official account said. The FIFA Council unanimously decided on a 48-team #WorldCup as of 2026: 16 groups of 3 teams. Details to follow after the meeting. — FIFA Media (@fifamedia) January 10, 2017 × The decision marks a major coup for the body's president Gianni Infantino who has made enlarging football's showcase event the centrepiece of his young administration. The controversial proposal has faced criticism from some of the sport's most powerful voices, including warnings that it would dilute the quality of play and overburden already exhausted players. But Infantino had in recent weeks voiced confidence that his flagship project would be approved. While noting that a bigger tournament would bring in more money, the FIFA chief has also argued that more World Cup berths would help drive football's global growth. Africa and Asia could be the big winners in a larger format with a rise in their number of places, currently at 5 and 4.5 respectively. But in order to smooth over scepticism about World Cup reform within UEFA, it is likely that Europe will also see its allotments rise above the current 13 places. (AFP)

Football: FIFA approves 48 teams for World Cup 2026

Jurgen Klopp, the manager who has brightened the Premier League with his quick wit and off-beat remarks, displayed his dark side after Liverpool dropped two precious points at Sunderland.&nbsp;

The 2-2 draw against a team struggling in the relegation zone was undoubtedly a setback for Liverpool because teams with title aspirations win at places like the Stadium of Light, as leaders Chelsea did just a fortnight ago.&nbsp;

But goals from Daniel Sturridge and Sadio Mane proved insufficient as Liverpool twice squandered leads by conceding two penalties, converted with his customary coolness by Jermain Defoe.&nbsp;

Klopp did not like what he witnessed and did not hide his emotions.&nbsp;

&quot;Sorry about my mood,&quot; he said at the end of his assessment of Monday&#39;s draw, which left Liverpool second, five points behind leaders Chelsea.&nbsp;

While criticism of referees is normally the first port of call for managers seeking excuses for disappointing results such as this, Klopp has rarely taken that easy route.&nbsp;

This time though he blamed Anthony Taylor for awarding the free-kick that was handled by Mane to give Sunderland their second penalty and he confronted the referee on the pitch afterwards.

&quot;It is hard to accept. If you see it again, there was no contact,&quot; the normally affable German said. &quot;I saw it in the game and the fourth official saw it.&nbsp;

&quot;It&rsquo;s not the worst mistake in the world and I don&#39;t want to say it is, but it&#39;s hard.&quot;&nbsp;

Such comments are unlike Klopp and suggest he may be feeling some of the pressure involved in chasing a team with Chelsea&#39;s recent impeccable record.&nbsp;

A more valid excuse would have been the fixture list that left Liverpool facing three games in seven days while Chelsea&#39;s three come in the space of 10 days.&nbsp;

However, Klopp said: &quot;I am the wrong person to ask. I have absolutely no influence on the fixtures. It is like it is and somebody decided like this, so there is nothing to say about this.&quot;

Point pleases Moyes

Liverpool did not look weary for the opening 25 minutes as they took the lead and could have added further goals before the first equaliser.&nbsp;

But Klopp&#39;s team appeared off the pace after the interval and failed to hang on to the lead given to them by Mane.&nbsp;

The manager said: &quot;I thought we started really well and then we lost concentration, which is not usual for us, but has happened before.&nbsp;

&quot;It could be because of the fixtures, I&rsquo;m not sure. Usually I would say we could have done better, but I am not sure if we could have done better.&nbsp;

&quot;I don&rsquo;t know exactly if we could have done better because I was not in the shooting boots.&quot;

The mood of Sunderland manager David Moyes was very different, although this point did not lift them out of the bottom three. &nbsp;

&quot;I honestly thought the players raised the supporters by the way they got up to Liverpool, how they put them under pressure, how they pressed them,&quot; said Moyes.

