December 22, 2024December 22, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Commanding Haryana Steelers confirm top spot and semi-final place after 17-point drubbing of U Mumba

Pune, December 22, 2024: In a commanding display of kabaddi prowess, Haryana Steelers bested U Mumba 47-30, cementing their position at the summit of the Pro Kabaddi League Season 11 table at the Badminton Hall in the Balewadi Sports Complex on Sunday night. The Haryana Steelers returned to winning ways, with Shivam Patare’s exceptional 14-point performance leading the charge. While the victory solidified their status as table-toppers, U Mumba’s playoff aspirations remain in the balance, as they must now anxiously await the final match of the league stage to learn their top-six fate.

The match began with the Haryana Steelers taking an early lead as Rinku eliminated Vinay, and Manjeet secured a bonus point to make it 0-2. The momentum shifted dramatically when U Mumba suffered an ALL OUT following an impressive raid by Shivam Patare, who eliminated Lokesh Ghosliya and Sunil Kumar. Sanjay then tackled Rohit Raghav, extending the score to 11-7.

After establishing their early control, the Haryana Steelers faced resistance from U Mumba. However, Shivam Patare continued his impressive performance, notably scoring a two-point raid against Parvesh Bhainswal and Rinku. Mohammadreza Shadloui successfully defended against Rohit Raghav, and the team inflicted another ALL OUT when Manjeet was caught by Rahul Sethpal and the Haryana Steelers’ defense. The match remains firmly in control of the table-toppers, with the score standing at 26-14 at half-time.

As the match entered the second half, the Haryana Steelers continued to assert their dominance, though both teams showed moments of defensive prowess. Lokesh managed to get an ankle hold on Vinay, while Shadloui demonstrated his defensive skills by successfully tackling Rohit Raghav. Despite Sathish Kannan managing to escape Shadloui’s half-hearted hold, the Steelers maintained their comfortable lead. The score stretched to 33-20 after Vinay executed a skillful turn near the baulkline, evading Sunil Kumar’s attempt to tackle him, further cementing the Steelers’ commanding position in the match.

A third ALL OUT was inflicted on the Haryana Steelers, as Vinay joined the raiding furore that was initially led by Shivam Patare. He got Parvesh Bhainswal and Sathish Kannan with one fell swoop, landing the final.blow on the playoff aspirants. The match ended with a score difference of 17 points, as Rahul Sethpal and Mohammadreza Shadloui completed their High 5, while Shivam Patare finished with 14 points to his name on the night.

Please find below the schedule for PKL Season 11 match on Monday, December 23:

Match 1 – Gujarat Giants vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – 8 pm
Match 2 – Puneri Paltan vs Tamil Thalaivas – 9 pm

December 22, 2024December 22, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Second half blitz propels Kerala Blasters FC to a 3-0 win over Mohammedan SC, snap three-game-long losing streak

Kochi, December 22: Kerala Blasters FC returned to winning ways with a dominant 3-0 triumph over Mohammedan SC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season tonight. With this win, the home team completed a league double over Mohammedan SC this season.

A stellar second half performance from Kerala Blasters FC saw the likes of Noah Sadaoui and Alexandre Coeff get on the scoresheet along with an own goal from Bhaskar Roy.

The first half hour of the game saw both defences holding their shape and thwarting the opposition’s attack. However, the hosts had a few half chances with Noah orchestrating most of the moves. He combined with Kwame Peprah brilliantly before the drinks break but the Ghanaian’s header was too tame to trouble Roy in goal.

The final quarter of the first half saw Kerala Blasters FC dominate possession, whereas Mohammedan SC were happy to sit back and hold their lines.

However, Kerala Blasters FC eventually created the best opening of the first half when Adrian Luna found Noah in the box with a long ball. The Moroccan headed the ball towards an onrushing Korou Singh. However, the youngster’s header struck the post before Peprah nestled the side netting, summing up the first period which saw only a solitary shot on target.

Kerala Blasters FC continued their dominance in the second half with Milos Drincic coming very close to breaking the deadlock from a corner delivered by Luna. The defender rose the highest from the corner and made a great connection but he was denied by Bhaskar, who made a diving save to keep the visitors in the game. Luna found Drincic in the subsequent corner as well but this time he headed it wide.

Kerala Blasters FC finally broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute courtesy of an error from Bhaskar Roy. The Mohammedan SC custodian misjudged a corner kick from Luna as he tried to punch it out instead of gathering the ball. Therefore he deflected the ball into his own net, opening the scoring for the game.

In the meantime, Kerala Blasters FC almost doubled the lead with Korou squaring it to Luna in the box. But before it could reach him, Zodingliana Ralte cleared it away. In the 71st minute, Andrey Chernyshov unleashed Cesar Manzoki replacing Carlos Franca upfront in search of an equaliser.

However the hosts doubled their lead in the 80th minute when Korou found Noah in the penalty area after Luna’s corner kick was cleared away. The Moroccan was in acres of space to direct a thunderous header into the bottom right corner.

Meanwhile, Kerala Blasters FC brought in Alexandre Coeff and Lalthanmawia Renthlei to close out the game. The Frenchman made an instant impact as he scored the third goal for the hosts in the 90th minute. He found himself at the end of a cross from Luna and hammered the ball home to seal their fourth win of the campaign.

Key Performer of the match

Adrian Luna (Kerala Blasters)

Although Luna registered a solitary assist, he played a key role in creating all three goals on the night. He also put in the hard yards throughout the ninety minutes. He created six chances whilst putting in 10 crosses. He also had a tackle and interception while clocking 79% passing accuracy.

What next for both teams?

Mohammedan SC will play Odisha FC on December 27 whereas Kerala Blasters will face Jamshedpur FC next on December 29.

Brief Scores

Kerala Blasters 3 (Bhaskar Roy OG 62’ Noah Sadaoui 80’ Alexandre Coeff 90’) – 0 Mohammedan SC.

Stat Pack

December 22, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Sushil’s 15-point game goes in vain as Tamil Thalaivas overcome Bengaluru Bulls

Pune, 22nd December, 2024: The Tamil Thalaivas registered their eighth win of the season with a convincing performance against Bengaluru Bulls, winning by a scoreline of 42-32 at the Badminton Hall in the Balewadi Sports Complex in PKL Season 11, on Sunday. Himanshu completed a Super 10 and was well supported by Moein Shafaghi as they overcame the bottom-placed side, despite Sushil’s 15-point game.

It wasn’t the most action-packed start to the game with raiders of both teams not quite flying off the blocks. Moein Shafaghi opened the scoring, while Parteek got the first tackle of the evening. The defences were on top in the opening exchanges as Amir Hossein Bastami got himself into the action with a tackle of his own.

Sushil registered the first successful raid for Bengaluru Bulls, and Parteek started well on the defensive end too. Amir Hossein Bastami responded with a successful tackle on a Do-or-Die Raid, followed by a raid from Moein Shafaghi to level the scores at 4-4. It was a Super Raid from Sushil that gave Bengaluru Bulls a three-point lead before Tamil Thalaivas fought back to take an 8-7 lead after the first timeout.

Moein Shafaghi carried on his good run on the attacking end for Tamil Thalaivas, while Sushil was doing the same for Bengaluru Bulls. A tackle by Nitin Rawal gave them the lead again, as the defensive units continued to stay on top. A Super Tackle from Abhishek Manokaran helped Tamil Thalaivas level things up at 12-12, before they closed out the first half with a slender one-point lead as the scoreline read 14-13.

Himanshu got the first raid of the second half, but Pardeep Narwal quickly levelled things up with a two-point raid of his own. Sai Prasad put Tamil Thalaivas back in front with a couple of raids and got support from Abhishek Manokaran, who got the first successful tackle of the first half. Another successful tackle, this time by Aashish helped Tamil Thalaivas take a four-point lead.

Sushil kept the scoreboard ticking for Bengaluru Bulls with a successful Do-or-Die Raid and got support from Naveen, as he inflicted a Super Tackle to help their side cut the deficit to two-points. However, the duo of Himanshu and Moein Shafaghi ensured that the Tamil Thalaivas regain their four-point lead, with the score at 23-19 going into the final phase of the game.

Amir Hossein Bastami helped his side inflict an ALL OUT on the Bengaluru Bulls to put some daylight between the two sides. Himanshu further extended the lead to 10-points with another Super Raid, reducing Bengaluru Bulls to three players on the mat. Sushil showed some spirit and registered his Super 10 to keep his side in the game.

However, there was no respite for the Bengaluru Bulls as they suffered another ALL OUT to give their opponents a twelve-point lead. Moein Shafaghi amassed 100 raid points for the season, and with close to five minutes to go in the contest, the writing was already on the wall.

Pardeep Narwal got a two-point raid and Sushil kept his foot on the pedal to try and take the game to their opponents. Eventually, it was the Tamil Thalaivas who came out on top in this contest with the scoreline of 42-32 as Himanshu completed his Super 10, finishing with 13 points, to wrap up a complete performance for his side.

Please find below the schedule for PKL Season 11 match on Monday, December 23:

Match 1 – Gujarat Giants vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – 8 pm
Match 2 – Puneri Paltan vs Tamil Thalaivas – 9 pm

December 22, 2024December 22, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Real Madrid Triumph Over Sevilla in Thrilling Encounter

Real Madrid hosted Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu for an intense La Liga showdown that ended in a thrilling four-two victory for Los Blancos. A dominant display from Real Madrid saw goals from Kylian Mbappé, Federico Valverde, Rodrygo, and Brahim Díaz. Sevilla, however, fought valiantly with Isaac Romero and Dodi Lukébakio finding the back of the net.

Kick-off and Initial Atmosphere

The Santiago Bernabéu was alive with energy as fans eagerly anticipated another classic La Liga matchup. Real Madrid, coming off a streak of solid performances, started aggressively, showcasing their trademark high pressing and quick transitions. Sevilla, known for their resilience, aimed to stay compact while looking for counter-attacking opportunities. The early exchanges were intense, with both sides battling for midfield dominance.

