February 8, 2024February 8, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Nikhat, Arundhati through to the semis at the 75th Strandja Memorial Tournament

Sofia, (Bulgaria), February 8, 2024: Reigning World Champion Nikhat Zareen and Arundhati Choudhary secured comfortable wins and moved to the semifinals of the 75th Strandja Memorial Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria on Thursday.

In the first quarter-final of the day, Nikhat (50kg) was in action against France’s Lkhadiri Wassila. It was a close encounter from the get go as both the boxers looked well prepared to tackle each other’s move. Nikhat used her quick movements and counter attacking game to go ahead of her opponent in the first round. The second round started on a similar note as both the boxers were cautious and didn’t commit much on the attacking front.

Though Nikhat managed to stay slightly ahead of her opponent in both the rounds, it looked like the bout could go in anyone’s favour.

It was the third round in which Nikhat looked at her absolute best as she dodged her opponent’s attacks efficiently while delivering some quality blows. Lkhadiri tried to be more aggressive but the Indian pugilist was equipped to deal with it as she won the bout with 5-0 unanimous decision.

Nikhat will now prepare to meet home favourite Zlatislava Chukanova in the semifinals on Saturday.

In the other match of the day, Arundhati Choudhary (66kg) showed a similar level of dominance against Matovic Milena of Serbia. Both the boxers played the game of patience at first, but it was Arundhati who took the charge as she initiated multiple attacks, winning the first round with ease.

Arundhati continued her momentum in the second round while being defensively solid in the third, blocking multiple desperate attacking attempts from the opponent to clinch a 5-0 win to qualify for the semifinals. She will face Jessica Triebeľová of Slovakia on Saturday.

Sakshi (57kg) suffered a 2-3 defeat against Mamajonova Khumorabonu of Uzbekistan to exit the tournament in the quarters. Sakshi found it hard to get into the rhythm as the Uzbek boxer took full advantage and kept her at bay throughout the first and second round. The situation did improve in the third round as Sakshi tried hard to make a comeback and succeeded to win the round but fell short from winning the bout.

Later tonight, Jugnoo (86kg) and Sagar (+92kg) will take on Uzbekistan’s Djalolov Samandar and Zokirov Jakhongir while Naveen (92kg) will be in action against Kuttybekov Abzal of Kazakhstan

Late on Wednesday, Deepak (75kg) and Naveen Kumar (92kg) entered the quarter-finals with an identical 5-0 unanimous decision win over Asankul Uulu Sultan of Kyrgyzstan and Voisnarovic Darius of Lithuania respectively.

On Friday, seven Indian pugilists will compete in the quarter-finals. Amit Panghal (51kg) will be in action against Aldarkhishig Battulga of Mongolia, Lalit (54kg) will face Uzbekistan’s Nortojiev Khujanazar, Sachin (57kg) will take on Kapanadze Giorgi of Georgia and Rajat (67kg) will face the challenge from Ukraine’s Matiakubov Bozorboi.

Akash (71kg) will go head to head against Mckeever Eugene of Ireland, Deepak (75kg) will meet Ummatalievu Javokhir of Uzbekistan and Abhimanyu Loura (80kg) will take on China’s Tuohetaerbieke Tanglatihan.

The Strandja Memorial Tournament is one of Europe’s oldest international sports competitions and is witnessing the participation of over 300 pugilists from 30 countries.

February 8, 2024February 8, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Table toppers tussle with a Spanish flavour as Odisha FC hosts unbeaten FC Goa

Bhubaneshwar, February 08: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 prepares for a potentially gripping encounter between Odisha FC and FC Goa at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on February 9, Friday, 7:30 p.m. This match is set to have ripple effects at the top of the points table, with the Juggernauts placed first currently with 30 points from 14 matches. However, the Gaurs are unbeaten at present too, and they have 27 points in 11 encounters to their name.

This will be the last time that these two sides square off in the league stages this season, and hence it is the only opportunity for Sergio Lobera & Co. to build a gap with the opponents in a direct faceoff. This fixture had produced a thriller at the Fatorda Stadium earlier in this campaign, with a late stunning winner by Jay Gupta helping Manolo Marquez’s team to take three points from the game.

Both these sides were meddling with similar fates in the last couple of campaigns in the ISL. They were struggling to break out from the crowded space in the middle of the table, and it required them to make special appointments at the coaching level to spark a comeback. Lobera and Marquez didn’t take too long to make an impact, getting their desired signings and accordingly ensuring that they delivered the required results.

It promises to be a clash between the offensive firepower of the Juggernauts against the defensive resilience of FC Goa. Odisha FC have found the back of the net the most times (27) amongst all teams in ISL 2023-24, whereas the Gaurs have given away the least amount of goals (5). A fine balance of these aspects of the gameplay for the two sides will go a long way in determining their fates in this particular encounter.

What’s at stake?

Odisha FC

After starting the competition on a slightly sluggish note, Odisha FC has not put a foot wrong in the previous 10 games. They are on an unbeaten streak since October and have struck the right cord in all departments. The defence is marshalled by the ever so reliable Amrinder Singh and Mourtada Fall whereas Ahmed Jahouh’s creative acumen in the middle has been critical in inspiring their offensive endeavours.

Roy Krishna and Diego Mauricio are playing the perfect foil to each other, setting up goals and bagging them aplenty, much to the delight of the supporters. Lately, they have been making light work of whichever opponent has come their way.

The experienced strikers in their ranks have helped them record a 51.7% shooting accuracy, which is the highest for any team in the league. They have also converted most shots amongst all sides, ensuring that 17.7% of their attempts have resulted in a goal. From the back to front, they have been ticking all boxes consistently and need to ensure another similarly smooth outing against Marquez’s men.

FC Goa

FC Goa wiped off any concerns about injuries to key players hampering their progress from the first leg of the season when they got past Hyderabad FC by 2-0 last week.

Carlos Martinez had not been in the best run of forms earlier, but he showed remarkable efficiency to get on the scoresheet twice, and the head coach will be banking on him to continue the heroics against the Juggernauts. The Gaurs are built solidly at the back.

They have faced just 1.6 shots on target per game this season (lowest amongst all teams), and are efficient in terms of converting the opportunities that their creative midfielders produce. In terms of their playing style, the Gaurs are highly insistent and rather vigorous to recover and then retain possession, winning the ball within 40 meters of the opposition’s goal on an average 8.8 times per game in this campaign.

In all fairness, this encounter promises to be a clash of the equals, with both sides largely subscribing to similar playing philosophies and having seen resounding success with new tacticians at the helm in this campaign.

Key Players

Lenny Rodrigues (Odisha FC)

Lenny Rodrigues has been an important member of the Odisha FC unit this season, helping them keep control and even dominate the oppositions from the centre of the park. He dons the role of a screening midfielder, who protects the backline with his tenacious efforts by shielding them from the attacking midfielders of the other team. In addition to his defensive skillsets, Rodrigues is a neat passer of the ball, completing 90% of his passes in ISL 2023-24.

He makes 35 of them on an average per 90 minutes, and has also earned seven fouls in addition to recording 14 interceptions. He might slip under the radar for not having made any goal contribution thus far, but Rodrigues is as vital a player in Lobera’s winning machine as anyone else.

Carlos Martinez (FC Goa)

The Spaniard striker is gradually getting into the groove, showing some sharp movement near and inside the 18-yard-box to receive and convert the chances that were created for him. He is a smoother operator in the final third, always on the move, interlinking with fellow teammates, and unlocking the opposition with his nimble feet and eye for a pass. With five goals and an assist in 11 games, Martinez has proven his mettle in this FC Goa unit.

He has also won 26 aerial duels, created 15 goal-scoring opportunities, in addition to ensuring that 57.89% of his attempted shots land on target. He might have been overshadowed by the brilliant duo of Noah Sadaoui and Victor Rodriguez earlier this season, but Martinez has it in him to shelve aside his doubters and come out on top of his game for the benefit of FC Goa in this fixture and also the coming ones.

Head-to-Head

Played – 21

FC Goa – 13

Odisha FC – 3

Draws – 5

Trivia: Odisha FC have recorded the highest passing accuracy (81.6%) amongst all teams in ISL 2023-24.

Team Talk

“This is our target in this our game. We have played a different number of games, but we are in a very good position. I think even FC Goa are feeling pressure, in terms if we win the game and get three points, then the gap between the two teams becomes six points and the opponent teams need to win and this is the target. We are going to maybe the best team at this moment in this competition, because they are very competitive, working very well, in defence, and attack, playing tactical and effective football, and it’s not easy to play against them,” Odisha FC head coach Sergio Lobera said in the pre-match press conference.

“I think we are facing the team that is in a very good moment. Their last defeat was two consecutive ones a long time ago. They are unbeaten in a lot of games in all the competitions. They have a very good team and coach. They have a very good strength and conditioning coach too. I think that they are in a very good moment and it will be a tough game for us, but it will be a tough game for them too,” FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez said prior to the game.

