Short Corner
Djokovic in semis as Cilic withdraws
Novak Djokovic walked into the semifinals of the Madrid Masters on Friday when ninth-seeded Marin Cilic withdrew before their match with stomach problems, officials said.
Cilic tweeted his regrets.
“I am sorry to announce that I must withdraw from today’s match. I have had a terrible night dealing with a case of food poisoning,” he wrote.
“I am extremely disappointed to have my time in Madrid end in this way. Thank you for the support.”
In the semifinal on Saturday, top-seeded Djokovic will face either Roger Federer or 2018 finalist Dominic Thiem who meet later on Friday in their quarterfinal.
Djokovic won the Madrid title in 2016 and 2011.
--Afp
Suarez to miss Copa del Rey final
Luis Suarez will be out for four to six weeks after undergoing surgery on a knee injury, Barcelona announced on Friday.
Suarez will miss the Copa del Rey final against Valencia on May 25 and also faces a fight to be fit for the Copa America in Brazil next month.
Uruguay’s first game is against Ecuador on June 16, just over five weeks after Suarez had the operation on Thursday.
“Suarez was subjected last night to an arthroscopy on the right knee due to an internal meniscal injury,” read a club statement released on Friday. “His approximate time out will be between four and six weeks.”
Suarez has a better chance of playing in Uruguay’s second and third group games, against Japan on June 20, and defending champions Chile on June 24.
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Sterling preparing for biggest game of his life
Raheem Sterling says he is preparing for the biggest game of his life after receiving the Football Writers’ Association player of the year award.
A stunning season with Manchester City and England has been backed up by impressive work off the pitch in the fight against racism.
Sterling’s form has earned him the Professional Footballers’ Association young player of the year award and the writers’ trophy, which he collected in London on Thursday.
Manchester City head to their final game of the season at Brighton on Sunday a point clear of Liverpool, who host Wolves, at the top of the Premier League.
In his acceptance speech at the FWA dinner he said: “Right now, being here and getting voted the writers’ player of the year is amazing and on Sunday I have the biggest game of my life to go and win. It’s very special.”
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Chennai to battle Mumbai for title
Chennai Super Kings booked a final showdown with fellow three-time Indian Premier League champions Mumbai Indians by winning the second qualifier by six wickets against Delhi Capitals at Vishakhapatnam yesterday.
Choosing to field first, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s side restricted Delhi to 147 for nine, with Rishabh Pant top-scoring for the Capitals with a 25-ball 38. Chennai’s bowlers were brilliant in the middle overs, arresting Delhi’s momentum with tight bowling that produced wickets from release shots. Chennai veteran Dwayne Bravo shone brightest with figures of two for 19 from four overs.
In chase, the majority of the work was done by 81-run opening stand between Faf du Plessis and Shane Watson, who each struck 50. Fittingly, it was four leg byes when Bravo was batting that won Chennai the match with an over to spare.
--Star Sport Desk