Birmingham, Thursday: Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza fell in the second round of the Birmingham grass court tournament on Thursday to Barbora Strycova, the 24th ranked Czech.

Strycova beat the top-seeded Spaniard, 6-4, 6-4, in one hour, 26 minutes.

"I'm a fighter and I like to fight, on and off the court," said Strycova. "Sometimes when you fight, you're rewarded and I'm very happy with my match today."

Just 10 days before Wimbledon, the third-ranked Muguruza made 29 unforced errors. After dropping the first set, she led 4-2 in the second before collapsing and losing the last four games. Serving for the match, Strycova squandered three match points, the last with a double fault, before steadying to seal victory. AFP

The All-Island Schools Relay Carnival 2018 will be held from 24-26 June at the Winston Dias Stadium in Badulla and competition numbers and event books have already been sent to the relevant participation schools.

However due to the Postal Department strike some schools have not received the details.

All the schools who did not receive the competitions number and event book are advised to come to Badulla Winston Dias ground on June 23 and 24 morning and collect it there. 

Royal Institute, Nugegoda beat Hindu College, Colombo by 87 runs on first inning in their Inter-School Under 15 Division Three Tournament cricket match played at Colombo.

Batting first Hindu College collapsed for a paltry 97 runs with Sadeev Kawsala claiming 5 for 11 and in reply Royal Institute declared at 184 for 7 with Kulana Lekamge and Vimukthi Silva scoring 66 and 54 runs respectively and at stumps Hindu College were 131 for 6 with B. Akash scoring 71 runs.

Chief Scores:

Hindu College – 97 in 30.3 overs (R. Dilukshan 44, Ashan Safeer 5 for 11, Dinita Senith 2 for 11, Sadeev Kausala 2 for 12) and 131 for 6 (B. Akash 71, H. Ushan 20).

Royal Institute – 184 for 7 in 32.1 overs (Vimukthi Silva 54, Aditha Hettiarachchi 31, Kulana Lekamge 66, Ashas Boruppa 24, D. Akash 3 for 25, P.G. Saran Ragul 3 for 40).

Easy for Peterites

St. Peter’s College beat St. Benedict’s College by ten wickets in their Inter-School Under 17 Division One Tournament cricket match played in Colombo.

Batting first Bens were all out for 102 runs and Peterites notched up the required score with ease.

Chief Scores:

St. Benedict’s – 102 in 38.1 overs (Sanoj Perera 21, Monil Silva 2 for 31, Banuka de Silva 2 for 5).

St. Peter’s – 103 for no loss in 23.5 overs (Banuka de Silva 44 not out, Richika Santhush 40 not out).

Sangabodhi College, Nittambuwa recorded a massive victory when they beat Siyane National School, Dompe by an innings and 270 runs in their Inter School under 15 Division three tournament cricket match played at Siyane Grounds.

Sangabodhi College batted first. Thishakya Uddala made scintillating century (115) for his team while Hirusha Lakshan and Dilshan Kaushika contributed 67 and 50 respectively to put Sangabodhians in strong position as 346 for 6.

In reply Siyane National Sschool were bundled out for 45 in 18 overs while Thishakya Uddala doing the damage to opponents again with the ball capturing 3 for 9 and Savindu Eranga bagged 4 for 26. In their second essay Siyane NS were skittled out for a paltry 30 runs in 15 overs. Savindu Eranga and Oshada Weragoda claiming 5 for 8 and 5 for 16 respectively to recorded a win by an innings and 270 runs.

Chief Scores:

Sangabodhi College: 346 for 6 declared in 42 overs (Thishakya Uddala 115, Hirusha Lakshan 67, Dilshan Kaushika 50, Thathsarana Perera 2 for 70).

Siyane National School: 45 in 18 overs (Savindu Eranga 4 for 26, Thishakya Uddala 3 for 9) and 30 in 15 overs (Savindu Eranga 5 for 8, Oshada Weragoda 5 for 16).

Fransisca de Silva won the P.H.Amaradasa Waidyatilaka Memorial Challenge Trophy for Most Valuable Athlete of the meet for her performance of 4.46m in women's Long Jump event (50-55 age group) at the recently concluded annual Masters Athletics Sri Lanka (MASL) Championships at the Sugathadasa Stadium.

Over 800 athletes participated in the championships and teams from India, Indonesia and Singapore added colour to the meet. Altogether 48 new meet records were established.

Other highlights of the meet were participation of A. Cheppali in the men's 90-95 age group and Rose Marie from Indonesia in the women's 80-85 group.