&quot;Maybe if I was a German manager, you might praise that. If I&#39;d been German you might praise me for doing something different.&nbsp;

&ldquo;I thought we did well. We stuck at it as much as we could and tried to make it hard for them.&rdquo;

(AFP)

He did not like what he saw on the pitch, and he did not hide his emotions

Jurgen Klopp, the manager who has brightened the Premier League with his quick wit and off-beat remarks, displayed his dark side after Liverpool dropped two precious points at Sunderland. The 2-2 draw against a team struggling in the relegation zone was undoubtedly a setback for Liverpool because teams with title aspirations win at places like the Stadium of Light, as leaders Chelsea did just a fortnight ago. But goals from Daniel Sturridge and Sadio Mane proved insufficient as Liverpool twice squandered leads by conceding two penalties, converted with his customary coolness by Jermain Defoe. Klopp did not like what he witnessed and did not hide his emotions. "Sorry about my mood," he said at the end of his assessment of Monday's draw, which left Liverpool second, five points behind leaders Chelsea. While criticism of referees is normally the first port of call for managers seeking excuses for disappointing results such as this, Klopp has rarely taken that easy route. This time though he blamed Anthony Taylor for awarding the free-kick that was handled by Mane to give Sunderland their second penalty and he confronted the referee on the pitch afterwards. "It is hard to accept. If you see it again, there was no contact," the normally affable German said. "I saw it in the game and the fourth official saw it. "It’s not the worst mistake in the world and I don't want to say it is, but it's hard." Such comments are unlike Klopp and suggest he may be feeling some of the pressure involved in chasing a team with Chelsea's recent impeccable record. A more valid excuse would have been the fixture list that left Liverpool facing three games in seven days while Chelsea's three come in the space of 10 days. However, Klopp said: "I am the wrong person to ask. I have absolutely no influence on the fixtures. It is like it is and somebody decided like this, so there is nothing to say about this." Point pleases Moyes Liverpool did not look weary for the opening 25 minutes as they took the lead and could have added further goals before the first equaliser. But Klopp's team appeared off the pace after the interval and failed to hang on to the lead given to them by Mane. The manager said: "I thought we started really well and then we lost concentration, which is not usual for us, but has happened before. "It could be because of the fixtures, I’m not sure. Usually I would say we could have done better, but I am not sure if we could have done better. "I don’t know exactly if we could have done better because I was not in the shooting boots." The mood of Sunderland manager David Moyes was very different, although this point did not lift them out of the bottom three. "I honestly thought the players raised the supporters by the way they got up to Liverpool, how they put them under pressure, how they pressed them," said Moyes. "Maybe if I was a German manager, you might praise that. If I'd been German you might praise me for doing something different. “I thought we did well. We stuck at it as much as we could and tried to make it hard for them.” (AFP)

Premier League: Klopp displays dark side after Sunderland draw

Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City are being harshly treated by officials and admits he has taken time to adapt to the style of football in the Premier League.

Guardiola was in a tetchy mood despite City&#39;s 2-1 victory over Burnley on Monday as he vented his frustrations over the first half dismissal of Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho.

It was Fernandinho&#39;s third red card in six weeks and City&#39;s seventh in 30 games this season, but Guardiola reacted sarcastically to being questioned over whether his side had a disciplinary problem.

&quot;Yes, from the team with the most ball possession. Yeah, yeah, yeah,&quot; said Guardiola.&nbsp;

&quot;We had a lot of disciplinary problems. Now we expect what the FA decide.

&quot;We try to play football, don&#39;t forget it. My teams always in my career try to play football. I cannot control the other circumstances.&quot;

To compound Guardiola&#39;s bad mood, he felt that Burnley&#39;s goal from Ben Mee should have been disallowed for a foul on City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo as he issued another sarcastic reply to a question about Fernandinho&#39;s red card.

&quot;It is always our fault, it&#39;s always City&#39;s fault,&quot; he snapped. &quot;Yeah, yeah. I saw other games. All around the world, the Burnley goal on Claudio Bravo is a foul.&nbsp;

&quot;Here, and all around the world, the rules say the goalkeeper in the six yard box cannot be touched. He goes here and the striker does this (slaps his arm).&nbsp;

&quot;But I saw (Marteen) Stekelenburg Everton v Middlesbrough at the beginning of the season and it was the same, it was a goal.&nbsp;

&quot;Okay, so I have to adapt and I have to understand there are special rules here in England. Now I learn, so now we&#39;re going to play.

&quot;I saw the foul for Claudio Bravo, that was definite.&quot;

Sarcastic

Burnley manager Sean Dyche, whose side was undone by goals from Gael Clichy and substitute Sergio Aguero, believed that City should have finished the game with nine men after Bacary Sagna was booked for kicking out at George Boyd as the winger tried to retrieve the ball to speed up kick-off following the visitors&rsquo; goal.

