Thailand Open: Srikanth, Sindhu win

BANGKOK: PV Sindhu staved off a spirited challenge from world No 62, USA’S Lauren Lam to win 21-19, 19-21, 21-18 in the first round of Thailand Open on Wednesday. Fresh from playing a key role in the Thomas Cup victory, Kidambi Srikanth beat Brice Leverdez of France 18-21

21-10 21-16. However, India’s other Thomas Cup hero HS Prannoy, went down 1721, 21-15, 15-21 to Daren Liew of Malaysia.

French Open qualifier: Ramkumar exits

PARIS: Ramkumar Ramanathan bowed out of the French Open qualifying event losing 6-7 (6), 4-6 against 18-year-old French player Sean Cuenin. Ramkumar, ranked 178th, had knocked out ninth seed and world number 114, Yannick Hanfmann from Germany in the opening round but lost to a player, ranked 595, Sumit Nagal and Yuki Bhambri have already exited.

Mushfiqur ton guides Bangladesh to lead CHITTAGONG: Mushfiqur Rahim (105) struck his eighth Test century and became the first Bangladeshi batter to pass 5,000 Test runs as the hosts took the upper hand in the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Zohur Ahmed Choudhary Stadium in Chittagong on Wednesday. Bangladesh were all out for 465 with a first-innings lead of 68. Sri Lanka were 39/2 at stumps on the fourth day.

Laxman likely to be coach on Ireland tour NEW DELHI: National Cricket Academy chief VVS Laxman is likely to be in charge of the Indian team during the twomatch series in Ireland next month as it coincides with the Test squad’s preparation in England. Head coach Rahul Dravid will be with the Test squad in England ahead of the series beginning with the one-off Test from July 1. India will play two T20IS in Ireland on June 26 and 28.*