Manu Bhaker Shatters World Record, Anish Bhanwala Triumphs in Shooting Trials

Manu Bhaker Shatters World Record, Anish Bhanwala Triumphs in Shooting Trials

Manu Bhaker, the Indian shooting prodigy, showcased her exceptional skills at the Women’s 25m Pistol Qualification of the Olympics Selection (OST) Trials 1 in New Delhi, eclipsing the world record score by a remarkable six points. Her precision and consistency were evident throughout the competition, as she topped the qualification round with an impressive performance.

Bhaker’s dominance was evident in the final, where she displayed unwavering focus and accuracy. Her scores in the 10 series of five rapid-fire shots were a testament to her exceptional technique: 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 5, 5, and 5. This remarkable performance earned her a clear lead over her competitors.

While Esha Singh was eliminated in the seventh series, Bhaker had already established a significant lead of six points over Rhythm Sangwan and Abhidnya Patil, who were tied at that stage. Despite Singh’s strong performance in qualifying, Bhaker’s superior performance in the final secured her the top spot.

In the Men’s 25m Rapid-Fire Pistol event, Anish Bhanwala emerged victorious, demonstrating his mastery of the discipline. He finished with 33 hits, a clear six ahead of Vijayveer Sidhu, who placed second. Adarsh Singh secured the third spot with 23 hits.

Bhavesh Shekhawat, who had topped the qualifications, finished fourth with 18 hits, while Ankur Goel was the first to exit with 10 hits.

Bhaker’s world record-breaking performance and Bhanwala’s triumph in the Men’s 25m Rapid-Fire Pistol event highlight the exceptional talent and determination of India’s shooting contingent. As they prepare for the upcoming Olympics, these athletes are poised to make a significant impact on the global stage.

Gukesh Faces Alireza in Penultimate Round of Candidates' Chess Tournament

Gukesh Faces Alireza in Penultimate Round of Candidates’ Chess Tournament

The Candidates’ chess tournament in Toronto is nearing its climax, with just two rounds remaining. Indian prodigy D Gukesh, currently tied for the lead with 7.5 points, faces a crucial challenge against Firouza Alireza of France in the penultimate round. A victory for Gukesh would significantly boost his chances of securing a spot in the World Championship match.

Alireza, who has been struggling in the tournament, will be a formidable opponent for Gukesh. However, the Indian Grandmaster has shown impressive form throughout the event and will be confident of overcoming this hurdle.

The other key clash in the penultimate round will be between Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia and Hikaru Nakamura of the United States. Nepomniachtchi, the only undefeated player in the tournament, will be looking to maintain his momentum, while Nakamura has been in excellent form, winning three consecutive games.

Fabiano Caruana of the United States is the only other player with a realistic chance of winning the event. With seven points, he faces a tough challenge against R Praggnanandhaa of India and Nepomniachtchi in the final round.

Praggnanandhaa, who had shown early promise in the tournament, has struggled in recent rounds. However, the Indian prodigy remains a dangerous opponent and could still finish on the podium.

Another Indian, Vidit Gujrathi, had a promising start but has since fallen behind. Nerves and time pressure have played a role in his setbacks, and he will need to perform better in the remaining rounds to secure a respectable finish.

In the women’s section, Zhongyi Tan of China holds a narrow lead with eight points. Her closest contender is compatriot Tingjie Lei, who is half a point behind. The two leaders are followed by Aleksandra Goryachkina and Kateryna Lagno of Russia, along with Koneru Humpy of India, who are all tied on six points.

R Vaishali of India is in sixth place with 5.5 points, while Anna Muzychuk of Ukraine and Nurgyul Salimovaa of Bulgaria are tied for seventh place with 4.5 points.

Indian Wrestlers Dominate Asian Olympic Qualifier, Secure Semifinal Berths

Indian Wrestlers Dominate Asian Olympic Qualifier, Secure Semifinal Berths

Vinesh Phogat, Anshu Malik, and Reetika have all advanced to the semifinals of the Asian Olympic Qualifier in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, putting them one step closer to securing a quota for the Paris Olympics.

Vinesh, competing in the 50kg category, dominated her opponents with ease. She quickly dispatched her Korean rival Miran Cheon in just 1 minute and 39 seconds, followed by a swift victory over Cambodia’s Smanang Dit. Vinesh’s strong hold and gut wrench moves proved too much for her opponents.

