Inzi foresees world-class batsman in Babar

LAHORE - Pakistan cricket chief selector Inzamam ul Haq, has showered praise on middle order batsman Babar Azam, terming Azam a ‘quality batsman’ with potential to become ‘world-class’. “Babar Azam is a fantastic player. After a long time we have a quality batsman who can become world-class,” said Inzamam. Babar Azam was fantastic in the recently concluded ODI series against Sri Lanka, where the youngster managed to hit two back-to-back centuries. The performance allowed him to jump up two places to a career-best fourth position in ODI rankings. The chief selector also admired Azam on twitter.. “This kid is such a talent, mA. Want him to see top the world’s batsmen list. Guide such kids with love. They are future. They are Pakistan,” Inzamam stated earlier on social media.–Agencies

 

 

Farah splits with long-time coach Salazar

LONDON - Long-distance running star Mo Farah is leaving long-time coach Alberto Salazar to return home to Britain but denies the split is related to doping allegations surrounding the Oregon-based guru. Farah, who retired from the track earlier this year after a glittering career including 10 gold medals at the Olympics and world championships, is switching his attention to road racing. The 34-year-old, who will run the 2018 London Marathon, will be coached by the husband of women's marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe, Gary Lough. Farah, a four-time Olympic gold medallist, said he is coming home to London because he and his family missed living in the city where his eldest daughter Rhianna was born. "I'll no longer be coached by Alberto Salazar -- working with the Oregon Project.”–AFP

 

 

 

Liverpool's Lovren’s family gets death threats

LONDON - Liverpool's Dejan Lovren, heavily criticised for recent defensive blunders, has branded death threats made against his family on social media "disgusting". The Croatian posted a direct message on Instagram he had received from a user that read: "I'm gonna murder ur family u Croatian prick." The 28-year-old captioned it with "horrible what kind of people we have". He added: "I don't mind when people talk shit about me, it says more about them! But I cannot ignore when my family is threatened. I just can't and won't accept that. Disgusting." Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp defended his player after substituting him just 31 minutes into a 4-1 loss at Tottenham. His performance was widely criticised but Klopp said: "I don't wish one of you to have your mistakes discussed in public.”–AFP

 

 

Malaysia fined $30,000 over 'dog' chants

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's football body was fined $30,000 Tuesday after the fans chanted "dogs" at supporters from Singapore and Brunei during matches at the Southeast Asian Games. Malaysian supporters chanted "Brunei dogs should just be killed" during their side's 2-1 victory over the neighbouring country on August 14 at the Kuala Lumpur-hosted tournament, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said. Two days later the fans also chanted that Singaporeans were "dogs" as Malaysia beat the city-state 2-1. The AFC's disciplinary committee fined the Football Association of Malaysia $15,000 for each of the offences.  The AFC also issued a warning to the Hong Kong Football Association after home fans booed the Chinese national anthem during an Asian Cup qualifier against Malaysia this month.–AFP

 

 

National Junior Tennis Championship

ISLAMABAD - 33 matches were decided on the inaugural day of the McDonalds National Junior Tennis Championship 2017, which started here Tuesday. The best match of the day was played between Hasheesh Kumar of Karachi and Abdul Samad Areejo also from Karachi. In a three set marathon match, Hasheesh Kumar emerged victorious with 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 scoreline. Another good match was played between Ilham Khan and Zalan Khan. Ilham Khan won the first set 6-3 by hitting powerful serves and forehand shorts. Zalan came back in the match by winning second set at the same score of 6-3 by playing consistent game from the baseline. The match was decided in the final set won by Ilham 6-1. Mansoor Ahmed Khan, acting Director General, Pakistan Sports Board was the chief guest for the opening ceremony.–Sports Reporter