Thapa enters final LALITPUR: Hira Thapa advanced to the men’s open final of the second CG Open Squash Tournament here on Friday. Thapa, who is the national champion since 1994, defeated Prajjwal Pradhan 11-6, 13-11, 11-5. In final, Thapa will face Suresh Gurung, who beat Sudip Bahadur Singh 11-6, 11-6, 14-12. Chhitiz Gurung entered the women’s open final beating Sera Tamang 11-6, 11-4, 11-7. Also, Lal Bahadur Gurung made it to the veteran (45+) singles final with a 4-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-5, 11-9 victory over Kamal Thapa. In the plate championship semi-final, Anil Narshing Shakya defeated Bidur Dhamala 11-8, 9-11, 11-7, 11-8. — HNS Sahukhala strikes KATHMANDU: Nepali national team striker Santosh Sahukhala scored a goal following a pass from Ju Manu Rai in their first match for All Youth Linkage in Maldives on Friday. Sahukhala entered the field in the second half, while Ju Manu played full 90 minutes at the Male National Stadium. However, the All Youth Linkage were out of Maldives FA Cup quarter-finals after their 2-1 loss to Victory Club. The Nepali strikers were signed by All Youth Linkage to play in the Maldivian Professional League. They will earn $1,000 each per month. — HNS Kavre beat Syangja KATHMANDU: Kavre defeated Syangja 3-1 in the final of the boys’ football tournament held under the Inter-school National Games here at the Dasharath Stadium on Friday. Dhimsen Tamang put Kavre ahead in the 10th minute, while Sagar Magar doubled the tally scoring in the 39th minute. Upendra Bohara scored Kavre’s third goal in the 48th minute before Subash Gurung pulled one back for Syangja in the 52nd minute. Dhankuta won the girls’ title on Thursday. National Sports Council Member Secretary Jeevan Ram Shrestha gave away prizes to the winners. — HNS Team to go to Athens KATHMANDU: A two-member Nepal Shotokan Karate Association (SKIF) team is on Saturday leaving for Greece to take part in the 10th World Championships slated for July 23-26 in Athens. Niwas Gopal Baidhya, who is also the president of the association, will take part in the 50-55 age group, while Dilendra Govinda Baidhya will participate in the 40-45 age group. They will also participate in Open Kata competition. Apart from the championship, the duo will also attend the Technical and Referee Seminar to be held from July 20-22. Member Secretary of National Sports Council Jeevan Ram Shrestha bade farewell to the team. — HNS Training for players KATHMANDU: The players associated with the Armed Police Force (APF) completed the short-term basic training. Tulasha Singh stood first in the eight-week course participated in by 30 players of volleyball, football and athletics. APF Senior Superintend of Police Rishi Dev Bhattarai gave away prizes and certificates to the participants. SP Abhi Kumar Khatri among others were also present on the occasion. — HNS