Djokovic names Radek Stepanek as new coach
MUMBAI: A solid batting display from right-handed opener Shashank Singh, whose fine century knock of 126 runs, helped Dr. D.Y. Patil Sports Association to enjoy a commanding position at 415 for the loss of six wickets in 85 overs in their first innings (90 overs) against Payyade Sports Club on the first day of the three-day final of the Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd. sponsored ‘70th Police Invitation Shield Cricket Tournament’, and played Mumbai Police Gymkhana ground on Friday. Brief scores: At Mumbai Police Gymkhana ground: Dr. D.Y. Patil Sports Association (1stinnings): 415 for 6 wickets in 85 overs (Shashank Singh 126(Min. 241, Balls-180, 11x4, 4x6), Subramanian Doraiswamy 85, Shubham Ranjane 73, Iqbal Abdulla 65*; Harmeet Singh 3/110) vs Payyade Sports Club. FATORDA: A sublime hat-trick by Spanish striker Ferran Corominas saw FC Goa clinch a 4-3 victory over Bengaluru FC in a thrilling Indian Super League (ISL) encounter at Fatorda Stadium in Goa Thursday night. Goa opened the scoring through Ferran Corominas in the 16th minute. The Spanish forward latched on to a loose ball around the centre circle before dribbling past the Bengaluru FC defensive line to slot the ball into the back of the net. The goal evoked a quick response from the visitors. Just five minutes later, a lofted ball through by Erik Paartalu found Miku inside the box. The midfielder drilled his shot past goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani to level the scoreline. Sergio Lobera's men regained the lead at the half-hour mark. Manuel Lanzarote floated deep ball from a free kick found Bruno Pinheiro heads, who headed it down for Corominas to do the rest. Then, Bengaluru FC suffered a double whammy in the 36th minute that completely changed the complexion of the game. NEW DELHI: Five-time world champion M C Mary Kom has resigned as the national observer for Indian boxing after Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore made it clear that active sportspersons will not be considered for the position. "I resigned as national observer 10 days ago after having a word with Mr Rathore. I had been requested to take up the position, it was not something I had asked for," Mary Kom, who claimed her fifth Asian Championships gold medal last month, said. "I had inquired about the rule on not having active athletes as observers with the then Sports Secretary Injeti Srinivas when it was offered to me," she explained, reacting to insinuation that her appointment smacked of conflict of interest given that she is still an active national camper. The list also includes the likes of Olympic-gold- medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra, Sushil Kumar and former Commonwealth Games gold-medallist Akhil Kumar among others. Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic on Friday announced the Czech Republic's Radek Stepanek as his new coach.
"We have a new official member of the #TeamDjokovic guys. #NoleFam please welcome Radek Stepanek to our team," the 30year-old tweeted.
Stepanek will begin working with Djokovic in the following days in Monte Carlo, as Novak prepares for the next season and upcoming tournaments, after the break due to an elbow injury.
"Radek is one of my very close friends on the tour and I was always impressed with his level of determination, passion and love for the sport. The fact that he just recently retired at the age of 37 speaks volumes of his love for the game.
"He has lot of experience and knowledge, and he has played on a high level for many years. I am excited to join our forces together and cannot wait to compete again having a new team to back me up," the three-time Wimbledon champion said in a statement released on his official website.
Stepanek and Agassi will travel and work alongside Novak, depending on the schedule they make, and on the calendar for 2018 which is yet to be confirmed.
"On Andre's suggestion, I pursued Radek, therefore I am sure the two of them will work well together. The new season is about to start and there is a long way to go back to where I left off. We are aware that I need to go step by step, not hurrying anything. I feel much better now, and I can't wait to play matches again," Djokovic added.
Stepanek said: "I'm honoured to be a new member of Novak's team. It is a new and exciting challenge for me, which I'm looking forward to and I believe that as a team we can help Nole to reach his goals.
"As long-time friends off the tennis court, I believe that our friendship and similar views will translate onto the court as well, and we will share some memorable moments together.