Sunday 25 October 2015

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Tennis: Ferrer boosts London hopes with Vienna title

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VIENNA (AFP) - David Ferrer moved up to joint seventh in the race for a place at the year-ending World Tour Finals with a 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 win over Steve Johnson in the Austrian Open final Sunday.The 33-year-old Spaniard added a 26th title to his career collection and joined Roger Federer on five titles this season.Only world number one Novak Djokovic, with nine, has more trophies to his name in 2015.Ferrer, the 2014 Vienna finalist against Andy Murray, joined Kei Nishikori in provisional seventh spot in the race for one of two places remaining in the eight-man field for the London season finale from November 15-22.However, Nishikoris chances of qualifying are looking slim after he withdrew from next weeks Basel event due to injury.This is a fantastic victory after a tough final, said Ferrer.Im not qualified yet but Im fighting for a place in London. Ill go to (his hometown of) Valencia next week and really try to qualify for the year-end finals.Ferrer set up three match points in the third set with his seventh ace after a break in the previous game and converted on his first opportunity against his American opponent.The last Spaniard to win in Vienna was Feliciano Lopez in 2004.But Ferrer had to work hard in his 51st career final, dropping the opening set but turning the tables with his characteristic persistent play in the second.He took a 3-1 lead as he ended a run of three breaks of service but could not wrap up the set early as Johnson saved a set point in the ninth game.Ferrer levelled at a set each on his fifth set point and set the stage for a solid decider. The top seed earned the break he needed for 6-5 before finishing off the contest on the first of three match points after two and a quarter hours.It was Ferrers 52nd match win of 2015.Its been a unbelievable season, added the Spaniard whose campaign had been badly hit by an elbow injury.Ive won five tournaments and that is after being out injured.It was tough to beat Steve, he has a really good serve and played very aggressively. I had to be very focused on the important points, I think my experience helped me win today.I feel Ive come back well. Of course Im still not qualified for London but I took a big step today. Im very satisfied.

Tennis: Cilic sees off Bautista Agut to retain Kremlin Cup

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MOSCOW (AFP) - Defending champion and top seed Marin Cilic retained his Kremlin Cup title on Sunday with a straight-sets win over second seeded Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut in a repeat of last years final.At the combined ATP and WTA event the 27-year-old Croat fired nine aces to win 6-4, 6-4 in one hour 28 minutes to chalk up his second win over Bautista Agut in as many meetings and to grab his seasons first and 14th career title.It was a tough match, Cilic said.This tournament becomes more and more special for me.Coming back for second year in a row to win it again it gives my a huge satisfaction and great pleasure.The match looked fairly even at the start with both players holding serve until the seventh game when Cilic, 14th in the ATP rankings, broke to propel himself to a one-set lead in 43 minutes.In the second Cilic went 4-2 up again. Bautista Agut dug in to pull the scores level but the Croatian hard hitter stifled his efforts to claim the set and the match by the same scoreline as last year.I gave everything I had at this court but it was not enough to win today, Bautista Agut said. I hope to come back next year to perform a bit better than this time.In the WTA section Russias Svetlana Kuznetsova ended her 14-month title drought with a straight sets win 6-2, 6-1 over compatriot Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, last years champion, in the Kremlin Cup final on Saturday.

