US Open 2019: Taylor Townsend beats Sorana Cirstea in straight sets to continue 'insane' run at Flushing Meadows

New York: Taylor Townsend is charging into the US Open spotlight the same way she charges to the net in her matches, stars and strangers congratulating her run to the last 16.

The 23-year-old American left-hander defeated Romania's 106th-ranked Sorana Cirstea 7-5, 6-2 in 87 minutes on Saturday to book a fourth-round meeting with Canadian teen Bianca Andreescu for a quarter-final berth.

Taylor Townsend celebrates after defeating Sorana Cirstea. AP/Sarah Stier

Townsend upset reigning Wimbledon champion Simona Halep in the second round, with actor Samuel L Jackson, TV show host Ellen DeGeneres and NBA legend Kobe Bryant tweeting support.

"Oh, my God, I lost my mind when the Kobe thing happened, because I love him," Townsend said.

"But, yeah, I mean, Ellen and all these — like, it's insane, honestly. Like being on a social media sabbatical like a few months ago to getting 10,000 followers overnight is weird.

"But honestly, I'm thankful for it, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I know it's a part of the territory, and I love it. I'm embracing it."

Townsend was touched because for years she has toiled away at lesser levels thinking no one might ever notice.

"So many people have been just saying congratulations and sending me really nice messages, I was just shocked because I didn't think that many people cared," she said.

"It's amazing to see that the tennis community is watching and embracing and appreciating something that's not the norm."

Townsend is on the deepest Grand Slam run of her career, surpassing her third-round effort at the 2014 French Open in her Grand Slam debut.

Townsend, ranked 116th, became the sixth qualifier in eight years to reach the US Open's last 16, the first since Kaia Kanepi in 2017.

Wouldn't change a thing

She did it with an impressive style of racing to the net and daring her rivals to hit winners past her. She went to the net 105 times against Halep and won 47 of 75 points at the net from Cirstea.

"Once I saw it worked and the effect I had, I tried to implement it as much as I could," Townsend said. "I got passed. She hit good shots. When you play this game style it's just a part of it and you just have to keep plugging away. I think that's the hardest part."

Developing the style took courage and willingness to accept she would surrender her share of points to dominate on others.

"It was definitely tough because not a lot of people do it, and it's kind of like a mental thing because the game moves so fast now," she said.

"Tennis is a game where you win and lose points constantly. It's just about how you manage those things and how you get past it. It kind of balances itself out. So you just try to bounce back the best you can and continue to pluck away."

Townsend recalled struggling at lesser events and nearly quitting before growing confident enough to stay with tennis.

"I went one year and I won four matches in a calendar year," she said. "I feel better than ever before. I'm just thankful for where I am now and the things I had to go through in order to be here.

"I wouldn't change anything because I appreciate so much where I am, because I know where I came from. And I think it's easy for people to forget where they came from."

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ISSF विश्व कप: यशस्विनी ने वर्ल्ड नंबर-1 को पछाड़कर जीता गोल्ड

भारत की यशस्विनी देसवाल ने यहां जारी आईएसएसएफ विश्व कप में दमदार प्रदर्शन करते हुए शनिवार को महिलाओं की 10 मीटर एयर पिस्टल स्पर्धा में स्वर्ण पदक जीता। यशस्विनी ने वर्ल्ड नंबर-1 यूक्रेन की ओलेना...

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US Open 2019: 'NextGen is here' — Bianca Andreescu issues warning after ousting Caroline Wozniacki in third round

New York: Canadian teen Bianca Andreescu met US teen sensation Coco Gauff for the first time Saturday while practising at the US Open and took confidence a new generation's time has come.

"I told her congrats on all the success," Andreescu said. "Keep killing it. NextGen is here."

Bianca Andreescu celebrates after beating Caroline Wozniacki. AP/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez

The 19-year-old from Toronto ousted 2018 Australian Open champion and two-time US Open runner-up Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 6-4, extending the 15th seed's deepest Grand Slam run.

"I'm really, really pumped," she said.

Gauff, only 15, reached the last 16 at Wimbledon and booked a third-round showdown with top-ranked defending champion Naomi Osaka in New York while Andreescu won titles at Toronto and Indian Wells this season.

"You see a lot of young players doing really well right now and I think it's really good for the game," said Andreescu. "You see many fresh faces and I think we're only going to get better from here."

Andreescu is 30-4 despite a shoulder injury that sidelined her most of the past five months. But she hasn't lost a completed match since March.

"I don't feel like I've lost a match," she said. "It feels pretty good, because you never know what can happen in a match. I'm trying not to take anything for granted right now. I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing.

"My two (titles) before this tournament are giving me a lot of confidence."

Andreescu next faces 116th-ranked US qualifier Taylor Townsend, who ousted Romanians Simona Halep and Sorana Cirstea to face a Canadian of Romanian heritage.

"I know she loves coming to the net," Andreescu said. "She has incredible volleys. I'll for sure work on some passing shots."

Wozniacki compared Andreescu to retired Belgian star Kim Clijsters, a three-time US Open champion.

"She has made a mark. Obviously she's playing well," Wozniacki said.

"The one I can most compare her game to would probably be Kim back in the day, Clijsters, because she moves well and she can stretch out and get to some balls and also play the aggressive and using the angles."

Clijsters was indeed one of the idols who inspired Andreescu's style of play.

"I actually looked up to her a lot while I was just coming up, when I started playing tennis," Andreescu said. "I think my game is pretty similar to hers. Not as good yet.

"But she's an incredible fighter. She's very solid all around. She can volley, she can slice, dropshot.

"She's very consistent, as well. She chooses her targets and she has a very good serve and return. She's very strong mentally."

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LaLiga: Zinedine Zidane happy with Real Madrid squad, insists relationship with club president Florentino Perez is strong

Madrid: Zinedine Zidane insists his relationship with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is strong and he is happy with his squad ahead of the transfer window closing on Monday.

Madrid have spent around 300 million euros this summer but Zidane has not selected a single new signing in his first starting line-ups for the first two games of the season.

Zinedine Zidane's Real Madrid have spent more than 300 million euros in the summer transfer window. Reuters

Zidane hoped the club would sign Paul Pogba, but Manchester United would not sell, and sell Gareth Bale, but the Welshman remains determined to see out his contract, which expires in 2022.

"The decisions that are up to me are on the pitch," said Zidane in a press conference on Saturday, ahead of Sunday's league game away at Villarreal.

"My relationship with Florentino Perez has always been very good, he will always be the president that brought me here and I will never forget that.

"Sometimes it is better to clarify things and I say the relationship is good, I don't care what anyone says. The important thing is my day-to-day work and that I have the chance to coach this great team."

Madrid have brought in Eden Hazard from Chelsea but the Belgian has a thigh injury and will not return until after the international break. Hazard began training alone on Friday.

Real have also signed Eder Militao, Luka Jovic, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy, with Zidane refusing to rule out further additions before the window shuts.

Neymar's future at Paris Saint-Germain remains uncertain while Tottenham's Christian Eriksen and Ajax's Donny van de Beek are also believed to be targets.

"Until Monday at midnight, everything can happen, one surprise, two surprises, but the match is tomorrow," Zidane said.

"I am proud of the players I have, for me they are the best players. Even when you say you want to make some changes, the important thing is when the season starts, you are happy and I am happy.

"I cannot complain about the squad that I have. If I complain, I can change jobs."

Keylor Navas has fallen behind Thibaut Courtois in the race to be Madrid's first-choice goalkeeper and is expected to join PSG.

"It could happen," Zidane said. "Keylor will be with us for the game against Villarreal and until the window closes, anything can happen."

Madrid started the season with an encouraging away win at Celta Vigo but were held to a draw at home to Real Valladolid last weekend.

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पूर्व WWE सुपरस्टार बना AEW का पहला वर्ल्ड चैंपियन

पूर्व WWE सुपरस्टार क्रिस जेरिको ऑल एलीट रेसलिंग (AEW) के पहले वर्ल्ड चैम्पियन बन गए है। क्रिस जेरिको ने यह खिताब आज हुए AEW के All Out पीपीवी में हैंगमैन पेज को हराकर जीता।

क्रिस जेरिको WWE में एक ग्रैंड स्लैम चैम्पियन है उन्होंने 6 बार WWE चैंपियनशिप और 9 बार के इंटरकॉन्टिनेंटल चैंपियनशिप जीती है। जेरिको लंबे समय से WWE से दूर है और आखरी बार WWE में RAW की 25वी सालगिरह के सेलिब्रेशन एपिसोड मैं नजर आए थे

क्रिस जेरिको और हैंगमैन पेज के बीच AEW के पहले वर्ल्ड चैंपियनशिप मैच का एलान ऑल एलीट रेसलिंग के पहले पीपीवी डबल और नथिंग के दौरान किया था। ऑल एलीट रेसलिंग के पहले पीपीवी में हैंगमैन पेज ने शो का पहला मैच (एक बैटल रॉयल) और जेरिको ने शो के मेन इवेन्ट में केनी ओमेगा को हराकर AEW के पहले वर्ल्ड चैंपियनशिप मैच के लिए मौका हासिल किया था।

All Out पीपीवी में हैंगमैन पेज और क्रिस जेरिको के बीच पहला AEW चैंपियन बनने के लिए टक्कर का मुकबला हुआ। दोनो सुपरस्टार ने एक दूसरे पर कई मूव्स लगाए और अंत में जेरिको ने अपना फिनिशिंग मूव लगा कर मैच जीत लिया और AEW के पहले वर्ल्ड चैम्पियन बन गए।

All Out पीपीवी ऑल एलीट रेसलिंग के वीकली टीवी शो डेब्यू से पहले का आखरी शो था। नए AEW वर्ल्ड चैम्पियन क्रिस जेरिको ऑल एलीट रेसलिंग के टीवी पर शुरू होने के बाद तीसरे हफ्ते अपने टाइटल को डिफेंड करेंगे।

