Group F, G, C FEI Olympic Qualification – Dressage: Japan Pips South Africa By The Narrowest Of Margins

There was joy and heartache in equal measure at the special Olympic qualifier staged in Gestut Peterhof in Perl, Germany yesterday where Japan pipped South Africa by the narrowest of margins for a coveted team slot at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

In a competition that swung in favour of both sides at various stages, it seemed the result could go either way. But in the end Team Japan came out on top by just 0.06 percentage points to clinch it. There was some compensation for the disappointed South Africans when Tanya Seymour, who produced a lovely test to finish fourth in the competition with Ramoneur, earned her country one of the two individual qualifying spots on offer, the other going to Korea when Dongseon Kim finished eighth with Bukowski.

A total of 34 athletes from 17 nations lined out in the 2* Grand Prix competition staged within the framework of the CDI4* Dressage Gala at the charming German venue, and 21 were chasing the Olympic qualifying slots. There were only two countries in contention for the single team berth – Japan and South Africa – while competitors from Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Korea, Morocco, Palestine, Philippines, Singapore and Chinese Taipei also battled it out for the individual qualifying places. This special qualification event was open to competitors from FEI Olympic Groups F and G and to the FEI Olympic Group C countries Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Good start

Kazuki Sado got the Japanese effort off to a good start when posting 65.180 with the 11-year-old gelding Ziroco, and when Akane Kuroki scored 66.280 with Don Luka and Shingo Hayashi earned 65.640 with Ramses der II they already had the edge.

The South Africans however were chasing them hard, a big score of 68.880 from Tanya Seymour and Ramoneur seriously boosting her side’s chances when added to Denise Hallion’s 63.220 with Wervelwind, and Katherine Berning’s 63.180 with Brisbane. With three riders gone for each team, the leaderboard showed Japan out in front on a total of 197.1 but the South Africans were less than two points adrift on 195.82.

There was huge pressure on the last competitor from each side, and a great 68.420 from the final South African partnership of Nicole Smith and her 17-year-old mare, Victoria, really put it up to Japanese anchorman Masanao Takahashi.

The 33-year-old has only been partnering the experienced Fabriano for a few months now, the 16-year-old stallion previously competing at two European Championships, the London 2012 Olympic Games and the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy, France with Austria’s Renate Voglsang on board. Takahashi, who was a team bronze medallist at the Asian Games in Doha, Qatar in 2006, produced progressively good results with the horse at Wiesbaden, Capelin and Verden this summer however, and yesterday their 68.600 was good enough to fill sixth place in the competition and to swing the pendulum of good fortune in his country’s direction by the tiniest of margins.

Surprised but happy

Japanese Chef d’Equipe, Shinichi Terui, said afterwards, “I was surprised today but very happy we are going to Rio! The South Africans were very strong, and their last rider was particularly good, so in the end I think we are lucky!” However he commended his team for their great result. “All four riders did a very good job today. They were under a lot of pressure, and I’m really happy with how they coped with that” he pointed out.

South African Chef d’Equipe, Jenny Neill, said, “it was so tight with the marks, but I’m very pleased with our performance, our team has come so far and I am excited by how well they did today and very happy that we have qualified one individual for Rio. Hopefully we might also get another individual qualified as well. But while I’m very excited I’m also very disappointed – in the end however, it is what it is!” she added.

She said she wasn’t surprised that Tanya Seymour had produced such a strong result to finish fourth in the class that was, predictably, dominated by German riders – Uta Graf taking top spot with Lawrence followed by Stella Roth in second with Rubin Action while Hendrik Lochthowe finished third with Maggie’s US Latin.

“Tanya can do a 69 or 70 (percent score) and Nicole (Smith) also. Our riders are all based across Europe but Tanya was born in South Africa, then her parents moved to Australia before coming to Germany. She and the other riders all come back frequently to South Africa to support our sport with clinics and training” she explained. And in true sporting fashion, Jenny Neill concluded “we wish the Japanese all the best, they have lovely horses and good riders”.

A sixth-place finish for Masanao Takahashi and Fabriano clinched a qualifying spot at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games for the Japanese team at yesterday’s special Olympic Dressage qualifying competition staged in Perl, Germany. (FEI/Karl Heinz Freiler)

Facts and Figures:

Today’s special qualification event was open to competitors from FEI Olympic Groups F and G and to the FEI Olympic Group C countries Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

2 nations were represented by teams : Japan and South Africa.

21 competitors from 11 nations competed for the Olympic qualifying spots.

Japan claimed the single team qualification spot, pipping South Africa by a narrow margin of just 0.6 percent.