&quot;It&#39;s a tough one but it&#39;s a sending off because he swipes out at Boydie,&quot; said Dyche.&nbsp;

&quot;He was trying to get the ball back and go to the centre circle.

&quot;The linesman was a long way from it and the referee was running back towards the centre so maybe the linesman saw enough to give a yellow but not enough to understand it&#39;s a kick out.&quot;

Fernandinho now faces a four-game suspension, starting with Friday&#39;s FA Cup visit to West Ham, and with German international Ilkay Gundogan ruled out by long-term injury, City are short on numbers in midfield.

The City manager also seemed dissatisfied with his own supporters at the start of the second half, gesturing for them to give his team increased support as they sought a badly-needed victory.

&quot;We need their support. These players deserve their support,&quot; said Guardiola.&nbsp;

&quot;We are going to try and play as best as possible but we need their support.&quot;

Earlier, however, the City manager had been even more sarcastic and confrontational in an interview with a BBC reporter when asked whether he thought Fernandinho had deserved his red card.

&quot;You&#39;re the journalist not me. Ask the referee not me,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

&quot;We&#39;ll accept. The team with more ball possession, we have always sendings-off.

&quot;I have to understand the rules here in England. I know you are specialist and I have to understand that.&quot;

(AFP)

&nbsp;

He was in a tetchy mood despite City's 2-1 victory over Burnley on Monday

Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City are being harshly treated by officials and admits he has taken time to adapt to the style of football in the Premier League. Guardiola was in a tetchy mood despite City's 2-1 victory over Burnley on Monday as he vented his frustrations over the first half dismissal of Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho. It was Fernandinho's third red card in six weeks and City's seventh in 30 games this season, but Guardiola reacted sarcastically to being questioned over whether his side had a disciplinary problem. "Yes, from the team with the most ball possession. Yeah, yeah, yeah," said Guardiola. "We had a lot of disciplinary problems. Now we expect what the FA decide. "We try to play football, don't forget it. My teams always in my career try to play football. I cannot control the other circumstances." To compound Guardiola's bad mood, he felt that Burnley's goal from Ben Mee should have been disallowed for a foul on City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo as he issued another sarcastic reply to a question about Fernandinho's red card. "It is always our fault, it's always City's fault," he snapped. "Yeah, yeah. I saw other games. All around the world, the Burnley goal on Claudio Bravo is a foul. "Here, and all around the world, the rules say the goalkeeper in the six yard box cannot be touched. He goes here and the striker does this (slaps his arm). "But I saw (Marteen) Stekelenburg Everton v Middlesbrough at the beginning of the season and it was the same, it was a goal. "Okay, so I have to adapt and I have to understand there are special rules here in England. Now I learn, so now we're going to play. "I saw the foul for Claudio Bravo, that was definite." Sarcastic Burnley manager Sean Dyche, whose side was undone by goals from Gael Clichy and substitute Sergio Aguero, believed that City should have finished the game with nine men after Bacary Sagna was booked for kicking out at George Boyd as the winger tried to retrieve the ball to speed up kick-off following the visitors’ goal. "It's a tough one but it's a sending off because he swipes out at Boydie," said Dyche. "He was trying to get the ball back and go to the centre circle. "The linesman was a long way from it and the referee was running back towards the centre so maybe the linesman saw enough to give a yellow but not enough to understand it's a kick out." Fernandinho now faces a four-game suspension, starting with Friday's FA Cup visit to West Ham, and with German international Ilkay Gundogan ruled out by long-term injury, City are short on numbers in midfield. The City manager also seemed dissatisfied with his own supporters at the start of the second half, gesturing for them to give his team increased support as they sought a badly-needed victory. "We need their support. These players deserve their support," said Guardiola. "We are going to try and play as best as possible but we need their support." Earlier, however, the City manager had been even more sarcastic and confrontational in an interview with a BBC reporter when asked whether he thought Fernandinho had deserved his red card. "You're the journalist not me. Ask the referee not me," he said. "We'll accept. The team with more ball possession, we have always sendings-off. "I have to understand the rules here in England. I know you are specialist and I have to understand that." (AFP)

Premier League: Guardiola fumes against 'harsh treatment' by officials

Rattled after the Supreme Court removed both BCCI president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke, the Board&#39;s senior vice-president Gokaraju Ganga Raju made it clear that his association, Andhra CA, would implement the Lodha reforms with immediate effect.