यह भी पढ़े- AEW All Out का पूरा रिजल्ट्स: क्रिस जेरिको बने AEW वर्ल्ड चैम्पियन

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शूटिंग: यशस्विनी ने जीता गोल्ड, भारत को ओलिंपिक कोटा

रियो डी जनेरो ने यहां आईएसएसएफ विश्व कप में शनिवार को महिलाओं की 10 मीटर एयर पिस्टल स्पर्धा में गोल्ड मेडल जीतकर भारत को 9वां ओलिंपिक कोटा दिलाया। पूर्व जूनियर विश्व चैंपियन 22 बरस की यशस्विनी ने 8 महिलाओं के फाइनल में 236.7 का स्कोर करके पीला तमगा जीता। दुनिया की नंबर एक यूक्रेन की ओलेना कोस्तेविच को रजत और सर्बिया की जेसमिना मिलावोनोविच को ब्रॉन्ज मेडल पदक मिला। अन्नु राज सिंह और श्वेता सिंह फाइनल में जगह नहीं बना सकी थीं, जबकि मनु भाकर ने न्यूनतम क्वॉलिफिकेशन स्कोर में 580 का स्कोर किया। संजीव राजपूत ने हासिल किया था 8वां कोटा इससे पहले पुरुष शूटर संजीव राजपूत ने इसी टूर्नमेंट में पुरुषों के 50 मीटर राइफल 3 पोजिशन स्पर्धा में रजत पदक अपने नाम किया था। इस पदक के साथ ही संजीव ने इस स्पर्धा में भारत के लिए ओलिंपिक कोटा भी हासिल किया। अगले साल तोक्यो में होने वाले ओलिंपिक के लिए कोटा हासिल करने वाले 38 वर्षीय संजीव 8वें भारतीय निशानेबाज रहे। संजीव ने कुल 462 अंक हासिल किए और बेहद करीबी मुकाबले में 0.2 अंकों से स्वर्ण पदक हासिल करने से चूक गए। क्रोएशिया के पीटर गोरसा ने 462.2 अंकों के साथ सोना जीता। चीन के चांगहॉन्ग झांग ने 449.2 अंकों के साथ कांस्य पदक पर कब्जा किया।

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Formula 1 Paddock Diaries, Day 3 at Belgian Grand Prix: Weekend energy at Spa, Jehan Daruvala's podium-finish and remembering Michael Schumacher

The day ended on a tragic note with the passing away of Formula 2 driver Anthoine Hubert. He was a bright young talent, the reigning GP3 champion and a Renault junior driver. Motorsport is dangerous, and despite being infinitely safer with every passing year, there are still huge risks involved. Drivers risk their lives every time they are on track and it is important to recognise that. Our heartfelt wishes to Anthoine's family, friends and members of the Arden/Renault teams. As a mark of respect, Sunday's Formula 2 race stood cancelled.

Rest in peace Anthoine

You will forever be in our hearts pic.twitter.com/rtOBGZDJlQ

— Formula 2 (@FIA_F2) August 31, 2019

Saturdays in the paddock

Saturday is when the energy really starts picking up — for many in the paddock, qualifying is the most anticipated session (even more than the race). Finding our way into the circuit became a challenge as hundreds of cars caused a jam in the tiny mountain roads around Spa and scores of spectators marched towards the venue in particularly high spirits. Seeing the grandstands fill up is exciting, and paddock regulars opined that attendance this year seemed significantly higher 1 the Max Verstappen effect? It was also heartening to see several young fans curiously taking in the sights of the paddock. “This is much cooler than on TV!” exclaimed one.

An ode to Schumacher

Kimi Raikkonen may be the King of Spa but Michael Schumacher is at the top of the grand pecking order — he is the driver with the maximum number of victories at this circuit. Fans paid tribute to the legend through a gigantic poster on the main straight, which declared that 'Michael: F1 is nothing without you.' We absolutely agree!

Fans pay tribute to Formula One legend Michael Schumacher. Image: Kunal Shah/Mithila Mehta

The local hero behind Barichello’s first pole in 1994

During our time at the circuit, we interacted with a fine gentleman by the name of Philippe Servais. He has been working at the Belgian Grand Prix every year since 1991 — “the same year as Michael Schumacher started, and I am still continuing!” he grinned.

Philippe narrated a very interesting anecdote to us: An hour before qualifying at the 1994 Belgian GP, a young Rubens Barichello came up to him. Barichello asked if Philippe was a local, and what he thought of the weather conditions for qualifying. Spa was known for its whimsical weather (and it still is), and often posed the biggest challenge for drivers. Basis Philippe’s advice, Barichello was able to take advantage of the weather conditions and grabbed the first-ever pole of his career. He also set the record for the youngest driver to secure pole at that time. In the picture below, Philippe poses with a picture taken with Barichello right after this momentous qualifying session and autographed by the driver. The message: "Thanks again for your great advice!"

Philippe Servais' weather tip gave Rubens Barichello his first ever pole position in 1991, and the former has made sure the memory stays with him. Image: Kunal Shah/ Mithila Mehta

Jehan takes a podium in F3’s first race

Jehan Daruvala is India’s next Formula 1 hope — the 20-year-old is racing in the Formula 3 series with Prema Racing. His doting parents travel with him to most races, and it is heartwarming to see their dedication and unwavering support for Jehan.

In Race 1 at Spa, Jehan grabbed pole and went on to finish third in the race. As we waited for the drivers to emerge on the podium, his mother could not stop beaming. She shared that the feeling of seeing Jehan stand on the podium was as special every single time.

After the race, Jehan shared a special message for all his fans and friends back in India via Firstpost, saying that “he hopes he is making everyone proud.” This result propelled him to second in the overall championship standings. Let’s see how he can do in the second race at Spa on Sunday.

Here’s our 3rd place driver, @DaruvalaJehan - making a billion fans proud of his exploits. A good drive in Race 1. Tyre deg + DRS played a big role in today’s race. Over to Race 2 tomorrow. #F3 #India #F1 #Motorsport #Sport pic.twitter.com/fwbkvQYkFi

— Kunal Shah (@kunalashah) August 31, 2019

Hamilton nearly gets Mercedes into trouble

Lewis Hamilton got Mercedes into a spot of trouble when he mentioned at Spa that “we had a bit of dialogue with the team which we generally don’t usually have during the break, just trying to see what else we can do to improve.” The FIA was spurred on to dig deeper, given that teams must undertake a mandatory 14-day shutdown in summer to guarantee time off for their staff.

Mercedes later clarified that “Lewis was referring to contact with the team during the week after Hungary, when he had begun his summer break but the team was still working until the following Friday, when our (official) shutdown period began for the mandatory two weeks.” All’s well that ends well, and good to know that the Mercedes staff got their holiday as mandated!

Notorious Raghunathan strikes again

Indian Formula 2 driver Mahaveer Ragunathan has been the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons. The driver rose to notoriety for amassing penalty points at a blistering pace — which even led to a two-race ban in Austria. Ragunathan’s latest transgression at Spa came during the Friday qualifying, where he failed to slow down for the yellow flags on the circuit. Motor racing is a dangerous sport and it is imperative that drivers adhere to rules and regulations. Ragunathan is going to have a hard time explaining why he constantly finds it necessary to flout them. We have reached out to the driver for an interview and will update our readers when he responds.

Immense fun in the Ferrari media session as their sound system ended up making some unusual (& loud) noises leaving the media folks in laughter. Let’s hope this is their only mechanical gremlin for the weekend! #F1 #BelgianGP pic.twitter.com/nIynerJGYP

— Kunal Shah (@kunalashah) August 29, 2019

Vettel rues loss of German GP in 2020

The only race from the current calendar to not make it to 2020 is the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim. This is disappointing, given that it has a special connection with the sport. Sebastian Vettel called it a “big shame” to lose his home race. He shared with the media, “It is not possible for F1 to lose races in countries with a big history. I just hope wherever we go instead will have as good a race and as many people in the grandstands — which is not a given, honestly.” The loss of Hockenheim illustrates F1’s ongoing quandary around expanding to newer markets while trying to keep historic circuits intact: Vietnam is set to debut on the F1 calendar next year.

Jacques Villeneuve to Haas?

The second seat at Haas is of much interest — to Romain Grosjean, of course, and to Nico Hulkenberg. However, in the midst of the pressure of retaining his seat for 2020, Grosjean was able to maintain his humour. "Now there's only a couple of teams that have seats available, here one so we're going to hear every rumour, maybe even Jacques Villeneuve at one point,” joked the Frenchman. In fact, we spotted Villeneuve in the paddock on Saturday conducting his television duties, like he always does — wonder if popped in at Haas to negotiate his contract!

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US Open 2019: Kristie Ahn continues fairy-tale run by beating Jelena Ostapenko to reach fourth round

New York: Kristie Ahn, winless in three Grand Slam matches entering the US Open, was in tears on Saturday after ousting her second Slam winner of the week to reach the fourth round.

The 27-year-old American of Korean descent fired a final ace to defeat Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko 6-3, 7-5, the 2017 French Open winner making 45 unforced errors to join 2004 US Open winner Svetlana Kuznetsova on Ahn's victim's list.

Kristie Ahn beat Jelena Ostapenko to reach the fourth round of the US Open. AP/Michael Owens

"It was exciting because I hit an ace, which I never do," Ahn said. "I could finally let my emotions get to me. The crowd roared. It was such a cool environment.

"When I looked back, I was like, 'You cried, what a little baby.' All my friends told me they cried, too, so I guess that's OK."

The 141st-ranked wildcard will play for a quarter-final berth on Monday against Belgian 25th seed Elise Mertens.

Ahn is feeling the confidence to rival the most famous of Manhattan's skyscrapers after a season of learning.

"I've been able to accumulate a lot of little life chips, like little wins," Ahn said. "Even if you lose a match, what you're able to take away, the positives, and being able to just keep that building, one day you'll be able to have little towers.

