Azharuddin dismisses HCA charges, writes to BCCI

HYDERABAD: Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin on Saturday dismissed the charges levelled against him by the Hyderabad Cricket Association president G Vivek and said he has written to the BCCI about the developments in HCA.

Controversy broke out at the Hyderabad Cricket Association after it barred Azharuddin from attending its Special General Meeting (SGM) on January 7.

Azharuddin was initially not allowed to attend the SGM which was convened to pass the Lodha committee recommendations.

On being told that he was not allowed as he was a proxy at the meeting, Azharuddin said he is the vice president of a cricket club.

"They kept saying that I have not registered. I am actually the vice president of the National Cricket Club. The letter is there. It is endorsed by the then (HCA) secretary," he told.

The secretary, who was suspended subsequently, issued the card on January 3.

"How I am going to know that he is going to be suspended on the fifth of January. So, I had the card, he gave me this letter when he was in office. So, it is not my fault," he said.

He said he could have been allowed to attend the meeting as he is an international player.

On the charge that he is associated with a cricket association which is not recognised by the BCCI, he said he is not at all involved with the said association.

Azharuddin asked how can the SGM be convened for passing the Lodha panel recommendations as it had already been passed.

"How can he adopt Lodha report when it is already registered in the society. How many times you can adopt Lodha committee recommendation I fail to understand," he said.

Azharuddin, who had served a ban over allegations of match-fixing, asserted that he has been recognised by the BCCI.

"BCCI also has recognised me. I have been felicitated. If I was a banned member, if my thing was not cleared, I would not be sitting there (in felicitation). I have been felicitated by the BCCI even when I was serving the ban in 2005 by Sharad Pawar (former BCCI Chief)," he said.

He said there is no ban on him following a high court order.

Azharuddin said he has written to the BCCI on the developments in the HCA.

"Next course of action is, I have written to the BCCI. I have written to the CoA (Committee of Administrators). I think they need to take action. Whatever they (HCA) are doing is totally illegal," he said.

"I am sure there will be response (from BCCI)," he said.


"I think CoA chief Mr Vinod Rai is out of the country. When he comes back, I will definitely meet him," he said.

He said fresh elections should be held at HCA as per the Lodha panel recommendations.

Source: News Agency

Malian forward Diabate signs for Leicester

LONDON: Malian forward Fousseni Diabate signed for Premier League side Leicester City from French Ligue 2 outfit Ajaccio on Saturday the English club announced. Diabate has made 20 appearances for Ajaccio this term.

The France-born 22-year-old has represented Mali at Under-20 and under-23 level.

"Leicester City Football Club have completed a deal to sign highly-rated attacker Fousseni Diabate from French Ligue 2 side Gazelec Ajaccio for an undisclosed fee," read the club's statement.

"The 22-year-old Mali youth international, who can play as both a central striker and on either wing, has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal at King Power Stadium."

Source: News Agency

Uncle Toni still 'more than anything' for Nadal

MELBOURNE: World number one Rafael Nadal embarks on a new era without his coach and uncle in the players' box at the Australian Open but the Spaniard said he would always welcome advice from his lifelong mentor with open arms.

Nadal returns to Melbourne Park, where he lost a thrilling five-set final to long-time rival Roger Federer last year, hoping to continue his progress under new coach Carlos Moya.

Former world number one Moya will lead the Mallorcan's team, having helped him back to the grand slam winner's table in 2017 after a barren three years while preparing for Toni Nadal's retirement.

Toni has departed to focus on his nephew's tennis academy but Nadal said their relationship remained intimate and "easy".

"He participates as much as he wants to participate. He's my uncle," Nadal told reporters at Melbourne Park on Saturday.

"He's more than anything else. That's it. Everything that he wants to do with me, I am happy with, no? It's not about my decision. He has enough confidence with me, or I have enough confidence with him, to talk about anything I have to talk.

"It's difficult to explain. But it's part of my family ... He loves me. I love him. It's not about, you know, a professional relationship. It's a familial relationship.

"In terms of professional things, I spoke to him few days ago, speaking about how the life is going, how the tennis is going.

"If I have something to ask, I ask him. If he has something to tell me, he calls me and tells me. No, it's not a difficult situation. It's a very easy situation."

Nadal's preparations have added to a sense of a journey into the unknown at Melbourne Park for the 31-year-old great.

He heads into his first round match against Dominican journeyman Victor Estrella Burgos without a competitive match since he pulled out of the ATP Tour Finals with a knee injury in November.

He missed warmup events in Abu Dhabi and Brisbane but had an exhibition match at the Kooyong Classic and another practice match with Dominic Thiem at Melbourne Park on Friday, complete with ball boys and a chair umpire.

The 16-times grand slam champion showed no sign of discomfort in defeating fifth seed Thiem and said he felt "good" and was "more or less" playing well.


A 17th grand slam title would bring him within striking distance of the record 19 held by Federer but Nadal said he had no extra need for motivation at Melbourne Park.

"It's impossible to be more motivated than last year or any year," said Nadal, who can only face second seed Federer in another final if they progress that far.

Source: News Agency

India face Australia in U-19 World Cup opener

MOUNT MAUNGANUI: Optimism mingled with an eagerness to know what lies ahead as India's potential future stars geared up to lock horns with Australia in their big-ticket campaign opener of the ICC U-19 World Cup on Sunday.

Coached by the distinguished Rahul Dravid, there is no dearth of talent in the squad, and the former India captain's sprightly boys would have got acclimatised to the conditions by now having arrived many days prior to the start of the tournament.

India are three-time champions, the last triumph coming in 2014.

While Dravid, who has been at the helm of U-19 and India A squad for some time, may not like to focus on individuals, it is very difficult to not see the likes of skipper Prithvi Shaw as the vital cog in the team's batting wheel.

