Indians win a thriller

La Albericia: The Indian hockey team defeated South Africa 6-5 in a thrilling third test in Cantabria here on Sunday. Strikers Shivendra Singh (13th, 38th minutes), Dharamvir Singh (19th, 21st), Tushar Khandker (36th) and penalty corner specialist VR Raghunath (53rd) were on target for India. The goal-scorers for South Africa were Austin Smith (17th, 69th), Tim Drummond (42nd), Ian Haley (48th) and Justin Ried Ross (67th).

Negi triumphs

Leiden (The Netherlands): GM Parimarjan Negi came back into the reckoning with a crushing victory over Thijs Roorda of Holland in the third round of the 6th Leiden International chess tournament here. The victory elevated Negi to joint fourth spot with 12 players including fellow GMs S Kidambi and S Arun Prasad.

Big boost

Calcutta: The Ladies European Tour (LET) gave the fledgling Women’s Golf Association of India a big boost by appointing Kavita Singh, the current President of the WGAI, to the LET Board as one of its non-executive directors for a period of three years.

Atwal ends 76th

White Sulphur Springs: India’s Arjun Atwal capped off a disappointing week by finishing dead last in the 76th place at the Greenbrier Classic golf tournament here. Atwal shot a round of five-over 75 for a total of six-over 286.

Mancini deal

London: Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has agreed a new five-year contract with the Premier League champions, the club announced on Monday. “Manchester City is a fantastic football club, from the owner, chairman, board and the executive team, through to the players, staff and fans,” said Italian Mancini. “I am very much looking forward to the challenges and excitement ahead.”

France coach

Paris: France’s World Cup and Euro winning captain Didier Deschamps has been named coach of the national side, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced on its website. The 43-year-old replaces fellow World Cup and Euro winning team-mate Laurent Blanc, who turned down a new two year contract last weekend.

Asian bronze

Itanagar: Arunachal wrestler Dada Riba won a bronze medal in the 46 kg category in the Asian Cadet Wrestling Championship held in Bishkek in Kazakistan during July 5-8.

Kaneria ban

Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board has imposed a temporary ban on the Test leg-spinner Danish Kaneria. The PCB said on Monday that Kaneria will not be able to take part in any cricket activities in Pakistan until a decision comes on the appeal he files against the life ban imposed on him by ECB for his role in spot-fixing.