Pinki, Monica lose at WBC
Jeju (South Korea): On a thoroughly disappointing day for Indian boxers at the World Women’s Championships, CWG bronze-medallist Pinki Rani (51kg) and Monica Saun (75kg) crashed out after losing their respective bouts here on Wednesday. Pinki Rani, who came in for injured M C Mary Kom, opened the proceedings for India in a second-round contest. Pinki lost steam much earlier than expected and was visibly slow in her movement after being knocked down once by Sagataeva in the second round. Monica was next in the ring, taking on China’s li Qian and went out without putting in too much of a fight in a rather drab encounter.
Srikanth, Saina win in HK
Hong Kong: Newly-crowned China Open champion Kidambi Srikanth continued his giant-killing spree, while Saina Nehwal who also won in China started on a winning note at the $350,000 Hong Kong Super Series on Wednesday. Srikanth, who had stunned five-time world champion lin Dan in the China Open final last week to become the first male shuttler to win a Super Series Premier event, shocked seventh seed Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei 18-21, 22-20, 21-16. Third seed Saina made short time of Jamie Subandhi of US winning 21-17, 21-11. Also progressing was PV Sindhu who notched up a thrilling 21-15, 16-21, 21-19 win over Thailand’s Busanan Ongbumrungpan in a match that lasted 52 minutes. Ajay Jayaram proved no match for top seed Chen long of China as he went down 13-21, 7-21 in another men’s singles match.
Injured Rusedski out of CTl
Chandigarh: There seems to be no end to Punjab Marshalls woes in the inaugural Champions Tennis league (CTl) as Greg Rusedski has also pulled out of their side due to a foot injury. David Ferrer had also pulled out from the Punjab team before the start of the league while Philipp Kohlschreiber was replaced by Cyprus star Marcos Baghdatis in the Pune team. leander Paes will have to play the legends singles match for Punjab apart from the mixed doubles and men’s doubles. “I haven’t played a singles match in a long time. But being a serve and volley player, playing on faster courts is going to help me. Hopefully I can support my team and help them win a few sets,” he said.
Bianchi out of coma
Nice (France): Formula One driver Jules Bianchi is showing signs of recovery following a life-threatening crash, and is breathing unaided after being taken out of an artificial coma and repatriated from Japan to a French hospital. Bianchi, who crashed during last month’s Japanese Grand Prix, remains in a critical condition with severe head injuries, his parents said in a statement on Wednesday. “Following a challenging period of neurological intensive care, we are able to announce that Jules has made an important step,” the statement from Philippe and Christine Bianchi said. “Jules is no longer in the artificial coma in which he was placed shortly after the accident, however he is still unconscious. He is breathing unaided and his vital signs are stable.” A three-person team at Nice’s neurosurgery service will now take care of him. Bianchi had been touted as one of the stars of the future.
Preparations for ADHM
New Delhi: Organisers of the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon announced detailed plans for the event which has seen registrations from 32,500 people. The race for elite male athletes will start off from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on 23rd November at 6.40 AM followed by elite women ten minutes later. 14 water stations have been placed along the route distributing 92,000 litres of water and 28,000 tetra packs to the participants. There will also be stations for oranges, medical facilities and porta pottys along the route. The Airtel Delhi Half Marathon will be telecast live on Star Sports 1, the channel Partner, from 6.30 AM to 10.00 AM.
‘Excited to be in Fed’s team’
Mumbai: Sania Mirza said she is excited to be part of same team as Swiss veteran Roger Federer in the upcoming International Premier Tennis league (IPTl). “I am really excited. It is great for tennis in India and Asia. I am really excited to play in same team as Roger Federer,” she told reporters here at the launch of Payless ShoeSource. The 17-time Grand Slam champion, Federer, picked up a back injury in the ATP finals and Mirza hoped he regains his fitness soon. “I hope he recovers. He’s playing at the Davis Cup at the moment. Hopefully, it’s not so bad. looking forward to playing with him,” the Hyderabadi said.