by Abhishek Shukla

India’s Davis Cup heroes key attraction at DafaNews Bengaluru Open 

Bengaluru, February 7: Four Indian Davis Cuppers, including Ramkumar Ramanathan and N Sriram Balaji, who played a key role in India’s commanding win over Pakistan with their singles performances in Islamabad, will compete in the doubles event of the DafaNews Bengaluru Open 2024.     

Ramkumar has paired up with big-serving compatriot Saketh Myneni, while Balaji has teamed up with Germany’s Andre Begemann for the event which will run from February 12-18.     

Ramkumar and Myneni won the doubles title in 2022.     

Balaji (WR 78) and Begeman (201) will be the third-seeded team in the 16-team draw with a combined rank of 279. 

Myneni (WR 107) and Ramkumar (WR 210) are the sixth-best team in terms of their combined rank of 317.        

The top-ranked team in the event will be of Frenchman Dan Added (WR 91) and Korea’s Yun Seong Chung (WR 167). They have a combined rank of 258.     

Dan Added has 11 double challenger titles to his credit and would like to add one more. He was in tremendous form in 2023 season, in which he won eight of those 11 Challenger events. His partner Chung had won the Bengaluru open doubles event last year with compatriot Yu Hsiou Hsu and would look to defend his title. Niki Poonacha (WR 147), who made a winning Davis Cup debut in Islamabad against Muhammad Shoaib, has joined forces with compatriot Rithvik Choudary Bollipalli (WR 159).       

They have a combined rank of 306 and will be the fourth-seeded team in the ATP 100 Challenger event, which is being organised by Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA).  

“KSLTA is delighted to welcome India’s Davis Cuppers and it will be an added impetus for the Bengaluru crowd to witness them in action after their stupendous victory in Islamabad. The tournament will also provide the Indian and other top players the opportunity to earn key ranking points and move up the ATP charts. This year’s competition will be very close considering a very strong field will be aiming for the Title,” said Tournament Director Sunil Yajman.         

Sumit Nagal will lead India’s challenge in the singles. Nagal had knocked out world number 27 Alexander Bublik at the Australian Open in the main draw first round.

by Abhishek Shukla

LANDMARK 25TH LAUREUS WORLD SPORTS AWARDS TO BE STAGED IN MADRID

MADRID, February 7, 2024 – The 25th Laureus World Sports Awards, the most prestigious honours event in sport, will take place in Madrid on April 22.

The announcement was made today by José Luis Martínez-Almeida, the Mayor of Madrid, and Isabel Díaz Ayuso, President of the Madrid Region, along with Laureus Academy Members Raúl González and Alessandro Del Piero, at the Teatro Albéniz in the Spanish capital.

Many of the biggest names from the world of sport, past and present, will be in Madrid in April to honour the greatest sportsmen, sportswomen and teams from 2023. Each of the Winners will leave with a coveted Laureus Statuette, one of most recognisable symbols of excellence in sport.

The Awards Ceremony will take place at the Palacio de Cibeles, a remarkable structure designed by the prolific architect partnership of Antonio Palacios and Joaquín Otamendi. It is one of Madrid’s most iconic buildings.

This is the 25th year the Laureus World Sports Awards have been presented and where better than a Host Venue steeped in sporting greatness? The City and Region of Madrid is home to four La Liga football clubs and the World Rugby Sevens Series; the venue for the climax of cycling’s Vuelta a España; host to the Madrid Open, one of the most sought-after clay court titles of the tennis year; to golf’s Open de España; and to the Madrid Marathon.

In an exciting new development which confirms the stature of Madrid as a sporting super power, the Formula One Gran Premio d’España will be staged in Madrid from 2026, at a new circuit built around the IFEMA Madrid exhibition centre in the Barajas district.

Madrid now takes over the Laureus torch from Paris, the city which hosted last year’s Laureus World Sports Awards, where Winners included Lionel Messi, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Spain’s brilliant young tennis star Carlos Alcaraz. Nominees for this year’s Awards, in seven categories, will be announced on February 26.

The Laureus Awards will celebrate the most memorable sporting performances from last year; a year in which Madrid welcomed home the FIFA Women’s World Cup winners after victory in Australia. The Spain team, led by Aitana Bonmatí, lit up a tournament that was one of the highlights of an incredible year in sport.  

Also in 2023, Novak Djokovic moved to the front of tennis’s golden generation, only Alcaraz, in a thrilling Wimbledon final, keeping the world No.1 from a clean sweep of the four Grand Slams.

The World Athletics Championships featured showstopping performances from athletes such as Faith Kipyegon, Sha’Carri Richardson, Shericka Jackson, Mondo Duplantis and Noah Lyles. On the Formula One racetrack, Max Verstappen and Oracle Red Bull Racing had a record-breaking season, securing both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships.

At the Rugby World Cup, Siya Kolisi recovered from injury to lead South Africa to rugby’s pinnacle once more.      

While this is the first time Madrid has hosted the Laureus World Sports Awards, it is the fifth time the event has been held in Spain, following Barcelona (2006, 2007) and Seville (2021 and 2022).  Spain has seen notable success at the Laureus Awards – and the country is ranked third in the total number of Winners.  

The Laureus World Sports Awards Show will also include the Laureus Sport for Good Award, which recognises an individual or organisation which has made a significant contribution to transforming the lives of children and young people through sport. As well as celebrating the very best in sport, Laureus is committed to showing what a difference sport can make in the world.

Madrid is an ideal place for anyone looking to participate in sport in a unique setting. The regional and local Government of Madrid works to improve the quality of life of its residents through sport. This is achieved via a close working relationship with the sporting federations of Madrid and there has been a marked increase over the years in the number of registered athletes. The objective is for sport to be available to everyone regardless of age and to become an integral part of all our lives.

The impact of the Awards is a key element to both the planning and delivery of the 2024 event. Working closely with both Host Partners, Madrid City Council and the Regional Government of Madrid, Laureus will bring the expertise and support of Laureus Sport for Good to leave a lasting legacy for the young people of the city and region of Madrid. More information will also follow around opportunities for the people of Madrid to get involved in the 2024 Laureus World Sports Awards.

Raúl González Blanco is a Laureus World Sports Academy Member and captained his hometown team of Real Madrid for seven years during an iconic career. He said: “I can’t wait to welcome the Laureus family, our 2024 Nominees and the world’s media to Madrid for the 25th Laureus World Sports Awards. Since becoming an Academy Member in 2016, it has been an honour and an inspiration to be part of Laureus’s work around the world. The hardest part is voting for these wonderful Awards – but our 2024 winners couldn’t wish for a more beautiful and welcoming city in which to celebrate a memorable sporting year.”

José Luis Martínez-Almeida, Mayor of Madrid, said: “The Laureus Awards is an unbeatable opportunity for the City of Madrid, because Madrid is one of the great world capitals of sport, both from the amateur point of view and from the point of view of professional sport and the staging of major world events. But just as important are the values represented by the Laureus Foundation: values of excellence, self-improvement, effort and sacrifice, with which a city like Madrid identifies.”

Isabel Díaz Ayuso, President of the Region of Madrid,said: “Laureus is a very important event, it’s a sport event that all governments and countries welcome with great enthusiasm, since it brings with it the magic of sport, of competition and of spectacle. It is also a very special invitation for children and young people and for all those who love sport.”

Sean Fitzpatrick, Chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy, said: “It’s incredible to think that this will be the 25th Laureus World Sports Awards. Since I stood alongside our founding Patron Nelson Mandela and my fellow founding Academy Members in 2000, this event has become the greatest celebration of sport in the world. The Laureus stage has welcomed the greatest athletes of the 21st Century and it has also consistently amplified our message – that sport has the power to change the world. We are thrilled to be celebrating our 25th Awards in the beautiful, historic and truly global sporting location of Madrid.”

Italian football legend and Laureus Academy Member Alessandro Del Piero said: “I would like to thank José Luis Martínez-Almeida, the Mayor of Madrid, and Isabel Díaz Ayuso, President of the Region of Madrid, for being with us and for the support of Madrid in becoming Host Venue for Laureus 2024. The Awards Ceremony is one of the most significant moments in world sport, where we honour the crème de la crème each year. I cannot think of anywhere better to be than Madrid – it is a city whose heartbeat is sport.”

Since its inception, Laureus has helped to improve the lives of more than six and a half million children and young adults, and now supports more than 300 sports-based community programmes around the world, fulfilling the visionary words of its founding Patron Nelson Mandela – ‘Sport has the power to change the world’.

The Laureus Family spreads across every continent and is an inspirational, purpose-focused network of Laureus World Sports Academy Members, Ambassadors, sportsmen and women, teams, sports governing bodies, federations and followers from the public, all committed to supporting Sport for Good and spread the movement’s influence to a wider global audience. 