ISL Fantasy

Jay Gupta (3.6cr)

Assisted one of Martinez’s goal against Hyderabad FC

Arshdeep Singh (3.7cr)

Has helped FC Goa keep seven clean sheets in this ISL season

Amey Ranawade (4.4cr)

Impressive presence on both ends of the pitch

If not registered already, fans can participate in the overall league or club-based leagues based on their preferences. Create private leagues, inviting friends and fellow football aficionados to compete. Prizes include a Sony PlayStation ®️ ️5 gaming console, EA Sports FC 24, signed club merchandise, and a Gift Card worth INR 20,000, which will be awarded to 100 winners at the end of the season. Sign up at: https://fantasy.indiansuperleague.com/

Where to Watch

Fans across the country can catch the action in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam. Fans can watch the action on linear channels like Sports18 Khel (Hindi), Sports18 1 HD (English), Sports18 3 SD (English, Hindi, Malayalam and Bengali), VH1 SD & HD (English), Surya Movies (Malayalam), News 18 Kerala (Malayalam – select matches) & DD Bangla (Bengali). Fans can also catch the action streaming Live for free on JioCinema, the home of Indian football. In addition to this, as part of FSDL’s partnership with OneFootball, ISL live streams and highlights of all matches of the upcoming 2023-24 season will be delivered across more than 190 countries.

February 8, 2024February 8, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Bengaluru Open 2024: Prajwal Dev gets wild card entry for DafaNews Bengaluru Open

Bengaluru, February 8: The Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) is pleased to announce a wild card for talented Prjawal Dev in the singles main draw of the DafaNews Bengaluru Open.

The 27-year Dev was also named a reserve in the Indian Davis Cup team for tie against Pakistan.

Dev had a decent 2023 season in which he ended a runner-up at the ITF15k event in Thailand and also reached the semi-finals in three other tournaments, including Mysuru.

“I would like to thank KSLTA for the wonderful opportunity to play in the main draw. I am privileged to receive the wild card and I am looking forward to the tournament. Hopefully I can do well. I am coming off a good week in Chennai and hopefully I continue with that,” said Prajwal Dev, currently ranked 611.

“Expectation is there and I am hopeful I will live up to that,” he said.

Having the Davis Cuppers in action, the KSLTA will soon announce more main draw wild cards for the tournament which will conclude on February 18.

“Prajwal has the potential to break into top-500 soon and we want to give him an opportunity to achieve the feat at the earliest. He is a very talented player, and support at right time is what a player needs. Our endeavour is to support local talent,” said Sunil Yajaman, the Tournament Director.

“We are delighted to give this opportunity to Prajwal. Hopefully he will make full use of it,” Yajaman further added.

February 8, 2024February 8, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle to lead Telangana Tigers in inaugural Indian Veteran Premier League

Dehradun (Uttrakhand) [India], February 8: Chris Gayle, the dynamic former West Indian batter will captain Telangana Tigers in the first edition of the inaugural edition of the much-anticipated Indian Veteran Premier League (IVPL).

Renowned as the Universe Boss of T20 cricket, Gayle, who holds the record for the most runs in the shortest format of the game, is poised to unleash his trademark power-hitting skills in Dehradun.

The IVPL, slated from February 23 to March 3, 2024, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun, promises to showcase an enthralling display of cricketing excellence.

Expressing his excitement for the tournament, Gayle said, “What gets me going? My belief in myself and the sounds of the crowd going crazy. This is the Universe Boss, and I’m back on the pitch with big names in the first Indian Veteran Premier League. So gear up for the IVPL because old is gold.”

Joining Gayle in the Telangana Tigers lineup are former Indian cricketers Sudip Tyagi and Manpreet Goni, along with former West Indies batter Ricardo Powell.

Organized by the Board for Veteran Cricket in India (BVCI) and managed by 100 Sports, the IVPL promises an extraordinary showcase of cricketing talent, bringing together veterans such as Sehwag, Munaf Patel, Suresh Raina, Rajat Bhatia, Chris Gayle, Praveen Kumar, Yusuf Pathan, Herschelle Gibbs, and many more.

Shri Praveen Tyagi, the Acting President of BVCI and Chairman of IVPL said, “We are trying to create one of the best League in India after IPL, we have added World’s best cricketers for the stature of Veteran Cricket, such as Chris Gayle, Virender Sehwag, Suresh Raina. This will infuse a new energy for Veteran Cricket in India as well as it will work like magic for Veteran Cricketers, who are living their passion for playing with International Cricketers from the World.”

100 Sports founder, Shri Ravindra Bhati said, “Celebrating the timeless spirit of cricket, we proudly present the Indian Veteran Premier League, where veterans unite to rewrite history and fans witness nostalgia.”

The participating teams include VVIP Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan Legends, Red Carpet Delhi, Chhattisgarh Warriors, Telangana Tigers, and Mumbai Champions. Each team is a powerhouse of talent, as cricketing legends and regional stars come together to relive their passion for the game. Each team will have four to five iconic players from across the World.

The matches will be broadcasted live in India on the Eurosport channel, DD Sports, and Fancode and iickets for the matches at the iconic Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium will soon be available for purchase.

Fans eagerly awaiting the opportunity to experience the live cricketing extravaganza firsthand can secure their seats and be part of the electric atmosphere at the stadium.

February 8, 2024February 8, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

BENGAL WARRIORS BEGIN HOME LEG AGAINST GUJARAT GIANTS, ISSUES RALLYING CRY TO FANS

8 February 2024, Kolkata: The Bengal Warriors, champions in 2019, are all set to make a final dash for a Playoffs spot as they prepare to play four matches in quick succession during their home leg in the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10. The Warriors, who are currently at the ninth spot, will be up against the Gujarat Giants at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, Kolkata on Friday.

Ahead of the start of their home leg, the Bengal Warriors Captain Maninder Singh said during a press conference, “We are very happy to be back home in Kolkata after 4 years. Our fans are our lucky charm, and we haven’t lost here since I joined the team. We always really enjoying the support from the home crowd, and we have noticed the encouragement from the fans helps raise our levels. So much so that whenever we come here, even if we aren’t doing that well, out form changes quite a lot. So, this year also, we want all of you to come support us, so that we can have four great games.”

A day before the start of the Kolkata leg of Season 10 of PKL, Bengal Warriors’ Head Coach K Bhaskaran said, “It is great to be back home with the Bengal Warriors team. Our team has had its ups and downs this season, but we have the experience in the squad and skills in the players to make a final run towards qualifying for the playoffs. The players are very excited to be playing here, and we hope our fans will come out and support us in big numbers. Our raider and captain Maninder is in good form, and Shubham Shinde and co in defense are all working hard so that we can give ourselves the best possible chance to make the playoffs.”

“The Bengal Warriors are putting in the hard yards in training every day, and we hope to put on a very good show for our home fans. The coaches and the leadership group are among the best brains here in the sport, and I am confident that we will leave no stone unturned as we look to up the ante from the first minute. The Warrior mentality is all about fighting it out properly and leaving it all on the field of play,” said Apurv Gupta, Senior Vice-President and Head of Contact Sports, Capri Sports.

While the Bengal Warriors will be doing their bit on the field of play, they have also partnered with the CRY foundation and will be supporting their programme of Kabaddi for Change, which is an initiative that aims to harness kabaddi as a means to empower girls in select districts of West Bengal. The three girls, Payal Yadav, Hanshika Roy and Sarita Kumari, from the CRY’s Kabaddi for Change team were also present at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, and were presented Bengal Warriors Jersey’s by Captain Maninder Singh and Shubham Shinde.
The Bengal Warriors will be up against Gujarat Giants, Telugu Titans, U Mumba and Puneri Paltan during their home leg from 9-14 February 2024.

February 8, 2024February 8, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Squash: Hussein Gets Payback In Soares Rematch On Opening Day Of Pittsburgh Open

Egypt’s Aly Hussein avenged his recent loss to Rui Soares as he defeated the Portuguese player in three games on the opening day of the Pittsburgh Open 2024.

Hussein, who was defeated by the World No.58 at the Motor City Open exactly seven days ago, couldn’t be separated from Soares in the first game, as the pair stayed within two points of each other for all but one point of the opener.

In an opening game marred by 15 separate refereeing decisions, Soares earned himself the first game ball. Hussein got the better of a counter-drop battle and had Soares on his heels after a well-timed cross-court shot, eventually levelling the score with a backhand drop.

From there, Soares saw the lion’s share of the game balls, but the two were still inseparable to 15-15. A well-disguised straight drive caught Soares out to give the Egyptian a chance to claim the colossal first game, and quick trickle boast earned Hussein a hard-fought 1-0 lead.

From there, Hussein looked to be in command of the encounter, claiming the second game 11-6. Soares rallied in the final game, but Hussein ultimately proved too strong and finished his Motor City Open redemption by forcing a mistake from the World No.58 with a tight squeeze along the right wall to win the third game 11-8 and claim his place in tomorrow’s second round.

After the match, Hussein said: “It feels awesome, he just beat me last week, in Detroit, and honestly I didn’t lose to him twice, in two tournaments in a row,” said Hussein after the match.

“I’m really happy with the way I played, I implemented the game plan just as I wanted and it payed off, I stayed tough throughout the three games and managing to win in three feels special.

