Pyeongchang, Monday: A doping case involving a Russian curler at the Pyeongchang Olympics would be “extremely disappointing” if proved true, the International Olympic Committee said Monday.

“It’s extremely disappointing for us if a case is proven,” IOC spokesman Mark Adams said after a curler from the Olympic Athletes from Russia (OAR) delegation was implicated in the second doping scandal to hit the Games.

A spokesman for the OAR in Pyeongchang told Russian media that an A sample showed a possible violation of anti-doping rules and a B sample would be tested later Monday.

A fresh doping case would be deeply embarrassing for Russia, which was banned from the Pyeongchang Olympics over state-sponsored doping. But 168 Russian athletes deemed clean are competing as neutral Olympic Athletes from Russia.

If the case is confirmed, it will come before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which is handling doping matters at the Olympics and has an ad hoc division in Pyeongchang.

It would also be considered by the panel which will ponder whether to end Russia’s ban as early as next week.

The IOC suspended Russia in December after revelations of a widespread and highly orchestrated doping conspiracy, which first emerged before the Rio 2016 Summer Games. AFP

Dubai: After holding the number one ranking for a month last autumn, Dubai Championships second seed Garbine Muguruza remains keen for another taste of life at the top of the WTA. "It is important," the Spaniard said on Tuesday at the Aviation Club. "I always have it in my mind, to be able to fight for that.

"It was a great feeling to be there (number one), even though it's tough. I know it's the hardest one, but I'm going to be there, try to."

The world number three arrived in the emirate after playing the weekend Doha final against Petra Kvitova prior to the Czech's Dubai pullout due to fatigue after winning 13 straight matches and two titles.

Wimbledon winner Muguruza said that after reaching the WTA summit, her intensity to play for ranking may have tapered off - but she keeps the goal at the top of her tennis agenda. The WTA top ranking was a revolving door in 2017, with five women holding the spot during the season. "When you're number one, you feel like every tournament you play, you kind of almost have to win it. You have to always maintain a super-high level for everyone you play because everybody's playing super-relaxed, with nothing to lose. "You feel a lot of pressure, there are a lot of things to control." The 24-year-old added: "You realise a lot of things when you're there. You're like, 'I'm here, I can't go more up, all I can do is go down. AFP 

Kiev: War refugees Shakhtar Donetsk head into Wednesday's Champions League clash with Italian side AS Roma in high spirits despite a lack of signings and sparse match practice.

The war in eastern Ukraine between government forces and Russian-backed separatists has forced Shakhtar to play their home games far from their state-of-the-art Donbass Arena stadium for the past four years.

In 2014, the club moved to Lviv, close to Ukraine's western border with Poland, but the local crowd -- that favours their own top-flight side, Karpaty -- was often openly hostile to the Donetsk team or ignored their games all together.Last year Shakhtar's owners decided to switch their "home" venue to the eastern city of Kharkiv, 250 kilometres (155 miles) northwest of their native Donetsk.Shakhtar, the only club from the eastern Europe in the Champions League knockout stage, will host Roma at the 40,000-seat Metalist Kharkiv stadium. The Ukraine conflict has caused Shakhtar's billionaire owner Rinat Akhmetov to lose control of dozens of his coal mining and metallurgical enterprises located in the eastern rebel-held territories. AFP 

The three-day sprint for the National Olympic Committee election heated up with the two main parties headed by the respective presidential candidates Anthony Rohan Harsha Fernando and Suresh Subramaniam seeking a majority power from the affiliated members at the February 23 election to govern the NOCSL for the next four years.

The number of member votes (33) included two votes by the Athletes’ Commission which was challenged by objections. The Athletes’ Commission was established as a NOCSL constitutional requirement and has two votes at the AGM.

The NOCSL constitution also allows Athletes’ Commission to include two of its members in NOCSL Executive Committee. But according to the three-member NOCSL election committee head Dr. R. M. K. Ratnayaka the Sri Lankan Sports Law does not allow such a voting right to the Athletes’ Commission. The ‘Daily News’ tried to contact Dr. R. M. K. Ratnayaka but his phone was out of reach on all attempts.

NOCSL sources revealed that the Athletes’ Commission’s voting eligibility matter has been referred to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the decision is expected to be received on the morning of Election Day.

NOC sources further said that if IOC decides that the two votes of the Athletes’ Commission are not eligible, the number of votes that will be considered for the election will be 31. The election will be held on Friday evening at the NOCSL headquarters at 6 pm.

Presidential candidate Rohan Fernando, a former champion rower and a top entrepreneur who is the president of the Amateur Rowing Association of Sri Lanka is the Finance Committee chairman of the existing NOCSL administration.

Rohan launched his election campaign with a strong voice against corruption and promised to establish good governance and accountability at NOCSL if he is elected president. Roshan’s alliance comprised some experienced sports administrators including secretary candidate Rohan Preethiviraj Perera who is the founding president of the National Association for Canoeing and Kayaking in SL. National Shooting Sport Federation of SL president Shirantha Peiris is the contestant for the treasurer’s post from Rohan’s camp.

“We have to change the whole setup of the NOCSL to serve sport. I have a well qualified, experienced bunch of sports administrators with me who are not subject to corruption allegations. We have to start a new chapter in Sri Lankan sports,” said Rohan Fernando.