"It's like the Empire State Building now."

Ahn says she isn't really doing anything different than she had before.

"I feel like the tennis has been the same but it's just the ability to mentally dig in a little bit deeper in those tough moments," Ahn said.

"I'm just really proud of how I was able to stay mentally focused and not let the nerves get the best of me."

Ahn entered her match with her right elbow taped and left with her right knee taped as well after skidding to a sudden stop in the second set.

The latest injury came the same day Don Ahn, Kristie's dad, told the New York Times about his concerns with a tennis career, saying: "If you get injured you've got nothing. There's no employment compensation. You just get hungry, and without money."

While the knee is sore, Ahn expects to be ready for Mertens. Until then, she's going to keep enjoying the fairy-tale run.

"When I go back to the hotel, I just think about how awesome of an opportunity it is and what a great experience it has been this week," she said. "I'm just so happy about it."

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US Open 2019: Alexander Zverev beats Aljaz Bedene to reach fourth round for first time at Flushing Meadows

New York: Alexander Zverev progressed to the last 16 at the US Open for the first time on Saturday with a hard-fought 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4), 6-3, 7-6 (3) win over Slovenia's Aljaz Bedene.

Sixth seed Zverev, who came through a pair of five-set matches in his first two rounds, is on course for a potential quarter-final with three-time champion Rafael Nadal.

Alexander Zverev celebrates after defeating Aljaz Bedene. AP/Sarah Stier

"It's the first time in the second week. Obviously it's a fourth round. I don't really want to stop here. I want to keep going," said Zverev, who next plays 20th seed Diego Schwartzman who beat Tennys Sandgren.

"I want to keep improving my game. It doesn't get easier, the opponents don't get easier, the matches don't get easier. We'll see how it goes. But I'm happy for now."

Zverev was again made to work hard by 80th-ranked Bedene in a contest lasting three hours and 36 minutes, spending longer on court than in his two previous matches that went the distance.

"Generally, I mean, all the top guys are getting through the matches, but their aim is to play their best tennis in the second week," he said.

"There's still a lot of things to improve. Obviously, I mean, if you go into details, we'll be here for a very long time. In general, the serving, the returning. Everything can still be better."

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AEW All Out का पूरा रिजल्ट्स: क्रिस जेरिको बने AEW वर्ल्ड चैम्पियन

ऑल एलीट रेसलिंग (AEW) ने आज ‘ऑल आउट’ नाम के पीपीवी का आयोजन किया जिसमें कुल 10 मैच लड़े गए। AEW के इस पेपर व्यू की शुरुआत विमेंस चैंपियनशिप के नम्बर एक कंटेंडर कसीनो बैटल रॉयल मैच से हुई और मेन इवेन्ट में पहले AEW वर्ल्ड चैंपियनशिप के लिए मैच लड़ा गया।

आइये जानते है AEW All Out में हुए सभी मैचो के नतीजों पर

1- विमेंस कसीनो बैटल रॉयल मैच: नल्या रोज ने अंतिम मेप ब्रिट बैकर को एलिमिनेट जीत हासिल की। इस मैच मे 21 बड़ी विमेंस सुपरस्टार थी और विजेता रोज ने 10 एलिमिनेशन किये।

2- टैग टीम मैच: इसिया कासिडी और मारक क्वेन ने एंजेलिको और जैक इवांस को हराया।

3- सिक्स-मैन टैग टीम मैच: SCU ने लुकासौरस, जंगल बॉय और मार्को स्टंट को हराया।

4- सिंगल्स मैच: पैक ने केनी ओमेगा को हराया। पैक को इस मैच में चोटिल जॉन मोक्सली कि जगह शामिल किया गया था। पैक ने केनी ओमेगा को सबमिशन के जरिये हराया।

5- क्रैकर बैरल क्लैश: जिमी हॉक ने डर्बी एलन और जॉय जेनेला को हराया

6- टैग टीम मैच: डार्क ऑर्डर ने बेस्ट फ्रेंड्स को हराया। यह AEW टैग टीम टाइटल्स टूर्नामेंट के अंतर्गत था।

7- सिंगल्स मैच: रिहो डिफ ने हिकारु शिदा को हराया। यह विमेंस चैंपियनशिप के नम्बर एक कंटेंडर का मैच था। रिहो डिफ इस टाइटल के लिए अब नल्या से भिड़ेगी।

8- सिंगल्स मैच: कोडी रोड्स ने एक खतनाक मैच में शॉन स्पीयर्स को हराया

9- एएए टैग टीम चैम्पियनशिप मैच: लुचा ब्रदर्स (C) ने यंग बक्स को हराकर खिताब रिटेन किया।

10- AEW वर्ल्ड चैंपियनशिप मैच: क्रिस जेरिको ने एडम पेज को हराकर AEW वर्ल्ड चैंपियनशिप जीती।

You're Welcome @IAmJericho #AEWWorldChampion #AEWrestling #AEW pic.twitter.com/ewFkyq0qKM

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEWrestling) September 1, 2019

 

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US Open 2019: Rested Rafael Nadal sets up fourth-round clash with Marin Cilic after thumping win over Hyeon Chung

New York: A rested and healthy Rafael Nadal rolled into the US Open's fourth round on Saturday, wishing he had been pushed harder as he charges after a 19th Grand Slam title.

The 33-year-old Spaniard, who won his 12th French Open title in June, advanced to the last 16 by defeating 170th-ranked South Korean qualifier Hyeon Chung 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.

Rafael Nadal celebrates after defeating Hyeon Chung in the third round. AP/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez

"I didn't face a breakpoint. That's a positive thing," Nadal said. "And the best thing is without playing great, playing a normal match, I was able to have a very comfortable score. That means a lot of things, positive ones.

"Now is the moment to push, to take a step forward if I want to give me a chance to fight for the important things. That's what I'm going to try."

Nadal, a three-time US Open champion, said he wished he had been able to play a second-round match against injured Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis instead of advance by walkover and rest for three days.

The injury-nagged star who was forced out of a US Open semi-final last year with knee pain and struggled with a hip injury earlier this season wanted more than six sets under his belt by now on the New York hardcourts.

"You never know what's better or worse, no? From here, the main thing, I am happy to be where I am. I'm in the fourth round, and that's the main thing," Nadal said.

"For me, personally, in some way, I will prefer to play the match. In some way is true that you save energy. So you never know what's the best thing."

Second seed Nadal is concerned about form as much as rest, although he did withdraw from a tuneup event in Cincinnati after winning at Montreal.

"I had the first three or four months of the season very hard, too many issues again, and then it's true that since Barcelona, things have been improving," Nadal said.

"I was able to fix a little bit the body and play more or less with freedom of movements. That's given me the chance to compete at the highest level again.

"So here I am to try my best and I'm going to put my 100 percent to try to be ready for the next round."

Big-serving Cilic next

Next up for Nadal is a Monday matchup against Croatia's 23rd-seeded Marin Cilic, the 2014 US Open champion.

"The key is to play well. That simple," Nadal said. "If I'm playing well, I'm going to have hopefully my chances to return a couple of points and give me chances.

"Against big servers... chances are not a lot, so you need to be ready to expect a very tough one. But I need to be focused with my serve, as always. I need to be ready to accept the challenge that brings the competition in days like these.

"And I hope to be ready to play my highest level, because that's what I'm going to need."

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US Open 2019: Defending champion Naomi Osaka beats tearful Coco Gauff in emotional third-round clash

New York: US teen sensation Coco Gauff's first appearance at Arthur Ashe Stadium left both players crying Saturday night and produced one of the most touching moments in US Open history.

Top-ranked defending champion Naomi Osaka captured the last eight games in a dominating 6-3, 6-0 third-round victory that had 15-year-old Gauff wiping away tears, but it was what happened next that was memorable.

The 21-year-old Japanese star pleaded with Gauff to stay on the court and join her for a post-match interview.

Uplift one another @CocoGauff | @Naomi_Osaka_ | #USOpen pic.twitter.com/XtZIefrs1v

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 1, 2019

"I definitely was wanting to leave the court because I'm not the type of person who wants to cry in front of everyone," Gauff said. "I didn't want to take that moment away from her as well.

"She told me, 'It's better than crying in the shower.' She convinced me multiple times to stay. I kept saying no. Finally I said, 'OK, I'll do it.' Because I didn't know what to do."

Wiping away tears, she stayed and poured out her heart as the crowd roared with excitement at the sporting gesture by Osaka, herself in tears, to a child rival needing support at a painful moment.

"After the match, I think she just proved that she's a true athlete," Gauff said. "For me, the definition of an athlete is someone who on the court treats you like your worst enemy but off the court can be your best friend. I think that's what she did tonight.

"She really showed sportsmanship. I mean, I wasn't expecting it."

And Gauff had no regrets about staying and speaking as the tears rolled down her face.

"I'm glad I was able to experience that moment," Gauff said. "I'm glad the crowd was kind of helping me and her. She was crying, she won. I was crying. Everybody was crying. I was like, I don't know why she was crying. 'You won the match.'

"Everybody was crying. But I think it was a good moment for both of us."

Osaka's own moment of ultimate victory last year was spoiled by boos in the same stadium after a controversial game penalty against Serena Williams helped her take the title, prompting her to later call the moment "bittersweet," something Gauff understands.

"I'm still a little bit sad because it's still fairly new. I think tomorrow I'll really cherish the experience," Gauff said.

"I hope that next year I'll be able to play on Ashe again. It was a great court, a great atmosphere out there. Maybe next time I'll come out on top."

'A good moment for me'

Gauff usually only projects strength on court, as in her run to the fourth round at Wimbledon in July in her Grand Slam debut.

"I guess it shows that I'm human. Athletes in general just experience things, and we show emotion, good and bad," Gauff said.

"People see the more pumping up side of me, the more fiery side. I guess that side is good for other people to see. I'm glad I was able to experience that on the biggest stage. I really thank Naomi for that because it was a good moment for me."

