India to take on Serbia in Davis Cup
New Delhi: India will take on Serbia at home in the Davis Cup World Group play-offs to be held from September 12 to 14, raising the possibility of multiple-time Grand Slam winner and world number two Novak Djokovic touching down in the country. Bogdan Obradovic-led Serbia will face India for the second time in three years in a bid to maintain their World Group status, having defeated India 4-1 on their most recent foray into the top tier of the competition in the first round in 2011. The Indian Davis Cup team on Sunday entered the World Group playoffs after notching up a historic away triumph over Korea in the Group I Asia/Oceania second round tie at Busan. Serbia, who lost 2-3 to Switzerland in the World Group first round in February, has not featured in zonal competition since 2007, the year it defeated Australia in the World Group play-offs to secure top tier status for the first time, and will be desperate to avoid a return to Europe/Africa Zone Group I.
Pune draw Nay Pyi Taw 3-3, bow out
Nay Pyi Taw: Pune FC played out a 3-3 draw against Nay Pyi Taw FC in an AFC Cup group match to virtually end their hopes of advancing to the next stage here on Tuesday. Substitute striker Thongkhoseim Haokip (36th minute) put Pune FC ahead in the first half before striker Aung Naing (42nd) equalised for the hosts three minutes before the break in the Group H Round 5 encounter at the Paung laung Stadium.
Advani, Mehta start campaign today
Sheffield: India's top cueists Pankaj Advani and Aditya Mehta begin their campaign in the World Snooker Championship with qualifying round matches here on Tuesday. Advani will take on the winner of the match between li Hang of China and Ratchoyothin Yotharuck of Thailand in the first round of the qualifiers at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre. Mehta play against the winner of the match between Michael leslie of Scotland and Christopher Keogan of England. It will be a best-of-19-frame affair and a player will have to win three rounds to qualify for the World Championship main draw. The top 16 ranked players will play against 16 qualifiers, starting on April 19, in snookers premier event.
Sodhi leads country in Shotgun wc
New Delhi: Champion double trap shooter Ronjan Sodhi will spearhead the Indian challenge in the upcoming ISSF Shotgun World Cup beginning in Tucson, USA from on Tuesday. The opening day is meant for official training with the competition starting from second day onwards. Besides Sodhi, Mohammad Asab and Ankur Mittal will be the other two shooters representing India in the double trap event. There will be Manavjeet Singh, Mansher Singh and Kynan Chenai in the trap event. The women's field comprise Shagun Chowdhary, Seema Tomar and Shreyashi Singh. In men's skeet, Aroze Pal Singh, PP Singh and Man Singh will be competing.
hockey team leaves today
New Delhi: Gearing up to present a strong challenge at the upcoming World Cup, the Indian hockey team will head for a tour of Europe tomorrow to play five build-up games — including two each against World Cup hosts The Netherlands. The team will also play two matches against Dutch National Clubs and one against Belgium during the trip which would conclude on April 19. The World Cup is scheduled to be held at The Hague, Netherlands from May 31 to June 15. Speaking on the preparations of the team, coach Terry Walsh said the trip to Europe would be of immense help as the WC will be held The Netherlands.