Alongside Shaw, who has created ripples with his exploits in the domestic circuit for Mumbai, there is Himanshu Rana, who has also amassed plenty of runs in Youth ODIs.

Punjab's Shubhman Gill at number three is one of the most exciting young batsmen going around, and with a few impressive first-class games this Ranji Trophy season, he will have gained in confidence.

The top-order's performance is likely to be crucial to India's chances in the tournament. The middle-order is likely to be manned by Anukul Roy and Abhishek Sharma, and they would certainly want to make their presence felt.

Another exciting name doing the rounds is Bengal pacer Ishan Porel. With Mohammed Shami rarely turning up for his state team owing to national commitments, Porel has caught the eye in the limited opportunities that came his way.

Porel is set to spearhead the pace attack and he could be complemented by Shivam Mavi, who will be aided by the seaming conditions in this part of the world.

Mavi attracted the attention of the selectors after his performance in the zonal level 'Challengers' tournament where he bagged nine wickets in four matches.

His right-arm fast-medium bowling helped India whitewash England in England last year.

Shaw said he is happy with the team's preparations.

"We've been here a week now, played a couple of games. Everything has gone well, the preparation of the team has been good. Our goal is obviously to win the World Cup but at the same time we are looking forward to our first game," he said.

Asked if there are any Indian players in particular he thinks could have a lot of success at this tournament, Dravid said: "We don't like to focus too much on the individuals. We believe we've got a very good squad together and the opportunities for us to play well as a team are there."

"We've been playing some very good cricket of late, so rather than focusing on individuals and naming a few people, at this age we really believe that every one of these kids is talented.

"...They've got the ability to go on and do well in this tournament, and not only in this tournament but also to go on and play professional cricket and do well there."

In the last edition of the tournament in 2016, India finished runner-up after losing to the West Indies in the final.

Like his counterpart from India, Australia captain Jason Sangha has also made a mark in the domestic scene and adding to the tournament flavor will be the son of Steve Waugh, Austin. Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland's son Will is also in the national squad.

Source: News Agency

Gavaskar questions India's team selection for 2nd Test

CENTURION: Former captain Sunil Gavaskar on Saturday questioned India's team selection for the second cricket Test against South Africa, saying opener Shikhar Dhawan's "head is always on the chopping board".

India made three changes to their playing XI, with KL Rahul replacing Shikhar Dhawan and Ishant Sharma coming in for Bhuvneshwar Kumar, whose three-wicket burst in the first morning of the opening Test rocked the hosts.

Wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha was ruled out due to a strain and Parthiv Patel was included is his place.

Gavaskar said: "I think Shikhar Dhawan is the 'Bali ka Bakra' (scapegoat). His head is always on the chopping board. He just needs one bad innings and he is out of the team.

"I also don't understand why Ishant came in for Bhuvneshwar when he had taken three wickets on the opening day at Cape Town. Ishant could have replaced Shami or Bumrah but leaving him out, I don't understand."

India were thrashed by 72 runs in the first Test against South Africa at Cape Town. Virat Kohli's men had folded for 135 in their second innings while chasing 208 to win the Test.

Source: News Agency

Mumbai up against a resurgent Blasters

Mumbai: Mumbai City FC will welcome a resurgent Kerala Blasters when they take on the visitors from South at the Mumbai Football Arena on Sunday night. The two teams are separated by just three points at the halfway stage of Hero Indian Super League, and Kerala's new head coach David James has not yet lost a game since his return to the club. 

Mumbai City are also in a rich vein of form - unbeaten in three games with two of those being victories. But their head coach Alexandre Guimarães believes that its a different side they'll be facing when compared to team which drew 1-1 against them in early December this season.

"A new coach shakes up everyone - those being left on the bench, those starting, everyone. They have won a very important game away and it has made them alive and that is a warning for us that we cannot give them any chances. They also have a new foreign player who gives them something different. This is a team which will travel energised," he said, referring to new signing Keziron Kuzito, who has made a good start to life in Indian football.

That said, Guimarães was confident of his side's ability and said that half of their season's mission was complete.

"Our first goal of the season was to finish close to the playoff spots at the halfway stage and I think we've accomplished that. This has put us in a good situation to continue to compete and we hope that we can make the most from run of home games now. I am very confident that we have the resources and the players to fight till the end and be in the top four - that is for sure," he said.

He added that he was curious to see how his side will penetrate the organised defence line of the Blasters. As for the Blasters, their head coach David James said that Mumbai were at a slight advantage with the extra rest they have had - and that meant for work for the physios to get his side ready for games in quick succession. He also said that Mumbai City will present a very different challenge compared to Delhi Dynamos, who Kerala beat 3-1 in their previous game.

"It was important that we were disciplined and showed no fear. We had to get the result, especially given the results around us. And that is what we have to do tomorrow. Mumbai have a different style of play compared to Delhi - we have to adapt ourselves to that style. Fortunately we have a good coaching staff and have had the opportunity to prepare. As much as the win was enjoyable against Delhi, this is about another away game and we still have to do some things right which we were not able to," he said.

Considering the nationwide support Blasters receive, James and company will certainly feel at home at the Mumbai Football Arena creating a good atmosphere for football, and will look to ride on it to turn their season around.

Back to wall, Dynamos’ hope to fight for survival

​​Delhi: Delhi Dynamos, on the brink of being eliminated from the competition, face an uphill task of overcoming the table toppers Bengaluru FC in the Hero Indian Super League Super Sunday clash at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here.

The home side desperately needs a win if they have to keep any hopes for survival as the ISL enters into business end of competition. So not surprisingly their coach Miguel Angel Portugal has declared that his team will treat the match as "a final."  

