I Dig Sports

Second seed Osaka close to tears after shock Putintseva loss - highlights & report

Published in Tennis

Monday, 01 July 2019 11:12

Second seed Naomi Osaka has been dumped out of Wimbledon in the first round, losing 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 to Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan.

Japan's Osaka, the US and Australian Open champion, has suffered a dip in form in recent months and struggled throughout her match on Centre Court.

Osaka told journalists she felt like she was "about to cry" after the match.

"There are answers to questions that you guys ask that I still haven't figured out yet," said the 21-year-old.

Osaka, who became the first top-two seed to lose in the opening round at Wimbledon in the women's singles since Martina Hingis in 2001, was 3-1 up in the first set before she was broken back and edged out in the tie-break.

She was then broken in the fifth and seventh games of the second, before her 38th unforced error gave the world number 39 victory.

"I wouldn't blame my age on anything," said Osaka, after being asked if it was a factor in the defeat.

"I've done a lot of good things. I've done a lot of bad things. But I'm not the type of person that would say because I'm young I can get away with doing certain things."

Putintseva also defeated Osaka at the grass-court event in Birmingham in June and the former world number one said that played on her mind.

"I feel like I should have been able to play well today because I wasn't practising bad," she added. "You never know what's going to happen during matches."

Putintseva, 24, impressed on her first outing on Centre Court and said it was "amazing" to progress against Osaka.

"I did a good job out there. I'm very happy now," she said. "Every match is a battle, but you never know what's going to happen. I was hoping I would do my best.

"Every year I feel better on grass, although I think clay is my better surface."

The Kazakh will now face Swiss world number 81 Viktorija Golubic in the second round.

In the build-up to her opening match, Osaka said she had struggled with the "stress and pressure" of being world number one, which she earned by beating Petra Kvitova in Melbourne in January to win her second successive major.

Since that victory, she has only reached one semi-final and also lost her top ranking to French Open winner Ashleigh Barty.

On Monday, aside from the numerous unforced errors, luck also deserted the Japanese player when Putintseva's mis-hit backhand caught the edge of the line and earned her a break for 3-2 in the second set.

Osaka wasted an opportunity to break back when she fired a straightforward volley wide as her opponent grew in confidence and closed out the set.

She now has two months to put things right before her defence of her US Open title.

'Osaka has to go back to the drawing board' - analysis

Tracy Austin, two-time Grand Slam champion on BBC TV

Putintseva had a clear gameplan not to give Osaka any rhythm - nothing was at the same height. Osaka had a chance to get a break back [at 3-2 in the second set], but she looked nervous and was over hitting.

Putintseva stuck with the gameplan and so many players are able to get the set lead but not then able to hold on to it. Osaka has to go back to the drawing board. Everyone was putting her in the mix to win this tournament and she does not look comfortable.

She's one of the biggest stars in the world but so shy, and when the spotlight is on you it is overwhelming.

John McEnroe, three-time Wimbledon singles champion on BBC TV

I don't think Naomi is very comfortable on grass. You need that intensity and be on it. She just does not look like she's all there.

She's distracted. A lot of things have happened and it seems she has lost her confidence, which is amazing from where she was two or three months ago.

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Wimbledon 2019: Shocks, slips & a ball to the face - day one funnies

Published in Tennis

Monday, 01 July 2019 13:29

Watch the quirkier moments from day one at Wimbledon as Venus Williams gets knocked out by a 15-year-old and a line judge takes a ball to the face.

WATCH MORE:Putintseva stuns second seed Osaka in first round

WATCH MORE: Ouch! - Munar shot hits line judge on head

Available to UK users only.

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Gauff, 15, stuns five-time winner Williams in huge Wimbledon upset - highlights & report

Published in Tennis

Monday, 01 July 2019 12:16

Fifteen-year-old American qualifier Cori Gauff caused a stunning upset by defeating five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams in the first round.

World number 313 Gauff beat Williams - 24 years her senior at 39 - 6-4 6-4.

Fellow American Williams had won four Grand Slam titles - including two at Wimbledon - before Gauff was born.

"It's the first time I have ever cried after winning a match," said Gauff, who previously said Venus and sister Serena were her "idols".

"I don't know how to explain how I feel.

"I definitely had to tell myself to stay calm, I had to remind myself that the lines are the same lines, the courts are the same size and after every point I told myself 'stay calm'."

Gauff will play Slovakia's Magdalena Rybarikova - 15 years her senior - in the second round.