The Awards Show, featuring presentations and related news stories, will be available to the world’s media, and broadcast extensively on Laureus’ social media platforms.

The winners of Laureus World Sports Awards are selected by the ultimate sports jury – the 69 Members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, the living legends of sport honouring the greatest athletes of today.

by Abhishek Shukla

An exhilarating contest looms between Australia and Pakistan

The second semi-final of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup will feature two sides who’ve had their fair share of ups and downs in the competition.

From the prism of results, Australia and Pakistan have done little wrong. Both sides remain undefeated in the competition and have overcome feisty opponents like England, New Zealand, and Bangladesh.

But their respective journeys to the knockout stage have been far from smooth. Both teams had to overcome challenging phases of play in adverse circumstances, something that held especially true for Pakistan in their Super Six encounters. 

While these jolts keep them battle-ready for the semi-finals, it also makes them aware of the areas that need improvement.

Australia and Pakistan are blessed with top-notch pace attacks and also have crafty spinners in their lineups. To add to that, their top-order batters have shown great form. 

With immense talent in their ranks and a propensity to play positive cricket, a must-win contest between these two line-ups has all the makings of a nail-biter.

How they have fared so far

Australia

Form guide (in the tournament): NR W W W W 

Hugh Weibgen’s side were grouped with Namibia, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. 

Led by Callum Vidler, the pacers wreaked havoc in their opening encounter against Namibia, bowling out the African side for 91. However, Namibia’s fast bowlers stood tall and had Australia in a spot of bother at 57/5. A patient knock from skipper Weibgen halted Namibia’s momentum and saw them through by four wickets.

A more rounded batting performance followed against Zimbabwe, where Harry Dixon’s 89 guided them to a strong total before Harkirat Bajwa’s 4/15 dismantled the chase. The final group clash against Sri Lanka saw a classy 77* from Ryan Hicks rescue the side after Australia’s top-order fell by the wayside at the start of the second Powerplay.

In their first Super Six game against England, the Australia top-order was once again among the runs, with Weibgen’s vibrant ton leading the charge. Their bowlers then pressed the advantage of scoreboard pressure in a rain-affected encounter and secured a massive win.

However, the batting slipped up once more against a charged-up West Indies in their final Super Six encounter yet a splendid century from Sam Konstas helped them to post a competitive total of 227/8. With Charlie Anderson’s early breakthroughs, the contest had all the makings of a thriller, but rain intervention meant the game ended without a result. Their undefeated run ensured that they topped Group 2 of the Super Six, and entered the semi-finals. 

 Pakistan

Form guide (in the tournament): W W W W W

Pakistan were placed in Group D along with Afghanistan, Nepal, and New Zealand.

The group games were relatively smooth sailing for Saad Baig’s team. Shahzaib Khan’s 106 set the tone for a substantial total against Afghanistan, even as Saad contributed with an attacking fifty. Pacers Ubaid Shah and Mohammad Zeeshan were relentless as Pakistan won the game by 181 runs.

A valiant effort from Nepal challenged them in their second game. Nepal batted out their 50 overs, before having Pakistan in a spot of bother at 104/4. A patient 63 from Azan Awais then pulled Pakistan through to victory in East London.

But Pakistan were back to their very best in the final group encounter against the Kiwis. Ubaid’s scintillating opening spell saw the back of the top order before Arafat Minhas ran through the tail with his three-wicket haul. An attacking 80* from Shahzaib won Pakistan the game by 10 wickets.

In the Super Six phase, after bowling out Ireland for a modest 181, Pakistan’s batting was tested. Ahmad Hassan’s 57* pulled them out of trouble this time, guiding them to a three-wicket win. 

A net run rate tussle brewed up in their final Super Six encounter against Bangladesh. Despite a sturdy start for Pakistan, Sheikh Jibon and Rohanat Doullah Borson bowled exceptionally well to clean up their subcontinental rivals for 155.

It took Ubaid’s 5/44 backed by some exceptional fielding to see Pakistan home by a five run margin in a low-scoring thriller. With eight points in their kitty, they finished second in Group 1, sitting behind India on the basis of run rate. 

Players to watch out for

Australia’s skipper Hugh Weibgen has also been their anchor in the tournament. He began the tournament with a brisk 39* from 43, which helped close out a risky chase against Namibia. 

A solid 68 from 69 balls assisted Harry Dixon in the second game versus Zimbabwe. He failed to get going in the third game but opened the Super Six with a stroke-filled 120 against England. He hit 15 fours in a knock that saw him bat for over three hours. This hundred laid the foundation for a massive Australian win.

Besides impessing with the bat, Weibgen has been an active captain on the field. He has been smart with his bowling changes and overall leadership.

Shahzaib Khan’s rock-solid presence at the top is a big plus for a mercurial Pakistan batting lineup. He was the Player of the Match in two of their group encounters, contributing with a hundred against Afghanistan, and an unbeaten half-century against New Zealand. 

The southpaw also ensured stable starts for Pakistan in low-scoring chases against Nepal and Bangladesh respectively. 

Given the recent troubles of the middle-order batters, Shahzaib’s innings at the top will be an important factor for Pakistan in the semi-final against a quality attack.

Callum Vidler’s pinpoint accuracy, pace and movement have seen him stand out for Australia. Despite missing a game and hardly bowling in the rain-affected encounter against West Indies, the bowler already has 11 wickets to his name. 

Eight of these wickets came in the form of match-winning four-wicket hauls against Namibia and England.

Along with Mahli Beardman and Charlie Anderson, Vidler can give Australia the early advantage on 6 February in Benoni.

The younger brother of Naseem Shah, Ubaid Shah stands joint second in the wicket-taking charts at the U19 Men’s CWC 2024, sitting behind South Africa speedster Kwena Maphaka. 

Beginning with a 4/26 against Afghanistan, the pacer hasn’t looked back. His skillful display with both the new and old ball has meant that the bowler has made an impact in all stages of the game and helped Pakistan come back into matches at crucial junctures.

This came to the fore against Bangladesh when Ubaid overcame the ignominy of having dropped a catch to pick the crucial wicket of Mohammad Shihab James in the very next over, changing the momentum of the match and helping Pakistan secure a famous win.

Predicted XI

Australia: Harry Dixon, Sam Konstas, Hugh Weibgen (c), Harjas Singh, Ryan Hicks (wk), Tom Campbell, Raf MacMillan, Harkirat Bajwa, Charlie Anderson, Mahli Beardman, Callum Vidler

Pakistan: Shamyl Hussain, Shahzaib Khan, Azan Awais, Saad Baig (c) (wk), Ahmad Hassan, Haroon Arshad, Arafat Minhas, Ali Asfand, Ubaid Shah, Mohammad Zeeshan, Ali Raza

by Abhishek Shukla

‘Felt great to come start well despite loss’: Dubai Capitals’ debutant Olly Stone

Dubai, 7 February 2024: The Dubai Capitals suffered a 19-run loss at the hands of the Gulf Giants at the Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday. The Capitals restricted the Gulf Giants to 126 but were bowled out for 107 runs. 

After the match, debutant Olly Stone said, “It’s hard not to get the win on my debut but on a personal note, it felt great to come out here, bowl well, and pick up a few wickets. I was backed up well by some great fielding from my teammates early on so that helped as well.” 

The Englishman also spoke about what has helped him start the tournament so well, “As a player, you want to start any tournament on the front foot. I want to help my team perform well against the best players in the world and hopefully qualify as well.” 

Adding to this, the right-arm fast bowler said, “I’ve been playing regularly till I landed here. So to come out and hit the ground running was nice. We just told them to keep it simple and hit the top of the stumps. If I manage to do that with my pace, then I knew that the wickets would come. So, it was great to go out there and get two early wickets, which helped settle the nerves.” 

Meanwhile, as the tournament enters the business end, the Dubai Capitals will face off against the Desert Vipers at the same venue on Friday, February 7. 

by Abhishek Shukla

Pace-loving Callum Vidler will let his skills do the talking in crunch semi-final

A decade ago, a wide-eyed eight-year-old watched awestruck as a fearsome Mitchell Johnson curled up his moustache, stared down the English batters and returned with a bucketload of wickets in the home Ashes. 

When Ryan Harris’ corker had Alastair Cook dismissed off the first ball of the innings in the Perth Test, that young boy made a decision. He wanted to steam in with the ball in hand, and just bowl fast.

Today Callum Vidler is doing just that. And doing it well. He’s making heads turn at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024, leading Australia’s wicket charts at the tournament. A large portion of Australia’s hopes of winning the title rests on him. 

“It’s hard not to be inspired to become a fast bowler watching that as a young kid,” Vidler tells ICC. 

“I thought to myself, ‘I want to do that’, you know? Bowl fast. Just run in and bowl fast. Watching them was my initial inspiration to take up cricket and fast bowling.”

