by Richard Miller (US)

Irving Shines in Return, Leads Mavericks Past 76ers Ahead of Brooklyn Showdown

PHILADELPHIA — In a much-anticipated return to the court, Kyrie Irving led the Dallas Mavericks to a crucial victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, scoring 23 points and dishing out eight assists after a six-game hiatus due to a sprained thumb. The win not only boosts Dallas’ playoff hopes but also sets the stage for Irving’s return to Brooklyn, a tenure marked by injuries and controversies.

Luka Doncic added 19 points in one of the rare occasions this season that the Mavericks’ star duo shared the court, helping secure a 118-102 win against the Sixers on Monday night. The victory comes as a morale booster before facing the Nets, a team Irving was part of in a high-profile yet turbulent partnership with James Harden and Kevin Durant.

Irving’s time with the Nets was overshadowed by his refusal to comply with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate and his sharing of an anti-Semitic film, leading to significant time away from the court. Reflecting on his upcoming return to Barclays Center, Irving expressed excitement but downplayed any deeper significance, emphasizing the professional nature of the league and competitive spirit that comes with facing former teams.

The Mavericks, currently eighth in the Western Conference, have seen limited action from their key players due to injuries, with Irving and Doncic playing together in just 23 of the team’s 50 games. Their performance against the 76ers, where Dallas dominated the fourth quarter, highlighted the potential of a healthy Mavericks lineup.

Josh Green’s 20 points contributed to Dallas’ effort, while the 76ers felt the absence of Joel Embiid, who is out due to a knee injury. Without their MVP candidate, Philadelphia struggled to maintain their early lead, especially in the third quarter where they managed only 17 points.

Philadelphia’s interim leaders, Tobias Harris, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Tyrese Maxey, initially stepped up, but the team could not sustain their momentum against the surging Mavericks. Dallas’ proficiency from beyond the arc, hitting 17 of 43 three-point attempts, underscored their offensive firepower.

As the Mavericks look forward to their next challenge in Brooklyn, the 76ers are set to host the Golden State Warriors, hoping to bounce back from this setback and adjust to life without Embiid. Both teams face critical junctures in their seasons, with playoff implications hanging in the balance.

by Abhishek Shukla

Royals Announce 14-Year Contract Agreement with Bobby Witt Jr.

In a move that solidifies their commitment to building a championship-contending team, the Kansas City Royals have made a monumental decision, signing shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. to the largest contract in franchise history. The Royals have penned a 14-year agreement with Witt Jr., including 11 years guaranteed, marking a significant milestone for both the player and the team.

The announcement was made in Kansas City, MO, where the Royals also revealed plans to host a press conference at Kauffman Stadium’s Hall of Fame Suites, celebrating this historic agreement. This gesture underlines the importance of Witt Jr. to the Royals’ organization and their high hopes for his continued impact on the field.

Bobby Witt Jr., at the young age of 23, has already made a profound impact in Major League Baseball (MLB). In his rookie year, Witt Jr. showcased his prowess with 20 home runs and 30 stolen bases. He built on this impressive debut with an even more stellar sophomore season, recording 30 home runs and 49 stolen bases. This achievement not only made him the first Royal to accomplish a 30/30 season but also placed him among the elite in MLB history to reach such heights at 23 or younger.

Witt Jr.’s performance last season—leading the Royals in numerous categories including games played, hits, triples, home runs, RBI, stolen bases, OPS, and runs—has solidified his status as a cornerstone of the franchise. Among American League leaders, he ranked prominently in stolen bases, hits, total bases, and more, showcasing his all-around talent and contributing significantly to the Royals’ competitiveness.

His exceptional combination of home runs and steals last season places him in the rarefied air, matched only by legends like Eric Davis, Barry Bonds, Mike Trout, and Ronald Acuña Jr. Moreover, Witt Jr.’s defensive prowess, highlighted by leading American League shortstops in Outs Above Average, demonstrates his invaluable contribution to the Royals on both sides of the game.

The Royals’ decision to lock in Witt Jr. for the foreseeable future speaks volumes about their faith in his abilities and character. John Sherman, Chairman and CEO of the Royals, expressed excitement over ensuring Witt Jr.’s presence on the team for many years, emphasizing his impact on improving the team and commitment to the city and fans.

As the Royals look ahead, securing a talent like Bobby Witt Jr. for 14 years is a clear signal of their intentions to compete at the highest levels and strive for championship baseball. Witt Jr.’s historic deal not only celebrates his achievements and potential but also promises Royals fans exciting and competitive baseball for years to come.

by Abhishek Shukla

New York City FC Strengthens Defense with New Signing from Serbia

In a strategic move to fortify their defense, New York City FC has officially announced the acquisition of Serbian defender Strahinja Tanasijević from Spartak Subotica. The 26-year-old, known for his versatility on the field, has been signed through the 2025 MLS season, signaling a long-term commitment from the club to bolster their backline.

Strahinja Tanasijević, who has the capability to excel both centrally and on the right flank, brings a blend of speed, aggression, and technical skill to the team. His ability to play a high defensive line aligns seamlessly with NYCFC’s dynamic style of play, a quality that Sporting Director David Lee highlighted in welcoming the Serbian international to the club. Lee expressed confidence in Tanasijević’s ability to enhance the team’s defensive robustness and inject competitive spirit among the ranks.

With 102 professional matches under his belt, including a stint with notable clubs such as Chievo Verona in Italy, Paris FC in France, and FK Čukarički in Serbia, Tanasijević adds a wealth of experience to NYCFC. His career statistics boast 1 goal and 3 assists, underscoring his contribution not just in defense but also in facilitating offensive plays.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new chapter, Tanasijević shared his eagerness to embrace the challenges of Major League Soccer and contribute to NYCFC’s quest for success. His ambition is to leverage his international experience to aid the team in competing at the highest levels and vying for trophies.

NYCFC, keen on making a significant impact in the upcoming season and returning to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, looks forward to integrating Tanasijević into their squad. The team’s campaign is set to kick off on February 24 against Charlotte FC, marking the beginning of what promises to be an exciting season.

With this latest signing, New York City FC not only strengthens its defensive line but also sends a clear message about its intentions for the season ahead. Fans and supporters will be keenly watching as Strahinja Tanasijević takes to the field, ready to make his mark in Major League Soccer and contribute to NYCFC’s ambitions for the year.

by Abhishek Shukla

FIFA World Cup 26™ final to be held in New York New Jersey, Mexico City to host historic opening match

FIFA has revealed the match schedule for the FIFA World Cup 26™, with the final to be held in New York New Jersey on Sunday, 19 July 2026 and the opening match featuring the Mexican national team scheduled to be played at the iconic Estadio Azteca Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June 2026.

Like Mexico, the national teams of Canada and the United States will each play their three group-stage matches on home soil. Canada will kick off their campaign in Toronto on Friday, 12 June 2026, while the United States will begin their journey on the same day in Los Angeles.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “The most inclusive and impactful FIFA World Cup ever is no longer a dream but a reality that will take shape in the form of 104 matches in 16 state-of-the-art stadiums across Canada, Mexico and the USA. From the opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca to the spectacular final in New York New Jersey players and fans have been at the core of our extensive planning for this game-changing tournament.”

“I would like to thank our three host countries and 16 Host Cities for the unwavering commitment to staging a FIFA World Cup that will not only set new records but also leave an indelible legacy.”

FIFA Vice-President and Concacaf President Victor Montagliani said: “The FIFA World Cup 26 will be a watershed moment and one that will trigger massive football development in our region and worldwide. While each Host City is unique, they all have something in common – they are passionate about football and cannot wait to welcome the world in June and July 2026.”

The tournament’s innovative match schedule will serve to minimise travel for teams and fans alike, while the number of rest days between fixtures will be maximised. Having been drawn up in consultation with key stakeholders, including national-team coaches and technical directors, the schedule will also increase the prospect of matches being played in the best possible conditions and ensure that fans have shorter travel times when following their teams.

Match pairings and kick-off times will be confirmed following the Final Draw for FIFA World Cup 26, which is expected to take place towards the end of 2025.

FIFA World Cup 26 match schedule – summary:  

  • FIFA World Cup 26 to kick-off at the iconic Estadio Azteca Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June 2026, with the final scheduled for Sunday, 19 July 2026 in New York New Jersey.
  • Toronto, Mexico City, and Los Angeles to host the opening matches of their respective national teams.
  • Canada, Mexico, and the United States guaranteed to play their three group-stage matches on home soil, with Guadalajara, Vancouver, and Seattle also selected to stage host countries’ group-stage matches.
  • Miami to host the bronze final, Dallas and Atlanta to stage the highly anticipated semi-finals, while Dallas will host nine (9) matches – the most of any Host City at the tournament.
  • Innovative match schedule ensures that three days of rest for teams is observed for 103 of the tournament’s 104 matches. Majority of matches to be played in three regionalised zones (east, central and west) to reduce travel for teams and fans.
  • Group stage:
  • First matchday of the tournament to feature two matches, including the tournament curtain-raiser in Mexico City and a match in Guadalajara.
  • Day two to feature two matches involving hosts Canada and the United States respectively.
  • The final four matchdays of the group stage will feature six matches per day. Matches in the same group will be played simultaneously to maintain the integrity of the competition.
  • All other group-stage matchdays will feature four matches per day across four kick-off times.
  • Estadio Azteca Mexico City set to host opening match for the third time, making FIFA World Cup history as the first stadium to do so.
  • Canada will host its first FIFA World Cup, complementing its proud history of hosting top FIFA women’s and youth tournaments, including the successful FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015™.
  • USA to host FIFA World Cup for the second time, following record-setting 1994 edition. USA has also hosted two successful editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup (1999 and 2003).
  • Fans can pre-register for FIFA World Cup 26 tickets atfifa.com/tickets
  • Pre-registration for information about hospitality packages is available atfifa.com/hospitality
by Abhishek Shukla

Odisha FC scales to the top of the table with an emphatic win over Hyderabad

Odisha FC steamrolled past Hyderabad FC by 3-0 at the Gachibowli Stadium tonight to bring up their fourth consecutive victory in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season. The Juggernauts’ in-form striking duo Diego Mauricio and Roy Krishna were on the money as the visitors capped off a convincing win to move to the top of the points table, displacing Kerala Blasters FC.