“My rivals will not be an alternative but they are just an extension of the present regime. I am sure that we can take Lankan sports on the right track and we are confident of doing so very soon when we come to power in the NOCSL,” he stated.

The other presidential candidate Suresh Subramaniam, a former Davis Cup tennis player and a business tycoon is also a former president and a present vice president of the Sri Lanka Tennis Association (SLTA).

Suresh was recently appointed as the vice president of the Asian Tennis Federation.

He is a reputed sports administrator and vows to bring more professionalism and transparency into the NOCSL if he is elected to run the top sports body for the next four years.

Suresh’s camp too is armed with individuals of high repute including the immediate past secretary Maxwell de Silva, who is the most experienced NOCSL official in the fray, competing to secure the secretary office for another term.

Maxwell was first elected to the secretary post in 2009. Cycling Federation treasurer Senaka Clement Ranasinghe is contesting for the treasurer’s post from Suresh’s camp.

“There are a lot of shortcomings in the Sri Lankan Sports Law, NOCSL constitution and IOC rules which created counter progressive impact on Sri Lankan sports in recent times.

I will take necessary steps to create harmony among them and work towards the development of Sri Lankan sports,” said Suresh.

“I have been in sports administration at international level for quite a long time and I am very confident of uplifting Sri Lankan sports with a proper mechanism,” he said. 

CR & FC who are trying their best to live up to their past reputation in the rugby arena will travel up to the hills to meet the defending Clifford Cup champions Kandy Sports Club at Pallekelle today match commencing at 4.00 pm.

Kandy is the number-one ranked team in the country and the reigning league and knockout champions. They outscored CR & FC in both the league games.

In today’s game Kandy will be a bit more direct and physical, and they’ve got some really dangerous players to do that. Kandy has got a set of threes who are really good carriers of the ball.

CR & FC have a formidable set of players, and have a lot to give. Their defense will be tested to the hilt. They have strong runners in the forwards and backs and are a very sophisticated kicking side. They will have to be smart about the ball in contact, and keep that fast-up defence in the face of the Kandy attack. CR & FC it is reliably learnt is working incredibly hard to prepare for a tough matchup against Kandy having upset CH & FC in the quarters.

An overseas referee Sam Jones (Australia) will handle the whistle.

TEAMS:

KANDY SPORTS CLUB: Gayan Weeraratne (captain), Damith Dissanayake, Richard Dharmapala, Shehan Pathirana, Oshan Perera, Buwenaka Udangamuwa, Dimitri Wijethunga, Thilina Wijesinghe, Jason Dissanayake, Nigel Ratwatte, Lavanga Perera, Fazil Marija, Lasitha Attanagoda, Danush Dayan, Dhanushka Ranjan, Asitha Ratnayake, Roshan Weeraratne, Yakoob Ali, Arshad Jamaldeen, Piyumal Machanayake, Anurudda Wilwara, Ganuka Dissanayake, Uchitha Jayasuriya, Shashika Jayawardana, Heshan Kalhara, Srinath Sooriyabandara, Suhiru Anthony, Ashan Darling, Tharindu Chathuranga, Sanushka Abeywickrama, Heshan Jansen, Diluksha Dange, Kasun Srinath, Chathura Seneviratne, Lakshitha Ranaweera, Coach - Sean Wijesinghe, Manager - Kapila Silva.

CR & FC: Kavindu Perera (captain), Kavindu de Costa, Tarinda Ratwatte, Reeza Raffaideen, Supun Warnakulasooriya, Avishka Heenpalla, Nipun Tharaka de Silva, Hirantha Manamendra, Vageesha Weerasinghe, Ashan Fernando, Dilanka Perera, Asith Wijesinghe, Chamara Kumara, Dileepa Madusanka, Reyhan Silva, Udara Gayan, Kokila Sammandaperuma, Joel Perera, Panduka Angammana, Hafeez Adhan, Sudeera Dissanayake, Kushan Idunil Silva, Randitha Warnapura, Shermal Weerasekara, Shanaka Kumara, Charana Sendanayake. Zayaan Sabar, Gayan Jayamanne, Sashan Mohammed, Thisila Karunathilake, Naleen Kumara, Rehaan Weerakoon, Omalka Gunaratne, Harith Bandara, Chamod Fernando, Coach - Fereti Verebula, Manager - Mohamed Mushtaq. 

It will be an exciting tussle for supremacy when Navy SC lock horns with their arch rivals Havelock’s Sports Club in the semi final of the Dialog ‘A’ Division inter club knock out rugby tournament at Race Course grounds in Colombo today. kick off will be at 4.00 pm.

Going by how the two teams faired this season, both teams have a definite chance of pulling this game through and this makes the event a thrilling tussle.

In this years just concluded league rugby tournament Navy won the first leg

by beating the Havies at Welisara. But it was the Park Club which won the second leg by 16 points to 11 played at Havelock Park. The lads from Welisara were really fortunate and just managed to beat the gallant Shamly Nawaz’s fighting Police SC by 43-36 in their quarter final clash played at Race Course grounds last week after a close game.

Adding to the woes for Navy would be the absence of their two key players in captain cum flanker Danushka “Gerthe” Perera and winger Supun Dilshan from today’s semi final due to reasons best known to them.