Dr. Clarence Kumarage, chairman of Charith Group of Companies was the chief guest of the meet. This meet also served as the selection trial for the World Masters Athletics Championships to be held from Sptember 6-18 in Malaga, Spain. Athletes who were placed within the first three in any event is entitle to enter for the WMA championships.

List of top performers:

Best Athlete of the meet - Nadeeka Lakmali (W35) 46.82m Javelin Throw. NMR

Best Performance Track (men) – M.D.C. Kumara Munasinghe (M35) 22.80s 200m. NMR

Best Performance Track (women) - Lalana Iranganie (W40) 28.40s 200m

Best Performance Field (men) – K.P.K. Ranatunge (M35) 58.94m Javelin Throw

Best Performance field (women) –Nadeeka Lakmali (W35) 46.82m Javelin Throw

The match between high riding St.Peters College Bambalapitiya and giant killers Wesley College Colombo will be evenly poised in their Milo ‘A’ Division inter school President trophy knock out rugby tournament second semifinal match to be played at Sugathadasa Stadium tomorow (Sunday) at 4:15pm.

The Peterites lads under the leadership of acting captain cum play maker Jason Karunaratne and coached by Sanath Martis assisted by Bhanuka Nanayakkara and Rajiv Perera (Pikka) have an immaculate record in this year’s concluded league rugby tournament where they were placed third for 2018 school rugby season.

Peters cause has been severely bolstered by the presence of their ever reliable speedy three quarter line with their famous three quarter moves through scrum half Karunaratne, fly half Kenneth Wimaladasa, centres Madushanka brothers (Dilshan and Rukshan), winger Mark Assauw and they also have a reliable place kicker in full back Shehan Liyanapathirana and his

contribution in this match with his kicking boot will be vital for a Peterite victory.

On the other hand Wesley College possesses a good team with play maker centre Sahan Hansaja along with their entire three quarter line can play an outstanding game to bring victory to their school exactly like they did against much fancied Isipathana College last time around in the quarter finals last week.

Wesley College are coached by Samoan Paul Toiya along with experienced Sri Lanka national rugby player Reeza Mubarak and old boy and national player Dulanjana Wijesinghe.

Meanwhile this will be also a do or die battle for Wesley College and if they lose this battle to St.Peters College today , then it could be worse for them as their hopes of getting in to the finals will be a mere dream and they will crash out of the tournament in disgusts.

Referee: Aaqil Jamaldeen

Unbeaten Nalanda College Colombo recorded their 5th win in the first round fixtures of the Singer Trophy’ Under 17 Division I Inter Schools Cricket tournament recently.

Ishiwara Dissanayake of Royal Colombo made century against Mahanama College Panadura. Sakith Senanayake of Mahanama College Colombo took 7 wickets for 13 runs against St. Mary’s College Chilaw. Sri Dharmaloka College Kelaniya beat Wesley College Colombo by 5 wickets.

Mahanama Colombo, Nalanda Colombo, Dharmaraja Kandy, Royal Colombo, Maliyadeva Kurunegala and Holy Cross Kalutara won the matches.

nAt Ratmalana. Mahanama Colombo won by 10 wickets. St. Mary’s Chilaw: 32 in 19.4 overs (Sakith Senanayke 7/13, Vihanga Niluminda 2/09) Mahanama: 33/0 in 6 overs

nAt Campbel place. Nalanda Colombo won by 100 runs. Nalanda:189 in 40 overs (Avishka Perera 78, Samith Anjana 3/21, Kaveen Induwara 2/29, Dilshan Molligoda 2/34) *Bandaranayake Gampaha:* 89 in 29.2 overs (Piyumal Rupasinghe 22, Jayod Kaldera 2/05, Raveen de Silva 2/15, Anudha Jithsara 2/16)

nAt Godigamuwa. Sri Dharmaloka Kelaniya won by 5 wickets. Wesley:124 in 30.1 overs (Sidath Dharmasiriwardhane 24, Imesh Dalumdara 4/33, Hasindu Prabath 2/22) *Sri Dharmaloka Kelaniya:* 126/5 in 25.1 overs (Lakshitha Botheju 36, Thenuka Perera 3/20)

nAt Lake View Kandy. Dharmaraja Kandy won by 7 wickets (Parabola method) Sri Sumangala Kandy125/9 in 43 overs (Suneth Peiris 32, Umega Silva 23 n.o., Thinira Akalanka 23) *Dharmaraja: *115/3 in 25.3 overs (Janith Gunarathne 40 n.o., Thashvika Kiriella 26 n.o., Prabash Niroshan 2/25)

