Briefly: PV Sindhu loses in quarters, India’s campaign ends

PV Sindhu bowed out with a quarterfinal loss to Paris Olympics bronze winner Gregoria Tunjung as the country’s campaign came to an end in the Denmark Open badminton tournament. The 29-year-old Sindhu went down 13-21 21-16 9-21. The world No. 8 from Indonesia, who had won just two matches from their 12 past encounters, was at her dominant best despite Sindhu managing to claim the second game.

Johor Bahru (Malaysia)

Sreejesh begins coaching career in Sultan of Johor

Two-time Olympics medallist PR Sreejesh will face his first major test as India’s new junior men’s hockey coach when the under-21 team aims for a fourth title triumph at the 12th Sultan of Johor Cup, beginning with a clash against Japan on Saturday. The 36-year-old former goalkeeper, who retired after the bronze-winning campaign in the Paris Olympics earlier this year, took over the reins of the junior group soon after.

Hua Hin (Thailand)

Bhullar shoots 66 to share lead in Thailand

Gaganjeet Bhullar added a second-round 66 to his opening day’s 65 to move into joint lead at the Black Mountain Golf Championship. Bhullar shared the lead with the in-form Suteepat Prateeptienchai of Thailand at 13-under. Khalin Joshi (68-66) was tied-13th and Karandeep Kochhar (71-67) tied-56th. Honey Baisoya, Varun Chopra, Rashid Khan, S Chikkarangappa, SSP Chawrasia, Yuvraj Sandhu, Ajeetesh Sandhu and Shiv Kapur missed the cut.

Hai Phong (Vietnam)

Kartik secures top-10 finish, India 8th in team event

Kartik Singh rounded off the week with an even-par 72 to secure a 10th place finish at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Team Championship. The Indian teenager had an eventful round with five birdies and five bogeys, totalling 2-under for the week. India finished eighth in the team competition, with Rohit (77) and Anant Singh Ahlawat (76) tied for 25th.

Dhaka

Bangladesh’s Murad replaces Shakib in SA Test series

Bangladesh left-arm spinner Hasan Murad has replaced all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan for their first Test against South Africa next week. Shakib had earlier said he was almost certain he will not return home for a farewell Test following public anger over his silence during deadly protests in the country. Shakib was a member of parliament for the Awami League led by Sheikh Hasina.

Riyadh

Nadal loses to Alcaraz at Six Kings Slam exhibition event

With an eye on the Davis Cup, Rafael Nadal said he was pleased with his performance despite losing 6-3 6-3 to Carlos Alcaraz at the Six Kings Slam. Jannik Sinner beat Novak Djokovic 6-2 6-7(0) 6-4 in the other semifinal at the exhibition event that awards money but no ATP ranking points and is Saudi Arabia’s latest foray into tennis.

Hyderabad

Pawan propels Telugu Titans to victory in Panchkula opener

Pawan Sehrawat led Telugu Titans to a thrilling 37-29 win over Bengaluru Bulls on the opening night of Panchkula Season 11. In a late evening match, Dabang Delhi KC kicked off their campaign with a fantastic performance when they saw off the challenge off U Mumba and won 36-28.