When asked about how he'll approach tomorrow's game, Portugal told reporters, "For us now this match is like a final."  

The fortunes of these two teams couldn't have been different at this stage of the Hero Indian Super League. Delhi Dynamos are struggling to find any form and are currently languishing at the base of the points table. Portugal's side has just managed to get four points from nine games so far. 

Their last outing at home ended in 3-1 loss to Kerala FC. Bengaluru FC, on the other hand, are leading the league standings, and  Albert Roca side would try everything possible to take advantage of the out-of-form Dynamos to increase their lead at the top.

Talking about the last game Portugal said, "We deserved more from the game. We played good. We had 70% of the ball possession. Kerala took their chances and the game ended 3-1."  The Spanish coach also backed his players despite his team's lack of form "Well, for the next I have almost the same team. I think my players have executed the plans well. 

The visitors come in the game with two back-to-back wins over ATK and Kerala and will be full of confidence when they go out on the field. But at the same time, their coach Albert Roca doesn't want to take anything lightly. Talking about the opponents he said, "I have a lot of respect for their coach Portugal. They have been playing good football but they have been unlucky at the same time. We'll have to wary of their threats." 

Bengaluru FC have been exceptional so far in their debut ISL season. Having players like Sunil Chettri in top form has also been really helpful, and coach Roca was full of praise for this team at the press conference. "We have some of the best players in the country. We have the captain of the national team but you still have to make a team out of it. So we have to keep learning and improving especially tomorrow to get the right result," he said.

Centurion Test: Proteas ask India to field first

Centurion: South Africa have won the toss and asked India to bowl first in the penultimate second Test of the three-match series at the SuperSport Park here on Saturday.

Following the toss, Indian skipper Virat Kohli said, "No-brainer, we'd have batted as well. There seems to be a lot lesser grass.
Day one first session is always tough for the batsmen but we wanted to take that challenge. We have a forced change."

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis, on the other hand, said that the Centurion pitch looks a bit up and down, adding that they are expecting a big fight from India

As far as Playing XI is concerned, the visiting side have made three changes.

Parthiv Patel has been included into the squad to replace Wriddhiman Saha, who is out with a hamstring niggle.

Meanwhile, KL Rahul and Ishant Sharma have been named to replace Shikhar Dhawan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, respectively.

For South Africa, uncapped fast bowler Lungisani Ngidi will make his Test debut after veteran pacer Dale Steyn was ruled out due to a heel injury.

After slumping to a moral-sapping 72-run defeat in the opening Test in Cape Town to go down 0-1 in the series, India will look to bounce back to keep themselves alive in the series.

The world number one Test side will look to win this match if they want to become the first side in history to get to ten Test series win in a row with a victory over South Africa.

Meanwhile, India have also never managed to win a Test series on South African soil for the past 25 years. Their best result came during the 2010-11 series, which India drew 1-1.

South Africa, on the other hand, are riding high on confidence after their splendid outing in Cape Town and will aim to wrap the three-match Test series when they head into the second match.

It should be noted that South Africa had enjoyed a winning spree at Centurion like no other venue across this country with 17 wins and just two defeats.

India Playing XI: Murali Vijay, Lokesh Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Rohit Sharma, Parthiv Patel(wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma.

South Africa Playing XI: Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis(c), Quinton de Kock(wk), Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungisani Ngidi, Morne Morkel.


Source: News Agency

Over 1000 players sign up for IPL Player Auction 2018

Mumbai: The Indian Premier League (IPL) Player Registration closed on Friday, with a whopping 1,122 players signing up to be a part of the mega Player Auction 2018, which is slated to take place in Bengaluru later this month. The player auction for the 2018 edition of the IPL will be held on January 27 and 28, while the main event will take place from April 4 to May 31.

The list that has been sent out to the eight IPL franchises comprises of 281 capped players, 838 uncapped players, including 778 Indians and three players from the Associate nations.

Out of 282 overseas players, Australia lead the country-wise breakdown with 58 registered cricketers followed by South Africa (57), Sri Lanka (39) , West Indies (39), New Zealand (30) and England (26).

A fierce bidding war is expected to break out when Indian stars Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, off spinners R Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh, Ajinkya Rahane, mystery spinner Kuldeep Yadav and openers KL Rahul and M Vijay go under the hammer.

The franchises will leave no stone unturned when Chris Gayle, Ben Stokes, Chris Lynn, Eoin Morgan and pacers Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins come up for the IPL Player Auction 2018.

England's Test captain Joe Root has also thrown his hat into the ring and will be the new entrant to the world's most popular T20 league.

Dwayne Bravo, Carlos Brathwaite, Evin Lewis and Jason Holder will add the Caribbean flavor to the league.

Lasith Malinga will lead Sri Lanka's entourage that includes Angelo Mathews, the exciting Niroshan Dickwella, and Thisara Perera.

Showing his full range of strokes will be Glenn Maxwell, all-rounder Shane Watson and Mitchell Johnson, who bowled Mumbai Indians to their third title last season with his final over heroics.

Hashim Amla, who hit two centuries for Kings XI Punjab in the 10th season will be hoping for a high bid with compatriots Faf du Plessis, Quinton de Kock, David Miller and speedsters Morne Morkel and Kagiso Rabada.

Kane Williamson, Colin Munro and Tom Latham from New Zealand will add their charm to the league.


Source: News Agency

Nadal wants to start afresh at 2018 Australian Open

Spanish tennis great Rafael Nadal has said the bitter disappointment of last year's narrow five-set loss to Roger Federer in the Australian Open final will not give him any extra motivation for this year's opening Grand Slam.

"It is impossible to be more motivated than last year or any year," the world number one told Xinhua news agency on Saturday.