&quot;There is no confusion as Supreme Court has passed its verdict. As the president of Andhra Cricket Association we would implement Lodha reforms in totality with immediate effect. If it means that we have to go into cooling off period, so be it. Indian cricket should move forward,&quot; Ganga Raju told news agency PTI.

When he was asked why&nbsp;Andhra CA did not adhere to the Lodha reforms earlier, Ganga Raju said: &quot;It was because everyone was together. But now when the verdict is out there is no question of defiance. We have been in BCCI long enough to know how to run administration.

&quot;Andhra has 19 cricket grounds owned by association and a second international stadium is coming up. We would do a good job,&quot; he concluded.

Earlier on Monday, in a blow for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Supreme Court removed Anurag Thakur and Ajay Shirke from the post of BCCI President and Secretary respectively.

The court gave the decision while hearing perjury charges levelled against Thakur by amicus curiae Gopal Subramaniam.

Issuing a contempt notice to Thakur, the top court said that the committee of the administrator will look after the affairs of BCCI. &quot;Senior-most Vice President of BCCI will act as President and Joint Secretary will act as Secretary,&quot; the Supreme Court said.

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The apex court also requested senior advocate Fali Nariman and Gopal Subramaniam to assist in nominating persons of impeccable integrity as members of the committee of administrators.

The court further added that all office bearers of BCCI and state associations must give an undertaking to abide by recommendations of Lodha Committee. &quot;All office bearers of BCCI and state associations who refuse to abide by recommendations of Lodha panel shall demit office forthwith,&quot; court said.

On December 15, the top court had observed that prima facie Thakur appeared to have committed matter of perjury in relation to demanding an intervention via a letter from the International Cricket Council (ICC) in order to sidestep the implementation of the Lodha committee recommendations.

The apex court, which was hearing the Lodha panel&#39;s third status report which asked for the removal of the top brass of the BCCI, also asked the Amicus Curiae whether Thakur committed perjury or not in the case.

In reply, the Amicus Curiae revealed that the BCCI chief, in his affidavit submitted to the top court, had said that he sought Shashank Manohar&#39;s opinion as the BCCI chairman, which was denied by the latter saying that it was asked in the ICC meeting.

On October 1, the board had accepted many of the &quot;significant recommendations&quot; of the Lodha Committee, but excluded the important ones which have been a bone of contention between the cricket body and the Lodha Panel.

&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI and DNA)

Supreme Court today removed Anurag Thakur from post of BCCI president and Ajay Shirke from the secretary's post

Rattled after the Supreme Court removed both BCCI president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke, the Board's senior vice-president Gokaraju Ganga Raju made it clear that his association, Andhra CA, would implement the Lodha reforms with immediate effect. "There is no confusion as Supreme Court has passed its verdict. As the president of Andhra Cricket Association we would implement Lodha reforms in totality with immediate effect. If it means that we have to go into cooling off period, so be it. Indian cricket should move forward," Ganga Raju told news agency PTI. When he was asked why Andhra CA did not adhere to the Lodha reforms earlier, Ganga Raju said: "It was because everyone was together. But now when the verdict is out there is no question of defiance. We have been in BCCI long enough to know how to run administration. "Andhra has 19 cricket grounds owned by association and a second international stadium is coming up. We would do a good job," he concluded. Earlier on Monday, in a blow for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Supreme Court removed Anurag Thakur and Ajay Shirke from the post of BCCI President and Secretary respectively. The court gave the decision while hearing perjury charges levelled against Thakur by amicus curiae Gopal Subramaniam. Issuing a contempt notice to Thakur, the top court said that the committee of the administrator will look after the affairs of BCCI. "Senior-most Vice President of BCCI will act as President and Joint Secretary will act as Secretary," the Supreme Court said. × The apex court also requested senior advocate Fali Nariman and Gopal Subramaniam to assist in nominating persons of impeccable integrity as members of the committee of administrators. The court further added that all office bearers of BCCI and state associations must give an undertaking to abide by recommendations of Lodha Committee. "All office bearers of BCCI and state associations who refuse to abide by recommendations of Lodha panel shall demit office forthwith," court said. On December 15, the top court had observed that prima facie Thakur appeared to have committed matter of perjury in relation to demanding an intervention via a letter from the International Cricket Council (ICC) in order to sidestep the implementation of the Lodha committee recommendations. The apex court, which was hearing the Lodha panel's third status report which asked for the removal of the top brass of the BCCI, also asked the Amicus Curiae whether Thakur committed perjury or not in the case. In reply, the Amicus Curiae revealed that the BCCI chief, in his affidavit submitted to the top court, had said that he sought Shashank Manohar's opinion as the BCCI chairman, which was denied by the latter saying that it was asked in the ICC meeting. On October 1, the board had accepted many of the "significant recommendations" of the Lodha Committee, but excluded the important ones which have been a bone of contention between the cricket body and the Lodha Panel. (With inputs from PTI and DNA)

