Kenyans dominate in London marathon
LONDON: World record holder Wilson Kipsang and twice world champion Edna Kiplagat led Kenyan domination at the London marathon on Sunday as Britain’s Mo Farah toiled on his highly-anticipated debut. Farah, the world and Olympic 5,000 and 10,000 metres champion, came home eighth as Kipsang secured a second London title with a course record two hours four minutes 29 seconds. He kicked clear of compatriot Stanley Biwott who was 26 seconds back with Ethiopian Tsegaye Kebede third. Farah, who was never in contention after dropping behind the leaders from the start, gritted his teeth to cross in 2:08:21, outside the British record. “I will be back,” Farah told the BBC. “I’m not going to finish it like this. I gave it my all but I’m disappointed I didn’t go out there and give what the crowd deserve. It was pretty tough. I’m quite disappointed but you try things and if they don’t work, at least you gave it a go. I missed one drink station but it was really just the pace – I should have gone with the front group. The pacemakers were slightly ahead of me but you learn – life goes on.” Edna Kiplagat won her first London title after finishing runner-up in the past two years, getting the better of compatriot Florence Kiplagat in the final 200 metres to win in two hours, 20 minutes and 21 seconds. Edna Kiplagat outkicked her namesake who finished three seconds behind with Ethiopian Tirunesh Dibaba, making her marathon debut after a glittering track career, taking third, 14 seconds behind the winner. Last year’s London winner Priscah Jeptoo dropped out of the race at around the 25-km mark while Olympic champion Tiki Gelana finished ninth. (Reuters)
Spieth and Watson share Masters lead
Augusta (USA): Jordan Spieth, bidding to become the youngest ever Masters winner at 20, and 2012 champion Bubba Watson will take a share of the lead into the final round at Augusta National. After a gruelling day of jousting atop a packed leaderboard under a hot sun that scorched the already devlish greens, the two Americans emerged tied at five-under par 211 on Saturday. Spieth had a two-under 70, while 35-year-old Watson, who had led by three overnight, settled for a 74. In second place, a stroke behind, were American Matt Kuchar, who had a 68, and unheralded Swedish newcomer Jonas Blixt with a 71. But with 13 players under par and within four strokes of the lead, the stage was set for yet another Sunday afternoon of action-packed drama under the Georgia pines. Spieth, who last year at age 19 became the youngest winner of a PGA Tour event since 1931, said that it had been the toughest of tests on an unforgiving layout. “We could tell early on that the greens were ridiculous. They were so fast that balls would pass the hole and come back a couple of feet,” he said. “But that is just the Masters. You can’t let your focus go astray for a moment. (The course) is a great fit for my game and so far so good.” If he wins, Spieth would take the youngest Masters winner tag from Tiger Woods, who was 21 when he won his first major at Augusta National in 1997. (AFP)
Verma wants CBI inquiry into IPL scandal
New Delhi: Alleging a nexus between the Jharkhand State Cricket Association and all the accused in the IPL betting scandal, the unrecognised Bihar Cricket Association chief Aditya Verma has demanded a CBI or NIA inquiry into the scam. Verma, who took the IPL betting scandal to the Supreme Court, which led to BCCI chief N Srinivasan stepping aside, said the JSCA was hand in glove with all the accused. “As per the chargesheet filed by the Mumbai Police, it is recorded that Sundar Raman was in direct contact with Vindoo Dara Singh in relation to the match fixing allegations. Mr Sundar Raman passing the information to Vindoo Dara Singh regarding the match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore played at JSCA Stadium, Ranchi on May 2013,” Verma said in a statement. “As per the chargesheet filed by the Delhi police some of the bookies were staying in the same hotel as the players i.e. Radission Blu, Ranchi. All the arrangements were made by JSCA, which is headed by its president Amitabh Chaudhary. “This clearly establishes the close proximity and the nexus between the cricket officials, and the bookies. Till date the JSCA has not come out in the open and explained its stand, which casts serious suspicion,” he added. (PTI)