Gauff even found positives learning how far her game must grow to test Osaka.

"I'll learn a lot from this match. She's the number one player in the world right now, so I know what I need to do to get to that level," Gauff said. "She's at the top of her game right now.

"I got to the third round in my first main draw US Open. I'm super proud of myself. I'm just going to continue to learn.

"My dad told me I'm 15, I still have a lot to work on, a lot to improve. But I think that today definitely I learned a lot."

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India vs West Indies: Hanuma Vihari's old-fashioned grind and maturity stand out in his maiden Test ton as visitors seize control of second Test

“Unfortunately, it didn’t happen, but I am happy that I could contribute to the team’s success. Maybe, one day will come when I will cross that three-figure mark,” said Hanuma Vihari at the end of the first Test in Antigua as he fell seven runs short of a well-deserved maiden Test ton. The Andhra batsman didn’t have to wait very long; Saturday was that day when he would cross that three-figure mark which he dedicated to his late father, who passed away when Vihari was 12 years of age.

Hanuma Vihari scored his first Test ton on Saturday after missing the mark in Antigua. AFP

While Jasprit Bumrah has exclusively featured in India’s overseas Tests — since India are trying to manage the workload of the greatest fast bowling talent to emerge from there — Vihari has been a prisoner of the schedule and has played all his six Tests away from home. He has been moved around the order too, and has tried to do his best to keep the contenders for the sixth spot in the line up at bay, and his century at Sabina Park would go a long way to cement it.

Vihari said that he “did not sleep very well” as Day 1 action in Jamaica ended with him on 42. If he was feeling any tiredness, he would get a jolt as he would lose his partner Rishabh Pant on the first delivery of Day 2. At 264/6, with Ravindra Jadeja and the bowlers to come, on a pitch that still provided movement and the ball just seven overs old, Vihari couldn’t afford to think about his hundred as he had to ensure India reached a comfortable score.

India’s vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane said that he was very happy for Vihari — a player who has done well in first-class cricket and could turn that into a pretty decent start in international cricket as well. Followers of Indian cricket have heard of him for a while and one would think he must be a veteran of the domestic scene in his thirties but he is just a young man of 25.

He boasts a fantastic first-class record, averaging almost 60, with a best of an undefeated 302. He performed quite well on the India A's tour of England in 2018 which put him on the selectors’ watchlist of back-up batsmen and would soon be included in India’s Test squad for the last two Tests in England last year.

Vihari received special mentions from skipper Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri on his contribution as a makeshift opener, and his performances with India A on the tour to West Indies prior to this Test series, and his ability to bowl off-spin, got him selected for the contentious and competitive sixth spot for the Test at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

During the second innings in Antigua, as he approached his first Test hundred and the team looked to declare, Vihari tried to score quickly to get to his 90s and then coast to the landmark. However, it didn’t exactly work out the way he wanted.

In Jamaica, Vihari reached lunch at 84, and with no pressure of declaration, he knew he had time on his side. However, he was made to work quite hard to get going after lunch by a rejuvenated Shannon Gabriel and the ever consistent Jason Holder. It took him 11 deliveries to reach 86, and he was stuck on that score for 31 deliveries before he received a gift from Gabriel on the pads that he put it away to the midwicket delivery.

More than all the attractive drives, sweeps and flicks he had played in a terrific innings, it was this passage of play that highlighted the true credentials of Vihari as a Test batsman — that he was willing to bide his time for the right delivery and not being consumed by the desire to get to a major personal milestone. Eight of the 31 deliveries were left alone, few others defended safely and the rest found the fielders.

“I was patient,” said Vihari at the end of the day, and credited the opposition for “bowling well after lunch” and make him earn his runs. Ishant Sharma was an equal contributor to the partnership as the two one-time Sunrisers Hyderabad members and now Delhi Capitals teammates realised over a 100 runs, which would make Vihari comment, tongue firmly in cheek, that “(Ishant) looked more like a batsman than me.”

Ishant and Vihari reached their personal milestones; the former was welcomed with hooting and hollering from the Indian dressing room and the latter with a standing ovation reflective of the respect Vihari has already earned amongst his teammates for his thoughtful batsmanship.

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देखें, विराट की जिद ने दिलाई बुमराह को हैटट्रिक

नई दिल्ली भारत के लिए टेस्ट हैटट्रिक लेने वाले तीसरे गेंदबाज बन गए हैं। बुमराह ने वेस्ट इंडीज के खिलाफ सबीना पार्क मैदान पर जारी दूसरे टेस्ट मैच के दूसरे दिन शनिवार को पारी के 9वें ओवर में तीन गेंदों पर तीन बल्लेबाजों को आउट कर यह कारनामा कर दिखाया। बुमराह ने वेस्ट इंडीज की पारी के 9वें ओवर की दूसरी गेंद पर डैरेन ब्रावो (4), तीसरी गेंद पर शाहमार ब्रूक्स (0) और चौथी गेंद पर रोस्टन चेज (0) को आउट कर हैटट्रिक पूरी कर अपना नाम इतिहास के पन्नों में दर्ज करा लिया। पढ़ें: जमैका के सबीना पार्क में ली गई इस हैटट्रिक की जब भी बात होगी तो कप्तान का जिक्र जरूर होगा। दरअसल, यह विराट की जिद ही थी, जिसकी वजह से ऐतिहासिक हैटट्रिक पूरी हो सकी। अब आप सोच रहे हैं कि विकेट बुमराह ने लिए तो इसमें विराट की जिद का क्या रोल? तो बता दें कि बुमराह ने दो विकेट तो ले लिए थे, लेकिन तीसरा विकेट उन्हें डीआरएस से मिला। डीआरएस लेने का फैसला पूरी तरह विराट का था, क्योंकि बुमराह ने इसके लिए नकार दिया था। उन्हें लग रहा था कि गेंद पैड से पहले बैट पर लगी है। यूं मिले पहले दो विकेट वेस्ट इंडीज की पारी का 9वां ओवर बुमराह ने किया और इसी ओवर में उन्होंने दूसरी, तीसरी और चौथी गेंद पर लगातार 3 विकेट झटकते हुए हैटट्रिक पूरी की। उनके ओवर की दूसरी गेंद पर डैरेन ब्रावो (4) केएल राहुल के हाथों लपके गए। शरीर से दूर जा रही गेंद उनके बल्ले का किनारा लेकर स्लीप में पहुंची और राहुल ने उसे लपकने में कोई गलती नहीं की। ओवर की तीसरी गेंद पर ब्रूक्स LBW हो गए। अब बुमराह हैटट्रिक पर थे। देख बुमराह की हैटट्रिक की कहानी के 'हीरो' विराटओवर की चौथी गेंद रोस्टन चेज के पैड पर जाकर लगी, लेकिन अंपायर ने कोई खास प्रतिक्रिया नहीं दी और बुमराह को भी विश्वास नहीं था कि गेंद बैट से पहले पैड पर लगी है। लेकिन, यहां कप्तान कोहली के मन में कुछ और ही चल रहा था। उन्होंने बुमराह की सोच से आगे जाकर DRS लेने का फैसला किया, जिसके बाद अंपायर को नॉट वाला फैसला बदलना पड़ा, क्योंकि गेंद बैट से पहले पैड पर लगी थी और वह लेग स्टंप पर लगते दिख रही थी। भारतीय टीम हैटट्रिक के जश्न में डूब चूकी थी। हैटट्रिक लेने वाले तीसरे भारतीय गेंदबाज इस तरह जसप्रीत बुमराह टेस्ट में हैटट्रिक लेने वाले तीसरे भारतीय गेंदबाज बने, जबकि वेस्ट इंडीज में हैटट्रिक लेने वाले पहले भारतीय बने। हैटट्रिक की बात करें तो बुमराह से पहले भारत के लिए हरभजन सिंह (रिकी पॉन्टिंग, एडम गिलक्रिस्ट और शेन वॉर्न) ने 2001 में ऑस्ट्रेलिया के खिलाफ कोलकाता में हैटट्रिक ली थी। वह टेस्ट में हैटट्रिक लेने वाले पहले भारतीय बने थे। उनके बाद यह कारनामा तेज गेंदबाज इरफान पठान (सलमान बट्ट, यूनिस खान और मोहम्मद यूसुफ) ने 2006 में पाकिस्तान के खिलाफ किया था।

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Ligue 1: 10-man Lyon held to frustrating draw by Bordeaux; Nimes hand promoted Brest first defeat of season

Paris: Ten-man Lyon dropped points in Ligue 1 for the second straight match as Sylvinho's side were held to a 1-1 draw at the Groupama Stadium by Bordeaux.

A busy transfer window and thumping victories in their opening two games of the season had raised hopes that Lyon could challenge reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain for the title.

Lyon dropped points for consecutive games after being held to a draw by Bordeaux. Romain Lafabregue/AFP

But the midweek 1-0 loss to Montpellier was followed with another disappointing performance, as Jimmy Briand grabbed Bordeaux a point midway through the second half after Memphis Depay's opener and Thiago Mendes' sending off.

"The sending off of Thiago Mendes penalised us. It seemed to me that it was an exaggerated (fall)," said Sylvinho, who replaced Bruno Genesio as Lyon coach in May.

"I am sad about the result and the sending off."

Depay fired the hosts into a 32nd-minute lead with a low, left-footed strike after racing away from the visiting defence and has now scored four league goals in as many games this season.

But the dismissal of Mendes, a close-season signing from Lille, for a second yellow card changed the match and Briand equalised in the 67th minute after a goalmouth scramble.

"It's very hard to digest, clearly two points lost, but the good thing is that we did not lose," said Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes.

"We lacked focus and maturity to finish the game XI against XI."

Rennes will put Ligue 1's last 100 percent record on the line against Nice on Sunday, but only need a point to retake top spot from PSG, who beat Metz 2-0 on Friday.

