Indian challenge ends at Kl Open
Kuala lumpur: The Indian challenge in the CIMB Kuala lumpur Open Squash championship came to an end after Dipika Pallikal and Saurav Ghosal lost their respective matches at the National Centre, Bukit Jalil, here on Thursday.
World No.15 Pallikal stretched England's world number eight, Jenny Duncalf to four games before losing 9-11 5-11 11-6 4-11 in the pre-quarterfinals while Ghosal squandered a 2-1 lead against Egypt's Tarek Momen to lose 6-11 11-8 11-5 6-11 5-11 in the men's first round. Duncalf will meet local favourite and top-ranked Nicol David while Momen plays Spain's Borja Golan in the quarters.
India shine at FCBEscola meet
New Delhi: With just one match to go, FCBEscola India team is all set to secure a place in top 10 teams at the International Escola football tournament, which is currently being held in Barcelona. The FCBEscola India team is in the Under-12 category, which has a total of four groups and as many as 28 teams. Out of six matches they have played so far, the Indian side has won three, drawn one and lost two. The matches are being held at the Mini Estadi facilities next to Camp Nou.
lajong hold Mohun Bagan 2-2
Kalyani: Mohun Bagan were denied a lead twice as a determined Shillong lajong FC forced a 2-2 result in the 22nd round of the I-league in the Kalyani Stadium on Thursday. Following a barren first half, Mohun Bagan forged the lead through their Australian striker Tolgay Ozbey in the 52nd minute before lajong FC found the equaliser within a minute off Boithang Haokip. Absence of Odafa Okolie, who is down with fever, once again proved to be a setback for the Bagan as they had to settle for a point to remain at the bottom of the table with 10 points from 17 matches. lajong also remained static at 10th position with 21 from 22 matches.
ONGC rally to hold Sporting 1-1
Mapusa (GOA): ONGC capitalised on the advantage of Sporting Clube de Goa being reduced to 10-member side as they came from behind to hold the hosts to a 1-1 draw and split points in the 22nd round of the I-league at Duler Stadium here on Thursday. The hosts took the lead in the 20th minute through Dawson Fernandes but ONGC’s Hassan Odeola scored the valuable equaliser in the 77th minute. Sporting Clube de Goa now has 30 points from 22 matches and remain at the sixth spot, while ONGC took their tally to 29 points from as many games.
Xavi back on injured list
Barcelona: Barcelona says Xavi Hernandez’s nagging hamstring injury will rule him out of Saturday’s Spanish league game at Celta Vigo. Barcelona visits Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday in the opening leg of their Champions league quarterfinal. Xavi has been on and off the injured list in recent weeks with the same injury to his right leg.
PNS/Agencies