Williams turned professional 10 years before her opponent was born, with Gauff being the youngest player to qualify for the main Wimbledon draw since the Open era began in 1968.

She previously said the Williams sisters inspired her to first pick up a tennis racquet.

"Venus told me congratulations and keep going, she said good luck and I told her thanks for everything she did," Gauff added.

"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for her - I told her she was so inspiring and I've always wanted to tell her that but I've never had the guts to before.

"My parents will be super happy, my dad was jumping up every time I won a point. I'm so happy they spent all their time on me and my brothers and making sure we're successful.

"I never thought this would happen. I'm literally living my dream right now.

"I'm really happy Wimbledon gave me the chance to play, I never thought I would get this far."

'The sky's the limit' - a debut to remember

In a sharp introduction to the Wimbledon stage, Gauff initially struggled to return Williams' serve but she soon impressed with big serves of her own.

Gauff, who won the French Open junior title last year, went a break up on Williams for 3-2 in the first set, proving a solid wall that her veteran opponent simply couldn't break down, hitting only two unforced errors throughout the set.

After sealing the set in 35 minutes, she went a break up in the second after Williams double-faulted, only to do the same herself on her own serve as Williams looked to claw back.

She went on to scupper three match points before Williams created a break point, but she failed to capitalise on the chance as Gauff clinched a memorable win on the fourth time of asking.

It marks only the second time Williams has been beaten in the first round at Wimbledon since her 1997 debut.

Asked about Gauff's future, Williams said: "I think the sky's the limit, it really is.

"She did everything well today. She put the ball in the court, which was much better than I did. She served well, moved well. It was a great match for her."

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Promoting the Algerian cause, Karim Boumedouha and Madani Zerigui

Published in Table Tennis

Monday, 01 July 2019 11:50

Madani Zerigui, 37 years old, lives in Algiers; Karim Boumedouha resides in France. They are both members of the eight man Algerian team competing in Alexandria.

Notably, Madani Zerigui is a former Algerian national junior champion but an accident in 2003 changed his life.

Unlike Madani Zerigui, 42 years old France based Karim Boumedouha has lived all his life in Europe, having been born to a French mother and Algerian father. As a player he started representing his adopted country, France, in 2006 and he was part of the 2011 men’s class 10 team that won the Para European Championships in Switzerland. He has featured in three Para European Championships and two Para World Championships for France but has not yet competed in a Paralympic Games.

Now Karim Boumedouha has decided to represent the country of his father’s birth, in Alexandria he is competing for Algeria. A well-known face in para table tennis, Karim Boumedouha is ready to partner with the likes of Madani Zerigui to change the fortune of the para table tennis in Algeria.

“This is the first time that Algeria is competing in any Para African Championships; this is the beginning of good things to come. Unfortunately I narrowly missed out from making it to Tokyo 2020 after losing to South Africa’s Theo Cogill in the semi-final of the men’s class 10. I am not giving up yet as I am hoping to make it to Paris 2024 in France. I am ready to help my country to raise the profile of the sport. I am also impressed with the quality of African players, especially Nigeria because they have good players,” Karim Boumedouha

Karim Boumedouha, who plies his trade with the French fourth division Club Saint Pierre Les Elbert in the Normandy region, north west France, believes Algeria can compete favourably with Egypt and Nigeria in future events.

Like Karim Boumedouha, Madani Zerigui, who represents the Athletic Club of Boudouadu, he is excited that they are competing at the continental tournament for the first time.

“I had an accident in 2003; then I was the national junior champion in Algeria, I cannot stop playing the game and now I train with able bodied players, while as an ITTF Level 1 certified coach, I train young players who are now playing for the Algeria national team. I am hopeful that with Karim Boumedouha and others we can give the sport a new face in Algeria.” Madani Zerigui

Play in Alexandria concludes on Tuesday 2nd July.

2019 Para African Championships: Latest Results and Draws

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Paralympic Games bound, Mohamed Sameh Eid Salah for fifth time

Published in Table Tennis

Monday, 01 July 2019 12:05

Competing in class 4, the top seed, beaten the previous day in the group stage of proceedings by Nigeria’s Isau Ogunkunle (11-8, 8-11, 6-11, 11-1, 11-7), one day later by the very narrowest of margins, Mohamed Sameh Eid Salah turned the tables. He prevailed in five games to send his supporters into hysterics (11-8, 8-11, 6-11, 11-1, 11-7).