Anshu Malik, the 2021 World Championship silver medalist, also had a strong performance. She received a direct entry into the quarterfinals and defeated Kyrgyzstan’s Kalmira Bilimbekova by technical superiority.

U23 world champion Reetika (76kg) showcased her class by outclassing Eunju Hwang of Korea and Davaanasan Enkh Amar of Mongolia. In her final group bout against China’s Juang Wang, Reetika fought back after conceding six straight points to secure a narrow victory.

Mansi Ahlawat (62kg) also advanced to the last-four with a 6-4 win over Kazakhstan’s Irina Kuznetsova.

However, Nisha Dahiya (68kg) was the only Indian wrestler who failed to reach the semifinals. Despite winning her opening bout against Sol Gum Pak of North Korea, she was outclassed by local favorite Meerim Zhumanazarova in round 2. Nisha’s exhaustion from the previous bout proved costly, and she was unable to recover in the must-win round 3.

The finalists at this competition will earn quotas for their respective countries. The last chance to win a Paris Games quota will be at the World Qualifiers in Turkey from May 9.

Verstappen Dominates Chinese Grand Prix Sprint Race

Verstappen Dominates Chinese Grand Prix Sprint Race

Max Verstappen’s dominance continued in the Chinese Grand Prix sprint race, as he overcame early electrical issues to secure a resounding victory. Starting from fourth on the grid, Verstappen charged past Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes on lap nine and extended his lead to 13 seconds by the finish line.

Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez, finished third after a thrilling battle with the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, as well as Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin. Leclerc and Sainz swapped positions multiple times, while Alonso retired on lap 18 with a puncture.

Lando Norris, who started from pole, could only manage sixth place in his McLaren, while his teammate Oscar Piastri finished seventh. George Russell rounded out the points scorers in eighth.

Hamilton, who started second, got off to a quick start and held the lead for the first few laps. However, Verstappen’s electrical issues were resolved by lap seven, and he quickly closed the gap on Alonso. Two laps later, Verstappen overtook Hamilton on the final hairpin and cruised to victory.

“The first few laps were hectic,” said Verstappen. “The wind is changing a lot which makes it difficult to drive. Once we sorted (the battery) out we were OK.”

Hamilton, who earned seven points for his second-place finish, was pleased with his performance. “That’s the best result I’ve had in a long time, so I’m super happy and grateful,” he said. “We couldn’t fight the Red Bulls, the race was tough but I found out a lot about the car through this short stint so I’m excited for the race tomorrow.”

The Chinese Grand Prix sprint race marked the first of six sprints on the 2023 Formula One calendar. The new weekend format allows teams to adjust their car set-ups after the sprint race for GP qualifying, which was not previously allowed.

Bello Dominates, Red Sox Snap Losing Streak with 8-1 Win over Pirates

Bello Dominates, Red Sox Snap Losing Streak with 8-1 Win over Pirates

The Boston Red Sox snapped their losing streak and handed the Pittsburgh Pirates their fourth consecutive defeat on Friday night, cruising to an 8-1 victory at PNC Park.

Brayan Bello was dominant on the mound for Boston, allowing just one hit in six innings of work. The 23-year-old right-hander struck out seven batters and walked two, retiring the last 11 batters he faced.

The Red Sox offense provided plenty of support for Bello, with Rob Refsnyder leading the way with a two-run home run in the fifth inning. Wilyer Abreu, Triston Casas, and Ceddanne Rafaela also went deep for Boston, while Abreu finished with three hits and Refsnyder and Connor Wong each had two.

Quinn Priester, the Pirates’ 2019 first-round pick, struggled in his first big league start of the season. The 22-year-old right-hander gave up solo home runs to Abreu and Casas in the first inning and allowed five runs, four earned, in 4 1/3 innings.

The Pirates have cooled off after a hot start, dropping seven of their last nine games. The team is now looking to 2023 No. 1 overall pick Paul Skenes to provide a boost, but the right-hander is not expected to be called up anytime soon.

The Red Sox, who also started the season strong, have been plagued by injuries but have received solid performances from their starting rotation. Boston starters have posted a 1.71 ERA through 21 games, with 114 strikeouts against 27 walks.

