Mohammedan, Dempo face crunch tie
MANJERI (KERALA): Mohammedan Sporting will have their task cut out when they take on Dempo SC in a crunch Group D encounter of the Federation Cup here on Monday. While a draw will be enough for Dempo to qualify from the group courtesy a better goal difference, which will come into the fray if the teams cannot be separated on head-to-head count, Mohammedan Sporting will need a victory to harbour hopes of a last-four berth. “It’s a must-win for us tomorrow, as simple as that,” Mohammedan Sporting’s senior pro told the AIFF website. “Dempo know that a draw will be enough for us. So they may settle for it but we have to be on our toes all the time and pounce on any opportunity that comes our way,” added the versatile footballer. United Sikkim will play Bhawanipore FC in a match for pride in the other Group D game. Teams from Group A will also be in action, in Kochi, but Churchill Brothers have already wrapped up the semifinal spot from that group. (Agencies)
Pak push Lanka hard for levelling victory
Sharjah: Pakistan grabbed the prized wicket of Mahela Jayawardene to press their advantage for a series-levelling win over Sri Lanka in the third Test in Sharjah on Sunday. Off-spinner Saeed Ajmal removed Jayawardene for 46 near stumps on the fourth day after an exciting tussle between the bat and ball as Sri Lanka finished at 133/5. They now lead by 220 runs with five wickets in hand and a full day’s play to retain their 1-0 lead. Jayawardene swept Ajmal over deep square-leg for a six to complete 11,000 runs in his 141st Test. He became the eighth batsman in all Test cricket and the first Sri Lankan to score 11,000 or more runs in a list topped by now-retired India’s Sachin Tendulkar with 15,921. Earlier, Pakistan were bowled out for 341 in their first innings, 87 short of Sri Lanka’s first innings total of 428 for nine declared. Skipper Misbah-ul Haq scored 63 to notch up his 24th Test half-century before holing out to left-arm spinner Rangana Herath who finished with 5-125. (AFP)
Bhullar trips in final round, finishes 10th
Abu Dhabi: Gaganjeet Bhullar was unable to turn on the magic, which brought him into contention, as he slipped to a three-over 75 on the final day and dropped from second to tied 10th at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship on Sunday. Bhullar, starting the day at nine-under, crumbled with four bogeys with just one birdie for the entire day on par-3 15th. He finished at seven-under 279 and tied 10th. The star of the day was Pablo Larrazabal, who held his nerve on the final green to hold at bay Major Champions Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson. McIlroy (68) and Mickelson (69) tied for second at 13-under. Meanwhile, in Hua Hin, Thailand, Anirban Lahiri rounded off the season with yet another top-3 finish as the Indian carded a four-under 68 to end third at the King’s Cup Golf. Lahiri totaled nine-under 279 and was three shots behind winner, Prayad Marksaeng (66) at 12-under. Rikard Karlberg (67) was second at 11-under 277. (PTI)