Having been inspired to take up the ball by Johnson and Harris, Vidler went from backyard cricket through the ranks at Queensland, picking the brains of former Australia star Andy Bichel along the way, and more recently, Queensland’s Hamish Bennett. 

“They have been helping me keep it nice and simple, and bowl my best ball and back myself to deliver and hopefully change a game,” he says. 

Throughout his rise through age-group ranks, one thing remained constant – that love for fast bowling. It’s the “whole point” of taking up fast bowling, says the young Australian tearaway: Bowling fast.

“If anyone ever tells me to slow down, I am not listening to them,” he says. 

“Pace is my point of difference, my best attribute. I have also been learning to use it wisely, not having just pace, to swing the ball, using my variations and all. But if someone told me to slow down, it’s never working. The whole point is to bowl fast.”

Vidler says he clocked 143kph a few months before and believes he might be even faster now. He’s also picked up a few things additionally, like learning to ruffle up batters with the short ball every once in a while or pitching it right up with the new ball in pursuit of swing.

In the Super Six fixture against England, Vidler dismantled the opposition within the first ten overs of the chase by picking up four wickets. With overcast conditions in Kimberley, Vidler pitched the ball up to dismiss Theo Wylie and Ben McKinney, and then used the surprise short ball to send back Noah Thain and Hamza Sheikh. 

For someone who watched Johnson run in and bounce out batters with his intimidating pace, Vidler is a lot more subdued with his aggression. He aims to hit the right areas, attack the stumps and force errors with the odd variation in length. It’s what he did against England in what was his best performance in the tournament so far.

“In the first 10 overs I look to swing the ball and try and attack the stumps, but I also like using the bumper to surprise the batter and not get predictable with my length,” Vidler explains.

The youngster’s discipline is evident from his numbers too. No bowler in the ongoing tournament has a better bowling average than Vidler’s 7.81. The 11 wickets he has taken has come at a miserly economy of 3.55. 

Vidler, however, is quick to insist that that is a product of teamwork. “We have bowled our best when we have built pressure as a unit,” he says. 

“Tom Straker, Charlie Anderson haven’t quite been lucky in the wickets department, but they have built the pressure. And Mahli [Beardman] and myself have been able to be rewarded with a few wickets. Early on, we want to build pressure by attacking the stumps and keeping the heat on.”

Johnson and Harris might have inspired Vidler to take up fast bowing, but the 18-year-old models himself around Australia captain Pat Cummins – the nice guy who turns up and devours batters with immaculate skill. 

“In my younger teenage years, watching Pat Cummins, with his skill and pace, just being a class above everyone else, it’s inspired me and I definitely look up to him,” Vidler says.

He followed the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final in India where Cummins led his side to a memorable title triumph and hopes to do something similar in South Africa with the junior team. 

“Hopefully we can continue the track record of Australia doing great in ICC tournaments,” he says, adding that his immediate focus was on the semi-final against Pakistan. 

His impeccable discipline with the ball and maturity on the field extends beyond cricket – Vidler is keen to pursue further studies alongside cricket. “My mom encourages me to keep studying and I put my head down at the final exams in school.

“It’s been crazy to then come over here and potentially play cricket for a living. I will be going back to study in the University and playing cricket alongside. I just want a course to fall back on because the competition is heavy and as a fast bowler, injuries are always a concern. It’s just the way it is.”

On Thursday, however, everything else will take a back seat as he goes up against a strong Pakistan side. It is a tough clash against a team that has come through difficult matches in the tournament, but Vidler believes that Australia’s strength – their bond and unity as a group – will see them through. 

“You recall the first game against Namibia? We thought we had done pretty well with the ball,” he says. “Bowled them out for 90-odd runs. But then, in the run-chase, there were a bit of nerves. 

“We wanted to probably chase it down quickly, but then wickets started falling. That was possibly our only hiccup in the batting department so far this tournament. But we came through that as a group. It won’t happen again.”

The unity has been forged through tough tours and predicaments on and off the field. “Pretty much all of our squad members have known each other before. The tour of England – playing ODI and red-ball games against another U19 side helped a lot,” he says. 

“It was the first away tour for cricket for a lot of us. You don’t just learn on the field with these trips, a lot of the learning happens off the field too. It’s helped the team bond, looking out for each other and ourselves on the tour.”

If unity is Australia’s strength, Pakistan will rely on strong individuals who have stepped up time and again in the tournament. 

Vidler believes the pacer Ubaid Shah, in particular, will be a big threat. “Pakistan have an awesome pace attack,” Vidler says. “Ubaid, Naseem Shah’s brother, has been taking many wickets and stepping up in the big games. 

“There are a few other tall guys, it’s going to be a great battle. But we believe our quicks can out-do their fast bowlers. The battle between us and their batters will be an intriguing one.”

Does he want to send an early warning to the Pakistan batters? “We are very confident of winning the semis, but I am not going to send out any message to the Pakistan batters though,” Vidler laughs.

“We want to have a crack at their batters and stick to our skills. But no message. I don’t think I have any intimidation in me. I am not tall enough or scary enough. I just want to focus on my cricket.”

Given how the tournament has gone for him, that’s all he needs to do.

by Abhishek Shukla

Bumrah first India pacer to Top ICC Test Rankings

Jasprit Bumrah has become the first India pacer to top the ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings after an outstanding performance in the second match of their ICC World Test Championship series against England in Visakhapatnam.

The 30-year-old’s nine-wicket match haul has helped him leapfrog Pat Cummins, Kagiso Rabada and Ravichandran Ashwin, making him only the fourth from his country to attain number one position after spinners Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Bishan Singh Bedi.

Bumrah, who was named Player of the Match after helping India level the five-match series with a 106-run victory, ended Ashwin’s 11-month long reign. Bumrah now has a tally of 881 rating points with Ashwin (904) and Jadeja (899) the only India bowlers to have aggregated more rating points. Ashwin and Jadeja also have the unique distinction of being jointly top ranked, in March 2017.

Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav has moved up four places to 45th position. The batting rankings see left-handed opener Yashasvi Jaiswal progress 37 places to 29th after completing a fine double-century in the first innings and Shubman Gill go up 14 places to a career-best 38th after notching a century in the second innings.

England opener Zak Crawley is another player to gain after the Visakhapatnam Test, moving up eight places to a career-best 22nd position after scores of 76 and 73.

Rookie leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed has moved up 14 places to 70th while Tom Hartley, who became just the second England player with at least 50 runs and five wickets in each of his first two Tests, has advanced in both lists – up from 103rd to 95th in the batting rankings and from 63rd to 53rd in the bowling rankings.

In the latest weekly update that also considers performances in the one-off Test between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in Colombo, left-arm spinner Prabhath Jayasuriya has moved up to three places to a career-best sixth position after his eight-wicket match haul helped the home side win by 10 wickets.

Asitha Fernando (up seven places to 34th) and Vishwa Fernando (up nine places to 51st) are other Sri Lanka bowlers to move up while Angelo Mathews (up four places to 24th) has advanced in the batting rankings after top-scoring in the match with 141.

From the Afghanistan team, Ibrahim Zadran has moved up 17 places to 54th after a fighting 114 in the second innings while Rahmat Shah (up 16 places to 66th) and Noor Ali Zadran (entered the rankings in 92nd position) are some other notable movements.

In the Men’s ODI Rankings, Australia leg-spinner Adam Zampa is up one place to third and fast bowler Sean Abbott’s six wickets in the three-match series against the West Indies this past week have lifted him 35 places to joint-33rd position.

West Indies’ left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie has improved his ranking from 61st to 54th after finishing with four wickets in the series.

by Abhishek Shukla

Excitement grips Guwahati as the city gears to host 
Khelo India University Games – Ashtalakshmi 2023

Guwahati, 7 February 2024; The city of Guwahati will take centre stage as it hosts the Fourth Edition of the Khelo India University Games -Ashtalakshmi 2023 between 19th and 29th February 2024.This prestigious sporting event will provide a platform for university athletes from across the country to compete with the best amongst them for glory. Over 5000 participants and officials from 163 universities across the country are participating in the event. The logo and mascot that depict the North Eastern States will be launched, along with the theme song and the jerseys, at a ceremony in Guwahati on 8th February 2024 by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma and Shri Nisith Pramanik, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports.

The Khelo India University Games – Ashtalakshmi 2023 will feature an array of sporting disciplines including Athletics, Rugby, Basketball, Volleyball, Swimming, Badminton, Hockey, Fencing, Kabaddi, Football, Tennis, Mallakhamb, Judo, Table Tennis, Boxing, Shooting, Weightlifting, Archery, Wrestling, and Yogasana, the event embodies the essence of unity in diversity.

by Richard Miller (US)

Golden Knights Halt Oilers’ Historic Win Streak with 3-1 Victory

LAS VEGAS — In a riveting matchup at T-Mobile Arena on Tuesday, the Vegas Golden Knights delivered a stellar performance to end the Edmonton Oilers’ impressive 16-game winning streak with a 3-1 victory. The Oilers, on the brink of tying the NHL record for consecutive wins, fell just short of the 1992-93 Pittsburgh Penguins’ landmark of 17 straight victories.