2 individual qualifying spots were earned for their country’s by South Africa’s Tanya Seymour who finished fourth with Ramoneur and Korea’s Dongseon Kim who finished eighth with Bukowski.

The full list of teams now qualified for Dressage at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games is: Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and USA.

Canada and Mexico have also earned individual qualifying slots.

Thriller In Foshan As Khedafi ‘EL TORO’ Djelkhir Defends APB Bantamweight Title Against Jiawei Zhang

APB WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS:

On Sunday night, the Foshan Nanhai Gymnasium in Foshan, China hosts the APB World Championship Matches, as Bantamweight (56 kg) Champion Khedafi Djelkhir (FRA) defends his title against Jiawei Zhang (CHI).

Boxing fans around the world can view this historic event from 19:10 (GMT +8) on https://www.youtube.com/user/AIBAproboxingTV and the event will also be broadcasted by Guizhou TV, Shenzhen TV Sports Channel and LeTV.

Djelkhir entered APB with a tremendous amount of expectation on his shoulders after earning a silver medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, while he also amassed a perfect 16-0 record inside the professional boxing ring.

His best performances have been saved for APB, where his early triumphs over Yoni Blanco (VEN) and Robenilson Vieira De Jesus (BRA) symbolised the special talent he possesses.

After becoming the final APB Inaugural Champion last February following a brilliant victory over Alberto Melian (ARG), Djelkhir catapulted his already amazing career towards a completely new level.

Zhang represents the biggest challenge of Djelkhir’s APB career so far however, but though he will be fighting in enemy territory, the Champion is unperturbed regarding the situation.

thriller in Foshan expected as Khedafi ‘El Toro’ Djelkhir defends the APB Bantamweight title against Jiawei Zhang

“I don’t see any issue with that,” he says. “I have total confidence that the decision will be fair if it goes to the end.

“Zhang is a good boxer, I saw him during Cycle I, but I will defeat him because I will be stronger.”

A two-time Asian Games silver medalist, Zhang began his APB career with two defeats from his first three matches, before an exceptional run of form catapulted the Chinese star into the world title picture.

Cycle I victories over Benson Gicharu Njangiru (KEN) and Alberto Melian (ARG) showcased his versatility and resilience inside the ring, and he will look to utilise both of those attributes on Sunday night.

This will represent the first time either fighter has boxed over 12 rounds, and though Djelkhir has the experience in fighting over a longer round format, Zhang did not struggle at any point during his eight round bout with Melian.

The 26-year-old Chinese contender is equally excited at the opportunity to compete in front of home fans, which he believes will increase his chances of claiming the title.

“Fighting in China makes me more excited, and I believe this will help me to perform better.

“In my daily training, all my preparation is based on competing over 12 rounds, and I am focusing on specific training to compete with Djelkhir.”

Each round should produce fireworks, as both men are attacking fighters who also possess plenty of technical ability.

Djelkhir is blessed with solid power and a wickedly fast left hook, while Zhang’s body punching and movement will be sure to test the defence of his opponent.

Expect plenty of ebbs and flows throughout the contest, which has the potential to be one of the most spectacular APB World Championship Matches.

Three further matches will take place on the undercard, including Jiabin Huang (CHI) vs Yanhui Huang (CHI), Taximaimaiti Haishaer (CHI) vs Youba Sissokho Ndiaye (ESP) and Quan Yang vs Ariunbold Ganselem (MGL).

2015 All African Games: Nigerian Women Stun Home Team, Congo Brazzaville To Hit Final

Nigeria female team were in fine form against home team, Congo Brazzaville after a convincing 3-0 semifinal win in table tennis event of the ongoing African Games in Brazzaville.

The venue of the encounter went into total silence after the final match as the Nigerian ladies jubillate over the hard-earned victory.

Olufunke Oshonaike, Edem Offiong and Cecilia Otu-Akpan were the heroes of the day as they played their hearts out in the encounter which witnessed a lot of intimidation from the home fans with their Chinese imports bowing to the Nigerian.

However, Oshonaike began the rout with an emphatic 3-1 win over Chinese-born Yuheng Li while Edem Offiong was merciless against ageing Han Xing with another 3-1.

The 3-0 bashing was rounded by Edem and Otu-Akpan in doubles but it was not without much efforts from the Nigerians.

Nigerian Women Stuns Home Team, Congo Brazzaville To Hit Final

Even when the match was at 2-2 in the doubles, the Nigerian ladies played with a lot of confidence and this paid off for them with a 3-2 win to give Nigeria 3-0 victory. The win qualified Nigeria for final against their arch-rival, Egypt.