"For me the Australian Open, if you are not 100 percent motivated to win this tournament, you probably don't love the sport."

Despite a stellar 2017, which saw the 31-year-old claim the US Open and a record 10th French Open title, Nadal talked down the significance of beginning the year with the No.1 ranking.

"It is better to start No.1 than No.20," the Spaniard said.

"But everyone starts from zero. I start from zero again.

Stan Wawrinka Feared For Career During Long Layoff

It's a new season, an exciting one and I hope to be healthy, competitive and, most importantly, to enjoy tennis."

"I just think about my first round... It's the first match of the year and I don't think further than that. I take it day by day as I always have."

Source: News Agency

Sanchez future uncertain as United, City circle

London: Arsene Wenger admitted today that Alexis Sanchez's future is up in the air as Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola stayed tight-lipped over potential moves for the forward during the January transfer window.

Guardiola's bid to buy Sanchez collapsed at the end of the summer transfer window and City were favourites to land him this time around but the club are apparently unwilling to meet Arsenal's reported 35 million ($48 million, 39 million euros) asking price.

Mourinho's United are understood to have thrown their hat into the ring, bidding around 25 million to trump City's 20 million offer as they seek to bolster their forward options and deny their bitter rivals.

When asked if United were interested in signing the 29- year-old Chilean international, who is out of contract at the end of the season, Wenger said "nothing is really concrete at the moment".

Questioned as to whether there was any truth in the rumour, the Arsenal manager was coy.

"You conclude that," he said. "You could say that at the moment... it's not that I don't want to inform you, I don't want to give you wrong information and at the moment I must say nothing is decided one way or the other."

Wenger admitted a bidding war could help Arsenal but said that was not the current situation.

In later press conferences on Friday, neither Guardiola nor Mourinho gave much away over a potential move for the Arsenal man.

Guardiola said his focus was on maintaining City's fine form when they travel to Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.

"I understand completely why you ask this question (about Sanchez), it's your job," said Guardiola. "But you know my answer.

I am focused on Liverpool."

Mourinho, who described Sanchez as a "phenomenal player", said: "I don't know if it's ethical or correct to be speaking about players of other clubs."

"Sanchez is an Arsenal player," he added. "Probably this weekend he is going to defend Arsenal colours so I don't think it's correct to say things about Alexis Sanchez."

Arsenal boss Wenger said Sanchez would only be allowed to leave if they could get a new signing over the line -- the club have been linked with young Bordeaux forward Malcom.

"Of course I want a quick resolution," he told reporters at Arsenal's north London training base.
"Is he (Sanchez) replaceable in the way that we find exactly the same player? Certainly not, but there's always a way to find a different balance.

"Alexis is an exceptional football player, he's a world- class player and if that happens (and he leaves) we have to find a different balance in the team."

Theo Walcott is another Arsenal player poised to leave this month, with Everton manager Sam Allardyce revealing on Friday that they are hopeful of sealing a permanent deal.

Source: News Agency

Boult destroys Pakistan as New Zealand take series

Dunedin:A withering spell by Trent Boult saw New Zealand destroy Pakistan by 183 runs in the third one-day international here today to comfortably wrap up the series in Dunedin.

New Zealand have won all three matches so far and captain Kane Williamson said the target is a clean sweep of all five ODIs.

Boult rocked Pakistan with three wickets in five balls to take out the cream of their top order on his way to figures of five for 17.
After New Zealand made 257 batting first,boosted by 11 in the final over before Boult was dismissed on the last ball, Pakistan were all out for 74 in the 28th.

"It was a big game for us. We wanted to get the series done," said man of the match Boult.

"To score only 250 on the board we knew we had to fight hard and to come out like that was very satisfying."

Williamson said the target now was to remain unbeaten."That's the focus.

The focus is trying to win each game. The guys were smart today and that's something we pride ourselves on," he said.
"It was a fantastic performance all round. Trent was outstanding getting five.

Pakistan had slumped to eight for 32 in the 19th over and threatened two unwanted records -- the lowest ODI score of 35, held by Zimbabwe, and Pakistan's own lowest score of 43.

Sarfraz Ahmed (14 not out), Mohammad Amir (14) and Rumman Raees (16) added 42 for the last two wickets but Sarfraz saw serious problems with the top order batting.

"It was very disappointing, a tough loss," he said.

"Our bowlers bowled very well but the problems continue with the batting which again flopped. The problem is (facing) the new ball."
Boult removed Azhar Ali, Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Hafeez in the space of five balls to put Pakistan in a hole they were never going to get out of.

After 10 overs, the tourists were three down for just nine runs and while they struggled to stay afloat, Babar Azam was unnecessarily run out.

Part-time bowler Colin Munro, with career figures of one for 203 before this match bowled Shadab Khan without scoring and had Hasan Ali spectacularly caught by Williamson for one to return figures of two for 10 off seven overs.

Pakistan came to New Zealand on a nine-match winning streak and the promise of providing a more formidable opposition for New Zealand who had just swept a series against the West Indies.

After losing the first two matches they needed to win in Dunedin and had their tails up when Munro went for eight in the second over.
But half-centuries to Kane Williamson (73) and Ross Taylor (52) plus 45 for Martin Guptill set New Zealand up.

It was Taylor 57th ODI half-century to equal the New Zealand record held by Stephen Fleming and Nathan Astle.

Source: News Agency

Players need to put in more efforts: Kohli

Centurian: Indian captain Virat Kohli said that the players need to put in more efforts as the team cannot afford to play loose shots.

"I don't think we need to panic because of collapses. People need to apply themselves much better, whether you are playing five batsmen or six. Even if we are playing six batsmen, you can't afford to go out there and play loose shots", he said.