Elsewhere on Saturday, promoted Brest suffered their first defeat of the season with a 3-0 loss at Nimes, while Angers moved into third by beating pointless Dijon 2-0.

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Bundesliga: Union Berlin stun Borussia Dortmund to notch historic first-ever league win; Bayern Munich thrash Mainz

Berlin: Union Berlin pulled off perhaps the biggest victory in their turbulent history, defeating Borussia Dortmund 3-1 at the Stadion An der Alten Foersterei on Saturday.

Dortmund came into the match heavily favoured to win and reclaim their place on top of the table but struggled to match Berlin's enthusiasm in sweltering conditions in the German capital.

Union Berlin players celebrate Marius Bulter's second goal. Reuters/Annegret Hilse

Union were 1-0 in the 22nd minute, with Marius Buelter scoring the side's first-ever top-flight goal at home.

Buelter latched onto a Berlin corner which had been struck low and fast, hammering the ball into the bottom right of the net.

The goal stung Dortmund into action, who equalised just two minutes later through Paco Alcacer.

Dortmund coasted through the remainder of the first half, dominating possession and territory as they went in search of what seemed like an inevitable second.

It was Union who would score next, however, with Buelter grabbing a second by pouncing on a desperate clearance from Dortmund keeper Roman Buerki.

Sebastian Andersson added another in the 75th minute to put the home side 3-1 up and seal their first-ever win in the top division.

Union manager Urs Fischer said he was proud of his side's performance — and planned on letting them savour the victory.

"We knew that it would be a really difficult 90 minutes — when you want to take points off (Dortmund) you have to work hard and try everything. And we did it," Fischer said.

"I think there might be a beer or two tonight — we'll see if we get around to completing the video analysis tonight or not."

Dortmund captain Marco Reus said the entire team was to blame for the loss.

"We had plenty of opportunities but the last pass seemed to fail us every time," he said.

"We simply didn't put in enough tonight."

Bayern dominate Mainz

Earlier on Saturday, Bayern Munich new boy Ivan Perisic bagged his first goal for the Bundesliga champions as they romped to a 6-1 win over a hapless Mainz at the Allianz Arena.

Robert Lewandowski scored his sixth of the season in just three games, while Benjamin Pavard, David Alaba, Kingsley Coman and Alphonso Davies also found the net.

In Freiburg, Cologne's Ellyes Skhiri scored the winner in second-half injury time to secure the visitors a 2-1 victory.

Freiburg took the lead in the 40th minute through an own goal by Rafael Czichos, before Cologne fan favourite Anthony Modeste equalised in the 52nd minute.

Schalke picked up their first win of the season over a disappointing Hertha Berlin at Gelsenkirchen's Veltins Arena.

Hertha scored own goals either side of half-time through Niklas Stark and Karim Rekik.

English defender Jonjoe Kenny added a third in the 86th minute to make it 3-0 — the first goal by a Schalke player this season — to put the game beyond doubt.

Wolfsburg and Paderborn fought out a 1-1 draw at the Volkswagen Arena.

Newly-promoted Paderborn went ahead through Cauly Souza in the 12th minute, before Josip Brekalo equalised in the 56th minute.

At the BayArena, visitors Hoffenheim ended Bayer Leverkusen's 100 percent start to the season as the sides fought out a 0-0 draw.

The visitors had to endure a six-minute spell of injury time but held firm against a luckless Leverkusen attack.

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IND vs WI: बुमराह ने ली हैटट्रिक, बने ये रेकॉर्ड

किंग्सटन (जमैका) भारत के लिए टेस्ट हैटट्रिक लेने वाले तीसरे गेंदबाज बन गए हैं। बुमराह ने वेस्ट इंडीज के खिलाफ यहां के सबीना पार्क मैदान पर जारी दूसरे टेस्ट मैच के दूसरे दिन शनिवार को पारी के 9वें ओवर में तीन गेंदों पर तीन बल्लेबाजों को आउट कर यह कारनामा कर दिखाया। बुमराह ने नौवें ओवर की दूसरी गेंद पर डैरेन ब्रावो (4), तीसरी गेंद पर शाहमार ब्रूक्स (0) और चौथी गेंद पर रोस्टन चेज (0) को आउट कर हैटट्रिक पूरी कर अपना नाम इतिहास के पन्नों में दर्ज करा लिया। पढ़ें: भारत के लिए तीसरी हैटट्रिक इस तरह जसप्रीत बुमराह टेस्ट में हैटट्रिक लेने वाले तीसरे भारतीय गेंदबाज बने, जबकि वेस्ट इंडीज में हैटट्रिक लेने वाले पहले भारतीय बने। हैटट्रिक की बात करें तो बुमराह से पहले भारत के लिए हरभजन सिंह (रिकी पॉन्टिंग, एडम गिलक्रिस्ट और शेन वॉर्न) ने 2001 में ऑस्ट्रेलिया के खिलाफ कोलकाता में हैटट्रिक ली थी। वह टेस्ट में हैटट्रिक लेने वाले पहले भारतीय बने थे। उनके बाद यह कारनामा तेज गेंदबाज इरफान पठान (सलमान बट्ट, यूनिस खान और मोहम्मद यूसुफ) ने 2006 में पाकिस्तान के खिलाफ किया था। यह मैच कराची में खेला गया था। पढ़ें: इन रेकॉर्ड्स के बारे में भी जानें

• अगली हैटट्रिक के लिए हालांकि भारत को 13 साल का इंतजार करना पड़ा। इरफान ने भारत के लिए आखिरी हैटट्रिक 2006 में ली थी।
• रेकॉर्ड लिस्ट में नजर डाली जाए तो यह ओवरऑल टेस्ट टेस्ट इतिहास की 44वीं हैटट्रिक है।
• दुनिया को हैटट्रिक के लिए दो वर्ष का इंतजार करना पड़ा। 2017 में इंग्लैंड के मोइन अली ने दक्षिण अफ्रीका के खिलाफ हैटट्रिक पूरी की थी। इसके दो वर्ष बाद अब बुमराह ने अगली हैटट्रिक पूरी की है।
• यह वेस्ट इंडीज में तीसरी हैटट्रिक है, जबकि कैरेबियाई मैदान पर हैटट्रिक लेने वाले बुमराह पहले भारतीय हैं।
• यह तीसरा मौका है, जब हैटट्रिक का तीसरा विकेट DRS से मिला। इससे पहले रंगना हेराथ (श्रीलंका vs ऑस्ट्रेलिया, गाले, 2016), मोइन अली (इंग्लैंड vs साउथ अफ्रीका, द ओवल, 2017) के साथ ऐसा हुआ था।

भारत के पास 329 रनों की बढ़त दूसरे दिन शनिवार का खेल खत्म होने तक मेजबान टीम बुमराह (16-6) की घातक गेंदबाजी के आगे बेबस नजर आई और उसने अपनी पहली पारी में 87 रनों पर सात विकेट गंवा दिए हैं। भारत ने पहली पारी में हनुमा विहारी (111) के शानदार शतक की बदौलत 416 रन बनाए थे। इस लिहाज से मेजबान टीम 329 रन पीछे है।

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India vs West Indies: Jasprit Bumrah's hat-trick attests his mastery over Dukes ball and intellectual thrill he brings to the table

Jasprit Bumrah has always been infatuated about improving his skills. Last year after being ruled out of T20 and ODI series in England due to a fractured finger, he returned home with a box of Dukes balls. Unable to bowl, Bumrah spent his time by acquainting himself to Dukes ball by resting and running his index and middle fingers down the seam.

Jasprit Bumrah became only the third Indian to claim a Test hat-trick on Saturday. AFP

What was the purpose of it? Burmah had never bowled with the Dukes ball and wanted to make sure the skin on his fingers was familiar with the prominent seam. Bumrah had heard how the pronounced Dukes ball seam had been inflicting minor cuts on the Indian bowler's fingertips and he wanted to ensure his fingers were seasoned for the challenge ahead.

On Saturday evening as most of India dozed off, Bumrah hooped the Dukes ball like a magician as he became the only third Indian bowler to claim a hat-trick to finish the day with figures of 6-16. Ever since his finger gripping project in India, Bumrah has picked a wicket every 38 balls with the Dukes ball.

It just further exemplifies his maturity and his constant drive to improve. Bumrah might be blessed with a unique action, but his evolving skills are a credit to his mind and hard work. Above all, he has the brains to outsmart the batsmen.

Last week in Antigua, he terrorised the West Indies left-handers with inswingers. At Sabina Park, he tortured them by shaping the ball away from the bat. Dwayne Bravo was a victim of Bumrah's sheer brilliance. Bumrah had uprooted his off-stump with a prodigious inswinger in the previous innings, so he knew the left-hander would be anticipating the ball angling towards him. Bravo had even changed his guard, but what he did not foresee is the delivery that jagged across him. Burmah meant it and got it his reward.

Shamarh Brooks would have seen Bumrah uprooting stumps with the outswinger from the dressing room a few days ago, so he was ambushed by the one that swung late and cannoned into his pads. Roston Chase also looked amused as his first ball tailed in late to strike him in front of his stumps. In a space of three balls, Burmah had perhaps scarred the West Indies top-order for life. His mind is far too advanced. His dexterity is far too supreme.

A toe-crushing yorker and a crunchy nip-backer would have been satisfactory for most bowlers in the world, but not Bumrah. He wanted to evolve and kept picking people's mind. Bumrah developed an outswinger with the aid of RP Singh. The former Indian quick solidified his wrist position and showed him how to manipulate it at release point.

But while others might have tried it immediately on the grand stage, Bumrah waited patiently until he had mastered it. The perplexed look on Keaton's Jenning's face as he shouldered arms to one that cut back at him in Southampton Test was a sight to behold.

"Lot of hard-work and practice goes into that (bowling the outswinger). I always had the inswinger but the more I played the more confident I got. Playing with the Dukes ball in England helped me a lot too. It has helped my confidence," he said after the first match.