Earlier, Egypt had overcome Algeria easily with a 3-0 bashing.

The finals of the men and women team events hold on Sunday September 13.

Bradburn Disappointed, Roux Delighted As Borren And Van Der Merwe Put Their Side On Top Of The ICC Intercontinental Cup

Scotland coach Grant Bradburn has expressed his disappointment at losing a tightly-contested ICC International Cup match against Netherlands but at the same time he has praised the home side for holding its nerve to win the battle between the joint-winners of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier 2015.

Scotland, chasing 201 runs to record a come from behind victory in a match dominated by the bowlers, was in tatters when Netherlands left-arm spinner Roelof van der Merwe (three for 52) reduced it to 52 for five. Richie Berrington (59) and wicketkeeper Rob Taylor (52) then lifted their side to 145 for five by adding 93 runs for the sixth wicket.

Just before lunch on the final day on Friday, Michael Rippon accounted for Berrington and then, after the break, Netherlands captain Peter Borren ripped the heart out of Scotland’s lower middle-order with figures of four for one in 20 deliveries as the visitors were sent packing for 156.

Netherlands’ 44 runs victory, its first since 2008 in this competition, earned it 20 maximum points, which has put it on top of the points table – six ahead of defending champions Ireland and Namibia. The two sides will face off each other in their second round fixture in Windhoek from 24 October.

Bradburn, the former New Zealand off-spinner, said one more partnership would have done the trick for his side.

“It was an intense three days play and, of course, disappointing not to finish on the right side of the ledger. But we have to tip the hat and say they scrapped well in the dog-fight and did enough to get over the line,” said Bradburn after 40 wickets fell in the last three days of cricket following a wash-out of the opening day’s play.

“We knew from early on in the game that runs were going to be hard to come by and you were going to have to work really hard to earn runs, with the track keeping on the lower-side and little bit of seam and spin in the first few days.

“We just lacked another really big partnership, like we had between Richie and Rob, and were undone by the break really, with Richie getting out just before lunch and then Peter Borren doing the damage to finish us off.

“We were out-scrapped in the end, and just needed to hold on for a bit longer during our innings,” said Bradburn.

Dutch coach Anton Roux was delighted with his side’s victory and paid tribute to Borren and van der Merwe.

“Borren has played over 100 matches for the Netherlands, and he always knows what he is doing. He showed his skills as captain once again today, picking up four wickets, and turning the game on its head,” Roux said, adding: “Van der Merwe has put in a great bowling performance for us, and his inputs with the bat were also vital.

“Overall, it has been a fantastic all-round effort from the guys. This was a true old-fashion four-day win for us.”

Roux, however, admitted that batting was a concern for him. “The batting is still a bit of an issue. It will be our next big challenge, to buck up as individuals and work on big batting performances.

“Once the individuals get their eye in, the big hundred or big scores that bury the other teams and give us wins will be important for us. We are working on it, and the guys are aware of it, so I believe we are very close to seeing some good performances with the bat too.”

Netherlands and Scotland will now play in two 50-over ICC World Cricket League Championship matches in Amstelveen on 14 and 16 September.

Looking ahead to the two games, Roux said: “For the upcoming one-day matches, our preparation will not be too different from what it has always been like. We are getting together again on Sunday, and will discuss on few things we want to work on.”

Scores in brief:

Netherlands beat Scotland by 44 runs in Voorburg

Netherlands 210 (Roelof van der Werve 73, Stephan Myburgh 35, Michael Rippon 30; Josh Davey 3-36, Safyaan Sharif 2-34, Con de Lange 2-39, Alasdair Evans 2-57) and 123 (Michael Rippon 37, Stephan Myburgh 31; Josh Davey 3-43, Richie Berrington 2-7, Safyaan Shafiq 2-8)

Scotland 133 (Rob Taylor 46, Safyaan Sharif 32; Vivian Kingma 4-36, Paul van Meerkeren 2-20, Roelof van der Werwe 2-49) and 156 (Richie Berrington 59, Rob Taylor 52; Peter Borren 4-1, Roelof van der Merwe 3-52)

Points Table

Team Played Won Lost Draw Points
Netherlands 2 1 1 – 26
Ireland 1 1 – – 20
Namibia 1 1 – – 20
PNG 1 1 – – 14
Scotland 2 – – 2 13
Afghanistan 1 – – 1 7
Hong Kong 1 – 1 – 0
UAE 1 – 1 – 0

Rhythmic Gymnastics: 2016 Olympic Games, 2016 Olympic Test Event and 2017 World Games Qualifiers Confirmed

Following the Individual All-around final of the 34th Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships on Friday, September 11, 2015, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) herewith confirms the lists of qualifiers for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the 2016 Olympic Test Event, and the 2017 World Games for individual Rhythmic gymnasts.

