French Grand Prix returns in 2018
Paris: The French Grand Prix is returning to the Formula One calendar in 2018 after a decade-long absence at le Castellet's Paul Ricard circuit near Marseille, organisers announced on Monday. "The French Grand Prix is making its comeback," Christian Estrosi, president of the Provence-Alpes-Cotes d'Azur region told a press conference in Paris. Estrosi made the announcement at the Automobile Club de France which helped stage the first ever grand prix in 1906. Felipe Massa in a Ferrari won the last F1 race staged in France in 2008 at Magny-Cours, when a major budget deficit was shouldered by the French state and local authorities. The Paul Ricard venue has held 14 F1 races in all between 1971 and 1990 when French four-time champion Alain Prost was victorious.
Faisal and Jennifer clinch titles
Noida: Faisal Qamar and Jennifer emerged Under-19 boys and girls singles champions respectively at the CBSE national tennis championship, here on Monday. Faisal from St Joseph Public School in Rajasthan edged past Chinmaya from Sarla Devi School in Noida 6-4, 6-4 at the Billabong High International School. Jennifer from little Angels School in Sonipat defeated Gauri from M M Public School in Pitampura 4-2, 4-2 in the girls final. In the boys U-14 category, Kanishk Pal of MM Public School, Pitampura outplayed Anurag of little Angels, Sonipat 4-1, 4-1 while Deepa laxmi (DAV Chennai) beat Sanskriti (DPS Bangalore) 4-2, 4-2 in the girls summit clash. SBOA Chennai beat DPS Bangalore 2-1 in the final of the Girls U-14 category while little Angels Sonipat beat DAV Chennai 2-0 to clinch the Girls U-19 Team title.
Aditi clinches partial playing rights
Dayton Beach: Indian golfer Aditi Ashok scripted another piece of history in her fast-rising career by clinching partial playing rights on the ladies Professional Golf Association (lPGA) Tour with a tied 24th finish in the Qualifying Tournament here. The 18-year-old turned in a one-over, 73 in the final round and finished at two-under for the four days. She posted rounds of 73-70-71-71-73. "It was a long week with a lot of ups and downs throughout the week," said Ashok. "I think I could have done better, I finished just 2-under, but it is not bad." Ashok, who has had a positive attitude all week, has had a whirlwind last month with two wins on the ladies European Tour.
Shooter booked on rape charge
New Delhi: An Arjuna awardee sportsperson has been booked on rape charge following a complaint by a fellow national level shooter whom the accused was coaching, police said on Monday. Police have contacted the accused to join the probe. Messages have also been sent to his family members who stay in Haryana and the National Rifle Association of India has been contacted for assistance to trace the accused who has gone incommunicado, police sources said. "A case of rape has been registered at Chanakyapuri police station on the complaint of the national level female shooter. We will take action as per law," said a senior police officer. In her complaint, the victim alleged that the accused raped her at her official residence in Chanakyapuri after offering her a drink laced with sedatives and later promised to marry her, only to go back on his promise, police said.