nAt Kalutara. Holy Cross Kalutara won by one wicket. Carey: 211 in 34.1 overs (Nimesh Samuel 79, Moditha Silva 41, Abdul Shakuur 38, Matheesha Shamal 6/08) *Holy Cross Kalutara:* 215/9 in 39.1 overs (Dilhara Nanayakkara 31 n.o., Amindu Shaminda 28, Dimesh Samuel 4/44)

nAt Reid Avenue. Royal Colombo won by 178 runs. Royal: 254/4 in 45 overs (Ishiwara Dissanayake 121 n.o., Sandun Appuhami 33 n.o., Kamil Mishara 22, Kavindu Pathiratne 21, Asitha Jayalath 2/50) Mahanama Panadura:76 in 24.2 overs (Kavindu Pathirathne 2/06, Manula Perera 2/13)

nAt Kurunegala. Maliyadeva Kurunegala won by 8 wickets. St. Anne’s Kurunegala: 58 in 34.3 overs (Ishara Munasinghe 3/6, Pasindu Thennakoon 2/1Maliyadeva: 59/2 in 12 overs (Chaluka Atapattu 28 n.o., Lakindu Ranawaka 11, Kavindu Ranasinghe 2/6)

(YK)

Winning by a massive margin on day 4, Foundation of Goodness has proved to be a serious competitor in the ongoing Red Bull Campus Cricket National Finals. The final day of the group matches played yesterday at BRC and Colts cricket ground saw Mercury, APIIT, KDU and Foundation of Goodness emerge winners.

[RESULTS]

*At Colts ground: Mercury won by 9 wickets

CINEC 119/8 in 20 overs (S N Yasawardena 37, Hareen Buddila 2/15, S R Peiris 2/18, M Ameen 2/19)

Mercury 125/1 in 10.3 overs (Revan Kelly 50 n.o., Sawan Prabash 48 n.o.)

*At BRC ground: APIIT won by 7 wickets

CCS 120/7 in 20 overs (Pathum Serasinghe 33, Hasintha Weerasinghe 31, Yohan Gunawardane 4/16)

APIIT 121/3 in 16 overs (Diane Wanigasooriya 52 n.o., Viraj Perera 39 n.o., Hashan Sashitha 2/33)

*At Colts ground: KDU won by 72 runs

KDU 139/9 in 20 overs (Sithum Wijesinghe 29, Ishara Mendis 24, Navindu Miyushan 21 n.o., Ruchira Pupulewatte 4/16, Sahan Wijeratne 2/31)

NSBM 67 in 15 overs (Pasindu Amanda 12, Ruchira Pupulewatte 11, Ishara Mendis 2/21, Harith Samarasinghe 2/9, Saranga Fernando 2/10)

*At BRC ground: *Foundation of Goodness won by 110 runs

Foundation of Goodness 183 in 20 overs (Ashen Bandara 55 n.o., Dhananjaya Lakshan 34, Pabasara Waduge 29, Tharindhu Kaushal 23, Kamidu Perera 2/22, Prasansana Jayamanna 2/36)

SLIM 78 in 16 overs (Lakshitha Dissanayake 22, Dilshan Kanchana 2/2)

A.M. Panchali Janodya Adikari, an outstanding badminton player who is ranked No.1 in Sri Lanka at Under 15 level has been selected to the Sri Lanka Badminton team to follow a 3 weeks training course at Prakash Padukone Academy in Bangalore, India commencing 24 June.

This Training course is held for ranked Boys and Girls in South Asian countries in Under 15 and Under 17 age categories. Panchali started playing badminton in 2010 at the age of six under reputed badminton coach R.S. Dahanayake. She was also coached by R.Lasantha at Mahamaya Girls College, Kandy and is grateful for the encouragement of Nilu Wijekoon, Prefect of Games of Mahamaya.

Panchali was admitted to Mahamaya last year from Gothami Balika Kandy.

Minister of Provincial Councils, Local Government and Sports, Faiszer Musthapa has banned alcohol selling at the newly renovated Sugathadasa Sports Hotel that will be opened shortly.

In a statement the Minister said: “I took a decision to stop the sale of alcohol at the Sugathadasa Sports Hotel, simply because so many of our young ‘uns patronise this stadium. I believe that it does not relate well with our nation’s culture and values and clearly is not aligned with my personal belief. With immediate effect I have banned the sale of alcohol at the Sugathadasa Sports Hotel.