Tennis: Sharapova wins marathon to put stamp on WTA Finals

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SINGAPORE (AFP) - Maria Sharapova won a three-set marathon against Agnieszka Radwanska as she shrugged off injury concerns and laid down a significant marker at the WTA Finals on Sunday.The Russian had not completed a match since the Wimbledon semi-finals after leg and forearm problems but she overcame some rusty play to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in two hours 47 minutes.It could prove a useful work-out for the world number three as she bids to recover the title she won aged 17 on debut in 2004. Top-ranked Serena Williams has opted not to defend her title.Last years runner-up Simona Halep earlier destroyed Flavia Pennetta 6-0, 6-3 to also get off the mark in the Red Group round robin, with matches to come against Sharapova and Radwanska.Matches like this, I think they take a few years out of your life. God knows what is happening with my hair. I think I lost half of it. Its like I dont even want it open this bun up because its just a disaster, Sharapova said.But you know what? Im happy I got through. Yeah, Im going to feel it tomorrow and Im going to be a little bit tired, but, hey, thats the game. Im proud that I was able to get through.Shot-making Radwanska edged Sharapova in the first set as she gained the only break in the ninth game and calmly served it out -- before the Russian caught a verbal volley from her coach.The strict instructions to be more aggressive did the trick as Sharapova broke twice in the second set and buried the first set point with a thumping forehand to level the match.The Russian was cruising as she grabbed a double break in the third set, but she was then broken as she served for the match and double-faulted on match point in her next service game.However, an ace immediately brought up another match point and a delighted Sharapova tasted victory for the first time in nearly four months as Radwanska put a forehand into the net.Earlier Romanian top seed Halep beat Pennetta convincingly to gain some measure of revenge for her defeat to the Italian in the US Open semi-finals.World number two Halep also showed no signs of the left Achilles tendon injury that forced her to retire at this months China Open as she dominated the opening match in Singapore.Halep, 24, shocked Williams en route to last years final and is seeded top after the world number one opted out of the eight-player showdown in order to rest.I have great memories from last year so I had confidence, Halep said after the match. I played solid today.Soon-to-retire US Open champion Pennetta, 33, had a 4-1 head-to-head advantage going into the match, but Halep boasted a tour-leading 40 match wins on hardcourts this season.She was playing really well today, Pennetta said, complimenting Haleps consistent serve. Maybe I had not too much energy.Halep admitted Sunday that she was nervous at their US Open meeting but had learned from her 6-1, 6-3 humbling at Flushing Meadows.I have learned about how to manage the situation when you play semi-finals, and I hope to have many more and to pass that bad feeling, she said.

Tennis: Halep dominates Pennetta in WTA Finals opener

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SINGAPORE (AFP) - Romanian top seed Simona Halep dominated Italys Flavia Pennetta 6-0, 6-3 on Sunday in the opening match of the WTA Finals in Singapore. World number two Halep broke Pennetta three times in the first set, showing no signs of the left Achilles tendon injury that forced her to retire at the China Open three weeks ago.Halep, 24, who was runner-up to Serena Williams in Singapore in 2014, became top seed this year following Serenas decision to withdraw from the season finale in order to rest.I have great memories from last year so I had confidence, Halep said after the match. I played solid today.US Open winner Pennetta, the eighth seed and at 33 the oldest player competing at the WTA Finals, put up a stronger challenge in the second set but was broken in the eighth game.A long forehand by Pennetta sealed the match for Halep in Red group, which also includes Russian world number three Maria Sharapova and Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland, who were scheduled to play later Sunday.Pennetta had a 4-1 head-to-head advantage going into the match but Halep boasted a WTA-leading 40 match wins on hardcourts this season.She was playing really well today, Pennetta said, complimenting Haleps consistent serve. Maybe I had not too much energy.The Italian announced plans to retire this season when she won her first Grand Slam in September at the US Open against compatriot Roberta Vinci after beating Halep.Halep admitted Sunday that she was nervous at their US Open meeting but learned her lesson.I have learned about how to manage the situation when you play semifinals, and I hope to have many more and to pass that bad feeling, she said.