Joao Victor is the sole foreigner starting matches for Hyderabad FC at the moment, and accordingly there is added responsibility in his shoulders to uplift both his performance as well as that of the entire team around him. Unfortunately for them, it was a misplaced pass by him that led to Mauricio pouncing upon the chance and hitting the ball past Gurmeet Singh to open the scoring for Sergio Lobera & Co.

Throughout the game, Odisha FC went about their business with an impeccable sense of assurance. They perhaps expected to take three points from this encounter, and the sheer individual brilliance in their ranks blended with the seamless consistency with which they operate under Lobera came together to ensure that they suffered no hiccups in their pursuit of this victory.



Isak Vanlalruatfela has been one of the most improved domestic stars in Odisha FC this season, and it was a moment of magic by him that helped them double the lead before the halftime break. Receiving the ball en route to his way inside the box, Isak demonstrated some quick feet and some innate composure in the final third to find an unmarked Roy Krishna on the right. The Fijian received the squared up pass, and had no hesitation in merely slotting the ball into the back of the net, adding another feather to the illustrious season that he has had so far.

After Isak, it was Princeton Rebello’s turn to show his prowess. Having spent time with Lobera at FC Goa, Princeton moved to Odisha FC when his former head coach returned to the league. Whilst chances haven’t come across frequently so far, he gave a good account of the strengths that he possesses, dazzling ahead through the centre, charging towards the Hyderabad FC defence before splitting it wide open for an onrushing Mauricio to strike the ball in and get his second goal of the match in the 75th minute.

Key Performer of the Match

Diego Mauricio (Odisha FC)

The Brazilian consciously limited his involvement in the proceedings in the final third. He made only 14 passes, but completed 10 of them, in addition to being extremely efficient whenever opportunities came his way to bag the brace. The clinical show he put on tonight was arguably the biggest differential point between the two opponents here.

What’s next for both teams?

Odisha FC will be squaring off against FC Goa on February 9, whereas Hyderabad FC will play Mohun Bagan Super Giant the following day.

Brief Scores

Odisha FC 3 (Diego Mauricio 27’ 75, Roy Krishna 45+1’) – 0 Hyderabad FC

Stats Pack:

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by Abhishek Shukla

Spain Men’s Hockey Team arrives in Bhubaneswar for FIH Men’s Hockey Pro League matches

Bhubaneswar, 5th February 2024: TheWorld No. 8 Spain Men’s Hockey Team arrived at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on Monday ahead of their FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 matches in India.

The FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 (Men) is scheduled to take place at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar from 10th February to 16th February, before moving to the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, where the league will continue from 19th February to 25th February. Five national teams – Ireland, The Netherlands, India, Spain and Australia – will participate in the India leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 (Men), facing each other once in Bhubaneswar and once in Rourkela.

Spain will play their first match of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 (Men) on 10th February against hosts India, followed by a contest against Australia, on 11th February. They will then take on Netherlands, the World No.1 ranked team, on 13th February and Ireland on 15th February in their final fixture in the Bhubaneswar leg before heading to Rourkela.

When asked about the importance of the tournament after having landed in Bhubaneswar, Spain’s Captain Marc Miralles said, “It is a crucial tournament for us. We just qualified for the Olympics a couple of weeks ago. It’s important for us to play our eight games really well to have as many points as possible.”

When asked about the toughest side, Marc Miralles said, “We played a really tough game against Ireland in the Olympic qualifiers. The Netherlands are the defending champions, and India is playing at home, so I think we’re going to have some fun games.”

He signed off by saying, “We are in good shape having played the Olympic qualifiers recently. We’ve trained well in the gym and are ready for the challenge.”

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.

by Abhishek Shukla

Sudhakar’s SUPER 10 helps Patna Pirates stage comeback win against Jaipur Pink Panthers

DELHI, 5 FEBRUARY 2024: Another closely fought match in the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 saw the Patna Pirates seal an emphatic 36-33 win over the Jaipur Pink Panthers at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi on Monday. Arjun Deshwal and Sudhakar M earned SUPER 10s for their respective teams, but it was the Patna Pirates who worked their way back to continue their unbeaten run to six matches. 

Jaipur Pink Panthers, who have already qualified for the playoffs, started on a bright note as they raced to an early lead. The Patna Pirates, who are in the race to seal their spot in the playoffs, prevented one ALL OUT courtesy of Sudhakar M but just before the strategic timeout, he was tackled by Sunil Kumar as the Patna Pirates gave their opponents the three points.  

For the Patna Pirates, all eyes were on Sudhakar, who seemed like the bright spot. However, he was not ably supported by his teammates as the Jaipur Pink Panthers began to take a decisive lead in the game. Arjun Deshwal kept the pressure up on his team, and from the other side, it was Sachin who worked hard to get his side into the game as the score read 18-14 at the end of the first half.  

The Patna Pirates turned the game almost immediately at the start of the second half, getting the Jaipur Pink Panthers ALL OUT as soon as the second 20 minutes started. This gave the team a lot of confidence, allowing them to level the score. 

This did not deter the Jaipur Pink Panthers. Arjun Deshwal reached his SUPER 10, and 200 raid points in Season 10, before Sachin was trapped in a double thigh hold as the Jaipur Pink Panthers got a SUPER TACKLE to their name. They recovered from their slow start to the half, staying ahead of their opponents by a single point as the match went into a close battle.  

Just when the match seemed to be swaying in one direction, Patna Pirates skipper Sachin stuck to get the Jaipur Pink Panthers ALL OUT and giving his team the lead. This was enough to keep them above the two-time defending champions, sealed an important win to boost their chances of reaching the playoffs.

Please see below the PKL Season 10 match on 6th February 

Game 1 – Tamil Thalaivas vs U.P. Yoddhas – 8 pm 

Venue: New Delhi 

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

by Abhishek Shukla

Nikhat, Sakshi begin campaign with victories at 75th Strandja Memorial Tournament

Sofia, (Bulgaria), February 5, 2024:  Nikhat Zareen and Sakshi Chaudhary began their campaign with contrasting wins at the 75th Strandja Memorial Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria on Monday.

Nikhat was up against Mongolia’s Oyuntsetseg Yesugen in the 50kg bout. Both the boxers came with an attacking intent as they delivered powerful blows at every opportunity.

The boxers were at their attacking best and didn’t give any breathing space to each other. However, it was the reigning World Champion Nikhat who eventually triumphed with a 3-2 split decision verdict. Nikhat will now face Lkhadiri Wassila of France in her quarterfinal bout on Thursday.

Sakshi (57kg), on the other hand, outclassed Selmouni Chahira of Algeria with her swift moments and surprise attacks. She dominated the match throughout to clinch an easy 5-0 unanimous decision win to enter the quarter-finals. She will now take on Mamajonova Khumorabonu of Uzbekistan in the quarterfinals on Thursday.

Preeti (54kg) fought a tough battle against Fay Niamh of Ireland. Both the pugilists had their moments in the first two rounds with Fay taking the lead early on. Preeti did make a remarkable comeback in the third round with all five judges tilting in her favour, but it wasn’t enough as she bowed out of the tournament with a 2-3 loss.

In a surprising turn of events Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) got disqualified in the third round of her pre-quarterfinal match after three warnings of excessive grappling against Ireland’s O’Rourke Aoife.

Manisha (60kg) and Arundhati Choudhary (66kg) will be in action later tonight against France’s Zidani Amina and Sonvico Emilie, respectively.  

Late on Sunday, Jugnoo (86kg) secured a hard-fought 3-2 win over Kocharian Ashot of Ukraine in the round of 16 clash. He will now face Djalolov Samandar of Uzbekistan in the quarter-finals on Thursday.

On Tuesday, three men boxers will kick start their campaign in their respective round of 16 matches. Sachin (57kg) will take on Uzbekistan’s Fayzov Khudoynazar, Vanshaj (63.5kg) will face Iran’s Habibinezhad Ali and Sagar (92+kg) will square off against Jazeviciius Jonas of Lithuania

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.

by Abhishek Shukla

Preview 6th EBERSPAECHER Luge World Cup Oberhof (GER):  FIL luge elite on the hunt for points in Thuringia 

Oberhof (FIL) After three weeks in Altenberg, Saxony, the international luge teams  have moved on to Thuringia. The 6th EBERSPAECHER Luge World Cup will be held  in the LOTTO Thüringen EISARENA from February 9 to 11, 2024. A total of 98 sleds  from 18 nations have registered for the World Cup, with 32 women’s and 33 men’s  singles and 13 women’s and 20 men’s doubles.  

In addition to the World Cup races, the fifth of six team relays as part of the  EBERSPÄCHER Team Relay World Cup presented by BMW is scheduled for  Sunday. 

