FIFA confirm dates for Qatar World Cup
Zurich: The controversial 2022 World Cup in Qatar will start on November 21 and finish on December 18, FIFA confirmed on Friday after their executive committee met in Zurich. FIFA had already announced in March that the final would be played on December 18 — Qatar’s national day — and the start date confirmed on Friday means the tournament will run for 28 days, four days shorter than usual. The tournament, usually played in June and July, was moved to avoid the effects of the searing desert heat in the Gulf at that time of year. The decision to award Qatar the hosting of the tournament, taken in 2010, along with that of the 2018 tournament to Russia has been the subject of a Swiss investigation centred around whether bribes were paid during the bidding process. FIFA officials have said both countries could be stripped of their hosting rights if clear evidence of misconduct emerges. (AFP)
Sania, Hingis make final of Guangzhou Open
Guangzhou: In form Sania Mirza earned herself a shot at her seventh title of the season by reaching the final of the WTA Guangzhou Open with Swiss partner Martina Hingis, here on Friday. The US Open champions beat Israel’s Julia Glusshko and Swden’s Rebecca Peterson 6-3 6-4 in the semifinals of the USD 250,000 hard court tournament. Sania and Hingis converted five break points and lost their serve twice in the match which lasted one hour and 11 minutes. The winners saved five breakpoints out of seven they faced and it proved crucial in the outcome of the match. Sania has won five titles with Hingis this season, including US Open and Wimbledon. They also won three title in row at the start of the partnership –Indian Wells, Miami and Charleston. Sania had won her first title of the 2015 season with Bethanie Mattek-Sands in Sydney. (PTI)
Neymar admits talks with ManU
Madrid: Spanish champions FC Barcelona’s star striker Neymar has confirmed that he spoke to English giants Manchester United for a potential transfer before the beginning of the ongoing 2015-16 football season. The English press earlier reported the news, but few believed that there was an actual possibility of the Brazilian ace leaving Barcelona to play in the English Premier League, reports Xinhua. However, Neymar has confirmed that he did speak to the English club. (IANS)