“I am so excited that I will be going to my fifth Paralympic Games in Tokyo but I must admit that it was a difficult route for me this year. My opponent is a good player and I think he is still young and can still make it to the Paralympic Games. Generally, this has been the toughest qualification for me and I am so happy that I will become the first African para table tennis player to compete in five Paralympic Games,” Mohamed Sameh Eid Saleh

Success for the top seed; in group organised men’s singles events, likewise in class 2 it was gold for colleague Kamal El-Rashidy. He finished ahead of Essameldin Mahmoud, also from Egypt. Likewise, it was top spot for Nigeria’s Victor Farinloye in class 8, as it was in class 11 for Tunisia’s Karim Gharsallah. The Ivory Coast’s Kouame Kouado and Egypt’s Ahmed Ashmawy reserved respective second places.

Meanwhile, in men’s singles events where there were two stages, group followed by knock-out, the top seeds also enjoyed success. Additional to Mohamed Sameh Eid Saleh; in all Egyptian finals, in class 3 Ahmed Koleosho beat Khaled Ramadan (11-4, 11-6, 8-11, 12-12) to secure gold; in class 7 Ahmed Sayed Moahmed succeeded at the expense of Abousteit Abdelmoneim (11-4, 11-4, 11-8). Similarly, in class 9 Tajudeen Agunbale accounted for Hussein Hussein Hassan (11-2, 11-6, 11-6) to claim the top prize.

Titles secured as anticipated, it was the same in the women’s singles events; in group administered competitions. In class 6-8, Hanna Hammad finished ahead of Egyptian colleague Zaki Dalia; in class 9-10 Nigeria’s Faith Obazuaye secured top spot with the host nation’s Reda Abdelaal in runners up spot.

Predictable outcomes but there were surprises. In women’s singles class 2-5, Faiza Mahmoud, the no.2 seed, beat Nigeria’s Chineye Obiora, the top seed, in the final (12-10, 18-16, 9-11, 11-6) to cause a minor ripple. In the men’s singles competitions the waves were much greater. In class 1 Egypt’s Eslam Raslan finished ahead Libya’s Jafar Salah with Egypt’s Walid El-Sayed, the top seed, in third place; also in a group administered events both Kamal Zenaty and Mahmoud Abdelmagid concluded matters at the head of the list.

Also in group organised events, in class 5 Kamal Zenaty secured first place with top seeded colleague Hassan Tolba, next in line, in class 6 Mahmoud Abdelmagid emerged the champion, Egyptian top seed, Ibrahim Hamadtou, the leading name, having to settle for fourth position.

Success against the odds for Egypt, it was the same for Nigeria; in class 10, Alabi Olufemi accounted for South Africa’s Theo Cogill, the top name at the final hurdle. He prevailed in five games (9-11, 11-6, 11-8, 8-11, 11-6).

Play now focuses on the men’s team events; proceedings conclude on Tuesday 2nd July.

2019 Para African Championships: Latest Results and Draws

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India’s Veer Chotrani steals show at Asian Juniors in Macau

Published in Squash

Monday, 01 July 2019 07:03

Malaysia bags five titles but it is India’s Veer Chotrani who steals the show in the Macau
By ALEX WAN – Squash Mad Asian Bureau Editor

The Macau Squash Association hosted yet another major event on the Asian squash calendar after a successful Asian Junior Squash Championships. The event, which saw four age categories played in both the boys and girls events, attracted a record number of 217 entries, making this the biggest ever edition.

Malaysia were the biggest winners, returning home with five titles, while India, Hong Kong and Pakistan won one each. While Malaysia’s domination was evident, it was the heroics of Indian Veer Chotrani who stole the show in Macau with four upsets in a row to capture the boys under-19 title.

Chotrani is enjoying a successful month as earlier in the month, he had gate crashed into the last four of the Indian Nationals before bowing out to eventual champion Mahesh Magaonkar, the world number 53.

He continued his fine run here in Macau as he first took out Malaysia’s joint fifth seed Daniel Nurhaqiem in straight games in the last 16, before ousting top seed Siow Yee Xian, also of Malaysia, in the last eight. In the semi-final, he took out joint-third seed Haris Qasim of Pakistan in four, before completing his great run by ousting more accomplished compatriot, Yash Fadte, the joint-fifth seed in the final over five games in 67 minutes.

India’s Veer Chotrani (l) capped his fine run in Macau with the boys under-19 title.