It will be a reunion for the Thuringian luge fans with their local World Championship  heroes, first and foremost Max Langenhan, World Champion in the singles and with  the team as well as Vice World Champion in the sprint, and Julia Taubitz, Sprint and  Team World Champion as well as Vice World Champion in Altenberg. Both put in an  

incredible race to catch up in the Altenberg ice track at the last World Cup race: In  difficult weather and resulting ice conditions, both raced from 22nd and 21st place  respectively in the first run to victory. 

The 24-year-old Max Langenhan grew up in Friedrichroda, 30km from Oberhof, and  has won five of the six World Cup races so far, adding a total of 13 World Cup  victories to his account. He leads the overall World Cup with 570 points ahead of the  two Austrians Jonas Müller (419 points) and Vice World Champion Nico Gleirscher  (372 points).  

Julia Taubitz was born in Saxony and started her luge career in Altenberg but has  lived and trained in Oberhof for many years. Like her team-mate Max, she has made  it onto the podium at all six World Cups so far this season, three of them at the top.  This weekend, she could clinch the 25th World Cup victory of her career. With 555  points, she leads the overall World Cup standings ahead of World Championship  bronze medallist Madeleine Egle (457 points) and team-mate Anna Berreiter (357  points). 

Things remain really exciting in the men’s and women’s doubles. The Sprint World  Champions Andrea Vötter/Marion Oberhofer from Italy have moved to the top of the  overall standings after their victory in Altenberg and are currently on 470 points, just  ahead of the two German doubles Jessica Degenhardt/Cheyenne Rosenthal (465 

points) and Dajana Eitberger/Saskia Schirmer (416 points). ) In the men’s doubles,  the Vice World Champions Thomas Steu/Wolfgang Kindl (AUT) have one win and  four second places to reach 486 points, putting them ahead of the Sprint World  

Champions Martins Bots/Roberts Plume (LAT, 410 p.) and the Team World  Champions and World Championship bronze medalists Tobias Wendl/Tobias Arlt  (GER, 409 p.). 

An overview of the overall World Cup standings and the individual disciplines can be  found here: fil-luge.org/en/overall-scores?event_season_id=31 

Press conference on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 

In the run-up to the 6th EBERSPAECHER Luge World Cup in Oberhof, the  Thuringian Luge and Bobsleigh Federation invites you to a press conference, which  will take place on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 1:30 pm in the Haus des Gastes  (Crawinkler Straße 2, in 98559 Oberhof). Besides reigning World Champion Max  Langenhan, World Championship fifth-placed Merle Fräbel, Andi Langenhan,  national base coach, as well as technical coach and Oberhof head mechanic Robert  Eschrich will take part. In addition to an assessment of the sporting results over the  past few weeks and a look ahead to the home race in Oberhof, the press conference  will also focus on the influence of the equipment and technical performance on the  athletes’ success.  

A live stream is planned for all media representatives who cannot be there in person. Here comes the link: Livestream: Pressekonferenz vor dem Rodel-Weltcup in  Oberhof | MDR.DE 

Quotes: 

Emanuel Rieder (ITA): „We were delighted with third place in Altenberg. It was  revenge for the messed-up World Championships and a conciliatory end to the three  weeks in Altenberg for us. After that we went home for a short time before we start  again in Oberhof. We really like the track, it’s one of our favorite tracks and we really  enjoy racing there. “

Andrea Vötter (ITA): „ It’s unbelievable. We’ve barely been in Altenberg for three  weeks when we finally understand the track and can luge fast here. We’re really  

happy about our first World Cup win this season and that we’re now heading to a new  track, to Oberhof.” 

Marion Oberhofer (ITA): „We went home for two days after the World Cup in  Altenberg, and we’ll now attack again in Oberhof with renewed energy. We are  looking forward to the last four World Cups. It’s great to have now also taken the lead  in the overall World Cup. Freshly recovered and highly motivated, we will now tackle  the World Cups in Oberhof and Sigulda and hope to maintain our lead. “ 

Julia Taubitz (GER): „I didn’t expect to go from 22nd to first place. After the first run,  the plan was to be in a good midfield position. It was a weather race today – of course  a win is nice, but you’re not as happy about it as if it had been perfect weather. I’m  really looking forward to the next two World Cups in Oberhof because I can stay in  my own apartment. That’s something different from hotel life. I’m looking forward to  the track and hope for good weather and lots of spectators. “ 

Dajana Eitberger (GER): „We worked really well on turn 9 in the third week in  Altenberg and also saw in the men’s doubles’ race that we had to keep the focus on  this passage. We did a good job of that. We can’t explain why we didn’t make it to the  front in the second run. We had a very good race and were happy about it. The next World Cups in Oberhof and Sigulda are two tracks where we still face some  challenges. We narrowly missed our goal in Oberhof during the training week, which  was to get two safe runs down at the start of the race. We’ll have to work on the  starting height again in the training runs, but we’re taking the momentum from  Altenberg with us and are very confident about the races. The same applies to  Sigulda, where we haven’t had such an easy time so far. However, with the  experience we have already gained, I can well imagine that we will also find our way  around the track there.“ 

Max Langenhan (GER): „I was just lucky at the last World Cup race in Altenberg.  Normally such mistakes deserve a defeat. The fact that the track deteriorates so  much in this weather is something you wouldn’t wish on any other athlete – I feel  sorry for them too. It’s an outdoor sport after all, as we saw last week at the World  Sprint Championships, where it was similar. I was just lucky with the start number in  the second run. “

Juri Gatt (AUT): „Last weekend was exciting with the weather, especially because  the track slowed down a lot. But the World Championship week just gave us so much  confidence that we could go into the race relaxed because we knew we had what it  

takes. It’s cool when you can prove that again and we were able to repeat our World  Championship success in the World Cup. “ 

Christian Eigentler, Head Coach Austria: „It was an incredibly difficult weekend in  Altenberg, where we pretty much made the best of the situation. Weather is always  an issue in outdoor sports, but if the track degrades so quickly, it would be in  everyone’s interest to work out solutions for the future. I can’t blame my team at all,  we worked overtime in the sledging room and performed well, but in some cases we  simply didn’t stand a chance. Even if we had remained completely faultless in the  final relay, we wouldn’t have won today. That’s why we’re all the happier with the  double victory in the doubles and the two podium places in the singles. “ 

Schedule & TV coverage 

6. EBERSPÄCHER Luge World Cup, Oberhof (GER) 

Local start time (CET/MEZ) 

Friday, February 09, 2024 

09:00 Nations Cup 

14:30 Training seeded group. 

Saturday, February 10, 2024 

09:30 Men’s Doubles, 1st run 

10:18 Women’s Doubles, 1st run 

11:15 Men’s Doubles, 2nd run  

12:07 Women’s Doubles, 2nd run  

13:05 Women’s Singles, 1st run 

14:30 Women’s Singles, 2nd run 

Sunday, February 11, 2024 

10:00 Men’s Singles, 1st run  

11:30 Men’s Singles, 2nd run  

13:30 Team Relay 

Subject to change without notice!

by Abhishek Shukla

Process-driven Musheer Khan is living in the moment ahead of heavyweight World Cup clash

Musheer Khan’s already had a remarkable ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024.

He is currently the leading run-scorer in the tournament, and with a semi-final against South Africa on Tuesday looming, has a chance to further cement his name alongside other luminaries of Indian cricket who walked the same path. 

One of those was Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer’s older brother, who played two editions of this tournament – in 2014 and 2016 – and was recently called up to the Indian Test squad for the series against England. 

Sarfaraz’s journey hasn’t been without its struggles, and in being able to pick the brains of someone who has done this before, Musheer feels privileged. He has learnt what he could while closely observing his brother’s career. His elder sibling is not just a source of inspiration now, but also a confidante.

“The first thing he told me was that there is no bigger pride than playing for India,” Musheer tells ICC when asked about his brother’s influence. “He told me to enjoy myself on the field and whenever I get a chance – be it with the bat or ball – you have to pull the team up in any situation and win the game.

“He told me to play with all my heart because you are representing the country. I have learnt a lot from Sarfaraz – right from how he bats to how he is always thinking about winning the game for his team, to how he builds his innings. 

“Even as he was knocking on the doors of the Indian team, his focus was always on scoring runs and on the process without worrying about the result. My focus too is on the process.”

His brother remains a big benchmark, but Musheer’s biggest source of inspiration – like almost every other cricketer hailing from Mumbai – is Sachin Tendulkar. 

That was evident during a standout moment against New Zealand when Musheer executed a remarkable upper-cut, prompting commentators to highlight the striking resemblance to the Little Master’s influence.

As Musheer continues to make a name for himself, he reflects on the beginnings of his journey, one that commenced at a tender age under the watchful eyes of his father.

“When I was younger, about 5-6 years old, my father would take me to the ground to play cricket,” he says. “Watching my brother play, I slowly started playing cricket

“There have been so many challenges in my journey so far. Right from childhood, there’s a very high level of competition, right from U14, U16 and now at U19.” 

Musheer credits his father for helping him navigate through the tricky patches. “My father always told me to keep working hard,” he says. “The challenges never stop, and you have to accept that as you keep moving ahead.”

Musheer has already played three first-class matches for Mumbai – something he said was the “turning point in my career so far” – and believes playing at the highest level in domestic cricket has helped him adapt strongly to the challenges that come with playing in a World Cup.  

Throughout the conversation, a theme emerges: The 18-year-old is always quick to credit the coaches, and underline his commitment to the team’s cause rather than individual feats. 

“The support staff has backed us to play fearlessly right from the start and back our natural playing style,” he says.

