East Bengal edge past Mohun Bagan
Kolkata: East Bengal returned to winning ways by edging past bitter foes Mohun Bagan 3-2 in a thrilling I-League derby here on Sunday. Mohun Bagan came into the tie unbeaten in the last seven derby matches and took the lead through Azharuddin Mallick in the 13th minute but things turned sour after the break when they were reduced to 10 players after Kingsley Eze was red-carded (59th). East Bengal snatched the lead with Landanmawia Ralte (17th, 61st) and Jobby Justin (44th) helping the ‘home team’ put it across their traditional rivals and make it two wins out of two. Mohun Bagan pulled one back through Dipanda Dicka (75th) but it proved to be a consolation strike in the end.
Joshna bags 16th national title
Noida: Squash star Joshna Chinappa equalled Bhuvneshwari Kumari’s record of 16 national titles while Mahesh Mangaonkar won his maiden crown on the concluding day of the premier domestic event at the HCL campus here on Sunday. In the two contrasting finals, Mahesh pipped Vikram Malhotra 11-4, 13-15, 11-2, 5-11, 15-13 while Joshna edged out Urwashi Joshi 9-11, 11-1, 11-6, 11-5. In comparison to the gruelling battle in the men’s final, Joshna had it easier though Urwashi Joshi of Maharashtra did surprise her by taking the first game. As it turned out, the dent Joshna suffered was more of an aberration. The reigning champion ensured the ride was smooth from there on en route a record equalling crown.
Kerala crush Delhi by innings and 27 runs
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala thrashed Delhi by an innings and 27 runs in a Ranji Trophy Group ‘B’ match on Sunday to earn seven points and lift their tally to 20, as the race for knockout berths got exciting. Delhi, struggling at 41 for five needed skipper Dhruv Shorey to play a long innings. But Jalaj Saxena struck in the 22nd over, getting the captain out for 30. Rawat (31), Shivam Sharma (33) and Subodh Bhati (30) delayed Kerala’s wait for a third win of the season, while playing some attacking shots. Sijomon Joseph wrapped up things for Kerala when he had Akash Sudan caught by Sandeep Warrier as Delhi folded for 154 in 41 overs.
Yoddha stun Pirates in PKL
Manchester: UP Yoddha produced a terrific team performance as they earned a resounding 47-31 win over defending champions Patna Pirates in Vivo Pro Kabaddi Season 6. UP Yoddha raiders led by Prashant Kumar Rai (20 points) were in fine form and tormented Patna defence throughout the match. Azad Singh with 8 points made a crucial contribution to UP Yoddha’s win. It was a disappointing night for Pardeep Narwal who scored just 2 points. Manjeet top scored for Patna Pirates with 10 points. Patna Pirates are still in contention for a place in the playoffs but will need massive improvement. UP Yoddha can also qualify for the playoffs.
