Congress claim title

KATHMANDU: The Nepali Congress defeated the Unified Maoists 2-0 to claim the Inter-party Running Shield Friendly Football Tournament title here on Saturday. Held at the Manohara grounds in Mulpani, Subhash Thapa scored two first half goals to help Congress win the title. Thapa, who only played in the final, also won the highest scorer’s award. At the time of political deadlock, Mulpani VDC organised the tournament in order to seek agreement between the parties through sports. Prabhu Bhandari of RPP was adjuged the best player, while Prajjwal Bista of the Unified Maoists was declared the best goalkeeper. Earlier, a 15-minute match between the veterans’ team of the finalists ended in a goalless draw. — HNS

Ivanovic withdraws

BEIJING: Serbian former World No 1 Ana Ivanovic pulled out of the China Open on Saturday due to illness, putting an end to what she called a “disappointing season”. Ivanovic was forced to withdraw from the Beijing tournament due to an upper respiratory tract infection, she said on her website. “I guess having to withdraw from Beijing is an appropriate ending to a very disappointing season,” Ivanovic said. — AFP