Pankaj confirms medal, faces Russell in semis
Doha: Recently-crowned 17-time world champion Pankaj Advani overcame Singapore's Peter Gilchrist in the quarterfinals of the long-up format of the IBSF World Billiards Championship 2017 here on Tuesday. Pankaj secured the semifinal berth and a medal for India with the help of a 391 break, highest of the tournament so far, to beat Gilchrist 1000-791. The Indian ace's opponent in Wednesday's semis, Englishman Mike Russell, wrapped up proceedings in his last-8 contest rapidly, overpowering his Myanmar opponent Aung Htay 1000-175. Russell too had a big break of 344 to reach the required 1000-mark and advance to the next round. In the other quarterfinals, Sourav Kothari battles it out with England's Robert Hall while Dhruv Sitwala takes on Nay Thway Oo of Myanmar. The winner of these two matches go against each other in the second semifinal match on Wednesday.
India lose to Bangladesh, out of U-19 Asia Cup
Kuala lumpur: Defending champions India were today knocked out of the U-19 Asia Cup after suffering a shocking eight-wicket defeat at the hands of Bangladesh here on Tuesday. This was India's second loss in three days, having being stunned by Nepal in the first match. Bangladesh emerged victorious after they chased down the target of 188 with eight wickets and four overs to spare. The defeat meant Bangladesh and Nepal, from Group A, will join Pakistan and Afghanistan respectively in the semi-finals. Rainy conditions had reduced the match at the Royal Selangor Club, India's third venue in three games, to 32 overs a side. Bangladesh, who elected to field, picked up wickets at regular intervals and reduced India to 85 for four at the halfway mark. Without two of their key batsmen in Prithvi Shaw and Shubman Gill, the Rahul Dravid-coached India couldn't manage a single half-century, with Salman Khan's unbeaten 39 being the highest. Bangladesh's opening pair of Pinak Ghosh and Mohammad Naim Sheikh provided a solid 82-run partnership to dash India's hopes.
UBA signs 30 top Indian hoopsters
New Delhi: Former NBA draft pick Satnam Singh are among the 30 standout Indian players signed by the United Basketball Alliance (UBA) in multi-year contracts. "I still remember the day I signed my first professional contract in the NBA," said former lA laker AC Green, the UBA's Director of Sport. "It left a huge impression on my life. Now these players get to experience that same feeling that I once had upon signing my first contract. We are excited about our upcoming season and the future of Indian basketball." The duration of the contracts range from 3 to 5 years, for a combined total of more than Rs 16 crore. In addition to being the first multi-year contracts in the Indian basketball history, the signed players will also receive basketball and fitness training from top experts in the USA, along with nutritional guidance to help them maximise their potential.
India hold Myanmar to 2-2 draw
Margao: Already through to the main tournament, India played out a 2-2 draw against Myanmar in the return-leg match of the AFC Asian Cup qualifying Group A match here on Tuesday. The home side came back twice in the match to hold the visiting side and continue their unbeaten streak in 13 matches. Myanmar scored through Yan Naing Oo (1st minute) and Kyaw Ko Ko (19th) while Sunil Chhetri (12th; penalty) and Jeje lalpekhlua (69th) found the target at the Nehru Stadium here. India had beaten Myanmar 1-0 in the first leg in Yangon in March through a Chhetri winner. With Tuesday's draw, India are on the top of the group with 13 points from five matches. Myanmar are placed second with five points from four matches.