Charlie Lindgren: The Unheralded Goalie Leading the Capitals to the Playoffs

Charlie Lindgren: The Unheralded Goalie Leading the Capitals to the Playoffs

Charlie Lindgren, the unheralded goaltender for the Washington Capitals, has emerged as a pivotal figure in their playoff push. Despite being undrafted and overlooked for much of his career, Lindgren has seized the starting role and propelled the Capitals to the postseason.

Since taking over as the No. 1 goalie, Lindgren has faced more shots and made more saves than any other NHL player in the past three months. His exceptional play in net has earned him the team’s MVP status at a crucial time.

Lindgren’s journey to the NHL has been unconventional. At age 30, he finally earned his chance to shine and will make his Stanley Cup playoff debut against his brother Ryan and the New York Rangers. His unwavering determination and resilience have inspired his teammates, who have rallied around him.

Despite facing adversity, Lindgren remains unfazed. His confidence and preparation have allowed him to overcome challenges and lead the Capitals to victory. His mustache, which has become a symbol of his resurgence, has also drawn attention.

Lindgren’s success has not come without its challenges. He has shuttled between the NHL and AHL throughout his career, but his unwavering work ethic and positive attitude have paid off. His former teammate Karl Alzner believes Lindgren’s potential was evident during their time together in Montreal.

While Darcy Kuemper, the Capitals’ previous starting goalie, has struggled, Lindgren has seized the opportunity. Rookie head coach Spencer Carbery has praised Lindgren’s leadership and ability to handle pressure.

Lindgren’s teammates have expressed their admiration for his work ethic and determination. Veteran winger T.J. Oshie believes Lindgren’s success is a testament to his hard work and dedication.

As the Capitals prepare for the playoffs, Lindgren’s contributions have been invaluable. His ability to stop pucks and inspire his teammates has made him an indispensable part of the team.

NHL Playoffs: Goaltenders Take Center Stage as Teams March to Victory

NHL Playoffs: Goaltenders Take Center Stage as Teams March to Victory

As the NHL playoffs approach, the spotlight shines brightly on the goaltenders who will guide their teams to victory. From the league’s top performers to those facing tough decisions, the netminders play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the postseason.

Colorado’s Alexandar Georgiev, despite leading the league in wins, has faced criticism for his high goals-against average. To stay focused, he turns to the adrenaline-pumping “Fast and the Furious” movies. The Avalanche also have Justus Annunen as a backup option.

Boston faces a dilemma with two standout goaltenders, Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman. They may opt for a platoon system to keep both players fresh.

Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck, a Vezina Trophy favorite, is a formidable force for the Jets. His ability to make big saves gives his team confidence and allows them to play more aggressively.

Nashville’s Juuse Saros, who led the NHL in saves, is the undisputed starter for the Predators. Vancouver’s Thatcher Demko returns from injury to face Saros in the first round.

Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky and Tampa Bay’s Andrei Vasilevskiy are both Russian stars who have been in stellar form. Vasilevskiy has recovered from back surgery to regain his top-notch performance.

New York Rangers’ Igor Shesterkin, a three-time 36-game winner, is a key player for the Presidents’ Trophy winners. Washington’s Charlie Lindgren will make his NHL playoff debut against the Rangers.

Edmonton’s Stuart Skinner will face a familiar foe in the Los Angeles Kings, who used both Cam Talbot and David Rittich down the stretch.

Carolina’s Frederik Andersen has been on a hot streak, posting a league-best .951 save percentage. Coach Patrick Roy may also consider Semyon Varlamov, who has won his last four games.

Dallas’ Jake Oettinger, who had ups and downs last postseason, is ready to prove himself. Vegas’ Logan Thompson and Adin Hill are both strong candidates to start for the defending champions.

Some teams, like Vegas and Boston, may use a platoon system to manage their goaltenders. Having two quality options can be both a luxury and a challenge, as it can affect the team’s play in front of different goalies.

Goaltenders must maintain a positive mindset and focus on the present, not dwelling on past mistakes. They need to stay calm and confident, as their composure can spread to their teammates.

India's Olympic Wrestling Hopes Crushed in Asian Qualifiers

India’s Olympic Wrestling Hopes Crushed in Asian Qualifiers

India’s hopes of securing an Olympic quota in men’s wrestling at the Asian Qualifiers in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, were dashed after Aman Sehrawat, the lone Indian to reach the semi-finals, was pinned by Uzbekistan’s Gulomjon Abdullaev in the 57kg freestyle category.

