Kerber finally gets Aussie Open trophy
DOHA -It took Angelique Kerber 13 years on the professional circuit to win a Grand Slam, but it has taken her an extra month to be reunited with her Australian Open trophy, she revealed Tuesday. After her shock win over Serena Williams in Melbourne on January 30, the German star decided she did not want to carry the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup, which weighs 10 kilogrammes (22lbs), in her hand luggage on the long flight home. Instead, the world number two opted to have it sent back to Europe by recorded delivery. However that plan backfired as the 28-year-old lost track of exactly where it was after it got "stuck" in Poland's capital, Warsaw, en route to her home address. Finally though she has now located the cup and will soon be able to get her hands on the silver trophy.–AFP
Beckham pleads for Van Gaal patience
LONDON - David Beckham has come to the defence of under-pressure Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal, saying the Dutchman needs time to turn the club's fortunes around. United are only fifth in the Premier League after seven defeats this season, with Van Gaal under fire for a 'dull' style of football seen as contrary to the club's traditional attacking approach in the eyes of many fans. Recently the local Manchester Evening News took the unusual step of calling for Van Gaal, who replaced David Moyes -- the short-lived successor to hugely successful United manager Alex Ferguson -- to be sacked. "He (Van Gaal) is an experienced manager with a great reputation in the game. Sometimes it takes time. It is not easy being manager of Man United," the former England captain added.–AFP
Title defense off for injured Thurman
LOS ANGELES - Undefeated world champion Keith Thurman was hurt in a car accident, forcing his March 12 welterweight title defense in Connecticut against Shawn Porter to be postponed, organizers said Monday. Promoter Lou DiBella, president of DiBella Entertainment, made the announcement. The nature of Thurman's injuries were not given, but according to his doctors is expected to be cleared to resume training in the coming weeks. "While it's unfortunate that we must temporarily postpone this marquee matchup, a main event of the magnitude of Thurman vs. Porter requires both fighters be healthy and at their best," the promoter said. Thurman, 26-0 with 22 knockouts, was preparing for the second defense of the title he won last March with a unanimous decision over compatriot Robert Guerrero.–AFP
Khyber Union FC win memorial football
KHYBER AGENCY - Khyber Union Football Club of Landi Kotal after a tough battle outsmarted Kamber White 11 of Bara to win Mehboob Shah Afridi memorial Football Tournament played at Bar-Kamber ground, Teshil Bara yesterday. 40 teams participated from Khyber agency, organised by the Ber-Kamber Khel Football Committee. Elder brother of the martyr journalist, Farooq Shah Afridi was the chief guest. One minute silence was observed before kickoff. Thousands of local tribal people enjoyed the final. Both teams battled hard until match went into the penalty shootout where Khyber Union 11 won by 4-3. Earlier, Tug of War competitions were held among school children. At the end, the chief guest awarded prizes to the winning team and best players. Asad Shinwari was awarded man of the match.–Staff Reporter
5000 players to participate in U-23 Games
PESHAWAR - The logo and trophy of the U-23 Games was unveiled at the Qayyum Stadium Tuesday. Commissioner Peshawar Dr Fakhre Alam was the chief guest while Deputy Secretary, Adil Safi, DG Sports Rashida Ghaznavi, Squash World Champion Qamar Zaman and ex-noted athletes were also present. More than 5000 players are expected to participate in various competitions. Male and female will be given equal opportunities in cricket, football, volleyball, hockey, netball, wushu, squash, badminton, table tennis, boxing, basketball, athletics, gymnastic, judo, Karate and Taekwondo. Deputy Secretary Safi said: “The aim of the activity is to hunt talented players and Rs74 million has been allocated for event and committees had been formed in all districts for players’ selection on merit.”–Staff Reporter