Nations that advance to the 2016 Olympic Test Event will have a second chance to secure an Olympic berth in individual Rhythmic Gymnastics at the competition, to be held April 22-24 in Rio de Janeiro.

Marina Durunda (AZE)

The lists have been published on the FIG website as follows:

2016 Olympic Games and Olympic Test Event – On the Stuttgart 2015 event website in the section Olympic Qualification

2017 World Games – On the event calendar page.

Congo Entertain Home Crowd With A Stunning Victory Over Egypt At Men’s AAG

2015 All Africa Games- Men Day 9

Congo Brazzaville surprised 8 time African champions Egypt with a thrilling five set victory 3-2 (25-21, 19-25, 19-25, 25-22, 15-13) in a Marathon of 130 minutes to lead Pool A of Men’s All Africa games at Henry Elende Hall in Brazzaville, Congo on Friday.

Both teams already qualified to the semifinal early on Wednesday, But the stunning victory gave Congo the top of the Pool with a winning streak of 4-0 and left Egypt as runner up with 3-1 at the end of Pool matches.

Mozambique cruised past Botswana 3-0 (25-23, 25-21, 25-23) in their last pool matches, as the winners achieve their single first round victory to improve their record to 1-3 to finish fourth ahead of Botswana who ended their campaign at the fifth position. Nigeria who finished their matches on Wednesday concluded at the third position with 2-2.

Mozambique celebrating their victory

Men’s competition

Mozambique v Botswana 3-0 (25-23, 25-21, 25-23)

Mozambique fought bravely to overcome Botswana 3-0 (25-23, 25-21, 25-23) in 80 minutes of exciting action. With the win Mozambique improved to 1-3 with 3 points, while Botswana dropped to 0-4.

Mozambique used well their attacking strength where Aldevino Nguvo was the match scorer with 14 points. Kabo Moetse led Botswana with 12 points.

Egypt attacking against Congo

Congo Brazzaville v Egypt 3-2 (25-21, 19-25, 19-25, 25-22, 15-13)

Congo Brazzaville played amazing game to overpower giants Egypt 3-2 (25-21, 19-25, 19-25, 25-22, 15-13) in Pool A. Congo finished Pool A matches at the top with 4-0 and 11 points, while Egypt dropped to 3-1 with 10 points.

Congo’s blockers played their best to stop the Egyptian and had 10/9 advantage in stuff blocks. The efficient outside hitter Frank Ndolomat led his team scorers with 17 point. Egypt’s opposite spiker Reda Heikal led Egypt and match scorers with 25 points.

Congo celebrate a point

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Egypt overpower Seychelles to top Pool A at AAG Women’s Volleyball Event

Women’s Volleyball Competition: 2015 All Africa Games- Women Day 9

Brazzaville, Congo, September 10, 2015- Egypt overwhelmed Seychelles 3-0 (25-18, 25-23, 25-16) in the final pool A matches at Women’s All Africa Games at Henry Elende Hall in Brazzaville, Congo on Friday.

The winner continued unbeaten at the end of the preliminary round with 5-0 record to lead the pool followed by Seychelles 4-1 as both teams confirmed semifinal berth. Botswana hammered Ghana 3-0 (25-22, 27-25, 25-14) to finish third of the pool. Senegal overcame Congo Brazzaville 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-14) to finish fourth.

Nigeria celebrating

Egypt v Seychelles 3-0 (25-18, 25-23, 25-16)

Egypt downed Seychelles 3-0 (25-18, 25-23, 25-16) in Pool A Champions decider lasting 65 minutes. Egypt finished their pool matches with a win- loss ratio of 5-0 with 15 points to lead the pool leaving Seychelles in the second position with 11 points from 4-1 to finish second. Both teams already secured semifinal tickets early on Wednesday.

Aya El Shami led the Egyptian scorers with 14 points followed by middle blocker Aya Khaled 10 points. Seychelles big gun Marielle Bonne led Seychelles with 13 points.

Botswana v Ghana 3-0 (25-22, 27-25, 25-14)

Botswana overwhelm Ghana 3-0 (25-22, 27-25, 25-14) in 75 minutes in Pool A match. Botswana finished their pool matches with 3-2 record and 8 points to finish 3rd of the Pool, while Ghana dropped to 1-4 to finish 4th.

