Singles

rcb name kristen as new coach

bengaluru: Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Thursday announced former India coach Gary Kirsten as their head coach and mentor for the upcoming edition of the cash-rich league. Gary, who guided India to the 2011 World Cup title, will succeed former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori, who had been associated with the franchise both as player and coach for the past eight editions. Commenting on his appointment, Gary said: "I had the privilege of coaching with the RCB team last season under head coach Vettori and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I look forward to continuing the journey with RCB and doing my best to help the franchise reach its potential." While moving on from RCB, Vettori said: "I am extremely grateful for the eight years I have spent with RCB, as a player and a coach and I wish the franchise all the best moving forward."

Modric wins UEFA best player award

monaco: Croatian captain Luka Modric has been voted the best player in Europe last season, edging former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah for the UEFA award. Modric helped Madrid win a third straight Champions League title, and fourth in five seasons, before leading his country to the World Cup final. Croatia lost 4-2 against France. Madrid swept the overall election for best player in last season's Champions League after goalkeeper Keylor Navas, defender Sergio Ramos, midfielder Modric and forward Ronaldo won the individual positional prizes. Ronaldo has since joined Juventus. The best women's player award was won by Pernille Harder of Denmark and Wolfsburg.

Newcastle suffer League Cup exit

london: Newcastle's miserable start to the season suffered another blow with a dramatic late 3-1 defeat to Championship side Nottingham Forest on Wednesday to crash out of the League Cup at the second round. There was no such strife for Premier League high flyers Everton and Watford, who continued their unbeaten starts to the campaign with victories over Rotherham and Reading respectively to make round three. Everton got the job done much earlier as G Sigurdsson and a double from Dominic Calvert-Lewin eased Marco Silva's men into the next round with a 3-1 win at Goodison. While Millwall also reached round three after twice coming from behind to beat Plymouth 3-2 thanks to Aiden O'Brien's 89th minute winner.