Sports

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson criticised his own players for failing to utilise Robin van Persie's talents after they crashed to a surprise 1-0 defeat at Everton. Van Persie made his eagerly-anticipated United debut as a 68th minute substitute with his new side trailing to Marouane Fellaini's second half goal at Goodison Park on Monday. But the Dutch striker, who completed a 24

Townsville, August 20: India's tail-enders held their nerves in the tense dying moments to edge out archrivals Pakistan by one wicket in a low-scoring thriller to cruise into the semifinals of the Under-19 World Cup on Monday. After dismissing Pakistan for a paltry 136, India made rough weather of a small target as they were reduced to 127/9 in 41 overs after being in a comfortable 124/6 at one

Hyderabad, August 20: Saina Nehwal on Sunday received a brand new BMW car for winning a bronze medal at the London Olympics from none other than batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, who said that the world is yet to see the best of the star shuttler. The felicitation function was organised by vice president of Andhra Badminton Association Chamundeshwari Nath, who honoured the city girl by buying her

New Delhi, August 19: Veteran Tamil Nadu batsman S. Badrinath has been recalled into the Indian Test team as replacement of the just retired V.V.S. Laxman. “The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named S. Badrinath as VVS Laxman’s replacement in the Indian team for the Test series against New Zealand, which commences at Hyderabad on 23 August 2012,” secretary Sanjay Jagdale was quoted as

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly Saturday saluted V.V.S. Laxman for his contribution to the game and said he has given a "strong and clear" message to the selectors by quitting international cricket with immediate effect. "He has sent a strong and clear message to the selectors. Making this seem like a farewell series does not make sense. It's a tough decision, a fantastic decision. He

India`s stylish batsman V. V. S. Laxman, who announced his retirement from international cricket Saturday, said Pakistan`s legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram was the toughest bowler he faced. "The toughest bowler was Wasim Akram for the variations and skills he had. He was master of the variations," he said. Laxman said he was lucky to get an opportunity to play at the international level and face

Mumbai, August 18: VVS Laxman has announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect, ahead of the home Test series against New Zealand, starting August 23 in his hometown Hyderabad. Laxman, 37, has had a glittering career since his debut in 1996 but his recent Test form had raised question marks over his continuance in the side. Laxman made his debut against South Africa in

Hyderabad, August 18: It all began 16 years ago against the visiting South Africans in Ahmedabad. After 134 matches and 17 hundreds, Vangipurappu Venkata Sai Laxman's Test journey is likely to end at home with the first Test against New Zealand to be played from Aug 23 to 27. "Laxman has decided to announce his retirement from international cricket on Saturday. He spoke to me this morning and said

Dipika Pallikal today became the first Indian to enter the semifinals of a Gold Series event when she recorded a straight sets win over Amanda Sobhy in the Australian Squash Open, here. Dipika recorded a convincing 11-5, 11-7, 12-10 win over her American rival, who had earlier caused a major upset by beating world number three Jenny Duncalf. "Yesterday, I started slow but today I paid special

London, August 17: Arsenal striker Robin van Persie will make his debut in a Manchester United shirt against Everton Monday, manager Alex Ferguson said on Thursday. United have already agreed a transfer fee with Arsenal and the deal is subject to the Dutch forward signing a contract and passing a medical. "Alex Ferguson confident Robin Van Persie will make debut against Everton Monday," United