Asia's top football teams will soon start their quest for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 after they find out their opponents when the draw of Asian Qualifiers Round 2 is to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia next month. The 40 teams will be drawn into eight groups of five teams and compete in a double round robin format both home and away, with matches to be held from September 5, 2019 to June 9, 2020, the Asian Football Confederation said Monday. * Ferrari have formally asked for the decision that cost Sebastian Vettel victory in the Canadian Grand Prix to be reviewed. a team spokesperson said on Monday. Vettel was handed a five-second time penalty during the race on June 9 for going off track and returning in what was deemed to be an unsafe fashion. The German had led the race from start to finish but lost out to Mercedes’ championship leader Lewis Hamilton after the addition of the penalty. * Kevin Anderson rallied from a set down to beat Briton Cameron Norrie 4-6 … [Read more...] about FIFA World Cup Qatar Asian Qualifiers draw to be held next month
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Zverev negotiates ‘tricky’ first-round tie in Halle
German star Alexander Zverev. — Photo express.co.uk HALLE WESTFALEN — German star Alexander Zverev said he needed more practice on grass after beating Dutchman Robin Haase 6-4, 7-5 to reach the second round of the ATP tournament in Halle on Monday. Second seed Zverev came back from 5-2 down in the second set to record his first grass court victory of the season, following an early exit in Stuttgart last week. "The start of the grass season is always a bit tricky. You need practice to get used to the conditions," said Zverev. World number five Zverev, who won the ATP Finals in London last year, is among the favourites in Halle alongside nine-time winner Roger Federer Federer faces Australia's John Millman in his first-round game on Tuesday, while Zverev can now prepare for a second-round clash with American Steve Johnson, who beat Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 6-3 earlier in the day. "Steve is someone who has a very good serve and is very good on grass. There are … [Read more...] about Zverev negotiates ‘tricky’ first-round tie in Halle
Norway advance to World Cup knockouts as France top group
Norway celebrate beating South Korea 2-1 with two penalties in the Women's World Cup on Monday. — Photo theglobeandmail.com REIMS — Norway went through to the last 16 of the Women's World Cup on Monday after beating South Korea 2-1 with two penalties, while Wendie Renard confirmed top spot in Group A for France after downing Nigeria with a spot-kick of her own. Caroline Graham Hansen gave Norway an early lead from the spot after Cho So-hyun was judged to have grabbed Maria Thorisdottir in the third minute, before winning the decisive second penalty shortly after the break when she was chopped down by Kang Chae-rim. The Barcelona attacker had to watch while she received treatment on the sidelines as Isabell Herlovsen just squeezed home Norway's second to secure the points from a nervy encounter and seal second place in Group A, despite Yeo Min-ji's poked finish 12 minutes from time. They also survived a late scare from the impressive Koreans when Min-ji headed … [Read more...] about Norway advance to World Cup knockouts as France top group
Fencer Nhật wins Asian championship bronze
Nguyễn Tiến Nhật grabs a bronze medal at the Asian Fencing Championships in Japan. — Photo webthethao.vn HÀ NỘI — Nguyễn Tiến Nhật has won a bronze medal of the Asian Fencing Championships which is ongoing in Chiba, Japan. The first Vietnamese Olympic fencer advanced to the semi-finals after beating Al Dawood Zakaria of Saudi Arabia and Na Jongkwan of South Korea. He also defeated Al Shatti Abdulaziz of Kuwait in the group stages of the men’s individual epee category. In the quarter-finals, Nhật won 15-12 against Ho Wai Hang from Hong Kong. In the last four, Nhật was beaten 11-15 by Yamada Masaru of the hosts. In the men’s individual sabre class, SEA Games winner Vũ Thành An advanced to the quarter-finals where he lost 15-7 to Oh Sanguk to finish sixth. Vietnamese fencers also took part in the women’s individual epee, sabre and women’s and … [Read more...] about Fencer Nhật wins Asian championship bronze
Rested Quang Hải eyes AFC Cup glory
Nguyễn Quang Hải. — Photo tinthethao.com.vn HÀ NỘI — Talented midfielder Nguyễn Quang Hải is refreshed and raring to go ahead of the AFC Cup’s ASEAN zonal semi-finals when Hà Nội FC visit Ceres Negros today. Hải was rested for the Vietnamese side’s 2-0 V.League 1 win over Sài Gòn FC after a hectic club and international schedule. “Personally I have prepared well for the match. If I have chance to play I will do my best,” said Hải. The two teams previously met in this tournament in 2017, with Hà Nội drawing 1-1 at home and losing 6-2 away. “Before this meeting, we worked hard to watch their clips and find ways to counter their style. We will focus 100 per cent in this match to have a positive result away from home so that we have an advantage when playing the second leg on home turf,” he said. V.League champions Hà Nội entered the semi-finals as … [Read more...] about Rested Quang Hải eyes AFC Cup glory