Wrestler Sunil reaches final in ranking series event

Rome

Greco-Roman grappler Sunil Kumar, 23, sprung a huge surprise by reaching the final in the first ranking series event of the season here today. In the 87kg category, Sunil began with a 2-1 win over American Patrick Martinez before a commanding victory by fall over Venezuala’s Luis Rojas in the semifinals. He will next fight Hungary’s Viktor Lorincz for the top prize. The Indians are competing in six Olympics weight categories at this event. Ashu (67kg) and Sachin Rana (60kg) reached the bronze medal playoffs. However, Naveen (130kg) and Hardeep Singh (97kg) lost their opening bouts.

New Delhi

WFI suspends 8 women grapplers for missing camp

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has suspended eight women grapplers for one year for missing the national camp in Lucknow. WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar said the wresters were suspended because they came to the camp only for the trials and left after the competition. The suspended wrestlers include three from Haryaya — Ankush (53kg), Raunak (64kg) and Suman (68kg) — and two from Delhi — Bunty (55kg) and Sushma Shaukeen (57kg). Rajasthan’s Sheetal Tomar (50kg), Maharashtra’s Reshma Mane (69kg) and Railways’ Nikki (76kg) were also suspended.

Port Elizabeth

England still unsure over Archer, Wood availability

England captain Joe Root says fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood must still prove their fitness to be included in the side to play South Africa in the third Test that starts tomorrow. England are seeking a replacement for James Anderson, whose tour has ended after he picked up a rib injury in the second Test. Archer missed that game with an elbow problem and Wood has had a number of fitness issues in the past, meaning neither might get the nod. Meanwhile, South Africa could hand a debut to seamer Dane Paterson in the third Test, hoping that reverse-swing will be a factor at St George Park as they seek to get ahead in the series.

Riyadh (Saudi Arabia)

Sainz wins halted 10th stage to stretch Dakar lead

Spaniard Carlos Sainz took a big lead in the Dakar Rally today after winning a 10th stage halted before the halfway point by strong winds and deteriorating conditions in the desert. Sainz extended his lead to over 18 minutes. Fernando Alonso rolled his Toyota on the dunes and continued without a windscreen. Agencies

Hyderabad

ISL: Santana brace helps Odisha pip Hyderabad 2-1

Odisha FC made a strong case for play-off qualifications with a 2-1 win against Hyderabad FC in a Indian Super League encounter here on Wednesday. Marcelinho (1’) gave the hosts an early lead but Aridane Santana (15’, 45’) netted a brace to help the visitors complete a comeback. With fourth win on trot, Odisha are fourth on the table with 21 points from 13 matches.

TOKYO

Tokyo 2020 Olympics ticket designs unveiled    

The ticket designs for the Tokyo 2020 Games were unveiled by Japanese para-canoeist Monika Seryu on Wednesday as the second wave of ticket sales for the Paralympics began. Organisers said the simple ticket designs, which feature the pictograms of each individual event and come in one of four colours, are inspired by the creation of fabrics for kimono, Japanese traditional formal wear. The colours — red, blue, purple and green — represent each of Japan’s four seasons.

 London

Henderson wins England’s player of year award  

Jordan Henderson and Lucy Bronze have been named England’s players of the year for 2019, the Football Association has said. Liverpool captain Henderson secured the men’s prize ahead of Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane after lifting the Champions League trophy with the Merseyside club. agencies