Rishabh, Nalin snatch deciders
Mumbai: Tigers and RK’s 7, The Rakish Kings registered exciting 3-2 wins on another day of big breaks, in the inaugural Videocon Billiards Premier league, organized by the Billiards & Snooker Association of Maharashtra, at the NSCI on Tuesday. Twice in arrears, Tigers captain and man-in-form Nalin Patel fired a decisive break of 135 against Aditya Agrawal, who also hit 101 in his opening tie against Mahesh Jagdale, to pip Scorpions in a nail-biter. In another close encounter, Rakish Kings, who led 2-0, endured a late challenge against Race for Gold, The Team who forced the contest into the decider through World Team Championship gold medallist Devendra Joshi before Rishabh Kumar beat Rohan Jambusaria in the fifth and final tie. World Team Championship silver medallist Dhruv Sitwala lit up the evening with a delightful break of 154, the highest in the tournament so far, as he survived a strong challenge from Vishal Gehani in the fifth tie to lead MB’s Shooters to an impressive 4-1 win over SP Young Guns.
Verstappen to be youngest F1 driver
Milan: Sixteen-year-old Max Verstappen will become the youngest driver in Formula One history next season after being unveiled as Toro Rosso’s new signing. The Dutch teenager, son of ex-F1 driver Jos Verstappen, will partner Daniil Kvyat in the Red Bull feeder team with Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne surplus to requirements. “Ever since I was seven years old, Formula One has been my career goal, so this opportunity is truly a dream come true,” Verstappen said on the team’s website. Verstappen, who turns 17 next month, will beat the age record currently held by Spain’s Jaime Alguersuari, who was 19 years and 125 days when he made his debut in 1990.
Ricki Herbert to manage Ne United
New Delhi: Former New Zealand men’s team coach Ricki Herbert was on Tuesday appointed at the manager of the NorthEast United Football Club for the inaugural edition of Indian Super league (ISl). Ricki managed New Zealand for eight years from 2005-2013. He also represented the New Zealand at the 1982 World Cup. Ricki, 53, coached the New Zealand team at 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa but quit his position after the Kiwis failed to qualify for 2014 Brazil World Cup. During his tenure with the ‘All Whites’, New Zealand’s FIFA ranking improved from 156 to 48. Ricki also coached A-league side Wellington Phoenix from 2007-2013 taking them to A-league Preliminary Finals in 2010. During his long coaching career Ricki has also overseen the New Zealand Olympic team preparation and was technical director of the country’s technical development programme.
Delhi sign tallest goalkeeper
New Delhi: Delhi Dynamos FC has signed Belgian goalkeeper Kristof Van Hout for the inaugural season of the Hero Indian Super league. An accomplished custodian, Van Hout played for Belgian powerhouse Racing Genk last season. At 6ft10 (2.08m), Van Hout also has the distinction of being the tallest professional football player in the world, making him an imposing figure at the goalpost. At the age of 27, he is at the peak of his footballing prowess and will have plenty to offer to the club. Van Hout burst on to the scene in 2008, becoming the hero of Kortrijk after saving three penalties in the shootout against league champions Standard liege to help his team progress to the quarterfinals.