Football: Man Utd, Man City misfire in shot-shy derby

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MANCHESTER (AFP) - Manchester United and Manchester City shared the spoils after a forgettable 170th Manchester derby that yielded only two shots on target finished 0-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday.The point was enough to return City to the Premier League summit on goal difference above Arsenal, with United two points back in fourth place, but it was not a game that will have given Arsene Wengers side undue concerns about the strength of their competition in the title race.In mitigation, Manuel Pellegrinis City could point to the absence of injured duo Sergio Aguero and David Silva, which partly explained why their attack ran dry after a flood of 11 goals in two league games.There were no such excuses for Louis van Gaals United, although they came closest to scoring when Anthony Martial, the hosts stand-out forward, teed up substitute Jesse Lingard to volley against the bar late on.City had made lightning-fast starts on their two previous visits to Old Trafford -- a 3-0 win in their 2013-14 title-winning season and a 4-2 defeat last April -- but it was United who imposed themselves here.Perhaps mindful of the joy that Sevilla had found on the flanks during their 2-1 Champions League defeat at City on Wednesday, United looked to move the ball wide quickly, with Antonio Valencia -- preferred to Matteo Darmian at right-back -- squandering two early crossing chances.Martial again lined up wide on the left for the hosts and he offered a threat each time he took possession, drawing fouls from Fernandinho and City skipper Vincent Kompany that each yielded bookings.At the other end, Raheem Sterling had a shot blocked by Phil Jones, while as the half drew to a close Yaya Toure saw a free-kick deflected off-target and then headed wide from the ensuing corner.Wayne Rooney, playing the day after his 30th birthday, did not get a sniff up front for United and was required to leave the pitch for treatment after a clash of heads with Kompany, who returned to Citys starting XI after six weeks out with a calf injury.United reached half-time having failed to register a single attempt at goal, but they quickly set about rectifying that in the second period.Ander Herrera saw a shot deflected behind and then had a strong penalty appeal turned down after getting his foot caught between Sterlings legs, while Chris Smallings looping header was almost turned in by Morgan Schneiderlin.Shortly after, Marcos Rojos halfway-line interception unintentionally turned into a through-ball for Juan Mata, but Joe Hart sprinted from his line to clear.Seeking an out-ball, Pellegrini sent Jesus Navas on for Sterling -- his hat-trick against Bournemouth last weekend a distant memory -- while for United, Lingard and Marouane Fellaini replaced Mata and Bastian Schweinsteiger.Citys next change was more surprising, with talisman Toure giving way to centre-back Martin Demichelis, who took up a role in midfield.When one of the goalkeepers was finally tested, David de Gea had no trouble gathering a tame curler from Navas, but Lingard went closer minutes later when he hared onto Martials delicately flighted pass and used the outside of his right foot to send a volley against the bar.United belatedly tested Hart in the 88th minute, but the England goalkeeper showed sharp reflexes to claw away Smallings shot from Fellainis knockdown.

Football: Suarez hat-trick takes Barca level with Madrid

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MADRID (AFP) - Luis Suarez scored a hat-trick as Barcelona were again forced to come from behind in the absence of the injured Lionel Messi to beat Basque minnows Eibar 3-1 on Sunday.The on-form Borja Baston fired Eibar into a shock lead just 10 minutes in, but Suarez restored parity with a bullet header and then put Barca in front just after the break.Eibar were handed a lifeline when Javier Mascherano saw a straight red card for protesting with the referee seven minutes from time.But Suarez promptly sealed his hat-trick and a vital three points with another fine finish from Neymars pass.Victory takes Barca level with Real Madrid on 21 points, but Los Blancos remain on top thanks to their superior goal difference.There was a moment of reflection before kick-off as the Barcelona players entered the field wearing orange t-shirts to honour legendary former Barca player and coach Johan Cruyff, who was diagnosed with lung cancer this week.And the Camp Nou was stunned early on as Eibar went in front when on-loan Atletico Madrid striker Baston swept home his sixth goal of the season after Claudio Bravo had blocked Kekos initial attempt.Barca youngster Sandro Ramirez has struggled with the unenviable task of standing in for Messi during the four-time World Player of the Years absence.However, the 20-year-old had a major role to play in a controversial equaliser 11 minutes later as he brilliantly volleyed Sergio Busquetss ball over the top back across goal for Suarez to power home a header from close range.Yet, replays showed the winger had been in an offside position when he latched onto Busquetss pass.Despite Barcas dominance of possession, Eibar went on to have the better chances before half-time.Simone Verdi sent a rising drive into the side-netting before Keko had a goalbound effort cleared off the line by Marc Bartra.The visitors had the first chance after the break too when Bastons weak header was easily claimed by Bravo.And Eibars profligacy was punished seconds later when Neymar weaved past two defenders and squared for Suarez to thump his second goal of the evening into the bottom corner.Mascherano could be in major trouble as his straight red may lead to a four-game ban that would see him miss the clash with Real Madrid on November 21.However, Suarez ensured Barca werent to lose any ground on Rafael Benitezs men in the meantime with a brilliant finish after controlling Neymars pass on his chest two minutes later.Elsewhere, the pressure on former Manchester United manager David Moyes was eased as his Real Sociedad side thrashed Levante 4-0 on Sunday to move three points clear of the relegation zone.Former Arsenal forward Carlos Vela opened and rounded off the scoring either side of goals from Imanol Agirretxe and Asier Illaramendi.Villarreals dip in form continued as they moved up to fourth despite a disappointing 0-0 draw at Las Palmas.However, Atletico Madrid can overtake the Yellow Submarine and move up to third with victory over Valencia later on Sunday.

