Indiana Pacers beat Kings in India’s NBA debut
Mumbai: Some breath-taking basketball was on display here on Friday as Indiana Pacers edged past Sacramento Kings 132-131 in a thrilling contest, in what was National Basketball Association’s debut game in India. It was NBA’s first pre-season game ahead of the upcoming season. After the regulation time ended at 118-118, the match was decided in the extra five minutes when the Pacers, who were trailing throughout the match, went ahead for the first-time and managed to eke out a close win. For Kings, a two-pointer by Marvin Bagley (overall 12 points) in the dying seconds of the game also could not seal the deal for them. (PTI)
Djokovic stuns at Japan Open
Tokyo: World number one Novak Djokovic on Friday put on a stunning show of supremacy at the Japan Open with a 6-1, 6-2 win over Lucas Pouille of France.The Serb more than overwhelmed his opponent in the quarterfinal match, showering Pouille with a barrage of powerful, precision shots to deep, wide corners mixed with delicate drop shots. “I am not a machine. But I did play like one today,” he said after their 50-minute contest. “This was one of the best matches I played this year. Very, very pleased with the way I feel and played on the court,” said Djokovic, who will face either David Goffin of Belgium or Chung Hyeon of South Korea in the semifinals. (AFP)
Afghanistan rope in Moles
New Delhi: Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Thursday appointed Andy Moles as their Director of Cricket and Chief Selector.Moles, who was the interim head coach of the team during the recently concluded tour of Bangladesh, is a Level-4 coach.ACB took to Twitter and wrote: “Andy Moles appointed as Director of Cricket and Chief Selector. Mr. Moles served as interim head coach of Afghanistan in the recently concluded tour of Bangladesh. He has a vast experience of over 25 years in the sport and is a Level-4 Coach as well.”The board, on September 27, appointed former South Africa all-rounder Lance Klusener as their new head coach. (ANI)
Haryana Steelers register win
Panchkula: Haryana Steelers ensured their fans did not return home disappointed as they won the last match of their home leg against Telugu Titans 52-32 in the Pro Kabaddi League season 7 at the Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex here on Friday. Raider Vikas Kandola starred yet against for Steelers scoring 19 points.Both teams were neck and neck in the first five minutes of the match. (IANS)