Had selection differences with Oltmans: John
Bengaluru: Interim national hockey coach David John on Sunday admitted that he had "differences over selection process" with the ousted Roelant Oltmans but also clarified that it was not the only reason. "I did not have any differences with Oltmans's style of coaching. We had difference of opinion on selection matters. I felt some of the younger players needed to gain international exposure. I don't believe players sitting in the camp for two years with no international exposure. Their skills need to be upscaled," John told PTI during an interaction. John took charge of the men's team as interim coach after Hockey India on Saturday sacked Oltmans despite a largely successful four-and-half-years stint in India. Asked whether selection differences was the melting point for Oltmans' ouster, John replied in the negative.
Deepika makes 1st round exit in World Cup Final
Rome: Four-time silver medallist Deepika Kumari was beaten by Tan Ya-ting in straight sets to make an embarrassing first round exit from the Archery World Cup Final here on Sunday. The former World No 1 Deepika looked a pale shadow of her former self against the Rio Olympics nemesis from Chinese Taipei, who put up a superlative display to seal the match 6-0 at the Stadio dei Marmi here. Deepika was the lone Indian to have made the cut to the World Cup Final draw of eight by virtue of her two quarterfinal finishes in the four World Cups this year. The archer from Taiwan started off with two perfect 10s and then shot a sensational 30 out of 30 in the second set. Continuing her impressive form, Ya-ting shot 28 in the third set and blew away any chances Deepika may have had.
Jaipur hand leaders Gujarat third loss
Kolkata: Jaipur Pink Panthers dished out an all-round show to thrash Gujarat Fortunegiants 31-25 in the Pro-Kabaddi league at the Netaji Indoor Stadium on Sunday. Jasvir Singh (six points) led from the front with his super agile raids to script a turnaround just before the half-time and hand the Zone A leaders their second defeat on the trot. Pawan Kumar played a perfect ally to his skipper and garnered four raid points. Credit should also be given to their star defender Somvir Shekhar who foiled Gujarat's bid for a comeback and logged four points as Jaipur (28) jumped to third place with their fifth win from eight matches.
CSA reports fiscal loss; banks on Indian visit
Johannesburg: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced an anticipated loss of Rand 159 million for the current year, but is banking on the upcoming home series against India and Australia to boost its coffers again. CSA reported the expected loss when it tabled its financial statements at its AGM in Cape Town yesterday, but added that the authority's finances were still strong. "In commenting on the financial statements, I would like to stress that CSA remains in a very healthy financial position. We have a very strong balance sheet and a favourable cash position. Our income balance after taking into account the loss for the year is R655-million," CSA President Chris Nenzani said.
Singh's ton helps Baroda beat TNCA City XI
Chennai: An unbeaten knock of 165 by Jyotsnil Singh was the cornerstone of Baroda's six-wicket win over TNCA City XI in the Kalpathi AGS-Buchi Babu All-India invitation cricket tournament here on Sunday. Chasing 340 for a win in the allotted 90 overs, Jyotsnil Singh powered Baroda home with 2.4 overs to spare with an innings that included 12 boundaries and three sixers. Monil Patel (33), Abhijit Karambelkar (46) and Dixit Patel (44 not out) were the other contributors. In another game, the Suresh Raina-led Uttar Pradesh CA got the better of Chhattisgarh by 54 runs with medium-pacer Ankit Rajpoot, who was part of the India "A" team which toured South Africa recently, taking 4 for 48. Meanwhile in a match reduced to a 50-overs-a-side contest, TNCA Districts trounced Haryana by 102 runs.