Djokovic targets Abu Dhabi return

ABU DHABI - Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka are due to make their competitive return after six months out injured in Abu Dhabi in December. The former world number ones have not played since Wimbledon, with Djokovic nursing a long-term elbow problem and Wawrinka undergoing knee surgery. They will join among others Rafael Nadal in December 28-30 Mubadala World Tennis Championship, organisers of the exhibition tournament announced Tuesday. Twelve-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic, who became a father for the second time last month, called time on his season after struggling on and off for 18 months with a right elbow injury. The 30-year-old Serb, a three-time winner of the event, said: "The line-up is very strong as always and it will be the perfect way to make my comeback and begin the season."–AFP

Tiger heralds 'Return of the Stinger'

MIAMI - Tiger Woods displayed progress Monday in his latest back surgery comeback bid, the 14-time major champion posting a video of himself on Twitter hitting a "stinger" shot with a long iron. Woods, who eight days ago posted a video of hitting a driver, has only recently been approved to resume full golf activities after a six-month recovery from lower back surgery, his fourth one, in April. "Return of the Stinger," Woods tweeted Monday afternoon. Woods, 41, used the Stinger shot to great advantage during his heyday more than a decade ago, but has not played since February, when he withdrew from the Dubai Desert Classic and has not won a major since the 2008 US Open. Woods posted the message "Making Progress" with his driver video after an October 7 post that noted "Smooth Iron Shots."–afp

Sherwood, MMS win Polo in Pink openers

LAHORE - Sherwood and MMS won the Polo in Pink 2017 opening matches played here at Lahore Polo Club (LPC) ground on Tuesday. In the first match of the day, Sherwood defeated Total Nutrition 4-3. Mian Shahzad Aziz scored a brace. The second match was contested among MMS, Barry’s and Sakuf under American system. In this two-chukker contest, MMS defeated both of their opponents to qualify for the next round. First MMS routed Sakuf 3-1 with Haris Haroon scoring two goals and Faisal Khan one and then they outpaced Barry’s, who earlier beat Sakuf 3-2, by a margin of 4-2. Today (Wednesday), three matches will be contested as Newage take on Jalpana at 1:30 pm, Qatalpur face Black Horse Paint at 2:30 pm and Guard Group vie against Diamond Paints at 3:30 pm.–Staff Reporter

Heera survives scare to advance

ISLAMABAD - Heera Ashiq survived a close scare to enter the next round after beating Barkatullah in Subh-e-Nau National Clay Court Tennis Championship second round match here at Senator Dilawar Abbas PTF Complex Tuesday. Heera won the first set 6-0 but lost the second 2-6. He bounced back in style to win the third 6-3 and the match. Aqeel Khan, Usman Rafique, Ahmed Ch, Muzammil Murtaza, Mudassar Murtaza and M Abid and Abdal Haider moved in to the next round. In boys U-18 second round matches, Yousuf Khan, Ahmed Asjad, M Shoaib, Aqib Umar, Hamza bin Rehan, Huzaifa Abdul Rehman and Saib Umar carved out victories against their respective opponents. In ladies singles first round, Mahvish Chishtie, Shahida Badshah, Sara Kiani were among others who won their matches to move into the second round.–Staff Reporter

PCB urged to probe mismanaged EZ event

LAHORE – Golden Star Cricket Club has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board to take action against East Zone for organising two matches of the Fazal Mahmood National Inter-Club Cricket Tournament at one ground. At Jallo ground, Golden Star was to play their match in second phase of the tournament against Jallo Club while Servis Club and Shamsher Clubs were also scheduled to play at the same venue. The organisers decided to conduct both matches at the same venue with 30-yard boundary. When Golden Star Club manager raised the issue with organising committee officials saying the players might get injured, he was told that if they did not play, the other team would be declared winners. Golden Star didn’t play the match and informed PCB director Aizad Sayid of the entire situation thorough a letter. The club also sent copies of letter to PCB chairman Najam Sethi, COO Subhan Ahmed, Haroon Rasheed, Shakil Shaikh and LCCA interim committee head.–Staff Reporter