“Another thing that has helped us is that we play for each other in the team. If someone has a bad day, we don’t let it affect the player or the team. We are playing as a family and it shows on the field.”

Despite delivering standout performances in the tournament so far – including two centuries that have put him atop the run charts – Musheer says he won’t be happy until the World Cup is won.

“I am happy with my performances but I won’t be satisfied until we win the World Cup,” he says. “As far as being the highest run-getter, I don’t really want to think about it. 

“Since the start of the tournament, it was only about winning the World Cup and that’s what we are focussing on. I only want to do well for the team and take the results as they come.

“It would give us great happiness to bring the World Cup to India. But we know that it won’t come easily, and that we still have to work very hard to get our hands on the title.”

As the tournament enters a crucial phase, Musheer’s confidence is unwavering, despite the chance of facing a team that will be buoyed by home support. 

“There is no nervousness,” he says. “We view the semi-final as just another match, just as we did in the league stages and Super Six. We are not taking extra pressure.

“We are just looking to stick to our roles in the team, focusing on the process and the results will come. 

“It’s [about being defending champions] there at the back of our minds, that we have to win the World Cup, but we don’t let that get to us.

“We are preparing to the best of our abilities. We are taking this as a normal match and trying to give our best.”

It’s Musheer’s immediate dream to win this tournament. But the dreams go beyond that. Typically, he remains grounded, thanks to another piece of advice from his father. 

“There is a lot to achieve but my father has always told me to work hard and don’t think far too much about the future,” he says. “He tells me to stay in the present and focus on the upcoming matches. 

“When we think too much about the past or the future, we forget to be in the moment. That’s what our team is doing too.”

Profound words from a scintillating prospect

by Abhishek Shukla

Sharapova’s pretty dresses inspired India’s Shrivalli to play tennis

Mumbai, February 5: Among the most promising Indian women’s tennis players in the main draw of the WTA 125K L&T Mumbai Open, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty made a sensational start to the tournament, winning two very impressive games in the qualifying round. The 22-year-old from Hyderabad is keen on making a solid impression in this prestigious event which returns to Mumbai after a gap of six years and is being played at the iconic Cricket Club of India. 

However, what inspired and motivated the current Indian National champion in both singles and doubles, was former World Number 1 Maria Sharapova, whose dressing caught her eye. “I used to look at Maria Sharapova’s pictures and really liked her pretty clothes. I, too, wanted to wear such pretty dresses and that’s the reason I started playing tennis at the age of 11 and got hooked into the sport. Playing tennis gave me the opportunity to be able to wear pretty dresses. So, for me getting into sports was pretty accidental,” she said. 

Hailing from a sporting family, where her mother was a basketball player and her father played cricket and karate, Shrivalli began to take tennis seriously within a couple of years of being introduced to the sport. “For me it was always a roller-coaster ride. Honestly, I just love the sport of tennis and being out there, because that way you don’t have to be home and studying,” she added. 

In her debut WTA tournament, Shrivalli is taking it one game at a time and ensuring she makes the best of every opportunity to be out there on court. 

“I didn’t have too many goals coming into the WTA L&T Mumbai Open because it is my debut tournament, and I just wanted to go out there, play my tennis and have fun at the same time. I know everyone I play will be a higher level than me. So, I just wanted to do my best and give it my best shot,” she added. 

“I am thrilled to qualify for the main draw and I will play normally like any other match. 

Shrivalli is scheduled to meet second seed Nao Hibino in the first round. 

by Abhishek Shukla

Kwena Maphaka, the bowling prodigy destined for bigger things

All it took for Kwena Maphaka to stamp his presence at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 was two balls. Off his second delivery in the tournament, he bowled a searing, inswinging yorker that had West Indies opener Adrian Weir flummoxed.

What followed was an animated punch in the air and a big celebration – quite in contrast to the very mellow one he had planned with his elder brother Tetelo. For a few seconds, Maphaka was drawn into the moment, the adrenaline rush getting the better of him. He would end the day with a five-wicket haul, a feat he would go on to achieve twice more in the next few weeks. 

“That one [spell against West Indies] is probably closest to my heart,” Maphaka told ICC.  

“I just try to put out a good performance every game, but the West Indies one was the most memorable for me. It was the first game of the tournament, lots of nerves, a home World Cup, I thought my spell helped us get off to a really good start to the tournament … set the tone”

The tone was set the moment Maphaka’s sharp inswinger thudded into Weir’s boots. It was the culmination of what Maphaka considers the perfect plan – getting the new ball to swing as much as he can, and surprise the batter. 

Maphaka loves the inswinger. After his last Super Six game, the South African teenager, who’d cheekily said he hoped he was better than Jasprit Bumrah, watched the Indian quick’s unplayable yorker to Ollie Pope in the Test series in India. 

“I think he had all three stumps uprooted. It’s amazing,” Maphaka said. The inswinger, he reveals, is his biggest weapon too. It is his staple delivery with new ball, one he mastered alongside Shukri Conrad, the current South Africa Test team head coach.

Conrad’s first glimpse of Maphaka came at the Under-15 level, when he was amazed by the left-arm pacer who swung the ball at lightning speed. When Conrad became the head coach of the South Africa U19 team ahead of the previous edition of the U19 Men’s CWC, Maphaka was called up into the setup. Under Conrad’s watchful eyes, the young tearaway honed his sharp inswinger.

Aged 16, Maphaka was taken to the West Indies event in 2022, more to help him gain experience in the environment and to shape him into the new-ball force that would spearhead the attack in the next edition. 

However, he ended up playing and making quite an impression. In the current tournament, he has blossomed, his rapid development into one of the best fast bowlers in the competition a topic of conversation around the cricket world. 

This isn’t new for Maphaka, though. He was always well ahead of his peer group in cricket. “My parents tell me I picked up a cricket ball when I was two years old, playing garden cricket with my brother,” he says. 

“There were a lot of challenges in picking up cricket as a profession at such an early age. There’s the pressure of studies at school, the lure of other sports. I would also play hockey, rugby, tennis and athletics … but cricket is something I really enjoy and my passion for the sport has just driven me through all of the hurdles, distractions and other pitfalls.”

When he was young, it was all about pace for Maphaka. As he progressed, he picked up the finer skills of pace bowling, including his trademark inswinger and unplayable yorkers. 

However, Maphaka maintains that his best quality is aggression – something characteristic of Kagiso Rabada too. Rabada and Maphaka came through the same school, St Stithians, and the duo possess very similar attributes.

“It [aggression] is something that comes very naturally for me,” says Maphaka. “I am a very competitive person at heart. I think it’s my biggest attribute. But to be compared with someone like KG [Rabada] is humbling. 

“KG is an inspiration to a lot of people in South Africa and outside, just the way he’s gone about his cricket, the work he has done from such a young age. It’s something I am trying to take on board.”

As the young left-arm quick heads into the big semi-final against India, it’s hard not to draw parallels with the all-time great performance of Rabada in the 2014 edition of this tournament, at the very same stage a decade ago. 

In the semi-finals of the 2014 edition in UAE, Rabada skittled out Australia for 150, taking a six-wicket haul that would put his team in the finals. It’s a match that Maphaka remembers vividly.

“His performance in the U19 World Cup, particularly the one against Australia in the semi-finals, where he took a six-wicket haul, has really inspired me to go on and put in a big performance for my team as well in the big games.”

Maphaka knows he is one of the top performers in the tournament. He stands atop the wickets table with 18 at an average of 9.55, including three five-wicket hauls, a feat not achieved by any other player in the history of the tournament.

“I know I am right up there with some of the best bowlers in the tournament,” he says.

“Saumy Pandey from India, Callum Vidler from Australia, they have bowled really well. I wouldn’t say I am the best, but I’m up there.”

Maphaka is keen to point out that South Africa have had quite a few match-winners so far in the tournament.

From Steve Stolk to Dewan Marais, Tristan Luus, Riley Norton, and Maphaka himself, South Africa have had several individuals making a mark.

“It’s good for us that we haven’t had just one [player] perform in the tournament,” Maphaka says. “We’ve had different guys putting in contributions. It means on any day, one can come in and put in a big performance. That’s what we really need in the semi-finals.”

India will know Maphaka is no easy bowler to face, not least when there are passionate fans egging him on from the stands. The crowd support for South Africa has been immense in the U19 MCWC. 

“They [fans] have come out in numbers to back us every single day, even on weekdays when the kids have school and the parents have work,” Maphaka says. 

“They have always turned up. And they will be there in huge numbers at the semi-finals in Benoni.”

The prospect of reaching the final is a big motivation for Maphaka as the semi-final looms. With fans supporting his every move, the belief is high.

“Having the whole country come to back you would be truly insane,” he says. “The vibe is very different, you know [when the crowd’s behind you]. It’s something that pushes me. 

“Playing away and being in a final might be special, but being at home, with the people that you know. They love you, they support you, they have helped you get to the position that you are in right now. There’s something different about that.”

India and South Africa are yet to face each other in the ongoing tournament, but the teams have history. They faced off in a couple of matches ahead of the tournament in the tri-series in South Africa where India beat them both times.  

Will it make it any easier for the Indian batters to face Maphaka, having played him before recently? The fast bowler has a clear answer.

“Usually, the more you face someone the more comfortable it gets, but I am going to make it as uncomfortable as possible for the Indian batters in the semi-finals,” Maphaka states emphatically.

It’s an ominous warning for the defending champions

by Abhishek Shukla

Chennaiyin aims to grab playoffs spot, asserts head coach Coyle ahead of Southern Derby

Chennai, January 5, 2023: Chennaiyin FC are ready to face Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on Wednesday at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru after a two-week break and head coach Owen Coyle asserted that the team’s sole focus is to qualify for the playoffs.