"You still have to have a solid technique and go out there and be ready to face. Bowling spells which are going to be difficult, we need to embrace that", he added.

However, Kohli didn't mention whether or not there will be a change in the playing eleven.

Indian captain Virat Kohli

"So, I don't think anyone needs to panic on that front and as far as your opening combination goes, we are going to decide at the end of the practice session today", the skipper said.

"No need to panic as a batting unit. We played well for a long time.

We also played away well in a recent couple of years. So, we just need to adapt and apply ourselves better when we go out to bat", he continued.

Talking about the South African pitches, Kohli emphasised that team needs to have intent because the kind of bowling attack South Africa has, especially on these pitches they get extra bounce and they get extra pace off the wicket.

"You can't be in a zone of not having the intent and see off 35-40 overs. You need to find the perfect balance to do well in South Africa especially where there is more bounce", he said.

Source: News Agency

5 wrestlers, among 6 killed in Maharashtra road accident

Mumbai: Five wrestlers and a driver were killed in a major road accident in Sangli district of Maharahstra early on Saturday, police said.

The accident took place around 1 a.m. when an SUV carrying the grapplers rammed headlong into an oncoming tractor carrying sugarcane.

Five others, including wrestlers, were injured in the accident and they were admitted in hospitals.

The wrestlers belonged to the institute, Kranti Kushti Sankul. "It is very sad and shocking, for us," said Sharad Lad, the institution's secretary.

They were all returning after a wrestling contest in Satara.

More details were awaited.

Source: News Agency

Saudi women score right to watch men's soccer in stadiums

JEDDAH: Women in black abayas and fluorescent orange vests stood at the gates at King Abdullah Stadium, welcoming people into the family section that, for the first time in Saudi Arabia, allowed women to attend a men’s soccer match.

As the two teams al-Ahli and al-Batin faced each other in the city of Jeddah, women showed up to their first public sporting event in the Kingdom to support the sides with their spouses, children and friends.

The General Sports Authority announced in October that stadiums in Jeddah, Dammam and Riyadh will be set up to accommodate families starting in 2018.

“Honestly this decision should have happened a long time ago,” said Muneera al-Ghamdi, an attendee. “But thank god that it came in the right time, and hopefully what’s to come will be even more beautiful for women.”

The decision to allow women to attend a mixed public sporting event is one of many changes the country has undergone in recent months, hailed as proof of a new progressive trend in the deeply conservative Muslim Kingdom.

On Thursday, Jeddah held Saudi Arabia’s first car exhibition aimed at women, a few months after Saudi Arabia announced it would grant them the right to drive..

A soccer match on Saturday in the capital Riyadh will also be welcoming women fans.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, 32, has been hailed as the face of these changes.

Many young Saudis regard his recent ascent to power as proof their generation is taking a central place in running a country whose patriarchal traditions have for decades made power the province of the old and blocked women’s progress.

“Today the percentage of those who participate in exercise and sports is only 13 percent,” said Hayfaa al-Sabban, who heads a sport organisation.

Source: News Agency

Bayern down Leverkusen 3-1 as Bundesliga restarts

BERLIN: Champions Bayern Munich survived some late pressure to win 3-1 and end Bayer Leverkusen’s 12-game unbeaten league run as they stretched their lead at the top to 14 points on Friday when the Bundesliga resumed after the winter break.

Javi Martinez and Franck Ribery scored either side of the break for Bayern before Kevin Volland pulled one back for the hosts to set up a frantic finale.

The visitors, without top scorer Robert Lewandowski and central defender Mats Hummels, made sure of the points when James Rodriguez curled a free kick into the top corner in the first minute of stoppage time to lift them to 44 points.

“Tactically and defensively my team did it well for long stretches,” coach Jupp Heynckes told reporters.

“We lost our concentration a bit after leading 2-0 but it is just difficult to win here. Leverkusen are young and talented and they attacked today.”

New Bayern signing Sandro Wagner, who made a late substitute appearance, set a club record with his league comeback for the Bavarians over 10 years after his previous Bundesliga game for them. The 30-year-old Germany striker joined from Hoffenheim.

Second-placed Schalke 04 are in action at RB Leipzig on Saturday while Leverkusen stay fourth on 28. Borussia Dortmund, in third also on 28 points, host VfL Wolfsburg on Sunday.

Leverkusen initially showed the fine form they have displayed over the past few months with a strong start that saw them press Bayern high and launch lightning quick counter attacks with speedy wingers Leon Bailey and Karim Bellarabi.

Dominik Kohr’s 18th minute header narrowly missed the target but was their best chance before Bayern gradually took control.

The visitors took the lead in the 32nd minute when Martinez fired in from close range after Leverkusen failed to clear an Arturo Vidal header.

Ribery, battling for a contract extension, added the second goal on the hour, shaking off two players to score with a low shot past Bernd Leno before Volland’s 70th minute deflected strike saw Leverkusen get back into the match.

Source: News Agency

Stan Wawrinka feared for career during long layoff

MELBOURNE: Stan Wawrinka feared his debilitating knee injury might be the end of a glittering tennis career boasting three grand slam titles and said he had only been cleared to play the Australian Open two days before the tournament.

The 32-year-old Swiss also spoke on Saturday of his former coach Magnus Norman’s decision to end their partnership while he was injured, another sting in the tail during his battle through rehab.

The 2014 champion will bid for his second title at Melbourne Park but goes in with low expectations, having only decided he was fit enough to play after training on Saturday.

While not taking pain-killing injections, he said the knee was still painful and admitted he was far from his best level of tennis ahead of his first round match against unseeded Lithuanian Ricardas Berankis on Tuesday.

