by Abhishek Shukla

ISL: East Bengal FC, Punjab FC share points in a closely contested goalless draw

Kolkata, 09 December, 2023: East Bengal FC held Punjab FC to a goalless draw at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 tonight.

It was a back and forth contest right from the beginning, with the home side and Punjab FC taking formidable shots at goal in the opening 15 minutes.

Naorem Mahesh Singh was a constant presence in and around the Punjab FC backline, playing quick one-twos, trying to take on the defenders, and earning fouls with his close control over the ball.

Saul Crespo had spearheaded the midfield forward and attempted to finish a well constructed move from outside of the box in the seventh minute, only for the shot to lack enough power behind it eventually.

Cleiton Silva was handed a fine chance by Mahesh soon afterwards, but the Brazilian’s right footed shot was blocked as Punjab FC regathered their defensive line.

Mahesh intermittently shifted flanks, with his tearaway pace earning his side set-pieces on both wings. However, nearly all of those opportunities didn’t materialise in them creating any clear cut chances.

From open play, East Bengal FC tried to breakthrough the Punjab FC backline but their cohesion didn’t come together as the end of the first half saw the visitors holding the upper hand in the flow of play.

Krishnananda Singh and Tekcham Singh interlinked inside the East Bengal FC box, with the former shooting from close range, for the effort to be saved by Prabsukhan Singh Gill in the 40th minute.

In the 60th minute, Krishnananda encountered another opportunity to draw the first blood, this time courtesy of a cross by Juan Mera. That was preceded by Punjab FC putting pressure back on East Bengal FC, with Ashish Pradhan and Nikhil Prabhu trying their luck from outside the 18-yard box.

Carles Cuadrat rung in his substitutions, bringing in José Antonio Pardo and Vishnu Puthiya to discover newer, creative ways of getting past the Punjab FC backline.

Puthiya and Hijazi Maher got inside the box, against the momentum of the game, for Puthiya to take his shot at goal, but that move didn’t crack the code either. All of this was accompanied with Silva putting in a rather arduous effort, constantly getting into goal-scoring positions, but to no avail.

Key Performer of the Match

Hijazi Maher (East Bengal FC)

The defender recorded an impressive shift, completing 49 off his 55 passes, tackling thrice, making six clearances, one interception, in addition to often getting ahead with the ball to explore goal-scoring chances.

What’s next for both teams?

East Bengal FC will next travel to face Mumbai City FC on December 16, whereas Punjab FC will host Kerala Blasters FC on December 14.

Brief Scores

East Bengal FC 0 – 0 Punjab FC

Stat Pack:

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by Abhishek Shukla

IWL: Kickstart FC’s campaign kicks off with a smooth win

NEW DELHI: The opening match of the 2023-24 Indian Women’s League at the Ambedkar Stadium on Saturday, December 9, 2023, was a sheer mismatch, to say the least. Last year’s runners-up Kickstart FC were all at ease against hosts HOPS FC before running away with a 3-0 victory.

In stark contrast, HOPS FC neither hopped nor jumped. Instead, they limped and struggled to a defeat, the margin of which could have easily been bigger. Barring a couple of shots that hit the crossbar and the post, the home side did little of note that could have cheered up the handful of spectators in the stands. However, their Ghanaian recruits, midfielder Gladys Amfobea and striker Fredrica Torkudzor, have the potential to help the team grow shortly.

Kickstart are a far more composed side with serious intentions to have a go at the title, which they lost to Gokulam Kerala FC last year. A few losses of players in the transfer market notwithstanding, the Karnataka side have revamped their side with fresh recruits and could be expected to do better as the season progresses. Their two Nepalese strikers, Dipa Shahi and Preeti Rai, are smooth operators and often play intelligent passes in the attacking zone.

Karishma Purushottam opened the scoring for the winners in the 13th minute with a delicate shot to the top corner of the right. But the fact that she was allowed to grab the ball and take a shot was a mistake by the HOPS defence as the ball should have been cleared easily. It was the first goal of the IWL 2023-24 as the opening match between Gokulam Kerala FC and Sethu FC ended in a goalless draw in Kozhikode on Friday.

Ten minutes later came the second goal, this time Sushmita Lepcha made her way through the defence before finding the target. Thereafter, Kickstart FC made several inroads, but a lack of decision-making in front of the rival goal let them down.

Things didn’t change in the second half, with the winners attacking relentlessly and HOPS surviving by the skin of their teeth. They succumbed again in the 64th minute with a goal that left even the scorer herself surprised. Substitute Yumlembam Pakpi Devi perhaps wasn’t planning a straight attempt at the goal; she probably went for a cross, but the ball swung in to find the net most impressively. It was certainly the best goal of the match.

by Steve Murphy PL

Premier League: Liverpool Go Top with Dramatic Late Comeback at Crystal Palace

In a thrilling encounter at Selhurst Park, Liverpool secured a vital 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace, propelling them to the Premier League summit. The game, marked by late goals from Mohamed Salah and Harvey Elliott, showcased Liverpool’s resilience, as they overturned a deficit against a tenacious 10-man Crystal Palace side.

Jurgen Klopp’s decision to make five changes to Liverpool’s starting XI, including the return of Alisson Becker, initially seemed to disrupt their rhythm. Under Roy Hodgson’s guidance, Crystal Palace presented a fortified defensive setup, restricting Liverpool’s attacking flow. The first half was characterized by cautious play, with Palace completing just 53 passes, reflecting a tactical battle of attrition.

Liverpool’s defensive lapse nearly cost them when Jordan Ayew’s cross found Jefferson Lerma, whose effort was superbly thwarted by Alisson. The drama intensified when a penalty awarded to Palace was overturned by VAR, keeping the game level at the break.

The substitution of Joe Gomez for Wataru Endo at half-time signaled Liverpool’s intent to shift gears. However, it was Palace’s substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta who made an immediate impact, earning a penalty converted by himself to give Palace a surprising lead.

Liverpool’s response to going behind was emphatic. The game’s complexion changed drastically after Ayew’s dismissal for a second bookable offense. Salah, seizing on a chaotic situation in the box, netted a milestone 200th goal for Liverpool, demonstrating his predatory instincts.

As the game edged into added time, young Harvey Elliott delivered the decisive blow. Receiving the ball from Salah, Elliott unleashed a fierce shot that eluded Palace’s substitute goalkeeper Remi Matthews, completing a remarkable turnaround for Liverpool.

This result not only extends Liverpool’s unbeaten streak against Palace but also underscores their ability to claw back from difficult positions – a hallmark of champions. The Reds now sit at the top with 37 points, a testament to their tenacity and winning mentality. Conversely, Crystal Palace, remaining 14th, will rue missed opportunities and the impact of crucial decisions that swayed the game’s outcome.

by Abhishek Shukla

WPL 2024 Auction: Kashvee Gautam Tops Player Auction with Record ₹2 Crore Bid

In today’s highly anticipated Tata WPL 2024 Player Auction, the cricketing world witnessed an intense bidding war, with teams vying for top talent to bolster their lineups for the upcoming Women’s Premier League season.

The auction was marked by some record-breaking bids, with Kashvee Gautam emerging as the most expensive player of the session, securing a whopping ₹2,00,00,000 deal. This all-rounder’s exceptional skills have significantly impacted the Gujarat Giants, who have invested heavily in her ability to change games with bat and ball.

The Delhi Capitals showed strategic diversity in their choices, acquiring all-rounder Annabel Sutherland and wicketkeeper Aparna Mondal, among others, signaling a strong all-round development. Sutherland, an Australian cricketer known for her aggressive playing style and versatility, was bought for an impressive ₹2,00,00,000, matching the day’s highest bid.

The Mumbai Indians also made notable acquisitions, including South African bowler Shabnim Ismail and all-rounder Sujata S, reflecting their focus on a balanced team with strong bowling options.

Royal Challengers Bangalore seemed to have a clear strategy, investing ₹90,00,000 in Erin Blath, a move that suggests a focus on building a solid batting lineup for the challenges ahead.

UP Warriorz appeared to have a balanced approach towards their picks, adding both batters and all-rounders to their squad, including Vrinda Dinesh and Salma Tiholari, ensuring depth in both departments.