India: Will implement Lodha Reforms right away, says BCCI senior vice president

England midfielder Ross Barkley headed a late leveller to salvage a 2-2 draw for Everton at Hull City in the Premier League on Friday.

Barkley headed the ball home in the 84th minute from left back Leighton Baines&#39; cross after Robert Snodgrass had put Hull ahead with a superb free kick into the top corner 19 minutes earlier.

Defender Michael Dawson had given Hull an early lead when he scored from Curtis Davies&#39; flicked pass in the sixth minute but an own goal by home keeper David Marshall at a corner gifted Everton an equaliser on the stroke of halftime.

Hull, who had lost five of their previous seven matches, climbed to second from bottom in the table with 13 points from 19 matches. Everton are seventh with 27 points, 19 shy of leaders Chelsea.

City manager Mike Phelan refused to criticise Marshall for his own goal.

&quot;Mistakes happen,&quot; said Phelan. &quot;In the second half he pulled off a couple of important saves.

&quot;I think it&#39;s a terrific point. We produced a battling performance and I&#39;m pleased with the players. We are in a battle for the rest of the season but we&#39;re up for it.&quot;

Everton manager Ronald Koeman praised his team&#39;s battling qualities.

&quot;I&#39;m really pleased with our performance,&quot; said the Dutchman. &quot;I wasn&#39;t happy with our slow start but we showed a really good attitude and reaction twice.

&quot;We played good football and created a lot of opportunities. We keep the momentum after the win against Leicester -- two away games and four points is good.&quot;

(Reuters)

Hull, who had lost five of their previous seven matches, climbed to second from bottom

England midfielder Ross Barkley headed a late leveller to salvage a 2-2 draw for Everton at Hull City in the Premier League on Friday. Barkley headed the ball home in the 84th minute from left back Leighton Baines' cross after Robert Snodgrass had put Hull ahead with a superb free kick into the top corner 19 minutes earlier. Defender Michael Dawson had given Hull an early lead when he scored from Curtis Davies' flicked pass in the sixth minute but an own goal by home keeper David Marshall at a corner gifted Everton an equaliser on the stroke of halftime. Hull, who had lost five of their previous seven matches, climbed to second from bottom in the table with 13 points from 19 matches. Everton are seventh with 27 points, 19 shy of leaders Chelsea. City manager Mike Phelan refused to criticise Marshall for his own goal. "Mistakes happen," said Phelan. "In the second half he pulled off a couple of important saves. "I think it's a terrific point. We produced a battling performance and I'm pleased with the players. We are in a battle for the rest of the season but we're up for it." Everton manager Ronald Koeman praised his team's battling qualities. "I'm really pleased with our performance," said the Dutchman. "I wasn't happy with our slow start but we showed a really good attitude and reaction twice. "We played good football and created a lot of opportunities. We keep the momentum after the win against Leicester -- two away games and four points is good." (Reuters)

Football: Everton's Barkley scores equaliser at Hull City

Roger Federer says he hopes to play for at least another two to three years and that his &quot;mindset is for the long-term&quot; in assessing his tennis future.

Federer, who has not played since re-injuring his surgically repaired left knee at Wimbledon in July, will make his tournament return in the January 1-7 Hopman Cup team event at Perth, representing Switzerland with Belinda Bencic.

The 35-year-old Federer said Friday he&#39;s not sure of the form he&#39;ll produce upon his return, but that retirement isn&#39;t part of his thought process.

&quot;Only when I get asked do I think of things like this,&quot; said Federer, who has 17 Grand Slam singles titles, the most of any male player.

