CONMEBOl backs Platini as FIFA prez
Asuncion (Paraguay): The president of the South America’s football governing body CONMEBOl says the confederation will support Michel Platini to replace Joseph Blatter as head of FIFA. During an interview, confederation president Juan Angel Napout says Platini is the best candidate to replace Blatter in the February election. Napout also said the confederation is reviewing its contracts with businesses accused in a FIFA bribery scandal. In May, several football officials, including two past presidents of CONMEBOl, were charged with being part of a multi-million dollar bribery scheme. According to US prosecutors, several soccer officials received millions of dollars in exchange for transmission rights for major tournaments.
Ghosal wins thriller in Chile
New Delhi: Saurav Ghosal recorded one of the biggest wins of his career, beating top seed and home favourite Miguel Rodriguez in a five-game thrilling semi-final match in the $50,000 Albierto Colombiano 2015, a PSA event in Bogota. Ghosal, who had come to Colombia nearly a week ago to adapt himself and this included sparring with the local hero Miguel, virtually left the local crowd speechless with his gritty show, winning 11-8, 12-10, 7-11, 4-11, 12-10 on Friday. He led by two games before conceding the advantage to the World number four. In the deciding fifth game also, Ghosal was down 7-10 and all seemed over. But the dramatic transformation came at that stage in a now typical Ghosal style as he reeled off five points in a row to conjure up a sensational win.
Kohlschreiber wins Generali Open
Kitzbuehel: Philipp Kohlschreiber won his sixth career ATP title by rallying to defeat French qualifier Paul-Henri Mathieu 2-6, 6-2, 6-2 at the Generali Open on Saturday. It was the first title in 15 months for the sixth-seeded German, who improved to 6-7 in finals. Overcoming a slow start, Kohlschreiber dropped just three points on serve in the second set and used two more breaks to win the last four games of the final set. Coming back from injuries, the 109th-ranked Mathieu was looking for his first title in eight years and fifth overall. He hasn’t beaten Kohlschreiber since 2003.
Cilic, Kei set up US Open final rematch
Washington: Exactly 11 months after meeting in the U.S. Open final, Marin Cilic and Kei Nishikori will face each other again on a hard court. The rematch comes in Saturday’s semifinals of the Citi Open, a tuneup event for the year’s last Grand Slam tournament.
Reigning U.S. Open champion Cilic moved into the final four in Washington for the first time since 2010 by beating 18-year-old Alexander Zverev 7-5, 7-6 (3) on Friday. Earlier second-seeded Nishikori withstood 15 aces and managed to break Sam Groth’s big serve twice for a 6-4, 6-4 victory. On Sept. 8, 2014, Cilic beat Nishikori in straight sets at Flushing Meadows,only Grand Slam title match for either.
Rays retain top players
New Delhi: 2015 Hockey India league (HIl) champions Ranchi Rays announced they will be retaining their top players for next two seasons. Ashley Jackson, Barry Middleton (England), Birendra lakra, Kothajit Singh, Manpreet Singh (India) and Fergus Kavanagh have all been retained. Rays’ captain Jackson enjoyed a brilliant season scoring 12 goals and finished as the top scorer along with an MVP title.