The Marina Machans had a comfortable 2-0 win when they faced Bengaluru FC previously in the league this season and will look to register another victory in the southern derby. They are currently sitting in ninth position in the points table with a total of 12 points. 

“It’s great to come back fresh and ready to go as we move into the second half of the season. We have six games at home, four away and with a great opportunity to be in the playoffs. Our aim is to make sure that we move to the top six and everything’s in our own hands, we will decide our own fate. So, we are excited and looking forward to the upcoming match against Bengaluru FC,” commented head coach Owen Coyle ahead of the match.

He added, “We’ll look to pick the best team available and go to Bengaluru. We will try to do the double, having already beaten them in Chennai in the league game and we take valuable three points which would take us into the top six straight away. So whatever happens even coming out of the Bangalore game, everything’s in our own hands. Within the club we always feel that we want to be fighting out for playoffs and championships and to do that, you have to get yourself now in that top six and that’s what we have to do.”

Chennaiyin are coming into the game after a break and forward Ninthoinganba Meetei stated that the players worked hard on their finishing in training during the last two weeks.

Ninthoi said, “Actually, the break was really important for us. Two weeks after the Super Cup, we worked really hard and the training went well and we followed the process doing a lot of conditioning and finishing. The team is focused on the upcoming match against Bengaluru FC. In the matches we work really hard but miss the key opportunities, so we worked on it during the break.”

Chennaiyin and Bengaluru have contested 14 matches in the ISL, with the Marina Machans securing victories in four games, while Bengaluru FC emerged triumphant in seven.

The match will begin at 8 PM IST as the fans can watch the action live on Viacom18 and JioCinema.

Head-to-head:

Matches: 14, CFC: 4, BFC: 7, Draw: 3

by Abhishek Shukla

PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE LAUNCHES NEW BELLATOR MMA CHAMPIONS SERIES FOLLOWING MAJOR ACQUISITION

NEW YORK (February 5, 2024) – The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest-growing and most innovative sports league, after their industry shaping acquisition of Bellator, has announced the first of eight Bellator Champions Series events will kick off in Belfast, Northern Ireland on Friday March 22 at The SSE Arena, Belfast. 

Bellator Champions Series events will take place in top MMA growth markets around the world, featuring world title fights and world ranked fighters on each card. The reimagined Bellator Champions Series is part of a landmark agreement between PFL and DAZN. Beginning with Bellator 302 on March 22 on DAZN fans will be able to watch Bellator Champions Series events at prime times in the UK, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, France and other European markets. 

“After the landmark acquisition of Bellator, the Professional Fighters League is excited to officially announce a new era of MMA with the launch of the ‘Bellator Champions Series’ global franchise,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray. “The Bellator Champions Series” will feature reigning Bellator Champion fighters defending their titles against the best fighters in the world from the start studded Bellator roster.  Fans will have access to the best competition and the most innovate formats in MMA distributed by leaders in sport including DAZN.”

“The growth in popularity of MMA is being matched by the innovation and promotion that DAZN is delivering in partnership with the Professional Fighters League.” Pete Oliver, CEO of Growth Markets for DAZN said. “The Bellator Champions Series is another example of DAZN delivering fantastic matchups, where the best take on the best, and what promises to be some of the best fight nights in the sport for DAZN’s customers. All delivered by our award-winning app, which is widely available across smart and internet enabled devices, through a broad range of distribution partnerships, and with a variety of flexible and accessible price points.”

Bellator Champions Series kicks off with Bellator 302, headlined by a battle for the vacant Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship between Corey “Overtime” Anderson (17-6, 1 NC) and Belfast’s own Karl Moore (12-2). In addition, Belfast’s Leah McCourt (8-3) faces Sinead Kavanagh (9-6) in a 2022 rematch.

“The PFL is excited to kick off the new Bellator Champions Series this March in Belfast,” said James Frewin, SVP International at PFL. “Along with our great partner DAZN we look forward to giving MMA fans a premium experience through the PFL’s eight Bellator Champions Series events.” 

Tickets for Bellator Champions Series in Belfast will be available via special pre-sale beginning Wednesday, February 6, with a general on-sale of Thursday, February 7 at ticketmaster.ie. Doors for Bellator 302 open at 4 pm local time, with the first preliminary bout taking place one hour later at 5 pm. 

Additional distribution information including a U.S. broadcast partner will be announced in coming weeks.

Prior to the Professional Fighter’s Leagues industry shaping acquisition of Bellator in November of 2023, Bellator held 301 events building a recognized worldwide roster of elite talent. In re-imagining Bellator the PFL will continue the commitment of investing in athletes from underserved regions while continuing to add global stars to the roster.

Bellator 302 Main Event & Co-Main Event:

Light Heavyweight World Title Bout: Corey Anderson (17-6, 1 NC) vs. Karl Moore (12-2)

 Women’s Featherweight Co-Main Event: Leah McCourt (8-3) vs. Sinead Kavanagh (9-6)

Corey Anderson signed with Bellator in 2020 and made an immediate impact on the 205-pound division. The Rockton, Ill. native most recently defeated former champion Phil Davis and now will enter his matchup at Bellator 302 with his sights set on capturing the thus far elusive Light Heavyweight Championship. Standing across form him will be Belfast native Karl Moore. Moore is 4-0 under the Bellator banner, with finishes in seven of 12 appearances as a professional.

A nine-fight Bellator veteran, Leah McCourt makes her return to Bellator in a highly anticipated Women’s Featherweight clash against Sinead Kavanagh. Kavanagh has built a reputation around her knockout power and relentless style of fighting. The pair of featherweights first encountered each other in 2022 at Bellator 275 in Dublin where Kavanagh emerged victorious. The two will look to prove who is the division’s top contender. 

PFL is the only organization in MMA with the sports-season format, where individual fighters compete in a regular season, playoffs, and championship each year. The combined roster of PFL and Bellator boasts 30% of its fighters independently world-ranked in the top 25 of their respective weight class, the same percentage as UFC. PFL has an expansive global vision for the sport and is building the “Champions League of MMA” with PFL Europe, PFL MENA, and more international leagues in development. PFL leads in technology and innovation, with its proprietary PFL SmartCage, powering fight analytics, real-time betting, AI scoring, and a next-generation viewing experience. PFL is primetime on ESPN/ESPN+ in the U.S. and is broadcast and streamed in 150 countries with 20 premium media distribution partners.

by Abhishek Shukla

ICC player of the month nominees revealed for January

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today revealed the shortlists of nominees for the ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month awards for January 2024.

The ICC Men’s Player of the Month shortlist includes the architects of two memorable Test victories away from home, plus a prolific pacer who celebrated another significant milestone in the longest format.

Josh Hazlewood took his 250th Test wicket in January while bowling Australia to notable victories against Pakistan and West Indies. Shamar Joseph enjoyed a remarkable start to his international career last month, claiming a prized wicket with his first ball in Test cricket as well as producing an iconic spell to clinch a dramatic victory for the West Indies in Brisbane. The lineup is completed by another Test hero, Ollie Pope, whose mammoth innings in Hyderabad turned England’s big first innings deficit into a landmark win.

Hazlewood, Joseph and Pope are all first-time nominees in the ICC Player of the Month Awards.

The ICC Women’s Player of the Month nominees feature a decorated Australian duo and an explosive Ireland T20I runscorer.

Australia’s Alyssa Healy was once more in sparkling form in January, recording decisive knocks in her side’s ODI and T20I series successes against India and South Africa. Teammate Beth Mooney also got in on the act by scoring heavily en route to the Player of the Series award against South Africa. Completing the lineup is 18-year-old wicketkeeper batter Amy Hunter, whose fireworks with the bat ensured Ireland secured a comfortable T20I series win in Zimbabwe.

An independent ICC Voting Academy* and fans around the world will now be invited to cast their votes to decide the winners, which will be announced next week. Fans registered at icc-cricket.com/awards will be able to vote for their favourite performers until Saturday.

ICC Men’s Player of the Month Nominees for January:

Josh Hazlewood (AUS)

The Australian pacer joined an elite club in January after taking his 250th wicket in the longest format. Hazlewood played three Tests during the month, starting in fine fashion with four wickets in the second innings of their third matchup against Pakistan, to bowl the tourists out cheaply and contribute to an eight-wicket win in Sydney. The 33-year-old followed up by taking nine wickets in the first Test against West Indies and five in the second Test in Brisbane, clocking up 19 wickets at a sensational average of 11.63.

Shamar Joseph (WI)

The orchestrator for what was perhaps one of the most dramatic Test victories in recent memory, Joseph’s month will be long remembered for his bowling efforts in the second innings of the second Test v Australia in Brisbane. Defending a modest target of 216 for victory, Joseph unleashed a remarkable spell of fast bowling, taking seven for 68 to cue wild celebrations. This, in addition to taking the wicket of Steve Smith with his first ball in international cricket in a five-wicket-haul in Adelaide, saw him named Player of the Series and nominated for ICC Men’s Player of the Month for the very first time.

Ollie Pope (ENG)

Facing a 190-run deficit in the first India v England Test in Hyderabad, Pope came to the crease at 45 for one. The 26-year-old then dug in and produced a batting masterclass to overturn the deficit, and set a challenging total which India fell short of. A blend of innovative strokeplay and resilient defence characterised Pope’s innings in which he scored 196 in 278 balls, including 21 boundaries. The innings propelled England to a score of 420 before they bowled India out to secure a record-breaking victory.