Overall, the auction saw a total of 30 players sold, with 9 overseas players joining the fray. This diversity signifies the global appeal of the league and the growing interest in women’s cricket worldwide.

The total amount spent in today’s auction reached ₹12,75,00,000, indicating the league’s financial robustness and the value placed on acquiring top-tier talent. This year’s auction has undoubtedly set the stage for an exciting Women’s Premier League season, with teams looking more competitive than ever. Fans can look forward to a tournament filled with high-class cricket and emerging talents showcasing their prowess on the field.

Delhi Capitals players from the Tata WPL 2024 Player Auction:

Player NameCountryPositionTeam in WPLAmount (₹)
Annabel Sutherland ✈AustraliaAll-RounderDelhi Capitals2,00,00,000
Aparna MondalIndiaWicket-KeeperDelhi Capitals10,00,000
Ashwani KumariIndiaAll-RounderDelhi Capitals10,00,000

Gujarat Giants players from the Tata WPL 2024 Player Auction:

Player NameCountryPositionTeam in WPLAmount (₹)
Kashvee GautamIndiaAll-RounderGujarat Giants2,00,00,000
Phoebe Litchfield ✈AustraliaBatterGujarat Giants1,00,00,000
Meghna SinghIndiaAll-RounderGujarat Giants30,00,000
Lauren Cheatle ✈AustraliaBowlerGujarat Giants30,00,000
Veda KrishnamurthyIndiaBatterGujarat Giants30,00,000
Priya MishraIndiaBowlerGujarat Giants20,00,000
Trisha PoojithaIndiaBatterGujarat Giants10,00,000
Kathryn Bryce ✈ScotlandAll-RounderGujarat Giants10,00,000
Mannat KashyapIndiaAll-RounderGujarat Giants10,00,000
Tarannum PathanIndiaAll-RounderGujarat Giants10,00,000

Mumbai Indians players from the Tata WPL 2024 Player Auction:

Player NameCountryPositionTeam in WPLAmount (₹)
Shabnim Ismail ✈South AfricaBowlerMumbai Indians1,20,00,000
Sajana SIndiaAll-RounderMumbai Indians15,00,000
Amandeep KaurIndiaAll-RounderMumbai Indians10,00,000
Fatima JafferIndiaBowlerMumbai Indians10,00,000
Keerthana BalakrishnanIndiaAll-RounderMumbai Indians10,00,000

Royal Challengers Bangalore players from the Tata WPL 2024 Player Auction

Player NameCountryPositionTeam in WPLAmount (₹)
Ekta BishtIndiaBowlerRoyal Challengers Bangalore60,00,000
Georgia Wareham ✈AustraliaAll-RounderRoyal Challengers Bangalore40,00,000
Kate Cross ✈EnglandBowlerRoyal Challengers Bangalore30,00,000
Sabbineni MeghanaIndiaAll-RounderRoyal Challengers Bangalore30,00,000
Simran BahadurIndiaBowlerRoyal Challengers Bangalore30,00,000
Sophie Molineux ✈AustraliaAll-RounderRoyal Challengers Bangalore30,00,000
Shubha SatheeshIndiaAll-RounderRoyal Challengers Bangalore10,00,000

UP Warriorz players from the Tata WPL 2024 Player Auction:

Player NameCountryPositionTeam in WPLAmount (₹)
Vrinda DineshIndiaBatterUP Warriorz1,30,00,000
Dani Wyatt ✈EnglandBatterUP Warriorz30,00,000
Gouher SultanaIndiaBowlerUP Warriorz30,00,000
Poonam KhemnarIndiaAll-RounderUP Warriorz10,00,000
Saima ThakorIndiaAll-RounderUP Warriorz10,00,000

by Abhishek Shukla

Stojacic wins FIBA 3×3 World Tour 2023 regular season MVP

JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) – No.1 ranked Strahinja Stojacic has earned the MVP award for the FIBA 3×3 World Tour 2023 regular season voted on by a panel of fans and players.

‘Dr. Strange’ made back-to-back MVP Honors with top-seeded Ub Huishan NE and in spectacular fashion. Forging the side to one of the most dominant starts in World Tour history, Ub won six Masters in a row. Stojacic won three MVPs in the process. 

If that wasn’t proof enough, the stats are astoundingly in his favor. He leads in almost every category, including scoring (408), Player Value (442.7), highlights (297), key assists (110), rebounds (212) and more. 

The 31-year-old Serbian has made waves for his country as well, coming away with the title at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2023 in Vienna as well as the Europe Cup 2023.

In consecutive years, player voting was on Stojacic’s side with 23.9%. Following him in the list would be Amsterdam HiPRO’s Worthy De Jong (19.7%) and Miami’s Jimmer Fredette (14.1%). 

Dr. Strange was once again a fan-favorite with 13%, albeit this time taking runners-up in that regard to Liman’s Ning Zhang who garnered a whopping 44% of fan votes. Following the two was Worthy De Jong with 11%. 

Stojacic etches his name into the history books once again as he adds his name into the array of 3×3’s premier stars. Previous winners have been Dusan Bulut (2018), Dominique Jones (2019), Nauris Miezis (2020) and Karlis Lasmanis (2021).

by Abhishek Shukla

PKL 10: Siddharth Desai and Vinay Shine as Haryana Steelers record their first win

BENGALURU, 9th December, 2023: The Haryana Steelers produced a clinical performance to register a 38-32 victory over the Bengaluru Bulls at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday. Vinay (8 points) and Siddharth Desai (7 points) were the stars for the Steelers as the Bulls faced their fourth consecutive loss this season.

Bharat pulled off a SUPER RAID and took out Siddharth Desai, Mohit Nandal, Jaideep Dahiya, Rahul Sethpal and Mohit in the first minute of the match as the Bulls raced away with a 5-0 lead. However, Vinay picked up a few raid points and Jaideep Dahiya carried out a SUPER TACKLE on Bharat to help the Steelers clinch the lead at 8-6 in the 7th minute. Soon after, the Steelers inflicted an ALL OUT and took a massive lead at 12-6.

The Steelers continued to put relentless pressure on the Bulls and stayed in complete control of the game at 15-7 in the 11th minute. Vinay kept picking up raid points as the Steelers kept forging ahead. Siddharth Desai effected a double-point raid and helped his team inflict another ALL OUT in the 18th minute. The Steelers went into the break leading at 26-13.

The Bulls tackled Vinay in the opening minutes of the second half, but the Steelers still held a comfortable lead at 29-15 in the 24th minute. The home side inflicted an ALL OUT in the 31st minute, however, the Haryana side continued to dominate the scoreline at 31-24. The home side tried to forge a comeback through the efforts of defenders Saurabh Nandal and Parteek, but the Steelers also kept scoring points in tandem. The Haryana side ensured that they stayed in the lead for the rest of the game and eventually walked off the mat as the winners of the match.

The schedule for PKL Season 10 match on Sunday: 

Game 1: Bengal Warriorsvs Tamil Thalaivas – 8 pm

Game 2: Dabang Delhi K.C.vs Haryana Steelers – 9 pm

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

WPL 2024 Auction: Delhi Capitals strengthen squad with exciting additions

Mumbai, 09 December 2023: The JSW-GMR co-owned Delhi Capitals made exciting additions to strengthen their squad at the TATA WPL 2024 Auction in Mumbai on Saturday. With three slots to fill, the runners-up of the inaugural edition bagged the Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland (INR 2 crore), along with the Indian uncapped duo of Aparna Mondal (INR 10 lakh) and Ashwani Kumari (INR 10 lakh).
 
The franchise acquired the services of Annabel Sutherland for INR 2 crore, which was the joint biggest buy of the WPL 2024 Auction. The 22-year-old, who was part of Gujarat Giants in the inaugural WPL edition, picked up three wickets in four matches. She is coming off an impressive WBBL campaign, where she picked up as many as 23 wickets and scored 288 runs in 14 matches for the Melbourne Stars Women. She was part of Australia’s 2023 ICC T20 World Cup-winning squad and has thus far played 22 T20Is and picked up 10 wickets.
 
Sharing his thoughts on acquiring Sutherland, Delhi Capitals Head Coach Jonathan Batty stated, “She was our number one target all the way through.  We identified her multiple skill sets- she is an outstanding batter, one of the leading wicket-takers in the WBBL recently, and was the best all-rounder in the competition last year. She has got leadership qualities as well and is a gun fielder. We are very happy we have got her.”
 