Golf: Rose blooms over Bjerregaard for Hong Kong victory

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HONG KONG (AFP) - World number seven Justin Rose needed all his experience Sunday to win a tight battle against Denmarks Lucas Bjerregaard and triumph in the Hong Kong Open by just one shot. Former US Open winner Rose started the final day tied for the lead with 285th-ranked Bjerregaard, but a double bogey by the young Dane late in the round derailed his challenge. Englishman Rose, 35, is the first from his country to win the tournament since Ian Poulter in 2010. He finished with a 17 under par 263, which could see him bumped up to fifth in the world rankings. The unheralded Bjerregaard, aged 24, finished just one shot behind him with a 16 under par 264. Im absolutely delighted to come out on top today, Rose told reporters after the tournament, which was also his first European Tour victory on Asian soil. Starting the day, there was obviously Lucas and I ahead of the pack and thats very much how it finished, so it really turned out to be a head-to-head battle between myself and Lucas. Rose remained patient in the final, even when he dropped a shot on the par-four 9th and Bjerregaard jumped into the lead by two with a birdie. The Englishman made a comeback on the back nine after the par-four 14th when Bjerregaard hit the ball into the trees and then three-putted for the double bogey. By the 18th Rose was two strokes ahead, and even had the luxury of three-putting the last par-four hole, laughing as the crowds cheered him on. It was tight the whole day... I just kept my nose in front right at the end, he said. I had a lot of good putts from 14... that was the turning point. Bjerregaard, who had led for much of the first half, said he was happy with the way he played and Rose was a tough competitor. It was fun to battle with Justin these last two days, its guys like him I want to compete against. At least I gave him a bit of a scare, he said. Aside from the 14th, he added that he had kept his cool for much of the day. I was more nervous last night just thinking about going out and playing against him.Tied for third place were Soomin Lee, Patrick Reed, Matthew Fitzpatrick and Jason Scrivener -- all finishing with an 11 under par 269. Koreas Yang Yong-Eun, the only Asian-born man to win a major, came joint seventh alongside Lin Wen-tang, Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Anirban Lahiri and Matt Ford.Roses European Ryder Cup teammates Graeme McDowell and Ian Poulter, both of whom had been hoping for strong performances, ended with five and six under par respectively, putting McDowell in tied 24th place and Poulter in joint 29th overall. It was particularly disappointing for Poulter, who had to win in Hong Kong if he wanted to qualify for the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai. He had made a mad dash to Hong Kong to retain his European Tour membership.