ICC Women’s Player of the Month Nominees for January:

Alyssa Healy (AUS)

Australia’s batting maestro once more led from the front in January, contributing heavily to her side’s ODI and T20I success against India and South Africa. Healy’s month began with a brisk 82 to secure the final ODI of the series against India, and followed this with a Player of the Series stretch in the subsequent T20I encounters. A knock of 46 in the opening T20I match against South Africa was another highlight, and Healy ended the month having scored 256 international runs during the month. Her nomination for January 2024 is the third time she has been shortlisted for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month, winning on both previous occasions (April 2021 and April 2022).

Amy Hunter (IRE)

Ireland’s talented young wicketkeeper batter has enjoyed a successful start to her international career, and is shortlisted for the first time for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month thanks to another set of fine performances with the bat. A quiet start in the ODI fixtures against Zimbabwe was followed by an explosive 101 not out in 66 balls in the first match, 77 not out from 57 balls in the second and 42 in the third, to secure a 3-0 win away from home. Her 220 runs in T20Is during the month came at a sensational strike rate of 144.73.

Beth Mooney (AUS)

Mooney once again delivered last month with a run of scores in Australia’s successful T20I series against India and South Africa. Locked at 1-1, Mooney partnered with Healy to chase down 148 in the decisive matchup against India in Mumbai. Then, back on home soil, Australia welcomed South Africa, and Mooney continued to flourish, registering scores of 72 not out and 82 in the victorious first and third encounters. During the month, Mooney scored 256 runs at an average of 64.00.

The ICC Player of the Month Voting Process: 

The three nominees for either category are shortlisted based on performances from the first to the last day of each calendar month. The shortlist is then voted on by the independent ICC Voting Academy* and fans around the world. The ICC Voting Academy comprises prominent members of the cricket fraternity including well-known journalists, former players, broadcasters and members of the ICC Hall of Fame. The Voting Academy submit their votes by email and hold a 90 per cent share of the vote. Fans registered with the ICC can vote via the ICC website, accounting for the remaining 10 per cent. Winners are announced every second Monday of the month on ICC’s digital channels. 

Voting Academy for ICC Player of the Month December 2023: 

Afghanistan: Hameed Qayoomi and Javed Hamim; Australia: Scott Bailey and Lisa Sthalekar; Bangladesh: Mohammad Sekander Ali and Md Ariful Islam Roney; England: Elizabeth Ammon and Lydia Greenway; Ireland: Ger Siggins and Clare Shillington; India: S Gomesh and Irfan Pathan; New Zealand: Merryn Anderson and Craig Cumming; Pakistan: Sawera Pasha and Sana Mir; South Africa: Zaahier Adams and Ashwell Prince; Sri Lanka: Azzam Ameen and Farveez Maharoof; West Indies: Daren Ganga and Stacy Ann King; Zimbabwe: Daniel Nhakaniso and Grant Flower; Others: Ajit Vijaykumar and Dirk Nannes.

by Abhishek Shukla

‘Very lucky to be a part of the PKL,’ says Surjeet Singh after completing 400 Tackle Points

NEW DELHI, 05 FEBRUARY 2024: The Bengaluru Bulls came back to win against U Mumba in their Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 clash at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi on Sunday.  

Speaking after the match, star defender Surjeet Singh, who became the second player to score 400 Tackle Points after Fazel Atrachali, credited the support of the PKL for his growth as a Kabaddi player, “The PKL has helped improve the standard, and the life of a Kabaddi player. I am very lucky that I have been a part of this league for so long. I am thankful for being the first Indian defender to get 400 Tackle Points, it is a great achievement for me.”  

He also gave his opinion on how the match panned out, “The plan with five raiders backfired at the start, but we changed this strategy, slowed down the game, and this took as to the win. Sushil and Akshit played quite well throughout the match and complemented the defence well, especially in the second half, and this took us to victory.” 

The defender was joined by skipper Saurabh Nandal is looking forward to their next clash against the in-form Puneri Paltan. “Puneri are a good team. It will be a tough match. He will work on the mistakes that we made in the last match. All the matches now are do or die matches, so we must work hard to make it to the playoffs,” he said.  

Meanwhile, the Bengaluru Bulls will now take on the Puneri Paltan at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday, February 07. 

Please see below the PKL Season 10 match on 5th February  

Game 1 – Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Patna Pirates – 8 pm  

Game 2- Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Puneri Paltan – 9 pm  

Venue: New Delhi

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

by Abhishek Shukla

Stunning World Athletics Indoor Championships medals revealed

With less than four weeks to go until the first champion is crowned, organisers have today revealed the medals specially commissioned for the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24 following a design competition.

Taking place from 1-3 March this year, the World Athletics Indoor Championships will feature more than 700 athletes as they compete across 26 events, aiming to come out victorious and secure a coveted medal, with up to 108 medals being awarded (allowing for up to six in a relay team).

The pinnacle of every athlete’s career is to stand on the podium at a major championship and be presented with a unique medal, one that recognises and reflects the magnitude of their achievement at the highest level.

Although this is the 19th edition of the championships, this is the first time the event has been held in Scotland. This is reflected in the design of the medal, which incorporates the thistle inspired event brand, complemented by a selection of well-known Glasgow landmarks around its outer rim, giving athletes a little piece of Glasgow to remember their triumph, long after they leave the city.

Event organisers launched an open call last summer, giving Scottish artists the chance to submit their designs in a bid to become a part of history. Winning artist, Graeme Clark, from Edinburgh is proud to see his illustrations transformed into a stunning creation that will be presented to all the medallists.

Speaking about his design and inspiration, Clark said: “As a man from Edinburgh, I’ve always enjoyed trips through to Glasgow for various exhibitions, gigs, and shopping. It’s a city full of culture and serves as a great creative inspiration for designers like me.

“It’s also a place full of inspiring talent and iconic architecture. I’ve worked with many Glaswegian brands over the years and the city always seems to birth amazing things. The city has a lot of iconic monuments and structures, that served as the inspiration for the design.”

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life who co-ordinated the design competition, said: “When we issued a callout to the Scottish craft and design community, we knew the standard of submissions would be high, but we were hugely impressed with the quality of the response.

“While we had a tough decision to make, Graeme’s design stood out as the clear winner, and we are delighted to be able to create a medal that incorporates so much of Glasgow’s iconic skyline and has a distinctly Scottish feel.

“Glasgow is proud to be hosting one of the biggest sports events in Scotland this year, and I can’t wait to see the medals presented at the Championships next month. I am sure the winning athletes will all treasure the small part of Glasgow they take home with them.”

Among the first to set eyes on the medals were young athletes from the team that represented Glasgow at the European City Challenge last October, as well as Shettleston Harriers and Victoria Park Glasgow Athletics Club. They were given a sneak peek by event ambassador, world and Olympic medallist and European champion Eilidh Doyle, and three other Scottish athletics legends, 1980 Olympic 100m champion Allan Wells, and 1993 world indoor champions Yvonne Murray-Mooney (3000m) and Tom McKean (800m).

Doyle said: “As an athlete it is always exciting when the medals are revealed as you know the championships are getting close, so it creates a real buzz. And when you see them for real, it really makes you want one and spurs you on that little bit more.

“The medals are all quite different, and it is great to see a strong Scottish and Glasgow theme on this one, creating a sense of place, for the championships that will be remembered.” 

The medals have been produced by specialist manufacturer Toye, Kenning and Spencer who have produced a range of high-quality championship medals including the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. In addition to the gold, silver, and bronze editions, a pewter coaches medal has been made to recognise the coaches of the winning relay teams. 

Looking forward to the Championship, Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray said: “The World Athletics Indoor Championships offers Glasgow – and Scotland – a further opportunity to shine on the world stage and showcase our reputation for hosting and delivering major international events.

“From the thistle-inspired medals to the warm welcome which will be extended to athletes and spectators coming from across the globe, I have no doubt that a successful and uniquely Scottish event will be taking place in March, one which will inspire a new generation of young people to join their local athletics clubs and perhaps become the future Scottish stars.”

Ian Beattie, Chair UK Athletics, said: “Every athlete competing in Glasgow will dream of winning a medal, and it is fantastic to see that those who are successful will have such a stunning memory of their achievement. 

“As the event gets nearer the excitement is increasing, and I know the Glasgow crowd will create an electric atmosphere within the arena that will support the world class Scottish and British athletes to perform at the highest level.”

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events, said: “Glasgow and Scotland will provide the perfect stage as the final countdown begins for next month’s 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships at Emirates Arena.” 

by Abhishek Shukla

Six teams qualify for summit round of EaseMyTrip Yuva Kabaddi Series Winter Edition 2023

Pondicherry, February 05, 2024:  Six teams including Murthal Magnets and Palani Tuskers have made it to the summit round of the EaseMyTrip Yuva Kabaddi Series Winter Edition 2023 at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Pondicherry.

Murthal Magnets finished the challenger round on top of the table with 49 points, while Palani Tuskers performed brilliantly to stay in the second position with a total of 46 points.

Aravalli Arrows, Panchala Pride, Vijayanagara Veers and Chola Veerans have also reached the summit round. They will now fight for the title in the knockout stage of the tournament, which is empowering India’s budding kabaddi stars with a highly competitive platform and gives the next-gen players a chance to showcase their talent. It also grooms them for the biggest stage in Kabaddi.

In addition to establishing a feasible career route in sports, the series aims to develop a broader set of skills in players by providing assistance in financial literacy, media training, and nutrition throughout their participation in the EaseMyTrip Yuva Kabaddi Series.