Goalie Adin Hill was pivotal for the Golden Knights, stopping 30 shots and earning high praise from Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy for his critical role in the win. “He was really good tonight,” Cassidy said. “We don’t win the game without his performance.”

The Golden Knights, bolstered by Chandler Stephenson’s goal and assist in the third period, showcased their depth and resilience. William Karlsson’s empty-net goal sealed the win for Vegas (30-15-6), which has now won six of its last eight games. Nicolas Roy also contributed with a tying goal in the first period, highlighting the team’s collective effort to overcome the Oilers’ momentum.

Despite Connor McDavid’s early goal giving Edmonton a lead with a short-handed breakaway, the Oilers (29-16-1) were unable to sustain their offensive pressure against a determined Vegas defense. Stuart Skinner, in net for Edmonton, made 23 saves, but it wasn’t enough to extend the Oilers’ remarkable win streak.

Reflecting on the streak’s end, McDavid emphasized the positive aspects of their run, acknowledging the combination of skill and fortune that contributed to their success. “Winning 16 straight, you have to have things go well and you have to get some bounces,” McDavid said. “Tonight, we didn’t go out and get it. Credit to them, they make a shot and they’re able to clog it up enough to get it done.”

The Oilers’ coach Kris Knoblauch pointed to missed opportunities and pivotal moments, such as Roy’s late first-period goal and Vegas’ ability to capitalize on their chances, as key factors in the outcome. Despite the loss, he recognized the Oilers’ strong performance and the challenging nature of maintaining such a lengthy win streak.

This matchup not only marked a significant moment in the 2022-2023 NHL season but also showcased the high level of competition between two of the league’s top teams. As both teams look ahead, the Golden Knights will aim to build on this victory, while the Oilers will seek to regroup and continue their pursuit of success in the remainder of the season.

by Richard Miller (US)

Devils Rally to Defeat Avalanche 5-3, Spoiling MacKinnon’s Streak

NEWARK, N.J. — The New Jersey Devils mounted a late comeback to secure a 5-3 victory over the Colorado Avalanche at Prudential Center on Tuesday, with John Marino delivering the crucial go-ahead goal late in the third period. The win ended a challenging two-game skid for the Devils and marked a spirited return to action following a 10-day hiatus due to the NHL All-Star break.

Marino’s decisive goal, coupled with standout performances from Jesper Bratt, Erik Haula, and Nico Hischier, who collectively contributed to the Devils’ offense, helped New Jersey overcome a strong start by the Avalanche. Vitek Vanecek’s 35 saves were pivotal in thwarting Colorado’s efforts, especially a critical stop against Nathan MacKinnon’s breakaway attempt moments before Marino’s winning goal.

The Avalanche, who have now suffered back-to-back losses for the first time since early December, saw Nathan MacKinnon’s impressive 14-game point streak come to an end. Despite early contributions from Mikko Rantanen and goals from Cale Makar and Samuel Girard to tie the game in the third period, Colorado couldn’t capitalize on their momentum.

Colorado’s coach Jared Bednar expressed disappointment with the team’s offensive and defensive execution, highlighting the need for improvement as the Avalanche look to maintain their position in the competitive Western Conference standings.

The game was also notable for the Devils’ resilience, demonstrated by their ability to reclaim the lead after Colorado’s third-period surge. Haula’s empty-netter sealed the victory, underscoring New Jersey’s depth and tactical strength.

This matchup between two of the league’s top teams provided an early glimpse into potential playoff intensity, with both squads showcasing their skill and determination. As the season progresses, the Devils and Avalanche will continue to refine their strategies and build on their strengths in pursuit of postseason success.

by Richard Miller (US)

Suzuki Shines as Canadiens Top Capitals 5-2, Ending Washington’s Slide

WASHINGTON — Nick Suzuki led the Montreal Canadiens to a 5-2 victory over the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on Tuesday, contributing two goals and an assist in a display that underscored his leadership and skill. The Canadiens (21-21-8) returned from the NHL All-Star break with renewed vigor, marking their first game since the departure of center Sean Monahan to the Winnipeg Jets.

Suzuki’s performance, coupled with Juraj Slafkovsky’s two goals and Mike Matheson’s two assists, helped Montreal secure an early lead and maintain control throughout the game. Sam Montembeault’s 37 saves were critical in fending off the Capitals’ attempts to rally, as the Canadiens aimed to build momentum in the latter half of the season.

The Capitals (22-19-7), despite Alex Ovechkin’s goal and Dylan Strome’s two assists, extended their losing streak to five games (0-4-1), highlighting their recent struggles. The goaltending change from Charlie Lindgren to Darcy Kuemper after the Canadiens’ third goal did little to shift the game’s tide in Washington’s favor.

Montreal’s early onslaught began with Suzuki scoring twice in less than a minute during the first period, showcasing the team’s aggressive approach and readiness to capitalize on opportunities. Michael Pezzetta’s goal further extended the Canadiens’ lead, setting a challenging pace for the Capitals.

Despite Ovechkin’s goal in the second period providing a glimmer of hope for Washington, Montreal’s defense, anchored by Montembeault’s stellar goaltending, effectively neutralized the Capitals’ offense. Slafkovsky’s third-period goals, including his first multigoal game in the NHL, sealed the victory for the Canadiens.

The Capitals’ inability to convert their chances into goals, compounded by defensive lapses, underscored the challenges facing the team as they seek to reverse their fortunes and climb back into playoff contention. Washington’s coach Spencer Carbery pointed to the team’s “massive mistakes” as a recurring issue that needs addressing.

For Montreal, the win represents a positive start following the All-Star break and the trade of a key player. The team’s resilience and strategic execution on both ends of the ice highlight their potential for growth and competitiveness in the remaining games.

As both teams look ahead, the Canadiens will aim to build on this victory and continue their ascent in the standings, while the Capitals must address their current slump and find ways to reignite their offense and solidify their defense.

by Richard Miller (US)

Penguins Shut Out Jets 3-0 as Jarry Leads With Stellar Performance

PITTSBURGH — Tristan Jarry’s exceptional goaltending was the highlight of the night, recording his NHL-leading sixth shutout of the season to guide the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 3-0 victory over the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena on Tuesday. Jarry’s 23 saves helped end the Penguins’ five-game losing streak and improve their record to 23-17-7.

The game marked Sean Monahan’s debut for the Jets following his trade from the Montreal Canadiens. Despite Monahan’s efforts, including one shot on goal and winning three of five face-offs, the Jets struggled to find the back of the net, extending their losing streak to four games (0-3-1) and highlighting their recent scoring difficulties.

Kris Letang, Jeff Carter, and Bryan Rust provided the offense for Pittsburgh, each netting a goal to secure the win. The Penguins, who hadn’t played since a 3-2 overtime win against Montreal on Jan. 27, showed no signs of rust, executing well on both ends of the ice.

The Jets, now 30-13-5, faced challenges in generating offense, a concern echoed by coach Rick Bowness, who noted the team’s inability to score as a key factor in their recent losses. Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck made 24 saves, but it wasn’t enough to stop Pittsburgh’s attack.

The match also featured a controversial moment when Jets defenseman Brenden Dillon received a match penalty for an illegal check to the head of Penguins forward Noel Acciari. Pittsburgh capitalized on the ensuing five-minute power play, scoring twice to extend their lead and effectively seal the game.

Sidney Crosby extended his point streak to eight games with an assist on Rust’s goal, continuing his impactful play for the Penguins. Additionally, the game saw Jesse Puljujarvi making his debut for Pittsburgh, and Reilly Smith returning from an upper-body injury, adding depth to the Penguins’ lineup.

As Pittsburgh looks to build on this win and climb back into playoff contention, Winnipeg aims to address their scoring woes and get back to winning ways. Both teams will seek to take the positives from this game as they prepare for their next NHL matchups.

by Richard Miller (US)

Flyers Snap Losing Streak with Gritty 2-1 Win Over Panthers

SUNRISE, Fla. — The Philadelphia Flyers ended a five-game slide with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena on Tuesday. Noah Cates’ third-period goal proved to be the difference-maker, propelling the Flyers (26-19-6) to an important win as they seek to maintain their playoff position.

The game, marked by intense play and strategic execution, was the first for both teams following the NHL All-Star break. Despite being outshot early and facing a tenacious Panthers squad, the Flyers showcased resilience and a commitment to their game plan.

Philadelphia’s Travis Konecny tied the game in the second period with a precise breakaway goal, setting the stage for Cates’ game-winner early in the third. Samuel Ersson, standing tall in net, made 20 saves to secure the win, highlighted by his crucial stops that kept the Flyers competitive through periods of sustained pressure from Florida.