Formula One: Lewis Hamilton storms to third world title

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AUSTIN (AFP) - Defending champion Lewis Hamilton secured his third world title in dramatic fashion on Sunday when he took victory in a roller-coaster, stop-start, wet-and-dry United States Grand Prix.The 30-year-old Briton, who started from second on the grid, came home 2.850 seconds clear of his Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg to deliver his 10th victory of a dominant season.Hamilton now has an unbeatable total of 327 points, moving him beyond the reach of both Rosberg, who finished second, and four-time champion Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari, who came home third.But an emotional Hamilton owed his victory, in the end, to an unforced error by Rosberg on the 49th lap when he made a mistake and ran wide at Turn 15 as the pair duelled for the lead. That mistake gave Hamilton the lead, victory and his third champions crown.Its the greatest moment of my life, said Hamilton on his car radio, as he seemed to sob. Thank you all so much, I am so grateful to you all. And to my family I love you all.Dutch teenager Max Verstappen finished fourth for Toro Rosso ahead of Sergio Perez of Force India, Carlos Sainz in the second Toro Rosso, Jenson Button of McLaren and Pastor Maldonado who was eighth for Lotus.Felipe Nasr came home ninth for Sauber and Australian Daniel Ricciardo was 10th for Red Bull, having passed two-time champion Fernando Alonso of McLaren on the final lap.Hamiltons success enabled him to equal the record of Jackie Stewart as the only Britons to win three drivers world titles and the first to win two championships in succession.What a race with all the ups and downs, said Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff. It was a fantastic race. We had a problem at the beginning, at the end it was tight, but Im just overwhelmed.Lewis was almost faultless this year and the car didnt let him down. It is just an amazing feeling.After a two-day deluge, the race began with a rare appearance by the sun, a drying breeze and all the drivers on intermediate tyres.When the lights went out, pole-sitter Rosberg was out-started by Hamilton who drew level and then eased his team-mate wide to the right at the first turn to seize the lead and the initiative.Rosberg fell to fifth in the early scraps as the Red Bulls rushed past to take second and third, Daniil Kvyat driving with real hunger and panache.Hamilton fought to keep his car in front on cold tyres, but finished the first lap 1.4 seconds clear of the Russian with Rosberg fourth behind Ricciardo.Behind the leaders, there were several skirmishes including a collision between the two Saubers, in the teams 400th Grand Prix entry, a puncture for Alonso after a collision with Massa and a fine attack by Vettel who rose from 13th to seventh. Valtteri Bottas retired his Williams with a broken rear suspension.The debris required a Virtual Safety Car clean-up which slowed and bunched the field and, on resumption, Rosberg passed Ricciardo and then did the same to Kvyat on the back straight to claim second. The German was soon within a second of Hamilton, but unable to make an impression and by lap 11 the gap was back to 1.1 seconds. By this stage, their tyres were graining severely in the tricky conditions. Both Red Bulls were clearly easier to handle but lacked the power to match the Mercedes, or overtake, until Rosberg slewed wide at Turn One and Ricciardo pounced.The Red Bull looked supreme in the conditions and was soon pressing Hamilton, whose rear tyres were providing little grip, before he swept into the lead on lap 15, promptly delivering a fastest lap and opening a lead of 2.7 seconds.By lap 18, his lead was four seconds and Hamilton, on dead tyres, was sliding, losing a place to Rosberg, before he pitted on lap 19 to switch to slicks. It was one lap too soon.Ricciardo followed one lap later, along with Kvyat and Rosberg, all three holding their advantage on Hamilton when they re-joined.Rosberg settled down immediately and took advantage of his new rubber, and superior power, to take the lead on lap 22. He was soon four seconds clear of Ricciardo with Hamilton up to third ahead of Kvyat who was soon passed by Vettel.The defending champion took second on lap 26 and began the chase after his team-mate who was nearly 10 seconds ahead.Hamilton closed to within half a second of Rosberg with a series of fastest laps.Rosberg and both Red Bulls pitted under another Virtual Safety Car, but not Hamilton who inherited the lead ahead of Vettel and Verstappen.Rosberg, on new tyres, was soon up to second and closing down Hamilton when Kvyat crashed heavily to bring another Safety Car deployment.Hamilton swiftly pitted and rejoined second behind Rosberg and ahead of Verstappen while Vettel also, surprisingly, pitted again re-joining fourth.On lap 49, the pressure told and Rosberg ran off line exiting Turn 16, gifting his team-mate the lead once again and, with it, his third world championship.

