Hosts win opener

KATHMANDU: Hosts Chhantyal Sports Team and Bright Future won the opening day matches in the Dhorpatan Blue Sky Cup Women Volleyball League here on Saturday. Bright Future beat Eastern Region PLA Second Division 25-12, 25-19, 25-11 and the hosts overcame New Diamond 25-14, 25-18, 25-18. In all, 11 teams are participating in the event organised by Dhorpatan Sports Training Centre. Earlier, president of the Blue Sky Manpower Prem Katuwal inaugurated the tournament. The top four teams will receive Rs 40,000, Rs 30,000, Rs 20,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively. — HNS

Pakistan drop Yousuf

KARACHI; Pakistan on Friday dropped experienced batsman Mohammad Yousuf for their first ever home Twenty20 international, against Bangladesh. The prolific Yousuf, 33, was also left out for Pakistan’s Twenty20 World Cup campaign when they finished runners-up to India. Pakistan have already secured the five-match one-day series 4-0 with the final fixture being played here on Saturday. The Twenty20 match is on Sunday. — AFP

Windies say no to Pak

Karachi: The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) effort to host a home series received another jolt with the West Indies turning down an invitation to play a one-day series later in the year. After being rejected by Australia, India and Sri Lanka for security reasons and scheduling problems, the PCB has now been told by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) that they

can’t undertake a tour in August due to prior engagements. — Agencies

Kipchumba wins

BELGRADE: William Kwambai Kipchumba led a 1-2-3 Kenyan sweep to win the Belgrade Marathon on Saturday. Kipchumba finished in 2 hours, 14 minutes, 3 seconds. Jonathan Kipsaina was second in 2:16.14, ahead of Victor Mangusho Robert with 2:16.47. Natalia

Chatkina of Belorussia won the women’s race in 2:46.24.— AP