However the Sailors will have a huge advantage when it comes to the two hookers, where in form Dulanjana Wijesinghe will strike it very much faster

and will be the man to watch in the lose play than the Havies hooker Shameer Fajudeen.

Mean while the Park Club boys who won their semi finals with Army Sports Club last week, have the presence of a sturdy set of forwards who are capable of pulling the game in their favour will have to play a vital role in today’s game as well along with their speedy three quarter line spearheaded by their play maker former Peterite vice captain and the present national centre Nishone Perera manage to deliver the goods, then it will be a daunting task for the Navy team to counter attack to make a much needed victory to get in to the all important finals.

Navy won this tournament last under the captainsy of Rohitha “Chichi” Rajapaksa way back in 2014.

Navy SC (Probable XV)* Kasun De Silva, Dulanjana Wijesinghe (Captain), Stefan Greogary, Supun Peiris, Lahiru Wishvajith ,Janith Laksara, Adeesha Weerathunga, Raveen De Silva, Hashan Maduranga and Mohamad Abzal, Budhdhima Piyaratne, Thanuja Maduranga, Musheen Falleel, Chathura Gomez, Thilina Weerasinghe, Head Coach : Mothilal Jayathilake, Asst.Coach : Dev Anand

Havelocks (Probable XV) Dushmantha Priyadarshana “ Bodhi ” , Prasath Madushanka, Liston Flatney, Shehan Dias, Jason Melder (Captain), Sharo Fernando, Shenal Deelaka, Lasindu Ishan, Sudam Sooriarachchi and Niroshan Fernando, Chamara Dabare, Hirantha Perera, Nishon Perera, Vimukthi Rahula or Ramesh Fernando, Reeza Mubarak, Head Coach: Sanath Martis 

Sri Lanka will meet India in the opening match of the tri-nation T20 international for the Hero Nidahas trophy on March 6.

Bangladesh the third team in the tournament will commence their match on March 8 against India. The tournament will be held at the R Premadasa Stadium with matches commencing at 7 pm. All three teams will play each other twice in a round robin with the top two sides meeting in the final on March 18.

Originally the tournament was to run from March 8-20, but with Sri Lanka keen to play the final on a Sunday (March 18) they requested both India and Bangladesh boards for a change to which they have agreed. The two teams are due to arrive in Sri Lanka for the tournament on March 4. 

St. Joseph Vaz College Wennappuwa and St. John’s College Jaffna won their matches against President’s College Kotte and Hindu College Jaffna respectively in their traditional ‘Singer Cup’ Under 19 inter-schools cricket matches played at Godigamuwa and Jaffna yesterday.

RESULTS:

q At Godigamuwa: St. Joseph Vaz Wennappuwa won by 10 wickets.

President’s Kotte: 113 and 207 in 49.5 overs (Rifaz Mauroof 53, Rasitha Lakmal 34, Ganindu Dewmina 36, Hiruna Sigera 28, Dananjaya Perera 4/56, Kanishka Nanayakkara 3/66)

St. Joseph Vaz: 320/8 decl. (274/7 o/n) in 71.4 overs (Yohan Peris 112 n.o., Kanishka Nanayakkara 55, Shohan Anuruddha 45, Maduwantha Dharmawardane 22 Dhananjaya Perera 21, Hasindu Rahamuka 4/106, Rifaz Maurof 2/37) and 6/0 in 0.1 overs

q At Jaffna: St. John’s Jaffna won by inns & 58 runs.

St. Johns’s Jaffna: 315;

Hindu Jaffna: 133 (87/6 o/n) in 63 overs (J. Linushankar 24, U. Kedeep 20, V. Jathushan 4/36, J. Sudeedsan 3/12, K. Kapilraj 2/39) and 123 in 32 overs (Y. Vidushan 50 n.o., K K Santish 25, U. Nilukshan 23, M. Abinash 4/33, V. Jathushan 2/23)

DAY ONE SCORES

Matches will be continued today.

q At Wattala: Gurukula Kelaniya: 353/7 in 93 overs (Malindu Viduranga 88 n.o., Kemira Nayantharu 65, Pathum Mahesh 65, Likshan Pasanga 54, Nuwan Chanaka 23, Lasindu Arosha 20, Kavindu Madusanka 3/43) vs St. Anthony’s Wattala

q At Sooriyawewa: Debarawewa NS: 98 in 39.1 overs (Chathura Jayanath 26, Sajitha Suranjana 7/30)

Rahula Matara: 157/6 at close in 57.3 overs (Sashith Manuranga 51, Uraj Chalaka 48, Binara Sanketh 39)

qAt Veyangoda: Bandaranayake Central Veyangoda: 110 in 39.3 overs (Malindu Manabharana 24, Maleesha Bhagya 21, Kanishka Dharmakeerthi 3/17, Mihindu Madushan 2/16, Malshan Dissanayake 2/29)

Dudley Senanayake Central Tholangamuwa: 215/6 at close in 54.2 overs (Kanishka Dharmakeerthi 59, Harsha Karunarathne 43, Situm Wickramarachchi 42 n.o., Lakitha Jayweera 31, Kavishka Madumal 2/17) -(YK) 

Former Royal College and Sri Lanka Junior National rugby coloursman, Dr. Reza Rahim successfully completed the Fellowship Examination in Orthopaedic surgery and is now a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons with his sub-speciality being spinal disorders.

