Harbhajan slams Pandya, Rahul for their comments

New Delhi
Harbhajan Singh slammed Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul for their sexist comments on women on a TV show, saying they have put the reputations of cricketers at stake. “We don’t talk about all this even with our friends and they were talking on air. Now people might think was Harbhajan Singh like this, was Anil Kumble like this and was Sachin Tendulkar...” Harbhajan said. “Pandya has been in the team for how long to talk of the team culture in the manner he did. I think this is the way to go,” Harbhajan responded when asked about the suspension. “BCCI did the right thing, and this is also the way forward. This was expected and I am not surprised,” the off-spinner said.

Gurugram
Kartik becomes youngest Indian to win jr world title 

Budding golfer Kartik Singh finished on top in the under-8 category at the Kids’ Golf World Championship in Malaysia. Kartik, who trains at the DLF Golf Academy, has become the youngest Indian to win a junior world title. 

Sydney
Kvitova thumps Sasnovich to set up Sydney final with Barty

Fifth seed Petra Kvitova raced past Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-1 6-2 in a rain-delayed encounter at the Sydney International on Friday to set up a title showdown with home favourite Ashleigh Barty. Two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova had suffered a shock opening round defeat by Sasnovich at the All England Club six months ago. But the Czech was at her ruthless best in preventing a repeat, striking 22 winners to ensure her progress to a second Sydney final after winning the title in 2015. “It was worth the wait, definitely. I’m really glad that we were able to get back on the court and play,” said Kvitova after heavy rain had prevented the match from starting until almost midnight local time.

Dubai
Glittering Aussies rescue Asian Cup campaign     

Defending champions Australia dominated Palestine 3-0 on Friday as they recovered from their shock opening defeat at the Asian Cup and moved within sight of the last-16. Goals from Hibernian striker Jamie Maclaren, Awer Mabil and substitute Apostolos Giannou put the much-improved Socceroos second in Group B with one game to go. The Aussies will now go into next Tuesday’s final group game against Syria with renewed confidence after banishing memories of their 1-0 upset at the hands of Jordan. — Agencies

Aizawl hold Kashmir

Aizawl: Debutants Real Kashmir had to settle for a goalless draw with former champions Aizawl FC in the I-League here on Friday. Real Kashmir have drawn level on points with second-placed Churchill Brothers, but are behind on goal difference as the head-to-head record between the two teams is 0-0. Real are third with 22 points, two behind leaders Chennai City who have a game in hand. PTI

Late goal keeps Barca alive after Cup loss

VALENCIA: Barcelona’s recent iron grip on the Copa del Rey came under  threat as they lost 2-1 at Levante in their last-16 first-leg tie on Thursday after resting a host of first team regulars, including Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. Barca, who have won the last four editions of the Spanish Cup, were handed a huge boost heading into next Thursday’s second-leg at the Nou Camp when Denis Suarez was fouled in the penalty area and Philippe Coutinho converted the resulting spot-kick in the 85th minute. Reuters

DNA request made in Ronaldo rape case

Los Angeles: Las Vegas police have asked Cristiano Ronaldo to submit a DNA sample as part of their investigation into rape allegations made against him. AFP