The Panthers (31-15-4), despite entering the game on a four-game winning streak, struggled to capitalize on their opportunities. Carter Verhaeghe scored Florida’s lone goal on a power play in the first period, showcasing his scoring touch. However, the Panthers’ offense, which had been prolific in recent games, was stifled by Philadelphia’s determined defensive effort.

Florida coach Paul Maurice expressed disappointment in the team’s performance, particularly in the latter stages of the game, indicating a need for improvement as the Panthers aim to solidify their standing in the playoff race. The loss also ended Sam Reinhart’s impressive point streak, underscoring the Flyers’ effectiveness in neutralizing key opposition players.

The victory is a significant morale booster for the Flyers, who had been searching for a positive result after a challenging stretch. Coach John Tortorella praised his team’s ability to rebound and play to their strengths, emphasizing the importance of mindset and willingness to compete against top-tier teams.

This game not only marks a pivotal moment for Philadelphia as they look to build momentum in the season’s second half but also serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of the NHL, where any team can emerge victorious on any given night. As both teams continue their campaign, the focus will be on refining their play and addressing weaknesses exposed in this closely contested matchup.

by Richard Miller (US)

Lindholm Powers Canucks to Victory Over Hurricanes with Two Power-Play Goals

RALEIGH, N.C. — Elias Lindholm made a spectacular debut for the Vancouver Canucks, scoring two power-play goals to lead his new team to a 3-2 victory against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena on Tuesday. Acquired from the Calgary Flames, Lindholm’s immediate impact helped extend the Canucks’ impressive point streak to 12 games, as they now stand at 34-11-5 for the season.

Lindholm’s performance was a testament to his adaptability and skill, contributing significantly despite the flurry of new information and adjustments associated with joining a new team. “I just tried to play my game, work hard, and keep it simple,” Lindholm remarked, reflecting on his successful debut.

The Canucks, who have been on a roll with a 10-0-2 streak, received additional scoring from J.T. Miller, who netted the go-ahead goal in the third period. Key assists from Brock Boeser and Quinn Hughes, alongside a strong 22-save performance from Thatcher Demko, solidified Vancouver’s win.

The Hurricanes, despite efforts from Sebastian Aho and Jordan Martinook, couldn’t sustain their three-game winning streak preceding the All-Star break. Pyotr Kochetkov, in his first start since January 11, made 16 saves for Carolina, now positioned at 28-16-5.

Carolina’s coach Rod Brind’Amour acknowledged the team’s slow start and the Canucks’ competitive edge. “We were terrible to start, they were good. We got a little better… We probably deserved better in the third, just didn’t happen,” Brind’Amour said, highlighting the game’s competitiveness.

Lindholm’s goals, both resulting from deft redirects of Hughes’ shots, showcased his knack for being in the right place at the right time and his ability to make significant plays. His second goal, in particular, underscored the chemistry beginning to form with his new teammates, with Hughes praising Lindholm’s skill and anticipation.

The Hurricanes managed to keep the game competitive, with Aho’s power-play goal tying the game in the second period. However, Miller’s fortunate third-period goal, which capitalized on an unusual bounce off the stanchion, ultimately sealed the win for Vancouver.

The game not only highlighted Lindholm’s seamless integration into the Canucks but also the team’s collective resilience and strategic play, especially on special teams. As Vancouver continues to build momentum, their performance against a strong Hurricanes team emphasizes their potential for continued success in the league.

With contributions from key players like Demko, Hughes, and Boeser, and now Lindholm, the Canucks appear poised for a deep run, reflecting the depth and talent within their roster. As for the Hurricanes, despite the setback, their competitive spirit and ability to challenge one of the league’s top teams indicate they remain contenders as the season progresses.

by Richard Miller (US)

Oettinger’s Stellar Performance Leads Stars to Victory Over Sabres

BUFFALO — Jake Oettinger’s incredible 47-save performance was the backbone of the Dallas Stars’ 2-1 win against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center on Tuesday, marking a triumphant return from the All-Star break for Dallas. Oettinger, coming off his representation at the NHL All-Star Weekend, was pivotal in securing the win, crediting some luck and a much-needed bounce-back performance for the victory.

Matt Duchene and Sam Steel found the back of the net for the Stars, who extended their winning streak to four games and their point streak to six. The victory was particularly sweet for Dallas (31-13-6), highlighting their resilience and team effort in the face of a determined Sabres squad.

Despite Tage Thompson’s goal and a spirited performance from the Sabres, Buffalo (22-24-4) could not capitalize on their numerous chances, largely due to Oettinger’s goaltending heroics. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 28 saves for Buffalo, which had been looking to build on a two-game winning streak.

The game started with Dallas taking an early lead through Duchene’s power-play goal, which deflected off a Sabres defenseman. The Sabres responded with significant pressure, outshooting Dallas and generating numerous chances, but found themselves thwarted by Oettinger’s exceptional play.

Buffalo’s frustration continued into the second period despite Thompson’s power-play goal tying the game. Dallas quickly regained the lead with Steel’s goal, a moment of quick thinking and opportunistic play that underscored the Stars’ night of taking advantage of their chances.

As the final seconds ticked down, Buffalo launched a desperate attempt to equalize, but Oettinger’s acrobatics and a bit of luck kept the puck out of the net, sealing the win for Dallas. The Sabres’ efforts, highlighted by a significant shot advantage and a game filled with chances, were ultimately undone by Dallas’ goaltending and timely scoring.

This game not only showcased Oettinger’s growing reputation as a clutch goaltender but also emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities in the NHL. For Dallas, the win reinforces their status as contenders, while Buffalo is left to rue missed opportunities despite a performance that on many other nights would have secured a win.

Moving forward, both teams will look to build on this game — Dallas aiming to maintain their winning ways and Buffalo seeking to convert their chances into victories as they push towards the playoffs.

by Richard Miller (US)

Kuzmenko Makes Immediate Impact as Flames Overwhelm Bruins 4-1

BOSTON — Andrei Kuzmenko celebrated his Calgary Flames debut with a goal, propelling his new team to a convincing 4-1 victory over the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on Tuesday. Acquired from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for forward Elias Lindholm, alongside draft picks and prospects, Kuzmenko wasted no time in making his presence felt in the Flames lineup.

“It’s a good feeling because we win,” Kuzmenko remarked on his debut performance, despite believing his line could have capitalized on more opportunities. His early contribution set the tone for the Flames, who dominated the Bruins in their first game back from the NHL All-Star break.

Jonathan Huberdeau, with a goal and two assists, and Nazem Kadri, contributing three assists, were pivotal in Calgary’s offense, while Jacob Markstrom’s 21 saves ensured a solid defensive performance. The Flames, now at 23-22-5, showcased a team effort that Kadri likened to a “pack of hyenas,” emphasizing the collective drive that led to their success against the Bruins.

Pavel Zacha scored the lone goal for Boston, with Jeremy Swayman making 25 saves. The Bruins, who had been on a hot streak with seven wins in their previous eight games, couldn’t replicate their recent form, falling to a record of 31-10-9. Bruins coach Jim Montgomery criticized the team’s effort and preparation, pointing out the mental and physical errors that plagued their performance.

The game marked both teams’ return to action after a 10-day hiatus due to the All-Star break. Kuzmenko’s goal in the first period, a power-play strike, highlighted a series of key moments that swung momentum in Calgary’s favor. Connor Zary extended the lead with a skillful second goal, before Huberdeau and Noah Hanifin sealed the victory with goals in the third period.

The Bruins’ attempt at a comeback was short-lived, with Zacha’s third-period goal providing a brief spark that was quickly extinguished by Calgary’s determined play. Huberdeau’s steal and goal underscored the Flames’ aggressive approach, taking advantage of Boston’s mistakes.

This victory for Calgary, characterized by effective power play and a robust defensive effort, underscores their potential as they aim to climb the standings. For Boston, the loss serves as a reminder of the challenges ahead as they seek to maintain their position at the top of the league.

As the Flames celebrate Kuzmenko’s successful debut and a crucial win, both teams look ahead to their next matchups, with Calgary building on their momentum and Boston aiming to rebound from this setback.

by Richard Miller (US)

Durant’s Dominance and Booker’s Brilliance Propel Suns Past Bucks 114-106

PHOENIX — In a remarkable display of skill and athleticism, Kevin Durant led the Phoenix Suns to a 114-106 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night with a performance that belied his 35 years. Highlighting his night was a spectacular dunk over Giannis Antetokounmpo, signaling Durant’s undiminished prowess on the court. The 14-time All-Star, according to Suns coach Frank Vogel, showed no signs of slowing down, tearing down the rim when attacking.