After his initial training at Prince Alfred and Royal Melbourne hospitals in Victoria, Dr. Rahim completed his Orthopaedic advanced training in New South Wales in January 2017. He has also completed fellowships locally and internationally in this field.

Dr. Reza played rugby for Royal College in the 50th Bradby Shield encounter in 1994. In 1995, playing for Royal College, he was selected to represent the Sri Lanka Junior National team in the first Junior Rugby Asiad in Taiwan.

He is the son of former Royal College rugby coloursman Branu Rahim and wife Patsy and the brother of 1999 Royal College rugby skipper Dinesh Rahim. 

Sri Lanka fast bowler Shehan Madushanka who suffered a hamstring injury during the 2nd T20 match against Bangladesh in Sylhet is doubtful for the upcoming Hero Nidahas tri-series in Colombo. A Sri Lanka Cricket media release states, the extent of Madushanka’s injury will only be ascertained following a MRI scan, which Madushanka is expected to undergo today.

“At this stage, his availability for the Hero Nidahas Trophy is in doubt,” states the communiqué. 

The green Pathanians look to conquer the 55th Battle of the Brothers cricket encounter against traditional rivals Thurstan College which is scheduled to be played on February 23 and 24 at the Sinhalese Sports Club grounds. After 54 encounters, Isipathana College is the last to win in 1999 under Krishantha Jayawardena by seven wickets. The Pathanians will put their best foot forward this year to equalize the series overall tally that stands at 5-4 in favour of Thurstan.Fourth year batting all-rounder Ayana Siriwardena who leads Isipathana has piled up 393 runs in this year’s school cricket season with a century and three half centuries. He made a century against with D.S. Senanayake College and has also claimed 22 wickets in eight matches. Under his captaincy Pathanians secured six first innings wins and an outright win against President’s College, Kotte.

Deputy skipper Sanjula Bandara Ilangathilake has accumulated 350 runs including two half centuries and has been impressive with the ball as well taking 29 wickets. His best effort is 6 for 39 against President’s College, Kotte.

Fifth year coloursman, centurion Sanjula Abeywickrama, a left-handed top order batsman and the wicket-keeper of the team has scored 288 runs in five matches including a half century. His best was 150 not out against St. Peter’s, Bambalapitiya.

Leshan Amarasinghe, another top order batsman from the Pathana camp has also reached the 300-run mark inclusive of three half tons with a highest score of 99 against Royal, Colombo.

Madushika Sandaruwan who has been their top bowler has captured 44 wickets and will spearhead the bowling attack. However it is the spinners who have done the job for Isipathana. Sandaruwan’s best is 5 for 20 against D.S. Senanayake. Ilangathilaka too has performed well with a ball taking a tally of 29 scalps which includes a match bag of 10 for 97. Skipper Ayana and Lahiru Weeraratna an experienced player who has been unable to make any impression this season will be the mainstream in their bowling department.

With a rich cricketing history of over 50 years, Isipathana has produced many great cricketers such as Jayantha Paranathala, Asoka de Silva, Ashantha de Mel, Sanjeewa Weerasinghe, Asanka Gurusinha, Suresh Perera and Nuwan Zoysa all of whom have gone onto win national caps.

Defending champions Ananda College and Trinity College Kandy lead on first innings against St. Peter’s College Bambalapitiya and St. Aloysius College Galle in their pre- quarter final matches of the knock-out ‘Singer Cup’ Under 19 inter-schools two-day knockout tournament played at Bambalapitiya and Asgiriya Godigamuwa yesterday.

DAY ONE SCORES

Matches will be continued today.

q At Kandy: St. Aloysius Galle: 130 in 47 overs (Ashen Bandara 49, Ravindu Sanjana 26, Vimukthi Nethumal 4/43, Hasitha Boyagoda 3/24, Rashmika Dilshan 2/18)

Trinity: 151/9 at close in 46 overs (Hasintha Jayasooriya 37, A. Lokuketiya 37, Hasitha Boyagoda 25, Abishek Anandakumara 25, Kavika Dilshan 4/50, Hareen Buddila 2/27)

qAt Bambalapitiya: St. Peter’s: 128 in 44.1 overs (Mohommed Ameen 22, Deneth Nisshanka 4/34, Asel Sigera 3/14, Gihan Wishwajith 2/2)

Ananda: 169/7 at close in 49 overs (Kanishka Ranthilakage 51, Kavindu Gimhan 26, Shamal Hirushan 25 n.o., Mohammed Ameen 3/59, Santush Gunathilake 2/36)

- (YK) 

In the past week or so there has been news making the rounds that Sri Lanka Cricket is planning to hold a Lanka Premier League (LPL) on the same lines as the Indian Premier League (IPL) and similar to tournaments that are hosted by other Test playing nations across the world.

Before pitching headlong into holding one, SLC must first sit back and think what benefits this type of tournament would bring to the game, to the country and its cricket. By holding a tournament as the LPL what is the SLC looking to gain financially or otherwise, or both?

Just because other Test nations are having their own tournaments on the lines of the highly successful IPL, we should not also try to follow them. Sri Lanka is the only ICC full member without a T20 league of their own, so what?

Can’t our cricket progress without a T20 tournament as it has done over the years?

