Ribery, Benzema acquitted in sex case
PARIS: Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery and Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema were acquitted on charges of soliciting an underage prostitute on Wednesday, ending a case that has lasted more than three years and tarnished both players’ reputation. The French judge ruled there wasn’t enough proof the men were aware that self-described escort Zahia Dehar, now 21, was a minor at the time. The case has been hanging over the players since July 2010, when a French judge issued preliminary charges against them. The two footballers had faced up to three years in prison if found guilty. Dehar contends Ribery flew her to Munich as a birthday present to himself in 2009 when she was under 18. She says she lied to the players and told them she was an adult. Although Ribery has admitted to having sex with Dehar, he claims he did not pay her and that he did not know she was a prostitute or a minor at the time. Prostitution is legal in France, but prostitutes must be over 18. Benzema has denied all the allegations. The 26-year-old Benzema is alleged to have paid to have sex with Dehar in May 2008, the night he won the French player of the year award playing for his former club, Lyon. Dehar was 16 at the time. (AP)
Karnataka take control in Ranji final
Hyderabad: Ganesh Satish slammed an unbeaten 117 in partnership with opener Lokesh Rahul (94 batting) as Karnataka took control of their Ranji Trophy summit clash against Maharashtra on the second day here on Thursday. After bundling out Maharashtra for 305, an addition of just 33 runs to their overnight 272/5, in the first hour of the morning session, Karnataka ended the second day on 230/0 in 68 overs. Karnataka are now only 75 runs behind their opponents. (PTI)
UAE, Scotland qualify for 2015 WC
Wellington: Cricketing minnows the United Arab Emirates and Scotland secured berths at the 2015 World Cup today after taking the top two spots at a qualification tournament in New Zealand. Both teams finished the round robin phase of the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup Qualifier on eight points after posting four wins and one loss, with the UAE’s superior run rate giving them the edge over Scotland. The results mean they will play in next year’s World Cup alongside superpowers of the game such as India and Australia. Scotland have featured in the World Cup twice before, in 1999 and 2007, while the UAE appeared in the tournament’s 1996 edition. A total of 14 teams will contest the World Cup, to be hosted by Australia and New Zealand, comprising the ICC’s 10 full member nations and four affiliate countries. Ireland and Afghanistan secured two of the affiliate spots last year. (AFP)
Five-star Perera hands Lanka massive win
Dhaka: Off-spinner Dilruwan Perera picked up five wickets as Sri Lanka thumped fragile Bangladesh by an innings and 248 runs in the first Test here on Thursday. Bangladesh, trailing by a huge 498-run margin after the first innings, were bowled out for 250 in their second knock after lunch on the fourth day. Perera, a 31-year-old playing in his second Test, finished with 5-109 while seamer Suranga Lakmal took three. Bangladesh, who resumed the day at 35-1, failed to cope with Sri Lanka’s pace and spin assault and lost their last nine wickets for 215 runs despite the even-paced pitch. (AFP)
Indians struggle as McIlroy leads in Dubai
Dubai: Shiv Kapur brought home a lusterless card of even par 72 while the other two Indians golfers Jeev Milkha Singh (75) and Gaganjeet Bhullar (77) had a forgettable day at the Dubai Desert Classic here on Thursday. Playing here after a gap of two years, Kapur was tied 69th, while Jeev and Bhullar were in danger of missing the cut at 111th and 125th after the opening round here. Even as the Indian trio struggled at the Emirates Golf Club, Rory McIlroy made hay while the sun shone and produced a masterly display and led a string of low scoring performances with a nine-under 63. He was two clear of Edoardo Molinari (65), while the 2013 Italian Open winner, double bogeyed his closing hole when he was just one behind McIlroy. Tiger Woods playing in the same group as McIlroy and Gallacher, carded a bogey free four-under 68 for 10th place. (PTI)