&quot;I don&#39;t see it like this, that this could be my last Australian trip, even though it might very well be,&quot; he added.

&quot;I&#39;m really positive. I took these six months off so I would be playing for hopefully another two to three years, not just another six months or so. So my mindset is for the long-term.&quot;

Federer hasn&#39;t won a Grand Slam singles title since Wimbledon in 2012, and with his injury, has slipped to No. 16 in the world rankings.

&quot;Winning titles is a beautiful feeling, rankings at the moments ... Completely secondary,&quot; Federer said Friday.

&quot;As long as I&#39;m healthy and injury free I think I can really do some damage.&quot;

Federer and Bencic begin&nbsp;their play&nbsp;against Britain, represented by Heather Wilson and Dan Evans, on Monday night at Perth Arena.

Defending champions Australia, represented by Daria Gavrilova and Nick Kyrgios, begin&nbsp;their play Sunday night against Spain.

Americans Coco Vandeweghe and Jack Sock take on Czech Republic&#39;s Lucie Hradecka and Adam Pavlasek earlier Sunday in the men&#39;s singles, women&#39;s singles and mixed doubles format.

(PTI)

Federer, who is embarking on a comeback trail at the Hopman Cup, insists he doesn't want to retire any time soon

Roger Federer says he hopes to play for at least another two to three years and that his "mindset is for the long-term" in assessing his tennis future. Federer, who has not played since re-injuring his surgically repaired left knee at Wimbledon in July, will make his tournament return in the January 1-7 Hopman Cup team event at Perth, representing Switzerland with Belinda Bencic. The 35-year-old Federer said Friday he's not sure of the form he'll produce upon his return, but that retirement isn't part of his thought process. "Only when I get asked do I think of things like this," said Federer, who has 17 Grand Slam singles titles, the most of any male player. "I don't see it like this, that this could be my last Australian trip, even though it might very well be," he added. "I'm really positive. I took these six months off so I would be playing for hopefully another two to three years, not just another six months or so. So my mindset is for the long-term." Federer hasn't won a Grand Slam singles title since Wimbledon in 2012, and with his injury, has slipped to No. 16 in the world rankings. "Winning titles is a beautiful feeling, rankings at the moments ... Completely secondary," Federer said Friday. "As long as I'm healthy and injury free I think I can really do some damage." Federer and Bencic begin their play against Britain, represented by Heather Wilson and Dan Evans, on Monday night at Perth Arena. Defending champions Australia, represented by Daria Gavrilova and Nick Kyrgios, begin their play Sunday night against Spain. Americans Coco Vandeweghe and Jack Sock take on Czech Republic's Lucie Hradecka and Adam Pavlasek earlier Sunday in the men's singles, women's singles and mixed doubles format. (PTI)

Roger Federer keen on playing for another 2-3 years

Tennis superstar Serena Williams announced on Thursday she is engaged to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, breaking the news with a poem on her verified Reddit account.

Williams, 35, and Ohanian, 33, did not reveal a wedding date in the postings, listed under the Reddit tag &#39;isaidyes&#39;.

&quot;I came home A little late, Someone had a bag packed for me, And a carriage awaited, Destination: Rome, To escort me to my very own &quot;charming&quot; Back to where our stars first collided, And now it was full circle At the same table we first met by chance, This time he made it not by chance But by choice, Down on one knee He said 4 words And r/isaidyes,&quot; Williams posted on her account.

A reply from his verified account said: &quot;And you made me the happiest man on the planet.&quot;

The WTA Tour, which Williams has dominated for much of her career, posted a photo of Williams and Ohanian on Twitter with a message of congratulations.

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Congrats to <a href="https://twitter.com/serenawilliams">@SerenaWilliams</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/alexisohanian">@AlexisOhanian</a> on their engagement! ?? ?? <a href="https://t.co/mRVchROPx9">pic.twitter.com/mRVchROPx9</a>
&mdash; WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/814559883924303873">December 29, 2016</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Williams won this year&#39;s Wimbledon crown, the 71st singles title of her career, to match Steffi Graf with an Open Era-record 22 Grand Slam singles titles, two shy of Margaret Court&#39;s all-time record.

She later completed 186 consecutive weeks as world number one, matching Graf for the longest run at the top in rankings history, but she was dethroned from the spot by Angelique Kerber in September.