The only country that has benefitted from holding a T20 tournament is India that has produced cricketers hitherto unheard of if not for their performances in the IPL that has served them as a passport to the national team.

Seven years ago SLC tried to hold its own T20 tournament modelled on the IPL but it never saw the light of day as India refused to release the 12 players selected to participate and furthermore allegations of corruption and incompetence by SLC and its handing over the organisation to a previously unheard of Singapore-based Somerset Entertainment Ventures put the tournament in serious jeopardy.

It was postponed by a year to 2012 and with a renewed deal with Somerset Entertainment Ventures the tournament took place with seven franchises owned by private backers from August 11-31 and Uva Next beat Nagenahira Nagas in the final to emerge champions. The second season was set to begin in 2013 but was cancelled after the franchises breached payment deadlines and that was the end of SLC’s attempt to imitate the IPL.

Where they failed miserably was that unlike the IPL where all the franchise owners are from the host country India, the SL Premier League reached out for owners from outside and those who brought up the franchises were crooked companies some of which were non-existent and existed only by name.

The SLC were caught in a situation where the local companies could not match upto the requirements of the players brought by the franchises and thereby in its desperation to attract overseas players they allowed the franchises to be brought by Indian companies that had dubious records without strictly checking into their credentials.

Now after six years the SLC under a different administration is trying its hand at having another ‘go’ to hold an IPL style tournament and once again they are going to run into troubled waters as the dates they have decided to hold it – August 18 to September 16, 2018 clashes with the English county season and the already established Caribbean Premier League.

In the circumstances the chances of attracting some of the top T20 cricketers for the tournament does not look all that rosy at the moment. A tournament without the big names in T20 cricket is not bound to draw much attraction around the world however globally it is broadcast let alone bring in local crowds to the venues.

Which brings us to the question of why have a Lanka Premier League at all? Why must we try to ape other nations? Sri Lanka is good at doing that in the local film and music industry where they copy virtually every Bollywood movies and songs. Does cricket also have to follow that line? Are we not innovative enough to stand on our own feet and think?

T20 cricket in its shortest format also brings with it the danger of betting at matches. Sri Lanka is already under the microscope of the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit that has made several visits to the country in the past year or so to investigate allegations made by the Sports Minister, past cricketers and some of them appearing in the print, electronic and social media.

The only thing that Sri Lanka originated was the power hitting in the first 15 overs of the 1996 World Cup that saw them go and win the coveted trophy. Sri Lanka caught all the participating nations by surprise by giving the licence to score at will to their openers Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana in the first 15 overs when the fielding side could have only two fielders outside the 30-meter circle. The pair made mincemeat of all the bowling attacks and before the other teams had come to terms with what was happening to their bowlers, Sri Lanka had by then pocketed the most prized possession in cricket.SLC should seriously give a thought of holding an LPL and weigh the pros and cons whether it is worthwhile especially with the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit breathing down its neck and also having a president who has been accused of having connections with the gambling industry. 

Wigan, Monday: Pep Guardiola's quest to win an unprecedented quadruple with Manchester City came to a stunning and controversial end when they fell to a 1-0 defeat at third-tier Wigan in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Monday.

In an uncanny repeat of the 2013 FA Cup final, in which City had a player sent off before losing to a late Wigan winner, Guardiola's side had Fabian Delph dismissed amid stormy scenes before Will Grigg's 79th-minute goal decided the game.

A famous night was marred, however, by a post-match pitch invasion by Wigan supporters which saw a number of them confront City players, with striker Sergio Aguero required to defend himself.

Earlier the drama had been provided by Northern Ireland international Grigg who capitalised on an error by Kyle Walker -- who allowed a pass to run through to the Wigan man -- and kept ahead of John Stones before finishing clinically from just inside the area.

It was only City's second defeat to English opposition since losing an FA Cup semi-final to Arsenal last April while their opponents can now look forward to a quarter-final home tie with Southampton.The pivotal sending-off arrived in first half injury-time when Fabian Delph made a rash challenge on Wigan's Max Power, prompting referee Anthony Taylor to pull a yellow card out of his pocket before changing his mind and producing red.

Wasteful Aguero

Manchester City's Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero gets involved in a scuffle with Wigan fans. AFP

City might have enjoyed a far more comfortable evening had their record goalscorer Aguero not missed a golden opportunity after just two minutes, heading over Bernardo Silva's pinpoint cross from just six yards.

And home keeper Christian Walton needed to be alert a few moments later, diving smartly to parry away a fierce strike from Ilkay Gundogan.

Guardiola had made six changes for the tie, while still fielding a strong line-up, but two of his fringe players -- full-back Danilo and back-up goalkeeper Claudio Bravo -- were guilty of errors which offered the hosts a glimmer of hope.

First Bravo and Danilo dithered in dealing with the ball, almost presenting Gareth Roberts with a chance on the six-yard line.

And then Danilo was robbed of the ball by Roberts, the ball breaking for Grigg who raced half the length of the field before shooting into the side-netting.

City were enjoying the bulk of possession but, without the rested Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling, were struggling to create clear chances.

They came close, from Leroy Sane's 26th-minute corner which Gundogan flicked across the six-yard area, but defender Aymeric Laporte failed to connect with the ball at his feet.

When City next threatened, after Stones headed down Delph's cross, Fernandinho's shot rose over by some distance when he looked certain to score.

