BAI applauds SC’s decision on PBl
New Delhi: With the Supreme Court squashing the High Court’s stay order on the Premier Badminton league, Badminton Association of India (BAI) on Wednesday applauded the decision, saying it will be a big assurance to all the stakeholders involved in the league. “Some vested interests were against the spirit of the game and they have been trying to create hurdles,” said BAI President and PBl Chairman Dr. Akhilesh Das Gupta. “We are grateful to the honourable Supreme Court, who has always supported the right and in this case also, it has favoured us by quashing the stay order.” The Meghalaya High Court had stayed the tournament based on a petition filed by Sobhagaya Media Private limited who challenged the validity of the franchisee meet held in New Delhi on Dec. 6. The BAI soon sprang into action and approached the Supreme Court to seek immediate stay on the HC order and allow it to hold the tournament.
FIFA reports 1.01bn viewers for 2014 WC final
Zurich: More than 1 billion people watched the 2014 World Cup final, according to FIFA figures published on Wednesday. A total of 1.013 billion saw at least one minute of Germany's 1-0 win over Argentina in extra time at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, according to research by FIFA and Kantar Media. Television audiences at home and people watching in public spaces are counted, but not online viewers and mobile phone users. FIFA reported a seven percent rise in a TV rating that is often seen as the broadcasting industry's most accurate. The 2014 final had an "average in-home global audience" of 570.1 million. It was 530.9 million for the 2010 World Cup final.
Aces suffer 16-27 defeat to Slammers
Dubai: Micromax Indian Aces suffered their second loss in the tournament with a 16-27 defeat at the hands of OUE Singapore Slammers in the International Premier Tennis league here on Thursday. Despite the loss, Indian Aces still maintained their top spot. Singapore Slammers were one set up after Carlos Moya won the men's legends singles 6-0 against Fabrice Santoro before Indian Aces' Agnieszka Radwaniska brought it to even terms with a 6-3 victory over Belinda Bencic. The combination of Dustin Brown and Karolina Pliskova beat Indian Aces duo of Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna in the mixed doubles before Andy Murray-Marcelo Melo pair defeated Ivan Dodic/Bernard Tomic 6-4 in men's doubles. Nick Kyrgios outplayed Tomic 6-1 in the men's singles as the Slammers had an easy outing in the end.
River Plate reach final of Club World Cup
OSAKA: South American champion River Plate booked a place in the Club World Cup final for the first time in 19 years by beating Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1-0 on Wednesday. River was matched for large spells by the J-league champion, but lucas Alario scored in the second half with a header after Hiroshima goalkeeper Takuto Hayashi could only half-punch away a Carlos Sanchez free kick.