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Nadal is off the blocks
After beating cancer, Alisa wants to conquer the court
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All that golden girls want is new and better equipment
Sindhu, Srikanth take Warriors into semifinals
IOA has made a mess of sports: Patel
BCCI working committee to meet in Kolkata
United and Chelsea play out a tame draw
Sanawar Red win Bhupinder Singh Memorial soccer tourney
Indians confident before Sepaktakraw C’ship
asia cup Saina mesmerises home crowd with
best match of IBL
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Nadal is off the blocks
New York, August 27 Roared on by the energetic Flushing Meadows crowds, the trio turned on a masterclass of power hitting at Arthur Ashe Stadium before New York's fickle weather brought proceedings to an early end. A late rain shower forced tournament organisers to abandon the opening day's play before former world number one Roger Federer was about start his match against Slovenia's Grega Zemlja. Nadal, who missed last year's U.S. Open because of a chronic knee problem, demonstrated his intentions to make up for lost time as he demolished American wildcard Ryan Harrison 6-4 6-2 6-2 during the day session. Bouncing around the unforgiving hardcourt like a kangaroo, the Spaniard chalked up 28 winners despite the blustery conditions at the U.S. National Tennis Center. "For me, the chance to be back here playing is great," said Nadal. "The first match after two years in the Arthur Ashe is a great feeling." Serena needed just one hour to remind everyone why she remains the overwhelming favourite to win the women's title as she demolished Italy's Francesca Schiavone 6-0 6-1. EARLY UPSET
Flipkens was the first notable casualty on a day where most of the top players safely made it through. China's Li Na, the 2011 French Open champion and runner-up in Australia this year, needed just 64 minutes to crush Olga Govortsova of Belarus 6-2 6-2. And Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska, the third seed, was even more ruthless, thumping Spain's Silvia Soler-Espinosa 6-1 6-2 in 63 minutes in the opening match on the center court. — Reuters Round 1 results Women's Singles Alisa Kleybanova (Russia) beat Monica Puig (Puerto Rico) 6-4 3-6 7-5 15-Sloane Stephens (U.S.) beat Mandy Minella (Luxembourg) 4-6 6-3 7-6(5) Zheng Jie (China) beat Kiki Bertens (Netherlands) 6-1 6-3 16-Sabine Lisicki (Germany) beat Vera Dushevina (Russia) 6-2 7-6(3) Venus Williams (U.S.) beat 12-Kirsten Flipkens (Belgium) 6-1 6-2 30-Laura Robson (Britain) beat Lourdes Dominguez Lino (Spain) 7-5 6-0 3-Agnieszka Radwanska (Poland) beat Silvia Soler Espinosa (Spain) 6-1 6-2 5-Li Na (China) beat Olga Govortsova (Belarus) 6-2 6-2 Men’s Singles Ivan Dodig (Croatia) beat 27-Fernando Verdasco (Spain) 6-3 7-5 1-6 4-6 6-3 2-Rafa Nadal (Spain) beat Ryan Harrison (U.S.) 6-4 6-2 6-2 Bernard Tomic (Australia) beat Albert Ramos (Spain) 6-3 3-6 4-6 7-6(1) 6-3 8-Richard Gasquet (France) beat Michael Russell (U.S.) 6-3 6-4 6-2 23-Feliciano Lopez (Spain) beat Florent Serra (France) 6-7(4) 6-2 6-3 6-3 32-Dmitry Tursunov (Russia) beat Aljaz Bedene (Slovenia) 7-5 4-6 6-3 6-0 Daniel Evans (Britain) beat 11-Kei Nishikori (Japan) 6-4 6-4 6-2
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After beating cancer, Alisa wants to conquer the court
New York, August 27 Diagnosed after the 2011 Australian Open with Hodgkin's lymphoma, a form of blood cancer, the 24-year-old marked her return to the grand slam stage with a tenacious three-set victory over Puerto Rico's Monica Puig. “I just wanted to come back on the court so much,” Kleybanova said after her 6-4 3-6 7-5 win. “I wanted to play tennis again so much that it (recovering) wasn't a question for me. I saw a tennis court a few months ahead of me.” “I was ready to go through anything. I wanted to be healthy and playing again, and I think that gave me a lot of power.” Kleybanova endured chemotherapy through most of 2011. Having turned professional at the age of 14, she had reached 20th in the world rankings, won two titles and collected more than $2 million in prize-money. Now ranked No. 363, she said her determination to regain health was fuelled by the prospect of days like Monday. “It's tough,” she said. “My goal was so big, to get over this. You have to go through this, because you'll get better and things will get better. “When you have a big goal in front of you, you do everything to reach it. I think for some people, maybe they give up because they don't know what they're going to do. “Maybe they're insecure. It's like playing a match. You do everything to be a winner.” Kleybanova was reluctant to be viewed as a role model. “All those things are over for me now,” she said. “I went through them. I came out as a winner in that battle. “I hear a lot from people that I'm an inspiration for them. A lot of people now look up to me. “I don't want to be an example. If I am, very nice. But I did this for myself. “I wanted to play tennis. That helped me to be strong, without giving up or having negative thoughts.” Kleybanova's next opponent will be ninth-seeded Serb Jelena Jankovic. “Everybody that goes into a match wants to win, feels the tension, feels the pressure,” she said. “The more I play, I'm getting used to it. “Inside, of course I feel stronger. Everything that you go through, it's always experience.“It's something negative but also something positive. “It take it as a lesson. I learn. I tried to look forward and never look backwards, no matter how hard it was. — Reuters