Periyar Panthers, Hampi Heroes, Himalayan Tahrs and Sindh Sonics have crashed out of the tournament after finishing outside the top six in the challenger round. The ongoing tournament has also witnessed some top-notch performances from the young players with Rohit Rathee of Murthal Magnets leading the statistics in the attacking department, amassing the highest 190 raid points and also having the most Super 10s to his name with 11.

Murthal Magnets’ Sonu Rathee is currently leading as the top defender with 74 tackle points followed by Aryan Kumar of Panchala Pride with 63 points and Aravalli Arrows’ Chetan Choudhary, who has got 56 points due to his top defensive performances.

Rakesh Gowda of Hampi Heroes tops the super raids leaderboard with 15 super raids while Akash Malik of  Himalayan Tahrs is at the forefront of the super tackles race with seven super tackles.

The Yuva Kabaddi Series Winter Edition 2023 is witnessing a total of 120 high-intensity matches with 240 players from 12 different states participating in the tournament.

The final of the exciting tournament will be played on 7 February. Fans can catch all the thrilling action Live on FanCode.

by Abhishek Shukla

TPL’s Race to Gold initiative in association with MSLTA, DLTA & GSTA to put Junior District Tennis Players in the Spotlight

Mumbai, 2nd Feb 2024; In a visionary move, Tennis Premier League in association with MSLTA (Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association), DLTA (Delhi Lawn Tennis Association) & GSTA (Gujarat State Tennis Association) has launched Race to Gold (RTG), an initiative aimed at unearthing India’s tennis gems and providing them with sponsorship. This groundbreaking program aims not just to discover talent but to nurture it, year after year, creating a legacy of excellence in Indian tennis.

The first and the last Olympic medal for India in Tennis dates back to 1996 when Leander Paes clinched bronze. With Race to Gold, TPL aims to reignite India’s Olympic aspirations by nurturing a new generation of champions. This effort aims to support 72 talented tennis players, providing them with sponsorship opportunities and working towards creating a more inclusive and competitive tennis community

Kunal Thakkur, Co-Founder of Tennis Premier League, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “At TPL, we believe in nurturing talent from the grassroots level. Race to Gold is our commitment to empowering young tennis enthusiasts and providing them with the resources and exposure they need to shine on the world stage. By leveraging the TPL App, we ensure that no talent, no matter how remote, eludes our attention. ”

Highlighting the transformative nature of the initiative, Mrunal Jain Co-Founder of TPL, emphasizes, “The Race to Gold Initiative serves as a gateway for young talents to enter the world of professional tennis. We believe in the power of competition to bring out the best in our players. Ranking tournaments not only identify talent but also foster a spirit of healthy rivalry and camaraderie among participants. The legacy of Indian tennis runs deep within TPL’s ethos. From nurturing budding talents to celebrating historic achievements, we are committed to shaping the future of Indian tennis.

The scholarship, worth 75,000 INR, includes an advanced tennis racquet, a professional kit bag, a pair of shoes, jackets, strings, personalized jerseys, overgrips, caps, wristbands, socks, and slippers. Additionally, selected players will enjoy an exclusive player experience, including accommodation, food, and beverage for 2 days and 1 night at the TPL venue for the player plus one accompanying person (coach or parent). The experience also includes a session with a tennis legend, felicitation on live TV, and the opportunity to play a TPL format match against top players.

Leander Paes, an icon in tennis, expressed his endorsement for the ‘Race To Gold’ program of TPL, stating, “TPL’s commitment to nurturing young talents and promoting district participation in the ‘Race To Gold’ initiative is a testament to its impactful vision. This also signifies a purposeful step towards grassroots development. I believe it’s a significant stride for tennis in our country, and I am proud to support such initiatives that shape the future of the sport.”
The “Race To Gold” scholarship program will extend its reach to 8 major cities across India, including Mumbai, Pune , Gujarat, Delhi, Punjab, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. Eligible categories for selection include Under 10 Boys & Girls, Under 12 Boys & Girls, Under 14 Boys & Girls, Men’s Open, and Women’s Open.

Sumit Nagal, the most expensive player of the Tennis Premier League Season 5 auction, shared his thoughts on the initiative.  “TPL’s purposeful assembly of the top 72 talents as national tennis gems is truly praiseworthy. The initiative’s inclusion of district participation in the u10, u12, u14, and open categories is sure to elicit enthusiasm for the growth of tennis. I eagerly anticipate to see this journey grow more in the coming future.”

Sunder Iyer Honorable Secretary of Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association and Joint Secretary of All India Tennis Association, shares “Over the years, TPL has played a crucial role in providing opportunities, exposure, and support to Indian players by placing them at the forefront of promoting Indian tennis. Now, TPL believes that by providing opportunities and support at the grassroots level, it can pave the way for a new generation of tennis stars to emerge. MSLTA is very focused on developing the grassroot level of tennis in Maharashtra and District ranking tournaments will be very helpful in the same.”

by Abhishek Shukla

‘We are very dangerous to play now’: Sharjah Warriors all-rounder Sean Williams opens up after loss

Dubai, 5 February 2024: The Sharjah Warriors lost to the Gulf Giants by 79 runs in their DP World ILT20 clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. The Giants put up 187/6 in their 20 overs before bundling the Warriors for 108 runs.

Sharing his thoughts after the match, Zimbabwean all-rounder Sean Williams spoke about the three wickets that he managed to bag despite being expensive, “It’s always nice to bowl well in these conditions, especially to put pressure on the batters that the Gulf Giants have. We had to take some risks while bowling at the end, but these things must be done at the back end of the game. Unfortunately, my execution wasn’t good enough.”

Williams reserved high praise for Hetmyer especially, after his explosive winnings snatched the game away from the Warriors, “Shimron Hetmyer played really well. He is renowned for winning matches for West Indies or any team he plays with. Such players cannot be given much gap. But obviously, my over was a turning point, there’s no denying that, but that’s the thing about cricket; You must know how to respond to such situations.”

Despite the loss, Sean Williams was confident in his team’s abilities and believes they are now a threat to the other teams in their final three matches of the season, “We are a very dangerous team to play right now with nothing to lose and everything to gain. We can only take the positives and keep moving forward. This is very important so that we can go out there and give it everything we have.”

by Abhishek Shukla

ICC release ITT for media rights in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka

The International Cricket Council will today release its Invitation To Tender (ITT) for media rights in three territories, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka for 2024 to 2025.

Following the successful conclusion of media rights agreements in several markets including India, the United Kingdom and Ireland, the USA and Canada, Sub-Saharan Africa region, Australia and Middle East and North Africa the ICC is now starting the process in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

In Pakistan there are two packages available combining both TV and digital rights including both men’s and women’s rights, with one TV and digital combined package available in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka respectively. The packages will be for three women’s events and three men’s events up until the end of next year.

ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said: “We are delighted to be releasing the ITT for media rights in three of cricket’s major broadcast markets in South Asia, namely Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, as we continue to build our team of broadcast partners who will take ICC events to more fans across the world.”

The ITT will be released today, and interested parties need to email iccmediarights2024-2031@icc-cricket.com to access the tender documents. Subsequent ITTs for additional markets will be released in due course.

by Abhishek Shukla

Defending champions India clash against hosts South Africa

India take on South Africa in the first semi-final of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 in Benoni.

After 38 matches and 16 days since the start of the ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup 2024, four teams now remain in contention for the coveted title.

India have been a force throughout the tournament so far, not only winning each of their five matches, but also dominating their opponents with three of their wins coming by a margin of over 200 runs. 

India have found consistent contributors both with the bat and ball, but it is their batting prowess that has stood out in the tournament. Remarkably, five different players have notched up centuries to date at the tournament.

However, they might not have faced a bowling attack of South Africa’s calibre yet, which is spearheaded by the tournament’s top wicket-taker, Kwena Maphaka. The left-arm pacer has effortlessly dismantled opposing batting lineups, claiming three five-wicket hauls along the way. India will, however, take confidence from the fact that they successfully negated him in the tri-series preceding the U19 Men’s CWC.

The Proteas’ opening batters, Steve Stolk and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, have showcased exceptional form, leading the charge for South Africa.

South Africa have only stumbled once in the tournament – against England in the group stages. But the hosts have momentum on their side with dominant victories thereafter – among their highlights has been their explosive chase of 273 runs for victory in 27 overs against Scotland to secure top spot in the group stages.

As the ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup 2024 reaches its business end, the clash between India and South Africa promises to be a riveting encounter, with Willowmoore Park in Benoni the stage on which the action will unfold.

How they have fared so far

India

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

India commenced their tournament with a commanding 84-run victory over Bangladesh, led by Saumy Pandey’s impressive four-wicket haul. 

In the following match against Ireland, Musheer Khan’s century propelled India beyond the 300-run mark, with Naman Tiwari contributing a four-wicket haul for a resounding 201-run win.

The momentum continued as the defending champions breached 300 runs once more, this time against the USA. Opener Arshin Kulkarni passed three figures this time, before Naman recorded successive four-fors as India emerged victors by the same margin. 

The Super Six stage then rolled around, and up against New Zealand, Musheer Khan showcased his brilliance with a second century, setting a target of 296. Saumy Pandey’s four wickets dismantled any hope of a chase, as the Blackcaps were bowled out for just 81.

Centuries from captain Uday Saharan and Sachin Dhas laid the foundation for a big total of 297/5 in their final super Six match against Nepal. Pandey’s left-arm spin wreaked havoc once again, leading to a 131-run victory as India punched their tickets to the semi-finals.