First Half Overview

First to Fifteenth Minute:

Real Madrid wasted no time asserting their dominance. In the tenth minute, Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring with a spectacular strike from outside the box into the top-left corner. Rodrygo’s clever positioning and assist were instrumental in the buildup. Sevilla attempted to respond, but Real Madrid’s midfield trio of Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Federico Valverde controlled the tempo, cutting off Sevilla’s supply lines.

Sixteenth to Thirtieth Minute:

The hosts doubled their lead in the twentieth minute when Federico Valverde unleashed a thunderous shot from distance, assisted by Camavinga following a corner. Sevilla’s defense looked unsettled, struggling to cope with Madrid’s relentless pressure. Real Madrid continued to dominate possession, with Mbappé narrowly missing another chance in the seventeenth minute.

Thirty-first to Forty-fifth Minute:

Rodrygo made it three for Real Madrid in the thirty-fourth minute, finishing with precision into the top-left corner after a pinpoint assist from Lucas Vázquez. Sevilla’s Isaac Romero pulled one back almost immediately in the thirty-fifth minute, heading home a perfect cross from Juanlu Sánchez. The goal rejuvenated Sevilla briefly, but Real Madrid remained in control as the first half ended with a commanding three-one lead.

Second Half Overview

Forty-sixth to Sixtieth Minute:

Real Madrid started the second half with the same intensity. Brahim Díaz added a fourth goal in the fifty-third minute, finishing a through ball from Mbappé with finesse into the top-left corner. Sevilla attempted to fight back, with Isaac Romero testing Thibaut Courtois in the forty-seventh minute, but the Real Madrid goalkeeper was equal to the task.

Sixty-first to Seventy-fifth Minute:

Sevilla introduced fresh legs, with substitutes Jesús Navas and Peque Fernández injecting pace into their attacks. In the seventy-third minute, Isaac Romero struck the post with a left-footed effort, narrowly missing the chance to reduce the deficit. Real Madrid, however, remained resilient, with their defense expertly marshaled by Antonio Rüdiger.

Seventy-sixth to Ninetieth Minute:

Dodi Lukébakio gave Sevilla a glimmer of hope in the eighty-fifth minute, slotting the ball into the center of the goal after a well-timed through ball from Peque Fernández. Despite late pressure from Sevilla, Real Madrid held firm, securing a four-two victory. The match concluded with the Santiago Bernabéu erupting in applause for their team’s outstanding performance.

Final Whistle and Match Summary

Real Madrid’s victory over Sevilla showcased their attacking prowess and tactical discipline. Kylian Mbappé was instrumental, contributing a goal and an assist, while Federico Valverde’s midfield dominance and long-range goal were highlights of the match. Sevilla’s Isaac Romero and Dodi Lukébakio delivered commendable performances, but the visitors struggled to contain Real Madrid’s relentless attacks.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical adjustments ensured Real Madrid maintained control throughout the game, with timely substitutions bolstering their midfield and defense. Sevilla, despite their spirited fightback, were outclassed by the home side’s superior quality and depth.

This result solidifies Real Madrid’s position at the top of the La Liga table, while Sevilla will need to regroup and address their defensive vulnerabilities. The Santiago Bernabéu faithful left the stadium thrilled with their team’s dynamic performance.

December 22, 2024December 22, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

VfL Bochum Triumphs Over 1. FC Heidenheim in Crucial Bundesliga Showdown

In an electrifying clash at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion, VfL Bochum achieved their first Bundesliga win of the 2024-25 season, overcoming 1. FC Heidenheim with a two-nil victory. The game, marked by tactical precision, resilience, and key individual performances, served as a turning point for Bochum’s campaign. The fans were treated to a thrilling display of football as Bochum finally broke their winless streak.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The stakes were high for both teams entering this Matchday fifteen fixture. Bochum, rooted at the bottom of the table and desperate for a victory, were coming off a club-record sixteen-game winless run. Meanwhile, Heidenheim, hovering near the relegation zone, sought to capitalize on Bochum’s struggles to secure crucial points. Dieter Hecking, Bochum’s coach, made two changes to his starting eleven, bringing in Anthony Losilla and Philipp Hofmann. For Heidenheim, coach Frank Schmidt introduced six fresh faces, including Thomas Keller, who made his comeback after a year-long injury layoff.

First Half: Bochum’s Early Dominance

Bochum started the game with intensity, pressing high and dictating the tempo. The match kicked off with an electrifying atmosphere as the home fans rallied behind their team. Within six minutes, Bochum took the lead. Ibrahim Sissoko, orchestrating from midfield, delivered a precise cross to Moritz Broschinski, who fired a first-time finish into the far post. The goal not only energized the team but also lifted the spirits of the fans. This was Broschinski’s first goal since February, and his confidence was palpable.

Heidenheim struggled to find their rhythm in the early stages, with Bochum’s pressing forcing errors. In the twenty-third minute, Heidenheim’s Mainka attempted a looping header, narrowly missing the target. However, Bochum’s defensive organization and Drewes’ alert goalkeeping kept the visitors at bay.

Bochum doubled their lead in the thirty-eighth minute through Matúš Bero. Positioned just outside the penalty area, Bero executed a deft dummy to beat his marker before unleashing a thunderous strike past goalkeeper Müller. This marked Bero’s third goal of the season, making him Bochum’s top scorer. The home side’s confidence soared as they ended the half leading two goals to nil.

Second Half: Tactical Adjustments and Bochum’s Resilience

The second half began with Heidenheim making several substitutions in an attempt to change the game’s dynamics. However, Bochum’s well-organized defense and tactical discipline proved impenetrable. In the forty-eighth minute, Heidenheim’s Pieringer received a yellow card for a reckless tackle, highlighting the visitors’ frustration.

Bochum remained threatening on the counterattack, with Hofmann coming close to adding a third goal in the sixty-first minute. Despite Heidenheim’s extended possession spells, they struggled to create clear-cut chances. Sissoko continued to shine in midfield, breaking up Heidenheim’s plays and initiating counterattacks.

As the game progressed, tensions rose. Heidenheim’s Conteh and Bochum’s Bero both received yellow cards for late tackles. The eighty-fourth minute saw a spectacular fingertip save from Heidenheim’s Müller, denying Hofmann’s powerful strike. Despite Heidenheim’s late push, Bochum’s defense held firm.

Key Performances

Matúš Bero: The Slovakian midfielder was instrumental, contributing with a goal and dominating the midfield. His creativity and composure were vital in unlocking Heidenheim’s defense.
Ibrahim Sissoko: Arguably the man of the match, Sissoko controlled the tempo and provided the crucial assist for the opening goal.
Moritz Broschinski: The forward ended his goal drought with a confident finish, setting the tone for Bochum’s performance.
Manuel Riemann: Bochum’s goalkeeper made crucial saves, ensuring a clean sheet and instilling confidence in his backline.

Implications for the Season

Bochum’s first win of the season marks a potential turning point. While they remain in the relegation zone, this victory provides a foundation to build upon. For Heidenheim, the loss compounds their struggles, leaving them precariously close to the drop zone.

Conclusion

The two-nil victory was a well-deserved result for Bochum, who demonstrated the spirit and determination needed to turn their season around. With standout performances from Bero and Sissoko, the team gave their fans a reason to believe in a brighter future. Meanwhile, Heidenheim must regroup quickly as the Bundesliga season intensifies.

December 22, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Leicester City 0, Wolverhampton Wanderers 3 – Premier League Match Analysis

Introduction: In a commanding display at King Power Stadium, Wolverhampton Wanderers dismantled Leicester City with a comprehensive three-nil victory. Goals from Gonçalo Guedes, Rodrigo Gomes, and Matheus Cunha highlighted a night of exceptional efficiency and defensive resilience. This report delves into the game’s minute-by-minute details, standout performances, and tactical narratives that defined this Premier League clash.

Pre-Match Atmosphere: The mood was electric at King Power Stadium, with both sets of fans eager to see their teams in action. Leicester City, desperate to turn around a string of poor performances, entered the match with high stakes. Wolverhampton Wanderers, on the other hand, sought to build on recent successes and climb the league table. As the teams lined up, the anticipation was palpable.

First Half:

Kick-off to Fifteenth Minute: The match began with Leicester City pressing high, attempting to disrupt Wolverhampton’s rhythm early on. However, Wolverhampton showed patience, maintaining their defensive structure and waiting for opportunities to exploit Leicester’s vulnerabilities. In the nineteenth minute, Wolverhampton took the lead through Gonçalo Guedes. The forward received a precise pass from Nélson Semedo, cut inside from the right, and curled a low shot into the bottom left corner, leaving Leicester’s goalkeeper with no chance.

Sixteenth to Thirtieth Minute: Leicester struggled to respond to the early goal, with their efforts hampered by miscommunication in the midfield. Defensive errors began to creep in, leading to a yellow card for Jannik Vestergaard in the twenty-second minute after a reckless challenge. Moments later, Boubakary Soumaré joined him in the referee’s book for a similar offense. Wolverhampton, capitalizing on Leicester’s disorganization, grew in confidence and started to dominate possession.

Thirty-first to Forty-fifth Minute: Wolverhampton’s dominance paid off again in the thirty-sixth minute. Rodrigo Gomes doubled the lead, finishing clinically from the center of the box after a clever cutback from Matt Doherty. Leicester’s defense looked in disarray, and their lack of composure was further punished in the forty-fourth minute when Matheus Cunha made it three. Receiving a deft assist from Gonçalo Guedes, Cunha fired home from a tight angle, sealing a remarkable first half for Wolverhampton. The referee’s whistle signaled the break, with Leicester trailing by three goals and facing an uphill battle.

Second Half:

Forty-sixth to Sixtieth Minute: Leicester made several substitutions at halftime, bringing on Harry Winks and Wout Faes in a bid to regain control. While they started the second half with more urgency, Wolverhampton’s defense remained impenetrable. Jamie Vardy had a chance to pull one back in the fifty-seventh minute but dragged his shot wide from a difficult angle.

