Saina, Srikanth boost semis chances with second win

Dubai
Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth took a big step to reaching the semifinals at the World Super Series Finals by securing second consecutive wins in their respective group. Srikanth beat eighth-ranked Tommy Sugiarto of Indonesia 21-18 21-13 at the Hamdan Sports Complex. It was Srikanth’s first win over the Indonesian. World No.4 Saina extended her domination over South Korea’s Sung Ji Hyun with an emphatic 21-12 21-18 victory.

Pretoria
Amla double-ton puts SA in control before rain
Hashim Amla’s third double-ton for South Africa and Stiaan van Zyl’s unbeaten century on debut against West Indies helped the hosts declare on 552 for five before rain brought an early end to day two of the first Test on Thursday. A heavy downpour that started just after the Proteas’ declaration some 30 minutes before tea meant no more play and an early 10am start on Friday. It was a day to remember for Amla and Van Zyl, who are on opposite ends of spectrum in terms of Test experience but can be equally pleased with their efforts in helping South Africa to their massive total. Brief scores: South Africa 552 for 5 dec (Amla 208, de Villiers 152, van Zyl 101*) v WI

Kolkata
Bhutia to play for EB one last time in I-League
It was in famous red-and-gold East Bengal jersey that 17-year-old Bhaichung Bhutia came into prominence back in 1995 and after nearly two decades, one of India’s greatest ever footballer is going to play what will be his final season in Indian club football. The Sikkim sniper is expected to sign during the second phase of the I-League and may play atleast one “last match” for his favourite club.

Cairo
Pallikal, Chinappa bow out of World Championship
Dipika Pallikal and Joshana Chinappa fought hard against higher-ranked opponents before losing their respective pre-quarterfinal in the World Championship. Pallikal showed promise against third-ranked Raneem El Welily of Egypt before going down 11-7 5-11 3-11 6-11 in 50 minutes. Chinappa got extremely close to the biggest win of her career against world No.7 Low Wee Wern of Malaysia. The Indian earned the advantage of having a 2-1 lead in what turned out to be a long intense affair. However, Wee Wern made a decisive comeback in the next two games for a 6-11 11-3 11-13 11-7 11-8 win. — Agencies