Gundogan and Danilo, twice, also threatened the Wigan goal and Walton saved superbly from an Aguero drive, moments before the explosive dismissal of Delph.Guardiola brought on England right-back Walker as a half-time substitute, moving Danilo over to Delph's vacant left-back spot.

Despite their disadvantage, City still enjoyed the majority of possession although, apart from Chey Dunkley blocking a Danilo shot, there was little to concern Walton as the tie approached the 65-minute mark and Guardiola opted to bring De Bruyne into the fray.

The Belgian's introduction brought a far greater threat from City, particularly from set-pieces. AFP

Pyeongchang, Tuesday: The Pyeongchang Winter Olympics was hit by a third doping scandal on Tuesday, casting a dark shadow over the magic on ice served up by peerless Canadians Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir.

Slovenian ice hockey player Ziga Jeglic failed a drugs test and has been banned from the Olympics, the Court of Arbitration for Sport said.

A day earlier a Russian bronze medallist in curling was suspended over suspected doping and a Japanese short-track speed skater was kicked out of the Games in South Korea last week.

Jeglic, 29, who plays professional ice hockey in Russia, tested positive for fenoterol, a banned substance used to treat breathing difficulties, and was given 24 hours to quit the Olympic Village.

The latest drugs scandal hit just after one of the high points of the Games -- the gold medal-winning performance of Virtue and Moir to clinch victory in the ice dance.

They skated last after watching French rivals Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron break their own free dance record and top the standings with the best combined total of their careers.

The pressure was unbearable but Virtue and Moir showed no signs of buckling, skating out a flawless routine to Roxanne from Moulin Rouge in what may well be their last hurrah on the world stage.

"Amazing. It was a special moment to come out last," said Virtue.

"It was a strong last group, there was a lot of pressure, but I'm so happy with how we performed." The 2010 Olympic gold medallists scored a record combined total of 206.07 points, narrowly bettering the French duo's 205.28.

Papadakis suffered embarrassment during Monday's routine when her dress slipped open but she and Cizeron were still on course for gold -- until the Canadians delivered something special to become the most decorated Olympic skaters of all time.Away from the grace and elegance of the skating rink, another Canadian, Cassie Sharpe, produced some jaw-dropping aerobatics to storm to freestyle skiing's halfpipe gold.French rival Marie Martinod wiped out on her final run and finished second after Sharpe produced a top score of 95.80 on her second effort, celebrated by raising her hands behind her head in a bunny-ear sign as she crossed the line backwards."It hasn't really sunk in yet, but it's just an incredible feeling," said the gold medallist, 25.Yet more Canadian glory looks on the cards after they and old rivals the United States booked their places in the final of the women's ice hockey tournament, scheduled for Thursday. AFP

Wellington, Tuesday: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) defended Eden Park Tuesday amid criticism the Auckland venue is too small to host international fixtures such as the T20 tri-series final.The decider on Wednesday features New Zealand and Australia, who produced a run-fest at the same ground on Friday that left some purists fuming.

A total of 488 runs were scored at 12.7 an over as the sides smashed 32 sixes before Australia completed a world-record run chase of 245 to claim a five-wicket win.

The sight of mis-hits sailing over the boundary for six prompted veteran Australian commentator Jim Maxwell to call the venue "a joke" that should not host international cricket.Eden Park is best known as a rugby ground and its boundaries fall well short of the International Cricket Council's 59.5-metre (65-yard) minimum.

The situation is allowed to stand because the Auckland stadium hosted international cricket before the ICC regulations were introduced in 2007.NZC chief operating officer Anthony Crummy said the governing body "absolutely" backed Eden Park as a venue.

"It's unique, you can't deny that, a lot of cricket grounds are," he told Radio Sport.

"We think it adds to the colour of the international schedule when players have to adapt (to a smaller ground)."

Crummy also pointed out that Eden Park did not always produce high-scoring slog-a-thons, saying a number of matches there in recent years had been low-scoring, tight affairs.

"It hasn't failed to deliver great contest after great contest," he said."When you look back, they're not always high scoring either. AFP

Yet another former Observer Schoolboy Cricketer - Kusal Mendis, has piloted Sri Lanka to a smashing 2-0 victory in the T20 International series against Bangladesh. He was in cracking form in both the T20 internationals with back to back explosive half centuries.

Having made a brilliant knock of 53 in the first match in Dhaka, Mendis continued his good work in their series deciding second match in Sylhet with another great knock of 70.

Most importantly, Mendis has showed great courage to bounce back and cement his place in the national team. After being axed from the team for the previous tour to India following a modest performance against Pakistan in the UAE, he made a great return during the team’s recently concluded tour of Bangladesh.

Generally considered as a middle order batsman, Mendis was elevated as an opener since the Test series and it has paid rich dividends. Prior to the tour of Bangladesh, Mendis has hardly tasted new ball attacks, despite opening in a few matches at the early part of his career.

Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal, another former Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year who had won the mega title four year before Mendis, paid a lavish tribute to his newly found opening batsman. “We had a chat at the start of the series and we thought that he could fit in as an opener. By promoting him as an opener, we were also able to get right-hand/left-hand combination with the opening pair. I think he grabbed all the opportunities that came his way. That’s a really good sign,” skipper Chandimal was quoted as saying.

