Pakistan's Uloomi beats Indian MMA fighter

LAHORE - Uloomi Karim Shaheen, Pakistan's Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter, has defeated India's Yadwinder Singh in a World Series of Fighting Global Championship bout in Manila, Philippines. Uloomi, who belongs to Gilgit-Baltistan, downed the Indian on a unanimous decision. 25-year-old Uloomi is the currently one of the top MMA fighter in the country and holds the Bantam Weight (61) Championship belt of Under Ground Battle (UGB). A family member of the Pakistan fighter expressed his gladness over Uloomi's success and hoped he would continue raising Pakistani flag across the globe. Another Pakistani MMA fighter Ahmed Mujtaba also remained successful at Manila as he defeated Philippines' Neil Laranow in the first round via a triangle choke. Ahtesham believed both Pakistani fighters could challenge any fighter at the event.–Staff Reporter

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Kelmendi carries Kosovo hopes for gold

PRISTINA - Double world judo champion Majlinda Kelmendi will carry Kosovo's flag and its dreams of winning a gold medal in its first Olympic Games in Rio. Serbia will lead the nations who will not be celebrating if the 25-year-old succeeds in putting Kosovo's name on the Olympic map. The 52 kilogramme champion leads eight Kosovo athletes at the Rio Games following its recognition by the International Olympic Committee in 2014. Olympic fever is mounting among the 1.8 million Kosovars and with it the pressure to succeed. President Hashim Thaci set Kelmendi's photo, Kosovo flag and the Olympic rings logo as his Twitter account background. "We may get gold, we may not, still we are heroes," he tweeted in a reflection of the growing national pride. Kelmendi and her coach Driton Kuka went into hiding ahead of Rio.–AFP

 

Stevenson defends title with 4th round KO

MONTREAL - Canada's Adonis Stevenson made his seventh successful title defense by knocking out Thomas Williams at 2:54 of the fourth round to retain his WBC light heavyweight belt on Friday night. Stevenson improved to 28-1, with 23 knockouts as he almost ended the southpaw slugfest in opening round. With about 30 seconds left in the first round, Stevenson slammed a hard left into the side of Williams' head, sending the American to the canvas. But Williams was able to get up and beat referee Michael Griffin's count. "He wanted to put on some pressure, so I put some on as well," said Stevenson. "Two men who know how to fight. We gave a good show, and that's what people want to see." Stevenson was fighting for the first time since scoring a third-round knockout 10 months ago of Tommy Karpency in Toronto.–AFP

 

Samir wins USTA Oregon State C’ship

LAHORE - Pakistan’s pride Davis Cupper Samir Iftikhar stunned top seed Ronnie Schneider of USA 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 to clinch the USTA Oregon State Championship trophy at Tualatin Hills Tennis Center Beaverton, USA. With this victory, Samir won US Dollars 1000 as prize money and also raised green flag high at American soil. The match hung in balance till the last point as Samir, who is the first cousin of Pakistan tennis ace Aisamul Haq and son of former Pakistan Davis Cupper Tayyab Iftikhar, staged a magnificent comeback after losing first set 4-6. He displayed his fight-back qualities in front of capacity crowd which enjoyed the long base line rallies and nail-biting end. PTF president Salim Saifulah and secretary Khalid Rehmani not only lauded Samir’s qualities and sensational victory but also assured him of their all-out support and help in getting sponsorship to enable him come to top level internationally.–Staff Reporter

 

Krychowiak eyes Champions League glory

LOS ANGELES - Poland international midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak said on Friday he had moved to Paris Saint-Germain to power the French giant to an elusive first Champions League trophy. The Qatar-backed club dominates at home, having won four consecutive Ligue 1 titles, but has never progressed beyond the quarter-finals of Europe's elite competition. "PSG is one of the biggest clubs in Europe," said Krychowiak. "Coming here gives you the opportunity not only to play in the Champions League but also the opportunity to win it. And that motivates the player, makes you want to come here and be part of that adventure." The 26-year-old won back-to-back Europa League titles with Sevilla before signing for PSG on a five-year deal earlier in July for a reported 26 million euros ($28.9 million).–AFP