Efficient outside hitter Tracy Chaba led Botswana with 17 points, while Mary Addai led Ghana with 10 points.

Congo attacking

Senegal v Congo Brazzaville 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-14)

Senegal overpowered Congo Brazzaville 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-14) in 61 minutes in Pool A. Senegal finished their pool matches with 2-3 record and 8 points in the fourth position, while Congo Brazzaville finished with 0-5 record at the bottom of the pool.

Sow Binetou led the Senegalese scorers with 11 points followed by Sokhna Gueye 9. Olive Bikindou led Congo scorers with 12 points.

Egypt celebrating

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Spain’s Galvez Wins The First Gold Medal Of The 2015 ISSF Shotgun World Championship in Lonato

After qualifying for the finals through a shoot-off, Fatima Galvez beat Russia’s Elena Tkach in the Gold medal match to win the women’s Trap title. Tkach and bronze medallist Pak Yong Hui of the People’s Republic of Korea pocketed Rio 2016 Quota places as Galvez had already won one.

The first Gold medal of the 2015 ISSF Shotgun World Championship in Lonato, Italy, went to Spain’s Fatima Galvez (28), who secured the women’s Trap title by winning a neck and neck gold medal match against Russia’s Elena Tkach (45), with a score of 11 to 9 hits, today.

Galvez had narrowly qualified for the final by passing through a six-way shoot-off with 69+5 hits. Then, she cleared the semi-final with 12 hits, before meeting Tkach in the final duel for the brightest medal.

The Spanish shooter had already won an ISSF medal here in Lonato, 10 years ago, when she became the junior world champion at the age of 18.

“I can’t believe it, this match has been incredible. I made it to the final through a shoot-off, and then I managed to climb atop of the scoreboard. I am speechless,” the Spanish athlete said.

“I love this shooting range. It’s one of the best in the world, but still it’s a challenging one, it wouldn’t forgive any mistake. I won a junior world championship here ten years ago, this is must be my lucky place,” Galvez added. “I want to win a Rio 2016 medal. I am going for it.”

Spain’s Galvez wins the first Gold medal of the 2015 ISSF Shotgun World Championship in Lonato

Elena Tkach (45) won Silver, pocketing her fourth world championship medal after a gold in 2002 and two bronzes in 2011 and 2013. The Russian athlete, ranked 13th in the world, also claimed a Rio 2016 quota place. After qualifying with 71 hits, she shuttered 11 clays in the semi-final and then beat Egypt’s Maggy Ashmawy and Pak Yong Hui of People’s Republic of Korea in a three-way shoot-off to access the medal match.

“I’m not happy about my final, I performed badly, even though I wasn’t nervous at all during the in the last round. I was more nervous during the semifinal and during the shoot-off to enter the Gold medal match.” Tkach said.

“But today’s most important thing is the Olympic quota. I am definitely excited for winning it.” Added the Russian shooter, who participated in two Olympic editions in 2000 and 2012, and is now looking forward to Rio.

Pak Yong Hui (PRK) claimed today’s Bronze medal and the second Olympic quota to be awarded. The 45-year old athlete met and beat Egypt’s 22-year old Maggy Ashmawy – a first-time world championship participant – with a net score of 12 to 6 hits in the bronze medal match. They both had qualified for the final phases of the competition with 70 hits, and then hit 11 clays in the semi-final.

Australia’s Laetisha Scanlan (25) and New Zeland’s Natalie Ellen Rooney took the fifth and sixth places, respectively, with 10 hits in the semi-final.

Great Britain won the teams’ competition (where the qualification scores of the team’s three athletes are summed to form the score). Charlotte Kerwood, Kristy Barr and Abbey Ling scored a total of 203 clays, finishing two targets ahead of team Finland (Marika Salmi, Noora Antikainen, Satu Makela-Nummela) – second with 201 hits. The Russian Federation followed in third with 200 hits, scored by today’s winner Tkach and her teammates Ekaterina Rabaya and Tatiana Barsuk.

In the following junior women’s Trap final, it was Italy’s Alessia Iezzi (19) who secured Gold with 11+4 hits, beating Russia’s Yulia Tugolukova (19) in a shot-off at the end of the Gold medal match. Tugolukova took Silver with 11+3 hits. USA’s Ellie Roditis (17) claimed Bronze, beating the second Italian finalist Maria Lucia Palmitessa (16) by 11 to 10 hits. The Russian Federation fished atop of the teams’ scoreboard with 198 hits (Tugolukova, Iulia Saveleva, Ekaterina Subbotina). Italy (Iezzi, Palmitessa, Fiammetta Rossi) ended up in second place with 197 hits, while USA (Roditis, Grace Hambuchen, Emily Hampson) took bronze with 186 clays.

