Bale returns as Real progress in Cup

MADRID - Gareth Bale provided a brilliant assist on his return from two months out with injury as Real Madrid advanced to the last 16 of the Copa del Rey Tuesday. The Welsh forward delivered a sensational cross for the first of Borja Mayoral's two goals in a 2-2 draw with third-tier Fuenlabrada at the Santiago Bernabeu, as Zinedine Zidane's team won 4-2 on aggregate. Fuenlabrada, trailing 2-0 from the first leg, threatened to cause a famous upset when Luis Milla fired them ahead in the first half, but Mayoral struck twice following Bale's introduction on the hour. Alvaro Portilla levelled late on for the visitors but Real took their place in the next round alongside Celta Vigo, Levante and Leganes, while La Liga strugglers Malaga crashed out following a 3-2 aggregate loss to Numancia.– AFP

Ejaz Farooqi T20 Cricket in Faisalabad

LAHORE – Former Faisalabad District Cricket Association (FDCA) secretary Mian Ejaz Farooqi says he has been organising the first ever Ejaz Farooqi T20 Cricket Championship in Faisalabad. He said the purpose of conducting this event is to promote cricket in Faisalabad district and region. “There is no dearth of cricketing talent in Faisalabad but the need of the hour is to provide them fair chances and opportunities to excel at higher level. This event will provide the youngsters a platform to showcase their skills and talent to book berth in the domestic and national cricket teams. “This event has already been held in district Jhang and Sargodha while the matches are in progress in Faisalabad too. The player of the match will receive motorbikes while player of tournament to get special prize,” he added.–Staff Reporter

Aqeel moves into POF Tennis final

ISLAMABAD - Aqeel Khan Wednesday moved into the 2nd Chairman POF Board National Ranking Tennis Championships men’s singles final at POF Tennis Complex, Wah Cantt. Aqeel overpowered Muzammil Murtaza to enter the finals where he will face Shahzad Khan, who defeated M Abid. Aqeel/Shahzad entered men’s doubles final by routing Yasir/Abdaal 6-2, 6-4 while M Abid/Usman Rafiq beat Muzamil/Mudassir 7-6 (5), 2-6, 10-7. Asad Ullah beat Saqib Umer while Yousaf Khan beat M Shoaib in U-18 boys singles. In U-14 boys singles semis, Hamza Roman routed Hasham Khan to qualify for final where he faces Sami Zaib, who outclassed Farman Shakeel 6-2, 6-4. Hamza also bagged U-10 boys singles title by beating Shahsawar 4-1, 4-0.–Staff Reporter

Pak Army dominate National Cycling

LAHORE - Pakistan Army dominated the 63rd National Men’s & 12th Women’s Track Cycling Championship (elite/junior) here on Wednesday. In 9000 meter team pursuit (elite), Army were first, Wapda second and SSGC third. Army also won the 1000 meter team sprint (elite) event Wapda stood second and SSGC third. In 1000 meter individual sprint (elite) too, Army’s Sabiha Zahid was winner while Fiza Riaz of Wapda second and Anum Mehmood of Wapda third. The scratch race was won by Army’s Abid while Nisar of Wapda was second and Waqas of SSGC third. In 500 meter individual time trial (junior), Nashmia (Punjab) was winner, Faryal (KP) runner-up and Iqra Riaz (Balochistan) third.–Staff Reporter
­

Kanganpur Super League in full swing

LAHORE – The Kanganpur Super League is in full swing at Kanganpur with eight teams comprising top district players have been featuring in the event. The teams include Badshah, Riders, Royals, Lions, Falcons, Sultans and Gladiators. Chief organisers Malik Waqar and Chaudhry Iqbal said the event has been organised to provide opportunities to local players to excel at higher level and also to hunt fresh talent which may represent the region at national and international level.–Staff Reporter