Sehrawat, the reigning Asian champion, had a promising start, defeating Kazakhstan’s Yerassyl Mukhtaruly and South Korea’s Sunggwon Kim in the earlier rounds. However, Abdullaev proved to be an insurmountable obstacle.

The Uzbek wrestler, known for his aggressive style, attacked Sehrawat’s right leg early on and executed a single-leg takedown. He then threatened to run away with the bout by grabbing both of Sehrawat’s legs. Despite Sehrawat’s attempts to ward off the attack, Abdullaev secured a four-point duckunder.

Sehrawat’s coach, Lalit Kumar, attributed the loss to Abdullaev’s superior experience and aggressive tactics. “Abdullaev was the only real challenger that Aman had,” Kumar said. “He has always had a measure of Indians.”

Sehrawat’s plan was to take the bout to the second period, where Abdullaev’s energy levels typically decline. However, the Indian wrestler was unable to recover from Abdullaev’s early attacks.

Kumar also noted that Sehrawat was carrying a niggle in his groin and hamstring, which may have affected his performance.

The defeat leaves India with no Olympic quotas from the Asian Qualifiers. The team will now have to rely on the World Qualifiers in May for their final chance to secure a spot at the Paris Games.

Sreejesh vs. Pathak: India's Goalkeeper Rivalry Heats Up for Paris Olympics

Sreejesh vs. Pathak: India’s Goalkeeper Rivalry Heats Up for Paris Olympics

PR Sreejesh and Krishan Bahadur Pathak, India’s two elite goalkeepers, are engaged in a fierce rivalry for the coveted spot in the Paris Olympics squad. With only one goalkeeper allowed per team, the competition between these two stalwarts has intensified.

Sreejesh, a three-time Olympian, has been India’s undisputed number one for years, while Pathak has emerged as a formidable challenger. Pathak’s impressive performances, including a crucial role in India’s Asian Games gold medal triumph, have put him on par with Sreejesh.

The team’s strategy of rotating goalkeepers every quarter has provided Pathak with ample playing time, allowing him to develop his skills and confidence. His patience and exceptional stick saves have made him a formidable opponent for Sreejesh.

Pathak has also invested significant time off the pitch, studying opponents’ attacking patterns and penalty corner setups. This meticulous preparation has enhanced his game and reduced his vulnerability during matches.

However, Sreejesh’s experience and expertise in shootouts remain a significant advantage. In the high-stakes knockout rounds of major tournaments, shootouts often determine the outcome. Sreejesh’s intelligent gameplay and composure in these situations make him a valuable asset.

Despite his age, Sreejesh maintains his fitness and mental sharpness. He believes that goalkeepers should be prepared to play full matches and handle the pressure of international competition.

The final decision on who will represent India in Paris rests with coach Craig Fulton. Both Sreejesh and Pathak have proven their worth, making it a difficult choice. The outcome of this rivalry will have a significant impact on India’s Olympic aspirations.

Delay in Naming Indian Shooting Contingent Raises Concerns

Delay in Naming Indian Shooting Contingent Raises Concerns

Legendary marksman Jaspal Rana has raised concerns over the delay in naming the Indian shooting contingent for the Paris Olympics, expressing that it leaves little time for final preparations. While several countries have already announced their squads and are in the final stages of training, India has commenced a month-long trial process.

The top-five ranked shooters in pistol and rifle categories will undergo four trials, with the selection for Paris to be made after that. However, this leaves precious little time for the last phase of training, as the Olympics commence on July 26.

Rana criticized the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) for not announcing the squad in shotgun events, despite the trials being completed. He believes that this delay puts pressure on shooters who have won quota places, while those who have not have less pressure.

Rana also criticized the ongoing trials at the Karni Singh Ranges, saying he had never seen a competition where only five shooters per event were short-listed. He believes that at least three more shooters should have been included to complete the minimum requirements in a competition.

He also expressed concerns about the number of trials, saying that it was too much and gave little time for rest and recovery. In the case of Manu Bhaker and Esha Singh, they will have to appear in eight trials, putting added pressure on their physical and mental well-being.

Rana believes that the federation could have used some of the scores in national and international competitions as trial scores, reducing the number of trials required. He also emphasized that shooters should be ready for anything, but that the current situation is not ideal for de-stressing.

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