“I was really getting on annoyed at myself for not getting any game balls, he was just getting all the game balls and I was trying to equalise. I think I played well as soon as I got the chance to go a game ball up and I managed to convert.

“I’m just going to go in and have fun; I have nothing to lose,” said Hussein on his upcoming match with No.2 seed Marwan ElShorbagy. “Marwan is a really good friend of mine, I love him so much so I’m just going to enjoy my time and hopefully play well, maybe win. We’ll see how that goes.”

Elsewhere, Malaysia’s Addeen Idrakie beat out home favourite Todd Harrity in a five-game thriller.

The Malaysian had a fast start as he charged to a quick 11-6 first-game win. From there, Harrity found parity at 1-1, winning by an 11-8 scoreline after Idrakie’s backhand effort struck the tin.

The American won an equally-close third game to take the lead, but Idrakie responded with a strong performance in game four to take the match the distance, and pushed on to win the match 11-6, 8-11, 7-11, 11-9, 11-9.

“First of all I think I played quite well,” Idrakie said after the match. “What I did good today is I really prepared for a tough match. A good win for me, and credit to Todd that he pushed me until the last set.”

Earlier in the session, home favourite Andrew Douglas defeated India’s Abhay Singh in 25 minutes in the first match of the tournament, while India’s Velavan Senthlikumar, after a emphatic 11-2 first game, began the action on court three with a strong 3-1 win over Japan’s Ryunosuke Tsukue.

Day two of the Pittsburgh Open begins at 16:00 (GMT-5) on Thursday, 8th February, with action from both courts live on SQUASHTV. For more information on the Pittsburgh Open, visit the PSA website or follow the PSA on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Results: Pittsburgh Open RD1
Andrew Douglas (USA) bt Abhay Singh (IND) 3-0: 11-8, 11-5, 11-2 (25m)
Velavan Senthilkumar (IND) bt Ryunosuke Tsukue (JPN) 3-1: 11-2, 7-11, 11-6, 11-8 (41m)
George Parker (ENG) bt Ibrahim Elkabbani (EGY) 3-0: 11-5, 11-4, 11-9 (31m)
Aly Hussein (EGY) bt Rui Soares (POR) 3-0: 17-15, 11-6, 11-8 (65m)
Addeen Idrakie (MAS) bt Todd Harrity (USA) 3-2: 11-6, 8-11, 7-11, 11-9, 11-9 (79m)
Simon Herbert (ENG) bt [WC] Asser Ibrahim (EGY) 3-0: 11-5, 11-6, 11-9 (28m)
Yannick Wilhelmi (SUI) bt Lucas Serme (FRA) 3-0: 13-11, 11-9, 11-5 (45m)
Juan Camilo Vargas (COL) bt Yannik Omlor (GER) 3-0: 11-5, 11-4, 11-3 (20m)

Draw: Pittsburgh Open RD2
16:00 Andrew Douglas (USA) v [4] Youssef Ibrahim (EGY)
16:45 [1] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) v George Parker (ENG)
17:30 Aly Hussein (EGY) v [2] Marwan Elshorbagy (ENG)
18:15 [3] Youssef Soliman (EGY) v Simon Herbert (ENG)
16:15 [8] Faraz Khan (USA) v Velavan Senthilkumar (IND)
17:00 Juan Camilo Vargas (COL) v [5] Adrian Waller (ENG)
17:45 [6] Sebastien Bonmalais (FRA) v Addeen Idrakie (MAS)
18:30 Yannick Wilhelmi (SUI) v [7] Cesar Salazar (MEX)

February 8, 2024February 8, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Squash: Moataz Shocks Mohamed To Reach Maiden Silver Quarter-Final At DAC Pro Squash Classic

Egypt’s Hana Moataz shocked compatriot and No.5 seed Farida Mohamed in straight games to progress to her maiden PSA World Tour Silver-event quarter-final at the DAC Pro Squash Classic.

Moataz, who sits 19 spots behind Mohamed in the current world rankings, backed up her opening-day victory over Marta Dominguez in impressive style, running away with an 11-9, 11-7, 11-6 victory in 25 minutes.

In a match that was dominated by traffic in the middle of the court and required regular interjections from the referee, it was the World No.36 who came out on top, setting up a tie against Rowan Elaraby in the last eight.

“I’m really happy with today’s win,” Moataz said after the match. “I think it is my first win against a top 20 player and I’m really happy I could win in three.

“I played Farida in El Gouna last season and there was a lot happening, and I lost my focus and lost that match, so today I was just trying to focus on my game and not get caught up with whatever is happening with my opponent. I’m glad I was able to stick to my plan and not get distracted by anything.

“In the third, I think I was 8-4 up and my mind was going, ‘Oh my gosh, you are winning’, so I then told myself to calm down and stick to whatever I was doing because it was working. I’m just glad I was able to stick with it mentally.”

Elsewhere, reigning champion Olivia Weaver and 2021 winner Nouran Gohar both cruised into the last eight at the Detroit Athletic Club. Weaver, who is currently boasting a career-high rank of World No.6 and arrives on the back of claiming the Cincinnati Gaynor Cup title last week, needed just 21 minutes to defeat Nadine Shahin, including a perfect final game, while top seed Gohar powered past compatriot Menna Hamed.

Meanwhile, No.4 seed Nada Abbas avoided a scare against Egyptian compatriot Kenzy Ayman, coming from two games down to book her spot in the quarter-finals.

Day three of action from the DAC Pro Squash Classic commences at 16:45 (GMT-5) on Thursday, 8th February, with every second of action available to watch live on SQUASHTV. For more information on the DAC Pro Squash Classic, visit the PSA website or follow the PSA on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Results: DAC Pro Squash Classic 2024 RD2

[7] Melissa Alves (FRA) bt Cindy Merlo (SUI) 3-0: 11-4, 11-8, 11-3 (21m)

[4] Nada Abbas (EGY) bt Kenzy Ayman (EGY) 3-2: 11-13, 4-11, 11-6, 11-5, 11-8 (48m)

[2] Olivia Weaver (USA) bt Nadine Shahin (EGY) 3-0: 11-9, 11-7, 11-0 (21m)

Hana Moataz (EGY) bt [5] Farida Mohamed (EGY) 3-0: 11-9, 11-7, 11-6 (25m)

[1] Nouran Gohar (EGY) bt Menna Hamed (EGY) 3-0: 11-2, 11-5, 11-7 (26m)

[3] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) bt Aira Azman (MAS) 3-0: 11-7, 11-3, 11-6 (23m)

Jasmine Hutton (ENG) bt [8] Lucy Beecroft (ENG) 3-0: 11-9, 11-7, 11-3 (28m)

[6] Hollie Naughton (CAN) bt Alicia Mead (ENG) 3-0: 11-7, 11-6, 11-5 (24m)

Draw: DAC Pro Squash Classic 2024 Quarter-Finals

[4] Nada Abbas (EGY) v [6] Hollie Naughton (CAN)

[1] Nouran Gohar (EGY) v Jasmine Hutton (ENG)

[7] Melissa Alves (FRA) v [2] Olivia Weaver (USA)

Hana Moataz (EGY) v [3] Rowan Elaraby (EGY)

February 8, 2024February 8, 2024 by Richard Miller (US)

Foligno’s Third-Period Goal Seals Victory for Wild Over Blackhawks

CHICAGO – In a closely contested match at the United Center on Wednesday, the Minnesota Wild managed to edge out the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1, thanks to Marcus Foligno’s decisive goal in the third period. This victory marked a crucial turnaround for the Wild, who were looking to bounce back after a disappointing end to their games before the All-Star break.

Vinni Lettieri, returning to the lineup after being sidelined since December 30 due to a lower-body injury, made a significant impact by assisting on both of the Wild’s goals. His contributions were pivotal for Minnesota (22-23-5), which had been seeking momentum to break their losing streak.

The game commenced with high intensity, and Jacob Lucchini opened the scoring for the Wild at 12:27 of the first period. His one-timer, aided by Lettieri, found its way past the Blackhawks’ defense, initially not recognized as a goal until a video review confirmed the puck had crossed the line. This goal marked Lucchini’s second in the NHL, highlighting his emerging talent on the ice.

The first period saw the Wild dominating the shots, outshooting the Blackhawks 11-1, setting the tone for their aggressive gameplay.

However, the Blackhawks (14-35-2), despite their struggles this season, showed resilience. Nick Foligno equalized the game at 13:44 of the second period, capitalizing on a creative assist from Philipp Kurashev. This moment of brilliance provided a glimmer of hope for the Blackhawks, who were aiming to snap their five-game losing streak.

The tiebreaker came in the third period when Marcus Foligno, demonstrating keen positioning and awareness, tapped in a centering pass from Lettieri, putting the Wild ahead 2-1. This goal not only highlighted the Foligno family’s significant contributions to the game but also underscored the Wild’s determination to secure a win.

Filip Gustavsson, the goaltender for the Wild, played a crucial role in their victory, making 20 saves and showcasing his skills under pressure. On the other side, Petr Mrazek’s 23 saves for the Blackhawks were commendable but ultimately not enough to secure a win for his team.

