Sports Bar

Published>Mon, Aug 02 10 06:19 AM

Khel Ratna snub irks Narang

Disappointed at not getting the coveted Khel Ratna, ace Indian shooter Gagan Narang took a dig at its selection criteria, saying the country's highest sporting honour seems to be decided more on the basis of public and media perception than the athletes' performance. The world number two Narang yesterday became the first Indian to qualify for 2012 London Olympics after shooting a bronze in the 10 metre air rifle event in the 50th World Championship in Munich. "It was disheartening to know that I was in run for my achievement in 2009, I was in with a chance in 2008 also. But I would rather like my guns to talk and hope that the bronze medal opens up a few blind folds," he said.

Bopanna-Aisam lose

Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi crashed out of the ATP Farmers Classic tournament, following a straight-set defeat against top seeds Mike and Bob Bryan. The fourth seed Indian pair lost 2-6 4-6 to the Americans in the semifinals of the USD 619,500 hard court event. Bopanna and Aisam earned 90 ranking points each and split USD 9,650 as prize money for their effort. They will now travel to Washingtion DC where they will compete in the Legg Mason Tennis Classic hard court event

Chinese cyclist tested positive

China's cycling authority has confirmed Lance Armstrong's RadioShack team mate Li Fuyu has failed a doping test after his 'B' sample was returned positive. Zhang Bin, secretary-general of the Chinese Cycling Association said,"No matter what his excuse was, and no matter how prominent he is in China cycling, the result has been confirmed and it is impossible to change." The 31-year-old rider was provisionally suspended by the International Cycling Union in April after Clenbuterol was found in his 'A' sample following an in-competition test. His team said that he would be removed if the test were confirmed. Li, who had denied the charges at a recent hearing, could face a two-year ban according to China's anti-doping policy.

Marquez dominates Diaz

Juan Manuel Marquez earned a masterful unanimous decision over Juan Diaz on Saturday, picking apart his younger opponent to retain his WBA and WBO lightweight titles. Marquez captivated the crowd with precise punching and slick defense in a rematch that was nearly as entertaining as the fighters' thrilling first meeting, which Marquez won on a ninth-round stoppage in February 2009. Marquez (51-5-1, 37 KOs) further erased memories of his one-sided loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. last September by dominating another opponent closer to his own size.

Shooters want money back

India's shot gun shooters have shot a letter to National Rifle Association of India, demanding that the money they spent for accommodation during a camp early this year, be reimbursed. The NRAI has confirmed receiving the letter last week but claims that shooters themselves are responsible for the delay as they did not submit the bills at once and as late as May.

Pandya wins, Harika draws

Young Indian Karma Pandya scored a big upset in the first round of Kavala International Open Chess tournament by defeating International Master Lela Jevakhshvili of Georgia at Kavala in Greece. The memorable victory for Pandya against a much experienced opponent came rather quick and easy as the Indian went for the closed Ruy Lopez and kept his cards close to his chest for the major part of the game. Harika held top seeded Grandmaster Gabriel Sargissian of Armenia.

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