Bumrah now faces a healthy conundrum — does he execute an outswinger or the inswinger? He can now accomplish both by a slight manipulation of his wrists. It is an art that not many have managed to master in the history of the game. Only 12 Test matches in his career, Bumrah has conquered it. But perhaps above all, it is the intellectual thrill in watching Bumrah unleashing his weapons that makes him far superior to anyone in the world.

"(We are) always trying to evolve as a bowler and always trying to do new things and when the ball is not swinging maybe try and use the seam to get the movement. A lot of communication goes between the bowlers and sometimes you just need to hit good areas and everything else will follow", he said.

Those close to Bumrah say he is a fast learner and one thought that constantly lingers in his mind is 'what next?' A toe crushing yorker, sharp bouncer, a slower ball, an inswinger, an outswinger, and even a Test hat-trick — seriously what next? Bumrah probably knows it already or perhaps with the big home season coming up he will just start flicking the SG ball in his fingers.

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Serie A: Kalidou Koulibaly's late own-goal hands Juventus victory in seven-goal thriller against Napoli; AC Milan win

Milan: Kalidou Koulibaly handed Juventus a dramatic win on Saturday with a last-gasp own goal that consigned Napoli to a painful 4-3 Serie A defeat after his side had battled back from three goals down to level the scores.

The Senegal international shanked in Paulo Dybala's free-kick under no pressure in the second minute of stoppage time to hand Juve the three points in Turin and put Maurizio Sarri's side top with a maximum six points, leaving Napoli with nothing to show for their Herculean efforts.

Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly sinks to the ground after scoring the own goal that gave Juventus a 4-3 win. Alessandro di Marco/ANSA via AP

"It's an own goal that hurts me because it came after an incredible comeback," Koulibaly later said on Twitter.

"I'm sorry but I have to — we have to accept it: we are strong. We have shown that. We're going to prove it."

Koulibaly's blunder undid all of Napoli's good work in fighting back from the dead with less than half-an-hour left, with goals from Danilo just 20 seconds after he came on as a substitute, Gonzalo Higuain — back at Juventus after loan spells at AC Milan and Chelsea — and Cristiano Ronaldo on 61 minutes giving the reigning champions what looked like an unassailable lead.

However two goals in as many minutes from Kostas Manolas and Hirving Lozano shortly after Ronaldo had made it three brought Napoli back into the game, and Giovanni Di Lorenzo sent the away fans wild with a close-range finish to set up a tense final nine minutes.

But with at least point seemingly in the bag, Koulibaly made it a nightmare end for Carlo Ancelotti's men, who finished on the wrong end of a 4-3 scoreline after winning by the same margin at Fiorentina last weekend.

"It was a rollercoaster. We lost control of the game and got distracted, so they managed to equalise, but fortunately, in the end, we still won," said Higuain, who spun Koulibaly before slamming home Juventus' superb second.

The champions made light of the absence of captain Giorgio Chiellini, out with anterior cruciate ligament knee injury, and Sarri, who is battling pneumonia and was not on the bench.

Ancelotti meanwhile was left to regret a "wasted opportunity" after losing in such gut-wrenching fashion.

"It was not a positive performance. The first hour we didn't do well. But despite the 3-0 we stayed in the game, we came back," said Ancelotti.

"Juventus have so much character and quality, we know that they always step up in the important moments of the season.

"We wasted an opportunity today."

AC Milan scrape opening win

Earlier Turkey midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu claimed AC Milan's first three points of the season after scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over newly-promoted Brescia.

The 25-year-old connected with a cross from Spanish winger Suso to head a 12th-minute winner after Milan had lost their opener to Udinese last weekend.

Poland forward Krzysztof Piatek, who finished third in Serie A's scorers' chart last season with 22 goals, Lucas Paqueta and Fabio Borini all started on the bench for the side who have been banned from this season's Europa League for breaking financial fair play rules.

Dimitri Bisoli missed a chance to equalise, sending a shot over the bar with Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma denying Ricardo Rodriguez's deflected shot before the break.

Piatek come on for the last half an hour in place of Andre Silva, with Paqueta replacing Calhanoglu five minutes later.

The hosts came to life in the final 10 minutes with Piatek missing a chance to get a second goal for Milan, then setting up Paqueta who also drew a blank.

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LaLiga: Ansu Fati becomes third-youngest player to score in league but can't rescue Barcelona from draw at Osasuna

Pamplona: Ansu Fati became the third-youngest player to score in LaLiga on Saturday but the 16-year-old could not rescue Barcelona from being held to a 2-2 draw away at newly-promoted Osasuna.

Fati equalised five minutes after coming on at half-time and Barcelona looked likely to complete the comeback when Arthur Melo, also on a substitute, made it two 13 minutes later at El Sadar Stadium.

Barcelona's Ansu Fati celebrates after scoring against Osasuna. Ander Gillenea/AFP

Yet Roberto Torres, who had given Osasuna an early lead, delivered a twist by scoring a late second from the penalty spot after Gerard Pique handballed.

As Barcelona refuse to give up on their pursuit of Neymar before the transfer window closes on Monday, this was another reminder of the talent that already exists in their ranks.

Coach Ernesto Valverde appears ready to look to the future rather than the past, with Carles Perez, a 21-year-old product of La Masia, also providing two assists on his second consecutive start.

He should even have scored the winner but the concern will be that Barcelona needed Fati and Perez at all, even taking into account the injuries to Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele.

Antoine Griezmann put on a statement display in the win over Real Betis last weekend but he was quiet again here and it remains to be seen whether the club's president Josep Maria Bartomeu feels negotiations for Neymar should now be pushed over the line.

Guillermo Amor, Barcelona's director of institutional relations, told Movistar on Saturday the deal is not dead.

"The market closes soon but we still have a few days," said Amor. "Nothing is done and we are waiting to see what can happen. Of course, something can happen at the last minute. We are calm."

Bad Barca

Roberto Torres also came through the ranks at Osasuna and has more than 200 appearances for the club. His double means they are unbeaten from their first three games, having returned to the top flight for the first time since 2017.

Both teams stood for a minute's silence before kick-off in a show of support for Luis Enrique, Barcelona's former coach and player, whose daughter Xana died aged nine last week. Barcelona's fans then chanted his name when the silence ended.

Barcelona started badly and got worse in the second half, the opening 45 minutes strewn with misplaced passes and lacking a single chance for the visitors.

Osasuna also forced the issue, pressing hard and showing more bite than Barcelona, with Brandon and Roberto Torres causing a raft of problems for the Barcelona backline.

Their goal came from Brandon, who twisted and turned down the right to leave Clement Lenglet on the floor. He sent a cross to the back post where Nelson Semedo got caught and Roberto Torres smashed home.

Barcelona never found their rhythm and it might have been Sergi Roberto putting a simple pass out of play that persuaded Valverde to make a half-time change.

Fati came on for Semedo, with Sergi dropping into right back. The goal came from that side too as Perez crossed and Fati rose high, hung in the air and powered a header inside the post.

Transformed, Arthur came on for Rafinha two minutes later and within a minute, Barca scored again. Perez provided the assist, freeing Arthur who used Jordi Alba's overlapping run to cut inside and curl into the far corner.

The hard work looked done but Osasuna rallied. Juan Villar tested Marc-Andre ter Stegen and with nine minutes left, Pique handballed, allowing Roberto Torres to slide in the penalty for his second of the game.

Perez might have won it for Barcelona in the 88th minute. He had only Osasuna's Ruben to beat but was caught in two minds and the chance was gone.

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PKL 2019: गुजरात फॉर्चूनजाइंट्स ने चैंपियन बेंगलुरू बुल्स को हराया

Pro Kabaddi League 2019:गुजरात फॉर्चूनजाइंट्स ने शानदार प्रदर्शन करते हुए प्रो कबड्डी लीग के मैच में बेंगलुरू बुल्स को 32-23 से हराया। सचिन के पांच रेड अंक और टीम के सामूहिक प्रयास के दम पर गुजरात ने...

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Premier League: Table toppers Liverpool maintain 100 percent record with comfortable win over Burnley

Burnley: Jurgen Klopp admitted he has been surprised by Liverpool's 100 percent start to the Premier League season after a 3-0 victory at Burnley on Saturday kept his side two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table.

The European champions struggled in pre-season, losing three times, as they had to cope largely without Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane after their participation in international tournaments during the summer.

Roberto Firmino and Mohammed Salah celebrate Liverpool's third goal. Anthony Devlin/PA via AP

But all three have picked up where they left off last season as Klopp's men extended their winning run in the Premier League to a club-record 13 games.

"If you ask me four weeks ago I wouldn't expect it would happen," said Klopp.

"We had a tricky pre-season. No pre-season for the front three but they still deliver. So far, so good."

Burnley were left to rue missing the first big chance of the match when Chris Wood got in behind the Liverpool defence just three minutes in and turned Virgil van Dijk, but the New Zealander's shot was just too close to Adrian, who palmed the ball to safety.

Liverpool went straight down the other end and were inches away from an early lead themselves when Salah's fiercely struck effort came back off the post.

The Egyptian then did not get the break of the ball as Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope's clearance bounced off Salah and inches wide.

However, fortune did favour Jurgen Klopp's men 12 minutes before half-time.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was clearly looking to deliver a cross into the box, but the ball flicked off Wood and looped over Pope into the far corner.

Burnley then played a huge part in their own downfall moments later when Ben Mee gifted possession to Firmino inside the hosts' half.

The Brazil forward strode forward before releasing a perfect pass so Mane did not have to break his stride in finding the bottom corner.

Firmino then became the first Brazilian to score 50 Premier League goals when he found the bottom corner from just outside the box 10 minutes from time.

"On transition they are deadly," said Burnley boss Sean Dyche. "We gave them too many cheap turnovers in dangerous areas.

