British royal pays tribute to Jana Novotna

LONDON - British royal the Duchess of Kent has paid tribute to former Wimbledon champion Jana Novotna following the Czech player's death from cancer, saying the tournament "will not be the same without her". Novotna captured hearts in Britain in 1993 when she featured in one of the most enduring images in the long history of Wimbledon as she was consoled by the royal after losing the 1993 final to Steffi Graf, having seemingly been on course for the title. She was in floods of tears as she received her runners-up prize and, in a moment of unusual emotion, the Duchess embraced the Czech, telling her: "I know you will win it one day, don't worry." Novtona, who died on Sunday aged 49, proved her right by winning the crown in 1998, after another final defeat in 1997.–AFP

 Feng holds on to rankings top spot

LOS ANGELES - Feng Shanshan has retained her world number one ranking following the LPGA Tour's season finale, the latest women's golf rankings showed Monday. Feng, the first golfer from China to claim a number one ranking, finished the LPGA Tour Championship tied for 21st on Sunday. That was enough to see her hang onto the No 1 spot she had obtained earlier this month. South Korean rookie Park Sung-Hyun was second with Ryu So-Yeon third. Park had looked poised to claim the top spot in the rankings from Feng after leading at the halfway stage at the Tour Championship. American Lexi Thompson, who missed a two-footer on the final hole on Sunday that would have given her victory, was fourth in the rankings. Instead Thailand's Ariya Jutanugarn snatched the title with a 25-foot putt on the last.–AFP

 Lahore East Zone Club Cricket Tournament

LAHORE – Golden Star Cricket Club president and cricket organiser Wasif Zaman has announced to conduct the Lahore East Zone One-Day Club Cricket Tournament. “The purpose of the event is to promote club cricket and also to provide fair chances to the youngsters to exhibit their prowess at higher level,” said Wasif. He lamented that for the last 15 years, no pragmatic steps had been taken to improve the zone cricket, which has been declining rapidly. “This was East Zone, which had honour of producing the legends like Abdul Qadir and Aamir Sohail, but now not a single player has been representing the zone at international level. That’s the reason why, I have decided to host this event to find fresh talent and provide them best opportunities so that they may represent the zone and country at international level.”–Staff Reporter

 National men, women cycling from 27th

LAHORE – The four-day national men and women cycling championships will be organised here at the cycling velodrome from November 27. The Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF) secretary said the federation is organising the competitions in collaboration with Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) in which men senior, junior and women senior, junior events will be arranged. PCF president Kokab Nadeem Warraich will inaugurate the event. He said the main objective of holding the events is to give opportunity to the upcoming male and female riders to polish their skills. He said the PCF is duly recognized and affiliated with PSB and POA at national level and UCI and ACC at international level. "The teams from four provinces including Islamabad, Army, Wapda and SSGC will participate in the championships.–Staff Reporter

 Muay Thai Championship scheduled

LAHORE - The National Muay Thai Championship will be held in the last week of November. Pakistan Amateur Muay Thai Federation (PMF) president Fakhar Azim met with World Muay Thai Federation president Akachai Chantosa in Greece. During the meeting of its general council, he pledged to extend all possible help and cooperation of Pakistan Muay Thai Federation for the promotion of the game worldwide. Pakistan Muay Thai Federation Chairman Dr Rasheed Zia congratulated for successful convention at Greece. He announced National Muay Thai Championship to be held in last week of November 2017 in Pakistan. Thai grand master Santos shall be participating as chief guest of the graceful event, he said. PMF secretary Rehan Hameed has invited all government heads of all provinces of Pakistan to attend the event.–PR