Wicketkeeper-batter Aparna Mondal, who was part of Delhi Capitals’ squad last season, was reacquired for INR 10 lakh, while Ashwani Kumari became the last buy of the WPL 2024 auction, purchased at INR 10 lakh. The 26-year-old all-rounder from Jharkhand was part of Gujarat Giants in the previous season. She scored 153 runs at a strike rate of 120.47 in seven matches of the recently held Senior Women’s T20 Trophy. She also featured for East Zone at the Senior Women’s Inter Zonal T20 Trophy, scoring 103 runs in five matches, including a quickfire 52 off 25 balls.
 
Speaking about the exciting additions to the squad, Delhi Capitals’ Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly, said, “The staff wanted Sutherland, Aparna and Ashwani, that’s what we discussed at the auction, and we got them. The squad has been good since last year, so it’s an addition. Hopefully, we play well as we did last year.”
 
Ganguly further added, “We are a good side and it’s the continuity of players who have performed well. Our Indian players are really good, and some of them who were part of us last year have now gone up a step higher to be in the national team, so that’s also an additional advantage.”
 
Delhi Capitals full squad for WPL 2024
 
Overseas Players: Meg Lanning (C), Jess Jonassen, Marizanne Kapp, Alice Capsey, Laura Harris and Annabel Sutherland
 
Indian Players: Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Shikha Pandey, Poonam Yadav, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Taniyaa Bhatia, Minnu Mani, Sneha Deepthi, Titas Sadhu, Aparna Mondal, Ashwani Kumari

by Abhishek Shukla

Volleyball Club World Championships: Defending champions Sir Sicoma Perugia seal final spot with a win over Halkbank Spor Kulubu

Bengaluru, Dec 9: Defending champions Sir Sicoma Perugia of Italy stayed on course for a second successive triumph when they defeated Turkish outfit Halkbank Spor Kulubu 3-0 in the first semi-finals of the Volleyball Men’s Club World Championships at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium on Saturday.

Perugia, who is aiming to becoming only the third team to win back-to-back titles in this prestigious tournament, were clinical in the opening two sets and then showed the tenacity to hang on under pressure to win 25-14, 25-16, 31-29.

The Italian outfit has not lost a set in their three matches so far in the competition and will take on the winner of the second semi-final between Japanese debutants Suntory Sunbirds and Itambe Minas of Brazil. 

In the first semi-final, Perugia made it clear on the very first point that they were not willing to cede any ground to their opponents as they defended desperately in what was the longest rally of the set. Cuban opposite Jesus Hererra then came up with two big serves to extend his team’s lead to 4-0 and Halkbank coach Kovac Slobodan was forced to take a time-out to break the opponent’s momentum.

Halkbank managed to earn their first point of the match after the break but the Turkish outfit clearly struggled to read Simone Giannelli’s short sets with the likes of Flavio Resende and Sebestian Sole finding the winners from the centre of the court.

There was no respite for the Turkish outfit from the outside as Hererra and Perugia’s Outside Hitter Oleh Plotnytskyi beating the blockers with acute angles on their spikes to wrap up the set in just 22 minutes.

The second set was evenly fought during the initial exchanges with Halkbank spikers using the drops to catch Perugia blockers off guard. But that only delayed their agony as the Italians kept up the pressure with big serves from Hererra and Kamil Semeniuk of Poland. They also read the back-court spikes of Nimir Abdel-Aziz and Earvin Ngapeth with precision to clinch half a dozen points through double and triple blocks to double their lead.

Perugia’s intensity dropped at the start of the third set and that allowed Halkbank to build the pressure on the defending champions. The Turkish outfit even earned four set points but failed to convert them and the Italians booked their final berth on their third match point with Flavio finding the winner.

Halkbank’s day could be summed up with what happened on their first set point. Their Dutch skipper Nimir came up with a big serve to hand a life line to his team, only to waste the opportunity by putting the next serve in the net.

In total, Halkbank were guilty of 17 service errors with nine coming in the third set. Semeniuk top scored for Perugia with 15 points with Hererra supporting him well with 13.

The tournament will go on till 10th of December at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium in Bengaluru. Ahmedabad Defenders will find themselves in Pool A, facing the defending champions, Sir Sicoma Perugia from Italy, and Brazil’s Minas Tênis Clube (Itambé Minas). In Pool B, Halkbank Spor Kulübü from Turkey, Sada Cruzeiro Volei from Brazil, and Japan’s Suntory Sunbirds are grouped.  

The match tickets can be purchased at BookMyShow.    

The Men’s Volleyball Club World Championships 2023 will be telecast live in India on Sony Sports Network across Sony Ten 1 & Sony Ten 3 channels and the broadcast will be shown globally on Volleyball World. Fans in India can also stream the tournament online on FanCode.

by Abhishek Shukla

Yonex-Sunrise Guwahati Masters: Ashwini-Tanisha reach second successive final

December 9, Guwahati: Second seeds Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto came up with a clinical display against third seeds Debora Jille and Cheryl Senen of the Netherlands to reach the women’s doubles final at the Yonex-Sunrise Guwahati Masters Super 100 badminton tournament here on Saturday.

Ashwini and Tanisha, who also reached the finals of the Syed Modi International Super 300 tournament last week in Lucknow, defeated their Dutch opponents 21-12, 21-12.

On Saturday, Badminton Association of India president and Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma also visited the Saru Sajai Stadium to watch high quality badminton action.

A total of 317 players from 20 countries are participating in the Super 100 event, the first international badminton tournament being held in Assam in 17 years.

Sarma later interacted with Badminton World Federation officials and BAI about the plans to develop the sport in the country.

The women’s doubles pair will be the only Indian representatives on the final day of competition after the host challenge ended in women’s singles, and mixed doubles categories on Saturday.

In the women’s singles semi-final, Malvika Bansod went down 21-12, 21-14 against Thailand’s Lalinrat Chaiwan while the men’s doubles combination of R Ruban Kumar and Hariharan Amsakarunan lost to Chinese Taipei’s Lin Bing-Wei and Su Ching Heng 21-10, 21-19.

Earlier in the day, Tanisha teaming up with Dhruv Kapila had lost the mixed doubles semifinal against second seeds Hee Yong Kai Terry and Tan Wei Han Jessica of Singapore 21-18, 21-15.

However, the 20-year-old put that disappointment behind when she turned up for the women’s doubles semifinal and ably assisted her senior partner to reach their second consecutive summit clash.

The Dutch managed to keep pace with the Indians till 10-10 in the opening game before Ashwini and Tanisha bagged 11 of the next 13 points.

The second game was much more comfortable with the Indian combination always in the lead after bagging five straight points from 1-1.

Speaking about their performance on Saturday, Ashwini said, “We had decided to take an aggressive approach and we’re happy with the way we executed our game plan.”

Tanisha admitted that their bodies were feeling a bit tired after reaching their second straight final in two weeks. “But we are excited to reach the final and looking forward to winning the title.”

by Abhishek Shukla

‘Mohit Goyat will emerge as the best raider of PKL Season 10,’ says Puneri Paltan Head Coach BC Ramesh

Bengaluru, 09th December 2023: The Puneri Paltan registered consecutive victories in the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 after defeating U Mumba 43-32 in Bengaluru on Friday. Puneri Paltan’s raider Mohit Goyat was the star player for his team with 12 points in the game. Speaking about his performance, the Pune side’s Head Coach BC Ramesh said, “God has given Mohit a lot of kabaddi talent. He will be the number one raider this season. Mohit is a very skillful player and I have seen very few players like him. He can raid from both ends of the mat and can also support the defence unit.”

The Head Coach further added, “We have a good starting seven and we also have a strong bench. Mohit and Aslam will be the key to our success this season. They are the pillars of the team. We have a few days off now. We’ll devise our strategies properly and try to emerge victorious in all of our home games.”

Meanwhile, Dabang Delhi K.C. recorded their first win of the season after defeating Bengaluru Bulls 38-31 on Friday. The Delhi side’s defence unit scored a total of 11 tackle points, which helped the team secure a comprehensive victory. When asked about Delhi’s defence unit, the Captain Naveen said, “Our coach has given a lot of confidence to our defence unit. If our defence unit does well then we are certain that our raiders will also pick up points. I know about our defenders’ abilities and they will keep performing better as the tournament progresses.”