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of South Africa
Rahane, Saha fifties in vain as SA level series
Pretoria, August 27 The visitors lost despite fighting half-centuries by Ajinkya Rahane (86) and Wriddhiman Saha (77 not out) who fought gallantly to steer India to victory after a top order collapse. Chasing a stiff 307-run target for victory, Rahane and Saha by tea had brightened India's chances of registering a series win with an unbeaten 160-run stand for the sixth wicket after they were struggling on 18 for five at one stage. India A had won the first 'Test' by an innings and 13 runs at Rustenburg. They were cruising on 177 for five at tea with both Rahane and Saha at the crease before the tables completely turned around after the break with the visitors losing five wickets for just seven runs. Rahane's dismissal triggered the collapse as the tailenders caved in meekly. Even as Saha tried hard to put up a brave fight but he kept losing partners at the other end. He remained unbeaten on 77 off 183 balls including 11 boundaries. Hendricks finished with figures of 6 for 27 from 17 overs, while Simon Harmer chipped in with three for 79. Earlier, resuming the day on three for one, India lost four wickets in quick succession for just 17 runs, as Hendricks struck three early blows. Cheteshwar Pujara, who resumed today on 2, failed to add to his overnight total as Jutin Ontong ran him out. Hendricks, who dismissed opener Murali Vijay (2) yesterday, accounted for the other three wickets — overnight batsman Shahbaz Nadeem (5), Dinesh Karthik (0) and Ambati Rayudu (1) — to leave the Indians in tatters, before Rahane and Saha came to the team's rescue. — PTI Scoreboard S A 1st innings: 341 India 1st innings: 201 Sa 2nd innings: 166 dECL India A 2nd innings Pujara run out 2 Vijay b BE Hendricks 0 Nadeem c Bavuma b Hendricks 5 Rahane b Hendricks 86 Karthik c Hendricks b Hendricks 0 Rayudu c Tsolekile b Hendricks 1 Saha not out 77 Binny lbw b Harmer 4 Rasool lbw b Hendricks 1 Pandey b Harmer 0 Kaul c Bavuma b Harmer 0 Extras: (b 1, lb 4, nb 4) 9 Total: (all out; 66.2 overs) 185 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-3, 3-8, 4-8, 5-18, 6-178, 7-183, 8-184, 9-185, 10-185 Bowling Abbott 13-2-40-0 Hendricks 17-8-27-6 Harmer 21.2-2-79-3 Birch 11-2-22-0 Elgar 2-0-6-0 Ontong 2-0-6-0
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All that golden girls want is new and better equipment
New Delhi, August 27 The archers arrived here Tuesday to a tepid welcome two days after stunning London Olympics gold medallists South Korea in the World Cup Stage 4 final in Wroclaw, Poland, Sunday. They had defeated China in Stage 3 of the tournament in Medellin, Colombia last month. Bombayala, the seniormost member of the team, said that Lim made a big difference for them in standing up to a champion side like Korea. “It was a blessing to have him by our side during the tournament. It was very windy in the final and his tips made us shoot really well. Most of the top teams have Korean coaches as they are the best in the business,” said Bombayala after landing in Aurangabad later Tuesday. Bombayala, Deepika and Rimil have been getting support from Olympic Gold Quest, but they expect more from the Archery Association of India (AAI). “We have no new equipment since the London Olympics. It has been a while since the camp was shifted to Aurangabad and we have been asking for the equipment. Shooting with used bows is not a major issue, but it becomes really difficultly to get grip with the old arrows. Hopefully, we will get the new equipment before the World Championships next month,” said Manipur-born archer Bombayala adding that they also need a phyiso to travel with them overseas. — IANS
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Sindhu, Srikanth take Warriors into semifinals
Hyderabad, August 27 Sindhu, lived up to her reputation by recording a hard-fought 21—20 21—20 win over world no.3 Juliane Schenk of Germany. Srikanth, who recently won the prestigious Thailand Open, doubled the lead with a 21—18 21—16 win over Saurabh Verma in the men’s singles. The men’s doubels pair of Marcis Kido and Mathias Boe then sealed the tie for Warriors with a tight 21—15 21—16 win over Arun Vishnu and Sanave Thomas at the GMC Balayogi Indoor Stadium. Having lost the tie after three matches, Pune side earned consolation wins in the fourth and fifth rubbers. Tien Minh Nyugen beat RMV Guru Sai Dutt 21—12 21—18 in the second men’s singles and the mixed doubles pair of Joachim Fischer and Ashwini Ponnappa defeated Markis Kido and Pia Z Bernadet 21—16 21—14 to end the day for Pune with a win. Sindhu’s victory