Pakistan’s 14-year old boy wonder Hamza Sharif also made headlines in the main event when he gate crashed into the after wins over joint-fifth seed Wong King Yeung of Hong Kong in the opening round and Malaysian second seeded Daryl Gan in the quarters. However, his run was halted by Indian finalist Yash Fadte who had to come back from 2-1 down to win in five.

Singapore’s Aaron Liang also made an impact when he made it into the last eight after taking out Hong Kong’s joint-fifth seed To Wai-Lok in the last sixteen. He was on his way to a bigger upset when he took a 2-0 lead against Pakistan’s joint-third seed Haris Qasim, but was unable to convert and lost out in five.

In the girls’ main event, there was a seeding controversy when Aifa Azman was seeded joint-third behind her compatriots Chan Yiwen and Ooi Kah Yan. Squash Rackets Association of Malaysia’s Director (Rtd) Major S. Maniam said to the media that Aifa Azman should seeded first based on her junior and senior achievements.

Chan Yiwen, the 18-year old from Kedah, a state in the north of Malaysia, was hardly troubled as she cruised into the final without dropping a game, while third seed Aifa Azman had to halt a comeback from second seed Ooi Kah Yan in the semi-finals, winning in five after taking a 2-0 lead.

In the final, Chan came back from a game down lead 2-1, and by this time, there were already 21 decisions from the referee, including a conduct stroke in the final point of the third game. Azman did well in the fourth to come back in the fourth to force a decider, much to the crowd’s delight.

In the final game, Azman allowed a 4-2 lead to fall into a 5-8 deficit and while she came back to level 10-a piece after some highly controversial decisions from the referee, it was Chan who would defend her title and justifies her top-billing in Macau.

Chan Yiwen (r) of Malaysia proved that she was worth the top seeding after dispatching compatriot Aifa Azman in a brutal match.

“I’m really happy that I proved myself is good enough to be top seeding. It was brutal and tough, but I’m glad that I made it through.

“There is the World Juniors in a couple of weeks. That will be my last junior tournament, so this will be a good confidence booster for me going into the event and also into the senior ranks after this,” said a very delighted Chan Yi Wen, who twice lost to Aifa Azman in their last two competitive matches.

In the younger age groups, Malaysia’s other titles came through Anrie Goh and Wong Lee Hong who both performed above their seeding to win the under-13 events, Aira Azman who defended her girls under-15 title and Nathan Kueh in the boys under-17. The total haul of five titles is a big improvement from the two won the previous year.

Malaysia’s assistant head coach Andrew Cross was certainly pleased with his charges, stating:

“Overall, it’s a successful week, but it would have been nice to add the boys under-19 title to the list. There were some fantastic performances and some players were unlucky. But the important thing is it shows depth that we have when some of the other players can push through.”

Hong Kong’s Chan Sin Yuk and Pakistan’s Mohammad Hamza Khan denied more Malaysian victories as they saw off Malaysian opponents in their girls under-17 and boys under-15 categories respectively.

Results – All Finals.

G13: [3/4] Anrie Goh Chu Yu (Mas) 3-2 Kwong Ena (Hkg) 7-11, 4-11, 11-6, 11-6, 11-9
B13: [3/4] Wong Lee Hong (Mas) 3-0 [5/8] Christopher Buraga (Phi) 11-8, 11-7, 11-4

G15: [1] Aira Azman (Mas) 3-1 [3/4] Yuvna Gupta (Ind) 9-11, 11-1, 11-3, 11-9
B15: [1] Mohammad Hamza Khan (Pak) v3-1 [2] Joachim Chuah (Mas) 5-11, 11-7, 12-10, 11-7

G17: [1] Chan Sin Yuk (Hkg) 3-0 [3/4] Yee Xin Ying (Mas) 11-3, 11-2, 11-8
B17: [2] Nathan Kueh Tze Bing (Mas) 3-1 [3/4] Neel Joshi (Ind) 5-11, 11-3, 12-10, 11-8

G19: [1] Chan Yiwen (Mas) 3-2 [3/4] Aifa Azman (Mas) 7-11, 11-8, 13-11, 9-11, 12-10
B19: Veer Chotrani (Ind) 3-2 [5/8] Yash Fadte (Ind) 11-5, 9-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-7

Pictures courtesy of Macau Squash

Posted on July 1, 2019

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Mark Lambert: Harlequins prop extends stay into 17th season

Published in Rugby

Monday, 01 July 2019 06:47

Veteran Harlequins prop Mark Lambert has signed a new contract that will extend his career at his only club into a 17th season.

The loose-head, 34, joined Quins in 2003 and has played 239 senior games.