Sixty-first to Seventy-fifth Minute: Wolverhampton’s resilience was on full display as they thwarted Leicester’s attempts to mount a comeback. In the sixty-ninth minute, Santiago Bueno nearly added a fourth for the visitors, hitting the crossbar with a towering header. Leicester continued to struggle in the final third, with poor finishing and a lack of creativity proving costly.

Seventy-sixth to Ninetieth Minute: Leicester’s frustration grew in the closing stages. Jamie Vardy missed another clear opportunity in the eighty-first minute, shooting wide from close range. Wolverhampton introduced fresh legs, including Hwang Hee-Chan and Craig Dawson, to see out the game. João Gomes had a late attempt saved, but it was merely a formality as Wolverhampton comfortably secured their three-goal victory.

Post-Match Analysis:

Standout Performances: Gonçalo Guedes emerged as the star of the match, contributing a goal and an assist. His movement and precision in the final third were pivotal to Wolverhampton’s success. Rodrigo Gomes and Matheus Cunha also shone, showcasing their finishing prowess and tactical awareness. On the defensive end, Wolverhampton’s backline, marshaled by Toti Gomes and Santiago Bueno, stood firm against Leicester’s sporadic attacks.

Tactical Breakdown: Wolverhampton executed their game plan to perfection, combining solid defensive organization with lethal counter-attacks. Their midfield trio controlled the tempo, while their forwards capitalized on Leicester’s defensive frailties. Leicester, by contrast, appeared disjointed and lacked the creativity needed to unlock Wolverhampton’s defense. Managerial decisions, particularly the timing of substitutions, also came under scrutiny.

Key Turning Points: The opening goal by Gonçalo Guedes set the tone, forcing Leicester to chase the game. The second goal by Rodrigo Gomes compounded Leicester’s woes, while Matheus Cunha’s strike just before halftime effectively ended the contest. Leicester’s inability to convert chances in the second half highlighted their struggles and underscored Wolverhampton’s dominance.

Final Whistle: As the referee blew the final whistle, Wolverhampton Wanderers celebrated a well-deserved three points. Leicester City, meanwhile, faced jeers from their home crowd, who were left disappointed by the team’s lackluster performance. The result sees Wolverhampton climb the Premier League table, while Leicester’s struggles deepen.

December 22, 2024December 22, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Venezia Triumphs Over Cagliari in a Thrilling Serie A Encounter

The Pier Luigi Penzo Stadium was alive with passion and anticipation as Venezia hosted Cagliari in a pivotal Serie A clash. Both teams were desperate for points to improve their standings, and the match did not disappoint, delivering drama, skill, and crucial moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats. In a game defined by tactical adjustments, individual brilliance, and late-game tension, Venezia managed to secure a vital two-to-one victory, marking a significant moment in their season.

First Half: A Game of Patience and Precision

The match began at a frenetic pace, with Venezia and Cagliari both seeking an early advantage. The first fifteen minutes saw cautious probing from both sides. Cagliari, led by their talismanic forward Leonardo Pavoletti, attempted to exploit the wings through precise runs by Zortea and Augello. Venezia responded by tightening their defensive structure, with Sverko and Idzes standing firm against the initial incursions.

Cagliari nearly found an opening in the twenty-seventh minute when Mina’s powerful header from a well-taken corner was superbly parried by Venezia goalkeeper Stankovic. This save proved to be a turning point, as it galvanized the home side. Venezia capitalized on their momentum in the thirty-eighth minute when Oristanio, showcasing breathtaking skill, surged past three defenders down the left flank. His precise cross found Zampano, who calmly slotted the ball past Cagliari’s Sherri to give Venezia a one-to-nil lead.

As the first half concluded, the scoreline reflected Venezia’s efficiency. While Cagliari dominated possession and created more chances, it was Venezia’s clinical finishing that made the difference.

Second Half: Tactical Changes and Dramatic Turns

The second half began with both teams displaying renewed intensity. Venezia’s Nicolussi Caviglia orchestrated their midfield with aplomb, dictating the tempo and initiating attacks. In the fifty-third minute, his powerful shot forced a diving save from Sherri, keeping the scoreline unchanged.

Cagliari’s attempt to press higher up the pitch left them vulnerable to counterattacks. This vulnerability was exposed in the sixty-seventh minute when Sverko made a marauding run from the back. Despite slipping in the penalty area, he managed to direct the ball into the net, doubling Venezia’s advantage to two-nil.

Undeterred, Cagliari’s manager made key substitutions, bringing on Lapadula and Pavoletti to inject energy into their attack. This tactical shift bore fruit in the seventy-sixth minute when Augello’s pinpoint cross found Pavoletti, who powered a header into the net to reduce the deficit to two-to-one.

Final Stages: Resilience and Determination

The final fifteen minutes were a showcase of defensive resilience and goalkeeping heroics. Stankovic, who had been exceptional throughout, produced a series of stunning saves to deny Pavoletti and Lapadula. Cagliari’s relentless pressure resulted in a flurry of corners and set-pieces, but Venezia’s defense, led by Sverko and Idzes, held firm.

Despite their best efforts, Cagliari could not find the equalizer. The referee’s final whistle was met with jubilant celebrations from the Venezia players and fans. This victory not only secured three crucial points but also highlighted their ability to perform under pressure against a formidable opponent.

Standout Performances and Tactical Insights

Oristanio’s performance was the highlight of the match. His creativity and composure in the final third were instrumental in breaking down Cagliari’s defense. Sverko’s defensive solidity and unexpected goal underscored his importance to Venezia’s game plan.

For Cagliari, Pavoletti’s leadership and goal-scoring ability stood out, while Augello’s crossing provided a constant threat. However, their inability to convert chances and lapses in defensive concentration proved costly.

Tactically, Venezia’s decision to defend deep and exploit counterattacks paid dividends. Their compact midfield limited Cagliari’s creative options, forcing them into wide areas where their crosses were effectively dealt with.

Conclusion

Venezia’s two-to-one victory over Cagliari was a testament to their tactical discipline, individual brilliance, and collective resilience. The result is a significant boost for their survival hopes in Serie A, while Cagliari will need to regroup and address their defensive frailties. As the season progresses, matches like these will be pivotal in shaping the fortunes of both teams.

December 22, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Valencia 2–2 Alaves: Late Drama Sees Points Shared in Mestalla Thriller

The Mestalla Stadium was the stage for an electrifying encounter between Valencia and Alaves in La Liga. Both teams displayed determination, grit, and tactical prowess, resulting in a captivating two-all draw. Late drama, VAR interventions, and clinical finishes defined a match that had fans on the edge of their seats.

First Half: Alaves Strike Early

As the game kicked off, the energy in the stadium was palpable. Valencia started aggressively, pressing high and testing Alaves’ defense. However, the visitors stunned the home crowd with an early goal in the seventh minute. Carlos Martín, after his initial attempt was blocked, fired a right-footed shot into the top of the net. The precision and timing of the strike showcased his composure under pressure.

Valencia, determined to respond, increased their tempo. Luis Rioja and Fran Pérez linked up well on the wings, creating opportunities that were ultimately thwarted by Alaves’ defensive line. A key moment occurred in the seventeenth minute when Jon Guridi of Alaves suffered an injury and was replaced by Stoichkov. The substitution shifted Alaves’ dynamics slightly, but their defensive structure remained intact.

Despite several attempts by Valencia, including a long-range effort from André Almeida in the thirty-third minute that sailed just over the bar, they could not find the equalizer. The first half ended with Alaves holding a narrow lead.

Second Half: Tactical Changes and High Drama

Valencia came out with renewed intent in the second half. Their early momentum was briefly disrupted when Alaves’ goalkeeper Antonio Sivera had to be substituted due to an injury. Jesús Owono replaced him, adding fresh energy to Alaves’ backline.

The game’s first major turning point arrived in the sixty-sixth minute when VAR awarded Valencia a penalty. Diego López’s run into the box resulted in a foul by Jesús Owono. Luis Rioja stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, leveling the score at one goal apiece. The Mestalla erupted as Valencia seemed to have regained control.

Alaves, however, was not ready to back down. In the eighty-sixth minute, Moussa Diarra was brought down in the penalty area by Cristhian Mosquera, leading to another penalty. Joan Jordán made no mistake, slotting the ball into the top left corner to restore Alaves’ lead.

Stoppage-Time Heroics

With the clock ticking down, Valencia’s hopes of salvaging a point rested on their substitutes. Dani Gómez, who came on for Enzo Barrenechea, proved to be the hero. In the ninety-eighth minute, he latched onto a loose ball in the box and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot that found the back of the net. The stadium erupted as Valencia secured a dramatic equalizer.

Match Summary

The final whistle confirmed a two-all draw, leaving both teams with mixed emotions. Valencia showcased resilience and tactical adjustments, while Alaves impressed with their defensive discipline and opportunistic attacks.

Key players included Carlos Martín, whose early goal set the tone for Alaves, and Dani Gómez, whose last-gasp strike salvaged a point for Valencia. VAR’s impact was significant, with two penalties awarded that influenced the game’s outcome.

Team Performances and Tactical Insights

Valencia

Valencia displayed an attacking mindset, utilizing their wing play effectively. Luis Rioja was instrumental in creating chances and converting the penalty. André Almeida’s midfield control ensured a steady supply of opportunities, but the lack of clinical finishing in open play hindered their efforts.

Alaves

Alaves focused on compact defending and counterattacks. Carlos Martín and Joan Jordán were standouts, with Martín’s goal and Jordán’s composed penalty showcasing their attacking prowess. The forced substitutions due to injuries tested their depth, but the team’s resilience shone through.

Looking Ahead

Valencia’s next challenge will be to address their defensive lapses and capitalize on their attacking potential. Alaves, on the other hand, will look to build on this performance and maintain their disciplined approach in upcoming fixtures.

This match encapsulated the essence of La Liga, with its unpredictability, skill, and drama. Fans will remember this encounter for its late heroics and the indomitable spirit displayed by both teams.