South Africa

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

The hosts started off their tournament with a thrilling win over West Indies in a closely contested match. Kwena Maphaka’s scintillating five-for trumped Jewel Andrew’s valiant ton as the Proteas won by 31 runs. 

South Africa then suffered their first and only defeat, losing out against England by 36 runs (DLS) in a rain-truncated match. 

However, they bounced back in style by chasing 273 in 27 overs against Scotland. Steve Stolk smashed a fifty off just 13 balls, the fastest in U19 Men’s CWC history and was well supported by Dewan Marais’s 50-ball 80.

In their first outing in the Super Six stage, Kwena Maphaka’s second five-wicket haul restricted Zimbabwe to a lowly 102. South Africa launched another explosive chase to secure a comfortable win in just 13.3 overs, with Pretorius contributing a quickfire half-century.

In their final Super Six game, Sri Lanka’s bowling posed a challenge, restricting the hosts to a modest 232 runs. However, Maphaka’s outstanding six-wicket haul tore through the Islanders’ batting lineup, securing South Africa’s qualification and a blockbuster matchup against India in the semi-final with an emphatic 119-run victory.

Players to watch

Musheer Khan has been a revelation for India in the tournament so far, leading the run-scoring charts with 334 runs at an impressive strike rate of 103.72. Beyond his batting prowess, Khan has also proved handy with the ball, scalping four wickets at an economy rate of 3.01.

Closely behind Musheer in the list for most runs is captain Uday Saharan with 308. A pillar in the middle order, Uday has momentum on his side after a century in the last game against Nepal.

It has been hard to keep Saumy Pandey out of any game in the tournament to date, with the left-arm spinner bagging at least three wickets in four of the five games so far.

Currently third in the wicket-takers list with 16 wickets, Pandey will be looking to climb to the top but the brilliant Kwena Maphaka stands in his way at the summit of the bowling charts with 18.

The left-arm quick has earned plaudits from some of the greats of the game for his speed and ability to move the ball early. 

Among the Proteas batters, the responsibility will primarily rest on the shoulders of openers Steve Stolk and Lhaun-dre Pretorius to provide a strong start for South Africa. Stolk has taken the tournament by storm, his 214 runs coming at a blazing strike rate of 148.6. Together with Pretorius, the pair have added 360 runs, the highest for any pair in the tournament, at a stunning strike rate of 141.2.

Predicted XI:

India: Adarsh Singh, Arshin Kulkarni, Musheer Khan, Uday Saharan (C), Priyanshu Moliya, Sachin Dhas, Aravelly Avanish (wk), Murugan Abhishek, Naman Tiwari, Raj Limbani, Saumy Pandey.

South Africa: Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), Steve Stolk, David Teeger, Richard Seletswane, Dewan Marais, Romashan Pillay, Juan James (C), Riley Norton, Tristan Luus, Nqobani Mokoena, Kwena Maphaka.

by Abhishek Shukla

Nuggets Rally to Overcome Trail Blazers in Gritty Showdown

DENVER — In a testament to their championship resilience, the Denver Nuggets orchestrated a stunning comeback to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 112-103 on Sunday night. Despite trailing by as many as 14 points in the first half, the Nuggets did not secure their first lead until the closing moments of the third quarter, showcasing their ability to shift gears when it matters most.

Jamal Murray, who contributed 21 points and a commendable 10 assists, expressed a desire for the team to adopt a more proactive approach from the outset, emphasizing the need to match their opponents’ intensity from the start. Nikola Jokic led the scoring for Denver with 29 points, underscoring his pivotal role in the team’s success.

The Nuggets’ young talents, Christian Braun and Peyton Watson, were instrumental in the final quarter, energizing their team to secure a second victory against their division rivals within 48 hours. Watson, in particular, made a significant impact, scoring 10 of his 12 points during Denver’s decisive fourth-quarter surge, which solidified their formidable home record to 21-4.

Despite the Blazers’ efforts, led by Deandre Ayton with 27 points and Anfernee Simons with 26, they were unable to maintain their lead in the face of Denver’s relentless pressure. The Nuggets executed a pivotal 16-0 run, transitioning from a nine-point deficit to taking control of the game, a shift that Blazers’ missed shots and turnovers during a critical stretch helped facilitate.

Denver’s coach Michael Malone praised the team’s defensive improvement as the game progressed, highlighting the transition from minimal to robust defense as a key factor in their victory. The Blazers, while disappointed with the outcome, remained positive about their performance, with Simons acknowledging the challenge of facing a veteran, championship-caliber team like the Nuggets.

The Blazers’ offensive struggles were evident in the second half, managing only one 3-pointer on 13 attempts after hitting 10 in the first half. Key players for Portland, including Jerami Grant and Malcolm Brogdon, were sidelined due to injuries, paving the way for younger talents like Scott Henderson, who added 14 points, to step up.

As both teams look ahead, the Blazers are set to host the Detroit Pistons, while the Nuggets will face a challenging encounter against the Los Angeles Lakers, with both teams eager to build on their performances and carry their momentum forward.

by Abhishek Shukla

Jazz Stun Bucks with Fourth-Quarter Surge, Win 123-108

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Jazz orchestrated a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the Milwaukee Bucks 123-108 on Sunday night, snapping a three-game losing streak. Lauri Markkanen led the charge with 21 points, as Utah outscored Milwaukee 40-13 in the final quarter to clinch the victory.

Collin Sexton contributed 19 points, and both John Collins and rookie Keyonte George added double-doubles, with Collins posting 15 points and 10 rebounds, and George adding 19 points and 10 rebounds of his own. This collective effort underscored Utah’s resilience and depth as they turned the game around in the final minutes.

Milwaukee, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 33 points, 13 assists, and seven rebounds, struggled to find their rhythm in the fourth quarter. Despite Antetokounmpo’s impressive performance and Bobby Portis’ 27 points, the Bucks could not maintain their lead due to a cold shooting streak and Utah’s tightened defense. The Bucks were without key starters Brook Lopez and Khris Middleton, impacting their on-court dynamics.

The Jazz capitalized on Milwaukee’s turnovers in the second half, scoring 15 points off seven turnovers and limiting the Bucks to just four baskets in the fourth quarter. Markkanen highlighted the connection between defense and offense, noting that getting stops fueled their offensive momentum.

Utah’s comeback began early in the fourth quarter with Markkanen and Kelly Olynyk hitting crucial 3-pointers, sparking a 19-3 run that gave the Jazz a lead they would not relinquish. Milwaukee briefly regained the lead on an Antetokounmpo layup, but Utah’s sustained offensive pressure and scoring from multiple players, including a vital contribution from George, sealed the win.

Bucks coach Doc Rivers lamented the missed opportunities, pointing out that despite getting open shots, the team’s inability to convert was their downfall. The loss was a rare setback for Milwaukee in back-to-back games, highlighting the challenges of maintaining performance without a full roster.

Utah’s win was a testament to their strategy of increasing the tempo and applying pressure, a move that paid dividends against a Bucks team feeling the effects of their schedule. The Jazz’s rebounding advantage and second-half defense were key factors in their victory.

As both teams look ahead, the Bucks face a challenge against Phoenix, while the Jazz prepare to host Oklahoma City, with both teams eager to build on their performances.

by Abhishek Shukla

Edwards Ignites Wolves to Victory Over Rockets

MINNEAPOLIS — Anthony Edwards erupted for 22 of his 32 points in a game-changing third quarter, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a convincing 111-90 win over the Houston Rockets on Sunday night. The victory, which snapped a close contest wide open after halftime, highlighted Edwards’ scoring prowess and secured a much-needed boost for the Timberwolves, ending their game on a high note.

Rudy Gobert complemented Edwards’ offensive explosion with a double-double, amassing 17 points and 13 rebounds, alongside contributing to Minnesota’s season high-tying 11 blocks. Karl-Anthony Towns, recently named to his fourth All-Star game, added 14 points and 10 rebounds, further solidifying the Timberwolves’ dominance in the paint.

The first half saw Edwards struggling with his shot, managing just six points on 1 of 8 shooting. However, the third quarter witnessed a remarkable turnaround as Edwards shot an impressive 9 for 12 from the field, including 4 for 5 from beyond the arc, single-handedly outscoring the Rockets 22-20 in the period. Gobert praised Edwards’ aggressive play, emphasizing how attacking the rim opened up his perimeter shooting.

The Timberwolves’ win was not just a testament to their on-court performance but also a celebratory moment for Coach Chris Finch, who earned the honor to lead the Western Conference in the upcoming All-Star game. The team acknowledged Finch’s leadership by showering him with cold water in a post-game locker room celebration, a moment Finch described as reflective of their collective effort this season.

On the other side, the Rockets struggled offensively, with Alperen Sengun leading the team with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Rookie Cam Whitmore made a notable contribution with 14 points in the second half, but the team’s overall shooting efficiency was lacking, as evidenced by their 35.2% shooting from the field. Jalen Green’s off night, marked by a 3 of 15 shooting performance, underscored Houston’s offensive woes.

The Timberwolves entered the game boasting the NBA’s best defensive record, a fact that resonated throughout the match as they stifled Houston’s attempts to establish a rhythm. Despite committing nine turnovers in the second quarter, Minnesota regrouped and, led by Edwards, embarked on a decisive 16-2 run in the third quarter to seize control of the game.

As both teams look ahead, the Rockets are set to face Indiana on Tuesday night, while the Timberwolves will begin a five-game road trip starting in Chicago, also on Tuesday. This win not only enhances Minnesota’s standing but also positions Coach Finch and his players for continued success as they navigate the remainder of the season.