Earlier, Sindhu and Schenk were engaged in a battle of attrition but the Hyderabadi-girl pulled off a sensational win in two close games. “I have played against Schenk twice but this is the first time I won and am feeling really happy. Also I am thrilled and touched to see my college friends and teachers who have come here to support me,” said Sindhu after her match. Talking on his win, Srikanth said, “I had a very good start and I think this was my kind of style. Shuttle speed was much better than Bangalore which helped me to win the game.” — PTI |
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IOA has made a mess of sports: Patel
New Delhi, August 27 "The IOA has made a mess of Indian sports. Because of a few people, all other sports administrators in the country are also seen like them. The image of other sports federations has been tarnished," Patel said when asked about International Olympic Committee's directive to bar chargesheeted persons from contesting IOA elections. "Everyday something or the other relating to the IOA is coming out which has shown the country's sport in poor light. The Sports Ministry will have to step in and find a solution out of this messy situation. Though it may be an internal affair of this country, our image before the world has been tarnished," he added. On Sunday, the IOA's Special General Body Meeting sought to dilute IOC's directive to bar chargesheeted persons from contesting elections by proposing to apply the sanction to only those who are convicted and sentenced to a jail term of more than two years. They had argued that under Indian law, chargesheeted persons can stand even Parliamentary elections. — PTI Baishya appointed Ethics chairman
Indian Weightlifting Federation president Birendra Prasad Baishya has been appointed as the chairman of the Ethics Commission of the International Weightlifting Federation in the executive board meeting of the world body in Beijing. Baishya, also a member of Parliament and senior member of Indian Olympic Association Executive Council, will head the IWF Ethics Commission for a four-year term. |
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BCCI working committee to meet in Kolkata
New Delhi, August 27 “The Working Committee is to meet in Kolkata on September 1. This is the last meeting of the committee before the AGM,” BCCI sources told PTI on Tuesday. The Board’s annual report and balance sheet would be tabled at the meeting, but a decision to distribute the surplus of Rs. 350 crore earned by BCCI in the previous fiscal to its affiliated units would have to be made by the general body, the sources said. The date and venue of the AGM, also scheduled in September, would be decided at the working committee sitting, they added. The previous meeting of the working committee, scheduled to be held soon after that of the IPL Governing Council’s on August 2, had to be adjourned as the word “emergent” was not mentioned in the circular sent to its members to indicate it was called at short notice. — PTI
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United and Chelsea play out a tame draw
Manchester, August 27 David Moyes began his first home match in charge of the champions by naming Chelsea target Rooney in his starting line-up, giving a clear message that his club’s message of ‘he is not for sale’ still stood after two failed bids for the striker. Chances for both sides were few and far between on a warm evening at Old Trafford as Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho’s decision to play much of the match without a recognised striker had little attacking impact and his defence held firm. Much of the pre-match buildup had focused on Chelsea’s so far unsuccessful attempts to lure Rooney to Stamford Bridge and it was this sub plot that dominated a match which was not the best advertisement for the English top flight. The visitors’ only real first-half chance fell to Oscar who shot straight at keeper David de Gea early on, while at the other end Robin van Persie slammed a shot into the side netting and Rooney sent a tame effort into the arms of Petr Cech. Uninspiring Real secure 1-0 victory at Granada
Madrid: Real Madrid made it two wins in two La Liga outings this season when Karim Benzema’s 10th-minute strike secured an uninspiring 1-0 win at Granada on Monday. Although Real dominated the first half, they lost their way in a poor-quality second half. Benzema scuffed the ball into the net to give Real the lead after an unmarked Cristiano Ronaldo miscontrolled a cross. — Reuters |
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Sanawar Red win Bhupinder Singh Memorial soccer tourney
Chandigarh, August 27 Arpit Singh scored the winner for the hosts. Earlier, in the semifinals MPS had overcome Sherwood College, Nainital, 1-0, while Sanawar Red had defeated Sanawar Blue 4-1.