Naveen further said that his team will look to work on a few aspects before their next game, “We’ll plan well for our next match against Haryana Steelers. We made a few mistakes in our last game and we’ll look to rectify those errors. We had a big lead against Bengaluru Bulls, but they managed to reduce the gap. So we’ll look into the aspects that we could’ve done better against Bengaluru.”

ONE Championship
by Abhishek Shukla

Roman Kryklia Stops Alex Roberts to Win Inaugural ONE Heavyweight Muay Thai World Title

December 8, 2023 – Bangkok, Thailand: ONE Championship™ (ONE) put together an epic evening of knockout action in U.S. primetime with ONE Fight Night 17: Kryklia vs. Roberts, the organization’s first-ever event featuring all Muay Thai bouts.

ONE Championship, in partnership with leading premium lifestyle and luxury performance brand TUMI, presented the prestigious ONE World Title belt to the World Champions.

In the main event, ONE Light Heavyweight Kickboxing World Champion Roman Kryklia captured the inaugural ONE Heavyweight Muay Thai World Title with a second-round knockout of Alex Roberts.

The Ukrainian superstar wasted no time asserting dominance in the first round, showcasing his strength by dropping Roberts with a powerful right straight.

Although Roberts managed to beat the count by displaying impressive resilience, “The Viking” was unprepared for what awaited him in the second round. Kryklia methodically walked down the Australian, landing a right hand before flooring his opponent with a precise left hook.

Once Roberts hit the canvas, referee Justin Brown recognized that he was unable to continue and quickly waved off the match. With the win, Kryklia is now a two-sport ONE World Champion. He also took home a US$50,000 bonus for his performance.

In the co-main event, “Smokin’” Jo Nattawut and Luke Lessei engaged in an exhilarating three-round featherweight Muay Thai clash.

The opening round was closely contested, with both men demonstrating their top-notch offense.

The intensity persisted in the second round, as the two elite strikers continued to unleash powerful kicks and doubled up on their punches. However, #4-ranked featherweight Muay Thai contender Nattawut began to establish his rhythm with a higher output and more impactful blows.

The third and final round witnessed a surge in aggression from both men, as they bombarded each other with ferocious attacks from various angles. Ultimately, Nattawut secured a hard-earned victory, as he emerged triumphant via unanimous decision on the judges’ scorecards.

For ONE Fight Night 17, ONE Championship has been proud to partner with Stage Front VIP (global VIP experience partner), Monster Energy (exclusive energy drink partner), TUMI (official premium luggage partner), and Fairtex (official glove partner), featuring branding in-stadium and inside the Circle, custom branded content across broadcast and digital, and more.

Performance bonus winners: Roman Kryklia (US$50,000), Dmitry Menshikov (US$50,000), Jacob Smith (US$50,000)

ONE Fight Night 17 Complete Results

Roman Kryklia defeats Alex Roberts via KO (left hook) at 0:25 of round two to claim the ONE Heavyweight Muay Thai World Title

Jo Nattawut defeats Luke Lessei via unanimous decision (Muay Thai – featherweight)

Mohamed Younes Rabah defeats Saemapetch Fairtex via KO (punch combo) at 2:29 of round one (Muay Thai – catchweight 151.75 lbs)

Dmitry Menshikov defeats Mouhcine Chafi via KO (punch combo) at 1:59 of round one (Muay Thai – lightweight)

Jacob Smith defeats Walter Goncalves via KO (knee to the body) at 2:54 of round one (Muay Thai – flyweight)

Johan Ghazali defeats Edgar Tabares via KO (punch combo) at 0:36 of round one (Muay Thai – catchweight 141 lbs)

Denis Puric defeats Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat via KO (left hook) at 1:35 of round two (Muay Thai – catchweight 139.75 lbs)

Ellis Badr Barboza defeats Thongpoon PK Saenchai via KO (body shot) at 2:21 of round three (Muay Thai – catchweight 132.5 lbs)

by Abhishek Shukla

“There is enormous potential in this country,” says FIVB, Second Executive VP and CEV President, Mr. Aleksandar Boricic

Bengaluru, December 9th 2023: With the Men’s Volleyball Club World Championships 2023 held in India for the first time in history, the people of Bengaluru have had the opportunity to witness the world’s finest volleyball players shine in their city. Ahmedabad Defenders are slotted in Pool A with the defending champions, Sir Sicoma Perugia from Italy, and Brazil’s Minas Tênis Clube (Itambé Minas). In Pool B, Halkbank Spor Kulübü from Turkey, Sada Cruzeiro Volei from Brazil, and Japan’s Suntory Sunbirds are grouped. 

Ahead of the much-anticipated five-day volleyball carnival at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium, representatives of all six teams and key organizers addressed a press conference at the Renaissance Hotel in Bengaluru.   

FIVB, Second Executive VP and CEV President, Mr. Aleksandar Boricic was of the opinion that there is massive untapped potential in Indian volleyball. “India is a huge country, one of the biggest in the world. There is enormous potential. We sincerely hope that this tournament creates a great deal of awareness and interest towards the sport in the country. There is no lack of skill in the country but if a team has to be able to make it to the top level, they need to have opportunities to compete with the best in the world. These players, who are among the best in the world, probably don’t have a count on the number of matches they’ve played and that’s really the best way to get to the highest possible level at this game,” he said. 

While Mr. Boricic said FIVB would be keen to assist India in developing the game, he remarked that many steps need to be taken within the country as well. “For volleyball to pick up in India, a number of things have to happen at different levels. You need to start finding top quality coaches, getting a good selection process in place and playing more and more tournaments to identify talents,” he said. “I do think there is a lot of opportunity over here and with initiative being taken from within the country in trying to push the sport and making it popular across the nation, FIVB is more than happy to lend a helping hand,” he added. 

“Right now, we are in Bengaluru and I’m sure there are a lot of cities that are very interested in our sport. Hopefully in the future, the game is also taken to all these cities and more and more people start to take up the sport,” he concluded.

by Abhishek Shukla

Day 7 Results: 1st Hockey India Junior and Sub Junior Men Academy Championship 2023 – (Zone A)

New Delhi, 9th December, 2023: Day 7 of the 1st Hockey India Junior and Sub Junior Men Academy Championship 2023 – (Zone A) witnessed Ghumanhera Riser’s Academy and Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy win their respective Semi-Finals in the Sub Junior Category while Namdhari XI and Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy won their respective Semi-Finals in the Junior Category.   

Ghumanhera Riser’s Academy wins thriller:   

In the first Semi-Final of the Sub Junior Category, Ghumanhera Riser’s Academy defeated HAR Hockey Academy 2-2 (5-3 SO). Ghumanhera Riser’s Academy’s Tashu (6’) opened the scoring in the first quarter. Captain of HAR Hockey Academy Sachin (27’) equalized in the second quarter with a penalty corner conversion. In the dying moments of the match, Yuvraj Singh scored a field goal for Ghumanhera Riser’s Academy to take the lead with just two minutes left on the clock but HAR Hockey Academy Captain Sachin (60’) again converted a penalty corner to take the match into a penalty shoot-out with the game tied at 2-2 at the end of regulation time. Goalkeeper of Ghumanhera Riser’s Academy Dishu blocked a shot from Monu while Kunal, Jatin, Yuvraj Singh, Nishant and Tashu scored as they won the shoot out 5-3 to qualify for the finals.  

Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy sails into Final: 
In the second Semi-Final of the Sub Junior Category, Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy defeated Raja Karan Hockey Academy 9-1. Captain Inderjit Singh (3’, 21’, 26’) scored a hat trick, Charanjeet Singh (8’, 10’) scored a brace while Amandeep (9’), Samuel (27’), Varinder Singh (45’) and Arshdip Singh (56’) scored a goal each for Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy. A solitary goal for Raja Karan Hockey Academy came from Mayank Rawat (23’) wasn’t enough to stop Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy from qualifying for the Final.  

Ghumanhera Riser’s Academy will face Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy in the Final while HAR Hockey Academy will play Raja Karan Hockey Academy in the 3rd/4th place match in the Sub Junior category on the 10th December.  

