Nz implode after skittling England
Auckland: New Zealand imploded at the start of their second innings as they set out to build on a daunting 239-run first innings lead on the third day of the final Test against England here on Sunday. At stumps at Eden Park in the series-deciding final Test, New Zealand were three for 35, leading by 274 after dismissing England for 204.
Opener Peter Fulton, who scored his maiden Test century in the first innings, was unbeaten on 14 which included three boundaries, with Dean Brownlie on 13. In a chaotic final session of play, eight wickets fell for 39 runs as the England tail collapsed and the New Zealand top order followed suit, increasing the chances of a decision in the deadlocked series. The rain-abbreviated first two Tests were drawn but only fine weather is forecast for Auckland over the next two days. New Zealand decided not to enforce the follow on after ripping out the England tail after tea as they gambled on bowling last on a deteriorating wicket. But the strategy appeared to backfire as Hamish Rutherford fell on the third ball he faced to start a collapse that reduced New Zealand to eight for three after eight overs.
Turkey stress commitment to 2020 games
Istanbul: Turkey’s President Abdullah Gul welcomed the IOC’s evaluation committee to Istanbul on Sunday, reaffirming the government’s commitment to staging the 2020 Olympic Games and pledging to “deliver on promises.” After four unsuccessful attempts, Turkey is highlighting its strong economy, plans for modern venues and a two-continent backdrop for the games in Istanbul, which straddles both Europe and Asia. The International Olympic Committee’s evaluation team, headed by Vice President Craig Reedie, began its four-day inspection of the city’s bid on Sunday. The team, which has already visited rival bidders Tokyo and Madrid, will assess the city’s ability to host the games, its plans, existing venues and finances. The IOC will select the 2020 host city by secret ballot at its general assembly in Buenos Aires on September 7.
Dempo score self-goal against Sporting
Mapusa (Goa): Dempo's bid to defend their title went up in smoke as they lost to Sporting Clube de Goa through a self goal by defender Rowlison Rodrigues in the 21st round of the I-league played at Duler ground here. Sporting, who had more possession of the ball throughout the match, managed to win through a self goal scored by Dempo's defender Rowlison Rodrigues in the 51st minute.
Bopanna-Ram, Sania-Mattek-Sands advance
Miami: Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza advanced to the second rounds of their respective events at prestigious ATP/WTA Sony Open after hard fought wins with their partners, here. Bopanna and his American partner Rajeev Ram saved all the seven breakpoints in the second set to beat Eric Butorac and Paul Hanley 7-6 (8), 6-4. Only once Bopanna and Ram were broken in the match and they next face Marin Cilic and lukas Dlouhy. In the women’s event, seventh seeds Sania Mirza and her American partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands defeated Eva Birnerova and Varvara lepchenko 7-5, 6-3 in one bour and 21 minutes. Sania and Mattek-Sands saved 11 break chances out of 16 chances and committed three doubles faults to five of their opponents.
South Africa win decider to take series 3-2
Johannesburg: South Africa coasted to a six-wicket win over Pakistan Sunday to take the one-day series 3-2 with another match-winning innings by captain AB de Villiers. De Villiers hit 95 not out to improve to three half-centuries and a century in the five games in the series, ensuring South Africa overtook Pakistan's 205 and finished their international season at home on a high ahead of the Champions Trophy, the main limited-overs tournament of 2013. De Villiers' key 87-run partnership with Farhaan Behardien (35) moved South Africa away from signs of trouble at 83-3 and to an eventually easy win at Willowmoore Park in Benoni. Mohammad Irfan took 2-38 but De Villiers finished with a four off Wahab Riaz as South Africa went to 208-4 and won with six overs to spare.
Jeev drops to 17th, Shiv 22nd, Kiradech wins
Kuala lumpur: Jeev Milkha Singh was unable to carry on from where he had left on Saturday as he signed off tied 17th at the Maybank Malaysian Open after ending with a third and final round of 68, here on Sunday. Jeev dropped from overnight 10th and finished six shots behind the winner, Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who completed a sensational wire-to-wire victory at the weather-shortened event. Shiv Kapur, who was even par through seven holes on Saturday, did well to pick up five birdies against no bogeys in the remaining 11 holes and finished with a 67 that saw him finish tied 22nd. Kiradech overcame a host of stars with a gutsy performance on Sunday. The big-hitting 23-year-old held his nerve for a battling two-under-par 70 to lift his second Asian Tour title by one-shot from Ryder Cup star Edoardo Molinari of Italy, who signed off with a 67, at the Kuala lumpur Golf and Country Club. Anders Hansen of Denmark shot a 66 to finish two shots back while 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel of South Africa settled for tied fourth position following a 71.
i-league: Mohun Bagan pip Arrows 3-2
Kalyani: Mohun Bagan managed to pull off a narrow 3-2 win over a resurgent Pailan Arrows in a closely-contested round 21 I-league fixture here on Sunday. The relegation-wary Mohun Bagan took a 3-0 lead in no time with Aibor Khongjee (5th) and Tolgay Ozbey (19th, 20th) striking in tandem. But the AIFF developmental outfit showed fine character after the early setback and made their way back brilliantly with goals from Shaiju Mon (41st) and Seminlen Doungel (49th) but could not find the equaliser. With the win, Mohun Bagan remained on course to avoid relegation as they jumped to nine points from 16 matches, three behind the other relegation-threatened side United Sikkim FC. PNS/Agencies