"Lamby has been a phenomenal servant to Harlequins - he is a bear of a man, is bright and has real feel for the game," said head of rugby Paul Gustard.

"Harlequins has been a huge part of my life and my family for the best part of two decades now," Lambert added.

"I feel a huge sense of pride every time I pull on the Quins jersey and I love being part of a team of players who share great challenges and incredible experiences together.

"That is what rugby is about for me and these things will motivate me as much in my 17th professional season as they did in my first."

Lambert, who is chairman of the Rugby Players Association, helped Quins win the Premiership title in 2012 and the LV= Cup the following year.

He is one of only four players to make over 200 appearances for the club, alongside Mike Brown, Chris Robshaw and Danny Care.

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NHRA Expands U.S. Nationals Factory Stock Field

Published in Racing

Monday, 01 July 2019 10:58

GLENDORA, Calif. – NHRA officials have announced that the popular SamTech.edu NHRA Factory Stock Showdown category will feature a 32-car field at the 65th annual Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, Aug. 28-Sept. 2.

With ever-increasing interest from racers, fans and manufacturers, the SamTech.edu NHRA Factory Stock Showdown series features the best of American muscle. Competitors line up against each other for a heads-up contest showcasing drag-racing ready, factory-built vehicles including Ford Mustang Cobra Jets, Dodge Challenger Drag Paks and Chevrolet COPO Camaros. To win requires an elegant combination of technical tuning and superior driving.

“We are thrilled to see the SAMTech.edu NHRA Factory Stock Showdown category continue to grow,” said Brian Massingill, vice president of business development for SAM Tech. “Just a few years ago, the category competed with an eight-car field at four events. The drivers, teams and manufacturers have really elevated this category, making it a fan favorite in a short amount of time. To expand the field at the World’s Biggest Drag Race is simply incredible, and something I have worked towards for the last few years. We hope the fans will all come out to see this milestone.”

Competition will begin with one qualifying session on Friday, Aug. 30, followed by two qualifying sessions on Saturday, Aug. 31. On Sunday, Sept. 1, drivers will compete in two rounds of eliminations. Eliminations will continue Monday, Sept. 2.

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PHOTOS: Xfinity Series Camping World 300

Published in Racing

Monday, 01 July 2019 12:00

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Slinger Nationals On Tap July 9

Published in Racing

Monday, 01 July 2019 12:00

SLINGER, Wis. — Take Matt Kenseth, Ty Majeski, Bubba Pollard, Rich Bickle Jr. and a host of other late model stock car racing talent, bring them together and you have the Slinger Nationals.

One of the biggest annual Midwest short track stock car events, the 40th SUPERSEAL Slinger Nationals presented by Miller Lite is slated for Tuesday evening, July 9, at Slinger Speedway.

The high-banked, quarter-mile, paved oval will again be the site of the 200-lap mid-summer classic, which has seen a star-studded cast take the checkered flag previously.

Kenseth, the 2003 NASCAR champion who raced out of Cambridge, Wis., during his short track days, is a seven-time winner of the Slinger Nationals. Kenseth, who competed in NASCAR from 1998 through 2018 and was the NASCAR ‘Cup Champion in 2003 – winning 39 races in NASCAR’s Cup Series division, made his last Nationals appearance in 2016 and came home the winner.

Hailing from Seymour, Wis., Majeski, who has captured three ARCA Menards Series wins this year – the latest coming at the Chicagoland Speedway last week – won the 200-lapper last year, driving his familiar Toby Nuttleman-prepared Ford No. 91.

Pollard, the Senoia, Ga., speedster, won the event in 2017. Earlier this year, Pollard won the ARCA Midwest Tour Joe Shear Classic 200 at Wisconsin’s Madison Int’l Speedway. Bickle, the veteran driver from Edgerton, Wis., is a four-time winner of the annual Slinger contest, having last won in 2013 and will be on hand in his Tony D’Ambrose-prepped No. 45.

Some legendary names in racing like Dick Trickle, Joe Shear, Lowell Bennett, Mark Martin and Larry Detjens have scored Slinger Nationals victories. Trickle, the Wisconsin short track racing legend, won at Slinger four times, with Shear also scoring four victories.

Bennett, a regular late model competitor at Slinger for many years, won the race five times. Detjens, who died from injuries suffered in a racing crash at the Wisconsin Int’l Raceway in 1981, was crowned the first Slinger Nationals champion in 1980.

For more information, go to the speedway’s website at www.slingersuperspeedway.com.

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