This match was a testament to the competitive nature of the NHL, with both teams fighting hard to gain an edge. For the Wild, this victory provides a boost of confidence as they look to climb up the standings. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks are left to regroup and find ways to end their losing streak, with the hope of salvaging their season.

February 8, 2024February 8, 2024 by Richard Miller (US)

Maple Leafs Edge Stars in a Thrilling 5-4 Victory, Highlighted by Power Play Success

TORONTO – The Toronto Maple Leafs showcased their resilience and offensive prowess in a thrilling 5-4 win over the Dallas Stars at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday, marking a significant victory that witnessed two goals within a span of 20 seconds in the third period. This victory not only extended their recent form to 4-1-0 in their past five games but also emphasized the critical role of special teams in their success.

Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe lauded his team’s response to adversity, particularly highlighting the contributions from stars Auston Matthews, Mitchell Marner, and John Tavares. The coach’s emphasis on overcoming mistakes and maintaining the level of play was evident as the team bounced back from a penalty-shot goal that had momentarily tied the game.

William Nylander’s standout performance, with two goals and an assist, alongside John Tavares, who continued his scoring streak with a goal and two assists, and Auston Matthews, who contributed a goal and an assist, were instrumental in Toronto’s offense. Ilya Samsonov, securing 27 saves, also played a key role in the Leafs’ win against a formidable Stars team.

The Dallas Stars, entering the game on a hot streak with four consecutive wins and a six-game point streak, found themselves challenged by the Leafs’ aggressive play and effective power play. Coach Pete DeBoer acknowledged the impact of special teams, highlighting the difficulty of overcoming three power-play goals against his team. Despite the loss, Evgenii Dadonov’s two-goal effort and Scott Wedgewood’s 26 saves showcased the Stars’ resilience and offensive capabilities.

Toronto’s efficiency on the power play was a decisive factor, going 3-for-3 and exploiting opportunities that ultimately shaped the game’s outcome. Following Dadonov’s penalty shot goal that leveled the score, Marner’s swift response and Nylander’s second goal of the night underscored the Leafs’ offensive depth and ability to capitalize on crucial moments.

Despite a late goal from Wyatt Johnston that brought the Stars within one, the Maple Leafs held strong to secure the win. The game was a testament to both teams’ offensive talents and the critical importance of special teams in determining the outcome of closely contested matches.

Matthews’ continued excellence, extending his point streak to eight games, alongside Tavares’ ongoing contribution, highlights the depth and talent within the Maple Leafs roster. As they build on this victory, the team’s focus on execution, combined with strategic insights from their coaching staff, positions them as serious contenders as the season progresses.

The Stars, faced with the challenge of bouncing back from this setback, will look to their penalty kill and overall execution to regain their previous form. As the NHL season continues, both teams have showcased their potential for deep runs, with special teams and key moments likely to remain pivotal in their successes and failures.

February 8, 2024February 8, 2024 by Richard Miller (US)

Rangers Extend Winning Streak to Three with a Solid 3-1 Victory Over Lightning

NEW YORK – The New York Rangers continued their impressive form by securing a 3-1 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, stretching their winning streak to three games. Jonathan Quick’s exceptional performance in goal, combined with Jimmy Vesey’s dual strikes, laid the foundation for the Rangers’ success.

Quick, who was in the net for the third consecutive game, made 18 saves, attributing the victory to the effective defense that stifled the Lightning’s efforts throughout the match. “When we play like we played today it gives us a good chance to win every night,” Quick remarked, praising his team’s defensive strategy.

Jonny Brodzinski also found the net for the Rangers, contributing to their season record of 32-16-3. Rangers coach Peter Laviolette highlighted the team’s defensive work ethic, emphasizing the importance of limiting the opposition’s time and space.

The Lightning, coming off a three-game winning streak, faced a tough return from the NHL All-Star break, having last played on January 27. Despite efforts from Brandon Hagel and 21 saves by Andrei Vasilevskiy, the team struggled to match the Rangers’ intensity, with coach Jon Cooper acknowledging the fatigue that set in as the game progressed.

A concerning moment for Tampa Bay occurred in the second period when defenseman Mikhail Sergachev was stretchered off following an awkward fall, dampening the mood for the Lightning. This was Sergachev’s first game back after a lengthy absence due to a lower-body injury, and his condition cast a shadow over the team’s performance.

Vesey’s opener early in the second period set the tone for the Rangers, and despite Hagel’s goal narrowing the gap for the Lightning, New York managed to maintain their lead, culminating in Vesey’s empty-net goal sealing the 3-1 victory.

The Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov notched an assist on Hagel’s goal, briefly reclaiming the NHL scoring lead with 86 points. However, the Rangers’ defense and Quick’s goaltending proved too formidable, with Tampa Bay unable to capitalize on late opportunities to alter the game’s outcome.

As the Rangers look ahead to their next challenge against the Chicago Blackhawks, the team’s unity and resilience continue to be key factors in their recent success. The return of players from injuries and suspensions, such as Trouba, adds depth and strength to the roster, promising an exciting continuation of their season.

The Rangers’ blend of solid defense, strategic offense, and the reliable presence of Quick in goal positions them as formidable contenders as the season progresses, with the team setting their sights on extending their winning streak further.

February 8, 2024February 8, 2024 by Richard Miller (US)

Pelicans Extend Winning Streak with Victory Over Clippers, 117-106

LOS ANGELES — The New Orleans Pelicans secured their fourth consecutive win by defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 117-106 on Wednesday night, halting the Clippers’ momentum after their recent successful run. C.J. McCollum led the charge with 25 points, including a crucial 13-point contribution in the fourth quarter, while Zion Williamson added 21 points and 10 assists, nearly matching his career-high in assists.

Brandon Ingram contributed 15 points and eight rebounds for the Pelicans, who embarked on a four-game road trip with a strong start. Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III each added 13 points, helping the Pelicans match their longest winning streak of the season.

The Clippers, coming off an impressive 6-1 road trip that propelled them to the top of the Western Conference standings, saw their four-game winning streak snapped. The team faced fatigue, playing its eighth game in 13 days. James Harden led the Clippers with 19 points, and Norman Powell added 18, but the team’s energy levels were noticeably affected by the demanding schedule.

Kawhi Leonard scored 15 points, and Paul George finished with seven, struggling with his shooting early in the game. The Clippers’ performance was hindered by a slow start, allowing the Pelicans to build a 17-point lead in the first quarter. Despite George’s shooting woes in the first half, he managed to find his rhythm after halftime.

The Pelicans capitalized on their opportunities, particularly in the fourth quarter, with Williamson’s dynamic drives and McCollum’s sharpshooting extending their lead and securing the win. Jonas Valanciunas, however, left the game in the second quarter with a bruised right calf, adding to the Pelicans’ injury concerns.

The Clippers, dealing with their own injury issues, welcomed center Ivica Zubac back from a one-game absence due to a calf strain. Despite the loss, Harden achieved a milestone by surpassing Maurice Cheeks for 15th place on the NBA’s career assists list.

The game also highlighted the Clippers’ challenging schedule, playing at home immediately after returning from their extensive road trip. The team will soon transition to their new Intuit Dome in Inglewood, moving away from the downtown arena that hosts the Grammy Awards.

As the Pelicans look forward to their next matchup against the Lakers on Friday, the Clippers aim to bounce back when they host Detroit on Saturday, seeking to regain their form in the competitive Western Conference.

February 8, 2024February 8, 2024 by Richard Miller (US)

Pistons Stun Kings 133-120 Behind Ivey’s Career-High 37 Points

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Detroit Pistons, despite missing their two leading scorers, pulled off an impressive 133-120 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night, largely thanks to a career-high performance from Jaden Ivey. Ivey’s 37 points, alongside seven assists and six rebounds, showcased his potential and led the Pistons to just their third road win of the season, improving their record to 3-20 away from home.

Alec Burks contributed significantly with 25 points and seven rebounds coming off the bench, while Jalen Duren dominated the paint with 20 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists. The Pistons managed this feat without the services of Cade Cunningham, sidelined for left knee injury management, and Bojan Bogdanovic, out due to left calf soreness, both of whom average more than 20 points per game.

The Kings, led by Domantas Sabonis with 30 points and 12 rebounds for his 33rd consecutive double-double, couldn’t capitalize on their home court advantage. Malik Monk’s 23 points and 10 assists off the bench weren’t enough to prevent the Kings from hearing boos from their own fans throughout the disappointing performance.

Detroit capitalized on a strong first-half finish with a 17-5 run, tying their season high with 70 points at the break. Despite Sacramento’s rally to take a brief lead in the third quarter, the Pistons dominated the final period with a 36-21 scoring advantage, showcasing their resilience and offensive firepower.

The Pistons’ efficiency was on full display as they shot a season-best 56% from the field and excelled from beyond the arc, making 17 of 31 three-point attempts. Additionally, Detroit’s perfect free-throw shooting (22 of 22) and rebounding dominance (48-33) were key factors in their victory.

