Bhullar slips to tied 39 in Japan, Ikeda ahead by single stroke
It was one of the rare off-days for Gaganjeet Bhullar as he crashed to four-over 75 and dropped to T-39 after Round 3 of the Asia-Pacific Diamond Cup. Bhullar, who was T-9 after 36 holes, had three bogeys, a double and just one birdie on a day when things just did not go his way. Meanwhile, Ajeetesh Sandhu (74) and Rahil Gangjee (73) also had a disappointing day as they lied T-46 and T-51st respectively. Japan’s Yuta Ikeda put himself in contention for a 20th career victory after shooting a third round five-under-par 66. World No 98 Ikeda has won every year since 2009 and is now in position to secure his first title in 2018 after totalling 12-under-par 201.
PAKISTAN BEAT INDIA
settled for silver after losing to Pakistan 2-3 in the final of the Asian Team Snooker Championship here. Pankaj Advani lost to Babar Masih 2-110(81) but Malkeet Singh defeated Muhammad Asif 81(52)-47 to make it level. In doubles, Pakistan beat India 72-70 but Advani then beat Asif 107(68)-5. Finally, Malkeet lost to Babar 18-98.
DEEPAK IN FINAL
Junior Asian champion Deepak Punia on Saturday earned a shot at the world title after reaching the final of the 86kg event in the junior world wrestling championship here. In a dominating show, Punia lost only two points en route the final, where he will fight it out with Turkey’s Arif Ozen. The two points he lost was in the semi-final against Moldova’s Ivan Nedealco where he scored a 6-2 win. Another Indian, Naveen Sihag, settled for silver in 57kg.
DELHI HALF MARATHON
With one month to go for Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, organisers have announced an elite field, including Kenyan long-distance runner Eric Kiptanui, for the 14th edition of the IAAF Gold Label Road Race to be held on October 21.
GYMNASTICS TRIALS
gymnasts, including Dipa Karmakar, will feature in the selection trials here on September 29-30 for next month’s World Championships in Doha. The Sports Authority of India will conduct the trials since the federation is suspended as per the National Sports Code.
BLIND CHESS PLAYER
chess player Vaishali Narendra Salavkar will become the first Indian female to be part of the International Braille Chess Association (IBCA) team at the world chess Olympiad, starting September 23 at Batumi in Georgia.