"They were the better side and deserved to win the game but 3-0 doesn't really reflect the game."

Liverpool could ease off the gas after the break to record their first clean sheet of the season as Burnley rarely threatened to get back into the game.

"We controlled the game as much as you can," added Klopp. "Wood and (Ashley) Barnes fight so hard for these balls, and we defended it really well. We were aggressive but gave away no fouls, we worked our socks off."

Klopp also downplayed the one flashpoint that came when Mane reacted angrily to being substituted moments after Salah choose to go for goal himself rather than squaring for his teammate, who appeared in a better position.

"Sadio is an emotional guy," said Klopp. "Something went not like he wanted, it is not the substitution. We will clarify it in the dressing room."

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बुमराह से फिर थर्राया वेस्ट इंडीज, 6 विकेट झटके

किंगस्टन भारत के तेज गेंदबाज एक बार फिर वेस्ट इंडीज के बल्लेबाजों पर कहर बनकर टूटे। शनिवार को दूसरे टेस्ट के दूसरे दिन वेस्ट इंडीज के बल्लेबाज एक बार फिर बुमराह के सामने घुटने टेकते दिखे। बुमराह ने करियर की पहली हैटट्रिक के साथ कुल 6 विकेट झटके। इस तरह भारत के 416 रन के जवाब में वेस्ट इंडीज ने फिलहाल 7 विकेट गंवकार सिर्फ 87 रन बनाए हैं। बता दें कि एंटीगा टेस्ट में वेस्ट इंडीज के खिलाफ मात्र 7 रन देकर 5 विकेट चटकाने वाले बुमराह किंगस्टन में भी अपनी गेंद से कहर बरपाते दिखे। वेस्ट इंडीज के गेंदबाज एक के बाद एक उनका शिकार बनते रहे। पहले टेस्ट में जहां बुमराह ने 5 विकेट लिए, वहीं दूसरे टेस्ट में वेस्ट इंडीज की पहली पारी में अब तक वह 6 विकेट ले चुके हैं। हनुमा ने जड़ा शतक इससे पहले युवा बल्लेबाज हनुमा विहारी के शानदार शतक के दम पर भारत ने पहली पारी 416 रन पर खत्म की। इस रन का पीछा करने उतरी वेस्ट इंडीज के बल्लेबाज भारतीय गेंदबाजों के सामने पहली गेंद से ही घुटने टेकते नजर आए। खासकर बुमराह को लेकर खौफ उनमें साफ दिख रहा था। नतीजा यह रहा कि सिर्फ 87 रन पर वेस्ट इंडीज के 7 विकेट गिर चुके हैं। बुमराह के अलावा मोहम्मद शमी ने भी एक विकेट झटका है। की शानदार बल्लेबाजी इससे पहले तेज गेंदबाज इशांत शर्मा ने करियर का पहला अर्धशतक जड़कर सबको चौंकाया। शर्मा ने हनुमा विहारी के साथ मिलकर 112 रन की शानदार साझेदारी की। इसी की बदौलत भारत 400 का आंकड़ा पार करने में सफल रहा।

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पानी में ट्रेडमिल कर होगा प्लेयर्स की चोट का इलाज

नई दिल्ली चोट से जल्द रिकवरी के लिए अब खिलाड़ी पानी के अंदर जिम और ट्रेडमिल करेंगे और उनकी फिजियोथेरपी होगी। इस तरह की कई अन्य अंतरराष्ट्रीय सुविधाएं अब सफदरजंग के स्पोर्ट्स इंजरी सेंटर में मिलेगी। शुक्रवार को केंद्रीय स्वास्थ्य मंत्री डॉक्टर हर्षवर्धन ने स्पोर्ट्स इंजरी सेंटर के एक्सटेंशन का शिलान्यास किया। तीन एकड़ में सेंटर की दूसरी बिल्डिंग बनाई जाएगी, जिसे 2021 तक शुरू करने का लक्ष्य रखा गया है। डॉ. हर्षवर्धन ने कहा कि उन्हें पूरी उम्मीद है कि यह प्रोजेक्ट समय रहते पूरा होगा। सेंटर के चीफ डॉ. आरके आर्या का कहना है कि खिलाडिय़ों की रिकवरी के लिए अंडर वॉटर जिम बनाया जाएगा। उन्होंने कहा कि पानी के अंदर इस तरह की फिजियोथेरेपी से ऐथलेटिक्स को ज्यादा फायदा होता है। देश का पहला ऐसा सेंटर होगा जहां पर अंतरराष्ट्रीय स्तर की सारी सुविधाएं होंगी। इसमें पानी के अंदर जिम, ट्रेडमिल, हाई अल्टिट्यूड ट्रेनिंग चैंबर, कैडेवरिक लैब भी होंगी। इसके बाद अमेरिका की तर्ज पर भारत में भी पानी के अंदर खिलाड़ी फिजियोथेरेपी कर सकेंगे। 2010 में यह सेंटर कॉमनवेल्थ गेम्स के दौरान शुरू किया गया था। फिलहाल इस केंद्र में 35 बेड हैं। लेकिन अब सेंटर में 156 आईसीयू बेड होंगे। करीब 483 करोड़ का बजट इसे दिया गया है। खास बात यह है कि नए सेंटर में इलाज के साथ-साथ स्पोर्ट्स इंजरी की पढ़ाई और ट्रेनिंग भी होगी।

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Formula 1 Paddock Diaries, Day 2 at Belgian Grand Prix: Grosjean hints at life outside F1, Racing Point confirm Perez, Ferrari top free practice

Friday at Belgian Grand Prix brought with it a fair share of excitement as the cars finally hit the track after a long summer break. The stands started filling up, and tiny food trucks selling fries and burgers suddenly sprung up on the winding roads to Spa through the Ardennes mountains. Interestingly, we saw hundreds of fans camping with tents in the rolling green meadows around the wide expanse of the race track.

Grosjean thinking of life beyond F1?

Romain Grosjean does not have a confirmed contract with a team for 2020 F1 season. AFP

The writing may well be on the wall for Romain Grosjean. The Frenchman has struggled with pace and consistency - and now does not have a confirmed contract for 2020 - although he insisted that he was "pretty confident" about retaining his seat at Haas. Even so, speculation is rife that Nico Hulkenberg will claim Grosjean’s seat at Haas. If Hulkenberg does take his seat, could Grosjean find refuge in Williams where Robert Kubica’s most certainly not going to get a renewal?

Grosjean evaluated his alternatives outside F1, saying, “There are options in F1, and there are options also in other categories. Le Mans is one, there are other categories that I'm quite interested in. Formula E could be one, yes. It's a nice championship, and obviously very, very different from Formula 1, but quite competitive and with some good constructors coming in which is always exciting, and maybe one or two others.” He flatly refused a future in Indycar though - saying that he was “too scared of ovals."

It's the first qualifying for 4 weeks!

Don't miss it - wherever you may be 🌎🌍🌏#F1Starts #BelgianGP 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/mnqqs0jFuO

— Formula 1 (@F1) August 30, 2019

Hamilton turns burger entrepreneur

Lewis Hamilton has been in the news lately for a very unusual reason. He launched his own plant-based burger chain called 'Neat Burger' in London. Hamilton hopes that the chain will "transform the way people see plant-based food." We know that the Briton enjoys in dabbling in side pursuits off the track - especially on the creative side of things. Question is, what’s next? On a side note, burger jokes and puns have been flying around the paddock all week thanks to this launch. Our personal favourite: why didn’t Hamilton just call his chain - HAMburger!

How Tost welcomed Gasly back to Toro Rosso

We’ve been discussing Pierre Gasly’s demotion to Toro Rosso and what that means for various stakeholders. Just when we thought we’d heard it all, we got a fresh perspective from Franz Tost, the team principal of Toro Rosso. He shared with the media including Firstpost, “I don’t hope it’s a disappointment to return to Toro Rosso. Gasly is welcome with us. It was only a short time he was not with us. He came to my office, I said to him: “Ah, it looks like you were here yesterday.” Good to see that his humour is intact in a rather complicated scenario.

Brawn mulls different race formats in 2020

Ross Brawn shared his thoughts about using the stable regulations next year to maybe trial some different race formats ahead of 2021. He talked about shortening the weekend from an operational point of view for the teams and also restricting the amount of time the teams were at the circuit. He pondered, "Could we have two slightly shorter sessions on a Friday afternoon?" Racing Point’s Otmar Szafnauer revealed that the last time the teams met, they did discuss some formats on Saturday to maybe mix up the grids for Sunday. Further discussions on the matter are scheduled after Monza. Gunther Steiner of Haas added, “We need to look that by changing the format the costs don’t go up – that we do more and don’t get more out of it.” Let’s hope whatever Formula 1 attempts doesn’t go down the same route as the previously trialed elimination qualifying system in 2016.

Sergio Perez re-signs with Racing Point #F1 Team for the next 3 years. Woah! That’s a mid-field team that’s locked up it’s driver line-up well into the new era of the sport. Also an indication that Perez’s talent has limited taking elsewhere?#RacingPoint

— Kunal Shah (@kunalashah) August 30, 2019

Racing Point confirms Perez (as expected)

The least surprising driver announcement happened as well. Racing Point confirmed Sergio Perez for 2020. What was surprising though was that Perez signed a three year contract with Racing Point until 2022. He shared, “I have been impressed with the direction the team has taken over the last 12 months and that gives me confidence for the future. I believe the best times are still to come and I look forward to celebrating plenty of podiums in the years ahead.” The fact is that there is almost no vacancy for Perez at any of the front running teams and the former Ferrari junior and Mclaren driver may have to contend with never racing for a top team in Formula 1 again.

As for Racing Point, Perez is a stable and consistent option to retain - a driver who is bankable of solid points scoring performances every racing weekend. Given Stroll’s inconsistencies, Perez could be the team’s balancing factor.

