Football
Feyenoord captain Clasie signs for Southampton
Southampton have completed the signing of Dutch international midfielder Jordy Clasie ( above ) from Feyenoord on a five-year deal, the Premier League club confirmed on Wednesday.
The Feyenoord captain’s signing follows the departure of France international Morgan Schneiderlin in a £25million move to Manchester United.
Clasie, 24, arrives on a deal believed to be worth up to 12 million euros.AFP
Real coach Benitez outlines vision for new season
New Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez ( right ) is focussed on improving the Spanish giants’ defence during the forthcoming season, while sticking to the club’s attacking philosophy.
The former Napoli boss, who replaced the sacked Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu in June, wants to build a side that can “attack as well as in recent years” but which can also “defend a little better”.
The manager’s comments touched on “achieving the balance that will allow us (Real Madrid) to win more matches, and have more opportunities to win titles.”AFP
United to sell Valdes after reserves snub
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal said on Wednesday goalkeeper Victor Valdes is to be sold after “refusing to play” for the club’s second team.
Van Gaal said former Barcelona keeper Valdes, who only signed for United in January, faced an early end to his Old Trafford career after failing to follow the club’s philosophy.AFP
McCarthy not for sale, says Everton’s Martinez
Everton manager Roberto Martinez has insisted that James McCarthy ( above ) is not for sale following reports that Manchester City were preparing to make a bid for the Republic of Ireland international midfielder.
“He is not for sale,” the Spaniard said of McCarthy at the Barclays Asia Trophy in Singapore on Wednesday.
“James McCarthy has been a top performer in the last few seasons and at the age of 24 he has already played over 300 games. He has young legs, brings a lot of energy and he is a vital part of our squad.”AFP
badminton
Sindhu, Srikanth advance in Chinese Taipei Open
Indian shuttlers P.V. Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth and Sameer Verma on Wednesday advanced to the second round of their respective categories after hard-fought wins at the $200,000 Chinese Taipei Open Grand Prix Gold here.
However, it was the end of the road for Commonwealth Games bronze medallist R.M.V. Gurusaidutt, who lost his men’s singles opener 21-23, 17-21 to Indonesian qualifier Shesar Hiren Rhustavito in straight games at the Taipei Arena. IANS
Cycling
Majka wins 11th stage, Froome keeps yellow
Poland’s Rafal Majka ( below ), last year’s king of the mountains, won the 188km 11th stage of the Tour de France after a solo breakaway in the Pyrenees on Wednesday.
Ireland’s Dan Martin came home second a minute later with German champion Emmanuel Buchmann in third at 1min 23sec.
Briton Chris Froome finished ninth in a 10-man group just over five minutes back to maintain the race leader’s yellow jersey.AFP
Boxing
It’s my wish to turn pro, says Vijender
Star Indian boxer Vijender Singh on Wednesday shot back at his detractors and reiterated that it was not money that prompted him to leave amateur boxing but his “wish” to become a professional.
“Why not, it’s a good thing. It’s been 15 years (as an amateur boxer). It’s my wish (to turn professional),” said the 2008 Beijing Olympics bronze medallist after his first professional training stint at a suburban mall here with his pro trainer Lee Beard.
Tennis
Hard work is common between Paes and Sania: Navratilova
There are many similarities between Leander Paes and Sania Mirza, who won Wimbledon titles last week, legendary Martina Navratilova ( left ) said here on Wednesday.
“Leander and Sania, they are always trying hard. That in itself wins a lot of matches. Without that you cannot win. Few people have it consistently. So, I would say there are many parallels between Leander and Sania. They always try hard,” she said at an interaction.PTI
Athletics
Kipsang focused on marathon gold in Beijing
Former Kenyan world marathon record holder and Olympic bronze medallist Wilson Kipsang ( below ) is not planning to run another competitive race, but is focused on reclaiming the world title for Kenya in Beijing next month.
The 33-year-old two-time London marathon winner says he has not been in the best of shape possible in his five recent races.
“Since my last race in Olomouc, I have been back in Kenya recovering from all these races and starting my preparation for the upcoming world championships in Beijing,” he said.AFP
Powell clocks 9.87 secs to win Luzern meet
Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell ( above ) sprinted away from the field in the final stage to pull off another victory this season in the men’s 100 metre event at the Spitzen Leichtathletik meet here.
Powell continued his impressive form clocking 9.87 seconds on Tuesday while distancing himself from the field at the 80m mark to secure a dominating win.
Powell crossed the finish line ahead of fellow countrymen Nesta Carter, who ran 10.06 for second place and Kemar Bailey-Cole (10.10). IANS
