India look to rectify mistakes against Aussies in 4th hockey Test
PERTH, April 11: The series already lost, India would look to work on their weak links ahead of the Paris Olympics when they take on the mighty Australia in the fourth men’s hockey Test here on Friday.The Indians started the tour on a disastrous note losing 1-5 and 2-4 against the hosts but produced a stellar defensive display in the third Test on Wednesday before squandering a goal lead to lose 1-2 and hand the series to Australia.A visible improvement was witnessed in India’s performance match by match in the series but yet it was not enough to upstage the formidable Kookaburras.For Indian’s chief coach Craig Fulton , who is taking the series to test out his strategies ahead of the Paris Games, a lot is left to do.If one day the forward line performed, the next day it under-performed and vice versa for the defence as well.While India’s defence dished out a gallant effort in the third Test, braving Australia’s constant threats from start to finish, the forward line looked a pale shadow of itself.The Indians looked out of ideas to build attacks and rather than using the midfield, they were more interested in using long aerial balls which is unlikely to work against any top team.Going forward, Fulton has a tough task in hand as he needs to utilise all his resources to prevail over strong teams like Australia.Usually brittle, the Indian defence, however, must get full credit for their brave effort as it calmly weathered a barrage of attacks from Australia before eventually breaking down.If not for veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, the scoreline would have been different in Wednesday’s match as he produced save after save to deny the Australians and keep India in the hunt.But it won’t be the same case everyday and India coach Fulton needs to chart out new strategies to outwit stronger opponents if they are to claim for a podium finish in Paris.The final Test of the series, named as the Perth International Festival of Hockey, will be played here on Saturday. (PTI)
Billie Jean King Cup: India beat Chinese Taipei 2-1
CHANGSHA (China), April 11: Rutuja Bhosale won the singles rubber while the duo of Prarthana Thombare and Ankita Raina prevailed in the doubles contest as the Indian women’s team defeated Chinese Taipei 2-1 in a Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group-1 tie in Changsha, China, on Thursday.India are currently placed third in Pool A following two wins and a loss in three outings.China and South Korea are first and second after winning all their three matches so far.Bhosale defeated Hao-Ching Chan in straights sets 6-3 6-2 but Raina lost the second singles match 6-2 4-6 4-6 to En Shuo Liang.In the decisive doubles contest, Thombare combined well with Raina to emerge 4-6 6-1 (15-13) winner to seal the issue in India’s favour at the Moon Island Clay Park.India will next take on Korea on Saturday. (PTI)
Burnley manager Vincent Kompany handed touchline ban
BURNLEY, April 11: Burnley manager Vincent Kompany will not be on the touchline for his relegation-threatened team’s Premier League match against Brighton on Saturday after being punished for his criticism of a referee.Kompany was handed a two-match touchline ban on Thursday for misconduct because of his actions and comments following a penalty decision that led to a red card for Burnley defender Lorenz Assignon in the 2-2 draw at Chelsea on March 30. One match of the ban is suspended until Dec. 31.Kompany said after the Chelsea game that the standard of refereeing in the Premier League “hasn’t been good enough.”Along with the ban, Kompany was fined 10,000 pounds ($12,500).Burnley is in next-to-last place in the standings, six points from safety with six games left. (AP)