Serena Williams crashed out of the Miami Open in the first round here Wednesday slumping to a straight-set defeat against Japan’s Naomi Osaka in the latest setback to the former world number one’s comeback. Osaka, who won her first major title in Indian Wells last weekend was superior throughout and fully deserved her 6-3, 6-2 win in just one hour and 17 minutes. It was Williams fourth match and second tournament appearance since returning from 13 months maternity leave yet the American’s movement and inability to stay in the rallies suggested her comeback could be more arduous tha ... Read More

England were all out for 58 runs in just over 90 minutes of the first Test against New Zealand on Thursday with the tourists narrowly avoiding their record lowest score in a Test innings. New Zealand bowlers Trent Boult and Tim Southee struck early and often on the first day of the day-night Test at Eden Park as England looked as if they might fail to beat the 45 they limped to against Australia in Sydney in 1887. However, Craig Overton, who had been brought in as bowling cover amid concerns about the fitness of all-rounder Ben Stokes, top scored with a counter-attacking 33 not out in a ... Read More

Britain is on top of the world in Formula One, with Lewis Hamilton beginning his quest for a fifth championship in Australia this weekend, but there is concern at grassroots level. With costs spiralling and some junior kart teams racing on six figure budgets, youngsters hoping to emulate Hamiltons rise from social housing to stardom are being priced out of contention. Britains Motor Sports Association says the number of MSA licence holders in karting — where future champions learn their craft — has fallen by 30 percent in the decade since Hamilton made his grand prix debut in 2007. ... Read More

Kagiso Rabada was cleared to play the third Test against Australia after his two-match ban was overturned following a hearing. The South Africa pacer had appealed against ban which he got after making contact with Australia captain Steve Smith. On day one of the second Test, Rabada dismissed Smith and during his celebrations, he brused the Australia captain’s shoulder. He was charged with Level 2 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct for making inappropriate and deliberate physical conduct. ... Read More

In Cricket, Reigning Ranji Trophy champions Vidarbha have lifted their maiden Irani Trophy. On the final day of the match in Nagpur today, they beat Rest of India by virtue of their massive first innings lead. The hosts had posted a total of 800 in their first innings and then bowled out Rest of India for 390 on the final day today. Rest of India had resumed the day at their overnight first innings score of 236 for 6. The match was called off at the start of the mandatory overs with Vidarbha scoring 79 for no loss in their second innings. The final scores: Vidarbha - 800 for 7 declared & 79 ... Read More

Two of A Sharath Kamals three gold medals at the Commonwealth Games were won in Australia and it is this little statistic which is driving Indias finest table tennis player to go for another double in the Gold Coast edition next month. In all probability, the upcoming mega-event from April 4 to 15 will be the last CWG appearance for the 35-year-old, who has been leading India’s mantle in the racket sport since 2006 Melbourne Games when he exceeded expectations by winning the team as well as the singles gold. ... Read More