Chennaiyin hold Dynamos 1-1
NEW DELHI: With an Indian Super League (ISL) playoff spot all but out of their reach, Delhi Dynamos FC had nothing to lose going into their game against Chennaiyin FC on Sunday.
And despite missing a few key players due to injury, the home side put in one of their more solid performances of the season.
But poor defending from a corner – a problem area for Dynamos all season – proved their undoing yet again as Chennaiyin’s Mailson Alves rose highest to head home the equaliser in the 81st minute to deny Delhi what should have been only their third win of the season. Earlier in the second half, Dynamos skipper Kalu Uche had converted a penalty won by midfielder Matias Mirabje on the hour mark to put the hosts in front. However, a lack of defensive solidity when it most mattered meant Delhi had to share the spoils.
Delhi’s possession-based play has drawn praise from many coaches, even if lack of goals has hurt. Still, it was refreshing to see coach Miguel Angel Portugal favour being solid in defence than look to keep the ball aimlessly. It was a strategy that isn’t easy on the eye, but Delhi’s current situation means they need wins more than attractive football.
And because Delhi’s focus was more on keeping the opposition at bay, Chennaiyin attackers didn’t have much space to work in.
PUNE BEAT MUMBAI
MUMBAI: An own goal from Raju Gaikwad and a beautiful finish from Marcelinho helped FC Pune City beat Mumbai City 2-0. The win keeps Pune second, three points ahead of Jamshedpur FC and five behind Bengaluru FC.
Defending Fed Cup champs US were one point from advancing to the semifinals after a comfortable victory for Venus Williams. Venus needed an hour and 19 minutes to beat Dutch opponent Arantxa Rus 6-1, 6-4. Coco Vandeweghe beat Richel Hogenkamp 4-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-3. They were both cheered by Serena, who was poised to make her own return on Sunday.
RAILWAYS CHAMPS
RANCHI: Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) lifted the 8th Senior National Women’s Hockey title, thrashing Madhya Pradesh 4-0 in the final. India forward Vandana Katariya scored a hat-trick as the RSPB remained unbeaten throughout the championship. Priyanka Wankhede completed the tally.