Three-putts derail Lahiri, Bubba ends title drought

Palisades (US)

A series of three-putts came in the way of a strong final round for Anirban Lahiri, who slipped to tied 26th on the final day of the Genesis Open golf tournament. The Indian ace, who is trying to get into the world’s top-50 and earn a berth in the Masters, shot a 3-over 74 and slipped from tied 13th to tied 26th. At the top, Bubba Watson ended his two-year title drought with his third win at Riviera Club. As everyone else dropped shots, Watson gained control with two excellent par putts and then pulled ahead. 

New Delhi
Four race walkers to represent India in CWG   

A four-member team will represent India in the 20km race walking event at the 21st Commonwealth Games to be held in Gold Coast, Australia, from April 4 to 15. The Indian men’s team will comprise Irfan KT and Manish Singh Rawat, while Soumya B and Khushbir Kaur will make the women’s team. Meanwhile, Neeraj Rathi and Karamjit Kaur will represent the country at the Asian 20km Race Walking Championships to be held in Nomi, Japan, on March 18-19. 

Karachi
Zimbabwe cricket board approaches ICC for loan  

Zimbabwe Cricket Union has approached the International Cricket Council for a loan to bail the board out of a financial crisis. The financial crisis has put Pakistan’s tour to Zimbabwe in jeopardy. PCB chairman Najam Sethi, however, told the media that the tour was still on as Zimbabwe had approached the ICC for a loan. “They have asked us to wait until April for the final decision as they are expecting support from the ICC,” he said. The tour is scheduled for August. 

Sharjah
Khan leads Afghanistan to thumping series win   

Leg-spinner Rashid Khan starred as Afghanistan wrapped up a dominant 4-1 series win over Zimbabwe here today, cruising to a 146-run victory in the fifth and final ODI here today. After winning the toss and batting first, Afghanistan posted 241/9 from their 50 overs, before bowling out Zimbabwe for just 95. Brief scores: Afghanistan 241/9 in 50 overs (Javed Ahmadi 76, Rahmat Shah 59); Zimbabwe 95 in 32.1 overs (Rashid Khan 3/13).  

Shillong
Lajong beat Aizawl 2-1   

Shillong Lajong pulled off a fine 2-1 victory over holders Aizawl FC here today. Abdoulaye Koffi powered the hosts into lead with his strike in the 58th minute and Saihou Jagne made it 2-0 in the 73rd minute. Leonce Dodoz Zikahi pulled one back late into the game (90+6) for Aizawl. — Agencies