Daily Sports Catch-Up: Indian hockey promises, Grass-roots tennis begins

Hockey

India went down to World champions Australia in a nail-biter of a finish to lose the three Test series. India scored just 10 seconds before the hooter to score 3-2, equal the series 1-1, sending it into a shoot-out.

The shoot-out saw drama as India pulled back from 0-2 to 2-2. Needing to equalize from 2-3, they received a penalty shot, and 'Mr. Penalty' Raghunath stepped up. Sadly, he failed at the crucial moment and the Aussies won the series. The loss, however, is not so bad after all, if you consider the Aussies have been head and shoulders above the rest- they drubbed World No.2 Netherlands 6-1 in the World cup final 2014.

Stat of the day: India has risen from WR 14 in 2008 (when they did not even qualify for the Olympics) to 6 after their consistent performance of late.

Star of the day: VR Raghunath has scored 12 goals from corners in India's last 31 matches. If only he had converted that penalty shot, he would be our super-star of the day!

#LetsFootball

We are predicting a 1-1 draw today at the ISL between Chennaiyin FC and Delhi Dynamos.

Tennis

The grass-roots Champions Tennis League (CTL) promoted by Vijay Amritraj got underway yesterday. Unlike other famous leagues, CTL teams also have two juniors each. Real grass-roots for a change.

In the opener, Punjab Marshalls defeated Mumbai Tennis Masters 21-19. 21-19? Don't ask us. Why does everyone want to experiment on the scoring system? Even their scoreline on TV resembles either a number-chugging Pacman or a half-eaten Dominos pizza (evidently nobody likes Dominos)

Quick Byte

• Another spin fest awaits in the third Ind-SA Test at Nagpur tomorrow

Key matches today

• ISL- Chennaiyin FC- Delhi Dynamos FC

• CTL (Mumbai Tennis Masters vs Raipur Rangers)

P. S: If you enjoyed it, do help us grow by sharing/liking the buttons. Also, tell us what you think of it in the comments section.