December 22, 2024December 22, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Jahn Regensburg Triumph Over SV Darmstadt in a Thrilling 2-1 Encounter

Jahn Regensburg delivered a spirited performance to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory over SV Darmstadt in their Bundesliga Second Division clash at Jahnstadion Regensburg. A resilient defensive display combined with clinical finishing proved decisive as Regensburg stunned one of the league’s top sides.

First Half:
The match began under rainy conditions, with Darmstadt initially dominating possession. Despite this, Regensburg held firm and threatened on the counter-attack. Felix Gebhardt, Regensburg’s goalkeeper, was outstanding, making critical saves to deny Fraser Hornby and Philipp Förster during a high-pressure opening 45 minutes. Darmstadt’s eight attempts on goal went unrewarded, while Regensburg’s well-organized defense ensured a goalless first half.

Second Half:
The deadlock was broken in the 65th minute when Elias Huth set up Kai Pröger with a deft chest pass. Pröger smashed a right-footed effort in off the post to put Regensburg ahead. The home side nearly doubled their lead in the 72nd minute, but Rasim Bulic’s shot struck the post and rolled away.

Noah Ganaus sealed the victory in the 89th minute with a composed finish following a quick transition led by Erik Viet. Darmstadt fought back in stoppage time, with Kai Klefisch scoring a stunning long-range effort in the 94th minute, but it proved insufficient as Regensburg held on for the win.

Key Performances:
Felix Gebhardt’s heroics in goal were instrumental for Regensburg, while Pröger and Ganaus delivered decisive contributions in attack. Despite the loss, Darmstadt’s Klefisch showcased his quality with an excellent late goal.

Final Thoughts:
This result lifts Jahn Regensburg’s spirits as they continue their fight to climb the table, while Darmstadt will rue missed opportunities. The match was a testament to the unpredictability of the Bundesliga Second Division, providing fans with an enthralling spectacle.

December 22, 2024December 22, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Roma Crush Parma 5-0 in Serie A Masterclass

Roma delivered a stunning performance in Match Day 17 of Serie A, dismantling Parma with a resounding five-nil victory at the Stadio Olimpico. Paulo Dybala’s brilliance, complemented by standout contributions from Alexis Saelemaekers, Leandro Paredes, and Artem Dovbyk, ensured a memorable afternoon for the Giallorossi.

First Half Dominance
The match started energetically, with Roma taking control from the outset. Dybala opened the scoring in the eighth minute (8’) by calmly converting a penalty after being fouled by Balogh. Just five minutes later (13’), Saelemaekers doubled the lead with a sublime volley following a pinpoint cross from Angelino.

Parma attempted to respond, with Hernani’s long-range strike in the fifteenth minute (15’) rattling the crossbar, but the visitors could not find a way past Roma’s defense. El Shaarawy nearly added to Roma’s tally before halftime, but Suzuki’s reflexes denied him a third goal.

Second Half Brilliance
Dybala struck again early in the second half (51’), capitalizing on a fortunate deflection to slot home his second goal. VAR reviewed and confirmed the strike after a close offside check. Roma’s pressure forced Parma into defensive errors, and in the seventy-fourth minute (74’), Paredes coolly converted a penalty after Saelemaekers was fouled in the box.

Artem Dovbyk completed the rout in the eighty-third minute (83’), tapping in from close range after an unselfish assist from Dybala. Parma’s rare attempts at goal, including a late effort by Camara, either missed the target or were thwarted by the woodwork.

Match Summary

Final Score: Roma 5-0 Parma
Scorers: Dybala (8’, 51’), Saelemaekers (13’), Paredes (74’ pen.), Dovbyk (83’)
Standout Performers: Paulo Dybala (two goals, one assist), Saelemaekers (goal, penalty won), Angelino (key assist)

Conclusion
This emphatic win reaffirms Roma’s aspirations in Serie A, showcasing tactical cohesion and attacking flair. Parma, despite flashes of creativity, was unable to match Roma’s intensity. The victory lifts Roma in the standings and sets a strong tone for their upcoming fixtures.

December 22, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Top six women seeds including defending champion Anmol Kharb knocked out in pre-quarters

Bengaluru, December 22, 2024: Lower ranked players ruled the roost on a pleasant Sunday morning as all the top six women’s singles seeds, including defending champion Anmol Kharb were knocked out of the Yonex-Sunrise 86th Senior National Badminton Championships here at the pre-quarterfinal stage.

Anmol, who recently reached the finals of the Guwahati Masters Super 100 tournament, was defeated by 12th seed Shriyanshi Valishetty 21-12, 21-15 while 16th seed Tasnim Mir packed-off top seed Aakarshi Kashyap 21-19, 21-17.

On the other courts, 15th seed Shreya Lele continued her impressive run in Bengaluru as she came from a game down to beat former champion and second seed Anupama Upadhyaya 13-21, 21-18, 21-14, 13th seed Devika Sihag kept her composure to beat fourth seed and last edition runners-up Tanvi Sharma 21-19, 21-18, unseeded Rujula Ramu accounted for fifth seed Mansi Singh 21-19, 20-22, 21-13 and 14th seed Sakshi Phogat ended the campaign of sixth seed Adita Rao 21-18, 21-19.

Seventh seed Isharani Baruah, who got the better of the promising Rakshitha Sree S 23-21, 21-19 is now the highest seed left among the last eight and will take on Tasnim Mir in the quarter-finals.

Former world junior championships bronze medallist and second seed Ayush Shetty was the highest ranked men’s singles player to be knocked out of the championships as he went down 21-15, 11-21, 21-5 against 14th seed Alap Mishra.

National Games gold medallist M Tharun was no match to former champion Mithun Manjunath’s guile as he went down 21-18, 21-12.

There was an upset galore even in the doubles events with women’s doubles top seeds Rutaparna and Swetaparna Panda were beaten 16-21, 16-21 by junior national champions Tanoo Chandra and Lalrempuii. Shreya Balaji and Deepta S then packed off fifth seeds Prerana Alvekar and Mrunmayee Deshpande 21-18, 23-21.

In the mixed doubles categories, Ayush Agarwal and Shruti Mishra combined well to beat sixth seed Sathwik Reddy K and Vaishnavi Khadkekar 21-18, 21-14 while Shivam Sharma and Poorvisha S Ram accounted for fifth seeds Ashith Surya and Amrutha P 12-21, 21-19, 21-18.

December 22, 2024December 22, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

NorthEast United FC aim to capitalise upon Hyderabad FC’s late-game susceptibility with their direct attacking approach

Hyderabad, December 22: Hyderabad FC are hosting NorthEast United FC when the two sides face off in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on December 23, Monday, at the G.M.C Balayogi Athletic Stadium at 7:30 pm IST. Hyderabad FC are unbeaten in their last nine matches against the Highlanders (W6 D3), the longest such streak they hold against any team in the competition.

NorthEast United FC enter this match on the back of two victories and a draw in their last five matches. However, they have also faced two defeats on the bounce and head coach Juan Pedro Benali will want to arrest this run with a positive result on the road. Currently, they are positioned eighth in the points table with 15 points from 11 matches. Hyderabad FC are in the 12th place after garnering seven points with two victories and a draw in 11 encounters. They parted ways with head coach Thangboi Singto and are targeting a better run for the remaining part of the campaign.

NorthEast United FC have dropped 12 points from winning positions this season, the most in the league. In contrast, Hyderabad are one of only three sides yet to lose a point from a winning position. The visitors will have to be cautious of this tendency since they have conceded 18 goals in 11 clashes this season, though Hyderabad FC, too, have to regain their feet in offence – having netted seven times in ISL 2024-25, which is the second-least in the league after Mohammedan SC (5).

Hyderabad FC’s quest for balance

• Clean Sheets: Hyderabad FC have managed two clean sheets in their first 11 matches this season, a tally they have bettered only twice in the ISL (7 in 2022-23 and 3 in 2020-21). They will be buoyant by the fact that the Highlanders haven’t scored in their last two outings.

• Final Quarter Struggles: Hyderabad FC have scored only once in the final 30 minutes of their matches, the lowest in the league. However, they have conceded six goals during the same period, highlighting potential late-game vulnerability. The team will have to discover a balance between their duties on both ends of the field to avoid letting the game slip away from their hold.

NorthEast United FC’s attacking flair

• Direct Attacks: NorthEast United FC have recorded 30 direct attacks this season, the most by any team, with three leading to goals, which is a league-high shared with Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Kerala Blasters FC. Direct attacks are open-play sequences that begin just inside a team’s own half, progress with at least 50% of movement toward the opposition’s goal, and conclude with either a shot or a touch inside the opposition’s box.

• Alaaeddine Ajaraie’s Impact: The Highlanders’ forward has been a standout performer, contributing 15 goal involvements, winning eight points for his side, and boasting an xG differential of +4.98. His clinical finishing (11 goals from an xG of 6.02) makes him a key player for their frontline.

Coaches Corner

“The players have a positive attitude and mindset”

Hyderabad FC’s interim head coach Shameel Chembakath praised the attitude of his players in the buildup to this match.

“We have had four training sessions. They have gone well. The players have responded in a good manner and they have a positive attitude and mindset,” Chembakath said.

“We should not take it easy”

NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali underlined the strengths of the home side in the pre-match press conference.

“We have been preparing for a while. It’s a very important game for us after two defeats. We should not take it easy as Hyderabad FC are a team that create a lot of chances and are a very fast side too,” Benali said.

Head-to-Head

In their 10 matches so far, Hyderabad FC have secured six wins, while three matches ended in draws. NorthEast United FC have won once.

Key Players & Milestones

• NorthEast United FC’s Guillermo Fernandez averages six aerial duels per game, the joint second-highest in the league (Javi Siverio – 7.3 & Wilmar Jordan – 6). His aerial prowess could spell trouble for the Hyderabad FC backline.

• Hyderabad FC’s Ramhlunchhunga, has taken 21 shots this season – the most by an Indian player yet to score. The 23-year-old will be keen to set this record straight in the coming encounter.

• Hyderabad FC’s Lenny Rodrigues has been involved in three errors leading to opposition shots, including two that resulted in goals. The home team will want him to embrace a more composed outlook at the centre of the park.