Ferrari’s Friday

Friday’s Free Practice sessions were dominated by the Ferrari drivers. Sebastian Vettel topped FP1, while Charles Leclerc claimed the honours in FP2. The hotter conditions and circuit characteristics seemed to have suited Ferrari’s package better. “I don’t expect to beat Ferrari but hopefully we can be closer to Mercedes” said Verstappen, while Bottas admitted that "Ferrari have been really strong today, really killing us on the straights.” Could Spa really be the venue of Ferrari’s first win of 2019? But first, let’s see who manages what in qualifying. Alexander Albon’s first day as a Red Bull driver was impressive, as he managed 4th and 10th in the timing sheets, prompting team boss Christian Horner to label his first day as "very encouraging."

Another top session for @ScuderiaFerrari 👌

Drama at the finish for @RacingPointF1 🔥

It's all the best bits from FP2 at Spa 🍿#F1 #BelgianGP 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/1IYzgQec5J

— Formula 1 (@F1) August 30, 2019

Ocon: At Renault, And At Mercedes?

Esteban Ocon’s multi-year appointment with Renault was confirmed on Thursday, but would he still continue to be a part of Mercedes’ driver program? The answer to this question had to be waited till Cyril Abiteboul’s appearance at the official press conference on Friday: “No. He’s (Ocon) a Renault driver, that’s very clear. Mercedes will have absolutely no right on him for the duration of his contract. So, small difference is that his management company happens to be a racing team, and that’s Mercedes – but it’s a slightly different setup from the setup we had with Carlos (Sainz) last year, where that was on loan and not under contract with Red Bull – but he (Ocon) will be a fully-fledged Renault driver,” explained Abiteboul.

However, the question in our minds is what Mercedes would do if Hamilton decides to depart or if Bottas requires to be replaced? Will Mercedes prove that a contract is a piece of paper after all?

Jehan’s First Pole Of 2019

Away from Spa, India’s brightest single-seater racing prospect, Jehan Daruvala, secured his first-ever pole position in the Formula 3 championship by clocking a lap 0.2 sec faster than his nearest rivals. As you read this post, Jehan would’ve completed his Race 1 of the weekend (held on Saturdays). So remember to check social media for updates on his race performance.

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Formula 1 2019: Pierre Gasly was demoted to Toro Rosso because he struggled with pressure, says Red Bull's Christian Horner

Spa-Francorchamps: Red Bull chief Christian Horner revealed on Friday that the team demoted Pierre Gasly to spare the driver from the pressures of racing against Max Verstappen in a front-running outfit.

Horner said Frenchman Gasly was struggling to handle the challenge and, after a poor weekend at the Hungarian Grand Prix, the team needed to take action.

Toro Rosso's Pierre Gasly ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix. Reuters/Francois Lenoir

"We took a bit of time to reflect after Hungary," said Horner.

"We came to a conclusion that it was almost fairer for Pierre — and from a team perspective — to say 'we're in a unique position with four cockpits in F1 so let's take the pressure off him'.

"He was obviously struggling with that pressure. The situation was getting worse and worse and compounding itself so we decided to give him time to rebuild himself at Toro Rosso and to give Alex (Albon) the chance."

Horner told Sky Sports that Russian Daniil Kvyat, in consistent form this year with Toro Rosso, was a candidate for promotion, but they wanted to see how Albon coped with the role as a teammate to Verstappen in the senior outfit.

"We know Danny Kvyat," said Horner. "We know him very well and we see his potential, but with Alex, we've seen his potential as well with the simulator running he's been doing.

"So we chose to take these nine races to evaluate him between now and the end of the year and to decide who's going to be Max's teammate next year."

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US Open 2019: Roger Federer 'sick and tired' of suggestions he dictated scheduling at Flushing Meadows after win over Dan Evans

New York: Roger Federer said he was "sick and tired" at suggestions on Friday he dictated the scheduling at the US Open after thrashing Britain's Dan Evans, who was hampered by a quick turnaround between matches.

Five-time champion Federer motored into the last 16 by blowing Evans away 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 in only 80 minutes, the Swiss third seed taking full advantage as just one of five men who benefited from a rest on Thursday.

Roger Federer thrashed Dan Evans in the third round. AP/Sarah Stier

Evans, on the other hand, complained of fatigue and stiffness as he returned to the court barely 18 hours after his four-set win over Frenchman Lucas Pouille in the second round.

"I have been there. I know what you're talking about. Yeah, you could definitely argue that the scheduling was not in his favour," Federer said.

"But it's anyway not fair for me to play my match under the roof, get it done, sit back, relax the next day while he's battling out a four-hour or a three-hour match, whatever it is, against Pouille.

"The problem already starts there. That's tennis. It's entertainment, and the show must go on," he added.

"I've lost matches this way. I've won some this time. Luck was on my side. There you have it. So, yeah, I understand if Danny is, like, a little bit frustrated."

Federer, though, bristled at the notion he asked for the noon start at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

"I know there were questions to have a preference. But that doesn't mean like, 'Roger asks, Roger gets.' Just remember that, because I have heard this shit too often now," he said.

"I'm sick and tired of it, that apparently I call the shots. The tournament and the TV stations do. We can give our opinion. That's what we do. But I'm still going to walk out even if they schedule me at 4:00 in the morning."

'Short straw'

Evans questioned that idea and the World No 58 criticized organizers for sticking him up first in the day session.

"That wouldn't be the first time the higher-ranked player has had pull," Evans said. "The tournament would rather Roger be going through that match than me so it's understandable."

Evans was beaten by Federer in three tight sets at January's Australian Open but was no match for the 20-time Grand Slam champion at Flushing Meadows.

"I was fatigued," he said. "I thought it was pretty tough I was first up after playing yesterday if I'm being brutally honest. It was a bit disappointing.

"Just to try and beat him feeling tired, stiff, playing four sets yesterday, it's near on impossible. But I actually thought he played pretty much, you know, no-error tennis."

"I actually thought I was first on today because I had doubles," Evans added. "I actually asked the ATP guy and that wasn't the case. It would have been nice to be second or a night match. I'm not sure who plays Novak (Djokovic) but someone's going to get the short straw and it was me."

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Serie A: Shunned Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi takes legal action against club for being frozen out of first team, claim reports

Milan: Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi has begun legal action against the Serie A club, demanding to return to full training and 1.5 million euros ($1.6 million) in compensation, according to reports in Italy on Friday.

The Argentinian — who was stripped of the captaincy last season amid a long contract dispute — has been told that he is no longer part of the club's plans under new coach Antonio Conte.

File image of Inter Milan's Mauro Icardi. Reuters/Daniele Mascolo

The 26-year-old has continued to train with the team but is not allowed to take part in full tactical sessions.

His lawyers have written a letter to the club outlining his demands, Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sport Italia reported.

Icardi's wife Wanda Nara, who is also his agent, has insisted he wants to remain at Inter where he has played since 2013 after joining from league rivals Sampdoria.

Icardi was the joint top-scorer in the 2017-18 Serie A campaign with 29 goals but managed just 11 last term having spent 53 days on the sidelines after being replaced as skipper by goalkeeper Samir Handanovic.

The Argentine has been linked with moves away from Inter over the summer to clubs including Juventus, Napoli, Roma, French club Monaco and Atletico Madrid in Spain, with the transfer window closing on 2 September.

Inter Milan endured a topsy-turvy Serie A campaign last season, only securing fourth place and Champions League qualification on the final day.

Luciano Spalletti left his role as head coach in May, with former Juventus, Italy and Chelsea boss Conte taking over.

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Euro 2020 qualifiers: Roberto Mancini drops starlets Moise Kean, Nicolo Zaniolo from Italy squad for ill-discipline

Rome: Italy coach Roberto Mancini has dropped Moise Kean and Nicolo Zaniolo from his squad picked on Friday to face Armenia and Finland in Euro 2020 qualifying, punishing the starlets for their behaviour during the Under-21 European Championships.

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini, 35, who had been named in the squad, was later ruled out as he will undergo surgery after tearing a ligament in his right knee during training with the Serie A champions on Friday.

File image of Italy's Moise Kean. Reuters/Jennifer Lorenzini

Mancini has called up Lazio defender Francesco Acerbi in place of 103-times capped Chiellini.

Roma's exciting midfielder Zaniolo, 20, and Everton's new 19-year-old signing Kean were selected by Mancini last season after bursting onto the scene with impressive displays in Serie A.

However they were dropped for Italy's last group game during the summer's Under-21 tournament, held in their home country, after arriving late for a video session and, as predicted by Italian media, Mancini has decided to extend the punishment to the upcoming senior matches.

The Azzurri, three points clear at top of Group J after winning all four of their matches so far, travel to Armenia on Thursday before taking on second-placed Finland away three days later.

Full-back Luca Pellegrini, loaned to Cagliari after being bought by Juventus from Roma this summer, is the only new face in the squad.

Meanwhile, Mario Balotelli, newly of hometown team Brescia, has not been selected as he serves a four-match suspension for a red card he picked up with Marseille at the end of last season.

Italy squad:

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma (AC Milan), Pierluigi Gollini (Atalanta), Alex Meret (Napoli), Salvatore Sirigu (Torino)

Defenders: Leonardo Bonucci, Mattia De Sciglio (both Juventus), Emerson Palmieri (Chelsea), Alessandro Florenzi, Gianluca Mancini (both Roma), Armando Izzo (Torino), Luca Pellegrini (Cagliari), Alessio Romagnoli (AC Milan), Francesco Acerbi (Lazio)

Midfielders: Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan), Bryan Cristante, Lorenzo Pellegrini (both Roma), Jorginho (Chelsea), Stefano Sensi (Inter Milan), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain)

Forwards: Andrea Belotti (Torino), Federico Bernardeschi (Juventus), Federico Chiesa (Fiorentina), Stephan El Shaarawy (Shanghai Shenhua), Ciro Immobile (Lazio), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli), Kevin Lasagna (Udinese)

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