Pedrosa wins Malaysia GP, Lorenzo gains on Rossi in title race

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SEPANG (AFP) - Spains Dani Pedrosa cruised to victory in the Malaysian MotoGP Sunday, with Jorge Lorenzo snatching second place to cut into championship leader Valentino Rossis lead.The result at Malaysias Sepang track sets the stage for a thrilling climax to the season, as Yamaha teammates Lorenzo and Rossi will battle it out in the finale next month in Valencia, southeastern Spain.But controversy marred the result as Rossi was penalised for a collision with defending world champion Marc Marquez, furthering endangering the Italians hopes of securing his 10th world championship next month.Lorenzo and Pedrosa accused Rossi of lifting his leg as Marquez tried to overtake him, possibly impeding the Spaniard, who crashed and had to retire from the race.An infuriated Marquez also lashed out at Rossi, saying the Italian had kicked the handlebar of his bike.Race officials said 36-year-old Rossi, who was notably absent from the winners press conference after the eventful race, will have to start from the back of the grid in Valencia.We were overtaking at a very fast pace. I dont know what was Valentino thinking. I did not expect him to carry his leg and push my handlebar. That is why I crashed, Marquez told reporters.To hit (my bike) with his leg... I have -- and also I think many other people have -- lost respect for Valentino, he added.Rossi denied he was at fault.In Turn 14 I tried to go wide to get a better line to make him (Marquez) slow because he just rides to cause me some problems. Unfortunately... and I think he crashed in that moment, he was quoted as saying by Motogp.com.The accusations come after a tense week in which Rossi angrily accused Marquez of helping Lorenzo to win points in the Australian Grand Prix, where Marquez won and Rossi managed only fourth place.Lorenzo on Sunday hit back, saying his teammate had only received a slap on the wrist over the collision with Marquez because of his superstar status.If it was another rider, he may be punished much harder. I did not expect this to happen. I am disappointed, he said.It think it is unfair. Valentino got 16 points and Marquez got nothing. I cannot believe anyone will do this kind of thing.Lorenzo, who has steadily whittled away at Rossis championship lead, is now just seven points behind.Meanwhile, Pedrosa started from the pole position and never relinquished the lead for Honda.It was a fabulous race, but I was not aware of the problems behind me, he said.He clocked 40 minutes 37.691 seconds -- 3.612 seconds ahead of his fellow Spaniard Lorenzo, and 13.724 seconds faster than Rossi.Lorenzo, 28, had begun from the second row, and 11 points behind Rossi for the world championship, but he burst ahead into second place on lap two and held it the rest of the way.Rossi and Marquez waged a tense, see-saw fight for third and it was on the seventh lap -- when Marquez was seeking to bulldoze his way past the right side of the Italians bike -- that the scuffle broke out.The alleged kicking incident happened on a corner just after Rossi appeared to taunt Marquez, gesturing at him to open up his throttle. Rossi has nine career world titles, but has not won since 2009, and relations with his teammate have been tense since they raced together for Yamaha in 2006-2008.Their relationship improved after Rossi rejoined the brand in 2013, but with the world title at stake, their old animosity has re-emerged.

RugbyU: Australia beat Pumas 29-15 to reach World Cup final

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TWICKENHAM (AFP) - Adam Ashley-Cooper scored a hat-trick of tries as Australia ended Argentinas hopes of a first World Cup final appearance with a 29-15 win at Twickenham on Sunday.The Wallabies will now face defending champions New Zealand, 20-18 winners over South Africa on Saturday, in next weekends final.Australia and New Zealand, the only two unbeaten teams at this tournament, will be bidding to win the World Cup for a record third time.Australia led 19-9 at half-time after Rob Simmons early try was followed by two from Ashley-Cooper.The valiant Pumas, who came from 14-0 down to beat Australia 21-17 last year for their first win in the southern hemisphere Rugby Championship, narrowed the gap.But Ashley-Coopers third try, 10 minutes from time, sealed a win for Australia, the reigning Rugby Championship title holders who have undergone a revival since coach Michael Cheika took charge last year.Fly-half Nicolas Sanchez kicked all of the Pumas points with five penalties, in front of an 80,025 crowd that included Argentina football great Diego Maradona. Defeat meant Argentina, also beaten semi-finalists in 2007, will now face South Africa in Fridays third-place play-off.Argentina recalled centre Marcelo Bosch, back from suspension, in their only change to the side that overwhelmed Ireland 43-20 in the quarter-finals.Australia made three changes with the fit-again full-back Israel Folau and No 8 David Pocock returning in place of Kurtley Beale and Ben McCalman respectively.Pocock, badly missed at the breakdown by Australia in their nailbiting 35-34 quarter-final win over Scotland forced several turnovers on Sunday.A dry day made conditions ideal for running rugby and it took Australia just 68 seconds to score the games first try when lock forward Simmons intercepted Sanchezs inside pass. Bernard Foley added the easy conversion and Australia led 7-0.Fly-half Foley was then involved at the other end when, after Argentina exploited a huge gap in Australias cover, he made a try-saving tackle on Bosch.But an offence in the build-up led to an easy penalty for Sanchez.Thoughts of an immediate Argentina revival were dashed when Australia scored their second try in the ninth minute.A knocked-on tap and go from Pumas scrum-half Martin Landajo led to an Australia scrum, much improved under he guidance of former Argentina hooker Mario Ledesma, before Foleys miss-pass freed left wing Ashley-Cooper for a try in the corner.Foley kicked a tricky conversion and Argentina, who scored two early tries against Ireland, now found themselves on the receiving end with Australia in charge at 14-3.The Pumas suffered another setback when in-form wing Juan Imhoff went off injured in the 18th minute. Argentina forced a 23rd-minute scrum penalty and Sanchez, becoming the tournaments leading points scorer as he passed the 79-point tally of Scotlands Greig Laidlaw and South Africas Handre Pollard, cut Australias lead to 14-6.Argentina, however, found themselves a man down in the 26th minute when lock Tomas Lavanini was sent to the sin-bin by English referee Wayne Barnes for a no-arms tackle on Folau. The sheer speed as much as anything else prevented a fair challenge.Things got worse for Argentina when influential skipper and hooker Agustin Creevy went off on the half hour mark.Australia were now encamped in Argentinas 22 and the pressure told when another miss-pass, this time from centre Matt Giteau, sent in Ashley-Cooper for his second try.Foley did not convert, but Australia were 19-6 up before Sanchezs third penalty cut their lead to 10 points.That was how the match stayed until the break but it could have been so different had the Pumas scored a try in the closing moments of the half.Argentina wing Santiago Cordero broke clear and offloaded to Juan Martin Hernadez but, in sight of the line, the centres pass went behind full-back Joaquin Tuculet and the chance was lost.In the second half, Sanchez kicked two penalties either side of a Foley effort to leave Australia 22-15 in front.Argentina pressed hard in the final quarter before a cross-field run by Drew Mitchell opened up their defence and led to a try for fellow wing Ashley-Cooper.