Stan Wawrinka

However, being cleared to play still felt like a “victory”, said Wawrinka, given personal doubts about his future following his knee surgery.

“For sure I was worrying a lot because I had eight weeks on crutches,” Wawrinka told reporters at Melbourne Park.

”I started my first fitness by just walking. The thing is, it’s always complicated when you’re like at that level before, you get (an) injury, you can get through pain mentally also, (you‘re) feeling lonely, not feeling good.

”It’s tough to explain because some people will always

think, ‘C‘mon, you have an amazing life, why do you

complain, why do you complain about feeling not great?'”

His former mentor Norman, who helped transform Wawrinka into a grand slam-winning force, ended their four-year partnership in October, citing personal reasons in another major blow.

“For sure, it was already a tough, tough, tough moment for myself, to be out, to get surgery, to know that it will take at least six months to be back at a place where I can play tennis again,” said Wawrinka, who has not played a competitive match since being knocked out of the first round at Wimbledon.

”When you are in a tough place like that as an athlete, you want the people who know you the best to stay around you, to stick with you.

”You want your team, your family to be here.

“For me, Magnus, he was my coach, but he was a friend, even closer than a friend. It was tough to know that he will not be here to start again with me. I was more sad than angry at him.”

Wawrinka, seeded ninth in Melbourne, said he had practised for more hours in the week leading into the grand slam than he had in months but still needed to be “careful” about his knee.

“I practised with Rafa (Nadal), I practised with Novak (Djokovic), with (Tomas) Berdych, with (Gael) Monfils, with (Grigor) Dimitrov,” he said.

Source: News Agency

Conte refuses to rule out Chelsea exit at end of the season

London:  Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has refused to commit his long-term future to the club, saying there is a possibility that he may leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.

According to reports in British media, Chelsea are looking at potential replacements for the Italian, including Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri, in case Conte does decide to leave.

“Everything is possible,” the 48-year-old told a news conference on Friday.

”I have another year on my contract at this club but, in football, everything is possible. Our job is very difficult because everything can change quickly.

“I have another year of my contract and the club has to decide to send me away.”

Conte is the 10th different manager to take charge at Chelsea since owner Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003.

Despite winning the Premier League title and reaching the FA Cup final in his first season, there have been doubts around Conte’s position at the club since the start of the season.

When asked if he was content at Chelsea given all the speculation about his future, he added: ”Yes, I‘m happy. I‘m enjoying my period here. It wasn’t easy, it wasn’t simple for me.

“When you start work you need time to improve your work, to create a solid basis. Football now is very difficult to stay for many years for one club, especially in England now.”

Conte said new signing Ross Barkley was not yet 100 percent fit to feature in the squad for Saturday’s home league game against Leicester City, but could make his debut against Norwich City in Chelsea’s FA Cup third-round replay on Wednesday.

Barkley, who joined from Everton last week, has not played a single match this season due to a hamstring injury sustained at the start of the campaign.

“I think that, maybe, in the next game against Norwich he could be available and in contention,” Conte said.

“If he continues in this way then why not? He’s not ready 100 per cent but he could start to help us.”

Source: News Agency

Federer still the man to beat at Melbourne Park

MELBOURNE : It might be argued that 36-year-old fathers of four have no business winning grand slam titles but try telling that to Roger Federer as the evergreen Swiss bids to claim a record-equalling sixth Australian Open crown in two weeks’ time.

Federer will saddle up for a 19th time in the main draw at Melbourne Park, looking to frustrate ‘Generation Next’ once again and defend the title he won last year during a stunning comeback from knee surgery.

No such queries hang over his fitness this year and if bookmakers are to be believed the other 127 men in the draw will be fighting for the scraps from Federer’s plate.

On immediate form, few could argue.

Federer, seeded second, arrives for a first round match against mid-ranked Slovenian Aljaz Bedene after cruising through an undefeated run at the Hopman Cup.

His major rivals, meanwhile, are either carrying injuries or returning from them, or in the case of ‘Big Four’ cohort Andy Murray, ruled out because of them.

A magical 20th slam might seem a formality for a player who did it all in last year’s tournament with the shortest of run-ups, but on closer inspection, Federer’s path through the draw is far from straightforward.

Danger lurks at almost every corner, with former Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic and a resurgent Juan Martin Del Potro, the man who beat Federer for the 2009 U.S. Open title, looming as threats before the quarter-finals.

Yet few would be surprised if the tournament ends in a repeat of last year’s final with Federer up against his great Spanish rival and top seed Rafa Nadal.

The pair split the four grand slam trophies between them last year, with Nadal, at 31, finishing the season as the ATP rankings’ oldest world number one.

Like Federer, Nadal has pared back his playing schedule to prolong his career but the strain still showed when he pulled out of the ATP Tour Finals in November with a knee problem after losing his opening match.

He missed warmup events in Abu Dhabi and Brisbane but appeared untroubled in an exhibition match win over Austrian world number five Dominic Thiem at Melbourne Park on Friday.

If fit and firing, 2009 champion Nadal will be hard to beat but needs to bring something new to the court if he ends up facing Federer, who won all four of their matches last year.

The Melbourne crowds will throw their support behind the two grand slam titans but the younger generation of players probably wish they would just go away.

Year after year the bright sparks and ‘Next Big Things’ have been denied by the ‘Big Four’ at the slams.

Even with Murray and Novak Djokovic out of the frame for much of 2017 due to injury, ‘Gen Next’ once again failed to make inroads at the four tournaments that really count.

Most bookmakers see third seed Grigor Dimitrov as the best chance among them to make a breakthrough in Melbourne, but still rate the Bulgarian lower than Djokovic, who brings a major query over his serving elbow, is seeded 14th and has barely swung a racquet in six months.

