Sports

Federer retires after Laver Cup loss

Published

2 years ago

September 24, 2022

editor

A tearful Roger Federer waved goodbye to professional tennis after teaming up with fellow great Rafael Nadal on an emotional night at the Laver Cup.

The 41-year-old received a long ovation after walking off court for the final time as he retired as a professional.

The Swiss, who won 20 Grand Slam singles titles, is considered one of the best players in tennis history.

“It’s been a wonderful day. I’m happy, not sad. It feels great to be here. I’m happy I made it through,” he said.

Federer cried as he hugged Nadal and other players, then took acclaim from the thousands of fans who chanted his name at the O2 Arena in London.

Nadal also could not hold back the tears. The 36-year-old Spaniard cried as he sat alongside Federer while the pair listened to British singer Ellie Goulding, who rounded off a memorable night with a performance.

Federer and Nadal – for so long rivals at the top of the men’s game – joined forces to play doubles against American pair Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe in the annual team event between Europe and the rest of the world.

Despite Federer not having played competitively for over a year, the veteran duo pushed Sock and Tiafoe before losing 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 11-9 as Team World levelled at 2-2 at the end of play on the opening day.

Federer and Nadal – affectionately nicknamed ‘Fedal’ – almost won it. The pair had a match point at 9-8 in the decider, but Federer could only lunge for a forehand which he pushed into the net.

The defeat brought the former world number one’s 25-year professional career to a close after his 1,750th competitive match across singles and doubles.

“It’s been the perfect journey. I’d do it all again,” said Federer as tried to hold back tears during his on-court speech.

(BBC News)

Sports

Yupun, Nadeeha secure 2 medals at UAE Athletics Grand Prix

Published

14 hours ago

May 3, 2024

editor

Sri Lankan sprinter Yupun Abeykoon secured third place in the Men’s 100m event at the UAE Athletics Grand Prix 2024 in Dubai this afternoon (May 03).

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s Nadeesha Ramanayake has won second place in the Women’s 400m event.

Sports

LPL player auction on May 21

Published

16 hours ago

May 3, 2024

editor

The Player Auction of the Lanka Premier League 2024, which is Sri Lanka’s topmost domestic T20 League with an international flavor, will be conducted on May 21, 2024.

The auction will be held at the Hotel Shangri-La, Colombo starting at noon.

This is the second consecutive year that the Lanka Premier League, which is growing in strength and popularity, is conducting a ‘player auction.’

During the initial three editions, the players were picked by a ‘player draft.’

Every team has the option of having a maximum of 24 and a minimum of 20 players in a squad, while each squad should consist of six overseas players.

It will be mandatory to play an U23 player (Sri Lanka) in the playing XI. The auction will be shown live across TV and digital platforms.

The LPL will be conducted from July 1st to 21st, starting in Kandy, then in Dambulla, before heading to Colombo for the business end of the tournament.

(SLC)

Sports

SL confirm ICC Women’s T20 WC qualifier semi-final spot

Published

2 days ago

May 2, 2024

nipuni

Tournament favourites, Sri Lanka has confirmed their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier Group A semi-final spot with a dominant, 67-run victory over Uganda at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

A career-best T20I knock from Vishmi Gunaratne and a brilliant bowling effort led Sri Lanka to a massive win in Group A of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier.

With this victory, Sri Lanka continues their unbeaten streak in the tournament.

Scores :

Sri Lanka

154/4, 20 overs (Vishmi Gunaratne 73 not out, Hasini Perera 30; Janet Mbabazi 1-19)

Uganda

87 all out, 19.2 overs (Prosscovia Alako 36; Inoka Ranaweera 2-10, Shashini Gimhani 2-23, Kavisha Dilhari 2-27)

Player of the Match – Vishmi Gunaratne