Ailing Amin Faheem reaches Karachi

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KARACHI (Dunya News) - Ailing Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Makhdoom Amin Fahim accompanied by his son Jamil-uz-Zaman reached Karachi from Dubai on early Monday morning.Amin Fahim was in Dubai for cancer treatment. He was brought to Karachi in a special air ambulance on his wish to spend a few days with his family and friends in Pakistan.Adviser to Chief Minister Sindh, Waqar Mehdi, and Amin Fahim’s son Rafiq-uz-Zaman were present at the airport to welcome him. Makhdoom Amin Fahim was shifted to a private hospital in Karachi. He will stay there for a few days after which he is scheduled to fly to England for further treatment.

Two killed as PTI, PML-N workers clash in Lahore

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – Local Bodies election campaign turned bloody when two activists of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was killed amid clashes with workers of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in Yaki Gate area of Lahore on Sunday night, Dunya News reported.According to details, four PTI activists and one PML-N worker were injured in firing in Yaki Gate area. The injured were rushed to hospital where 28-year-old Khurrum Gujar and Arif, both PTI activists, succumbed to their injuries. Khurrum Gujar and Arif are stated to be real brothers.PTI leaders Chaudhry Sarwar, Shafqat Mahmood and Aleem Khan reached the spot after the incident. Speaking to newsmen, PTI leader Shafqat Mahmood said that this is a test case for Punjab police. PTI workers have blamed PML-N activists for the attack.On the other hand, DG Operations, Haider Ashraf along with a heavy contingent of police also reached the spot. He said that special teams have been constituted to arrest the culprits behind this incident. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Punjab, Mian Shahbaz Sharif, while taking notice of the incident has sought an immediate report.