Namdhari XI scrapes past Army Boys Sports Company:  

In the first Semi-Final of the Junior Category, Namdhari XI defeated Army Boys Sports Company 1-1 (3-2 SO). Manjeet (11’) scored for Army Boys Sports Company in the first quarter with a penalty corner conversion. Another penalty corner was converted, this time by Bihara Singh (19’) in the second quarter for Namdhari XI to level the score at 1-1. No further goals were scored despite both teams coming close as the score read 1-1 at full time, taking the game into a shoot-out. Goal-keeper Himmat Singh of Namdhari XI made three crucial saves while Captain Navraj Singh, Yuvraj Singh and Pawel Singh found the back of the net as they went on to qualify for the Final having won the shoot-out 3-2. 

Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy comfortably qualifies for Final:  

In the second Semi-Final of the Sub Junior Category, Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy defeated HAR Hockey Academy 15-0. Captain Gursewak Singh (2’, 40’, 55’, 59’) scored four goals, Lovenoor Singh (5’, 33’), Jarman Singh (19’, 37’) and Sukhjeet Singh Gaddu (41’, 45’) scored braces while Japnit Singh (2’), Om Rajnesh Saini (14’), Prince Kumar (22’), Prabhjot Singh (28’) and Bansal Himanshu (49’) scored a goal each for Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy as they carried their dominant form to qualify for the Final.  

Namdhari XI will face Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy in the finals while Army Boys Sports Company will play HAR Hockey Academy in the 3rd/4th place match in the Junior category on the 10th of December. 

by Abhishek Shukla

NHL: Luostarinen Leads Panthers to Victory Over Penguins with Key Third-Period Goal

In a riveting contest at the Amerant Bank Arena, the Florida Panthers secured a crucial 3-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. The match, played on Friday, saw the Panthers’ Eetu Luostarinen deliver the pivotal go-ahead goal in the third period, tipping the scales in Florida’s favor.

The game’s crucial moment came at 6:10 in the third period when Luostarinen capitalized on a rebound from Evan Rodrigues’ shot, putting the Panthers ahead 2-1. This goal was a significant turnaround for Florida, who had been seeking a breakthrough against a resilient Penguins defense.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson also made his mark, scoring a vital goal, while Anton Lundell’s two assists were crucial in orchestrating the Panthers’ offense. The Panthers (16-8-2) concluded their three-game homestand with a commendable 2-1-0 record, showcasing their strong form on home ice.

Goalkeeper Sergei Bobrovsky’s performance was a cornerstone of the Panthers’ victory, making 26 saves. His efforts were particularly notable in the first two periods, keeping the Panthers in contention and making key saves towards the game’s end. Oliver Ekman-Larsson praised the team’s collective effort and Bobrovsky’s role in the win.

For the Penguins (11-12-3), the struggle continued as they faced their fourth consecutive loss. Despite Tristan Jarry’s 30 saves, the team couldn’t capitalize on their chances, especially on the power play, where they went 0-for-3. The Penguins have not scored with the man-advantage since November 11, a concerning statistic for the team.

Reilly Smith ended his 15-game goal drought, providing the Penguins with a lead in the second period. However, this was not enough to secure a win, as Ekman-Larsson’s equalizer and subsequent goals by the Panthers turned the tide.

The Penguins’ captain, Sidney Crosby, acknowledged the late-game effort but stressed the need for improvement. The team’s recent pattern of low scoring continued, marking a challenging phase for the Pittsburgh outfit.

Aleksander Barkov’s empty-net goal sealed the deal for the Panthers, setting the final score at 3-1. Bobrovsky, who has been in exceptional form, winning his past four starts, highlighted the challenge posed by the skillful Penguins lineup and the team’s collective effort to overcome it.

The Penguins, who also lost 3-1 to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, will be looking to address their offensive issues, having scored just once in each of their past three games. In contrast, the Panthers will aim to build on this victory, as they continue to establish themselves as formidable contenders in the league.

by Abhishek Shukla

NHL: Greaves’ Stellar 41-Save Performance Powers Blue Jackets Past Blues in 5-2 Triumph

At Nationwide Arena on Friday, an impressive performance by goaltender Jet Greaves propelled the Columbus Blue Jackets to a commanding 5-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Greaves, making his second career start and first since April of the previous season, was a pivotal figure in the game, making a remarkable 41 saves, including 23 in the third period alone.

Greaves expressed his enjoyment of the game and praised his teammates for their solid performance, especially in effectively closing out the game in the third period. The Blue Jackets, coming off a back-to-back game and a 7-3 loss against the New York Islanders, showed remarkable resilience and teamwork.

Offensively, Yegor Chinakhov shone brightly with two goals and an assist, while Kirill Marchenko added a goal and an assist. Adam Fantilli also scored, contributing to the Blue Jackets’ (9-15-5) effort to snap a three-game losing streak. Dmitri Voronkov’s two assists were crucial in setting up scoring opportunities.

The game saw a worrying moment for the Blue Jackets when leading scorer Boone Jenner exited in the second period after being hit in the face with a puck. The extent of Jenner’s injury was not immediately clear post-game.

For the Blues (13-12-1), Robert Thomas scored twice, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the team from sliding to their second consecutive loss. Goalie Joel Hofer made 17 saves in the game. St. Louis defenseman Torey Krug acknowledged the challenges faced by the team, emphasizing the need to capitalize on opportunities.

The game’s opening saw Marchenko give Columbus a 1-0 lead early in the first period. Thomas then tied it for the Blues, but Fantilli quickly put Columbus back in the lead, reflecting on the team’s confidence and determination.

A significant issue for the Blues was their power play performance, ranked 31st in the NHL and failing to convert on three opportunities in the game. Thomas highlighted the need for the power play unit to capitalize on chances to change the course of the game.

Chinakhov’s two goals in the third period were instrumental in sealing the win for Columbus, with one coming off a power play. The Blues’ coach, Craig Berube, pointed out the mistakes that led to goals against his team and acknowledged the missed opportunities.

The game concluded with Alexandre Texier scoring into an empty net, cementing a 5-2 victory for the Blue Jackets. Notably, Marchenko set a franchise record by scoring his 30th NHL goal in the fewest games, surpassing Rick Nash’s previous record.

The Blue Jackets were without key players Patrik Laine, Erik Gudbranson, and goalie Elvis Merzlikins due to illnesses, but Greaves’ standout performance more than compensated, marking a memorable night for the young goaltender and his team.

by Abhishek Shukla

WWE SmackDown December 8, 2023: Escobar and Lashley Advance in U.S. Title Tournament, Punk Eyes WrestleMania Main Event

Welcome to the latest edition of SmackDown, where the WWE Universe was treated to a night filled with high-stakes matches, stunning performances, and the unfolding of intriguing storylines. From patriotic musical renditions to intense battles in the U.S. Title Tournament, the evening was packed with moments that captivated fans and set the stage for future showdowns. Let’s dive into the highlights of the December 8, 2023, SmackDown, where the action in the ring told stories of rivalry, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of glory.

The War and Treaty’s Patriotic Performance
The evening opened with a patriotic flair as two-time 2024 Grammy nominees The War and Treaty delivered a stirring rendition of “God Bless America”, setting a vibrant tone for the night’s action-packed events.

Santos Escobar vs. Dragon Lee in U.S. Title Tournament
In a rematch from their electric Survivor Series: WarGames encounter, Santos Escobar faced off against Dragon Lee in the first round of the United States Championship Tournament. The match saw a repeat of their previous outcome, with Escobar securing victory with a Phantom Driver. The NXT North American Champion “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio, who is set to face Lee at NXT Deadline, was in attendance, adding further intrigue to the match.

Cody Rhodes Honors the Troops
In a special appearance, Cody Rhodes introduced the United States Army Drill Team, paying tribute to the troops in a segment that added a unique and respectful element to the evening’s entertainment.

Bobby Lashley vs. Karrion Kross
Former U.S. Army Sergeant Bobby Lashley took on Karrion Kross in another first-round match of the U.S. Title Tournament. Despite Kross’ formidable efforts, Lashley emerged victorious after executing a devastating Spear, signaling his strong candidacy as a favorite in the tournament.

CM Punk’s WrestleMania Ambitions
CM Punk made an electrifying return to SmackDown, declaring his ambition to headline WrestleMania, stirring excitement and anticipation among the WWE Universe for what’s to come in his storied career.

Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair
In a dramatic women’s division match, Asuka defeated Charlotte Flair with a little unexpected help from Bayley. Despite Charlotte’s impressive record against Asuka, Bayley’s interference allowed The Empress of Tomorrow to secure a win with a rollup, adding another chapter to their ongoing rivalry.

Randy Orton & LA Knight vs. Jimmy Uso & Solo Sikoa
In a tag team match, Randy Orton and LA Knight joined forces against Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa. Tension between Orton and Knight initially hampered their teamwork, but they eventually overcame these differences. The match concluded with Orton delivering a decisive RKO to Jimmy, clinching a victory for his team.

This edition of SmackDown was marked by intense matches, surprise outcomes, and significant progressions in ongoing storylines, delivering a memorable night for WWE fans.

by Abhishek Shukla

NXT Level Up Results: December 8, 2023

In a thrilling night of NXT Level Up action on December 8, 2023, the WWE Universe witnessed an array of high-octane matches, showcasing both emerging talents and established stars.

Brooks Jensen Triumphs Over Dion Lennox
The evening kicked off with Brooks Jensen, sporting his signature moustache and mullet, squaring off against the formidable Dion Lennox, a former Pac-12 linebacker who made a striking first appearance in the WWE ring with eyeglasses. Lennox, with an NFL background, initially dominated the match with impressive takedowns, a sky-high dropkick, and a spinebuster executed to perfection. However, Jensen turned the tables with a resounding slap and a DDT, ultimately clinching victory with a high-impact knee drop from the top rope.

Gigi Dolin Secures a Win Against Jaida Parker
The women’s division saw Gigi Dolin battling Jaida Parker, an athlete from a family of exceptional sportspeople. Parker, who nearly upset Karmen Petrovic in the NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament, gave Dolin a tough fight, delivering menacing strikes and a knee neckbreaker while boldly talking trash. Dolin, a former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, responded with agility and a flurry of kicks, eventually sealing the match with her signature Gigi Driver.

Drew Gulak & Charlie Dempsey Defeat Edris Enofé & Malik Blade
In a tag team match, Drew Gulak and Charlie Dempsey faced Edris Enofé and Malik Blade, who were on a quest to continue their impressive undefeated streak on NXT Level Up. Enofé and Blade appeared to have the match under control, particularly after Blade’s energetic performance filled with dropkicks and suplexes. However, a timely intervention by Dempsey turned the tide. Despite a valiant effort by Enofé and Blade, including thwarting an interference from Myles Borne and Damon Kemp, Gulak and Dempsey executed a decisive back-first slam, allowing Dempsey to secure the pin and end the undefeated streak of Enofé and Blade.

This edition of NXT Level Up highlighted the depth of talent within WWE’s ranks, delivering an unforgettable night of action that left the fans eagerly anticipating the next event.

by Abhishek Shukla

ISL: Mumbai City FC Welcomes Petr Kratky as New Head Coach

Mumbai, 9 December 2023: Mumbai City is delighted to announce the arrival of Petr Kratky as the Club’s new Head Coach. Kratky continues his journey within the City Football Group as he arrives from sister club Melbourne City. The 42-year-old joins Mumbai City in his new role until the end of the 2024-25 season.
 
Born in the Czech Republic, Kratky enjoyed a 15-year playing career as a right back and represented some of the biggest Czech clubs including Mlada Boleslav and Slovan Liberec before finishing his career with Heidelberg United in Australia. Kratky then joined A-League side Melbourne City as an Academy Coach, taking charge of the Club’s Developmental Squad in the NPL2, before coaching them in the NPL Seniors.
 
Following Des Buckingham’s move from Melbourne to Mumbai in October 2021, Kratky was promoted to the role of Assistant Coach of Melbourne City’s First Team. As Assistant, the Czech-Australian coach served under Patrick Kisnorbo, Rado Vidosic and most recently, under Aurelio Vidmar.
 
During his seven-year stint at Melbourne City, Kratky coached and nurtured several young players from his Developmental Squad, creating a pathway for them into senior football. As Assistant Coach, Kratky was instrumental in guiding Melbourne City to consecutive A-League Men’s Premiers titles in 2021-22 and 2022-23.
 
Kandarp Chandra, CEO of Mumbai City FC, said:
 
“We are delighted to welcome Petr to the Mumbai City family. In the last few years, we have played the ‘City Way’ and showcased some exciting football under two excellent coaches. However, the salience of the ‘City’ philosophy is that it stands strong on an ideology and does not rely on any one single individual.”
 
“We interviewed several candidates but we believe Petr is the right choice to not only ensure continuity in our footballing philosophy but also to help us build on it and grow as a football club. With his vast experience at Melbourne City, he has a deep understanding of the brand of attractive football that we want to play at Mumbai City, much like the other CFG clubs. All of us at Mumbai City are excited to have Petr with us and we look forward to working with him.”
 
New Mumbai City Head Coach, Petr Kratky said:
 
“I am excited to embark on this new opportunity at Mumbai City FC and to continue working as part of the City Football Group. One thing that I value most within CFG is that we are aligned by the same vision and philosophy which is centred around playing the City Way.”
 
“Our philosophy has the overarching goal to succeed, and I’m very excited to get started in Mumbai as I know the Club has set strong foundations for long term success. I hope to build on everything Mumbai City has achieved in recent years and to uphold our proud legacy of winning whilst playing attractive football.”
 
“I would like to thank everyone in the Melbourne City FC family – they will always have a special place in my heart.”
 
Petr will arrive in India and join the Islanders’ camp today and will take charge in his first game for the Islanders against FC Goa in the Indian Super League on December 12.

by Abhishek Shukla

Harven Pro Tennis League: Sankara Stag Babolat Yoddhas, Paramount Proec Tigers register massive wins, Ichiban Samurai remain unbeaten

New Delhi, 9th December 2023: Icihban Samurai collected their second win of the fifth Harven Pro Tennis League (PTL) when they beat Indraprastha Warriors on the second day of the competition at the  DLTA Complex in New Delhi on Friday. Sankara Stag Babolat Yoddhas recovered from a defeat on the opening day to trounce Lucknow Aviators by a massive 30 points.

 
Paramount Proec Tigers leaped to top of the Group B standings with a crushing win over DMG Delhi Crusaders in the evening. Mumbai Acers were clinical in their win over Gurgaon Sapphires.
 
After two days of tennis, Group B looks done and dusted as far as who will occupy the semi-final slots is concerned with Paramount Proec Tigers and Sankara Stag Babolat Yoddhas in top-two spots by a comfortable margin. However, it will be interesting to see who tops the group with just three points separating the two sides.
 
In Group A, Indraprastha Warriors and Ichiban Warriors traded places at the top of the standings. It is Ichiban Samurai who are in pole position with just five points separating Indraprastha Warriors (159 points), Gurgaon Sapphires (155 points) and Mumbai Acers (154 points).
 
The performance of the day and from the fifth edition so far came from inaugural season’s champions Sankara Stag Babolat Yoddhas who thoroughly outplayed Lucknow Aviators 95-65. Plenty of credit for that should go to India’s top-10 Arjun Kadhe who convincingly beat Anirudh Chandrasekar 21-9. This was right after Sahira Singh beat Diva Bhatia (13-7) in in the Next Gen Women’s Singles match and national champion Sowjanya Bavisetti teamed up with Master Pulkit Mishra to down Kashish Bhatia and Aditya Khanna (13-7).
 
After five matches, Sankara Stag Babolat Yoddhas led by a jaw-dropping 26 points as the scoreline read 68-42. The next two matches went close but again in Sankara Stag Babolat Yoddhas’s favour to expand their dominance.
 
The eventual 95 points could play a big role when the points are tallied on Saturday to decide who goes through into the semi-finals. It helps the team’s quest after collecting just 77 points on Thursday when they lost to Paramount Proec Tigers in Group B. Lucknow Aviators, meanwhile, would need a big win (against Paramount Proec Tigers) to keep their challenge alive.
 
Ichiban Samurai went about business as usual on the second day. Having beaten Gurgaon Sapphires on Thursday, they made it two-in-two by beating Indraprastha Warriors 89-71. Member of the Indian Billie Jean King Cup team Sahaja Yamalapalli justified her second-highest auction bid by hammering Soha Sadiq and giving the team a 17-3 advantage from the get go.
 