The game also saw Sacramento’s Kevin Huerter ejected after receiving consecutive technical fouls late in the game, adding to the Kings’ frustrations.

In trade news, the Pistons were active ahead of the NBA trade deadline, acquiring Simone Fontecchio from the Utah Jazz in exchange for a second-round draft pick and trading Monte Morris to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Shake Milton, Troy Brown, and a second-round selection, according to an AP source.

Looking ahead, the Pistons will face the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night, while the Kings aim to bounce back against the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.

February 8, 2024February 8, 2024 by Richard Miller (US)

Warriors Triumph Over Embiid-less 76ers, Kerr Optimistic About Season Outlook

PHILADELPHIA — Amid speculation and the looming NBA trade deadline, the Golden State Warriors showcased their championship pedigree with a convincing 127-104 win against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night. Despite the absence of Joel Embiid due to knee surgery, which has significantly impacted the 76ers’ performance, the Warriors demonstrated why head coach Steve Kerr remains optimistic about their chances this season.

Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors with a double-double, scoring 21 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, while Jonathan Kuminga added 18 points to the victory. Klay Thompson, amidst discussions about his future and potential free agency, contributed 18 points, reinforcing his desire to stay with the team that has seen remarkable success over the years.

The win brings the Warriors’ record to 23-25, placing them 11th in the Western Conference standings, just outside the play-in tournament spots. Despite the current standings, Kerr expressed confidence in his team’s ability to achieve something special, indicating no major moves are expected by the trade deadline.

Philadelphia, without MVP candidate Embiid, has struggled, dropping to a 4-12 record in games he has missed. The 76ers’ recent form has seen them lose seven of their last eight games, raising concerns about their ability to compete in the Eastern Conference. Team president Daryl Morey, known for his deadline-day activity, might look to bolster the roster to address the team’s immediate needs.

Ricky Council IV led the scoring for the 76ers with 17 points, but the team’s shooting woes from beyond the arc, missing 24 of 32 three-point attempts, hindered their ability to keep pace with the Warriors’ offensive firepower.

Kerr also shared his hopes for Embiid’s recovery, looking forward to the possibility of coaching him on the U.S. Olympic team this summer. The Warriors’ experience with injuries to key players like Curry and Thompson in past seasons has taught them the importance of resilience and competitiveness, qualities that Kerr believes will help them navigate the remainder of the season.

The Warriors aim to build on this win as they face the Indiana Pacers, while the 76ers look to regroup and prepare for their upcoming game against the Atlanta Hawks, hoping to find a way to secure victories without their star center.

February 8, 2024February 8, 2024 by Richard Miller (US)

Porzingis and White Lead Celtics to Victory Over Hawks, 125-117

BOSTON — The Boston Celtics continued their dominance at home with a 125-117 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night, showcasing their depth and offensive firepower. Kristaps Porzingis led the scoring with 31 points, while Derrick White’s critical performance in the fourth quarter, where he scored 12 of his 21 points, helped Boston secure the win.

Jayson Tatum added 20 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, highlighting the Celtics’ balanced attack. Al Horford’s contribution of 14 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, along with Jaylen Brown’s 15 points, further exemplified Boston’s team-oriented play. The Celtics’ proficiency from beyond the arc, hitting 17 of 49 three-point attempts, was a key factor in their victory.

The Hawks, despite a valiant effort, could not match the Celtics’ intensity in the final quarter. Saddiq Bey led Atlanta with 25 points, supported by Trae Young’s 20 points and 10 assists. Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu each added 19 points, with Johnson also grabbing 15 rebounds. However, Atlanta’s struggle from the three-point line in the second half limited their ability to keep pace with Boston’s scoring.

Atlanta coach Quin Snyder acknowledged the challenge of matching Boston’s shooting prowess, emphasizing the need for the Hawks to capitalize on their shooting opportunities. Despite maintaining a rebounding advantage and committing fewer turnovers, the Hawks could not overcome the Celtics’ efficient 52.7% shooting from the floor.

The Celtics’ strong start to the fourth quarter, spearheaded by White’s three-point shooting, created a separation that the Hawks were unable to bridge. Boston coach Joe Mazzulla praised his team’s resilience and ability to maintain focus throughout the game, underscoring the importance of persevering through challenging moments.

The victory extends the Celtics’ win streak over the Hawks to seven games and underscores their formidable presence at home, where they have compiled an impressive 24-3 record. As Boston looks to continue its winning ways against Washington on Friday, the Hawks aim to rebound from this loss when they face Philadelphia the same night.

This matchup not only highlighted the Celtics’ offensive depth and strategic execution but also demonstrated the competitive spirit of both teams as they navigate the latter half of the NBA season.

February 8, 2024February 8, 2024 by Richard Miller (US)

Butler’s Triple-Double Leads Heat to Victory Over Spurs, 116-104

MIAMI — Jimmy Butler achieved his first triple-double in over two years, propelling the Miami Heat to a 116-104 win against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night. Despite personal accolades, Butler remained focused on the team’s success, emphasizing his primary goal of winning.

Butler’s impressive performance included 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, marking his most recent triple-double since January 29, 2022. Tyler Herro led the scoring for the Heat with 24 points, while Bam Adebayo contributed 20 points, helping Miami pull away in the fourth quarter for a decisive victory.

The Spurs saw balanced scoring from their side, with Tre Jones and Devin Vassell each posting 19 points. Rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama added 18 points and 13 rebounds, continuing his remarkable debut season. Earlier in the day, the Spurs visited a Miami Beach school for a shootaround, surprising the students and embodying the spirit of community engagement.

Wembanyama’s 25th double-double of the season places him significantly ahead of his peers, showcasing the impact he’s made in his rookie year. His achievements follow a trend of outstanding rookie performances, a testament to his potential and the high expectations placed upon him.

The game was tightly contested through the first three quarters, with neither team able to establish a significant lead. However, Miami’s fourth-quarter surge, highlighted by a Butler-to-Adebayo fast-break dunk, cemented their lead and ultimately secured the win.

San Antonio’s head coach Gregg Popovich and Miami’s Erik Spoelstra, along with players from both teams, shared postgame pleasantries, reflecting the mutual respect and camaraderie between the squads. Popovich praised Spoelstra’s coaching and the Heat’s culture, acknowledging the progress his team showed in competing with Miami.

The Spurs now embark on their annual rodeo road trip, a challenging stretch that sees them play nine consecutive games away from home due to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. This extended period on the road tests the team’s resilience and adaptability, as they look to navigate this unique aspect of their schedule.

As the Heat look ahead to hosting Boston on Sunday afternoon, the Spurs continue their road trip with a visit to Orlando on Thursday night, aiming to bounce back from their loss in Miami and build momentum as they progress through their demanding schedule.

February 8, 2024 by Richard Miller (US)

Raptors Overcome Bridges’ Career Night to Hand Hornets Ninth Straight Loss

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Toronto Raptors edged past the Charlotte Hornets 123-117 on Wednesday night, despite a career-high 45 points from Miles Bridges. The victory marked the end of Toronto’s six-game road trip, which they closed with a 2-4 record, and handed Charlotte its ninth consecutive defeat.

RJ Barrett led the scoring for the Raptors with 23 points, while Scottie Barnes, who was announced as an All-Star game alternate before the match, added 18 points to the tally. Immanuel Quickley also scored 18, contributing significantly to Toronto’s win. Jakob Poeltl’s pivotal plays in the final moments, including a crucial block and a tip-in, secured the victory for the Raptors, who improved to 18-33 for the season.

Miles Bridges’ exceptional performance saw him topping his previous career-high of 41 points, set just two days prior against the Los Angeles Lakers, by shooting 17 of 27 from the field and 6 of 10 from three-point range. Despite his efforts and becoming the fourth Charlotte player to record back-to-back 40-point games, the Hornets could not avoid another loss, dropping to a 13-39 record.

With the NBA trade deadline looming, speculation about Bridges’ future with the Hornets continues to grow. However, Bridges expressed his desire to stay with the team that drafted him and supported him through challenging times.

The game saw the Raptors overcoming an early deficit, with Charlotte leading 36-29 after the first quarter thanks to Bridges’ 15 points. The Hornets maintained their lead into the final quarter, but Toronto’s comeback, highlighted by Barrett’s three-pointer and Quickley’s layup, shifted the momentum in their favor.

Toronto’s efficiency from beyond the arc was notable, making 17 of 33 three-point attempts, contributing to their comeback and eventual win. The Raptors’ next game is at home against the Rockets, while the Hornets will look to snap their losing streak when they visit the Bucks.

February 8, 2024February 8, 2024 by Richard Miller (US)

Mitchell Leads Cavaliers to Victory Over Wizards with 40 Points

WASHINGTON — Donovan Mitchell’s 40-point performance powered the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 114-106 win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night, marking their 15th victory in 16 games. The Cavaliers’ latest triumph at the Capital One Arena extends their NBA-best winning streak to seven games, propelling them ahead of Milwaukee and New York to second place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Mitchell, who scored 14 points in the fourth quarter alone, was pivotal in overcoming the closely contested matchup that featured nine ties and 17 lead changes. The Cavaliers’ resilience was on full display as they managed to outperform the Wizards, despite the latter team being second-to-last in the East. Evan Mobley contributed significantly with 22 points on an efficient 9-of-10 shooting, alongside eight rebounds.