Mendis was in total command over Bangladesh bowling attack in the second T2oI to make 70 off in only 42 balls, hitting three sixers and six fours. He shared an opening partnership of 98 runs off 11 overs with Danushka Gunathilaka (42). Their solid foundation – the second successive half century stand, enabled Sri Lanka to make a commanding 210 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs.

Thanks to Mendis’ quick fire 70, Sri Lanka was able to set a commanding target of 211. It was daunting task for the home team which was eventually bowled out for 135 runs in 18.4 overs, giving Sri Lanka a thumping victory.

When Bangladesh made a commanding 193 for 5 in 20 overs in the first T20 International in Dhaka, it appeared to be a daunting task for Sri Lanka. However, when Sri Lanka got that dream start they had been looking for, the visitors ultimately found it easy to reach the target with 20 balls to spare for the loss of only four wickets.

The architect of Sri Lanka’s convincing six-wicket victory in the first T20I was none other than that of dashing opener Kusal Mendis who showed no mercy to Bangladesh attack. He simply massacred Bangladesh bowlers with a blistering knock of 53 runs off just 27 balls, maintaining a stunning strike rate of 196.29.

Man of the Match Mendis, who hit two massive sixers and eight boundaries, added 53 runs for the first wicket with Gunathilaka off only 29 balls. Their epic alliance eased the pressure on Sri Lanka’s middle order, though the visitors lost three wickets with the addition of only 37 runs. Foundation laid the explosive start given by Mendis and Gunathilaka, Sri Lanka reached the target in style through an unfinished fifth wicket partnership of 65 runs between Thisara Perera and Dasun Shanaka.

Mendis has lavishly contributed with his willow during his school career at Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa. His rich harvests during the 2012/13 season earned him the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year title in 2013.

Winning the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year title is widely regarded as an unofficial passage towards the national team and Mendis is yet another cricketer who had proved that this common belief among schoolboy cricketers is right. Within a couple of years after his crowning glory at the Mega Show, Mendis was picked to make his Test debut - against the West Indies at Premadasa Stadium on October 22, 2015.

A reliable wicket keeper and consistent right-hand top order batsman with an attacking style, Mendis has often posed trouble to many opponents. Merely months after winning the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year title five years ago, he was appointed Sri Lanka’s under-19 captain for the Youth World Cup.

He made his Sri Lanka ODI debut with a sparkling half century 51 off 59 balls with eight boundaries in Sri Lanka’s first ODI against Ireland in Dublin on June 16, 2016. Since then, Mendis has represented Sri Lanka in 44 ODIs to aggregate a total of 1,239 runs for an average of 30.97.

He has one century and 11 fifties to his credit with a career best knock of 102. In 24 Tests, Mendis has aggregated 1,712 runs with four centuries and five fifties. He was the top scorer for Sri Lanka in the first innings in the recent second Test against Bangladesh in Dhaka - a superb innings of 68 made off 98 balls that eventually guided Sri Lanka to a match-winning first innings lead.

Mendis’ emergence was a blessing to the national team at a time the national selectors had been looking for a top order batsman. The first three batting positions are important to any team as the roles of openers and one drop batsman could make a big impact towards a team total and the morale of the middle and lower order batsmen.

Since winning the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year title in 2013, he has proved his credentials to fit into that vital No.3 position which fell vacant after the retirement of veteran Kumar Sangakkara.

The biggest moment in Mendis’ short but impressive Test career so far was witnessed last year when he made a marathon knock of 194 in the first Test against Bangladesh in Galle.

He missed what would have been a dream double century by unsuccessfully attempting to signal it with a six. His superb knock included four sixers and 19 boundaries.

Occupying the crease for more than seven hours and facing 285 balls, Mendis showed qualities of a mature Test batsman, although it was only in his 15th Test. He became only the third Sri Lankan to aggregate over 1,000 Test runs before completing 23 years of age, behind Arjuna Ranatunga and Mahela Jayawardene. Speaking after his title glory in 2013, Mendis said the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of The Year Award is a “launching pad” for his future cricket career. In less than five years after winning the title, Mendis has proved this right beyond reasonable doubt.

Speaking further after winning that dream title, Mendis went on to pay a generous tribute to the organizers of the show the Sunday Observer and Mobitel, stating that the contest was a tower of strength for young schoolboy cricketers.

“There are several past winners who had gone to represent the country. That shows how valuable the contest is for the budding cricketers. The contest has been boosted further with the introduction of the third segment which will undoubtedly help the outstation cricketers enormously. The talented players outside Colombo could be identified better and that augurs well for a better tomorrow. Besides the main awards, there are many other segments in the competition that has been won. These sections too, help the youngsters in their future cricket career”, he was quoted as saying.

St. Sebastians College, Moratuwa qualified for the pre-quarter finals of the under 13 division three cricket tournament when they beat Prince College, Ratnapura on first innings when the two teams battled it out at at panadura recently. Batting first Ratnapura lads were all out for 112 runs and in reply Sebs were 157 for 7 at the close with Adesh Almeida scoring 40 runs.