ISL Fantasy

Andrei Alba (5.0cr)

The Hyderabad FC player has earned the most fantasy points (48) for them this season

Alaaeddine Ajaraie (8.3cr)

The forward has bagged the highest ISL fantasy points (88) for his team in 2024-25

The Indian Super League will be streamed live on JioCinema (English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam) and telecast live on Sports 18 – 3 (English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam), Asianet Plus (Malayalam). Additionally, select ISL matches will be telecast live on Sports 18 – 1, Sports 18 – 2, Sports 18 – Khel, and Star Sports 3.

December 22, 2024December 22, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

ESFI Joins Forces with 8Bit Creatives as Talent Partner for WAVES Esports Championship 2025

India, Dec 21, 2024: The Esports Federation of India (ESFI) has joined forces with 8Bit Creatives, India’s leading esports consulting and talent management agency for the WAVES Esports Championship 2025 (WESC25). Through this collaboration, both organizations will work together for the content creation, amplification, and reach of the WESC25 and take it to India’s massive youth population.

Organised by ESFI, WESC 2025 is a key initiative supported by India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting aimed at contributing to the growth of the nation’s burgeoning esports industry & creator economy. This event will be part of one of the Create in India Challenges by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under the esteemed World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES).

With a roster that includes some of India’s most influential gaming content creators, 8Bit Creatives will leverage the creativity and popularity of its talent to amplify the event’s visibility. Their creators, including Naman Mathur (Mortal), Payal Dhare (PayalGaming), Raj Varma (Snax), Kaashvi Hiranandani (KaashPlays), and many others, will host and participate in various engaging activities while interacting with fans to enhance the overall reach and excitement surrounding WESC 2025.

“WESC 2025 represents a tremendous leap forward for the Indian esports community. We are delighted to have 8Bit Creatives and their popular gaming creators on board, whose expertise will undoubtedly help amplify the event’s reach and impact. With qualifiers in full swing, we’re eagerly anticipating fierce competition as India’s top athletes strive for a place on the grand stage in February,” noted Mr. Lokesh Suji, Director of ESFI & Vice President of the Asian Esports Federation (AESF).

Sharing his thoughts, Animesh Agarwal aka 8Bit Thug, CEO and Co-founder of 8Bit Creatives said, “WAVES 2025 marks a groundbreaking chapter in India’s esports journey, and we’re thrilled to be the talent partners driving this initiative. As one of India’s leading talent hubs in gaming and esports, 8bit Creatives brings unparalleled energy and scale to WAVES 2025. This is more than a partnership; it’s a platform to showcase the potential of esports as a viable and celebrated career path while underscoring the government’s support for our rapidly growing gaming and creator economy. With our creators and innovative content strategies, we’re here to make history together!”

WESC 2025 will feature competitive tournaments in popular titles such as eFootball and World Cricket Championship (WCC), played across four phases and Grand Finals. Notably, the winner of the eFootball tournament (Phase 1), MrTomBoy, won the bronze medal at the Asian Esports Games, Bangkok, showcasing WESC’s talent potential. Committed to inclusivity, the event is gender-inclusive, with qualifiers for eFootball (Phase 2) and WCC3 (Phase 1) already underway. Upcoming registrations include eFootball Phase 3 (Dec 18 – Jan 1) and WCC3 Phase 2 (Dec 15 – Dec 26).

8Bit Creatives’ esports and content division, S8UL, made history by winning the ‘Content Group of the Year’ award for the third consecutive time at the Esports Awards 2024, remaining the only Indian organization to achieve any Esports Award. Earlier this year, founders Animesh Agarwal, Naman Mathur, and creator Payal Dhare also joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a roundtable discussion on India’s gaming industry, showcasing 8Bit’s pivotal role in advancing esports and fostering a sustainable ecosystem for gaming content creators.

April 15, 2024December 22, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Special Olympics Bharat organises grand send-off ceremony for Indian contingent ahead of Unified Football Tournament 2024 Dhaka

New Delhi, 15th April, 2024: Special Olympics Bharat on Monday organised a grand send-off ceremony for their Indian contingent that will be travelling to Dhaka for the Special Olympics South Asia 7-a-side Unified Football Tournament 2024. The event is scheduled to take place in Dhaka from 16th-20th April 2024.

The ceremony was graced by Guest of Honour Dr. Taranjeet, and Dean of MRIIRS, Dr.NC Wadhwa, IAS (Retd.). Mr. Virender Kumar Mahendru, Executive Director, Special Olympics Bharat also addressed the audience. Much to the delight of the audience in attendance, two exhibition matches of both men’s and women’s teams were also organised to give a glimpse of the talent of Indian athletes. Manav Rachna students also participated in the matches.

SO Bharat's male & female teams are gearing up for the S.O. South Asia Unified Football Match 7-a-side in Dhaka. With 11 athletes & unified partners each, alongside 5 coaches, they're ready to shine. The final prep camp was supported by Manav Rachna University.#ChooseToInclude pic.twitter.com/txbhiGxC3M
— Special Olympics Bharat (@SOlympicsBharat) April 12, 2024

Two teams from India will be participating in the tournament- one each of boys and girls. The team consists of 11 athletes and unified partners in each, along with five coaches, representing eight states (Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Delhi).

The event will witness participation from nine unified football teams representing five countries – Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Maldives, and Hong Kong. The matches will be held at Bashundhara Kings Sports Arena Stadium, Bashundhara, Dhaka.

The final preparation camp for the Special Olympics Bharat teams took place between 10th April to 16th April at Manav Rachna University, Faridabad, Haryana. Renowned for hosting numerous camps in the past, Manav Rachna University offers a holistic training experience to the athletes and coaches. In addition to football practice sessions, the camp had sessions on nutrition, physiotherapy, psychology, and meditation, extending a multi-dimensional experience to the athletes and coaches ahead of their departure to Dhaka.

A productive session on psychology was also conducted which aimed at relieving body stress and fostering a connection with the mind. Led by Dr. Garima Kumar and Ms. Anoma Modak, faculties in the Department of Applied Psychology, along with Mr. Ayush and Ms. Anshika, students, the session encouraged expressive and free body movements, concluding with some relaxation exercises.

Offering words of motivation to the Indian contingent, Special Olympics Bharat Chairperson Dr Mallika Nadda said, “The 7-a-side Unified Football tournament in Dhaka is another opportunity to draw attention to the outstanding power of Unified Sports in combining people from different backgrounds and abilities, on and off the sports field. In view of the practises and a rigorous schedule followed by the Trainers, Coaches and the teammates, I have no doubt that our teams will place their best foot forward. Manav Rachna University, Faridabad has hosted several of our national level camps including this one which has been very crucial in completing the preparation suitably. Events such as this also journeys us through some overwhelming partnerships that help us strengthen our initiatives on promoting inclusion through sports. The energy and bonding that has emerged within the team is striking and I wish luck to all the participating teams, to once again show their thriving abilities to the world.”

March 20, 2024March 20, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

2024 Generation adidas Cup Broadcast Schedule Announced

NEW YORK (Wednesday, March 20, 2024) – Major League Soccer and MLS NEXT today announced the broadcast schedule for the 2024 Generation adidas Cup, the premier international youth tournament featuring representation from every MLS academy and 49 different club academies from a record-breaking 15 countries spanning four different continents. A total of 80 teams, 40 in each age group (U-17 and U-15), will compete at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., from March 30 – April 7.

Twenty-eight Generation adidas games, including championship matches in both age groups, will stream live on MLS Season Pass, the subscription service from Apple and Major League Soccer on the Apple TV app, available in more than 100 countries and regions. 12 group play matches will feature MLS academies against international clubs in the U-15 and U-17 age groups. The remaining games will include select Round of 16 and Quarterfinal matchups, along with all Semi-Final, and Championship matches. The finals of the consolation bracket (Premier Finals) will also stream on MLS Season Pass.

2024 Generation adidas Cup Broadcast Schedule
Date	Time (in ET)	Age Group	Round	Home Team	Away Team
March 30	10:00 AM	U-15	Group Play	Atlanta United	Manchester United FC
March 30	12:00 PM	U-15	Group Play	New York Red Bulls	Toulouse FC
March 30	2:30 PM	U-17	Group Play	CF Montréal	AZ Alkmaar
March 30	4:30 PM	U-17	Group Play	Philadelphia Union	Atlas F.C.
March 31	10:00 AM	U-15	Group Play	Orlando City SC	Arsenal FC
March 31	12:00 PM	U-15	Group Play	Portland Timbers	Sporting CP
March 31	2:30 PM	U-17	Group Play	Seattle Sounders FC	HNK Hajduk Split
March 31	4:30 PM	U-17	Group Play	LAFC	River Plate
April 1	10:00 AM	U-15	Group Play	KRC Genk	FC Dallas
April 1	12:00 PM	U-15	Group Play	Valencia CF	Austin FC
April 1	2:30 PM	U-17	Group Play	Flamengo	St. Louis CITY SC
April 1	4:30 PM	U-17	Group Play	Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors	Houston Dynamo FC
April 3	10:00 AM	U-15	Round of 16	TBD	TBD
April 3	12:00 PM	U-15	Round of 16	TBD	TBD
April 3	2:30 PM	U-17	Round of 16	TBD	TBD
April 3	5:00 PM	U-17	Round of 16	TBD	TBD
April 4	10:00 AM	U-15	Quarterfinal	TBD	TBD
April 4	12:00 PM	U-15	Quarterfinal	TBD	TBD
April 4	2:30 PM	U-17	Quarterfinal	TBD	TBD
April 4	5:00 PM	U-17	Quarterfinal	TBD	TBD
April 6	10:00 AM	U-15	Semi-Final	TBD	TBD
April 6	12:00 PM	U-15	Semi-Final	TBD	TBD
April 6	2:30 PM	U-17	Semi-Final	TBD	TBD
April 6	5:00 PM	U-17	Semi-Final	TBD	TBD
April 7	10:00 AM	U-15	Consolation Final (Premier)	TBD	TBD
April 7	12:00 PM	U-15	Championship Final	TBD	TBD
April 7	2:30 PM	U-17	Consolation Final (Premier)	TBD	TBD
April 7	5:00 PM	U-17	Championship Final	TBD	TBD

In the 15th edition of the tournament, the 2024 Generation adidas Cup will see a record 19 different international clubs competing in the U-17 and U-15 age groups. Notably, the tournament will include clubs from four different continents – Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. Among the prestigious clubs participating, 2023 UEFA Youth League champions AZ Alkmaar (U-17) and 24-time Eredivisie winners PSV (U-17) will be the first teams from the Netherlands to compete in the tournament. Other international clubs participating include Arsenal FC (U-15), Manchester United FC (U-15), River Plate (U-17), Sporting Clube de Portugal (U-15), and more.