The Cavaliers faced challenges from a persistent Wizards team, led by Kyle Kuzma’s 28 points and Corey Kispert’s 23 points. Washington, which failed to secure a win during their four-game homestand under interim coach Brian Keefe, kept the game within reach by hitting 16 of their 40 attempts from the three-point line.

Despite these efforts, Cleveland’s defense, particularly against Wizards’ second-leading scorer Jordan Poole, was a deciding factor. Poole was held scoreless and eventually fouled out after playing a little over 24 minutes. Cleveland coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised his team’s defensive strategy against Poole, highlighting their ability to adapt and challenge the guard throughout the game.

The Cavaliers’ determination and team effort were evident as they navigated through the Wizards’ resistance, with the game remaining closely contested until the final minute. Mitchell’s crucial contributions in the fourth quarter, including a pivotal 3-pointer over Kuzma, secured Cleveland’s lead and ultimately the victory.

Looking ahead, the Cavaliers are set to face Brooklyn in their next matchup, while the Wizards will travel to Boston, hoping to bounce back from their recent setbacks. As the season progresses, Cleveland’s foundation and collective resolve continue to establish them as a formidable contender in the Eastern Conference.

February 8, 2024February 8, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Adil Rashid Hails Spinners’ Impact After Record-Breaking Spell in Sharjah Warriors’ Win Against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

Abu Dhabi, 8 February 2024: The Sharjah Warriors secured a crucial victory over the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the race to reach the DP World ILT20 season 2 playoffs, at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. After a strong start, the Knight Riders went from 61/1 to 94 all out, which the Warriors chased down in 13.5 overs.

Speaking after the game, England’s Adil Rashid, whose 4/12 is now the best bowling figures in the history of the league, credited the team’s bowlers for their performance. He said, “It’s personally very nice to get four wickets, but we bowled exceptionally well at the start, which set the tone for the rest of my teammates to come in and do their thing.”

Rashid also shared his opinion about what helped his side tackle the opponent batting line-up, saying, “This can happen in T20 cricket. They got off to a great start, but when you lose wickets, the pressure is on; you try to get a few more wickets. Fortunately for us, that’s what happened. They got off to a decent start, but then the spinners came on, and we put the brakes on their batting.”

The win helps the Sharjah Warriors jump up to fourth on the table, with a must-win game up next for them against the Desert Vipers on Sunday, February 11. The Englishman believes his team has what it takes to get there. “Our camp has a very positive mindset right now. We believe that we can win the next match by delivering the skills that we displayed today and going forward in the competition. The team is really gelling well too,” he said.

Signing off, Adil Rashid showered praise on the ILT20, saying, “It’s a great tournament. We have world class players, which makes it a tough competition. And of course, the fans here are amazing, which makes it a great atmosphere for us players.”

February 7, 2024February 7, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Bengaluru FC climb to 6th spot with crucial win against Chennaiyin FC

Bengaluru, 7 February, 2024: Bengaluru FC sealed a 1-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC as the Southern Derby titled in favour of the Blues at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 tonight. A second-half strike by Ryan Williams was enough for Gerard Zaragoza and his side to triumph over the visitors in a clash that they dominated from the offset, and held an upper hand to a greater extent than suggested by the scoreline.

Zaragoza had claimed ahead of the game that he had almost a month’s time to train with this squad after taking over the reins from his predecessor Simon Grayson in December. The tactician hoped that the work put in the practice sessions would reflect on the field, but all of that expectation was squandered in their 3-1 loss to Punjab FC in New Delhi.

They needed a strong response and got one tonight with the team functioning in coordination and cohesion to build consistent pressure over the Marina Machans. From skipper Sunil Chhetri and Javi Hernandez combining for the former to attempt a shot from a unique set-piece to the latter trying his luck from the edge of the box – the first-half comprised a lot of entertaining action for the supporters at the Kanteerava.

Unfortunately, those efforts weren’t bearing tangible results, and hence the talk in their dressing room must have been to keep doing what they had been doing right so that Coyle’s team could eventually be cracked. Encounters like these are often decided by fine margins and hence it appeared that Scottish striker Connor Shields could swing the game against the momentum when he tested Gurpreet Singh Sandhu from the left hand side of the 18-yard box merely minutes into the second half. However, decisiveness and certain efficiency was lacking in his endeavour, resulting in his team giving away an excellent opportunity to get an early lead.

Bengaluru FC got their act together straightaway, slowly pulling the strings to ensure that their efforts from the opening essay of the game didn’t go to waste. Chhetri and youngster Harsh Patre took a shot each from either side of the box soon afterwards, but the Chennaiyin FC backline got back just in time to avoid trouble. Unfortunately, they could not do so when Williams was set up with a beautiful through ball by Halicharan Narzary through the centre in the 62nd minute. Williams showed remarkable composure to put the ball past Debjit Majumder and prevent Chennaiyin FC from doing the double over Bengaluru FC this season.

Key Performer of the Match

Ryan Williams (Bengaluru FC)

Williams tackled thrice, crossed five times, and created one goal-scoring opportunity, in addition to completing 14 of his 17 attempted passes. However, his calm headedness inside the box was laudable as he beat Majumder with a sweet strike to secure three points for the home team.

What’s next for both teams?

Bengaluru FC will play Jamshedpur FC on February 11, whereas Chennaiyin FC will be clashing against Kerala Blasters FC on February 16 for their forthcoming fixture.

Brief Scores

Bengaluru FC 1 (Ryan Williams 62’) – 0 Chennaiyin FC

Stats Pack:

February 7, 2024February 7, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Indian Women’s Hockey Team goes down 0-3 against Australia in FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24

Bhubaneswar, 7th February 2024: The Indian Women’s Hockey Team registered a 0-3 defeat against Australia in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 at Kalinga Hockey Stadium, Bhubaneswar on Wednesday. Australia’s Captain Grace Stewart (19’), Tatum Stewart (23’), and Kaitlin Nobbs (55’) were the goalscorers on the day.

India started the match on the front foot, forcing Australia to concede a penalty corner in the second minute of the game but Australia’s goalkeeper Zoe Newman was on her toes to avert any danger. Both teams went on to create significant goalscoring chances in the next couple of minutes but were unable to find the final touch. Australia piled on the pressure as the first quarter came to a close but the Indian defence stood firm.

As India continued to search for a goal in the second quarter Australia initiated a counter through Kaitlin Nobbs who found herself open in the shooting circle and passed to Grace Stewart who tapped the ball in to score the first goal of the game. India tried to create chances but were unable to stitch together the final pass. Soon after, Australia looked to hurt India with a quick counter through Amy Lawton but her reverse shot was battered away by Bichu Devi Kharibam. Halfway through the second quarter Australia earned a penalty corner and a drag flick by Tatum Stewart doubled Australia’s lead in the game. India pegged Australia back as the first half was drawing to a close and earned two penalty corners but failed to capitalise on either of them and the scoreline remained 2-0.

The hockeyroos were happy to sit back and absorb the pressure in the third quarter as India struggled to find a chink in their armour. India had the opportunity to score through a penalty corner in the last minute of the quarter but Udita slapped the ball wide and Australia retained their two-goal lead.

India stepped up their press in the last quarter and were awarded a penalty corner two minutes in but India attempted a variation and Udita’s shot sailed wide of the post again. A few minutes later Mumtaz Khan swiveled to draw a foul in the shooting circle but the penalty corner was frantic and India failed to convert. Australia further increased their lead in the game as Kaitlin Nobbs rolled the ball through Savita’s leg to make it 3-0 with five minutes left in the game. As the game drew to a close Navneet attempted a shot on goal but the keeper remained alert in goal and the match ended 3-0 in Australia’s favour.

India will take on the United States next at 1930 hrs on 9th February.

All matches of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 will be streamed on JioCinema, additionally, all India matches will be telecast on Sports18 – Khel.

February 7, 2024February 7, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Shrivalli goes down fighting; seeds Rodionova, Pigossi bow out of the L&T Mumbai Open Tennis Championships

Mumbai, February 7: Shrivalli Bhadimipatty’s dream run this week came to an end on Wednesday evening but not before the 22-year-old Indian out on a tremendous fight against 16-year-old Alina Korneeva, ranked more than 380 spots above her, at the L&T Mumbai Open WTA 125K Series Tennis Championships, being organized by the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) and the Cricket Club of India (CCI).

Korneeva, the top-ranked junior last year and winner of two junior Grand Slams in 2023, bounced back from the loss of the first set to win 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 in two hours and 25 minutes to advance to the quarter-finals.

Earlier in the day, fourth seed Arina Rodionova and fifth seed Laura Pigossi bowed out of the singles event. Rodionova was defeated in straight sets by Dutchwoman Arianna Hartono 4-6, 4-6 while Pigossi was knocked out by Australia’s Storm Hunter 3-6, 3-6.