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Indians confident before Sepaktakraw C’ship
New Delhi, August 27 “We are working hard and are determined to deliver a very good performance,” said 23-year-old Jiteshor. The event, being held in the country for the first time, will commence at the Indira Gandhi stadium on August 29. Defending champions Thailand will lead the challenge in the 11-team men’s competition and the seven-team women’s competition. Women’s captain Bijeta Chamu, making her international debut, said her team would put on a good show. “We are all first-timers, but we are confident of making it into the semifinals,” said the 24-year-old.
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asia cup Ipoh, August 27 India sealed their semifinal place after shocking title holders South Korea 2-0 in their second pool match on Monday. A win against Bangladesh will ensure India the top spot in Pool B, which means they will take on hosts Malaysia in the semifinals and avoid arch-rivals Pakistan till the final. Taming Bangladesh shouldn’t be much of a problem for Roelant Oltmans’ boys as the ‘Tigers’ would be morally down after consecutive defeats, especially the 2-4 loss to the lower ranked Oman. Malaysia enter semis; Pakistan top pool Hosts Malaysia recovered from a two-goal deficit to beat a fighting Japan 4-2 while Pakistan mauled debutants Chinese Taipei 13-0 in the final Pool A matches on Tuesday. With three wins from as many matches, Pakistan have topped the pool with nine points, while Malaysia finished second with six. — PTI
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Saina mesmerises home crowd with best match of IBL Hyderabad, August 27 In the women’s singles match, Saina Nehwal defeated Tai Tzu Ying (21-17, 14-21, 11-8 ) at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium. In what would be recalled as one of the best matches of this IBL season, the Thai was a tough nut to crack for Saina, who had to struggle a bit to win her fifth consecutive match. Saina won the first game in a comprehensive fashion after which Tai Tzu Ying gave her 100 percent in every point that took the game to the decider. Saina once again used her experience to outshine her opponent. “One side of the court was faster than yesterday which gave me a little problem in the second set. Looking at the crowd in my hometown, I was little bit under pressure that I have to win the match. In third game, I fought hard and kept myself cool so that I can win my game. I am very excited to play the semifinals as it will be the first time for me to play in team championship and I am sure my team will give their best,” said Saina Nehwal after her women's singles win. Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk defeated Parupalli Kashyap 21-20, 21-18.Earlier, rising shuttler P.V Sindhu and K Srikanth scored impressive singles victories as Awadhe Warriors sailed into the semifinals of the Indian Badminton League with a 3—2 win over Pune Pistons, here on Monday. Sindhu, lived up to her reputation by recording a hard-fought 21—20 21—20 win over world no.3 Juliane Schenk of Germany. Srikanth, who recently won the prestigious Thailand Open, doubled the lead with a 21—18 21—16 win over Saurabh Verma in the men’s singles. Marcis Kido and Mathias Boe sealed the tie with a tight 21—15 21—16 win. — PTI
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Rafa Nadal made an ominous return to the U.S. Open on Monday while the sister act of Serena and Venus Williams shared the spotlight as the last grand slam of the year got underway.
It is creditable for the Indian recurve trio of Bombayala Devi, Deepika Kumari and Rimil Buriuly to have shot their second straight Archery World Cup title with equipment they used at the London Olympics. What tilted the scales in their favour in Poland was the presence of Korean coach Lim Chae
Woong.
Manchester United and Chelsea drew 0-0 in the Premier League on Monday as the action in the season’s first big match failed to match the intrigue of the Wayne Rooney transfer saga that swirled throughout. 
Sanawar Red beat Mann Public School (MPS), Delhi, 1-0 in the final to lift the 16th All India Bhupinder Singh Memorial soccer tournament at Sanawar on Tuesday.