Competition Structure
Forty teams, organized into 10 groups of four, will compete in each of the two age groups. Group draws will be random, utilizing buckets categorized by division for MLS academies, while international clubs will be drawn randomly. Sixteen teams will advance to the single-elimination championship bracket—comprising the 10 group winners and the top-six second-place finishers. The next-best 16 teams will enter a consolation bracket, with the final eight teams competing in consolation groups to provide more competitive matches.

All teams competing in the 2024 Generation adidas Cup are guaranteed to play seven 60-minute matches, comprised of two 30-minute halves. The championship matches in both age groups will be extended to 70-minute matches. All contests that are tied at the end of regulation will go directly to a penalty-kick shootout.

March 20, 2024December 22, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Squash: Salunkhe And Cheng Produce Stunning Comebacks on Opening Day of City Tattersalls Group Australian Open 2024

Akanksha Salunkhe and Cheng Nga Ching both produced stunning comebacks in their round one matches of the City Tattersalls Group Australian Open 2024 Bronze-level event at the University of Sydney.

Salunkhe overturned a 2-0 deficit against Jacqueline Peychä to win 3-2: 8-11, 12-14, 13-11, 11-3, 11-9 in 55 minutes and deny the Austrian an appearance in the second round of a PSA World Tour event for the first time.

Meanwhile Cheng secured her place in round two by fighting back from 2-1 down against Yasshmita Jadish Kumar in one of the opening matches of the day, claiming a 3-2: 16-14, 5-11, 9-11, 11-7, 11-7 victory.

“I’m very happy to get through to the second round,” said Cheng.

“This is my second Bronze event – the first one was in Hong Kong. It was a really tough match for me in the first round because we played up to 14-12 in the first game. It was a really important game for me as she came back as she changed the pace. But I managed to get back in the fourth and the fifth.

“I tried to move her around the court and I think she was a little bit tired, so I tried to move her as much as possible, dominate the ‘T’ and play some good shots.”

Home hopes in the men’s draw were ended in round one, with Australian trio Joseph White and tournament wildcards Rhys Dowling and Dylan Molinaro exiting.

Round two of the City Tattersalls Group Australian Open 2024 begins tomorrow (Thursday March 21), with play getting underway from 15:00 (GMT+11). All the action will be streamed live on SQUASHTV.

For updates on the Australian Open, follow the PSA on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Results – Men’s First Round: City Tattersalls Group Australian Open 2024

Toufik Mekhalfi (FRA) bt Sanjay Jeeva (MAS) 3-0: 11-9, 11-8, 13-11 (56m)

Edwin Clain (FRA) bt Matthew Lai (HKG) 3-0: 12-10, 11-9, 11-7 (44m)

Brice Nicolas (FRA) bt Yannik Omlor (GER) 3-0: 12-10, 11-2, 11-1 (31m)

Abhay Singh (IND) bt Joseph White (AUS) 3-0: 11-9, 11-6, 11-3 (41m)

Noor Zaman (PAK) bt [WC] Dylan Molinaro (AUS) 3-0: 13-11, 11-6, 11-9 (32m)

Spencer Lovejoy (USA) bt [WC] Rhys Dowling (AUS) 3-1: 12-10, 8-11, 11-2, 11-3 (53m)

Wong Chi Him (HKG) bt Addeen Idrakie (MAS) 3-1: 11-7, 11-5, 5-11, 11-7 (53m)

Tang Ming Hong (HKG) bt Mohammad Syafiq Kamal (MAS) 3-2: 11-4, 8-11, 11-7, 3-11, 11-5 (62m)

Draw – Men’s Second Round: To Be Played March 21st

[1] Victor Crouin (FRA) v Toufik Mekhalfi (FRA)

Edwin Clain (FRA) v [5] Tsz Kwan Lau (HKG)

[8] Ryunosuke Tsukue (JPN) v Brice Nicolas (FRA)

Abhay Singh (IND) v [4] Dimitri Steinmann (SUI)

[3] Sebastien Bonmalais (FRA) v Noor Zaman (PAK)

Spencer Lovejoy (USA) v [7] Leung Chi Hin Henry (HKG)

[6] David Baillargeon (CAN) v Wong Chi Him (HKG)

Tang Ming Hong (HKG) v [2] Youssef Soliman (EGY)

Results – Women’s First Round: City Tattersalls Group Australian Open 2024

Akanksha Salunkhe (IND) bt Jacqueline Peychär (AUT) 3-2: 8-11, 12-14, 13-11, 11-3, 11-9 (55m)

Aira Azman (MAS) bt Wai Yhann Au Yeong (SGP) 3-2: 11-7, 11-7, 8-11, 9-11, 11-7 (35m)

Jessica Turnbull (AUS) bt [WC] Madison Lyon (AUS) 3-0: 11-3, 11-3, 11-6 (20m)

Cheng Nga Ching (HKG) bt Yasshmita Jadish Kumar (MAS) 3-2: 16-14, 5-11, 9-11, 11-7, 11-7 (50m)

Ching Hei Fung (HKG) bt Nadia Pfister (SUI) 3-0: 14-12, 11-8, 11-6 (37m)

Yiwen Chan (MAS) bt [WC] Erin Classen (AUS) 3-0: 11-2, 11-4, 11-2 (18m)

Sarah Cardwell (AUS) bt Alex Haydon (AUS) 3-2: 14-12, 6-11, 11-9, 5-11, 14-12 (63m)

Haya Ali (EGY) bt Rachael Grinham (AUS) 3-0: 11-4, 11-6, 11-4 (16m)

Draw – Women’s Second Round: To Be Played March 21st

[1] Salma Hany (EGY) v Akanksha Salunkhe (IND)

Aira Azman (MAS) v [6] Aifa Azman (MAS)

[5] Sana Ibrahim (EGY) v Jessica Turnbull (AUS)

Cheng Nga Ching (HKG) v [3] Rachel Arnold (MAS)

[4] Tomato Ho (HKG) v Ching Hei Fung (HKG)

Yiwen Chan (MAS) v [7] Ka Yi Lee (HKG)

[8] Marie Stephan (FRA) v Sarah Cardwell (AUS)

Haya Ali (EGY) v [2] Amina Orfi (EGY)

March 15, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Calicut Heroes beat Bengaluru Torpedoes in thrilling Super 5s contest

Chennai, March 14th, 2024: Calicut Heroes returned to winning ways in the Super 5s stage of the third season of RuPay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23, defeating the Bengaluru Torpedoes 18-16, 16-14, 8-15, 11-15, 15-10 in an action-packed encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Chennai on Thursday. Jerome Vinith was named the Player of the Match.

Back to his best form, Danial became central to Calicut’s attacks. Jishnu’s monster block on Chirag Yadav helped Bengaluru to keep the scores level. Jerome’s fiery spikes gave Calicut momentum while Ibin’s solid attacks kept the Torpedoes at a close distance. A sensational review call gave Calicut a crucial point to inch ahead.

Sensational Sethu returned to his best with aggressive serves, and built pressure from the base line. Calicut gave away freebies with unforced errors, shifting the momentum Bengaluru’s way. Calicut’s super point win closed the gap before Jerome’s attacks again edged Calicut ahead. Key errors in attack and Danial’s explosive tap gave Calicut control of the game.

Jishnu’s consecutive blocks left Calicut attackers shackled. Heptinstall kept attacking from Zone 2 as the Torpedoes opened the doors for a comeback. Sethu’s dominance with serves continued while Paulo’s sensational passing kept Calicut guessing the source of Bengaluru’s attack. A wayward serve from Calicut helped the Torpedoes push the match to fifth set.

Jerome started firing again in the final set, while Ukkrapandian smashed an ace serve to edge Calicut ahead. Substitute Ashok Bishnoi’s magical play from the service line rattled the Torpedoes defence. Coach David Lee called for a Super Point as a last-ditch effort to get back, but an error from Heptinstall proved costly, leading Calicut to an important win.

Watch the LIVE coverage of RuPay Prime Volleyball League Season 3 from 15th February 2024, 6:30 PM onwards, only on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu).

March 2, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Sensational Puneri Paltan outplay Haryana Steelers to lift their first-ever PKL trophy

HYDERABAD, MARCH 1, 2024: The mighty Puneri Paltan bested a young and resilient Haryana Steelers to lift their first-ever Pro Kabaddi League trophy, adding their name to the annals of history. In what was an exciting Finale which could have gone either way. a guided performance from the Puneri Paltan took them to the trophy with a 28-25 victory over the Steelers at the GMC Balayogi Stadium in Hyderabad on March 1.

The defence of the Puneri Paltan gave their side an early lead after they got Haryana Steelers’ raiders Shivam Patare and Vinay. However, Goyat was then tackled by Ankit to get the Steelers on the scoreboard in the final. This boosted their confidence as Rahul Sethpal led the charge with his defending to keep the clash interesting.

The ultimate match of PKL 10 was a closely fought encounter in the first half as the Haryana Steelers had an answer to all of the Puneri Paltans’ raids. However, a moment of magic from Pankaj Mohite saw him complete a SUPER RAID worth four points as the Paltan contingent took a decisive lead. Ashish’s successful raid in the final seconds for the Steelers meant that the score read 10-13 heading into the final 20 minutes of season 10.

