India script dramatic comeback to beat Malaysia, clinch record fourth Asian Champions Trophy title

CHENNAI, Aug 12: Harmanpreet Singh-led Indian men's hockey team scripted a dramatic turnaround in a space of just 11 minutes as they fought back from 1-3 down in opening half to beat Malaysia 4-3 and clinch a record fourth Asian Champions Trophy title in Chennai.

Jugraj Singh's effort of a penalty corner gave India an early lead in the summit clash at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium on Saturday evening before Malaysia levelled it at the close of the first quarter and then struck twice in the second to lead by two goals going into the half-time.

India eventually pulled things back riding on the skipper's effort from a penalty stroke before Gurjant Singh tapped in the equaliser in the closing minutes of the third quarter. Akashdeep Singh later struck the winner with four minutes left on the clock to hand India a record title win at home.

Malaysia kicked off the final with an attacking brand of hockey which the hosts found it difficult to contain. But despite a sluggish start, India managed to gain an early lead in the ninth minute after Jugraj successfully converted from the penlaty corner with a fierce flick to the right of the Malaysian goalie.

The opener allowed India to find their groove as they resort to a full-press hockey but the visitors kept testing the Indian defense and eventually cracked the code in the 14th minute when Abu Kamal Azari found the back of the net after being assisted by Azuan Hasan from the right flank.

India did have a chance to go ahead in the opening quarter itself by squandered back-to-back penalty corner opportunities.

Malaysia kicked off the second quarter with the same momentum before being handed a flurry of penlaty corners. They converted the second one in the 18th minute when Razie Rahim's effort took a deflection from rusher Amit Rohidas' stick to find the back of the net, and then the fourth one in the 28th minute as Muhamad Aminudin doubled the lead for Malaysia.

It was at the close of the final quarter when India's fortune changed in a spane of just a minute. Skipper Harmanpreet scored from a penalty stroke in the 45th minute and second later Gujrant found the back of the net from field play to level the score.

India thereafter maintained the pressure on Malaysian defence, securing two consecutive penlaty corners, but wasted their opportunities. Eventually, it was Akashdeep Singh who scored the winner for the home team with a slap stick from top of the 'D' after taking in a pass from Mandeep Singh.

Japan take 3rd spot after beating South Korea 5-3

Japan finished behind Malaysia in the Asian Champions Trophy tournament after the beat defending champion South Korea 5-3 in the third-place playoff tie in Chennai. Goals from Ryoma Ooka (3rd), Ryosei Kato (9th), Kentaro Fukuda (28th), Shota Yamada (53rd) and Ken Nagayoshi (58th) helped the two-time runner-up finish on a high. Jonghyun Jang (15th and 33rd) and Cheoleon Park (26th) were the goal-scorers for the Koreans.

Kylian Mbappe Fetches 'World Record' 300 Million Euros Bid From Saudi Arabia Club

Arguably the most prolific goal-scorer in the world right now, Kylian Mbappe is a man who has been in the headlines for the past few weeks. The Frenchman has been at loggerheads with his club Paris Saint-Germain over contract situation.

While Mbappe is looking to leave the club in 2024 as a free agent, PSG are keen to either extend his contract or sell him to the highest bidder in the current transfer window. As the impasse over the situation continues, the French club has reportedly received a 'world record' bid of 300 million euros for the highly sought-after forward from Saudi Arabia.

Paris Saint-Germain have given Saudi club Al Hilal permission to speak to Kylian Mbappe after tabling a world record 300-million-euro ($333 million) bid, a source close to the negotiations told AFP on Monday. The Riyadh-based club has made a formal offer by letter, the source said, but such a transfer could only be made with the agreement of Mbappe who has never expressed an interest in moving to the fast-growing Saudi league.

"PSG have given Al Hilal permission to negotiate with Kylian Mbappe about a transfer for 300 million euros," the source said. Mbappe has one year left on his contract with PSG, who want him to leave now rather than for nothing next summer.

But Mbappe is refusing to sign a new contract and the French champions believe he has already struck a deal to move to Real Madrid next year.

Even football transfers expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the Ligue 1 giants have recieved a bid of this stature from Al-Hilal.

However, it looks fairly implausible to see a player like Mbappe leaving for a Saudi Arabian club at a time when his career is only going up.

A few days ago, PSG decided to leave Kylian Mbappe out of their squad for a pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea, casting further doubt on the forward's future at the French champions.

PSG gave no reason for the omission of France's captain but 24-year-old Mbappe has said for weeks that he is refusing to sign a new contract.

His omission from the tour will fuel fresh speculation that he could leave to join Real Madrid before next season.

Real Madrid have been eager to sign the player for a long time and many believe an agreement of some sort is already in place between the two parties. Mbappe's current PSG contract expires next summer but has the option to exten it by one year.

Carlos Alcaraz Wins First Wimbledon Title, Stalls Novak Djokovic's 24 Grand Slam Charge

LONDON, July 16: Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic in a five-set thriller to win his maiden Wimbledon title on Sunday. The world number 1 bagged the game 1-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4.

Djokovic dominated the show in the beginning at the Centre Court, London as he sealed the first set 6-1. Alcaraz bounced back beautifully in the second set that went into the tiebreaker. The world number 1 won it 7-6 (8/6).

The Spaniard continued his dominance and bagged the third set 6-1. However, Djokovic too made a remarkable comeback and took the match to final set with a 6-3 win in the fourth set. Alcaraz broke Djokovic once in the final set and that helped him seal the decider.

French Open: Djokovic Makes History, Wins Record 23rd Grand Slam Title

PARIS, June 11: Novak Djokovic scripted history on Sunday as he became the first man to win 23 Grand Slam titles in Open Era, following his triumph over Norwegian Casper Ruud in the French Open men's singles final.

He outclassed the fourth-seed Ruud 7-6 (7-1), 6-3, 7-5 in just over three hours at Court Philippe-Chatrier. Djokovic's triumph took him past Nadal's tally of 22 to set a new record in men's singles tennis. Overall, he is at par with Serena Williams for most majors won in Open Era.

Djokovic, who was playing his 34th Grand Slam final, will also return to the top of the world rankings. He also became the first male player to win each grand slam tournament at least three times.

Astonishingly, Djokovic shows no sign of slowing down as 10 of his 22 Slams have been won after turning 30.

The Serb is now the first man to win all four Slams at least three times.

He is also now the oldest champion at Roland Garros (36 years, 19 days), surpassing Nadal, who won at the age of 35 years, 11 months 19 days last year.

Overall, he is third in the list after Ken Rosewall (37 years, 1 months and 24 days at the time of his 1972 Australian Open haul) and Federer (36 years, 5 months and 7 days at the time of his 2018 Australian Open win).