“The facility has been under refurbishment over the last couple of years and one of the main improvements was an established fully-fledged bar. This clearly does not resonate with the country’s ethos of empowering andenergizing our youth, especially through sports. The Sugathadasa arena is currently patronized by our young future athletes, swimmers, gymnasts and other sports. The credo for the Sugathadasa Sports Hotel was to provide dwelling for our youth from all across the island. Therefore, alcohol will be banned from this facility when it opens, in the near future,” the Minister stated.

International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive David Richardson will deliver the 2018 Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture at Lord’s on Monday 6 August.

Former South African international Richardson, who has been in post as Chief Executive of the ICC since 2012, will become the second former Proteas player to give the lecture, after Barry Richards imparted the address in 2002.

The MCC Spirit of Cricket Lecture, in memory of Lord Cowdrey of Tonbridge, has become a notable feature in the cricketing calendar, provoking debate and discussion on the major issues facing the game today. This year’s Lecture will take place in the week of the Test Match between England and India at Lord’s.

The inaugural address was delivered in 2001 by Richie Benaud and since then, a number of eminent figures from the world of cricket, including Clive Lloyd, Kumar Sangakkara, Sir Ian Botham and last year’s lecturer Brian Lara, to name but a few.

BRIDGETOWN, Friday - The lead up to the third and final Test has not been ideal for Sri Lanka, with Dinesh Chandimal suspended after he was caught on camera attempting to alter the condition of the ball during the second day’s play of the second Test, which ended in a draw in Gros Islet earlier this week.

Sri Lanka had already lost the services of Angelo Mathews and Lahiru Gamage, and with their captain first suspended and then choosing to appeal the sanction, the focus might have been a bit off over the past few days. But down 1-0 in the series, the visitors will have to put everything else behind them and put their best foot forward come Saturday at Kensington Oval.

After losing the opening Test in Port of Spain, Sri Lanka fought back well in Gros Islet. They got into a position from where they could pull level, but a dogged effort from Kraigg Brathwaite and spells of rain ensured the Windies came out with a draw.

Squaring the series will not be easy against an opposition that seems to be firing as a unit.

For the Windies, the batting hasn’t always worked as well as Jason Holder would have wanted, but the pacers have done a fabulous job so far.

Shannon Gabriel, who returned extraordinary figures of 13/121 in the previous Test and leads the wicket-takers’ chart with 17 strikes in the two games, has looked lethal with both the new and the old ball. He has been well backed up by Kemar Roach, Holder and Miguel Cummins. Being a day-night game, the Windies pacers might be even tougher to handle.

The top order has had starts all through the series, but barring the century by Shane Dowrich in the first innings of the opening Test, no one has been able to breach the three-figure mark yet. They will hope to rectify this going into the final game of the series.

For Sri Lanka, the batsmen will need to find a way to tackle the threat of Gabriel, who has been a revelation this series. The best of the visiting batsmen have been Kusal Mendis and Chandimal, but with Chandimal out, someone else has to put his hand up.

Mahela Udawatte had an unimpressive debut with scores of 0 and 19, while Dhananjaya de Silva has also struggled since rejoining the team. Roshen Silva and Niroshan Dickwella did find some form in the second innings of the second Test but it is the big runs that the visitors will want from them.

The bowlers have done a reasonable job so far. Suranga Lakmal and Lahiru Kumara have been on the money right from the word go while Kasun Rajitha in his maiden Test did an excellent job picking up five wickets at a decent economy rate.

Sri Lanka and the Windies have played a day-night Test before, both against Pakistan. That means they both have an inkling of how the pink ball behaves under lights and will hope to use the expertise.

The Kensington Oval surface has historically supported the fast bowlers, and being a day-night Test much of the same is expected. The threat of rain, however, remains ever present.

Squads:

WEST INDIES: Jason Holder (captain), Devendra Bishoo, Devon Smith, Kraigg Brathwaite, Kieran Powell, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich (wk), Shannon Gabriel, Jahmar Hamilton, Keemo Paul, Shai Hope, Kemar Roach

SRI LANKA: Dinesh Chandimal (captain), Mahela Udawatte, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Roshen Silva, Dasun Shanaka, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Akila Dananjaya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Kasun Rajitha, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Dhananjaya de Silva

[Herath injures hand - doubtful for third Test]

Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath, who is touring West Indies with the national team is injured and is doubtful for the third Test match, a SLC media release states.