The only ALL OUT of the finale came off Mohit Goyat’s raiding, giving the Puneri Paltan a substantial lead at the start of the second half. This did not deter the spirit of a young Haryana Steelers, as the raiders entered the action and grabbed as many bonus points as they could to get them close to Puneri Paltan.

Pankaj Mohite was the game-changer for the Puneri Paltan in the Grand Finale as the resilience of the Haryana Steelers was met with brilliance to keep the fans on the edge of their seats. Siddharth Desai got Puneri Paltan skipper Aslam Inamdar and star all-rounder Mohammadreza Shadloui to give his team hope but the Puneri Paltan lived up to their form to seal their maiden PKL trophy and prove their credentials of being the best team in Season 10.

Match Awards:

1.Dream 11 Gamechanger of The Final-Gaurav Khatri

2.Patanjali Chyawanprash Moment of the Final-Pankaj Mohite

3.Best Raider of Season 10-Ashu Malik

4.DNA Best Defender of Season 10-Mohammadreza Shadloui

5.The Mashal Sports New Young Player Of Season-Yogesh

6.The Most Valuable Player of The Tournament-Aslam Inamdar

March 2, 2024March 2, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Ahmedabad Defenders dethrone Mumbai Meteors from top with thrilling win

Chennai, March 1st, 2024: Ahmedabad Defenders picked up a thrilling 15-12, 15-11, 14-16, 13-15, 15-13 win over the Mumbai Meteors in the third season of the RuPay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23 on Friday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Chennai. Nandhagopal was named the Player of the Match.

Nandha’s attacks posed a challenge for Mumbai as skipper Muthusamy Appavu kept setting up the attacker with solid passes. LM Manoj contributed from the middle, despite Shameem’s towering presence. Amit Gulia kept chipping away points, but Max Senica’s pipe attack helped Ahmedabad take the lead.

Manoj blocked the Mumbai attackers. Ilya Burau added another edge to Ahmedabad’s defence as the defending champions showed impeccable tactical play. A couple of unforced errors created a chance for the Meteors, but a crucial super point win allowed the Defenders to take control. Ajith Lal’s struggles with service continued throughout the night, hurting Mumbai.

Nandha’s rocket serve rattled the Meteors, but Shubham replied with a thunderous spike. Saurabh Maan’s gutsy showing from the middle allowed the Meteors to find a way back into the contest, while Shameem found ways to close down Nandha. Shameem started to win the battle of the middles and the Meteors pushed the game to a final set.

Jerry Daniel came off the bench and delivered the goods in the serves, putting pressure on the opposition. But a super point win in clutch moments changed momentum and Shikhar Singh repaid coach Dragan Mihailovic’s faith by making key blocks in the final few minutes. Nandha closed out the game with a super serve and the Defenders won the match.

February 18, 2024February 18, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

‘There cannot be a better leader than Fazel,’ says Gujarat Giants’ Head Coach Ram Mehar Singh

PANCHKULA, 18 FEBRUARY 2024: The Gujarat Giants registered their fourth consecutive victory after defeating U.P. Yoddhas 36-29 in the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 on Saturday.

When asked about his thoughts on Fazel Atrachali as a leader, Gujarat Giants’ Head Coach Ram Mehar Singh said, “There cannot be a better leader than Fazel. He motivates everyone in the team and understands the team’s plans very well. He’s had a long career and his experience has benefited the team a lot.”

Meanwhile, Fazel Atrachali also spoke about working with Ram Mehar Singh this season, “You need a good coach during your bad days. It’s a long season and a coach like Ram Mehar sir always pushes you to play better everyday. He always supported me and helped us to play freely during this season.”

When asked about his own impact on the side this season, the skipper said, “We have only one goal and that is to win the trophy. Individual performances don’t matter. The name Gujarat Giants is important and I am a part of the team. We’ll utilize our last league stage match against Jaipur Pink Panthers to check a few different combinations on the mat. “

The Gujarat Giants, who are currently in the fourth position in the points table, will take on Jaipur Pink Panthers in their last league stage match on Monday.

Please see below the PKL Season 10 schedule for 18^th February

Game 1 – Tamil Thailaivas vs Bengal Warriors- 8 pm

Game 2- Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Bengaluru Bulls- 9 pm

Venue: Panchkula

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

February 18, 2024February 18, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Badminton Asia Team Championships: Indian women rewrite history book to clinch title with a 3-2 win over Thailand

New Delhi, Feb 18: Indian women created history by clinching their first-ever Badminton Asia Team Championships crown with a 3-2 victory over Thailand in Selangor, Malaysia, on Sunday.

The Indian team, which began their campaign with an upset win over China, accounted for top seeds Japan in the semi-final and showed that they were the superior outfit in the final with convincing wins by former world champion PV Sindhu, an hard-fought triumph by All England semi-finalists Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand and national champion Anmol Kharab winning the deciding rubber in style to take the team home.

Congratulating the team on the title triumph, Badminton Association of India secretary Sanjay Mishra said, “It is a proud moment for all of us. It also underlined the depth of badminton talent in India and we are confident that this bunch of players will win many more titles in the coming years.”

It was vintage Sindhu against Supanida Katethong in the opening women’s singles. She adopted an aggressive approach against a player who has troubled her in the past and the game plan paid dividend.

She rarely looked under any pressure through-out the 39-minute encounter, winning 21-12, 21-12 to give India the lead.

And the combination of Treesa and Gayatri then doubled the lead for India, winning a nerve-wracking double against world no. 10 pairing of Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai 21-16, 18-21, 21-16.

The Indians began with a clear game plan of pinning their opponents to the back court and attacking at every opportunity they got to clinch the opening game. But it was the superior defence of the Thai pairing that helped them claw their way back in the match and it led to the Indians making some uncharacteristic errors.

But to their credit, Gayatri and Treesa hung in when things weren’t really going their way and managed to turn around a 6-10 deficit in the decider to draw level at 14-14. They then won five straight points from 15-15 to earn five match points. They converted the second one finish with an all-win record in the competition.

Ashmita Chaliha then could not find the same rhythm that saw her defeat former world champion Nozomi Okuhara of Japan on Saturday as she went down 11-21, 14-21 and the women’s doubles national champions Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra went down against Benyapa and Nuntakarn Aimsaard sister to take the final into the deciding rubber.

It again came down to Anmol to win the deciding point for the team and the 17-year-old once again delivered in style. She took time to get used to Pornpicha Choeikeewong’s power game and trailed 4-6 in the opening game but once she started controlling the rallies there was no stopping her.

She ultimately wrapped up the match 21-14, 21-9 to send the entire team in a frenzied celebration.

Results:

Women’s final: India bt Thailand 3-2 (PV Sindhu bt Supanida Katethong 21-12, 21-12; Treesa Jolly/Gayatri Gopichand bt Jongkolphan Kititharakul/Rawinda Prajongjai 21-16, 18-21, 21-16; Ashmita Chaliha lost to Busanan Ongbamrungphan 11-21, 14-21; Priya Konjengbam/Shruti Mishra lost to Benyapa Aimsaard/Nuntakarn Aimsaard 11-21, 9-21; Anmol Kharab bt Pornpicha Choeikeewong 21-14, 21-9)

February 18, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Indian Men’s Hockey Team keen to take on Spain in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24

Rourkela, 18th February 2024: The Indian Men’s Hockey Team are set to face Spain in the first match of the Rourkela leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 on Monday at Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium. India emerged victorious 4-1 the last time they faced Spain in the Bhubaneswar leg.

India have thus far played four matches in the Pro League. They won their games against Spain and Ireland by a 4-1 and 1-0 margin respectively and registered a 4-6 loss to Australia. Meanwhile, their clash against Netherlands ended as a 2-2 draw, with India claiming the bonus point after a penalty shootout which ended with a 4-2 score line.

Reflecting on the team’s performance in the Pro League so far, Indian Men’s Hockey Team Captain Harmanpreet Singh said, “Spain and all the other teams here are hard to play against. In addition to our first match with Spain, we learned a lot from our matches against Australia and the Netherlands and the game against Ireland was tough as well. For us, these are major matches before the Paris 2024 Olympics, the team has performed well so far and we are keen to take on Spain again in Rourkela to further test ourselves.”

After their contest against Spain, India will battle the Netherlands on the 21st February, Australia on the 24th February and Ireland on the 25th February.

Spain on the other hand, lost their matches against India, Australia, and the Netherlands by 1-4, 3-4, and 0-3 respectively. In the last match of the Bhubaneswar leg they registered a 4-2 victory against Ireland.

“We want to win every game and the game against India is no different. This time we will aim to improve on our penalty corners and our movement in the attacking circle, the game was closer than the score line suggests and we just need to be focused in and around the circle and I’m sure we will give India a tough contest,” commented Spain’s captain Marc Miralles ahead of their clash against India.

India will take on Spain at 1930 hrs on 19th February.

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

February 18, 2024February 18, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Squash: Hesham Sets Up Farag Final with Second Straight Five-Game Win at HSC 2024 Houston Men’s Squash Open

Mazen Hesham produced another sensational five-game performance to knock out Mohamed Elshorbagy and reach the HSC 2024 Houston Men’s Squash Open final, where he will play Ali Farag.

Hesham had spent almost 90 minutes on court in his thrilling 3-2 win over Mostafa Asal in the quarter-finals late last night, while Elshorbagy had needed just half an hour to beat Miguel Rodriguez 3-0 in a dominant display.

The opening rallies of this one suggested that Elshorbagy might put in a repeat performance, as he raced into a 6-0 lead in game one, closing it out 11-5 in just six minutes.

But if the crowd inside the Houston Squash Club were expecting another one-sided affair, they were in for a surprise, as Hesham upped the pace in game two, giving himself an 8-3 advantage.

Ever relentless, Elshorbagy battled back to 9-9, putting some serious work into Hesham’s legs, but the Egyptian held his nerve, winning the game 11-9 when an improvised flick from Elshorbagy fell short.

The English No.1 then reversed the scoreline in game three, taking it 11-9 on a soft forehand volley into the nick.