With this, the top five seeds of the tournament have failed to make it past the second round. Sixth seed Darja Semenistaja is now the highest seed left in the singles event as she advanced to the quarter-finals with a 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 win over France’s Amandine Hesse.

In the doubles draw, the Indian duo of Sahaja Yamalapalli/ Vaishnavi Adkar went down fighting to second seeds Sabrina Santamaria/ Dalila Jakupovic 3-6, 6-7.

Yamalapalli, who knocked out top seed Kayla Day in the first round, will be back in action on Thursday for her second round singles match against Polina Kudermetova.

L&T Mumbai Open WTA 125K Series Results, Wednesday February 7, 2024

Singles First Round
Arianne Hartono (NED) def. (4) Arina Rodionova (AUS) 6-4, 6-4
Storm Hunter (AUS) def. (5) Laura Pigossi (BRA) 6-3. 6-3
(6) Darja Semenistaja (LAT) def. Amandine Hesse (FRA) 2-6, 6-4, 6-4
Alina Korneeva def. Shrivalli Bhamidipaty (IND) 5-7, 6-4, 6-4

Doubles First Round
(2) Sabrina Santamaria (USA)/ Dalila Jakupovic (SLO) def. Sahaja Yamalapalli (IND) / Vaishnavi Adkar (IND) 6-3, 7-6 (1)
Sapfo Sakellaridi (GRE)/ Olivia Tjandramulia (AUS)/ def Himeno Sakatsume (JPN)/ Ekaterina Makarova 6-2, 6-3.
Panna Udvardy (HUN)/ Natela Dzalamidze (GEO) def. En-Shuo Liang (TPE)/ Chia Yi Tsao (TPE) 4-6, 6-4, 10-7
Ekaterina Yashina/ Carole Monnet (FRA)/ def. Sohyun Park (KOR)/ Zhibek Kulambayeva (KAZ)

February 7, 2024February 7, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Aslam Inamdar guides Puneri Paltan to big win over Bengaluru Bulls

DELHI, 6 FEBRUARY 2024: Having already qualified for the playoffs, Puneri Paltan were in great form as they secured a 31-40 win over the Bengaluru Bulls at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday. Despite a late cameback by the Bengaluru Bulls, Skipper Aslam Inamdar’s top performance was supported by his teammates as they continued their fight for one of the two places in the semifinals.

Puneri Paltan were the main aggressors in the first half, taking a decisive lead early in the game. Bengaluru Bulls, chasing a place in the playoffs, saw Sushil unable to convert his DO OR DIE raid. Skipper Aslam Inamdar once again was the main aggressor for his team, although he was well-supported by Mohit Goyat.

As the first half was coming to an end, the Bengaluru Bulls worked hard to reduce the deficit between the two teams. Sushil made the most of a DO OR DIE raid before Parteek trapped Aslam Inamdar during another DO OR DIE raid. Raider Mohit Goyat then turned defender to earn his team a crucial two points with a SUPER TACKLE to get Sushil off the mat as the scores read heading into the 13-18 at the halftime break.

The Bengaluru Bulls were not able to carry their momentum from the end of the first half as Akash Shinde helped his team survive with a SUPER TACKLE against Vikash Kandola. Meanwhile, the Bengaluru Bulls raider Sushil was unsuccessful in his DO OR DIE raid as the Bengaluru Bulls looked for a way back into the game.

Skipper Aslam Inamdar inched closer to a SUPER 10 after a successful raid got the Bengaluru Bulls ALL OUT in the 14th minute. The Puneri Paltan raiders turned defenders as Mohit Goyat and Akash Shinde found themselves among the tackle points. This took the team to 33 points as compared to the Bengaluru Bulls’ 15 ahead of the Strategic Timeout in the
second half.

Bharat was substituted onto the mat in the second half and got some crucial points, but it was not enough as the lead taken by the Puneri Paltan was enough to ensure their side won the game. For the Bengaluru Bulls, the loss put a dent in their playoff ambitions, but they came back well after Sushil’s SUPER RAID in the final minutes reduced the deficit between the two teams.

Pro Kabaddi League Season 10, 2023
Points Table
Position	Team	Matches	Won	Lost	Tied	Points	Score Diff	Points conceded	Points scored
1	Puneri Paltan	18	13	2	3	76	206	503	709
2	Jaipur Pink Panthers	18	12	3	3	72	82	543	625
3	Dabang Delhi K.C.	19	11	5	3	68	48	633	681
4	Patna Pirates	19	9	7	3	58	35	667	702
5	Gujarat Giants	18	10	8	0	55	3	594	597
6	Haryana Steelers	17	10	6	1	55	-13	625	612
7	Bengaluru Bulls	19	7	10	2	48	-51	666	615
8	Tamil Thalaivas	19	8	11	0	45	24	662	686
9	Bengal Warriors	17	7	8	2	44	-26	650	624
10	U Mumba	18	6	10	2	41	-40	694	654
11	U.P. Yoddhas	18	4	13	1	29	-54	666	612
12	Telugu Titans	18	2	16	0	16	-214	790	576

Please see below the PKL Season 10 match on 9^th February

Game 1 – Bengal Warriors vs Gujarat Giants- 8 pm

Game 2- Haryana Steelers vs U.P. Yoddhas- 9 pm

Venue: Kolkata

Season 10 of the Pro Kabaddi League will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and for free on Disney+ Hotstar.

February 7, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Amit Panghal and Akash move into quarters at the 75th Strandja Memorial Tournament

Sofia, (Bulgaria), February 7, 2024: The commonwealth games gold medallist Amit Panghal, National champion Akash and men’s National bronze medalist Abhimanyu put up a stellar show to move into the quarter-final of the 75th Strandja Memorial Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria on Wednesday.

Amit (51kg) had Rudyk Maksym’s challenge to tackle as he eyed his place in the quarters. The experienced campaigner quickly got into his groove and his ability to efficiently get into the attacking position was on display throughout the bout.

The first two rounds were all about taking on the opponent, while in the third round, Amit employed his defensive tactics to frustrate his Ukrainian opponent and capitalize on his errors, advancing to the quarter-finals with a dominant 5-0 unanimous decision win. Amit will face Aldarkhishig Battulga of Mongolia on Friday.

Akash (71kg) was up against Traore Makan of France. Akash started slow but soon picked up the pace as he displayed swift movement and landed a flurry of punches, surprising his opponents and gaining a significant lead. The performance continued in the second round as Akash continued to be a dominant force in the bout.

Traore did make a comeback in the third round but Akash’s exploits in the first two rounds were enough to ensure him a 3-1 win as he entered the quarter-final. Akash will now take on Mckeever Eugene of Ireland on Friday.

Abhimany Loura (80kg) showed a similar display of dominance against Monny Raphael of France. The boxer from Haryana made full use of his long reach as he delivered lethal punches for which the opponent had no answer for.

Abhimanyu grabbed the win with a 5-0 verdict and will face the Asian Games gold medallist China’s Tuohetaerbieke Tanglatihan in the quarter-final on Friday.

Later tonight, Naveen Kumar (92kg) and Deepak (75kg) will be in action against Voisnarovic Darius of Lithuania and Asankul Uulu Sultan of Kyrgyzstan in their round of 16 clash.

The quarter-final action will start on Thursday, Nikhat Zareen (50kg) will be up against Lkhadiri Wassila of France, Sakshi (57kg) will face Mamajonova Khumorabonu of Uzbekistan and Arundhati Choudhary (66kg) will square off against Matovic Milena of Serbia.

Jugnoo (86kg) and Sagar (+92kg) will take on Uzbekistan’s Djalolov Samandar and Zokirov Jakhongir respectively. Naveen (92kg) will also have his quarter-finals bout tomorrow depending on his round of 16 match result tonight.

The Strandja Memorial Tournament is one of Europe’s oldest international sports competitions and is witnessing the participation of over 300 pugilists from 30 countries.

February 7, 2024February 7, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Resilience and clarity of thought – Shahzaib Khan’s mantra for chasing dreams

The weight of history is particularly heavy when you represent Pakistan.

There are always callbacks to the Cornered Tigers of ‘92 or the pace-bowling traditions of Wasim and Waqar, and in the case of the junior side in the ongoing ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024, the back-to-back title triumphs in 2004 and 2006.

It’s nearly two decades since Pakistan enjoyed success at this event. They came close in 2010 and 2014, reaching the finals both times, but the trophy still eludes them, even though superstars of the calibre of Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi emerged through the ranks.

Shahzaib Khan is of course hoping to one day follow in the steps of those two, but his immediate aspirations are simple: “I can’t put into words the feeling of possibly winning the World Cup,” he tells ICC. “For the country and the team, the feeling will be unparalleled if we end up winning.”

Shahzaib has so far done his bit to that end – with an impressive tally of 260 runs in five matches, he sits proudly among the tournament’s top run-scorers.

A high-stakes semi-final clash against Australia awaits on Thursday. With higher stakes comes more pressure, and add to it the weight of history that comes with representing Pakistan, there will likely be nerves.

