Category: SPORTS

When it comes to long, grueling clay-court battles, nobody is better than Rafael Nadal. Nearing his 35th birthday, the Spanish great showed he’s still got the stamina to withstand much younger challengers in a 3-6 6-4 7-6 (3) comeback win over 22-year-old Denis Shapovalov on Thursday that secured him a spot in the Italian Open quarterfinals. Nadal roared back from 3-0 down in the second set and then saved two match points on his serve at 6-5 in the third. It seems and it’s been this way since Nadal started…

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Borja Iglesias scored twice, including in the 87th minute, as Real Betis defeated Granada 2-1 to move closer to a Europa League spot in the Spanish league. The victory moved Betis to sixth place with three rounds remaining, two points in front of Villarreal. The teams in fifth and sixth places qualify for the Europa League next season. Fifth-placed Real Sociedad, two points ahead of Betis, visits league leader Atl tico Madrid on Wednesday. Betis is at last-placed Eibar on Thursday, while Villarreal visits relegation-threatened Valladolid on the same night.…

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Australian pace spearhead Pat Cummins believes if hosting the ICC T20 World Cup amidst raging COVID-19 pandemic is a “drain on Indian resources” or is “unsafe”, it would be prudent to shift it to the United Arab Emirates. The postponement of Indian Premier League after multiple cases of COVID-19 inside the bio-bubble has led to a big question-mark on whether the marquee ICC event should be held in India where a third wave is expected around that time. “If it’s going to be a drain on resources or it’s not…

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The Australians flew off to Maldives, the South Africans headed home and the ones from New Zealand waited to be sent back on Friday as the suspended IPL’s foreign cricketers bid adieu to India, hoping that the country recovers from the mayhem unleashed by a second wave of COVID-19 cases. The 40-strong Australian contingent, except for a COVID-positive Mike Hussey, left for Maldives on Thursday to serve out the waiting period before they can board a flight to Australia once the travel restrictions end on May 15. “We can confirm…

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Australia pacer Pat Cummins feels the IPL organisers, in hindsight, could have “tweaked a few things” after deciding to host the league in India amidst a raging COVID-19 pandemic. Cummins, a key part of the Kolkata Knight Riders team, said previous edition held in UAE was incredibly “well-run” and the organisers pushed it “little step further” by organising it at home this year. The IPL was “indefinitely suspended” on Tuesday, following multiple COVID-19 cases inside the bio-bubble. Last year, IPL was first postponed and then shifted to the UAE with…

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IPL 2021: The Australian government had faced criticism over a travel ban from India, with several Australian players and commentators in the country for the IPL. Australia’s prime minister fended off accusations of racism and having blood on his hands Tuesday, as he retreated from a threat to jail Australians trying to escape Covid-wracked India. Scott Morrison’s government moved to ban travellers from India from entering Australia until May 15, threatening rule-breakers — including Australian citizens — with prison time. Amid a widespread backlash, Morrison on Tuesday said it was…

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Seven members of the Indian women’s hockey team and two support staff members teste positive for COVID-19 and have been placed under observation. Seven members of the Indian women’s hockey team, including captain Rani Rampal, and two support staff members on Monday tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of a training camp at the Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru. All the players and support staff are asymptomatic and have been placed under observation at the SAI centre. “They were tested on April 24, post quarantine after their return…

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CSK vs RCB, IPL 2021: Ravindra Jadeja shone with both bat and ball during Chennai Super Kings’ win vs Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Wankhede Stadium, on Sunday. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja‘s significant improvement in batting has convinced his Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni to give him “those extra deliveries” that can change the complexion of a game. Jadeja almost single-handedly beat Royal Challengers Bangalore by 69 runs as the India all-rounder smashed 62 not out off 28 balls, apart from taking three wickets and effecting a run-out. “Jaddu is somebody who…

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Liverpool conceded an 87th-minute equalizer to draw at Leeds 1-1, denying Jurgen Klopp’s team a spot in the top four of the English Premier League. Which position Liverpool finishes might not matter anymore, given the team is one of the 12 clubs behind the creation of a controversial Super League that is threatening to split the historic structure of European soccer. The breakaway league could potentially launch as early as next season, rendering meaningless the race for Champions League qualification that currently involves Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham three of the…

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Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Monday said it is hard to “keep up” with younger players in the squad but it will be a “big positive” for the 39-year-old if they are not able to point fingers at him over his fitness. The 39-year-old Dhoni, who retired from international cricket last year, admitted that “getting old and being fit are two difficult things”. “When you are playing, you don’t really want anyone to say he’s unfit. I have to keep up with the younger guys, they are…

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