But backed by the vocal crowd, Hesham took control of the match from there, winning game four 11-5 in less than 10 minutes, even drawing applause from his opponent on a particularly sweet three-wall boast.

He then opened up a 5-1 lead in the decisive fifth, and continued to draw cheers from the audience when attacking the nick on the backhand side.

5-1 soon turned into five match balls at 10-5 up, but only one was needed, with another tin from Elshorbagy handing victory to the Egyptian.

“It was physically very tough, mentally very tough,” Hesham said after his win.

“Playing Mohamed is always a tough match. He’s a legend of the game and he pushes you to the max, so I’m very, very pleased with how I fought back.

“He didn’t give it to me easily and I had to push for it, and luckily it really went my way this time.”

Discussing what he felt was key to turning things around in games three and four, the Egyptian said: “I was just trying to dig deep, make it harder for him to win a point and wait for my opportunities better.

“If I was going to go short, I needed to be careful because he can be deadly if the ball stays a little bit up and he’s going to go for it. So, I had to be very careful and very cautious with where I was hitting the ball, I had to hit my targets to get him deep in the court and to move him around.”

Hesham’s thrilling win followed a comfortable victory for World No.1 Ali Farag, who beat a struggling Karim Abdel Gawad 3-0 in the first semi-final.

Gawad only returned from injury at last week’s Pittsburgh Open, and came into this encounter having gone to five in each of his first two matches here.

That workload appeared to have taken its toll, as he struggled to match the top seed early on, with Farag extending the rallies and pulling his compatriot around the court.

After losing game one 11-7, game two was when the No.4 seed really began to show his discomfort, but Farag was in no mood to be charitable.

He continued to dominate proceedings, soon clinching victory when Gawad hit the tin on a forehand, with Farag continuing his record of having reached the final of every PSA Tour event he’s played in this season.

“I’m very pleased,” he said after victory.

“I knew Karim was going to come in not at 100%. He’s had an injury, he was out for over a month and a half and barely had any practice matches under his belt. Then he came and won a Silver event playing four matches back-to-back, then having to back it up here and play two five-setters is not easy, so credit to him for reaching the semis in the first place.

“But I didn’t want to lose the first game quickly, because adrenaline can do wonders if you’re winning and you get going, so I tried to elongate the rallies from the very beginning and maintain my focus all the way through, which I’m very pleased I managed to do for the most part.”

The final of the HSC 2024 Houston Men’s Squash Open takes place at 16:00 (GMT-6) on Sunday, 18th February and will be available to watch live on SQUASHTV.

Results: HSC 2024 Houston Men’s Squash Open Semi-Finals

[1] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [4] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) 3-0: 11-7, 11-3, 11-5 (27m)
[5] Mazen Hesham (EGY) bt [2] Mohamed Elshorbagy (ENG) 3-2: 5-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5, 11-5 (62m)

Draw: HSC 2024 Houston Men’s Squash Open Final

[1] Ali Farag (EGY) v [5] Mazen Hesham (EGY)

February 18, 2024February 18, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Squash: Pajares Conquers Crouin In 89-minute Epic To Reach Squash on Fire Open Final

World No.20 Iker Pajares delivered a defiant performance to conquer top seed Victor Crouin in an 89-minute classic at the Squash On Fire Open, clinching a fifth-game tie-break 14-12 to advance to the final.

The Spaniard, who saved two match balls on his way to victory in the deciding game, will play Egypt’s Youssef Soliman in the final of the PSA World Tour Bronze event, while Tinne Gilis and Amina Orfi will face each other in a repeat of last year’s title decider after coming through their respective matches in straight games. In what was the final match of the afternoon, it was Pajares who started the quicker of the two players, pushing Crouin into the back two corners with some immaculate lines before looking to find winners in the front two corners. A number of soft errors into the tin from the French No.1 helped Pajares on his way to an 11-5 opening game.Crouin bounced back in the second, regaining his accuracy down both wings and putting away any loose cross-court shots from his opponent to level the match after 19 minutes. The defending champion subsequently took the lead in the match for the very first time after rattling off six straight points from 8-5 down to claim the third. Despite the disappointing nature of defeat in the third game, Pajares continued to apply pressure on his opponent in the fourth, moving to an 11-10 lead with some aggressive squash. The No.3 seed pulled out a miraculous dive followed by a backhand drive winner to take the match to a deciding game.The see-saw nature of the match continued in the fifth, with Pajares chancing his arm with a string of outrageous winners to go 3-0 up, but Crouin taking six straight points to retake command of the decider. A set of brutal rallies then followed, which left both players doubled over in exhaustion on several occasions.Crouin moved to match ball at 10-9 up and again at 11-10 up, but on both occasions, Pajares pulled off sublime winners to keep himself in the match. The Spaniard, who saw a match ball from his own racket repelled by Crouin, finally claimed victory when a straight backhand drive passed beyond the reach of the defending champion. After the match, Pajares said: “It was third time lucky. This is my third time here at the Squash On Fire semi-finals, I finally made it to the final with some of the best squash of my career.”I’ve been in these moments so many times in my career, just playing to the back the whole time and losing 11-6 in the fifth or something, so I wanted to attack today, be brave and sharp and I just went for it. I train all of my life for these moments, I have played these kind of [attacking] shots so many times in training, so why not in the match.”I think I played three or four winners in the fifth game, and it made the difference today.”Pajares will play Youssef Soliman in the final after the No.2 seed saw off the challenge of Youssef Ibrahim in an entertaining all-Egyptian affair. As was the case when the pair contested a five-game thriller at the J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions last month, the match was well fought throughout, but it was Soliman’s consistent lines and clever use of height on the front wall that proved key, with the 27-year-old prevailing by an 11-5, 11-7, 9-11, 11-9 scoreline.In the women’s draw, 16-year-old Amina Orfi produced a superb display to knock out home favourite Sabrina Sobhy in three games.Right from the off, the Egyptian played the match on her own terms, with her straight hitting down the backhand wall causing Sobhy particular issues. The Egyptian raced into a 6-0 lead and never let the American back in, taking a ten-minute opening game by an 11-6 scoreline. The pair traded points to 5-5 in the second, but a Sobhy error into the tin at 5-6 down proved costly. Another drop shot into the tin from the World No.15 gave Orfi four game balls, and at the second time of asking, the teenager doubled her advantage in the match. Sobhy came out firing in the third, progressing into a 5-3 lead, but Orfi remained composed, sticking to her tight lines to win five points on the bounce.The 2023 runner-up moved to 10-8 up, but Sobhy refused to give up without a fight, finding two winners to force a tie-break. Despite the No.2 seed saving a third match ball at 11-10 down, Orfi eventually prevailed, winning an incredible final rally with a backhand volley drop. After progressing to the final, Orfi said: “I’m so happy because she is such a good player, and last time I won 3-2, so I knew it was going to be tough. The first game was very crucial. In my last two matches, the start in my first game wasn’t the best, so today I just focused on that. “I tried not to open up the court too much because she volleys a lot and she has great skills, so I tried to close the court and make it a bit bigger for her. “[In the third] I lost my focus a bit and it was important to win it, because if I lost it I knew she would make a comeback.”Meanwhile, defending champion Tinne Gilis continued her impressive run in Washington DC with a confident and composed display against No.4 seed Tomato Ho. Although pushed into a second-game tie-break by the Hong Kong player, which Gilis eventually edged 13-11, the Belgian always looked in control, playing aggressively into the front two corners whenever given the opportunity and coming away with a straight games win after just 37 minutes of action. The finals of the Squash On Fire Open 2024 commence at 13:30 (GMT-5) on Sunday, 18th February and will be available to watch live on SQUASHTV.Results: Squash On Fire Open 2024 Men’s Semi-Finals [3] Iker Pajares (ESP) bt [1] Victor Crouin (FRA) 3-2: 11-5, 5-11, 8-11, 12-10, 14-12 (89m)[2] Youssef Soliman (EGY) bt [4] Youssef Ibrahim (EGY) 3-1: 11-5, 11-7, 9-11, 11-9 (65m)Draw: Squash On Fire Open 2024 Men’s Final [3] Iker Pajares (ESP) v [2] Youssef Soliman (EGY)Results: Squash On Fire Open 2024 Women’s Semi-Finals[3] Amina Orfi (EGY) bt [2] Sabrina Sobhy (USA) 3-0: 11-6, 11-7, 13-11 (45m)[1] Tinne Gilis (BEL) bt [4] Tomato Ho (HKG) 3-0: 11-3, 13-11, 11-6 (37m)Draw: Squash On Fire Open 2024 Women’s Final[1] Tinne Gilis (BEL) v [3] Amina Orfi (EGY)

February 16, 2024February 16, 2024 by Abhishek Shukla

Second win of the season for defending World Cup Champion Tina Hermann in Altenberg

Altenberg (RWH) Tina Hermann (GER), defending World Cup title holder in the women’s skeleton, celebrated her second victory in the BMW IBSF World Cup 2023/2024 on her home track in Altenberg (GER).In the seventh of eight races this season, the record-breaking World Champion (four titles) stood at the top of the World Cup podium for the 19th time in total.

In second place, World Champion Susanne Kreher (GER, 0.10 seconds behind) celebrated her first podium finish of the season in front of her home crowd in Altenberg.

Push World Champion Mystique Ro from the USA (0.24 seconds back), seventh after the first run in Altenberg, finished third eventually and celebrated her third podium finish of the current World Cup winter.

In the overall standings for the BMW IBSF World Cup 2023/2024, World Championship silver medallist Kimberley Bos from the Netherlands defended her lead ahead of the final in Lake Placid (USA, 21-23 March 2024) with fifth place in Altenberg and now 1370 points. With a 216- point lead, her second overall victory after 2022 is almost impossible to take. Skeleton European Champion Kim Meylemans from Belgium remains second overall with 1154 points after finishing 14th in Altenberg. World Cup title defender Tina Hermann (GER, 1138), who is not nominated for the German team for the upcoming BMW IBSF World Championships in Winterberg, moved up to third place overall with her victory in Altenberg.