Devin Booker added to the Suns’ victory with a team-high 32 points, while Durant, shining in the fourth quarter, contributed 28 points to ensure the Suns maintained their lead. Durant’s highlight dunk extended Phoenix’s advantage to 13 points midway through the fourth, showcasing his decisive impact on the game.

The Suns have been on an upward trajectory, boasting an 11-3 record since January 11, after overcoming challenges in the first half of the season. This victory underscored their resurgence and highlighted their potential as a formidable force in the league.

The Bucks faced significant lineup challenges, missing star guard Damian Lillard due to a sprained ankle and starting center Brook Lopez for personal reasons. Khris Middleton’s early exit in the first quarter with a sprained ankle further depleted Milwaukee’s lineup. Despite these setbacks, Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 34 points and 10 rebounds, while Malik Beasley contributed 22 points.

Bucks coach Doc Rivers, despite the team falling to 1-4 under his guidance, remained optimistic, especially about the team’s defensive efforts. Antetokounmpo echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for continued improvement and hard work.

The Suns’ victory was notable not just for the standout performances by Durant and Booker but also for overcoming their own shooting struggles, particularly from beyond the arc. Bradley Beal’s double-double, with 25 points and 10 rebounds, further bolstered Phoenix’s performance.

The game’s outcome was influenced not only by the Suns’ star players but also by the Bucks’ injury challenges and adjustments under new coaching. As both teams look ahead, the Suns hosting Utah and the Bucks facing Minnesota on Thursday night, they carry forward lessons and aspirations from this encounter, with Phoenix reinforcing their status as contenders and Milwaukee seeking to regroup and build on their defensive strategies.

by Richard Miller (US)

Markkanen’s Stellar Performance Powers Jazz Past Thunder 124-117

SALT LAKE CITY — Lauri Markkanen’s dominant display of 33 points and 11 rebounds led the Utah Jazz to a 124-117 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, showcasing his pivotal role in Tuesday night’s matchup. John Collins contributed significantly with 22 points and nine rebounds, while Keyonte George added 16 points and five assists, underscoring the Jazz’s collective effort to secure the win.

Utah’s strategy to dominate inside paid off, outscoring the Thunder 19-9 in second-chance points and holding a commanding 60-36 advantage in the paint. Jazz coach Will Hardy praised the team’s defensive efforts, particularly in protecting the paint, as a key factor in their success.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 28 points and seven assists, with Jalen Williams adding 26 points. Chet Holmgren also made a notable impact with 22 points and eight rebounds. Despite Oklahoma City’s proficiency from beyond the arc, with 19 3-pointers made, their inability to score in the paint after halftime was a critical shortfall, as highlighted by Gilgeous-Alexander’s remarks on the need for improvement.

The game was tightly contested into the fourth quarter, with Williams’ three-point shooting briefly giving Oklahoma City a lead. However, George’s crucial three-pointers and his assist to Markkanen for another key basket shifted the momentum back to Utah, securing their lead in the final minutes.

Markkanen reflected on the importance of performing in critical moments, whether on offense or defense. This victory marked the second consecutive game where Utah overcame a second-half double-digit deficit to clinch a win at home, indicating their resilience and ability to execute under pressure.

The Thunder’s early lead, propelled by effective scoring from Gilgeous-Alexander and Dieng, showcased their potential. However, Utah’s rally, highlighted by Markkanen’s third-quarter scoring spree and a decisive 16-0 run bridging the third and fourth quarters, demonstrated their capacity to overturn deficits.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault pointed to Utah’s physicality and dominance in rebounding and paint scoring as significant challenges that Oklahoma City failed to counter effectively. The Jazz’s improvement to 20-1 when leading into the fourth quarter this season emphasizes their ability to close out games successfully.

Looking ahead, Oklahoma City will aim to regroup as they travel to Dallas on Saturday, while Utah looks to carry their momentum into their next game at Phoenix on Thursday night. This matchup between the Jazz and Thunder highlighted the importance of interior dominance, timely shooting, and the ability to execute in crunch time as key factors in securing a win in the competitive landscape of the NBA.

by Richard Miller (US)

Bulls Mount Remarkable Comeback to Topple Timberwolves 129-123 in Overtime Thriller

CHICAGO — In a spectacular display of resilience and firepower, the Chicago Bulls, led by Coby White and DeMar DeRozan, overcame a 23-point deficit to claim a 129-123 overtime victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night. Both White and DeRozan delivered outstanding performances, scoring 33 points each, to fuel the Bulls’ comeback.

Nikola Vucevic added 24 points to the Bulls’ tally, while Andre Drummond dominated the boards with 16 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks. This win was particularly sweet for Chicago, bouncing back from a 123-115 loss to Sacramento where they nearly erased a 30-point gap.

The game was a rollercoaster, with Minnesota establishing a commanding 22-point lead by halftime, propelled by Anthony Edwards’ dynamic play, who finished the night with 38 points and 12 rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns also shone for the Timberwolves, contributing 33 points at the start of their four-game road trip.

However, the Bulls found their rhythm in the second half, ignited by White’s explosive scoring after the break. “Coby White is an incredible basketball player,” Drummond stated, applauding White’s crucial contributions during the comeback.

The drama intensified as Towns tied the game at 115 with a three-pointer late in the fourth quarter. DeRozan then missed a potential game-winner, pushing the contest into overtime. In OT, DeRozan quickly made amends, scoring Chicago’s first six points and showcasing why he’s considered clutch in critical moments.

Despite the Timberwolves’ initial dominance, the Bulls’ strategic adjustments in the second half paid dividends, especially in limiting Edwards and Towns’ impact. Edwards’ late charging foul in overtime and a split pair of free throws were pivotal moments as the Bulls secured their lead.

Minnesota’s coach, Chris Finch, lamented the team’s defensive breakdowns and the offense’s shortcomings in crucial moments. “The defense fell apart,” Finch said, highlighting the challenges his team faced in closing out the game.

As both teams look ahead, the Timberwolves will aim to regroup against the Milwaukee Bucks, while the Bulls take their newfound momentum into a matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies. This thrilling comeback victory not only underscores the Bulls’ fighting spirit but also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of basketball, where no lead is safe until the final buzzer.

by Richard Miller (US)

Irving Shines in New York Homecoming, Leads Mavericks to 119-107 Win Over Nets

NEW YORK — Kyrie Irving returned to New York in spectacular fashion, lighting up the court with 36 points in the Dallas Mavericks’ 119-107 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. The homecoming game was a special moment for Irving, who grew up in the area and had a significant following in the stands at the Barclays Center.

Luka Doncic also starred for the Mavericks, posting 35 points, 18 rebounds, and nine assists, narrowly missing out on a triple-double. His performance, along with Irving’s, proved too much for the Nets as the guard duo hit deep 3-pointers to stave off any comeback attempts by Brooklyn.

Irving, who played for the Nets before his trade to the Mavericks, was met with mixed reactions from the crowd, receiving boos initially but eventually earning cheers for his impressive plays, including a high-flying slam dunk in the third quarter. His return was marked by moments of nostalgia and celebration, as he spent time after the game signing autographs and reconnecting with fans.

Despite a spirited effort by the Nets, highlighted by Mikal Bridges’ 28 points and a late-game rally to cut a 23-point deficit to just six, Irving’s consecutive 3-pointers in the final minutes sealed the win for Dallas. The Nets, playing without several key players, struggled to contain the Mavericks’ offensive firepower.

Brooklyn’s coach Jacque Vaughn acknowledged Irving’s impact, praising his timely shot-making abilities. The game also saw Ben Simmons contributing with nine points, nine rebounds, and seven assists after missing a previous game.

Irving’s tenure with the Nets was tumultuous, marked by missed games due to personal reasons, his stance on COVID-19 vaccination, and a suspension for refusing to apologize for sharing an antisemitic work. Despite these challenges, Irving’s return to Brooklyn was without a tribute video, unlike Kevin Durant’s recent return, with the Nets opting for a more subdued acknowledgment.

The Mavericks led comfortably for most of the game, with Irving’s shooting in the second quarter pushing the lead into double digits, and Doncic’s long-range 3-pointers in the third quarter demoralizing the Nets’ comeback efforts.

As both teams look ahead, the Mavericks will continue their New York tour against the Knicks, while the Nets prepare to host the Cleveland Cavaliers, each aiming to build momentum from their performances in this memorable matchup.

by Richard Miller (US)

Butler’s Explosive 63-Second Run Propels Heat to Dominant 121-95 Victory Over Magic

MIAMI — Jimmy Butler’s electrifying 63-second performance midway through the fourth quarter, featuring an 8-0 personal run, was the catalyst for the Miami Heat’s commanding 121-95 win over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night. This burst from Butler, highlighted by two three-pointers and a jumper, pushed the Heat to decisively pull away from the Magic.

Butler’s overall contribution of 23 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, and three steals led a balanced Miami attack, with seven players scoring in double figures. Terry Rozier added 18 points, while Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, the latter an All-Star, each contributed 14 points to the victory.