Ichiban Samurai’s 43-17 lead, after three matches, was brought down to 61-49 following back-to-back defeats for Yamalapalli & Dilip Mohanty and Nitin Kumar Sinha. But the gap was far too big to be bridged and was only broadened with the pairing of Sinha & Rushil Khosla beating Mukund Sasikumar & Suvrat Mall 18-12.
 
If Sankara Stag Babolat Yoddhas’s dominant show was the benchmark, it was certainly followed in the evening. Paramount Proec Tigers and DMG Delhi Crusaders had remained neck-and-neck after six matches with scorelines of 12-8, 11-9, 14-6, 9-11, 12-18 and 10-10 across singles and doubles matches. Suddenly, as the mercury level dipped, the intensity from Vishnu Vardhan and Parikshit Somani shot up to thrash Karan Singh and Sarthak Suden 24-6 With that, a six-point match (68-62), had a very different look by the end of it.
 
Former National champion Sharmada Balu’s disappointing run in the singles continued for a second day as she went down to Vaishnavi Adkar by a slender 8-12 margin to get the tie between Gurgaon Sapphires and Mumbai Acers underway. The tie remained close throughout but Mumbai Acers won four of six matches with an exact four-point gap (12-8). It proved decisive in the end even as Rithvik Choudhary and Maan Keshwarwani won both their singles and doubles matches.


Complete Harven Pro Tennis League schedule:
 
Thursday 7th December 2023
2:00 PM – Centre Court – Delhi DMG Crusaders Vs Lucknow Aviators
2:00 PM – Court 1 – Sankara Stag Babolat Yoddhas Vs Paramount Proec Tigers
6:00 PM – Centre Court – Mumbai Acers Vs Indraprasth Warriors
6:00 PM – Court 1 – Gurgaon Sapphires Vs Ichiban Samurai
 
Friday 8th December 2023
 
2:00 PM – Centre Court – Sankara Stag Babolat Yoddhas Vs Lucknow Aviators
2:00 PM – Court 1 – Ichiban Samurai Vs Indraprasth Warriors
6:00 PM – Centre Court – Paramount Proec Tigers Vs DMG Delhi Crusaders
6:00 PM – Court 1 – Gurgaon Sapphires Vs Mumbai Acers
 
Saturday 9th December 2023
 
2:00 PM – Centre Court – Ichiban Samurai Vs Mumbai Acers
2:00 PM – Court 1 – Lucknow Aviators Vs Paramount Proec Tigers
6:00 PM – Centre Court – Gurgaon Sapphires Vs Indraprasth Warriors
6:00 PM – Court 1 – Delhi DMG Crusaders Vs Sankara Stag Babolat Yoddhas
 
Sunday 10 December 2023
 
12:00 PM – Centre Court – Semi-final 1

03:00 PM – Centre Court – Semi-final
 
06:00 PM – Centre Court – Final
 
PTL Season 5 matches can be watched Live on following Youtube link:

https://www.youtube.com/@Sportzworkz

by Abhishek Shukla

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s India tour postponed to February 2024

Mumbai, December 9, 2023: Football legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s maiden visit to India has been postponed to February 2024. The former Manchester United star was scheduled to visit the country from December 15 to 17 but the tour has to be delayed due to some unavoidable reasons.

“I was very excited to visit India since the day I heard about the craze of football and Manchester United’s fan base from Tilak. Sadly, the tour has to be postponed this time due some unavoidable circumstances. However, I will be coming to India in February to meet the fans and witness the fandom personally,” said Solskjaer.

Hosted by the Manchester United fan and founder of Ace of Pubs, Tilak Gaurang Shah, the three-city tour was slated to take place in Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi.

“It’s unfortunate that Ole’s India tour has to be postponed. It’s an inevitable situation and I hope the fans will understand. I have discussed the revised plan with him and we are very excited to host the Manchester United legend for his first-ever India tour,” Tilak informed.

Solskjaer is a renowned name in the football world and enjoys a huge fan base in India as well. The former Manchester United manager is also among the leading scorers for the club with 126 goals in 366 appearances for the club. His sensational last-minute winning goal in the 1999 Champions League final against Bayern Munich is still fresh in the memories of football fans across the world.

by Abhishek Shukla

WPL Auction: Comfortable with our plans says head coach Luke Williams as RCB looks to secure strong squad

Mumbai, December 9, 2023: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will know exactly when and where to raise the paddle during the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 Player Auction in Mumbai later today as head coach Luke Williams expressed confidence over team’s preparations and extensive planning for the crucial event.

Williams, one of world’s most successful coaches having won the titles of Women’s Big Bash League and Women’s Hundred Championship in the past, is excited for auction and aims to build a strong squad for the upcoming season.

“We’ve spent plenty of time getting organised and feel like we’ve gone through all the different combinations and possibilities. So excited to see what happens,” Williams commented ahead of the auction.

“I think there’d be countless, but we’ve probably got down to four or five different main possibilities of how we think it will work out. But again, auctions can be unpredictable, so we continue to throw left field ideas that might happen, but we’re really, really comfortable with our plans and looking forward to the auction,” he added.

With seven slots to fill and ₹3.35 crore in the purse, RCB will be looking to add more local and overseas talent in the auction.

“With five players in the Indian side from RCB the other night, it’s a really good nucleus of Indian players. We’ve got some really exciting overseas talent and are looking to add to our squad at the auction with both overseas and local talent. So I think we have a really strong squad looking forward to the season ahead,” Williams said as he prepares for his first auction.

by Abhishek Shukla

NHL December 8th Match roundup: Panthers Pounce, Blue Jackets Sail High, Oilers Strike Rich

In a thrilling day of NHL action, the ice rink showcased the agility, skill, and strategic prowess of the league’s top contenders.

Starting off at the Amerant Bank Arena in sunny Florida, the home team Panthers clawed their way to a victory over the Penguins. After a scoreless first period, it was the Panthers who broke the deadlock, with a final tally of 3-1. Goalie S. Bobrovsky was the cornerstone of Florida’s defense, stopping 26 shots with a .963 save percentage. E. Luostarinen and A. Lundell were pivotal in the Panthers’ offense, contributing to the score sheet with crucial points.

In Columbus, Ohio, at the Nationwide Arena, the Blue Jackets sailed to a commanding victory against the Blues. Y. Chinakhov of the Blue Jackets delivered a stellar performance, netting two goals and an assist. Goalie J. Greaves also shone brightly, making 41 saves and achieving a .953 save percentage. The Blue Jackets’ aggressive play in the second and third periods, scoring three unanswered goals, secured their 5-2 triumph over the visiting Blues.

The Rogers Place in Edmonton witnessed the Oilers oiling their machinery perfectly against the Wild. With E. Bouchard and the incomparable C. McDavid leading the charge, the Oilers put up a formidable front. McDavid’s playmaking ability was on full display, contributing a goal and an assist, while Bouchard matched the performance with two goals. The Oilers’ solid teamwork and strategy paid off, concluding the match with a 4-3 victory.

This day in the NHL not only highlighted the winning teams’ strengths but also showcased individual talents that are sure to be talked about in the days to come. From goalies’ acrobatic saves to forwards’ scoring finesse, the league continues to promise excitement and top-tier athleticism as the season progresses.

by Abhishek Shukla

NFL: New England Patriots Revive Winning Ways with a 21-18 Victory Over Pittsburgh Steelers

In a thrilling Thursday night showdown, the New England Patriots, led by center David Andrews, secured a much-needed 21-18 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. This win, a nostalgic reminder of the Patriots’ past triumphs over their AFC rival, brought a sense of relief to a team grappling with its most challenging season in nearly 25 years.

Key Players and Performances

  • Bailey Zappe: The Patriots’ offense, which had been underwhelming for weeks, found its rhythm under Zappe’s leadership. His three touchdown passes were instrumental in ending New England’s five-game losing streak and breathing life into their offensive play.
  • Hunter Henry: Henry’s standout performance, marked by two touchdown receptions, was a critical component of the Patriots’ scoring.
  • Ezekiel Elliott: Elliott showcased a versatile game with 140 total yards from scrimmage, balancing between receiving and rushing. His touchdown catch added a significant boost to the Patriots’ scoring efforts.