Herath has split his web between fourth and fifth fingers of his right hand during a practice session held ahead of the Test.

Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal, coach Chandika Hathurusingha and manager Asanka Gurusinha have admitted to breaching Article 2.3.1, a Level 3 offence, which relates to “conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game”.

Following their admission, the ICC, in accordance with Article 5.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct, hasappointed The Hon Michael Beloff QC as the Judicial Commissioner to hear the case to determine the appropriate sanction. Mr Beloff has also been appointed as the Judicial Commissioner to hear Mr Chandimal’s appeal against the match referee’s decision for changing the condition of the ball and, as per Article 5.2.3, will use Friday’s hearing in that appeal to hold a preliminary hearing to establish the procedural schedule on the Level 3 charges.

The three were charged by the ICC Chief Executive David Richardson on Tuesday for their involvement in the Sri Lanka cricket team’s refusal to take to the field in St Lucia at the start of Saturday’s play, which caused a two-hour delay in the start of play.

This action was alleged to amount to a serious breach of the Laws of Cricket and to be contrary to the spirit of the game.

All Level 3 breaches carry an imposition of between four and eight suspension points.

SAINT PETERSBURG Friday: Philippe Coutinho and Neymar broke down dogged Costa Rica in injury time on Friday, sealing a 2-0 win for Brazil that propels the five-time champions towards the World Cup last 16.

The Central Americans looked likely to hold on for a hard-earned draw, particularly after Neymar had a penalty award chalked off by referee Bjorn Kuipers after he consulted the Video Assistant Referee.

But Coutinho and Neymar finally broke through, scoring in the 91st and 97th minutes to put Tite’s side on the brink of the knockout stages.

At the final whistle, Neymar sat down on the grass and wept, with the emotion of victory hitting home after the tense Group E contest at the Saint Petersburg Stadium.

Neymar started despite limping out of training on Tuesday with a hurt ankle, which the Brazilian FA said was sustained as a result of snapping Swiss defenders.

After a ponderous start, Brazil enjoyed a gradual crescendo during the first period but their dominance in possession was not reflected in chances created.

Neymar faced the most devoted of markers in Costa Rica’s Cristian Gamboa, the Brazilian spending most of the half hopping over scything tackles or dodging past a barging shoulder.

It was a compelling battle. One sumputous Neymar flick sent the ball flying over Gamboa’s head andlater he made an excellent run onto Coutinho’s pass, only to squander the chance with a heavy touch.

Marcelo, Coutinho and Neymar, however, hardly make for the most conscientious combination out wide and when Johan Venegas ran clear down the right, his pullback should have been converted by Celso Borges, who skewed past the post.

Brazil might have had a penalty when Oscar Duarte blocked Paulinho at a corner and Costa Rica rode their luck again after the break, as Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Coutinho all went close.

Jesus’s header crashed against the crossbar and after some excellent work by Paulinho, Coutinho’s follow-up hit the ever-present Gamboa on the line.

Neymar fired over from Paulinho’s cutback and Coutinho shot straight at Keylor Navas after, again, Paulinho had teed it up. AFP

Defending champions St. Joseph’s College Maradana will get their 2018 Milo President’s trophy schools knockout semifinal campaign underway when they take on underdogs Kingswood College Kandy at the Sugathadasa Stadium today at 4.15pm.

The Joes head into this championship as overwhelming favourites having dominated this tournament in recent years. Kingswood has a reputation of giving the Josephians a hard time but if truth be told, the defending champions have dominated Kingswood

St. Joseph’s were given a hard time before winning their league match against Kingswood at Havelock Park 26-22. Kingswood has shown signs of improvement under consultant coach Ronnie Ibrahim winning five out of nine matches during their school’s rugby league finishing fifth.

Josephian head coach Nilfer Ibrahim who himself is a past Kingswood College rugby player expects a tough encounter for his charges and highlighted his opponent’s prowess on defence.

“They have a very good forward pack and a three quarter line and they are overall a very good team in schools rugby at the moment, so we’ve got a massive challenge on our hands and one that we are really excited about facing,” said Ibrahim. “We expect a very good fight from them and it will be a close game. I am confident St. Joseph’s will come out victorious in the end.”

The match is a historic one for Kingswood for if they reach the final it will be the first time they will have done it in a school knockout since 2005. Incidentally they won the championship that year. For Kingswood their young nippy scrum-half Hirusha Sampath (nephew of former Navy SC and Sri Lanka national player cum place kicker Nuwan Hettiarachchi now domiciled in UK) will be highly motivated to do well against the defending champions. Sampath is blessed with a vast array of skills and that along with his crisp service to his outside backs makes him a danger on attack. He’s also a superb goal-kicker and will not let his side down if he gets opportunities to take shots at goal.