But Shahzaib isn’t fazed. “We don’t take any pressure, we are playing our natural game,” he says. “We place equal importance on every match. We are putting our efforts into becoming champions this time around.”

That confidence is well founded. Pakistan’s record so far is unblemished, with the team going unbeaten in five matches to make it to the semi-finals. That said, it’s not been without challenges – their fortitude was put to the test in their last Super Six game against Bangladesh, a virtual quarter-final for both sides.

After being bowled out for 155, Pakistan were up against it. However, they showcased resilience with an inspired bowling performance and successfully defended the total, ultimately securing a thrilling victory by five runs.

“There was a bit of nerves when Bangladesh were chasing,” Shazaib admits. “It was a do-or-die match, a virtual knockout. We didn’t have many runs on board, but we knew that the wicket was difficult to bat on and that it would be challenging for Bangladesh to score those runs.

“We wanted to get early wickets and make the chase difficult for them. The pitch was such that it would have been difficult to score the runs despite it being a low score.

“It was a tough match but I feel this was our best performance among the five matches.”

The unity the team displayed during that backs-to-the-wall performance was something Shahzaib speaks of proudly. “If you see our last game when the batting didn’t click, the bowlers put their hands up,” he says. “When the bowlers have an off day, the batters pull the team up.

“It’s a combination of these things that has led to our success. We play as a unit and we hope to continue doing so in the semi-final.”

Even if they don’t make it past the semi-finals, representing Pakistan has already been a dream come true for Shahzaib. The journey began in 2018, in the serene landscapes of Mansehra at the Junaid Khan Cricket Academy.

By the end of that year, Shahzaib had not only embraced the game but also made swift progress, playing in the U13 category and later transitioning to U16 with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“When I started playing cricket, I wasn’t very aware of age-group cricket like U19 and U16 or much about the game,” he says. “But I was always determined to play for Pakistan – I didn’t know how but that was always the goal.

“Once I began (my journey) in 2018, I started to realise that I wanted to become a cricketer. But it was always in my mind that I wanted to represent the country.”

Shahzaib being left-handed, his cricketing idol comes as no surprise – the legendary Pakistani opener Saeed Anwar, who Shahzaib reveals was a big inspiration in how he shaped his approach to the game. Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara is another name-check when listing his inspirations.

Shahzaib’s rise has been rapid since he joined the age-group ranks, but it’s not all been smooth sailing. He was called up to the Pakistan U19 squad for the home series against Bangladesh in November 2022, but he struggled, scoring just 16 runs in three one-day games. “When I played against Bangladesh in Pakistan, I didn’t perform well.”

However Shahzaib’s resilience came to the fore on the return tour in May 2023. He found his rhythm and scored an impressive 174 in the first four-day match, and soon clinched the Player of the Series title in both the four-day and one-day formats.

Looking back, Shahzaib identifies this tour as the “turning point” in his career. “After that, I have played very well and have been part of all the series, including the Asia Cup and the World Cup,” he says.

There has been no turning back and his performances in the World Cup thus far are testament to his commitment to self-improvement.

For Shahzaib, the U19 Men’s CWC is the pinnacle for a young cricketer, a stage where dreams take flight. The importance of this esteemed event was heightened for Shahzaib when he marked his World Cup debut with a century against Afghanistan in the opener.

“It was a great feeling,” he says. “For a U19 player, there is no bigger event than the U19 World Cup. And for someone to score a hundred on their World Cup debut is a great honour. I was elated to score the century.

“I am happy with my performance in the five matches so far. But I will try to do better and score another hundred in the semi-final to help my team reach the final.”

When asked about his hopes beyond this tournament, Shahzaib Khan displayed that unwavering clarity yet again. “I want to perform to the best of my ability,” he says. “My dream is to play all three formats for the Pakistan senior team and have a long career.”

That weight of history sits lightly on young shoulders.

February 7, 2024February 7, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Sergio Lobera: Like I did in FC Goa, I want to help Odisha FC players to play in the national team

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 readies itself for a top of the table clash that will go a long way in determining the eventual League Winners Shield champions of the tenth season of ISL. Odisha FC and FC Goa occupy the first two places respectively in the league at present, and they are set to square off at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on February 9, Friday, at 7:30 pm IST. The two teams are solid contenders to stake a claim for the biggest honours at the end of this campaign and this game can help the Juggernauts, currently at 30 points, to build a reasonable distance with FC Goa (27), despite having played two games more (13) than the Gaurs (11).

It will be an encounter that will bring back a host of memories and emotions for Odisha FC head coach Sergio Lobera, who entered the shores of Indian football with FC Goa in 2017. Over the years, the Spaniard has gone on to record his name as one of the finest tacticians to have graced the ISL, seeing success both with the Gaurs as well as Mumbai City FC.

However, he is one coach whose impact has been felt beyond silverware. Right from his stint with the Gaurs, the Spaniard has helped provide a platform for young Indian players and propel them to achieve the national team call-up.

“We will see big stars coming out of Odisha FC in 4-5 years”

Several players like Brandon Fernandes, Manvir Singh, Lenny Rodrigues, and Mandar Rao Dessai, amongst others began representing the Blue Tigers whilst playing under Lobera at the club level. Similarly, the tactician wants to replicate that pattern with Odisha FC, with players like Isak Vanlalruatfela, Lalthathanga Khawlring, Jerry Mawihmingthanga amongst others taking giant leaps with the Juggernauts in his watch.

“Individuals shine when the team does well. Odisha FC have a number of young players with an amazing future. One of my main jobs is to increase the number of players playing in the national team. I did this in FC Goa. When I went there, they had only one-two players playing in the national team, and then a lot of players went to the national team. This is also my target in Odisha FC,” Lobera said.

He added, “They have a great future, but also a good present, because they need to help us to achieve results, as we are in a professional setup and we need to win. I am very excited with the job we can do with some players in the future. We have young talent and in four-five years, maybe some of these players will be big stars in Indian football.”

Odisha FC and their wealth of attacking riches are reflecting brilliantly in statistics too. Roy Krishna leads the goal-scoring charts with 10 strikes, whereas Diego Mauricio is placed fifth, having netted six times. Goalkeeper Amrinder Singh is tied with his FC Goa counterpart Arshdeep Singh in the Golden Glove race, with both custodians keeping seven clean sheets each. Lobera insists that to strike the right balance between individual and collective objectives is one of his foremost jobs as a coach.

“The main job of a coach is to manage a group to get a good performance. Managing a group means a lot of things, not only about tactical and technical situations, but to do it with different persons and targets, also with individual targets, as everyone wants to win the Golden Boot and similar awards. We need to manage the balance between individual and collective targets,” Lobera said.

“That is the key as a coach. When you work in different countries, customs, and mentalities, you cannot compare Chinese, Moroccan, Spanish, and Indian players. As a coach I learnt a lot about this, because you need to put a lot of effort to get performance from different clubs, people, customs, and persons,” he added.

“Indian youngsters are always keen to learn new things”

Lobera went on to add that he would be a teacher if not a football coach, simply because of the love that he has towards imparting knowledge amongst youngsters. On that note, he has been particularly pleased with his experience of working with budding Indian players. He speaks highly of their grasping power, and their keenness to learn newer aspects of the game. The head coach said that he takes active interest in understanding them on a personal level, as they are emotional beings and whatever occurs in their life off the field has a massive impact on their on-field performances.

“India is a special place to work with Indian players, because they want to learn a lot. They listen to everything that you tell them. It’s important to understand their personal lives. There are families behind these players, and if you get success by doing a good job in clubs, your life can change. As a coach, it’s very important for me to improve the level of players, but it’s also important to help players in their personal lives and situations, because if you want to have a good situation on the pitch, you need to have stability on the pitch too,” Lobera said.

“I like to have players who have a positive outlook towards challenges”

For all his insistence on winning, the ex-Mumbai City FC tactician is equally of the belief that players should take the sport lightly. He does not subscribe to exerting extreme pressure on them, and believes that positive outcomes will be a by-product of them getting the processes right and enjoying the beautiful game. Taking the larger worldview into context, Lobera mentioned that there are bigger problems that the world is grappling with, and that football should be an outlet from those issues and hence encouraged his squad to embrace a positive lens towards life.

“The most important thing for players is that they need to enjoy playing football. Pressure in life is for different things. We are living in a crazy world with problems related to wars and the pandemic. We are privileged people because we are working on our hobbies. When we are going to stadiums, we need to know what a privilege we have to work in this job. There are a lot of problems in life, but we need to be positive. I like to work with people who change problems into challenges without complaints. I think it’s very important to know what kind of people you want to work with,” Lobera signed off.

Both FC Goa and Odisha FC resumed their ISL campaigns with convincing wins against Hyderabad FC. The two teams have climbed up the ISL ladder since appointing Manolo Marquez and Lobera at the helm ahead of this campaign. Both Spaniards have had a tremendous impact in the ISL since arriving in India, and their face-offs have always generated genuine interest amongst fans. A late winner by Jay Gupta had helped FC Goa get the better of Odisha FC in their fixture earlier in this ISL season and Lobera will be keen to make amends to that in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

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