The Heat, who have struggled at home winning just the second game in their last seven attempts, viewed this as a quality win against a formidable opponent, according to coach Erik Spoelstra. Particularly impressive was Adebayo’s performance, with Miami outscoring Orlando by 32 points during his minutes on the court, marking a season second-highest plus-minus for a Heat player.

Orlando’s All-Star forward Paolo Banchero continued his impressive road scoring streak, notching 23 points. This marks his 18th consecutive road game scoring at least 20 points, tying Tracy McGrady’s second-longest streak in Magic history.

Despite efforts from Wendell Carter Jr., Markelle Fultz, and Franz Wagner, who scored 15 and 13 points respectively, the Magic could not overcome Miami’s intensity and execution. The loss brings Orlando’s and Miami’s records to an identical 27-24, tying them atop the Southeast Division. The Heat clinching the season series 3-1 against the Magic could play a crucial role in playoff seeding tiebreakers.

The rivalry between the teams was acknowledged by both sides, with Magic coach Jamahl Mosley expressing enthusiasm about reigniting the competitive spirit and Heat’s Rozier highlighting the game’s importance.

The Heat showcased their dominance early, leading by 20 points in the second quarter, a rarity for the team in recent games. However, Orlando narrowed the gap to seven by halftime, thanks to a spirited 16-3 run. The Magic’s attempt to close the distance further in the third quarter was thwarted by Miami’s surge, extending their lead to 21 points entering the final quarter.

Butler’s critical scoring run in the fourth quashed any hopes of a Magic comeback, with Orlando’s Banchero acknowledging Miami’s superior desire for the win.

As both teams look ahead, the Magic will host San Antonio on Thursday night, while the Heat will face the same opponent on Wednesday, each aiming to build on their current standings and performances.

by Abhishek Shukla

Squash: Hutton Overcomes Malik In All-England Duel On DAC Pro Squash Classic Opening Day

England’s Jasmine Hutton saw off the threat of compatriot Torrie Malik in a tough four-game encounter to book her spot in the DAC Pro Squash Classic second round.

World No.25 Hutton, who sits 36 spots above Malik in the current world rankings, didn’t have it all her own way despite a lightning start at the Detroit Athletic Club that saw her capture the first two games in just six minutes a piece.

Malik, 19, grew into the match the longer it progressed, claiming five points on the spin when 5-2 down in the third to seize control of the game and reduce the deficit to 2-1. Malik, who was dangerous in the front two corners throughout the match, progressed to 5-5 in the fourth, however, it was Hutton who eventually proved too strong. 

The two-time British Nationals winner claimed the fourth game by an 11-9 scoreline to seal victory after 37 minutes of fast-paced action. 

After the match, Hutton said: “I was really pleased with my performance in the first two games and then my concentration slipped a bit and Torrie actually got better as the match went on. 

“I got a little edgy at the back end of those last two games and it didn’t feel like there was much rhythm there. It was very stop-start and lots of three-shot rallies, and I don’t really like to play that type of game. 

On her upcoming tie against fellow Englishwoman and No.8 seed Lucy Beecroft, she added: “I’m excited. I came all this way and I’ve played two English players! I’m looking forward to it because we are both clean players and good friends and teammates, so it should be a good game.”

The 24-year-old will be joined by compatriot Alicia Mead in the second round of the PSA World Tour Silver event after she claimed a straight-game victory over Ineta Hopton, while Switzerland’s Cindy Merlo scored an impressive win over Millie Tomlinson. 

Day two of action from the DAC Pro Squash Classic commences at 16:45 (GMT-5) on Wednesday, 7th February, with every second of play available to watch live on SQUASHTV.

Results: DAC Pro Squash Classic 2024 RD1 

Aira Azman (MAS) bt Jessica Turnbull (AUS) 3-1: 11-9, 11-6, 8-11, 11-4 (32m)

Hana Moataz (EGY) bt Marta Dominguez (ESP) 3-1: 11-8, 11-9, 2-11, 11-8 (38m)

Jasmine Hutton (ENG) bt Torrie Malik (ENG) 3-1: 11-4, 11-5, 8-11, 11-9 (37m)

Cindy Merlo (SUI) bt Millie Tomlinson (ENG) 3-1: 11-4, 11-8, 4-11, 12-10 (38m)

Kenzy Ayman (EGY) bt Haya Ali (EGY) 3-1: 11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 11-4 (31m)

Menna Hamed (EGY) bt Anna Serme (CZE) 3-0: 11-8, 11-9, 11-5 (23m)

Alicia Mead (ENG) bt Ineta Hopton (LAT) 3-0: 14-12, 12-10, 11-7 (27m)

Nadine Shahin (EGY) bt Saskia Beinhard (GER) 3-0: 11-6, 11-9, 11-4 (23m)

Draw: DAC Pro Squash Classic 2024 RD2 

[7] Melissa Alves (FRA) v Cindy Merlo (SUI) 

[4] Nada Abbas (EGY) v Kenzy Ayman (EGY)

Nadine Shahin (EGY) v [2] Olivia Weaver (USA)

[5] Farida Mohamed (EGY) v Hana Moataz (EGY)

[1] Nouran Gohar (EGY) v Menna Hamed (EGY)

Aira Azman (MAS) v [3] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) 

Jasmine Hutton (ENG) v [8] Lucy Beecroft (ENG)

Alicia Mead (ENG) v [6] Hollie Naughton (CAN)

by Richard Miller (US)

Knicks Overcome Grizzlies 123-113 Despite Late Scare and Brunson’s Injury

NEW YORK — The New York Knicks secured a 123-113 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night, despite a late resurgence from the Grizzlies and an ankle injury to key player Jalen Brunson. Donte DiVincenzo led the scoring with 32 points, while Brunson contributed 27 points and eight assists before his departure due to injury.

Isaiah Hartenstein and Precious Achiuwa added 17 points each, with Hartenstein also grabbing eight rebounds. The Knicks showcased their offensive firepower by shooting 55.8% from the field, marking their 10th win in the last 11 games and improving their record to 16-3 over their past 19 outings.

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau acknowledged the team’s struggle to close the game strongly but emphasized the importance of the win. The game took a concerning turn for the Knicks when Brunson, amid MVP chants from the home crowd, appeared to injure his ankle following a foul by G.G. Jackson. Postgame, there was no immediate update on Brunson’s condition, though his teammate Hartenstein speculated it looked like an ankle sprain.

Despite the scare, DiVincenzo expressed confidence in Brunson’s resilience, highlighting the strong bond and understanding between the players. The Grizzlies, despite missing several key players, made a spirited comeback in the fourth quarter, scoring 39 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit. Vince Williams Jr. led the Grizzlies with 19 points, with Jackson and David Roddy contributing 16 and 15 points, respectively.

Memphis has been plagued by injuries this season, leading the NBA in games lost due to injury, which has significantly impacted their performance. The Grizzlies’ late rally, fueled by nine three-pointers in the fourth quarter, brought them within four points of the Knicks. However, DiVincenzo’s critical scoring, including a decisive three-pointer, ensured the Knicks maintained their lead.

As the Knicks navigate the absence of starters Julius Randle and OG Anunoby due to injuries, this win underscores their depth and resilience. The victory also highlights areas for improvement, particularly in defensive consistency, as they prepare for their next game against Dallas.

Both teams look ahead to their next challenges, with Memphis hosting Chicago and New York facing Dallas on Thursday night, as they seek to build on their performances and address their respective challenges.

by Richard Miller (US)

Pacers Rally Past Rockets 132-129 Behind Siakam’s 29 Points and Strong Second-Half Defense

INDIANAPOLIS — In a thrilling Tuesday night showdown, the Indiana Pacers, led by Pascal Siakam’s scoring prowess and T.J. McConnell’s energetic play, overcame the Houston Rockets 132-129. A significant third-quarter rally, ignited by Siakam and McConnell, who combined for 17 points during the period, was key to their victory.

Siakam, who ended the game with 29 points, emphasized the defensive strategy adjustments made during halftime. “The third quarter, we just kind of sat down, get down into the bodies and pressured more,” Siakam noted, underlining the defensive intensity that he believes will elevate the Pacers’ performance.

The Pacers have struggled with their defense for most of the season, but the mid-January acquisition of Siakam from Toronto and McConnell’s consistent performance are signaling a potential turnaround. McConnell contributed 17 points and four assists, helping to limit the Rockets to 54 points in the second half, a notable improvement from their defensive efforts earlier in the season.

Despite a strong start from the Rockets, who led 75-68 at halftime and extended their lead early in the third quarter, the Pacers’ intensified defense and strategic plays reversed the game’s momentum. Indiana’s 31-17 run towards the end of the third quarter was pivotal, turning a deficit into a 106-99 lead.

