Briefly: Bengal beat Kerala 1-0 to win Santosh Trophy for 33rd time

Hyderabad

West Bengal extended their supremacy in the National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy with a 1-0 win over Kerala in the summit showdown, claiming the title for an unprecedented 33rd time. Robi Hansda scored the only goal of the match in the added-time of the second half.

Dubai

Deepti jumps to fifth spot in ICC ODI rankings

India off-spinner Deepti Sharma climbed a spot to enter the top-5 in the latest ICC women’s ODI ranking for bowlers following her match-winning performances in the recently-concluded series against the West Indies at home. Deepti, who is fifth now, has 665 rating points and is marginally behind fourth-placed South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp (677 points).

BRISBANE

Djokovic, Sabalenka win, Perricard aces Kyrgios test

Novak Djokovic and Aryana Sabalenka began their season with straight-set wins but Nick Kyrgios’ return to singles action did not go according to his plans at the Brisbane International. Djokovic tamed local favourite Rinky Hijikata 6-3 6-3. Earlier, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard fired 36 aces to beat Kyrgios 7-6(2) 6-7(4) 7-6(3). Women’s world No. 1 Sabalenka sent an ominous warning on her season debut with a 6-4 6-0 demolition of Renata Zarazua.