While Melbourne Park maestro Djokovic will bid for a record seventh Australian Open title, those fans hoping for a shake-up of the establishment may look to 20-year-old Alexander Zverev after his stellar 2017.

Like 22-year-old Australian Nick Kyrgios, fourth seed Zverev possesses a majestic game capable of toppling the very best but also has a propensity to crumble on the biggest stages.

Source: News Agency

Zequinha provides hope for ATK as NorthEast United suffer

Guwahati: ATK held their nerves to defeat NorthEast United FC 1-0 in a vital away victory in the Hero Indian Super League clash at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati, on Friday.

The victory lifts them to sixth place after nine matches and suddenly gives them hope, and takes some wind off the sails of NorthEast United FC, who had beaten FC Goa in their previous encounter.

Zequinha was the star of the show, striking in the 73rd minute to give his side the lead and the winner. He had been threatening for a while before the ball graciously fell to him after a period of pressure from ATK. The Portuguese hammered in a volley into the far corner, his connection too sweet to not find the back of the net. 

Z equinha celebrates after scoZring against NorthEast United FC

If the first half was a slow affair, the second one started with a bang. Danilo Lopes made easy work of Jordi Montel before taking a stinging shot from outside the box. Debjit Majumder was equal to the task though, making a breath-taking fingertip save to deny the hosts. Montel made his presence felt at the other end though, when his header was a whisker wide. He then released Zequinha on the left to cross for Robin Singh but Sambinha was in the way to stop the Indian striker from scoring. 

Lopes wasn't done making Montel look like a bad defender. He was at the end of a Nirmal Chhetri long ball and Montel allowed the attacker to run in behind. His first time effort was as audacious as it was close to going in the back of the net. 

Zequinha and Lopes were ruling the second half. As the game went into end-to-end mode, the former cut in, like he so often does, and forced a fine save from TP Rehenesh. It was becoming inexplicable how the match was still goalless when Zequinha struck to break the deadlock. 

The opening exchanges saw a well-drilled NorthEast keep possession even though it was meaningless, attempting to draw out ATK rather than take the attacking initiative. 

It was only after Malemngamba Meitei started showing his ability to run with the ball and deliver that NorthEast grew in confidence going forward. First, he produced a fine run before being halted, and was at it again with a good delivery which ATK had to be alert to clear. Debjit Majumder's howler almost cost ATK when the goalkeeper needlessly came out for a ball which Tom Thorpe was seeing off - got into a mess with his teammate - before Thorpe cleared away. 

ATK broke forward in the 24th minute through Zequinha's neat run and shot which sailed just over the crossbar. Meitei then threatened again for NorthEast and this time his delivery found Sambinha, whose header was woefully directed wide. Then, within the space of seven chaotic minutes for NorthEast, ATK produced two lovely chances. Jayesh Rane's shot was blocked after an exquisite through ball from Ryan Taylor and then at the stroke of half time, Zequinha blasted it over again when he had the time and space to pick his spot. However, he would eventually deliver to put ATK out of their misery.

Guardiola and Kane win December Premier League awards

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was named December's Premier League manager of the month for a record fourth consecutive time, while Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane equalled Steven Gerrard's tally with his sixth player of the month award.

Kane scored eight goals in six matches last month, including back-to-back hat-tricks against Burnley and Southampton, to finish 2017 with a record tally of 39 Premier League goals.

The 24-year-old is now level with former Liverpool and England midfielder Gerrard with six player of the month awards, the most for any player in the competition's history.

Kane claimed the prize ahead of seven other nominees - Chelsea's Marcos Alonso, West Ham United's Marko Arnautovic, Liverpool duo Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah, Jesse Lingard of Manchester United, Leicester City's Riyad Mahrez and Manchester City's Nicolas Otamendi.

Guardiola's team remains unbeaten and 15 points clear at the top of the league standings.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte had been the only previous coach to win the award three times in a row during Chelsea's title winning campaign last season.

To win the December prize, Guardiola topped a six-man shortlist that also included Conte, Everton's Sam Allardyce, Roy Hodgson of Crystal Palace, Liverpool's Juergen Klopp and Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Source: News Agency

Second Test: Faf du Plessis surprised by brown pitch

CENTURION: South African captain Faf du Plessis was surprised to see brown grass on the pitch that will be used for the second Test against India, starting at SuperSport Park on Saturday.

But there were no surprises for Indian captain Virat Kohli. "It looks a really lively pitch," Kohli said at his pre-Test press conference on Friday. "We expected it and we wanted it to be that way. Both teams are into the contest and will have to play some good cricket."

Kohli made it clear he would welcome another no-holds-barred battle in conditions as tough as they were in Cape Town, where South Africa won the first Test by 72 runs.

"We were pretty happy with the wicket and the way it played in Cape Town, it gave us many opportunities to stay in the game," said Kohli. "This pitch will again test us to play our best cricket and that is something we are looking forward to."

Du Plessis said he expected pace and bounce but admitted he was not sure how the pitch would play.

"It looks browner than I thought it would be," he said. "What I got from the groundsman was that it was burnt from the heat. Last week was very hot."

Although Centurion is Du Plessis' home ground, he said the pitch looked unusual. "There is a thick layer of brown grass so it's not something we're used to seeing. For us at the moment it's unknown."

Du Plessis said he expected India to mount a strong challenge.

"India at times were really good at Newlands. There were so many ups and downs for both teams. India were in the game for 90 percent of the time. I expect they will take a lot of positives from the game and I expect another huge performance from them."

Kohli said India's bowlers had shown their ability in Cape Town. "We're very happy with the way the bowlers went about their business. We believe we can get them out twice again."