Younis expects England fightback

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DUBAI (AFP) - Veteran batsman Younis Khan on Sunday warned England can fight back to foil Pakistans victory bid in the second Test in Dubai.Pakistan were in sight of a victory after getting three key wickets before stumps on the fourth day, with England 130-3 - chasing 491 - still needing 361 runs for victory or bat out the final day for a draw.The first Test of the three-match series ended in a draw in Abu Dhabi.Younis said the match will not be over quickly on Monday.I have always said that this is not an England team which succumbs to the spin, said Younis. This is a changed England team which has the capablity to fight so it will be hard work for us.England were struggling at 19-2 after losing Moeen Ali (one) and the in-form skipper Alastair Cook (ten) before Joe Root (unbeaten on 59) and Ian Bell (46) put on a 102-run stand for the third wicket to lead the recovery.Younis praised Root.The way Root is playing at the moment it is fantastic for me that a young guy from Yorkshire plays spin bowling very well, said Younis of Root whose fifty is his 12th this year.I think there is still hard work for us if we want to win this game, said Younis who notched 118 for his 31st hundred on the fourth morning.His hundred helped Pakistan declare their second innings at 354-6.Younis said he wants to cash on to every batting opportunity. I feel that I dont have much time so I want to cash every opportunity I get, said Younis. Probably I am not there after three four years so I am happy to perform whenever I get the opportunity and want to convert it into a big innings.Younis said he still wants to play in one-day cricket.I have always said that I have not retired from one-day cricket, said Younis dropped after a poor show in the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand earlier this year.I want to perform well in that format and I will be there (playing one-day cricket) one day.Englands assistant coach Paul Farbrace stressed his team needs to fight.Weve got to come back with the attitude that we can survive the day. I thought the way Bell and Root played was excellent, said Farbrace.I thought thats what the two of them showed today, if you apply yourself and you are very clear on how you are looking to play you can survive on that pitch.We have to show we can learn quickly.The third and final Test starts in Sharjah from November 1.

New Zealand practice batting in drawn tour game

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CANBERRA (AFP) - New Zealands two-day tour match with a Cricket Australia XI ended in a draw Sunday, with bowlers frustrated after just four wickets fell in 172 overs but batsmen welcoming invaluable practice.At stumps the Black Caps held a 43-run first innings lead ahead of next months opening Test against Australia in Brisbane.Test paceman Peter Siddle did not take a wicket but proved typically frugal by conceding just 34 off his 13 overs.Siddle is looking for more overs to press his claims before the opening Test at the Gabba on November 5.But CA XI coach Greg Blewett said the lack of bowling would not be an issue for him.Sids is very experienced now and he probably doesnt need a whole lot of bowling, Blewett said.We all know about his control, we saw that in the last Test match in England.It was more about giving him a roll out and I think his rhythm looked as good as it did over in England.Im sure if he gets the opportunity, hes going to really enjoy bowling in Brisbane and Perth.But Siddles case was not helped when fellow quick Josh Hazlewood was awarded player of the match in New South Waless domestic Cup final win over South Australia after his three for 28 on Sunday.Retired quick Ryan Harris believes selectors will stick with the seam attack of Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson.New Zealands batsmen, meanwhile, got some valuable time in the middle -- including skipper Brendon McCullum who struck 58 off 49 balls, including a trio of sixes, before retiring.Kane Williamson (68), Hamish Rutherford (41), BJ Watling (41), Luke Ronchi (39) and Mark Craig (60) also retired after solid innings, while Doug Bracewell (15) and Matt Henry (19) finished not out.Opener Martin Guptill was one of just two dismissals on Sunday, bowled for a duck by young quick Billy Stanlake (1-25), while Ross Taylor (16) was caught off Jason Behrendorff (1-31).New Zealand batting coach Craig McMillan admitted the conditions were nothing like they expect during the Test series, but said there was still some value in the match and in Fridays 102-run win against the PMs XI.That included getting an early look at Siddle and Mitchell Marsh.McMillan said it was highly likely the Black Caps line-up for the four-day clash with the CA XI in Blacktown starting Thursday would be very close to their first Test side.

Rain halts Sri Lanka vs West Indies Test

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COLOMBO (AFP) - Rain washed out play Sunday on the fourth day of the second Test in Colombo, with the West Indies needing another 224 for their first ever win in Sri Lanka.West Indies were 20-1 when rain stopped play on Saturday, and the covers remained on the field throughout the following day at the P. Sara Oval.The umpires finally cancelled play at 2:45pm local time (0915 GMT) following an inspection of the rain-soaked pitch.Shai Hope was on 17 when rain stopped played on Saturday, leaving the visitors a target of 244 to win the second Test and level the two-match series.Sri Lanka won the first Test in Galle by an innings.The West Indies have not won any of their 10 previous Tests played in Sri Lanka since their first in 1993.
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