The 2015 ISSF Shotgun World Championship, held at the Trap Concaverdre Shooting Club of Lonato, Italy, hosts more than 800 shooters coming from 92 countries between the 10th and the 18th of September. Athletes from all over the world arrived here chasing 10 Rio 2016 Olympic Quota places, in one of the last chances to gain a pass for the next Games.

The competition will continue tomorrow, when the men’s and junior men’s Trap finals are scheduled at 17:15 and 18:15 (GMT+2), respectively. The matches will be broadcasted live on http://www.issf-sports.org

Guernsey Survive Scare To Beat Norway And Win Promotion To ICC World Cricket League Division 5

Suriname promoted as Patandin gets five wickets; Kumar knock helps Fiji beat Cayman Islands…,

Guernsey survived a scare against a spirited Norway side to claim a 22-run win – and promotion to the ICC World Cricket League Division 5. Guernsey will now face Suriname in a mouth-watering final at Essex’s County Ground in Chelmsford on Sunday.

David Hooper, who was player of the match with a 37 knock and three wickets for a cost of just 14 runs, said: “Credit to Norway as they bowled in some nice areas but we’ve got a great bunch of lads and we showed fight today in defending 173. As a team going past 200 each game we were evaluating the pitch at 180 to 200, but we just fell away at the end. I think we got the better of the conditions batting first as the sun beat down on the pitch all game, making it harder to bat on later. The final should be a fantastic game. We know what Suriname do and they know what we do, but we are determined to lift the trophy. To play the final on a pitch like the one at the County Ground is great and to win on Sunday would be amazing.”

Guernsey elected to bat first but struggled as seamer Damon Crawford (3-24) and captain Raza Iqbal (3-26) restricted them to a total of 173. In reply Norway were up against it on a deteriorating pitch as they slumped to 6-2 in the first two overs. Suhail Ifthikar made 71 but his side were unable to score late on and lost their last three wickets for just 13 runs. Norway will now play Vanuatu in the third-place play off at Castle Park, Colchester, on Sunday.

All-rounder Muneshwar Patandin inspired Suriname to a four-wicket win over Vanuatu to secure the other promotion spot to World Cricket League Division 5. Patandin dominated the Vanuatu’s tail and finished with bowling figures of 5-18 before scoring a useful 22 as his side comfortably ran down Vanuatu’s total of 140.

Patandin, who will now bid to end his impressive week in style in Sunday’s final with Guernsey, said: “I think it was a good effort to bowl them out for 140. And in the final we need to put our best foot forward and try to win the tournament. The guys are up for it and hopefully everyone will go there and do their best. We just have to stick to our game plan and work as a team. I was pleased with my performance today but I feel I should have scored more runs.”

Vanuatu were put into bat and lasted just 36.4 overs as Joshua Rasu top-scored with 34. They were 48-1 after six overs and Suriname’s bowlers then allowed them just one run from the next 24 deliveries, while taking two wickets. Suriname took no chances in their reply, particularly after opener Shazam Ramjohn was dismissed for three runs. Player of the match Patandin scored his 22 runs with three boundaries and captain Mohindra Boodram made 43 as Suriname eased over the line with three overs to spare.

A knock of 68 from Fiji’s Kunaal Kumar set them up for a 91-run win over the Cayman Islands at the Drapers Farm ground in Maldon. Fiji were all out for 187 as Neil Coley ended with impressive figures of 5-40. But the Cayman Islands’ hopes in the reply looked over before they began as they slumped to 12-5 in 4.4 overs. And Jikoi Kida Vanualevu (3-35) and Viliame Manakiwai (3-19) did the damage with the ball to leave the Cayman Islands all out for 95 in 34.5 overs. Fiji will now play Botswana in the fifth-place play-off match at Bishop’s Stortford Cricket Club on Sunday.

