Federer, Djokovoic power into Shanghai Masters semis
Shanghai: The quarter-finals of the ongoing ATP Shanghai Masters saw top two seeds Roger Federer and Novak Djokovoic advancing into semi-finals with straight sets wins on Friday. Defending Champion Federer knocked out 8th seeded Kei Nisshikori of Japan 6-4, 7-6(4) in one hour and 51 minutes with 10 aces, reports Xinhua news agency. The 37-year-old Swiss will next play 21-year-old Borna Coric, who overcame Australia’s Matthew Ebden 7-5, 6-4. Earlier in the day, second seeded Djokovoic beat Kevin Anderson of South Afica 7-6(1), 6-3 in the rematch of the 2018 Wibledon final. Back in winning from the elbow surgery at the start of the season, Djokovoic now aims for his fourth title in the ATP 1000 showpiece in China. Awaiting the 14-time Grand Slam winner is fourth seeded Alexander Zverev after the rising German star saw off Kyle Edmund of Britain 6-4, 6-4. “He has improved a lot and he has established himself as a top player. It’s going to be definitely a close match,” said Djokovoic. (IANS)
Bolt scores twice in first match for Aussie club
Sydney: Former Jamaican athlete and multiple Olympic and world sprint champion in 100m, 200m and 4x100m, Usain Bolt, scored a brace in his first match as a soccer player for the Central Coast Mariners on Friday. The Mariners beat Macarthur South West United 4-0 in a friendly tie, with Bolt scoring the third and fourth goals, reports Efe news agency. “What. A. Game. @usainbolt, the footballer scores two goals in our 4-0 win,” the Central Coast Mariners said on their official Twitter handle. Bolt missed some chances to score in the first half of the game, before he scored his first goal in the second half. After the game, Bolt said that it was a great feeling to score two goals in his maiden game for the team, and added that he was keen to be a “Mariner” and do his best for the team. (IANS)
India ranked 5th as ICC launches global women’s team rankings
Dubai: India are placed fifth while three-time champions Australia lead the 46-team table as the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday launched global Women’s T20I Team Rankings. The ICC’s move to launch the women’s T20I rankings follows its decision earlier this year to award international status to all T20 matches between member countries. All women’s T20 matches between members have international status since the Asia Cup in June , said an ICC release. (PTI)