(AFP)

Williams, 35, and Ohanian, 33, did not reveal a wedding date in the postings, listed under the Reddit tag 'isaidyes'

Tennis superstar Serena Williams announced on Thursday she is engaged to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, breaking the news with a poem on her verified Reddit account. Williams, 35, and Ohanian, 33, did not reveal a wedding date in the postings, listed under the Reddit tag 'isaidyes'. "I came home A little late, Someone had a bag packed for me, And a carriage awaited, Destination: Rome, To escort me to my very own "charming" Back to where our stars first collided, And now it was full circle At the same table we first met by chance, This time he made it not by chance But by choice, Down on one knee He said 4 words And r/isaidyes," Williams posted on her account. A reply from his verified account said: "And you made me the happiest man on the planet." The WTA Tour, which Williams has dominated for much of her career, posted a photo of Williams and Ohanian on Twitter with a message of congratulations. Congrats to @SerenaWilliams and @AlexisOhanian on their engagement! ?? ?? pic.twitter.com/mRVchROPx9 — WTA (@WTA) December 29, 2016 × Williams won this year's Wimbledon crown, the 71st singles title of her career, to match Steffi Graf with an Open Era-record 22 Grand Slam singles titles, two shy of Margaret Court's all-time record. She later completed 186 consecutive weeks as world number one, matching Graf for the longest run at the top in rankings history, but she was dethroned from the spot by Angelique Kerber in September. (AFP)

Tennis: Serena Williams engaged to Reddit co-founder

Former French Open champion Ana Ivanovic has retired from tennis at the age of 29, the Serbian said on Facebook on Wednesday.

&quot;There is no other way to say this. I have decided to retire from professional tennis. It was a difficult decision but there is so much to celebrate,&quot; Ivanovic said.

&quot;Don&#39;t be sad, be optimistic alongside me. My love and my greatest thank you to all of you,&quot; said the former world number one who has dropped to 63rd in the rankings.

(Reuters)

The Serbian who has dropped to 63rd in the rankings announced her decision on Facebook

Former French Open champion Ana Ivanovic has retired from tennis at the age of 29, the Serbian said on Facebook on Wednesday. "There is no other way to say this. I have decided to retire from professional tennis. It was a difficult decision but there is so much to celebrate," Ivanovic said. "Don't be sad, be optimistic alongside me. My love and my greatest thank you to all of you," said the former world number one who has dropped to 63rd in the rankings. (Reuters)

Tennis: Former world number one Ivanovic retires at age 29

&nbsp;Liverpool celebrated their third Premier League victory in a row as an inspired performance gave them a 4-1 home success over Stoke City after they fell behind early on in an entertaining clash at Anfield on Tuesday.

Adam Lallana, Roberto Firmino, a Giannelli Imbula own goal and a strike from substitute Daniel Sturridge lifted Liverpool back into second place, six points behind leaders Chelsea, after Jonathan Walters headed the in front after 12 minutes.

The home side, who had dominated possession, equalised when the lively Lallana scored from a tight angle and Firmino turned the tide with a low shot that went in after hitting both posts.

A pair of defensive howlers by Stoke helped Liverpool seal the victory after the break as Imbula turned a Divock Origi cross into his own net before Sturridge pounced on a poor back pass by Ryan Shawcross and slotted the ball home.

(Reuters)

?Liverpool celebrated their third Premier League victory in a row

Liverpool celebrated their third Premier League victory in a row as an inspired performance gave them a 4-1 home success over Stoke City after they fell behind early on in an entertaining clash at Anfield on Tuesday. Adam Lallana, Roberto Firmino, a Giannelli Imbula own goal and a strike from substitute Daniel Sturridge lifted Liverpool back into second place, six points behind leaders Chelsea, after Jonathan Walters headed the in front after 12 minutes. The home side, who had dominated possession, equalised when the lively Lallana scored from a tight angle and Firmino turned the tide with a low shot that went in after hitting both posts. A pair of defensive howlers by Stoke helped Liverpool seal the victory after the break as Imbula turned a Divock Origi cross into his own net before Sturridge pounced on a poor back pass by Ryan Shawcross and slotted the ball home. (Reuters)

Football: Resurgent Liverpool fight back to thrash Stoke

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