Suriname qualifiy for ICC World Cricket League Division 5 after defeating Vanuatu

Scores in brief:
At Kelvedon Road, Coggeshall
Vanuatu 140 all out, 36.4 overs (Joshua Rasu 34; MC Patandin 5-18)
Suriname 141-6, 46.3 overs (Mohindra Boodram 43)
Suriname won by four wickets
Player of the Match: MC Patandin (Suriname)

At Ashlyns Road, Frinton-on-Sea
Guernsey 173 all out, 48.4 overs (David Hooper 37; Raza Iqbal 3-26, Damon Crawford 3-24)
Norway 151 all out, 49.1 overs (Suhail Ifthikar 71; David Hooper 3-14)
Guernsey won by 22 runs
Player of the Match: David Hooper (Guernsey)

At Drapers Farm, Maldon
Fiji 187 all out, 47.4 overs (Kunaal Kumar 68; Neil Coley 5-40, Ryan Bovell 3-22)
Cayman Islands 95 all out, 34.5 overs (Jikoi Kida Vanualevu 3-35, V Manakiwai 3-19)
Fiji won by 91 runs
Player of the Match: Kunaal Kumar (Fiji)

Sunday, 13 September – Fixtures
Final at Chelmsford: Suriname v Guernsey
3rd v 4th Play-Off at Colchester: Vanuatu v Norway
5th v 6th Play-Off at Bishop’s Stortford: Botswana v Fiji

All matches are scheduled to start at 10.30 local time

Misha Aloian Retains His APB Flyweight Championship With Dominant Victory Over Elias Emigdio

The sold out Arena Sports and Entertainment Complex in Kemerovo, Russia was treated to one of the greatest performances in APB history on Friday night, when Flyweight (52 kg) Champion Misha Aloian (RUS) delivered a boxing masterclass to retain his title against Elias Emigdio (MEX).

An elaborate and spectacular evening of entertainment had set the scene for the long awaited clash between the two fighters, and each made their way to the ring with a focused look upon their face.

Both boxers had previously met last January when Aloian won the inaugural APB Flyweight Championship over eight rounds, but Emigdio won the last two rounds of that match, and picked up where he had left off in the opening frame of their rematch, as he pressured his way to a first round lead.

It was clear to see in the opening stages of the 12 round bout that Emigdio was keen to press the action, while the Champion seemed content to box off the back-foot and exploit any openings in the Mexican defence.

Misha Aloian retains his APB Flyweight Championship with dominant victory over Elias Emigdio

Aloian, a two-time AIBA World Champion and the undoubted fans favourite in Kemerovo, was unperturbed by the fast start from his opponent, and worked into the contest by applying more control in the second and third rounds.

The supreme fundamentals from Aloian continued to impress in the middle stages of the contest, as he soaked up Emigdio’s wave of attacks with consummate ease.

Despite traveling over 7000 miles for this contest, Emigdio’s stamina remained excellent, but he simply could not tag his Russian rival, who pivoted and moved out of range with phenomenal finesse.

As loud chants of Misha reverberated around the venue, their star boxer continued to build his lead, as the strength differential between the two fighters became more apparent.

Aloian cites influences as diverse as Sergey Kovalev and Roy Jones Jr, and his remarkable footwork and clubbing shots clearly took inspiration from those two boxers throughout the contest.

Even in the last rounds of the fight, the aggression was maintained from the brave Emigdio, but the accuracy was wholly with Aloian, who used a variety of shots to further extend his advantage.

By the time the final bell had rung, Aloian had controlled over 90% of the contest, and was awarded the lopsided unanimous decision victory to considerable acclaim.

Two further matches took place on the undercard, where Karen Arutiunian (RUS) defeated Aleksandar Aleksandrov (BUL), and Spas Genov (BUL) outpointed Dzemal Bosnjak.

Longines FEI European Eventing Championships: Germany Takes Control After Dressage

Germany is on track to win a fifth successive team gold medal after their third and fourth team riders, world champion Sandra Auffarth and Ingrid Klimke, rode superb Dressage tests at the Longines FEI European Eventing Championship at Blair Castle (GBR) today.

However, their team manager Hans Melzer is taking nothing for granted. “These riders are professionals and pressure is a good thing,” he said. “We have learned a lot from Fontainebleau [the 2009 FEI European Championship] when, having just won the Olympics in Hong Kong, we had a team disaster. So we will be concentrating hard and watching other teams, and also the weather, in case we need to change our plans about certain fences. But our horses are all well and we’re excited.”

World champion Sandra Auffarth, now in the lead on Opgun Louvo with 31.4 penalties, just 0.3 ahead of British individual Holly Woodhead, added: “Tomorrow is another day and I am focussed on that now, but I must admit that I am hopeful of doing well. I think this course will suit my horse.”

Klimke is currently in eighth place individually on Horseware Hale Bob with a score of 37.8. “I was a bit worried because the wind was blowing and ‘Bobby’ might be thinking he was going across country, but he did a wonderful job and was supple and obedient,” Klimke said of her Badminton runner-up.