But the Indian batsmen needed to step up. Kohli said they had gained from their experience in Cape Town - and the mistakes they had made there. "There is no need to panic as a batting unit, we have played well for a long time - and we have played well away from home as well. We just need to apply ourselves better."


South Africa have to make at least one change following a series-ending injury to Dale Steyn.

Source: News Agency

Funny, people who wanted Rahane out now want him in, says Kohli

CENTURION: India captain Virat Kohli on Friday took a dig at critics questioning Ajinkya Rahane's exclusion in the first Test against South Africa, stating that those who wanted his deputy's omission are now clamouring for his comeback.

"It's funny how things change in a matter of weeks, or just about five days. Before the first Test no-one thought that he should be in the eleven and now suddenly people are looking at the other option," Kohli said on the eve of the second Test, here.

The captain's comment is interesting given that Rahane's selection in the playing XI had not been called into question even once.

In fact, given his stupendous overseas record, it came as quite a shocker when his name was missing from the final XI for the first Test which India lost by 72 runs in three playing days in Cape Town.

"For us as a team, it's all about finding the right balance. If players fit in the kind of balance we want to go in with as a side, then they will fit in. We certainly don't go on opinions that are created outside, and talk of the town and all those sort of things," Kohli's sarcasm at the pre-match conference was not lost on anyone.

"He (Rahane) is a quality player. He has done well in South Africa, in all conditions actually away from home. He is probably been our most consistent and solid player away from home," the skipper said.

He repeated that Rohit Sharma was selected because of his current form.

"I explained the reasons why Rohit Sharma started ahead of him. I am not saying that Ajinkya cannot or will not start in this game. Possibilities are all open at the moment and we shall decide after practice."

While the skipper dropped hints that there might be changes in the playing XI without divulging any further.

"As far as the opening combination goes, we will decide today at the end of practice what is it that we are going to go within this game. We might do something different also but there is definitely no need to panic."

The wicket promises ample pace and bounce, but doesn't have as much green grass unlike the Newlands' wicket, reckons Kohli.

"It looks likely a really lively pitch. It is exactly what we expected it to be and we actually wanted it to be that way so that both teams are into the contest provided they play some good cricket. This pitch will again test us to play our best cricket and that is something that we are looking forward to do," he said.

Kohli urged his batsmen not get surprised by the bounce.

"We must not get surprised by the bounce here. We have to maintain composure when you get sudden change of bounce, which you experience in South Africa. Here the bounce can be steep from length also. You need to mentally tune yourself to these things and accept that it is going to be a major part of batting in South Africa."

The skipper feels that despite the mistakes committed, his batting unit is in much better shape for this game.

"I feel that definitely the batting order, through mistakes we committed in the first game and through the experience we gained in the first game, we are certainly in a much better shape to come at their bowling attack in this Test," he added.

Kohli, who is India's best batsman feels that there is no need to press the panic button yet.

"I don't think we need to panic because of collapses. Whether we are playing five batsmen or six, you still need to apply yourself.

"It doesn't mean that if you are playing six batters, you can afford to go out and play loose shots. You still need to have a solid technique and go out there and be ready to face spells, which are going to be difficult. We need to embrace that," explained Kohli.


India's slip catching has been shoddy even during their victories at home over the past year but the skipper defended his teammates.

"I am not going to sit here and talk about the last one year. The last game was pretty good, apart from one dropped catch from Shikhar in the first innings, which we looked at as a team. We want to plug all those game."

Source: News Agency

Chennaiyin, Pune grapple with coach suspension

Chennai:FC Pune City got four points from their last two matches while coach Ranko Popovic was serving a four-match ban. However the visitors will now have to overcome the absence of not just their coach at the touchline but also their talisman Marcelinho for a crucial Hero Indian Super League encounter against Chennaiyin FC at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai, on Saturday. 

The Brazilian is Pune City’s leading goal scorer with six strikes, including a hat-trick, and has four assists to boot. He will, however, remain suspended for the next clash after accumulating four bookings. He has missed a match before – against Bengaluru FC – when he was not fully fit and was left on the bench, and it showed as Bengaluru FC walked away with full points. 

“Marcelinho is one of the best player in the league. We will miss him surely but I know our team has quality. If a team cannot play without one player, it’s no team. We know his importance, he is a strong player but we know how (good) is our team,” Pune City Assistant Coach Vladica Grujic said during the pre-match media interaction.

With 16 points from nine matches, Pune City are placed third, just below Chennaiyin FC who have an extra point. This puts them in a good position to push for a play-off place, though the assistant coach warned that they still have plenty to do.

“We have achieved nothing yet because you can be first, fourth or last. Now, it’s time to try to win points to come as close as possible to first four. This is our aim to come in the first four teams,” he said.

Chennaiyin FC are among the more impressive teams in this edition of ISL and are second only to Bengaluru FC. The home team, however, must shake off the absence of their coach John Gregory, who curiously also remains suspended, just like their rivals.

“Both of them are really good coaches and they are working here for the betterment of the game. I hope to see both of them back in the dugout soon,” said Grujic. 

Gregory’s absence should not impact Chennaiyin FC on the field and they should be encouraged with the return of their captain Henrique Soreno who completed serving a one-match suspension of his own.

“We know Pune is strong in attack. They look threatening. We know they are a good attacking side and will come hard at us. We are lucky that our best player, captain (Soreno) is behind. It will be a good contest,” said Assistant Coach Syed Sabir Pasha.

Chennaiyin FC have conceded goals at the death in their last two matches at home against Delhi Dynamos (2-2) and Kerala Blasters (1-1). That has cost them dearly and Pasha called for focus till the final whistle. 

“It hurts us, hurts the players. It’s just lack of focus. We have to play as a team in those last moments. Players also understand I think. It will not happen in the matches to come,” assures Pasha.