Also there will be lots of pressure on young Kingswood fly-half Asiri Seneviratne when he takes on his Josephian counterpart Santhush Algama in what should be an exciting duel. Although still young Seneviratne has shown lashes of brilliance and his playmaking skills will have to be at their best if he wants to get the better of Algama, who seldom plays poorly.

Seneviratne is regarded as one of the game’s best attackers and will be hoping to continue where he left off against the Trinity College outfit in the quarterfinal last week at Nittawala where he dished out a sensational game with his running rugby scoring one of the best tries of the season.

“If it rains in the match day, then Kingswood will have the upper hand and they will come on top. Anyway as an old boy of Kingswood, I definitely want to see them winning and get into the final, but may the better team win,” said Ronny Ibrahim, the ex-consultant coach of Kingswood rugby team.

Kingswood College (probable team)Rashmika Chandrarathne, Pathum Milan Weerasinghe , Harshan Senavirathne, Ilham Jaleel, Avishka Poornajith, Shanuka Gedaragoda, Janitha Rajanayake, Tharindu Waligampala (Captain), Hirusha Sampath, Asiri Seneviratne, Deshan Walgampaya, Sachintha Seneviratne, Dananjaya Nuwan, Dinal Ekanayake

St.Joseph’s College (probable team): Shavon Gregory, Theeraka Santhusa, Sonal Damian, Cheka Jayawardana, Nimesh Kavinda, John Ganegoda, Shehan Kelaniyagoda, Tharindu de Alwis, Rasen Gunawardena, Santhush Algama, Tharindu Maduranga, Sameesha Verangana (Captain), Gamunu Chethiya, K.D.Kavinda, Dulanjana Piyathissa

Referee: Praneeth Weranga

VOLGOGRAD Friday: Ahmed Musa struck twice to become the first Nigerian to score at two World Cups Friday as the Super Eagles secured a crucial 2-0 win over Iceland, who missed a penalty.

The African side will secure a spot in the knockout stage if they beat Argentina on Tuesday in Group D’s final round of fixtures.

A draw would be enough to eliminate the Argentines but would leave Nigeria’s fate hinging on the outcome of Iceland’s game against Croatia.

Musa, who came into the starting line-up in place of Alex Iwobi, announced himself with two of the goals of the tournament so far.

Musa’s sweetly struck half-volley fired Nigeria into the lead just after half-time before he added a second with 15 minutes to go to make the Group D game safe.

Iceland got a lifeline in the 82nd minute with a VAR-awarded penalty but dead-ball specialist Gylfi Sigurdsson blazed over the bar.

With Croatia heading the group on six points Nigeria knew a second defeat would mean elimination and Iceland started brightest after coach Heimir Hallgrimsson changed to a 4-4-2 from the 4-5-1 he had used in the 1-1 draw with Argentina.

Alfred Finnbogason, who scored the equaliser against Argentina as a lone striker, was joined up front by Jon Bodvarsson and the pair quickly made an impact.

AFP

Sri Lankan Cricket Captain Dinesh Chandimal’s appeal against suspension imposed on him from playing at the West Indies tour for changing the state of the ball was rejected by the international Cricket Council (ICC) Judicial Commissioner this morning.

Accordingly, Chandimal will not take part in the 3rd Test against West Indies today.

The Sri Lanka Cricket has decided to appoint Suranga Lakmal as the acting Captain for the time being.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been given honorary citizenship in Russia’s Chechnya republic by Ramzan Kadyrov, the strongman ruler who has been accused of human rights violations including the widespread torture of gay men.

Kadyrov handed Mr Salah a decree declaring him a citizen and pinned a medal on his chest at a dinner in honour of the Egypt team, who are training in Chechnya during the World Cup.

“Mohamed Salah thanked us for our surprisingly warm and good hospitality, great affection for the team and excellent conditions for their stay and training,” Kadyrov, who was banned last year from his beloved Instagram, wrote on Russian social network VK. “I’m sure our Akhmat club and the Egypt team will at some point hold a friendly match in Grozny.”

Human rights defenders have condemned the approval of Chechnya as a World Cup training base due to its crackdowns on LGBT people and activists.

Alexander Agapov, president of the Russian LGBT Sport Federation, said he had questions for FIFA, the Egyptian football association, the Liverpool team and Mr Saleh about the dubious honour bestowed on him.