“He has a rather ‘thoroughbred’ canter, which isn’t so great for Dressage, but he was very ‘through’ in his transitions and let me show how responsive he is to my aids. The Cross Country will be perfect for him because he is well balanced and full of energy. Our trainer Chris Bartle always reminds us that it’s not a Dressage competition!”

Great Britain, whose last European team gold medal was in Fontainebleau (FRA), are currently in second place, 10 penalties behind Germany.

Unusually, William Fox-Pitt (GBR) is the team discard score after a Dressage test that will have left the world number two slightly disappointed. He scored 43.0 on Bay My Hero, but any hopes of breaking the 40-penalty barrier were dashed with average marks for trot work and paces.

Instead, it was former dual European champion Pippa Funnell (GBR) who produced the counting score, 41.0, on the inexperienced nine-year-old Sandman 7. “I think the horse was a little nervous with all the people and the atmosphere and I know he could have done better but, for this stage of his career, I am very pleased with him,” she said of the gelding by Sandro Boy that she bought from Germany as a six-year-old.

Going for more gold: World champions Sandra Auffarth (GER) and Opgun Louvo take a 0.3 penalty lead over Britain’s Holly Woodhead at the end of the Dressage phase at the Longines FEI European Eventing Championships at Blair Castle in Scotland (GBR) where the German team is currently in the lead. (Jon Stroud/FEI)

“It’s a huge honour to be in the team. I was a little surprised, but I’m thrilled to be with William [Fox-Pitt] and Nicola [Wilson] again, and Kitty [King] has been going so well. What is exciting is the strength and depth we’ve got. Every one of the 12 British riders here could get a medal.”

The cost of one Cross Country mistake covers the top four teams after Dressage. France and Sweden, the bronze and silver team medallists in Malmö (SWE), are now in third and fourth positions and looking good in their quest to secure qualification for the Olympic Games in Rio next year.

Niklas Lindbäck (SWE), a team silver medallist in 2013, is best of the Swedish team in 10th place with a score of 38.1 on the 12-year-old bay mare Cendrillon. “I tried to do my best to help the team,” he said. “My horse did some amazing trot work but was a little bit tense in the canter. We struggled to keep it together but she was doing her best for me.

“We still have a long way to go as a team but if we do our usual Cross Country performance we should get there [to Rio]. However, we’re not thinking about that too much; we’re competing for medals!”

Kate Green

Brilliant Bin Lyu Successfully Defends His APB Light Flyweight Championship Against Birzhan Zhakypov

The APB World Championship Matches opened in style on Friday night at the Guizhou Arena in Guiyang, China, when Light Flyweight (49 kg) Champion Bin Lyu (CHI) successfully defended his title against Birzhan Zhakypov (KAZ).

Lyu had previously defeated Zhakypov in APB, and looked full of confidence as he made an entertaining entrance to the ring.

Zhakypov, the 2013 AIBA World Champion, had won five matches in a row prior to this bout, but struggled in the opening round as Lyu opened up on the front-foot.

Round two followed a similar pattern to the first, where only the exemplary head movement and defence from Zhakypov enabled him to avoid damage from Lyu’s speedy shots.

Growing in confidence, Lyu began to fight with more aggression in round three, but the clever Zhakypov won his first round of the bout after he exploited the emerging gaps and sat down on his punches.

Lyu soon returned to the style which had proved so effective in the early stages, and proceeded to dominate the middle stages of the bout.

Although Zhakypov was enjoying success in the first 90 seconds of each round, he struggled to maintain his momentum in the second half, which was where his Chinese rival excelled.

APB World Championship Light Flyweight (49 kg) Champion Bin Lyu

By the time the eighth round had finished, both fighters were about to fight in unchartered waters, and though Lyu was vastly ahead on points, he was beginning to get caught by Zhakypov’s fierce bodyshots.

The 31-year-old Kazakh is a tenacious campaigner, and soaked up his fatigue by winning the ninth and tenth rounds to give himself a fighting chance of victory as the spectacular bout neared its conclusion.

Buoyed by the huge support he was experiencing inside the packed venue, Lyu stemmed the tide by controlling the eleventh round, before confirming his deserved triumph with an exceptional final three minutes of the match.

Clad in the flag of his beloved China, Lyu was awarded the unanimous decision victory on all three scorecards, much to the delight of the fans in Guiyang.

Three further matches featured on the undercard, beginning with a TKO triumph for Anton Pinchuk (KAZ) over Dragos Ghionea (ROU).

Elsewhere, Thulasi Tharumalingam (QAT) defeated Tianlong Ding (CHI) by split decision, while Yong Chang (CHI) outpointed Ilyas Suleimenov (KAZ).