Short Corner

Sara-Saba accorded reception

Sara Khan and Afia Mehnaz Khan Saba, tenth and ninth grade students of the Afroza Ramjan Girls' High School respectively, were accorded a reception by the institution yesterday after becoming Dhaka Division's doubles badminton champions of the 48th Winter Sports and Athletics Competition.

Manikganj Deputy Commissioner SM Ferdous was present, among others, as chief guest during the occasion where he awarded the siblings Tk 10,000 for their achievement.

The Sara-Saba team won the Dhaka Division title by defeating the Sherpur district team in the final at the Motijheel Government Boys High School premises on Friday.

The pair had qualified for the divisional level by becoming champions of the Manikganj Sadar Upazila, Manikganj District, Sub-Region and Padma region.

The National level leg of the competition will be held from January 22 to 26 at the Chittagong Teachers' Training Institute ground.               

-- Our Correspondent

Salah fires Liverpool, United extend winning run

Liverpool moved seven points clear at the top of the Premier League as Mohamed Salah's double inspired a dramatic 4-3 victory over Crystal Palace, while Manchester United stretched their winning streak to seven games as they beat Brighton 2-1 on Saturday.

Jurgen Klopp's side were pushed hard by Palace but Salah's predatory instincts and a woeful mistake from Eagles keeper Julian Speroni ensured Liverpool improved their unbeaten home league run to 32 games.

At Old Trafford, Manchester United extended their superb form since interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replaced the sacked Jose Mourinho.

After a minute's applause to mark the 25th anniversary of the death of United's legendary manager Matt Busby, Solskjaer's side took the lead in the 27th minute.

Gaetan Bong conceded a penalty with a foul on Paul Pogba and the France midfielder stroked home the spot-kick for his 10th goal of the season.

United winger Marcus Rashford marked his 150th game for the club with his side's second goal in the 42nd minute.        

--Afp

Casemiro wonder goal helps Real

Casemiro's stunning long-range strike and a late goal from Luka Modric earned Real Madrid a 2-0 win over Sevilla on Saturday and a much-needed boost to their flailing title challenge in La Liga.

Madrid began the day 10 points adrift of leaders Barcelona, a gap that will be restored if the Catalans defeat Leganes on Sunday, but this victory should inject a timely shot of confidence.

Casemiro's brilliant strike in the 78th minute and Modric's injury-time finish settled a cagey contest of third against fourth but Madrid were dominant in the second half and deserved more than a draw.                

--Afp