“It is unacceptable for a footballer who should talk about equality and acceptance of all people in football to receive an award from a man who rejects any equality and acceptance of LGBTi people, who is accused of persecuting gay people and human rights defenders,” Mr Agapov said. At least five died after Chechen authorities rounded up and tortured hundreds of gay men in a witch hunt last year. One victim said he was kept for 12 days in a cell “doused in blood” and repeatedly beaten with a club until he could no longer stand. – Daily Telegraph

MANCHESTER, Sunday: Harry Kane's World Cup hat-trick was the centrepiece of an extraordinary weekend for English sport as the men's football, rugby union, rugby league and cricket teams all triumphed, Lewis Hamilton took the flag at the French Grand Prix and golfer Matt Wallace won the BMW International Open in Germany.

The England rugby union team got the ball rolling on Saturday as they ended a run of six straight defeats, including five in full internationals, with a 25-10 victory over South Africa in Cape Town.

The three-match series may have already been lost, with England kicking-off 2-0 down, but six penalties from the boot of stand-in skipper Owen Farrell helped the side end their worst run under Australian coach Eddie Jones, while recalled fly-half Danny Cipriani provided the accurate grubber-kick that set up Jonny May's try.

Later on Saturday, England's rugby league side beat New Zealand 36-18 in a ground-breaking match in Denver designed to raise awareness of the 13-a-side code with US sports fans.

Elliott Whitehead scored two tries and debutant Jake Connor scored one and set up two more.

The run of sporting success continued on Sunday, with England easing into the last 16 of the World Cup with a 6-1 rout of Panama in Russia.

Kane bagged a treble, John Stones scored twice and Jesse Lingard struck a fabulous goal, with England 5-0 up before half-time in what was their biggest-ever victory at a World Cup.

All six goals received raucous cheers at the ‘other’ Old Trafford -- Lancashire's headquarters rather than the Manchester United ground of the same name -- where England were playing Australia in a one-day cricket international.

England were facing defeat at 114 for eight, but Jos Buttler's unbeaten 110 saw them to a thrilling one-wicket win and a first-ever 5-0 series sweep of world champions Australia.

Elsewhere defending champion Hamilton returned to the top of the Formula One standings by leading from start to finish to win the French GP.

It was a first victory in the race for four-time world champion Hamilton, who was aided by Sebastian Vettel's opening-lap crash with Valtteri Bottas at the Paul Ricard circuit.

By contrast, Wallace came from two shots off the lead to hit a final round seven-under-par 65 to win by one stroke in Pulheim.

Wallace was already in the clubhouse when both Martin Kaymer and Mikko Korhonen failed to equal his four-round total of 278.

The duo had to settle for a share of second place along with Denmark's Thorbjorn Olesen, whose record-breaking round of 61 could not deny Wallace victory. - AFP 

The Colombo Super Cross 2018 organized by Sri Lanka Navy along with Sri Lanka Association of Racing Drivers and Riders (SLARDAR} and Nuwara Eliya Motor Sports Club ended on a grand scale at the Navy Super Cross Track with Driver Ashan Silva and Rider Buddhika Kasun Silva taking major honours.

It was a day filled with thrills and spills as both drivers and riders had to use all their skills and strength to race on a track that was not supportive for them to reach peak form due to wet conditions

All leading Drivers and Riders who are aiming to win the ‘Hutch Sri Lanka Super Series 2018’ were in action as the points gained from this meet are added to the Championship points table for the Series Title.

Ashan Silva who heads the points table for the Motor Cars Series Championship gathered the maximum points winning both races in the Group SL GT Cars with ease. The other drivers were way back Ashan as most of the other drivers had difficulties in controlling their machines due to soggy conditions. The winner Ashan was on pole position maintained his position from the word go to be the easy winner in both races.

The most thrilling racing was witnessed in two wheeler events with all leading Riders in action challenging each other in almost every event to get to the front. Last year’s Champion rider Shanuka Sandaruwan had to face many challenges from young riders in the calibre of Ishan Dassanayake, Buddhika Kasun Silva, Lahiru Jeewantha and Sameera Premaratne.

He was over ridden by Buddhika who also went on to win the Colombo Super Cross 2018 Championship.

The final race of the day saw former National Champion Rider Gayan Sandaruwan the founder of the Colombo Super Cross Track and coach of the Sri Lanka Navy Motor Racing team competing along with up and coming riders. Using his experience to the maximum he managed to reach the podium as a runner up in the biggest event of the day for Motorcycles.