Houston’s Jalen Green led his team with 30 points, with Dillon Brooks adding 23. The Rockets felt the absence of starting guard Fred VanVleet, sidelined until the All-Star break, as acknowledged by coach Ime Udoka. Despite the loss, rookie Amen Thompson impressed with a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds, alongside six assists.

The Pacers’ victory was sealed with Tyrese Haliburton’s crucial layup in the final moments, contributing 18 points and seven assists to the win. Haliburton, still on a minutes restriction due to a left hamstring injury, expressed his contentment with being able to play significant minutes again.

As the Pacers celebrate their second consecutive win and a ninth victory in the series against the Rockets, both teams look ahead. Houston aims to bounce back on their road trip against Toronto, while Indiana prepares to host Golden State in their next matchup, seeking to maintain their winning momentum.

by Abhishek Shukla

Squash: World No.2 Diego Elias to Headline Canadian Open 2024

Peru’s World No.2 Diego Elias has been named as the top seed for the Canadian Open presented by AirSprint Private Aviation as the PSA World Tour heads back to Calgary for the Silver-level event.

The event will run between March 3-7 with an all-glass court being erected in Oxford Properties’ Bow Valley Square with action available to watch live on SQUASHTV. 

Former World No.1 Elias claimed his first title of the season over the weekend as he defended his Motor City Open trophy in emphatic fashion, beating in-form Paul Coll in three games to lift the trophy.  The Peruvian will be hoping to claim another World Tour title as he competes in Canada for the first time since 2019, a country where he has tasted victory twice before.

The No.2 seed for the event is Egypt’s Mazen Hesham. The entertaining World No.7 has only failed to reach the quarter-finals in one event so far this season and has been showing impressive consistency. The 29-year-old recently finished second at the Florida Open Gold-level event but will be determined to go one better to claim a ninth career title. He will face the winner of Abhay Sigh and Dimitri Steinmann in round two after a round one bye.

The No.3 and 4 seeding positions are occupied by Marwan ElShorbagy and Youssef Soliman. ElShorbagy will be competing in Canada for the first time since 2019, looking to continue the good form that he was showing at the latter stages of 2023. Soliman on the other hand, started his 2023-24 season in Canada, at the Windsor Cup Bronze-level event, where he lost out to compatriot Tarek Momen in the final. He’ll be hoping to cause an upset against Hesham, if the seedings go to plan, to reach another final in North America. 

A trio of Europeans feature in the 5/8 seeding positions as France’s Gregoire Marche and Auguste Dussourd are joined by Switzerland’s Nicolas Mueller and Qatar’s Abdulla Al Tamimi. The quartet will be hopeful of not just achieving their seeding, but causing a quarter-final upset to move into the final four. 

One of last year’s wildcards Connor Turk will be back in action this year after he won a wildcard playoff to earn a return to the event in 2024. Turk is currently ranked No.156 and will be hoping to draw on the home support to move into round two. He faces Japan’s Ryunosuke Tsukue in the opening round.

Tickets for the event are available to purchase here.

For more information on the Canadian Open, visit the tournament website or follow the PSA on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Draw: Canadian Open 2024 presented by AirSprint Private Aviation

[1] Diego Elias (PER) bye
Yannick Wilhelmi (SUI) v [9/16] Todd Harrity (USA)
[9/16] Ryunosuke Tsukue (JPN) v Connor Turk (CAN)
[8] Gregoire Marche (FRA) bye
[5] Abdulla Al-Tamimi (QAT) bye
Mazen Gamal (EGY) v [9/16] Rui Soares (POR)
[9/16] Farkas Balazs (HUN) v Daniel Poleshchuk (ISR)
[3] Marwan Elshorbagy (ENG) bye
[4] Youssef Soliman (EGY) bye
Tayyab Aslam (PAK) v [9/16] Juan Camilo Vargas (COL)
[9/16] David Baillargeon (CAN) v Ben Smith (ENG)
[6] Nicolas Mueller (SUI) bye
[7] Auguste Dussourd (FRA) bye
Tom Walsh (ENG) v [9/16] Nick Wall (ENG)
[9/16] Dimitri Steinmann (SUI) v Abhay Singh (IND)
[2] Mazen Hesham (EGY) bye

by Abhishek Shukla

Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC embark on pursuit of a playoff spot with the Southern Derby

Bengaluru, February 06: Bengaluru FC will host Chennaiyin FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium as the southern rivals restart their bid to reignite their ambitions of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season. Kicking off at 7:30 p.m. (IST), this is a fixture that has always excited fans and supporters alike, due to the background significance attached to both the sides. The two sides had clashed in the final in the first campaign that Bengaluru FC competed in the ISL, i.e. 2017-18.

The Marina Machans had gotten the better of them in a thrilling 3-2 clash back then, and since then, this duel has taken many a turn, producing one entertaining encounter after another. However, right now, both sides are in similarly challenging circumstances. The Blues would have hoped for a happy start since the resumption of the season, but they ended up losing 3-1 to Punjab FC.

They ended up squandering a one-goal lead away from home, which will raise concerns for Gerard Zaragoza, especially because the club has invested in strengthening the defence in the winter transfer window through the acquisitions of Nikhil Poojary and Chinglensana Singh. Chennaiyin FC got Mobashir Rahman on loan, but it is widely perceived that they needed more incomings to build upon the first leg of the campaign that saw their team winning 12 points in as many games.

What’s at stake?

Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC has made a remarkable statement in the transfer market, and the time has come for the head coach and the whole squad to live up the expectations of the fans as well as the owners. What’s startling to the supporters is that the team that made it to the ISL final last year cannot be struggling to find form, regardless of the departures. They boast of an incredible record against the Marina Machans, having defeated them seven times across the ISL seasons.

Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC won three matches in the opening leg of the campaign, and one of them was when they beat Bengaluru FC by 2-0 at home. The Marina Machans have in fact never won twice consecutively in this fixture in the past, and Owen Coyle must be aiming to bring curtains down to that run after getting a good month-long time to refine his squad and imprint his coaching style on them.  The coach needs to plug some leakages in the back, having conceded 22 goals in 12 matches, only second behind Hyderabad FC, who have given away 24 strikes.

They have found the back of the net 15 times and are gifted with some really promising forwards in Jordan Murray, Rafael Crivellaro, Connor Shields amongst others. When on song, the trio is capable of running circles around any backline, and the new additions in the Bengaluru FC ranks thus have a task up their hands now. A sense of cohesion has been lacking in their setup off late, with all the departments being unable to click simultaneously. This has resulted in them dropping points when they could get all three of them. Hence, Coyle must be hoping that the start of the second half of the season is a mark of new beginnings for them.

Key Players

Oliver Drost (Bengaluru FC)

Bengaluru FC also roped in 28-year-old Danish forward Oliver Drost to replace the outgoing Curtis Main in the winter transfer market. Drost is a bit of an unknown commodity in the Indian footballing circuit, and that bit of unfamiliarity about him could help him spring a surprise in this crucial fixture. He has played in Denmark for most of his professional career and is deemed to be a quick operator in the final third. The Blues can do with some fresh legs that can trouble the opposition’s backline. He will be hoping to strike a good partnership with key players like Sunil Chhetri and Javi Hernandez, but whether Drost has it in him to be a key architect behind a possible turnaround for Bengaluru FC this year will be closely watched.

Ninthoinganba Meetei (Chennaiyin FC)

Ninthoinganba Meetei has been one of the promising players who have broken through the ranks to really shine under the tutelage of Coyle in Chennaiyin FC this season. He averages 61.7 minutes on the field per game and has netted twice in nine appearances in ISL 2023-24. The 22-year-old limits his involvement in the final third, averages 14 passes every 90 minutes, and has created nine goal-scoring opportunities. He has a burst of pace that comes in handy whilst catching the opposition off-guard inside their penalty box. He is also adept at drawing fouls from dangerous positions, and 75% of his shots have landed on target. There is some efficiency in his gameplay that helps him convert most of the chances that he creates or the ones that come his way. On that note, one can expect him to play an important role at the Kanteerava in the coming game.

Head-to-Head

Played – 14

Bengaluru FC – 7

Chennaiyin FC – 4

Draws – 3

Team Talk

“Of course, you need to change the mood after the loss. When we lost one game, for which we travelled to Delhi, we played at 5:30pm, so everything was fast, and then we came home and the players were tired. We knew we had a game in three days. We need to work with them to change this mood. We forget the last game. We always look to work. Chennaiyin FC is coming and they are in this battle for the sixth position, and I can say that we are hungry, all of us want to fight till the last moment,” Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza said in the pre-match press conference.

“We know we go into the second half of the season with six games at home and four away. It’s a great opportunity for us to make it to the playoffs. We need to make sure that we are in the top-six. Everything is in our own hands. We decide our own fate. We are excited and looking forward to that,” Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle mentioned prior to the game.

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.

Points Table