Prince College - 112 in 54.2 overs - Thejana Jayarathne 41, Hasaka Lawrence 23, Malintha Silva 3/16, Yashin Fernando 2/8, Shenan de Silva 2/15, Akash Dissanayake 2/19

St. Sebastian’s - 115/7 in 34 overs - Adesh Almeida 40, Naveesha Fernando 24, Mohamed Minhaj 2/21, Dilsara Weerasinghe 2/13

Earlier in another match Sebs beat Royal Institute Nugegoda by 141 runs at Piliyandala to enter the sixth round of the tournament. Batting first Royal Institute team was skittled out for a paltry 65 in 17.5 overs with Ryan Dissanayake claiming 4/15 runs and at stumps Sebs were 206/7 with Tharindu Nayanajith scoring 86 runs.

Royal Institute IS - 65 in 17.5 overs - Ryan Dissanayake 4/15, Malinda Siva 3/11, Yashin Fernando 2/16

St. Sebastians - 206/7 in 46 overs - Tharindu Nayanajith 86, Ryan Dissanayake 29, Naveesha Fernando 28, Hamdoin Dilshad 2/23, Iresh Weerasinghe 2/59

The 2017-18 FIA Formula 4 South East Asia Championship (F4 SEA) - fuelled by Petron, witnessed Eshan Pieris’ first ever win for Sri Lanka at the Sepang International Circuit as the contingent supported the Asian Le Man Endurance Series.

After an intense battle in Race 2 of the penultimate event, the 20-year-old Colombo-native stood atop the podium when the Sri Lankan national anthum was aired. Eshan basked humbly in the glory of his maiden victory of the championship.

Eshan was poised to be the front runner of the FIA-certified Championship, as he was fastest in official free practise and snatched up pole position in qualifying. This boosted his drive to succeed.

Launched off the grid perfectly behind two-time event champion Daniel Cao in the event’s second race, the Sri Lankan threw down the hammer and quickly stole pole position away from Cao, who then subsequently piled on the pressure.

Despite this, Eshan consistently pulled away from Cao and widened the gap till the chequered flag waved him the race victory in a very strong grid. Eshan beat tough competition from undefeated Rookie Event champion Kane Shepherd, Okinawan lightning bolt, HibikiTaira and Event Champion Mitchell Cheah of Malaysia.

Apart from securing the podium in Race 2, Eshan also clocked the fastest time of the eight-lap scrimmage. He was the only one to break the 2-minute 14-second mark in the race. His blistering performance ensured him a lead of almost five seconds.

“After being fastest on track during the free practice, I was really motivated to put it back on top at the end of qualifying. I really just focused on hitting all my markers on track and not making any mistakes throughout the laps in qualifying”.

“In Race 2 I started in P2 and took the lead on the 2nd lap into turn 4 and thereafter I just focused on maintaining my rhythm throughout the race. However my biggest concern was tyre conservation. Just like Formula One, managing tyre wear is crucial,” explained Eshan.

Despite some of the setbacks Eshan faced over the course of the weekend, he kept up his spirits and held his head high, determined to do better next time.

“For sure the win in Race 2 felt really great since it was only my second event ever in formula cars and compared to the other drivers on the grid I had less experience. I am really happy to bag my first big win,” concluded Eshan.

A keen tussle is expected at the 125th Trinity-Royal cricket match to be played on February 23 and 24 at the Asgiriya Stadium. This season both sides are evenly balanced and an enjoyable game of cricket is expected. In this 125th game, the players on both sides will be determined to showcase their prowess with bat and ball to gain honors. Both sides have a good batting line up. Trinity Principal Andrew Fowler-Watt, Vice Principal former Royal captain J.D. Shaw Wilson, POG Shane de Silva, MIC D.D. Kulatunga and the rest are making elaborate arrangements to host this historic match while Old Trinitians Sports Club too are making arrangements to mark this occasion on a grand scale. Two former captains M.T.M. Zarook of Trinity and Dr. Ranjith de Silva of Royal will be the chief guests. The days program will start with the celebratory breakfast at 9 a.m., where all past captains and players are invited.

These two schools first met at cricket in 1893, and in the first four years Royal won in a row, the first win being under F. Van Rooyen. Trinity’s first win came in 1896 under A. Coswatte which was by 9 wickets,

The 100th encounter too was played at Asgiriya stadium where a grand opening ceremony was organized, and the chief guest was the 1930 Trinity skipper S.A. Odayar, and the two principals were Col. Leonard M de Alwis of Trinity and B. Sooriyarachchi of Royal. In that game Trinity were led by Kelum Edirisinghe and Royal by G. Perera. Royal rattled up 204 for the loss of 6 wickets in 270 minutes off 66 overs. T. Subasinghe scored a half century with eight fours and K. Makar a fluent 48 and D. Dharmaratna was run out for 52 that included three fours. Trinity paceman D. Munasinghe took 3 for 34 in 14 overs. Trinity replied with 198 with skipper Kelum Edirisinghe top scoring with a half century comprising seven fours and U Chandrakumar 38.

Royal going in for the second time scored 139 for the loss of 4 wickets in 51 overs to draw the contest. D. Dharmaratne who made 52 in the first innings batted well to score an unbeaten 76 in the second innings with 10 fours. Skipper Kelum Edirisinghe and K. Ekanayke took 2 wickets each.

At the end of the first day’s play both teams were received by the president Old Trinitians SC H.M. Halimdeen who is no more, Sports Secretary Deva Amunugama and the rest of the OTSC members who were present hosted the two teams to tea at the club.