Impact on Season Trajectories

  • New England Patriots: Improving to a 3-10 record, the Patriots demonstrated resilience and a refusal to quit, as emphasized by David Andrews. This win, while not erasing the struggles of the season, showcased the team’s enduring spirit and capability.
  • Pittsburgh Steelers: Falling to a 7-6 record, the Steelers’ loss, especially to a previously struggling team like the Patriots, significantly dents their playoff aspirations. Coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged the setback but remained optimistic about the team’s future performances.

Game Highlights

  • The Patriots showcased a rejuvenated offense, exceeding their total points from the previous three games in just the first half. Zappe’s connection with Elliott and Henry was particularly noteworthy.
  • Despite Mitch Trubisky’s efforts, including a touchdown pass and a rushing touchdown, the Steelers struggled with offensive consistency. Trubisky’s crucial interception and a questionable decision late in the game were pivotal moments.

Looking Ahead

  • New England Patriots: Set to host Kansas City, the Patriots face another challenging matchup, which was rescheduled from Monday night to Sunday, December 17.
  • Pittsburgh Steelers: With a vital game against Indianapolis on Saturday, December 16, the Steelers must regroup quickly to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Final Thoughts

The Patriots’ win, while a throwback to their more dominant days, highlights the unpredictable nature of this NFL season. For Pittsburgh, the loss serves as a reminder of the competitiveness of the AFC and the importance of every game in the playoff race. As both teams look ahead to their next matchups, they carry with them the lessons and experiences from this pivotal game.

by Richard Miller (US)

NBA Roundup for December 8th Matches: Mavericks Dominate Trail Blazers as Doncic Shines

In a captivating night of NBA action on December 8, 2023, basketball enthusiasts were treated to a full docket of games filled with dramatic shots, defensive stands, and athletic prowess. Teams across the league took to the court, giving their all in pursuit of victory. From buzzer-beaters to defensive lockdowns, the evening had everything a basketball fan could wish for

Toronto Raptors vs. Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets edged out the Toronto Raptors 119-116 in a nail-biting encounter at the Spectrum Center. Despite a strong performance from the Raptors’ Scottie Barnes, who tallied 31 points and 10 rebounds, Terry Rozier of the Hornets stole the show with 21 points and a crucial 13 assists, securing a hard-fought victory for the home team.

Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic
Over at the Amway Center, the Orlando Magic delivered a commanding performance against the Detroit Pistons, sealing a 123-91 win. The Magic’s Franz Wagner led the scoring charge with 27 points, while Cade Cunningham of the Pistons showed promise with a 6-assist effort despite the loss. Read Match Report

Atlanta Hawks vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers demonstrated dominance at the Wells Fargo Center with a 125-114 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Joel Embiid’s towering presence was felt with 38 points, 14 rebounds, and an impressive 4 blocks. De’Andre Murray’s 20 points and 9 assists for the Hawks showcased his all-around game, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the 76ers’ momentum. Read Match Report

Washington Wizards vs. Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets cruised to a comfortable win over the Washington Wizards with a final score of 124-97 at the Barclays Center. Mikal Bridges contributed significantly to the Nets’ victory, pouring in 21 points. Despite a 15-point, 7-rebound effort from Avdija, the Wizards couldn’t match their hosts’ intensity.

New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics
TD Garden witnessed an offensive explosion as the Boston Celtics defeated the New York Knicks 133-123. Derrick White’s 30-point outing for the Celtics was a career highlight, while RJ Barrett’s 23 points kept the Knicks in contention throughout the game. Read Match Report

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat
The Cleveland Cavaliers showcased their prowess with a 111-99 win over the Miami Heat at the Kaseya Center. Darius Garland shone brightly with 27 points, 6 assists, and 8 rebounds, while Kevin Love’s double-double for the Heat reflected his enduring class.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Memphis Grizzlies
The Minnesota Timberwolves emerged victorious against the Memphis Grizzlies, posting a 127-103 scoreline at the FedExForum. Rudy Gobert’s defensive mastery was on full display with 6 blocks, complemented by 16 points and 20 rebounds. Jaren Jackson Jr. fought valiantly for the Grizzlies with 21 points.

Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
In a pulsating overtime bout, the Oklahoma City Thunder topped the Golden State Warriors 138-136 at the Paycom Center. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s impressive 38 points and 5 steals were instrumental for the Thunder, while Stephen Curry’s 34 points highlighted his scoring prowess.

Chicago Bulls vs. San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs outlasted the Chicago Bulls in a tight contest, ending with a 121-112 score at the Frost Bank Center. Chicago’s Coby White led his team with 24 points and 6 assists, but it was Vassell’s 21 points and Poeltl’s dominance on the glass with 20 rebounds and 4 blocks that clinched the game for the Spurs.

Houston Rockets vs. Denver Nuggets
The Houston Rockets took down the Denver Nuggets 114-106 at the Ball Arena. Alperen Sengun’s 17-point, 10-rebound double-double stood out for the Rockets, while reigning MVP Nikola Jokic’s 23-point, 16-rebound performance for the Nuggets highlighted his consistent excellence.

Sacramento Kings vs. Phoenix Suns
In a close-fought battle at the Footprint Center, the Sacramento Kings won against the Phoenix Suns with a 114-106 final tally. De’Aaron Fox dazzled for the Kings with 34 points and 7 assists, countering Devin Booker’s 28 points for the Suns.

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Utah Jazz
The Los Angeles Clippers secured a 117-103 victory over the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center. Kawhi Leonard’s stellar 41-point performance was the evening’s standout, while John Collins’ 20 points and 13 rebounds provided a silver lining for the Jazz. Read Match Report

Dallas Mavericks vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Closing out the night, the Dallas Mavericks triumphed over the Portland Trail Blazers 125-112 at the Moda Center. Luka Doncic’s all-around game was on full display with 32 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists. Anfernee Simons of the Blazers also put up

by Richard Miller (US)

NBA: Clippers Overcome Road Woes with Commanding Win Over Jazz, 117-103

In a spectacular display of basketball prowess, Kawhi Leonard led the Los Angeles Clippers to a resounding 117-103 victory over the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City, breaking an 11-game road losing streak against the Jazz.

Leonard, in a stunning performance, notched a season-high 41 points, showcasing remarkable accuracy with a season-high 14 field goals from 23 attempts. His prowess extended beyond the arc, where he drained 6 of 8 three-pointers, and was flawless at the free-throw line, sinking all seven attempts. Leonard’s contribution wasn’t just scoring; he also added five rebounds and five assists, playing a pivotal role in the Clippers’ offense.

Clippers coach Tyronn Lue praised Leonard’s rhythm and the team’s commitment to utilize him effectively. “He was able to produce,” Lue noted, acknowledging Leonard’s central role in the game.

Other notable contributions for the Clippers came from Paul George, who added 20 points, and Ivica Zubac, who recorded a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. James Harden also chipped in with 12 points.

The Clippers’ shooting was a key factor in their win, with the team making 15 3-pointers and shooting 44% from beyond the arc, a testament to their offensive efficiency.

For the Jazz, John Collins led with a strong double-double of 19 points and 13 rebounds, while Talen Horton-Tucker contributed 16 points and five assists. Keyonte George added 15 points, and Walker Kessler marked his return to the starting lineup with 12 rebounds.

Despite their efforts, the Jazz struggled with offensive consistency, a point noted by coach Will Hardy. “We felt like we generated a lot of good, open shots,” Collins said, reflecting on the missed opportunities.

The Jazz’s rally in the fourth quarter, ignited by Collins’ energetic play and an 18-7 run, brought them within six points. However, Leonard’s crucial back-to-back baskets and an assist sparked a decisive 12-0 run for the Clippers, widening the gap to 111-93 with just under five minutes left.

Leonard credited their defense and mindset for this turnaround. “Our defense kept us going,” he said, emphasizing the team’s collective effort.

Leonard’s exceptional start, scoring 14 points early and helping the Clippers shoot 62% in the first quarter, set the tone for the game. “You got to jump on teams early in their home building,” Leonard reflected, underlining the strategy that led to their success.

Looking Ahead:

The Clippers, riding high on this victory, are set to host Portland on Monday night. Meanwhile, the Jazz will look to bounce back when they face Oklahoma City, also on Monday.