The Chief Guest on the day was the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Kapila Waidyaratne and the guests of honoUr were the Army Commander Lt. Gen. Mahesh Senanayake and Navy Commander Vice Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe.

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Results:

Group SL-A Mini 1000cc: 1. W. N.S. Tissera, 2. Duminda Jayasinghe, M.F.M. Imraz

Group SL-E Mini 1275cc: 1. Chanaka Ratnayake, 2. Nishath de Alwis, 3. Neil Weerasinghe

Group SL - E Nissan March 1000cc: 1. Devin Serasinghe, 2. Chanuka Beligalla, 3. Mihan Peiris

Group J- MX motorcycles over 50 up to 65cc: 1.Rasindu Sudasinghe, 2. Dineth Mihiranga, 3. Shaqeeb Ahamed

Group M Std/Modified up to 125cc (2/T): 1. M.N. Perera, 2. Nihal Wijeratne, 3. Kasun Wijesekera

Group MX Super Motard including 250 up to 750cc (2/T) & including 125 up to 500cc (2/T) Race 1: 1. Imal Manchanayake, 2. Deshan Solanki, 3. Sachira Rajakaruna

Group J-MX Motorcycles over 50 up to 65cc (2/T): 1. Esala Madanayake, 2. Dineth Mapitigama, 3. Rasindu Sudasinghe

Group SL-S Specials up to 1500cc: 1. Gihan Dheerasekera, 2. Faham Nauman, 3. Sajaad

Group SL-E Ford Laser/ Mazda1300cc: 1. Devin Serasinghe, 2. Kolitha Edirisinghe, 3. Dilipa Dias

Group SL -A Modified Cars up to and including 1050cc: 1. Chamika Ranatunga, 2. Michael Wijesuriya, 3. Duminda Amarasiri,

Group SL-GT Cars up to 3500cc (Race 1): 1. Ashan Silv a, 2. Ushan Perera,3. Kaushal Samarasinghe

Group J – MX over 65 and up to 85cc & up to 150cc (4/T) under 15: 1. Stephen Fernando, 2. Kesara Godage, 3. D.M.D. Kalhara

Group M - Standard motorcycles over 175 up to 250cc (4/T) & over 100cc up to 125cc (Race 1): 1. Evon Biyagee Gurusinghe, 2. Shanuka Sandaruwan, 3. Lahiru Jeewantha

Group MX Racing Motorcycles over 100 up to 125cc: 1. Buddhika Silva, 2. Sameera Premaratne, 3. Lahiru Jeewantha

Group SL-N Standard Cars - Ford Laser/Mazda1300cc: 1. Shenal Gunewardena, 2.Upulwan Serasinghe, Tharuka Ratnayake

Group SM Super Motard 250 upto 750 (4/) & including 125 up to 500cc (2/T) Race 1: 1. Imal Manchanayake, 2. Deshan Solanki, 3. Sachira Rajakaruna

Group SL- H Subaru Legacy 2000cc: 1. Malika Kuruwitaarachchi, 2.Buddhika Ruklantha, 3. Prabaji Bandara

Group MX - over 175 up to 25 0cc (4/T) & over, over 100 up to 125cc (2/T) Race 2: 1. Buddhika Silva, 2.Gayan Sandaruwan, 3. Sameera Premaratne

Group SL-H Cars up to 1618cc: 1. Kushan Peiris, 2. Randika Niroshan 3. Upulwan Serasinghe

Group T & J –Diesel Turbo up to 5500: 1. Buddhika Ruklantha, 2.Lt.. Col. Randy Jayasinghe, 3. Cassim Wahab 20 Group T & J open: 1. Ishraq Wahab, 2. Dinesh Senanayake, 3. Shiram Muthuthantri

Group SL -N Ford Laser/Mazda 1500cc: 1. Kushan Peiris, 2 Tharindu Dharmaratne, 3. Upulwan Serasinghe

Group M - Std/Mod Motorcycles over 175 up to 250cc (4/T) 7 over 100 up to 125cc Race 2: 1. Shanuka Sandaruwan, 2. Lahiru Jeewantha, 3.Madura Peiris

Group SL-GT Cars up to 3500cc (Race 2): 1.Ashan Silva, 2. Ushan Perera, 3.Kushan Peiris

Group MX – 175 up to 250cc (4/T) & over 100 up to 125cc Race 2: 1.. Buddhika Silva, 2. Sameera Premaratne, 3. Shanuka Sandaruwan